I opened my eyes the next morning to find Twilight awake already her face an inch away, her beautiful eyes gazing into mine. We both smiled pressing forward to kiss softly. We were still entangled together from the night before warm and comfortable together as we stared at one another. I was determined to see into the very depths of her beautiful purple eyes, what lay beyond them? Her amazing spirit and soul...
I realized while staring at her I was zoning out a bit, I refocused my eyes on hers and found them tear filled. I tightened my arms around her pulling her even closer, I could see my reflection in her limpid pools and was a bit surprised to see my eyes were damp as well.
I shook my head slightly smiling at her. "You make me so happy Twi.
"Me too."
She leaned back blushing slightly and softly sang to me.
(Original song 'Arms by Christina Perri')
I never thought anyone would be the one to hold my heart
But you came around and you knocked me off the ground from the start
You put your arms around me
But I believed that it's easier for you to let me go
You put your arms around me and I'm home
How many times will you let me change my mind and turn around?
I couldn't decide if I would let you save my life or if I'd drown
I hoped that you could see right through my walls
I hoped that you would catch me 'cause I was already falling
I never let a love get so close
You put your arms around me and I'm home
The world was coming down on me and I couldn’t find a reason to be loved
I never wanted to leave you but I can't make you bleed if I'm alone
You put your arms around me
And I believed it was easier for you to let me go...
I hoped that you would see right through my walls
I hoped that you catch me, 'cause I've already fallen
I had never let a love get so close
You put your arms around me and I'm home
I tried my best to never let you in to see the truth
And I had never opened up
I've never truly loved 'til you put your arms around me
And I believed that it was easier for you to let me go
I know that you saw right through my walls
I know that you caught me, 'cause together we've fallen
I'm glad I let a love get so close
You put your arms around me and I'm home
You put your arms around me and I'm home.
I was crying I'm not ashamed to admit. I held her so close kissing her fiercely. "Your so amazing Twi, how long have you been working on that?"
"It just... Came to me." She whispered blushing.
It was incredible but also not entirely surprising to me, I had noticed music and singing were a big part of life in Ponyville... Heck probably all of Equestria, and that wasn't a bad thing at all.
"So what shall we do today Twi? Stay in bed and make love all day?" I asked teasingly kissing her neck.
She blushed prettily and kissed me back. "That sounds like fun. But you know Scootaloo and the girls will be here soon." She smirked. "Our friends do so much for us let’s take them on a tour around Canterlot today!"
"Good idea."
We reluctantly untangled from one another and had a quick shower Twilight employed a quick drying spell on us as we had no towels yet so we would be ready before everyone showed up and we didn't have to wait long. Applejack showed up dragging along three yawning fillies as well as a slightly frazzled looking Rarity.
"Really Applejack do we have to arrive so early? These three kept me up half the night and I haven't even had time to freshen up properly!"
"Sorry Rare but ah need to be up an about, lazin about in the mornins not fer me ya know."
"Oh believe me I know. And a good morning to you Twilight and Rick, I hope you 'slept' well?" She asked with a sly grin.
We both blushed slightly. "Indeed we did." I leaned closer to her. "But I think your gift might have been more for my benefit then Twilights eh?" I whispered.
"One and the same dear, one and the same."
While we waited for the others to arrive we all went on a tour around the yard checking it and the outside of the house out and by the time we had circled it we saw Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Trixie walking up.
Pinkie bounced up. "Hi guys! What’s up?!"
"Well Twilight and I thought we would take you all on a tour around Canterlot and see the sights. What do you think?"
Everyone was agreeable; I let Twilight take the lead as she knew her way around far better then any of us. Though after an hour or so of visiting her usual haunts I could see the others were getting a bit bored. I'd follow my love all day no matter what, but we were trying to show them a good time and she was trying, so hard!
Twi?
Everyone’s bored aren't they? I'm sorry; I just remember where I used to go... To read and study...
I chuckled squeezing her gently. Its okay love. Let’s go see Armor and Cadence I'm sure they can show everyone some sights you might not know?
She sighed and leaned up as I leaned down to kiss softly. How do you always know how to make it better?
I just imagine your smile and it comes to me.
She nudged me gently and we kissed again. Oh you.
We led everyone over to Shining Armor and Cadences new house, they were more then happy to show everyone around their new home as well as taking us around town. We traveled through town gawking around like a bunch of tourists which I guess we were. We attracted a fair share of stares… Well I probably attracted most of those but seeing me with the captain of Celestia’s guards and not to mention an Alicorn seemed to calm any fears they might have had. Around lunchtime we stopped to have a quick bite to eat then split up.
Cadence took Rarity, Fluttershy, Trixie, Pinkie and Twilight to a Spa she frequented while Armor took the rest of us to a large restaurant / arcade type place. They had games, music and a large play area and even a small water park. Dash and Applejack immediately headed to the game area to try to outdo one another and the three Crusaders as well as Prism and Shimmer excitedly galloped to the 'fun zone'.
"Keep an eye on your cousins Angel!" I called out as they ran off.
She looked back and nodded scooping them up onto her back taking a short wild flight together landing safely in the ball pit. Armor and I sat down smiling at their screams and giggles as they played.
"Thanks for this bro, Twi and I wanted to show them all a good time but... Well we don't know our way around enough yet clearly."
"Hey no problem! I'm pretty busy most of the week but it’s nice to relax with friends and family on my days off."
"What’s in the saddlebags?" I asked gesturing to the ones he was wearing.
He chuckled. "What do you think? A couple changes of diapers for the foals and some milk and snacks just in case."
"Of course." I smiled watching the fillies and foals romp. "Must be great..."
"Oh they can be a handful you can be sure but I'd do anything for them. Its amazing how much Cadence and I have changed."
"What do you mean?"
"I may be older then Twily but I'm still pretty young. I went into this marriage expecting... Well, I have no idea what I was thinking. I just love Cadence and I knew I wanted to be with her for as long as I live... As long as I..." He sighed. "She'll outlive me, our foals, their foals... I try not to think about it too much, we've still got a long time together but in the end... I'm sure its not going to have been enough... Must be even worse for her. I'll support her any way I can no matter what."
I sat quietly for a moment thinking about it, were Twilight and I going to outlive Scootaloo...? Her foals if she had any? I guessed we were... Is that what we were going to become just a fixture in Ponyville? Something that’s been around for ages, unchanging... No. We could do so much good, learn so much. I remembered what I had told her that fateful night. 'You'll be with them their whole lives...' Scootaloo might leave us someday and plenty of others too but we'd treasure every moment of our time with them.
Armor must have noticed my look of concentration and frown as he smiled and chucked me on the shoulder. "Hey sorry to bring you down bro! It’s just nice to have another guy to talk about these things with.”
I smiled and shook my head. "Not a problem, anytime really. It’s a sobering thought; I mean we humans live for about a max of eighty to maybe a hundred years... But now, well... We're in the same situation brother. Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it eh?"
"Sounds like a plan."
We stopped as the Crusaders came trotting up Scootaloo carrying Shimmer on her back and Apple Bloom carrying Prism, all three of them had their faces screwed up with distaste.
"Somepony needs to be changed!" Scootaloo exclaimed holding her nose.
Armor laughed and levitated them both onto his back taking them to the restroom and returning a short while later with two clean and happy foals, he levitated Shimmer over to me and I gave her a big hug as he levitated two bottles out of his saddlebags.
"Would you warm those up for me?" He asked. I looked around to make sure we weren't drawing undue attention but the restaurant wasn't too busy so I concentrated bringing a small ball of flame into my hand and carefully warmed up the two glass bottles stopping occasionally so Armor could test them. Shimmer was fascinated with the flames and I had to gently stop her a few times from reaching out with her hoof to touch it.
"Wow!" Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom gasped.
"What?! I told you my Dad could do magic! Didja think that those Timber Wolves just burst into flame on their own?"
"I don’t know! I was too busy being scared; I thought maybe he had a torch or something. Neat!" Sweetie squeaked.
"I remember now! Cool!" Apple Bloom pitched in.
I grinned. "Thanks girls but try to keep it quiet. I'm strange enough as it is I wouldn't want to scare anypony right?"
"Ok!" They echoed.
Armor chuckled at our exchange. "Okay all ready."
Shimmer nestled down in my arms happily; she accepted the bottle clutching it between her fore hooves suckling away while staring up at me with her big amber colored eyes. Armor fed Prism and before long they drained their bottles, Armor levitated Prism before him gently patting his back until he let out a large burp causing the Crusaders to giggle. I gently put Shimmers head over my shoulder and patted her back until she also let out a burp, I held her a moment longer then let her down giving her a kiss on the nose.
"Alright go play."
The Crusaders took off with Shimmer and Prism hot on their hooves. I sat back with a sigh watching them go, when I turned to Armor I found him watching me with a strange expression on his face.
"What?!"
He shook his head once and smiled. "Nothing... Maybe you and Twily would like to have them over for a weekend sleepover sometime?"
I smiled at the prospect. "I'll ask Twi but I'm sure we would be more then happy to do that."
We settled back and ordered a few pitchers of lemonade and some snack food. They all galloped about having fun occasionally coming back for a snack or drink, Prism tripped and fell quickly running back to his Daddy crying, but after a kiss to make it better and a few tears dried he ran back to play as if nothing had ever happened.
Dash and Applejack came back after awhile both loaded with prize tickets and sat with us helping themselves to some food and drinks.
"Nice haul you two. Looks pretty even." I commented.
They looked at one another and shrugged. "It was all about the competition at first..."
"But I recon we were having too much fun to get hung up on that."
"Glad to hear it."
The girls ran up and stopped suddenly. "Wow! Look at all those tickets!" They gasped.
Dash grinned and tossed her bag of tickets to them Applejack following suit. "Go ahead you three I don't need em."
"Me neither, ya'll go buy somethin fun!"
They galloped off their two little tagalongs in tow.
"And what have you two been up to hmm? Talking about your wives when their away?" Dash grinned.
"About how amazing and perfect they are?" I shot back. "No really just relaxing, small talk you know."
"Suuure..."
Just then Cadence, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Trixie entered the restaurant. Spotting us they came over stopping a short ways off posing for a moment. All their hooves shone beautifully as well as the coats, manes and tails. Cadence, Rarity and Trixie were made up beautifully while Fluttershy had the barest of makeup on and Twi... Oh my beautiful, gorgeous wife... Just the right amount, must have been Rarity who either coached or applied it herself because it was perfect.
She saw me gawking and blushed slightly smiling at me. Does it look ok?
Oh Twi. You look amazing, as always.
She trotted over happily sitting on my lap and kissing me sweetly, Cadence took her spot at her husbands side kissing him as well he was as awestruck as me.
I squeezed Twilight softly and cleared my throat. "I assume you all had a good time? And by the way you all look amazingly beautiful."
"Why thank you very much. It was an amazing spa. Applejack, you and Rainbow Dash missed out."
"Ahh, that kinda prettyfying aint fer me. But ya look great Rare."
"Thank you."
"I don't think so. Let complete strangers touch my hooves? Not gonna happen!"
"Oh Rainbow Dash really. None the less I must thank you very much Princess Cadence for a lovely afternoon. And you as well Twilight and Rick for bringing us all here."
All the others expressed their thanks as well.
"It wouldn't be a happy birthday for her without her best friends. Right love?"
"Definitely."
The Crusaders galloped up with Shimmer and Prism, the two foals both had stuffed animals perched on their backs nearly as big as they were. "Mommy!" They squealed rushing over to show off their new stuffed friends.
"Well those are nice but what did you three get?"
They all bushed slightly and Scootaloo spoke up. "Oh... Well when they saw those they just wanted them so bad and there was only enough tickets for them so..." She shrugged to show it was no big deal.
I smiled and scooped her up into Twilight and I's embrace hugging her tightly. "That was so generous of you honey. You both as well Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom." Twilight complimented.
"Twerent nothin."
"Ya they didn't have anything we wanted..."
All three of them smiled but looked back over towards the counter wistfully.
Twilight and I shared a glance and a smile letting Scootaloo down.
"Well, we're just going to order some supper. Why don't you girls go and play some games while we're waiting and see if you can win some more tickets?" I said as I placed a small bag of bits on Scootaloo’s back.
"Really?! Ok!" All three of them squealed and rushed off. Shimmer and Prism were both looking sleepy and enfolded snugly in their mother’s wings their little heads nodding off before too long.
We ordered dinner for everyone. Pizzas, crispy hay (not my cup of tea), mushrooms and tomatoes (definitely my favourite) and one with daffodil and daisies (Twilights favourite).
We all sat and relaxed chatting a bit until the food arrived; the Crusaders returned each proudly displaying their prizes. Sweetie Belle had a pretty pink mane clip covered with rhinestones that Rarity thought suited her perfectly. Apple Bloom must have done very well at the games as she had what looked to be a new pair of saddlebags that fit her perfectly. And Scootaloo had a sash with a badge upon it emblazoned with the Wonderbolts insignia.
Dash sat up. "Whoa! I didn't see that... Uhh, I mean I have to go to the mare’s room." With that she zipped off as we all chuckled. The girls dug in and before too long Dash came strutting back with her own sash, she stopped when she saw us all staring at her.
"What?! Its uh... Just in case the squirt loses hers!"
"Aww how sweet Dashie!" Pinkie grinned.
We all laughed as she blushed. Mr. And Mrs. Sparkle arrived, a little late but there was plenty of food left and time to enjoy the evening.
After we had eaten and visited some more later in the evening we were all gathered at the train station awaiting the last train back to Ponyville, Shining Armor and Cadence as well as Shimmer and Prism refreshed from their nap were there to see us off Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle too.
Twilight hugged her brother and Cadence and her parents tightly and I shook her fathers hoof and Armors hugging her mother and Cadence. "Always a pleasure to see you both Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle."
They glanced at one another then smiled at us warmly. "You two are Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle now." Her mother started.
"We're Grandpa and Grandma Sparkle now, right?!" Her father continued scooping up Prism and Shimmer in a telekinetic field and swooping them around him and his wife causing them to squeal with glee.
"Gampa!" Prism agreed.
"Gamma!" Shimmer added in.
All of us 'Dawwwed' at their cute antics causing them both to giggle.
I had arranged for quite a few sets of spare keys for our new home to be made and I passed them out, one for Mr. and... That is Grandma and Grandpa Sparkle, Cadence and Armor as well as one for each of our friends so anytime they might be up here for any reason they could stay there if they liked.
We settled into our train car waving goodbye out the window then relaxed back for the long ride home. It was quite late in the evening and by the time we got back to Ponyville it was nearly midnight.
I scooped up sleeping Sweetie Belle and gently placed her on Rarity’s back, the same with Apple Bloom for Applejack then picked up my own sleeping Angel and we all whispered our goodbyes each heading to our own homes.
Just before we all parted Dash stopped us. "Wait...! Yes! This is it!" She was looking excitedly up into the night sky but I couldn't see anything. It was quite overcast and chilly out.
"Dash what...?" I stopped short as a shimmering white flake fell from the sky directly onto Dash's awaiting tongue; soon the air was filled with slow falling flakes as we all stared up in wonder for minutes. A swift wind blew by causing the flakes to dance in the air and also causing us all to shiver breaking the first snowfalls spell upon us. We all smiled to one another gathering for a group hug then turning to walk slowly back to our own homes.
It had been a long day but as soon as we had tucked Scootaloo into her bed Twilight and I headed back outside for a short walk. I could tell she was excited for the first snowfall. I went to get us jackets but she had a simple spell that would insulate us just as well. (A song for walking in the falling snow.)
We stepped out into a shimmering wonderland; the streetlamps lit Ponyville as we strolled side by side my arm over her. We were the only ones around everyone else asleep and snug in their beds, as we walked it felt like we were the only two beings left in the world.
As we reached the end of town we stopped and turned to look at Ponyville slowly being covered by glistening beauty.
I knelt down in the snow to hold her tightly. "So beautiful, I'm so lucky to be here with you. Now, anytime, all the time."
She turned and kissed me. "I love you. Part of me wants to talk about how amazing the Pegasus are for making all these..." She gestured all around us. "But just a small part, I just want to be here with you."
"I love you so much Twi. That’s all I've ever wanted ever since that night too." I scooped her gently up in my arms kissing her passionately and slowly made our way back home.
We went inside and dried off; I checked Scootaloos room and found her still fast asleep. I then followed Twi upstairs getting out of my wet clothes; we cuddled together under the covers making love softly and sweetly before drifting off in the silence that only a snowfall can provide.
We awoke the next morning to a blanket of white covering Ponyville, fillies, colts, foals as well as mares and stallions of all ages were out and about shovelling, building snow ponies, sledding and having snowball fights. Twilight and Scootaloo headed out to partake in some fun pelting me with a few snowballs as I headed to the Everfree border to check on the Wardstones.
I stopped a few times to throw a few snowballs in fun and help some fillies and colts with their snow ponies. I had to search around a bit longer to locate the stones under the snow but everything was looking good. It was later afternoon as I headed back home through town I was looking about at the snow sculptures and beautifully covered town when I head someone calling out.
"Nick! Nick!" I looked around but couldn't see anyone responding, looking behind me I saw a mare with a light yellow coat and a dark blue with a light pink streak through her mane and tail.
I pointed to myself as she rushed up. "Uh... Were you talking to me?"
"Yes! Oh... It is Nick right?"
"Rick actually, I'm sorry I know I've seen you before but I can't quite remember your name..."
"Oh I'm sorry Rick! I'm so bad with names! I'm Bon Bon!"
"I remember now, Scootaloo loves your hard candies. But how can I help you?"
"Oh... Um I just need to tell you something. Can you come with me back to my shop? It’s kind of personal..."
"Sure." My interest was piqued; I wondered what she might need to talk to me about?
She led me over to a small shop a wrapped candy displayed over the door, she opened the door and I followed her in. Within the store was a large array of hard candies, lollipops, jawbreakers every kind and flavour I could think of and likely some I couldn't. She closed the door behind me and smiled apologetically gesturing me to follow her.
I followed her into the backroom where she washed her hooves and began pulling trays from her oven then stretching and twisting the soft sugary masses into familiar candy cane shapes.
"Sorry." She apologised. "Working helps relax me when I'm stressed..."
"Okay... I don't want to stress you Bon Bon, how can I help you?"
She sighed and drew a deep breath. "Okay, it’s like this. My marefriend, Lyra is coming back from Manehatten soon. She’s been away for months and months studying with the orchestra there, she plays the lyre you see..." She finished a tray of candy canes and started on another.
"She’s a bit... Obsessed with humans... That’s what you are right? I mean you look a lot like her descriptions and drawings..."
"Uh, yes that’s what I am. I didn't think anyone knew about humans? Twilight, Zecora and the Princess's have been the only ones I've ever encountered who knew anything about us."
"I'm sure there’s a few more scattered about Equestria. Lyra's grandmother told her and her grandmother before her and so on, she tried to explain it to me once but it was taking sooo long! I never really believed her but here you are... I panicked when I first saw you, well I guess a lot of us ponies did that." She giggled.
"True enough but I'm glad the ponies here in Ponyville accept me now."
"Oh yes! Your definitely part of the town now and your marriage to Twilight Sparkle is... Well I shouldn't say..."
"What? Really I'm not easily upset."
"Well... The rumours fly fast and furious around here... You’re her familiar summoned from the depths of Tartarus, a spy sent by the Princess to keep a close eye on her..." She cleared her throat. "A... Um creature summoned by her to slate her carnal desires..." She blushed furiously and shook her head. "That’s all just rumour! Things ponies do to pass the time and amuse themselves please don't be mad! From what I have seen you two really are in love and that’s what really matters."
I chuckled softly. "They certainly have some wild ideas. I assure you I am a human accidentally brought here from another dimension; no others will be coming so far as I know. I fell in love with the most amazing mare and couldn't be happier."
She smiled warmly and finished up her last tray. "Well let me get back to why I asked you here. Can I show you something?"
"Of course."
She led me to a small staircase to the basement and I followed her down into the darkness. She turned on the light and I just stood there shocked for a moment, the walls of the whole room were filled top to bottom, roof as well and books strewn across the floor. Looked like our study after a particularly intense bout of studying. I looked around and found notes upon notes on and about humans, what she knew from her grandmother and many, many things she speculated on. And drawings, drawings and more drawings. Clearly she had never seen a human or a picture of one as she had hundreds of conceptual drawings of what she thought humans would look like.
All had one thing in common, hands, legs and an upright stance but from there many of them went way out to left field. Aquatic humans, humans with animal heads, extra arms, extra legs! The list went on and on...
"So you see... When she gets back next week, she’s going to hear about you. She has bent so many ears with her stories of humans that a lot of ponies in town will point her toward you just to shut her up!" She giggled a little and sighed. "I really have to apologise to her too. I've always told her she was wasting her time and that... Well you, couldn't exist and she should stop trying. She never got mad at me though, moved all her stuff down here so it wouldn't be in my way... So could I ask you, please! To come with me and meet her at the train station... Wait, maybe that’s too public... Um..."
I smiled. "How about Applejacks farm? It’s nice and quiet and it this time of year I'm sure pretty deserted. I'll ask her if we can meet there and answer any questions Lyra might have. Do you think you can get her there without anyone in town ruining your surprise?"
"I think so! Thank you! But you might regret it! She'll talk your ear off for days!"
I laughed. "Well we'll start with the basics. You don't mind if I bring Twilight do you? I'm sure she will be very interested on how Lyra got so much information."
"Oh of course! She’s your wife she should be there. Thank you again! I do love her you know... I just want to show her how sorry I am."
"She's lucky to have you Bon Bon. If that’s all I should get home, it’s getting late."
"It is, I'm sorry to take so much of your time! Ooh here...!" She followed me up the stairs depositing some of her newly made candy canes in a bag presenting them to me. "Thanks again!"
"Thank you Bon Bon, just let me know when ok?"
"I will!"
I got home to find a snow Scootaloo, Twilight and a snowman resembling me standing together just outside our home. I went inside and Scootaloo and Twi were enjoying a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace. Another strangely magical thing I didn't understand how we had a fireplace in the side of our tree and not burning it down.
I kicked off my boots and rushed over to embrace them both.
"Didja see our snow family?!"
"I sure did Angel, amazing job."
She grinned happily as I kissed Twilight softly, she levitated a cup over to me and we all relaxed on the couch together.
"So Twi a mare named Bon Bon talked to me today about her marefriend Lyra..."
"Ohmygosh! How could I have forgotten?! She’s crazy about humans! Even when we went to school together in Canterlot she was always talking about it. I was surprised after I moved here to see she had moved here already to be with Bon Bon, they met in Canterlot when Bon Bon was delivering some of her sweets and hit it off. I didn't talk to many ponies back then but I still picked some things up." She smiled at my questioning look.
"Maybe six months before you came I remember she came to the library looking for more human lore, I didn't have much other then a few old stories in which they were barely mentioned but she was so excited by them... You know without her enthusiasm on the subject I probably wouldn't have done some of my own research into it. That’s how I knew you were a human when we first met, you certainly didn't match everything I had read. And turned out to be so much more, saving me from snakes, making friends with my friends, making me fall in love with you..." She sighed kissing me softly.
"And I would do it all again, a million times over."
"Okay, okay!" Scootaloo groaned interposing herself between us before we could kiss again causing us both to grin. "So what about her?"
I explained the situation and what Bon Bon wanted to do, Scootaloo thought it was a bit weird and Twilight was indeed very interested to talk to Lyra and see all her notes she had collected on humans.
"Oh before I forget, Armor was wondering if we wanted to take the twins for a weekend sleepover sometime?"
"That would be great! Doesn't that sound like fun honey?"
"Well... You don't expect me to baby sit do you?"
"No Angel, but they'll definitely want to play with you and your friends sometime though. You had fun with them didn't you?"
"Yeah, we did. Sweetie Belle especially she loves little foals."
"Well then when do you think would be a good time to go?"
"That reminds me of something as well, Mom and Dad have invited us over for Hearths Warming Eve, Cadence and Armor will be there too. Maybe we should take them the days before and when we go to Canterlot we can bring them back with us?"
"That’s a great idea. When is it? And what exactly is it?"
"Come on Dad even I know this one." Scootaloo giggled.
"Hey I'm still learning Angel!" I grinned and hugged her tightly.
We had a simple dinner while they told me the story of how Hearths Warming came to be, I had always enjoyed Christmas back home mostly for getting together with family and not any religious reasons. But wait... I'm living in a town of multicoloured ponies with wings and horns, I'm married to the most amazing female anywhere... If this is all possible, maybe somewhere in the infinite dimensions and universes there exists one where God, Jesus, Buddha heck any deity also exists... Maybe they visited Earth at one time... Huh... Something to think about, like I didn't have enough...
The week passed by fairly quickly, shops were still open but with lessened hours. There was plenty of time for everyone to spend time with their friends and family, it got a fair bit colder out but it didn't seem to deter them at all, these ponies were tough! Many of them went about with little protection at all on; some wore boots and maybe a scarf but not much other then that. I was impressed.
Twilight, Trixie and I continued to study but not too hard it was a holiday after all.
Bon Bon stopped by near the end of the week letting me know Lyra would be back the next day, Applejack naturally had no problem with us hanging out on her property and we arranged a place where we would surprise her.
Twilight and I waited out of sight behind one of the many Apple families large trees. We held each other tightly warming each other up both of us excited at just how this was all going to play out. After waiting an hour or so we heard voices approaching.
"Bon Bon! I'm tired, I just got back why are you dragging me all the way out here? I mean yeah its pretty and I have missed you so much, but I thought we could have some alone time at home..."
"Lyra! Somepony might be listening!"
"Oh come on! There’s no one for miles, come on I'm going to think you’re not happy to see me." She teased.
Twilight and I peeked out from behind the tree to see them in a passionate embrace; Lyra it seemed was a unicorn with a light teal coat and darker teal mane with white streaks in it.
Good a time as any for a surprise?
Rick! She giggled quietly. Oh alright.
We stepped out from behind the tree and I cleared my throat loudly.
"Wha!" Lyra and Bon Bon broke their kiss and turned toward us; Lyra caught sight of me and stopped dead her jaw hanging open.
"Lyra I'd like to introduce you to..." She stopped as Lyra’s eyes rolled up in head and she pitched face first down onto the snowy ground. "Lyra!"
Twilight and I rushed over and looked her over carefully healing a small cut she had opened up on her jaw when she hit the ground.
"She’s ok Bon Bon, she just fainted. That’s ok I have that effect on mares right love?" I teased gasping in shock a second later when she poured a hoof full of snow down the back of my jacket and shirt. "Ahh! Coldcoldcold!"
She laughed and even Bon Bon giggled a little cradling Lyra’s head on her stomach.
I recovered smiling and kissed Twi quickly. "I'll get you for that later. Okay let’s see..." I took a small amount of snow and lightly drizzled it on Lyras face then sat back as she regained consciousness gasping in surprise.
"Bon Bon! I just had the most amazing dream! I saw a human!"
Bon Bon smiled gently and turned Lyras head with her fore hooves to face me. "Lyra, this is Rick. Don't faint again! He’s here to talk with you and answer the millions of questions you no doubt have. Lyra...?"
She just sat there he mouth agape her golden eyes fixed on me.
"Nice to meet you Lyra."
She leapt to her hooves horn aglow blocking me from Bon Bon. "It talks!" We stayed that way for a moment her eyes zipping back and forth between me and Twilight. "And you’re not trying to eat me so I guess that’s a theory I can put to rest..."
She relaxed and released her magic suddenly grinning wildly turning to tackle Bon Bon. "They exist! I knew it! I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! Did you set this up?! Of course you did! Thank you Bon Bon! I love you!" She kissed her then turned back to me excitedly. "I want to know EVERYTHING! Where did you come from? How did you get here?! Are there more humans around?!" She looked around as if expecting the ground to burst open and humans would appear.
"Well..."
"Ooh! And, and... Why is Twilight here?" She interrupted looking confused. "Did she bring you here with her magic?! I knew all that studying had to be useful for something someday Twilight! Wait..."
She looked closer at us seeming to notice my arm over Twilight as well as the ring strung around her neck and the one on my finger. She gasped gesturing toward us. "No! You can't be serious?! You and him?! You are a him right?"
We both laughed lightly and I nodded. "Yes I am, and yes Twilight is my wife."
"What? How? When...?!"
"Well he arrived about seven months ago and they got married two months ago so..." Bon Bon explained.
"You’re so lucky Twilight! Your own human! Can you summon me one?! Please? Pleasepleasepleaseplease!" She turned and nudged Bon Bon. "Not for that! I just want more of them around!" She giggled.
"Lyra! He’s not a thing! And I didn't summon him anyhow let us explain..."
"I didn't mean it like that Twilight! I'm just so excited! Ooh, ooh!! I gotta pee!" She raced off behind a tree leaving us to stare confusedly after her. Bon Bon smiled apologetically.
"She’s very passionate about it."
"We can see that!" Twilight exclaimed.
Lyra poked her head around the tree moments later then came galloping back over skidding to a stop in front of us. "One thing... Why are we meeting waaay out here?"
Bon Bon blushed slightly. "Well..."
Lyra looked at her then us bursting out into laughter. "Did you think I was going to go nuts?! I certainly feel like it! I want to run all over town yelling! In your face! HA! Told you so!" She looked at the concern in Bon Bons face and shook her head smiling again. "But I guess that wouldn't be very nice. Besides it'll be a lot more fun to bring it up and see the looks on their faces when their not expecting it!" She giggled thinking to herself then shivered slightly. "Can we go home? I've got so much to ask you! So much to show you! And I'm chilly." She grinned.
"Sure Lyra."
The four of us began walking back to Ponyville the exercise warming us up, as we walked Lyra started with her questions. I answered them to the best of my ability but often before I could even get out a response she blurted out another question the first one having reminded her of. Her enthusiasm was quite cute, she reminded me a bit of Pinkie both very passionate about what they loved.
As we moved through town I noticed a lot of ponies smiling at us as Lyra skipped circles around us peppering me with questions until we got to their home. She quickly showed us to her room in the basement.
"Neat right?! Um... I'm just going to go freshen up, be right back ok? Don't go anywhere!" She giggled grabbing Bon Bon and dragging her upstairs with her.
Well that was... Interesting.
I don't like the way she was looking at you.
Twi...
What? She is a pretty mare...
I chuckled scooping her up in my arms and kissing her soundly. You’re so cute when your jealous love. She’s very nice but she’s not you. No one else is and no one else will do. I love you.
I'm just being silly I know. I love you too, so much.
I let her down and she began looking around the room pulling down certain papers to examine them close then putting them back while we waited. And waited, and waited...
About a half an hour later the door above opened and a ruffled but smiling Lyra trotted down.
"Sorry I was just..." She stopped in her tracks at the display in front of her. Twilight had skimmed through the papers on the walls and ceiling and decided they were far too disorganised. She had all Lyras pictures arranged neatly on one wall, her notes on another and all her books and reference material neatly stacked and placed against the last. I tried half heartedly at least to dissuade her but it had been messy and she was determined so I didn't interfere.
"How do you like it Lyra? I arranged all your notes alphabetically and you’re pictures by type and all your books by author!" She smiled happily.
Lyra just stared for a moment. "Wow Twilight! Thanks! I'm so disorganised, this is great!"
We all sat down on the floor and Bon Bon came down a few moments later with drinks and snacks.
Lyra had a LOT of questions but the first thing we did was to debunk her theories and worries about humans, I tried to steer clear of completely trashing my race. I'm not a huge fan of what humanity has become but on the same page everyday you can see plenty of good in us too. Frankly I was just glad to be here in Equestria.
The hours passed by quickly Twilight answered any questions she could as well, some of them were... Well a bit personal, her curiosity about how we mated and interacted intimately was a bit too much and we were both blushing as well as Bon Bon.
"Okay Lyra, its late we have to let Rick and Twilight get home."
"It’s not that late!" She glanced at the clock on the wall that read seven pm.
"It’s been fun Lyra but we need to get home and make supper for us and Scootaloo." I explained getting up and stretching.
"Awww..."
"Another day, after Hearths Warming perhaps. You've managed to amass an amazing amount of information here Lyra, you could write a book on humans! And now that we know for sure that their real..." Twilight grinned nudging me gently in the side. "I'm sure you could do an amazing job of it!"
"Wow... I never thought of that! That’s a great idea Twilight!"
"Stop by the library someday and I'll lend you a few books on what you need to do."
"I can't just write whatever I want? Fine..."
The three of us laughed softly at Lyras pout. We bought some of Scootaloos favourite candies on the way out waving off Bon Bons attempt to give them to us for free and headed back home. It felt good to be out and walking after sitting for that long I needed some exercise and seeing a large snow bank we were passing by I had just the idea how to get some.
"Payback!" I shouted tackling Twilight into the drift, she shrieked as she hit the cold snow and I suddenly felt a telekinetic boot to the butt pushing me in after her. The snow was quite fluffy and soft and it got everywhere, snow down my shirt, pants and shoes but my adrenalin was up and I poked my head out of the drift to toss a snowball at Twi only to find her waiting with three of her own floating beside her.
"Uh oh!" My toss went wide as I dove for cover getting struck once in the back, for the next half hour we ran back and forth throwing snowballs laughing and wresting like we were little kids again. We fell together side by side in a snow bank both trying to catch our breath.
Truce?
Okay.
We pressed together and kissed then shivered, as we calmed down off our adrenalin high it suddenly felt a lot colder.
"Brr, we better get home and have a nice hot shower love."
"Sounds like a plan." And with a blip we were suddenly laying in our entryway startling Scootaloo who was reading on the couch.
"Ahh! Don't scare me like that Mom!"
Twilight giggled and shook herself a bit while I removed my shoes and grabbed a towel to dry us off with. "Sorry honey, we got a bit... Rambunctious."
"Aww you had a snowball fight without me?"
"You'll be in the next one Angel I promise you. But you have to be on my side, Moms too good."
"Okay!"
"Hey! That’s not fair!" Twilight teasingly accused.
All three of us laughed as I dried Twi off then myself. As we turned to go make dinner she caught me kissing me passionately.
You’re always so good to me.
And I always will be love, your everything to me.
"Ahem, daughter starving to death here..."
I scooped her up into a hug gently noogying her. "Well we can't have that!"
We made our way to the kitchen and made a simple supper we talked and traded stories of the day’s events as we ate, Scootaloo went to her room after dinner as Twilight and I cleaned up.
When we finished I scooped her up kissing her neck and breathing in her beautiful scent carrying her to the shower. We warmed up under the downpour kissing and caressing one another, we made love passionately the water starting to cool when we exited and dried off.
We checked in on Scootaloo finding her passed out with a few of her toys... Sorry action pony figures. I picked her up placing her in bed and tucking her in giving her a kiss on the forehead as Twilight turned out the lights.
We snuggled down in bed together the cold winter night perfect for cuddling together. As we drifted off I reflected back on the past seven months, my life before and my life now. Sure I missed my friends and family as well as quite a few modern convinces but I wouldn't give up what I had now for anything… Ever.