//------------------------------// // Suppressed Feelings // Story: Colt Cuddler: Friends To Lovers // by Starweardo //------------------------------// As Night Light and Shiny Rock walked back, Sweet Scent had joined them to the park before parting ways with them until the next time they met. As they reached the park, night was already falling. Shiny never did like winter evenings, as they always grew dark very rapidly. Though now he's accompanied by a friend, it shouldn't be so bad now. But for some peculiar reason, Shiny grew more and more anxious the more time he spent around Night Light. It's really starting to creep him out. They eventually reach the park, Luna's moon shining over them, engulfing the night with it being the only source of luminescence, save the lanterns. "My place is a little ways away from here, but I'll get there, no worries, I'll live." Shiny said, giving a little smile, turning to exit the shielding cover of the umbrella. "Wait!" Night Light cried out, forcing Shiny to turn around and face him. "You'll get a horrible cold and my place is closer nearby, I urge you to stay the night tonight." "Nighty... you don't have to do that." Shiny said softly, his eyes watery even though the rest of his face is perfectly dry from staying under the umbrella. "I can find my way back home." "Shiny, you are the greatest friend I've ever had. I would be honoured if you could stay the night." Night insisted. Ah. So it's really just a friendly manner. I guess if he's so desperate about that offer, I'd might as well take it. Here goes... "Alright. I'll stay the night at your place." he says, giving in. "Got any good films?" "Erm... I guess I've got "Repo! The Genetic Opera", if you're interested..." the blue colt responded. Night Light was an avid fan of operas, this film being in his favourites list, due to the industrial punk-rock music and the post-apocalyptic setting. It kind of reminded him of Fallout, if it was taken over by gothics. He wondered if Shiny would maybe like it. Judging by the books he's bought, most of which are historical books and fantasy novels, he wouldn't be afraid of the unusual. He couldn't wait to see what he thought of it. "Sounds nice enough. Sure, we could watch that." Shiny decided, shivering a bit. "But first, let's get there, I am freezing. How can you stand this cold?" "I guess I've had colder nights. It really isn't a big deal." He stared at Shiny Rock with hopeful eyes. That's when Shiny started to really get lost deep in his eyes. They're of golden colour, a shade that could outshine the goldmines of Appleloosa, a glow so brilliant, even diamonds couldn't... What is WRONG with me?! He's my best friend! I shouldn't be thinking about him this way! He's probably straight anyway, considering how he stands on the rumours about us, so he'd reject me right away! They finally get to walking to Night Light's house, which proved easier than expected. Night Light walks this route day and night, literally, so he'd know where to go. As they arrive, Night Light took the maneband from his head, tossing it onto the living room's coffee table. Now Shiny understood why Night Light wore that maneband. Up front, it would look like his mane is short. But with his mane down, he looks like a lady. Well, that's not to say he didn't already look like a lady, what with those big eyes, the smaller snout, that curvy flank... I hate you, hormones. I really bucking hate you. As Shiny settled himself for the night, hanging the coat back on the hanger and sitting himself down on the couch, Night was already preparing the film, making popcorn and laying out the sheets so he could sleep later on. Of course Night was not going to have his guest sleep on the couch, that would have been just inconsiderate. He'd rather have him sleep in his bed. It was built for two, but... it'd be the most awkward thing imaginable... to him, at least... As the film started, Night had seated himself next to his new friend on the couch, who appeared to be shivering. "Hey, uh... are ye freezing?" he asked in a concerned tone. "Just a bit, yeah," Shiny responded, "Got an extra blanket?" "Sorry, all the other blankets are in the bedroom, you'll have to make due with this until you're going to bed..." Suddenly, an idea came into Night Light's head. It would take guts. Copious amounts of guts. He sighed. Shiny could feel a hoof wrapping itself around his shoulder, pulling him closer to his friend, warming him this way. "I hope you're fine with this..." Night Light asked. He was stuttering ever so slightly, as if he was nervous about something. For some odd reason, Shiny was more than just fine with it. Not only did his shivering come to a halt, he felt all the more relaxed now, more than he ever had before. He wasn't even paying attention to the film, he was trying to figure out why he was acting so strangely around this guy. After the film ended, Shiny Rock finds that Night Light had fallen asleep during the viewing. Knowing he's not strong enough to carry him, he instead moves to the bedroom, where he also finally goes to sleep. The next morning A scent rose into Shiny's nose as he woke up, still somewhat in a morning haze and for some reason, tucked under the blankets. Shiny wasn't a steady sleeper, he usually knocks the blanket off of half his body in the morning. Somepony's cooking up eggs for breakfast. As he walked out of the bedroom, the scent had become stronger, more pleasant. "Sky? Is that you?" he asked in his confusion. "Nope," Night Light answered, "it's just me. Good mornin', how'd you sleep?" "Oh, I slept well, actually. That smells delicious." he remarked, slowly waking up. "Want a coffee?" Night Light suggested, flipping the eggs onto the plates. "Not really. Tea'd be better... hey Nighty? Why don't you cut your hair?" Night Light took a second to sigh and recollect his thoughts. "It's a pride thing. I may have moved from my previous home, but that doesn't mean I can't be proud of the way the stallions wear their manes." Shiny concludes the conversation with a simple "Ah." After they had both eaten breakfast and packed their bags, they were ready to head off to school. Today's friday, so they can sit back over the weekend. At least, until monday arrives. As Shiny was about to walk out the door, Nighty holds him back. "Wait..." he said, "I..." His face was going red beyond belief, Shiny took a while before he caught on. No... you're kidding me... you are honest to Celestia kidding me... "I... I wish you luck for today." he finally uttered. Shiny sighed in slight disappointment. Why did he get his hopes up? What was even the point? "Oh, and... Shiny?" Night Light started again. "Yeah?" he responded. Before Shiny could even fathom what was going on, Night Light had locked his friend and himself into a tight hug, tears running down his face. "I can't bear to hold it in anymore..." "H-hold what in?" Shiny asked in bewilderment. As if in answer, Night's grip loosened as he uttered three words that Shiny would have never thought to hear from this pony. "I love you..."