//------------------------------// // Tangled Bedsheets // Story: The Colours of Dusk // by Gallifrey //------------------------------// The Colours of Dusk by Gallifrey Chapter Seventeen Tangled Bedsheets Dusk Shine ambled down an alleyway. He knew he had been extremely rude to Celestia, but right then he struggled to care, he'd deal with that later. Dusk trotted up to a greying stallion on a ladder, lighting the town's lamps by means of the wick he held in his mouth. "Excuse me, sir?" asked Dusk, starting to clutch at straws. "You haven't seen a sad-looking blue pegasus around here anywhere have you?" "Eh, what?" asked the stallion, wick falling out of his mouth onto the ground, where it was extinguished. "Ohh blasted thing," he grumbled, stepping down. "Oh my, I'm sorry!" said Dusk, feeling at fault and using his magic to reignite the splint. "Thanks lad. A blue pegasus ya say?" "Yes, with a rainbow mane." "Oh Blitz? Why he's down Honeysuckle Street last I saw him. Lyin' on a bench he was, looked a bit ill." "Ill? Hmm. Thank you, sir!" "Not a problem, young man! Enjoy your evening!" Dusk followed along a few select short cuts through the town on his way to Honeysuckle Street. Turning into the road, he fancied he saw a blue splodge on a bench ahead of him, it was somewhat difficult to tell in the waning evening. Lamplight flickered over him as he walked down the empty street. Dusk shivered slightly. Approaching the blue blob, he discovered that it was indeed Rainbow Blitz, lying lazily on a bench with his eyes shut. The unicorn frowned when he saw the rose he was holding in a hoof. "Um, hey," said Dusk tentatively. Rainbow Blitz opened a tired eye. "Oh, heya Dusk," he said quietly, sitting up and scratching his tummy. "What brings you out here?" "I was... uh, getting a little worried about you," answered Dusk truthfully, yet still evading his true intentions. "You don't have to worry about me!" said Blitz, puffing out his chest, his old self shining through. "What could possibly affect me?" "There's alcohol for a start," said Dusk dryly, which deflated Rainbow's ego. "I'll have you know that I haven't touched a drop!" he rallied. "Anyway, I can hold my drink as well as the next stallion." Somewhere in the depths of eternity, the Universe lost ten years of its lifespan in order to accommodate the immensity of Blitz's lie. Dusk made no comment. Instead he diverted the subject. "Why do you have a rose?" Blitz looked down at the ruby flower, as if he'd only just noticed it. "This? Some mare came round for a charity thing, and I gave her some money so she'd fuck off," said Blitz. "Oh," said Dusk, not entirely sure why he felt disappointed. A few crucial brain cells in Blitz's neo-cortex buzzed excitedly, pining for his attention. Yes, what? said his subconscious, irritated at the racket they were making. We have a good idea! He should give that flower to Dusk! We're sure he'd like that! Plus, it'd make him look smooth and more appealing too! Permission to send this idea to the amygdala for emotional evaluation? Send it to that dusty old thing? When have we ever used that before we send words to his mouth? It's much more efficient to say and do things without it, and worry about the consequences later. Yes, we know sir, but we are receiving increases in testosterone and adrenaline sir, it's obvious he cares deeply for the affections of this unicorn, perhaps, just this once? Oh, go on then. "Dusk," began Blitz, "you can have it. It'd look great in your hat." Gently, Blitz bit most of the stem off the rose and placed it in the band of silk that circled his top-hat. "Not that it doesn't look great anyway, or you for that matter." Dusk blushed. Blitz was never this flattering to anyone but himself, this was a big deal. "I- thank you," said Dusk, reaching up and straightening his hat; Blitz had knocked it lopsided. "Are you still up for showing me your, snrk, fancy hoofwork, pony boy?" Pony boy? "You're on," said Dusk, his eyes narrowing. "I'll knock your socks off, th-that is, if you were wearing socks." "Hey, maybe I will be if you play your cards right," said Blitz in a low voice. Laughing internally at just how flustered Dusk looked, Blitz led the way back to the town hall. The street echoed with their hoofsteps, becoming fainter and fainter until they melted into the distant frivolity. A faint puttering from one of the lamps was all the sound that the street made, until a garage door burst open and two ponies tumbled out, a tiara clattering to the pavement. "'Tia!" "That wasn't my fault! Your ass is too big!" "Well, you shouldn't have chosen such an inappropriate hiding place! A garage with no room in it indeed!" She shook off the dust and loose book that was resting on her back. "Frankly, I don't even know why I'm here! I should just let you get on with it since no matter what I say, you won't listen anyway." "Now, sister, that's not true," said Celestia, picking up her tiara and setting it back into its proper place. "I value your opinions greatly." "You-You do?" "Yes, I just don't listen to them. Now come, Rainbow Blitz and Dusk Shine seem to be liaising with one another." "My, my, 'Tia, I don't think it was that far." "A pity. Still, let's keep following them!" Dusk re-entered Jingo's, keen on letting the others know he'd returned with Blitz. He spotted Elusive a ways off at a table. Dusk approached it and immediately turned one hundred and eighty degrees, blushing furiously. "What's the matter?" asked Blitz as Dusk returned to him. "I think he'd appreciate not being interrupted," said Dusk delicately. "He's a bit busy." "Oho, really now?" said Blitz evilly, his eyes sparkling malevolently. "He's made his move has he?" "You could say that, he doesn't look like he's gonna be talking for a while– I know that look! Please leave him be!" implored Dusk. "Besides, you've got some dancing to do." Dusk found Bubble Berry's gaze. He was sitting at the bar, Dusk nodded to him and Berry winked back, somehow knowing where they were going. Dusk smiled, feeling giddy, and led the way back out of the bar. Berry smiled at their retreating backs and turned back to the bar, devouring an entire bottle of pickled onions in one mouthful. "Hey, yer gonna have ta pay for that!" shouted the barkeeper. Berry shrugged and produced a bag of shiny golden coins, which shut him up nicely. With almighty crunches, the pink pony munched his way through his pickled onions, much to the displeasure of the ponies around him who were trying to hold conversation. "Keepf them coming!" "Uh, Bubble Berry?" Berry belched loudly, propelling him off his chair, into the hooves of Princess Celestia. "Oh hey, Princess!" he chirped, flipping around, eyeing the sun goddess with warm regard. "What brings you here?" From behind her frame, Luna's head popped out, eyeing her sister beadily. "Oh... nothing..." said the alicorn casually. She lowered her voice. "You haven't seen Dusk Shine anywhere have you?" "'Tia," growled Luna warningly. "Can't we just mind our own business and have some fun? I like fun." "Look, Luna, pudding!" said Celestia dramatically, pointing across the room, Luna darted off like a bullet. "Heh, there's no pudding," said Celestia. "Right, have you seen him?" "You just missed him! He left with Blitzie for dancing at the town hall." "Oh? Hmm," said Celestia, musing and scanning the room. She did this for about a minute until she noticed the questioning look. "I'm looking for a suitable dance partner," she answered. She resumed her scouting, the small bubble of realisation growing larger insider her until it was balloon sized and she could ignore it no longer. Berry was still giving her the look of vague inquiry. "Bubble Berry, would you like to share a dance?" she asked with a gracious smile. "Little old me? Dancing with royalty?" "If you wish, although, let me make it clear that this is purely in the interests of spy- uh, observing Dusk Shine." "Yeah, yeah, whatever," said Berry, producing a toothpick and jamming it between his pearly teeth. "Wonderful." She turned and surveyed her fabulous female form. "Although," she said hesitantly, "I feel I may need a disguise of some description; I sometimes feel just too big ya know?" "I know the feeling well," said Berry casually, sneakily checking out the stallion next to him. "Wait, what?" said Celestia. "So, we gonna dance or not?" he asked. Celestia blinked. "You are smoother than most, I'll give you that," she conceded. "Where did the pudding go?" asked Luna. There are many reasons why a sufficiently advanced organism will engage in the activity known as dancing. Boredom. Because no-one is looking. Catchy music. Peer pressure. As a profession. As a mating signal. In one particular case, it was half done out of sheer joy, half out of proving a point. "I didn't quite expect so many people here," said Dusk Shine nervously, looking around the wide open hall. "Hey, don't go chickening out now," said Blitz, hearing Dusk's fear. He turned and saw Dusk looked a little more than scared, he was visibly trembling. "Dude, are you okay? You've never acted like this when dancing before..." "Everyone expected me to be terrible then, now I want to be good, and they'll judge me." "Dusk, no-one will give a shit how you dance, okay?" said Blitz as they walked onto the shiny, polished dance floor "Not even you?" "You could wave your hooves, knock everyone over and kick me in the nads and I'd still not care... much." Dusk smiled and felt a little more at ease. He clearly hadn't noticed the not at all inconspicuous form of Princess Celestia, who, in an effort to conceal her identity, had dressed up from snout to hoof in black. Her desire had been in diverting attention away, but instead it achieved the opposite effect by making ponies wonder aloud on just why Princess Celestia was wearing such a bizarre outfit, and why the notoriously immature Bubble Berry was standing next to her with a cocky grin on his face. Somehow, Dusk Shine had missed all this, and as such, Celestia deemed her idea to be a great success. The lights overhead started to move jerkily towards a small podium. Once rested, Mayor Mare stood up and cleared her throat, beaming broadly at them all. "Good evening, mares and gentlecolts! I would like to express how happy I am to see such a turn-out for this most ceremonial of evenings, the Summer Sun Celebration." There was a smattering of light hoof stomping. "Thank you. The dance is due to commence shortly, performed by the Royal Canterlot String Quartet no less, and let me just say, it's a great honour to be graced by such talent in our humble little town." The members of the quartet smiled and nodded in acknowlegement. "But tonight, we are not only host to the Quartet, but also our beloved regal Princesses! "Oh fu-" said Celestia as the lights whizzed round onto her. "Any words, Your Majesty?" asked the Mayor kindly. Under the bright lights and intense gaze of hundreds of eyes, Celestia felt a little silly for her 'disguise.' "Yes. Ahem. I am humbled and gladdened in my heart for such a striking and entertaining celebration. You've all worked incredibly hard, not only here, but all across Equestria. As such, in recognition of your labours, I declare that next Monday be a National Holiday!" There was a thunderous explosion of hoof stomping and cheering. Celestia certainly know how to please a crowd, she had a lot of experience after all. Still, her plan had rather gone through the floor. "Your Majesty? May I ask the whereabouts of Princess Luna?" "Last I saw her she was at the dessert bar, scoffing down puddings," said Celestia, to received laughter. Dusk's pupils shrank slightly. Celestia was here? That meant only one thing. She was here for him. He knew that much, he didn't know how she knew he was here or for what purpose, he just knew she was here because he was here. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," he mumbled to his hooves. "Come on Dusk, don't pussy out on me," said Blitz, straightening Dusk's bow-tie and giving him an encouraging pat on the back. Dusk looked up into Blitz's eyes and felt a warmth bridge the gap between them, and within that gap, Dusk felt safe, felt comforted, felt loved... suddenly, the world was his dancefloor; especially the dancefloor. The next thing Dusk knew, he was hoof in hoof with Blitz, who had hauled him onto his hind legs, somewhere back in the real world, the music had begun, coming to Dusk as if from across a vast ocean. He turned to see Octavia at her cello, with Butterscotch sat at her side, humming and nodding merrily. The unicorn regained some lucidity when they began to move in a slow waltz. He felt his body being steered gently yet resolutely by Blitz. "Hang on, why are you leading?" asked Dusk. "Because you were off in fairy land," replied Blitz rolling his eyes. Blinking, Dusk took note of some other fine details that were making some big messages, such as the position of his left hoof, which was resting on Blitz's shoulder, and the pegasus' right hoof, which was just above his flanks. "Hey... why am I the girl?" he asked, indignation colouring his voice. "Oh come on," said Blitz, grinning evilly. "You're hardly more manly than I am, Dusk." "Oh yeah? What about that time when you met Soarin', and, quote from Butterscotch, 'screamed like an adorable little school filly'?" "Oh gods, don't remind me of that!" said Blitz, turning red against his will. "Need I go on? Because I fondly recall the time when Berry grabbed your-" "Right, I get it! My track record ain't exactly clean either!" Dusk wore a smug smile for all of three seconds, before he accidentally trod on one of Blitz's hooves. In truth, although Dusk Shine had considerably improved his dancing prowess, being significantly better than zero talent still leaves a lot to be desired. The poor unicorn often moved out of step, in the wrong direction, or in this case, onto Blitz's hooves. "Sorry," he mumbled. "Don't sweat it, at least you don't look like you're having a seizure anymore." "Thanks, I guess?" Across the hall, a ridiculously dressed Princess Celestia and her ridiculously grinning partner were sweeping across the room, Celestia keeping her eyes fixed upon her student. "How's it going for them?" asked Berry, not being tall enough to see over the sea of bobbing heads. "Dusk keeps standing on Blitz's hooves," she remarked. "Ah, it's going good then, I'm surprised he hasn't stood on his face yet," said Berry dryly. "I mean, did you see him at his last birthday party?" "I admit, I may have been watching from one of the towers..." Chuckling, Celestia then decided to bust out one of her favourite tricks. With a swoop, she picked up Berry and tossed him into the air as easily as he were a stuffed toy, she spun around and caught him. While Berry was still trying to figure out what had just happened, Celestia sent him pirouetting on the spot, then leaning forward in a flash, she planted three hooves on the ground and caught him with the other as the song ended. She waggled her eyebrows into Berry's stunned face, and the pink pony giggled sheepishly; something was dawning on him, though it came slowly; his brain was still spinning around in his head. "Princess, exactly how long have you danced?" "Aha, more years than I'd care to mention, my young stallion, I've danced with many of the greats over the centuries, and I have learnt much off them over that time." She leaned close and lowered her voice. "And between you and me, all those years have led me to become quite accomplished at certain other activities too, if you catch my drift." There are many rare events in the history of universes, the invention of lampposts, the evolution of badass dragons, the development of a quasi-dimensional time machine... but the blushing and embarrassment of a certain pink stallion ranked high among the infinite list. "D-Did you just imply what I think you implied?" he gulped hoarsely, his electric blue eyes flickering between Celestia's rich magenta ones. "That's up for you to decide," said Celestia in a low voice as a new song began. Berry swallowed meekly as he found himself swept off his hooves again. Dusk was watching his mentor's hooves with a determined frown, trying to imitate her masterful hoofwork. "That's how I imagined this dance would go," he commented in envious awe as he almost stumbled over his own legs. "It was a lot more romantic in my mind." "Hey, I'm doin' my best here!" said Blitz with a knowing grin. "I-I meant I thought I'd be better!" pleaded Dusk, not registering Blitz's smile. "Dusk, you're doing really well! Besides... what was that about romantic? When did romance enter this dance, eh?" Before Dusk let himself become confused again, Blitz cut to the chase and plucked Dusk's rose from his hat and held it with his teeth. "I'll show ya romance, pony boy." "I think I just died from cheese," said Dusk weakly in Blitz's gentle hooves. "Don't act like you don't love it," said Blitz, his confidence shining as bright as it ever had. Dusk's breath caught in his throat when he saw the smouldering look in Blitz's eyes; he couldn't help but giggle. "You're so cute when you do that," growled Blitz. With surprising strength, he spun Dusk around until they were back to back. "Just wait until I get you home," he said daringly, spinning around and taking Dusk's hooves, the unicorn facing away from him. He could feel Dusk's back rubbing against his belly, the unicorn's rump pressing onto his- he wasn't complaining in either case. "I- I- You're welcome to s-stay at my house tonight, if you like," said Dusk so timidly, Blitz had to strain his ears over the strings. A thrill ran through Blitz. "Please tell me you just said what I thought you said," he breathed, manoeuvring Dusk until they were nose to nose. This was the first time Dusk had taken any initiative, and he liked it. To hear the shy and reserved stallion offer him "a place to stay" was exhilarating. Dusk merely smiled. Tonight had been an experience in itself for him already, and he had no intention of ending it any time soon. New and unknown feelings were erupting like butterflies inside him, and now he knew why. Kind Blitz. Dependable Blitz. Friendly Blitz. Confident Blitz. Book buddy Blitz. Loyal Blitz. Sexy Blitz... "My hooves... my poor hooves..." Berry Bubble had collapsed at the foot of the town hall, rubbing his legs; Celestia looked quite pleased with herself. "I should have mentioned, I love dancing." The dance had continued through the evening. At the beginning of a rather lively number, Dusk had seen a very happy looking Elusive and Dawn strut into the hall to join in the dance. Blitz kept sniggering as they danced by, and at first, Dusk wondered why, until he saw that Elusive's mouth and cheeks had become reddened by lipstick. As the evening wore on, some tired couples left the floor, opening up the room, until a mere dozen pairs remained. Bubble Berry now looked uncharacteristically exhausted at the bottom of the town hall's steps, bathed in flickering lamplight, Celestia at his side. His tongue lolled in his mouth as he panted in the cool summer air. Celestia meanwhile wore a huge grin and was radiating all her usual energy and enthusiasm. "I have a few duties to attend to," said Celestia apologetically to the pink pony, "but don't worry, I'll send an escort for you to return to the Castle... of course, it's entirely up to you whether you'd like to visit, as much as some certain newspaper ponies would like you to believe, I am not clingy, nor do I force anyone into anything... the millennia have taught me too well on these matters. Immortality, it changes you, don't get too attached, for they say goodbye all too soon... oh, do look at me go on, I'm glad Luna's not around." She flashed him a glittering smile that made his insides flutter like a bread-and-butterfly. "The offer is on the proverbial table for you, nevertheless." She gave him a wink and left him alone with his thoughts, a trickle of ponies passing him up and down the hall's steps. "Ah! My faithful student! May I have a word? "Um, certainly, Princess." Berry took off his hat and ruffled his hair. Oh how times had changed, until a few years ago, he thought the best fun you could possibly have was with a party, and now... in fact, it was still a party, but growing up had led him to many new and exciting branches on the tree of fun, and he started to wonder whether he was being reckless along the slender branches that demanded caution. The stallion was so deep in thought he didn't notice a gaggle of his friends descend the steps. "Berry, are you alright?" asked Butterscotch. "Hmm? Oh... yeah I'm fine." Butterscotch didn't have the opportunity to investigate any further, due to an approaching orange blob that was staggering up the street, swaying like a drunk spinning top, which was half correct: it was a drunk Applejack. His chest and belly were dusty, as though he'd stumbled a few times on his way. "Aha! Ah found yers! I've been done lookin' every... everywhere." Celestia and Dusk returned, walking side by side, Dusk looking embarrassed as he trotted over to Blitz, Celestia observing him in a motherly fashion. Blitz briefly wondered what he had discussed with her, but the intoxicated Applejack was more of an issue right now. He squinted at them, trying to focus, his brows furrowed in intense concentration over Berry and Celestia, Butterscotch and Octavia, Elusive and Dawn, and Dusk and Blitz. "Hold on... are y'all tellin' me that all my friends are getting laid tonigh' except fer me?" As one, three couples blushed furiously. Elusive snorted indignantly, while Butterscotch squeaked fearfully, giving Octavia a pleading look that said that definitely wasn't his intention. Dusk gave one of his apparently adorable nervous giggles and shuffled his hooves, while Berry remained quiet. The only problem was that when Bubble Berry doesn't speak, it leaves a very loud silence in its place. "...Apparently not then," slurred Applejack. "Tha's good ta hear! I didna wanna feel left out you know? 'S'like, 's'like, did ya know yer all my very best friends?" He swayed on the spot and tottered over onto the steps, where he began snoozing gently. Celestia cleared her throat. "I must go. There is much to be done. I hope I will see you all next month for the garden party?" There was a mutual nod. Smiling, she unfurled her wings, when Berry interrupted. "No," he said quietly. "Hmm? I suspect this is not about the garden party?" Berry nodded. "I see... you are more mature than you realise, Bubble Berry." Berry's eyebrows furrowed. "Was this... like a test?" Celestia's eyes twinkled. "If you wish," she said enigmatically. "I was merely curious to tell the truth." "Hmm, well, thanks for the offer and all," he said, feeling slightly awkward. Celestia's eyes scoured him closely, examining him. She eventually nodded slowly, turned gracefully, and took off into the deep blue. "Wait," said Blitz slowly after a few seconds, the true absurdity only now just being processed. "What's going on between you and Celestia now?" "I don't know!" cried Berry hysterically, eyes even madder than usual. "She's..." He remembered himself and calmed down. "I need to do some very important Berry thinking. I'll, um, see you guys around, okay? Lemme know how your evenings go so that I can make preparations for any parties, alright?" And with that, he stumped off, looking slightly lost. "What's got his tail in a twist?" asked Blitz, staring after him. "I suspect Celestia's been teasing him something awful," said Dusk eventually, feeling as though someone should at least attempt an answer. Applejack rolled over, mumbling in semi-consciousness. Dusk rolled his eyes. Applejack always did this on nights out. He always drank himself silly and collapsed in a pile of alcohol filled pony. Flashbacks of last Hearth's Warming rose up in Dusk's mind. The inebriated stallion had thought that it would be a very good idea to ski on the frozen surface of a pond in Ponyville Park. Predictably, Applejack was much too heavy for the ice and had fallen straight through, triggering one of Dusk's more severe panic attacks until Blitz flew to his rescue. A groan collapsed the cirrus swirl of Dusk's memories as he was thrown back into the real world. "How much has he drank?" asked Dawn. "I'll suspect we'll find out sooner or later," remarked Dusk, as Applejack coughed and held his stomach tenderly. A distraction appeared in the shape of Princess Luna, her muzzle was coated in a thin layer of delicious pudding, and indeed, a bowl of ice cream was floating before her. "Has anyone seen Sister? She said she'd fly back with me and I can't find her anywhere." Dusk inhaled deeply. He felt truly relaxed for what may have been the first time in years. No work, no stress, no worries. His parents were right, maybe he should learn to kick back and not care about the world once in a while. He was young, they would say, and that he should treasure it instead of fretting. He was currently sprawled on his bed with his violet eyes closed in contentment. He'd bid goodnight to his friends and happily welcomed Blitz into his home, and by the overarching laws of narrative imperative, they had the house to themselves tonight. Peace. Silence. Ahhh. The quiet was broken by a low creak; the bedroom door had been opened. He heard small hoofsteps softly make their way into the room, each followed by a glassy rattle. "No need to be surreptitious, I am awake." "Kay, cool," said Blitz, setting down two glasses of icy water to complement the warmth of the room. "What does surreptitious mean?" On the floor next to Dusk's bed lay a sleeping mat and a roll of blankets. Blitz looked at them critically, he had no intention of using them tonight. He sat at the end of Dusk's bed. "Thank you for this evening." Dusk raised his eyebrows as he picked up his drink. "Huh?" "You know, being really nice and treating me special..." He scooted up the bed a little. "I always wanted to know what that's like... so yeah, um thanks." "You're welcome?" said Dusk, once again finding himself at a loss in the unfamiliar terrain of feeling and implications. He needed to get a better map. "You really are cute when you're flustered," said Blitz in a low voice, pressing his advantage and scooting up a bit more, under the pretence of leaning over for his glass of water. He took a gulp of it and looked at the purple pony, who was also drinking from his glass, both hooves holding it as he raised it to his lips. Adorable. Blitz had managed to slink up to Dusk's side, his head propped up on a hoof. A knot of tension had twisted in his stomach. He clenched his teeth and recklessly plunged forwards. "So... do you like me?" Where subtlety had failed, bluntness came to the rescue. As Blitz saw it, if you’re going to screw something up, you may as well do it with style; it makes for a good story if nothing else. Dusk finally realised what Blitz was getting at. Carefully, he lowered his glass, and a devious smirk crossed his face. "Why don't you come and find out?" Blitz spat out his water. That was the last thing he expected to hear. Dusk had left the proverbial door wide open for him, inviting him in warmly with his glittering smile, all of which were also proverbial. The real Dusk meanwhile received only a chestful of cold water, his breath catching in a swift gasp as the icy blast hit him. "Oh shit! Sorry!" Only I could fuck up at a time like this, he cursed internally. "Don't worry, I'm fine-" "At least lemme get you a towel," insisted Blitz, clambering over the bed to the bathroom, to be stopped by a hoof. "It's fine," said Dusk gently but firmly. “Urgh, fine… oh hey," said Blitz, finding himself positioned on top of Dusk. This hadn't been in Blitz's mind's plan at all, and he couldn't tell whether it was going well or not, Dusk was so tricky to work with. The unicorn himself was merely surprised to find himself with a damp chest and trapped under Blitz. He could see Blitz's anticipation, it was written on his features like words to a book. On the air, he could smell a fresh rain scent, the sound of his heavy breathing made his skin tingle. There was a brief time where their lips were but an inch apart, waiting for the other to make a move. BANG! Dusk started with such ferocity, he launched Blitz clean off the bed. "Whoa!" yelped the pegasus as the ground disappeared from under him, only to have it rush up to meet him eagerly. "Umph! Dusk!" Dusk was paying no attention to Blitz, or indeed anything. He was cowering in his bed, his head shoved under his pillow which left his rump sticking up in the air. Tearing his eyes from the view, Blitz meandered to the window and peered out. Bursts of colour and sparks lit up the night sky with many bangs, whistles, and whooshes. "It's only the firework display, Dusk. Dusk?" Blitz knew well that Dusk had always harboured a great dislike of loud noises, fireworks in particular. It only seemed fitting that a librarian should harbour an intense dislike for loud noises, but right now it was a hindrance to him scoring, and that would not do. "Dusk?" ventured Blitz again. "Can you hear me?" If Dusk had heard him he wasn't showing it, instead he shivered in fear. "Dusk!" said Blitz, growing impatient. Dusk however had his hooves clamped over his ears and couldn't hear a thing. He felt something poke his cutie mark and he froze. He didn't want to admit it, but that felt awfully good. He then felt a patting sensation on his back, followed by a very muffled 'there there' as the firework display continued outside. Dusk sighed into his pillow, that patting felt really good too. Blitz couldn't tell if he was doing a good job of calming Dusk down or not, so he awkwardly continued until the last great rocket exploded with an almighty bang. His expression was deadpan. First the water, now this. Why couldn't anything go right for him? "Dusk!" said Blitz loudly. "You can come out now!" Dusk poked his snout out of his pillow, sniffing slightly, followed by his large and fearful eyes. "Is it over?" he whimpered. He turned his head and found himself looking straight at Blitz's lap. Heat rose to Dusk's cheeks. "It's over," Blitz reassured, taking a final glance out of the window before attending to more pressing matters. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes." Quick as a flash, Dusk felt himself be picked up and flung onto the bed, he felt the new urgency in Blitz's movements, a jolt of excited nervousness leapt through him, wondering what was going to happen next. He was going dizzy. "Dusk," said Blitz, shuffling up to meet him, "there's something I wanna say... again." Dusk, although he knew what it was, remained silent. "I was just wondering... you remember that offer for the theatre trip?" Dusk, slightly thrown, took a second to remember, then nodded fervently. "Yes. Are we going to the theatre?" His tailed swished. "Not now, you dope." "I-I knew that." "But yes, some time... maybe next week, ya know?" "I'd- I'd like that," said Dusk quietly. "But... you also know what I'm getting at here right?" "That you like me?" "Aha, you're learning," smiled Blitz, booping Dusk on the snout. Dusk licked his lips, saliva glistening off them like stars in a deep purple sky. He giggled nervously and watched closely as Blitz opened a wing and appeared to rummage around until he presented a small object to Dusk. "I wanted to give you this," he said uncertainly, placing the pine cone in Dusk's hoof. "I dunno why I want to give it to you, but here." Dusk looked at it carefully. It had been pine cones that had helped them make up after their argument... many words had been said under that pine tree... Dusk doubted that Blitz understood how much weight this little cone had for Dusk, but that didn't matter; it was his now, and something changed inside him. He looked up at the nervous expression on Blitz's face, and it was the most beautiful face he'd ever seen. "Thank you," whispered Dusk. "No probs, pony boy," he grinned, putting a hoof to Dusk's bow-tie, ready to undress him. "Right, do you want this?" asked Blitz, unwilling to pressure Dusk into anything. "Yes, it's just, I've never done anything like like this before. Are- Are there any books on the subject?" "Dude, your trashy romance novels won't help you here," said Blitz, chuckling as he undid the bow-tie and unbuttoned Dusk's shirt. "You know about them?!" exclaimed Dusk, becoming distracted and mortified all at once. Blitz yanked off the shirt and reached under the bed to produce two books. "They've been there for ages. I saw them when I fell off your bed that one time. To be honest, I'm disappointed I didn't see any more personal items," he said, taking off his own clothes/ "Oh," said Dusk, blushing furiously, his imagination running wild at the mere thought. "D-Do you have such... items?" "Maaaybe," teased the pegasus. "I'll have to show you some time." Dusk, predictably, became a flustered ball of pony, a trait that Blitz found most endearing. Running out of the little patience he had, he pounced on Dusk. A confused tumble of stallion resulted, and it took a minute for each pony to work out which bit belonged to whom. It resulted with a struggle and Blitz pinning Dusk down into his mattress, trapped by a tangle of sheets and athletic muscle. "Hey Duskie..." he said huskily. Blitz's insides were tying themselves into balloon dogs as he tried to make his mouth move, Dusk smiled encouragingly. Dammit, Blitz! Just spit it out, you technicoloured tosser! "I-I love you," he stammered. The weight of the words fell heavily onto Dusk. He means it, thought Dusk. He really means it, with all his heart. "Oh Blitz-" Blitz didn't wait for Dusk to finish as he finally closed the gap and pressed his lips hard against Dusk's. The young unicorn's mind went into meltdown, the electric current of lust short circuited itself into Dusk's brain, fizzing it until it became an incoherent puddle. He moaned loudly and returned the kiss with great enthusiasm, feeling their tongues collide in a long awaited passion. Blitz was desperately trying to communicate without words just how much he had wanted to do this, how much he desired to please Dusk, and above all, how much he loved him. The sounds of short and hasty breathing punctuated the silence, Blitz pressed his chest hard against the unicorn, their fur rubbing together warmly as Dusk sank further into the bed. Blitz felt a hoof running softly through his mane, he smiled into the kiss at Dusk's sudden burst of initiative. He was even more surprised when Dusk didn't stop there, as the hoof travelled further down until... Pomf! The joint between his wings, a hot tangle of sensitive nerves and muscles, were being rubbed by one of Dusk's hooves. Blitz groaned and pulled back from the kiss. He looked down to see Dusk's half-lidded smug expression. "How... did you know about that?" he asked breathlessly. "I read a lot," whispered Dusk. "Oh yeah, well so do I." Blitz leaned forward and took a long slow lick of Dusk's horn, his tongue caressing the grooves all the way to the tip, eliciting a sharp gasp from the startled unicorn. "What's the matter pony boy? Can't handle the heat?" "Y-Yeah I can," mumbled Dusk. "Mmmhmm, good to hear," said Blitz, diving in for another kiss. He felt something soft and warm slide even further down than his wings, until it came to a rest upon one of his cutie marks, massaging it gently; Bliz shuddered slightly. "You've got some tricks up your sleeve, I'll give you that." "My element is magic, I'm only just getting started on the tricks," said Dusk, his blush growing stronger by the second. Blitz paused and looked Dusk dead in the eyes. "That was terrible." "Heh, I know," said Dusk, abashed. "You can make it up by coming here." Dusk leaned closer and kissed him tenderly on the lips again. How long they spent together, neither of them knew. What they did know was that they eventually collapsed in an exhausted pile in the tangled bedsheets, Blitz with his hooves wrapped around Dusk as he slumbered softly. He was thinking how fickle the world really was, and how eventful the last few weeks had been. "This world is mental," he concluded. A small smile crept over his face and he shut his eyes, joining the ships to carry him away with Dusk to the realms of dreams. The sun over the hills early the next morning, sweeping up the night like a cosmic dustpan to make way for the new day. Few were out or about after the previous night's frivolities, but one mare had a train to catch, and little time to prepare for it. A surprisingly radiant Dawn Star trotted through the morning town, followed by an equally well groomed Elusive, both carefully avoiding the occasional litter and rather more queasy looking messes on their way to the library. "Dusk Shine! Are you awake?!" called Elusive to the unicorn's bedroom window after knocking the door yielded no results. "It's funny," he said to Dawn, "he's usually up by seven o'clock." Dawn remained silent, but had a rather good idea on just why Dusk might still be asleep. She smirked inwardly. She watched Elusive pick up a tiny pebble and use his magic to tap on the window. They saw the curtains be pulled back, and a fumbling hoof search for the handle, until it was cracked open. A very sleepy looking Dusk Shine squinted out, yawning loudly. "M-Mornin'," he said shudderingly. "Good morning my friend," said Elusive, trying not to cry at the state of Dusk's mane, which looked as though it had been twisted backwards through a hurricane. "Would you mind opening the front door? It's just that Dawn leaves for Seaddle in, what was it? Oh yes, two hours." "Two hours... two hours?! Oh goodness! Oh my, oh dear!" They could hear him scrabble away and bolt down the stairs, bumbling incoherently the whole time while he unlocked the front door. "Dusk, I'm not in that much of a hurry," said Dawn in an effort to calm him down. "But don't you want to get to the station an hour early?" "Whatever for?" "Contingency time." "What could warrant an hour of delay in the quarter mile between here and the station?" asked Dawn. "You'd be surprised," said Dusk darkly. Shrugging, Dawn trotted upstairs to the guest room, leaving Dusk and Elusive alone in the entrance to the library. They looked at each other. "Sooo...?" they both said simultaneously. "Yup." They both grinned and hoof-bumped each other. "Congratulations!" "Thanks." "Stop that, it's creepy." "Whoa." "Okay, stop," said Dusk. "It wasn't me, it was you!" Dusk smiled and shook his head, his mane flopping about. "Would you like some coffee to pass the time?" "I thought you'd never ask." Steam swam across the platform as the large red train bound for Seaddle chugged into the station. The grey rain curtain rolled back to reveal an almost tearful Dawn Star, surrounded by piles of bags and suitcases. Dusk was once again struck by the bitter romance that was a train station, where we so often say hello, and regrettably, goodbye... "When I walked off this platform and tapped you on the shoulder, I never imagined what a ride I was in for," said Dawn, just about maintaining her composure. "I'll take many fond memories away with me, and I hope I can come back some time." "The Library is always open for you," said Dusk, giving a little bow. "And as for you," said Dawn to Elusive, "I want you to promise to keep in touch and maybe visit Seaddle, yes?" "Oh Dawn dearest, you won't be able to keep me away," said Elusive with a flawless smile. Dawn looked strained for a second, before she walked forwards to kiss him full on the lips. The white stallion's eyes fluttered shut at the contact until they broke apart, each wearing a bittersweet smile. "And Rainbow," she said, turning to the prismatic stallion at Dusk's side. "I'm glad we now understand one another." "You and me both sister," said Blitz, holding out a hoof for a hugging invitation, that she graciously accepted. "I'll see ya around," he said, giving her golden mane a small ruffle. "Dusk, I cannot than you enough for accommodating me, guiding me, and dare I say it, even inspiring me over these last two weeks. You have shown me that I still have a long path before me on the road to wisdom. Dusk opened his mouth but was stopped. "Ah ah ah, trust me, you're more wily and clever than even you know... except perhaps in romance..." "I-I'll concede that," admitted Dusk. "I'm so glad you came, and I will definitely keep in touch as well, perhaps we could do a research project together someday!" His eyes sparkled with radiant enthusiasm. "Until then," said Dawn, placing a hoof on his neck and leaning up slightly to give him a peck on the cheek, causing Dusk to blush. "Hey, don't get any ideas now," said Blitz jovially, giving him a friendly punch. Dawn laughed and Elusive helped her load her possessions onto the train, giving her one last kiss before she left. "Goodbye!" she called, her voice finally cracking as a tear rolled down her cheek. "I will see you all again." And with that, the whistle was blown, and the wheels of the world began to turn once more, carrying Dawn away until she was a small speck in the distance. It was time. She was gone. Elusive, suddenly feeling very glum, turned to Dusk and blinked. In Dusk's mane was the powder blue Dragon Bell flower that he'd given to Dusk two weeks ago. "Dusk? You have... a flower in your mane." "I do? The unicorn extracted it and observed it. "Dawn must have put it there when she hugged me." Elusive frowned. "Did you ever tell her that it was me who gave it to you?" "N-No, was I supposed to?" "Haha, of course you weren't my friend, I was just curious..." he sighed deeply and rubbed his face wearily, as though he'd suddenly aged a few years, a terrifying concept. "I... I'm gonna go home, I'm not feeling myself, for obvious reasons. See you fellows around." Dusk held out the flower to his friend, with a knowing look in his eyes. Elusive nodded. "I... thank you, Dusk." As one, Dusk and Blitz watched the dejected stallion trundle off and around the corner. "Will he be alright?" asked Dusk tentatively, taking a seat. "Course he will," said Blitz, sitting next to him. "This time tomorrow he'll be going on and one about suits and shit again." "I do hope so." They sat together, looking out past the station to the rolling gold and green hills of Ponyville and beyond, each lost in his own turbulent thoughts. Life can sometimes push you together in wonderful and curious manners, but equally, it can wrench you away from those who mean the most to you, often in the cruellest circumstances. Everything is equal, and the yin must balance the yang. In a small corner of Equestria, in a wholly unremarkable station, on an even more unremarkable bench, two young stallions decided that day to challenge the ways of the world in open combat, enclosing their hooves together as if daring the forces that be to pull them apart. This was the day they held each other, to never let go. A cool breeze ruffled through their manes. "I love you." "I love you too, pony boy."