//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Gears of Romance // by Phoenix999 //------------------------------// The sound of screeching jarred Widget’s fragile mind into semi-consciousness. Widget writhed in agony as he futilely tried to block out the sounds that assaulted his ears. A chill ran down his spine as he felt a breeze ruffle his mane. Widget scowled at the interruption in his attempt to return to sleep. Resigning himself to his fate, he slowly opened his eyes. As his eyes came into focus, light invaded his vision which caused pain to pulse through his body. After several moments, Widget managed to adjust to his surroundings and regain his awareness. He sprawled out on his bed, the covers in a pile at the foot of the bed. The chirping of birds reached Widget’s ears. That explains the rude awakening. Forcing himself up, Widget stumbled into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. He was a mess. The silence that permeated the room caused Widget’s splitting headache to surface. Groaning, he dragged himself to the kitchen. “Coffee...” Acquiring the sweet nectar and mixing in his customary morning bourbon, Widget sat down on his favorite cushioned arm-chair. His headache dulled to a tolerable ache as the morning brew took effect. Wait, what’s that? Widget’s ears swiveled as new sounds entered his awareness. That’s the sound of breathing. But, it’s not my breathing... Looking around, Widget found the source of the sound. A familiar light-purple coated mare lay bundled up into a blanket on Widget’s couch. The steady rising and falling of her chest indicated that she was still sleeping soundly. Widget basked in the moment as he watched the sunlight dance across her features. She sure is cute when she sleeps. As reality sunk in, his mind followed the next logical thought. Why is Berry sleeping on my couch? After several moments of reflection on the previous nights events, the reason eluded him. What’s the last thing I remember? Oh right, that weird drink that Berry made me. That was good. Then… then everything went black. Ok. Well, if she’s on the couch then that means... He sighed. Good, I promised myself I wouldn’t do that anymore. Berry stirred, slowly making her own way back to consciousness. Widget smiled. “Sleep well?” “Meh?” Berry looked up with unfocused eyes, her mane tousled from her sleep. “Oh right, I have just the thing for that. Just wait here.” Widget went to his kitchen where he poured a second cup of coffee while topping off his own. Returning to the living room, he offered the second mug to Berry, who stared off into space as the mug was placed in her hooves. Back in the comfort of his favorite chair, he sipped his coffee and waited for Berry to recover. After several moments of silence, both ponies drinking their coffee, Berry looked over to him and met his gaze. “How much do you remember from last night?” The question was simple, but Widget could detect a hidden motivation behind her masked query. What is it? Nervousness? Anxiety? Anger? Widget couldn’t tell at this point, deciding to reply honestly, “I don’t remember anything after drinking that strange concoction you made for me. My memory’s completely blank after that.” Keeping her eyes locked with his, Berry’s gaze did not falter. “Nothing? Not even a little bit?” Why is she so serious about this? Did something happen last night? Oh Celestia. Did I do something to offend her? Please say ‘no’, please say ‘no’. I really can’t have this happen again, I just left Canterlot for Celestia’s sake! How can I get into that much trouble in one single day!? Taking a deep breath, Widget forced his twitching muscles into submission. “Nothing. Which is a bit surprising, to be honest. The only time I ever black out completely is when I drink liquid dragon’s fire.” Berry’s eyes widened for a moment; lowering her gaze towards her mug she sheepishly replied. “Oh...” “Oh?” Widget raised an eyebrow, his leg twitching again. The mare before him suddenly found her coffee mug more and more interesting as she ran her hoof along it’s rim. “There may have been... a little bit of liquid dragon’s fire in that drink you had last night...” Her voice trailing off at the end as if she had been caught doing something very naughty. “A little bit? And how much, pray tell, is a little bit?” Widget asked, keeping his voice level and calm, despite his nervous ticks. His curiosity was fueled by a growing and dreadful fear of what it may imply. Sweet Celestia, please don’t let it be like the tree house incident... Berry lowered her face, her mane covering her eyes. “Six ounces,” she admitted. “Six ounces!?” A hint of shocked horror permeating his tone. Berry winced at his reaction. Widget’s eyes widened, his hoof quickly finding his forehead to massage it. Ok, so this could have been worse than I thought... or not. I need to know what happened; hopefully I can get off with an apology to everypony involved. Maybe I don’t even have to apologize to any authorities this time! That would be great! Or even any celebrities! That would be even better! One less thing on the list of shame! Composing himself, Widget removed his hoof from his forehead and looked at Berry, connecting his gaze with hers. “Berry... I need you to tell me what happened after I drank that... thing... you gave me last night.” Berry blinked; Widget’s expression had changed dramatically in a matter of seconds from a state of shocked horror to a state of resignation. Stunned, Berry replied. “Um... well, you were very... sociable... with both Bon Bon and myself after that. Bon Bon started to get a bit... reciprocative to your ‘sociable nature’. I eventually convinced her to go home and rest since she had been drinking a bit as well. I brought you home and you got me a blanket and a pillow and asked if I needed anything. When I told you ‘No, but why would I need a pillow?’ you looked shocked and muttered to yourself. You pointed to the couch and told me that I needed to get some rest since I had shared a few drinks with you. You refused to believe that I was ‘in any condition to be walking home alone in the dark’, if I recall correctly. After that you went to your room and passed out.” Widget took in the information, picking out the meaning behind the carefully chosen words Berry spoke. Reeling his mind back into reality, Widget spoke to Berry in an apologetic tone. “I apologize if I was a bit... forward last night. I may have insisted out of habit that you sleep here. In Canterlot there’s a lot of crime that happens in the dark and I’ve known a few ponies to fall prey to muggings and the sort. It doesn’t excuse my behavior, though, and for that I’m sorry.” Widget bowed his head as he awaited the inevitable tongue lashing he was about to receive. His mind replayed the scenario that happened in the past many times. When no tongue lashing delivered itself after several seconds, he cautiously raised his head in curiousity. Berry was barely suppressing a giggle with a hoof. Her playful smirk accented the intensity in her eyes. “Oh there’s nothing to apologize for, Widget, your sense of chivalry was actually kinda cute.” A grin crossed her features as she looked off into the distance just past Widget’s head. “Although I was a bit disappointed with the fact that you immediately gave me the couch without considering... alternative accommodations...” Widget’s jaw dropped. His brain was ill-equipped to handle this new development. This was not the first time a mare had expressed interest in him; But for a mare to be so... forward about it... this is new. Luckily for Widget, the situation seemed to play itself out regardless of his inability to mentally process it. Berry gave Widget a sad smile and said, “Widget, it’s been lovely and thank you for your hospitality, but I must be going now. I have a full day of errands to run and I desperately need to shower.” Widget shook off his stupor long enough to properly reply, “Of course! Let me accompany you out.” The pair made their way to the door, Widget giving a final goodbye to Berry. Just as he was about to turn back inside, Berry caught his attention, “Oh, and Widget? I expect to see more of you at my bar, I look forward to seeing you.” With a sly smile Berry turned around and trotted off into the distance. Widget was stunned silent yet again, his brain unable to keep up with the mare’s pace. She’s going to be trouble. The thought sounded true throughout his entire being as he retreated into his home to finish his morning ritual.