Tears of Snow

by FlashKenshin77

X - Happy Birthday!

We finally left the hospital, Primrose carrying me as Storm carried Snowdrop. She was worried I’d get hurt even more, despite me and Storm trying to convince her otherwise. It was quiet in our group, my face buried in Primrose’s mane. It was comforting to hear her heartbeat, knowing that’d she’d be there to help.
It felt like the trip went by faster before we stopped outside their house and Storm opened the door, leading us inside. “We weren’t sure what you wanted to keep so we put everything in the extra room. You can go through it later but first…” Storm said as Primrose put me down and Snowdrop hopped off him. “Why don’t you and Snowdrop go relax? It’s been a hectic few days.”
“But I-” I started, only for Snowdrop to grab my hoof.
“Come on, I wanna show you something in my room.” She said, dragging me upstairs.
I sighed and let her lead me, a final glimpse of Storm and Primrose walking into the kitchen. Inside her room, instead of her desk was, a second bed had replaced it. “It was a bit cramped in the extra room and Mom thought it’d be better if we slept in the same room… E-easier to get used to the house...” She blushed, rubbing her hoof against the floor.
I chuckled. “Anywhere is better than those hospital beds, very uncomfortable.” I tried to joke.
She smiled before hugging me tightly, her face buried in my neck. I looked at her, confused, as I hesitantly hugged her back. “I’m so glad you’re back…”
I closed my eyes, resting my head against hers. “I am too…”
It was quiet in her room before she sighed and let go, wiping her eyes. “I-I’m sorry… its just been…”
“It’s alright Snowdrop, I understand. I’m sorry for putting you all through this.”
She poked me in the chest. “Don’t even start that mister.”
“But it-”
“Icy, how is it your fault? Did you tell your Dad to do what he did to you? It’s his fault. You need to stop blaming yourself for everything.”
I paused, staring into her eyes. “Y-you’re right… I do need to stop doing that. But its just so easy…”
“I know but it won’t help if you try and take all the blame. It’ll only hurt you.” She said, grabbing my hoof. “Trust me, I know…”
“Yeah…” I coughed. “So, what did you want to show me?”
She froze before quickly pulling her hoof out of mine and rushed downstairs. I blinked, not sure what to do as I heard Primrose yell at her before she reappeared, a small box on her back. She took a deep breath and shivered, grabbing the box in her hooves. She stared at the floor, her face bright red.
“Snowdrop?” I asked as she shoved the box into my hooves. I almost dropped it, it was cold. “What is it?” I looked at her.
She fidgeted, refusing to look me in the eye. “Its… um…”
“Snowdrop, what did we tal-” Primrose opened the door as we glanced up. She frowned at the box in my hooves. “Is that?”
Snowdrop hastily grabbed it from my hooves. “No! Its… it doesn’t matter.” She said, tossing it on her bed.
I scratched my head and looked at each of them. “Uh…”
Primrose smiled at me. “Lunch is almost ready, why don’t you two come down?”
“Alright!” Snowdrop grabbed my sling and dragged me out of the room, Primrose watching.
She stopped Snowdrop and gently pulled the sling out of her grasp. “Relax, you can give it to him later.” She whispered as I readjusted it, my hoof burning. She led us down the stairs and into the living room. Overhead, a ‘Happy Birthday’ was strung up along with a few balloons and a small pile of presents.
I looked at her as Storm came out of the kitchen. “What’s this?”
“It’s your birthday party… Happy birthday.” Primrose said, pulling me into a hug.
“How did you guys find out?”
“Ms. Healium told us, said we should know in case you didn’t say anything.” She said, letting go. “But why didn’t you tell us it was coming up?”
I shrugged. “I dunno, didn’t think it was that big of a deal. Its just another day.”
“It’s your birthday, of course its a big deal.”
“Well not everypony has been happy that I was born…” I said awkwardly.
“Right…” Snowdrop went quiet and Storm rubbed the back of his neck.
“Well I know several ponies that are happy you were born and are gonna celebrate it every year.”
“But…” I gulped as Snowdrop gave me a glare. I limped over and hugged both Primrose and Storm. “Thank you…”
“Don’t sweat it kid, glad we could get you outta the hospital. I hate celebrating there.”
“So what do you wanna do? It is your party.”
“I’m… not sure, I’ve never really had a party before…”
“Usually we play some games, talk, relax. Then we open presents and have cake.”
“Why don’t we do that?”
“Sounds like a plan.” He said, leading me and Snowdrop over to a pin the tail on the pony game. After explaining how to play, he let Snowdrop go first. Surprisingly she was really close, only off by a few hoofs. When it was my turn, I got so dizzy that I hit right underneath the window sill. After a few more party games that I actually knew, we finally settled down, me and Snowdrop on the couch as Storm was on the chair, Primrose in the kitchen. “So Icy, have you given it any thought what you wanna do when you grow up? You’re almost at that age now.” He said.
I thought for a moment, trying to figure out how to phrase it. “I wasn’t sure at all, never really thought about it. Then me and Snowdrop talked about it while I was in the hospital… and I found out about Mom and Dad. I’m not sure how to put this so I’ll just say it… I want to be a guard.” I said as Primrose carried in the cake.
It was awkwardly silent as Storm and Primrose stared at me, both seemed to take a second for what I said to register. “But… you can’t.” Primrose was the first to recover.
“Because I’m blind in one eye and have a limp?” I asked.
“Well…” Primrose started nervously.
“Pretty much yeah.” Storm said calmly. “Icy I was a guard once, the training is brutal and dangerous. I nearly quit several times…”
“I know but I have to.”
“Why?”
“Because… my father was a guard and I have to make sure our name isn’t dragged in the mud because of him. And…” I took a deep breath. “When I was with Dad, I was scared of the world and ignored everypony, afraid that I would do something to make Dad hurt me more. Then I met you guys and I finally saw what family truly is all about.” They smiled as I could feel my face starting to burn. “And when I was in the hospital, I wondered if there were any other ponies like me… and knew that I wanted to do everything I can to help them. I know what its like to be there and know how much just one friend helps...” I went silent, my face red.
Primrose and Storm shared a look before Storm sighed. “Well that’s… very mature of you to say. Are you sure about this?”
I nodded. “Yeah.”
“Then we’ll support you every step of the way.” Primrose said. I went to say something when my side suddenly burned and itched. I turned to look at it as something slowly materialized. My eyes widened as Primrose and Storm’s mouth opened slightly.
“What’s happening?” Snowdrop asked, looking between me and her parents.
The pain subsided as we stared at the mark on my side; it was a sightless eye, a void of dark blue as white wings sprouted at the corners. “I got… I got my cutie mark…” I muttered in awe.
“Oh what is it?”
“A eye with wings…” I said before turning to look at Primrose and Storm. “But what does it mean?”
“I… I’m not sure.” Storm said, scratching his head.
“Neither am I, I’ve never seen one like this before. Oh right!” She said, just remembering the cake on her back. She let it slide down her wing onto the table in front of me as she lit the candles and Storm quickly turned off the lights.
“Everypony ready?” She asked and they nodded. “One, two three-”

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Icy, happy birthday to you.”

They sang to me as I blushed, my face bright pink. Snowdrop scooted away from me as they were singing, hoping I wouldn’t notice. She seemed to be sad… Was it something I said?” I ignored it and kept an eye on her as I blew out the candles. Storm turned on the lights and they clapped.
Primrose quickly grabbed the candles and took them out, heading back into the kitchen for the knife, plates, and ice cream. She cut up several pieces and passed them out, Snowdrop staring at hers.
I took a bite and savored it as long as I could. Mmm… chocolate… I gobbled my piece down fast, half way through the ice cream when somepony knocked on the door.
Primrose got up and opened the door and blinked. “P-princess Celestia, what are you doing here?” She said, quickly bowing.
Everypony quickly hurried to do the same, Celestia shaking her head. “Please, no need for bowing. I’m just here to check on Icy before I leave. I was told that he went- is that cake?” She asked, staring at the chocolate cake.
“Uh yes it is your highness, its his birthday today.”
She blinked. “Oh I’m sorry Icy, I didn’t get you anything.”
“Its alright Princess, no worries.”
“Well I should let you get back to your party, I’m sorry for interrupting.”
“It’s quite alright Princess.” Primrose said.
I gulped. “Princess?”
“Yes Icy?”
I walked over to the cake and cut a slice. “Would you like a piece of cake?”
Princess Celestia blushed slightly. “Well… since you offered…” She turned to look at Primrose. “And you sure I’m not imposing?”
Primrose smiled and opened the door, letting the Princess in. “Not at all, we’ll be honored if you’ll join us.”
She looked around, graciously taking the offered cake and sitting down on the couch. Guards stood by the doorway, their gaze sweeping the house. “So Icy, how are you?”
“I’m doing a lot better now.” I said.
“I’m glad to hear that and how is the arm?”
“Was hurting earlier but it stopped now.” I chuckled.
She smiled as she took a bite of the cake. She closed her eyes and smile formed on her lips. “This cake is delicious, did you make it?” She asked.
Primrose nodded. “Cakes were one of my favorite things to bake.”
“I can see why, you must have made a fortune.”
Primrose smiled. “You could say that.”
Snowdrop got up and carefully made her way into the kitchen as I watched her silently. Celestia turned to look at me and noticed my cutie mark. “Congratulations on your cutie mark as well Icy.” She squinted. “What is it?”
“Its um… a eye with wings Princess.”
She paused, enjoying another piece of cake. “Quite interesting…”
“So you know what it is?” I asked, hoping she’d be able to explain.
“I have several ideas… but I’m afraid I can’t help you. Only you can determine what your cutie mark means.” She said, finishing the piece.
I frowned. “Of course…” Snowdrop slipped upstairs as Primrose offered Celestia another piece.
“I really shouldn’t… but… oh, who am I to resist another piece?” Celestia said, smiling as she took a bite.
“Would you like some?” Primrose offered the guards.
They shook their head. “Its alright, you two can have some.” Celestia said.
“I’m sorry your highness but we have to keep a watch while you're away from the castle.” A guard said.
She sighed. “As you wish.” She turned to Primrose and Storm. “I do apologize Storm, I wish I could’ve lessened the punishment.”
He shrugged. “Its alright Princess, I take full responsibility for my action and don’t regret what I did.”
“That may be…”
“Icy could’ve died and if being locked in the house for a month is my what I get for saving him, it won’t bother me one bit. Besides, I can use this time to teach Icy a few things about being a stallion.” He grinned.
Celestia and Primrose smiled. “I see, well, I am glad that everything worked out in the end.” She minutely motioned me to follow Snowdrop and I blinked, sure I saw her wrong. “Go on Icy.” She said quietly.
I stared at her. “Okay.” I rushed after Snowdrop.
“Quite the pair…” I heard Celestia say before I was in Snowdrop’s room.
Her window was open, a gentle breeze tugging at the curtains. I looked out the window, scanning for her. I hopped out myself, trying to stop from screaming when I hit the snow. I landed on my bad hoof and pulled myself up, gritting my teeth as waves of pain shot through my body. One hoof in front of the other… I hobbled, having an idea where she ran off too.

=

I panted, out of breath as I went back to the cloud I ran away too on the first day of school. Sure enough there she was, turned away from me, buried in a cloud. I sighed and her ear twitched, but she didn’t turn around. I hopped across the little gap and sat down next to her. We didn’t say anything, staring at the sky.
She scooted closer to me as I lifted up one of my wings and rested it on the middle of her back. “I’m sorry…” She whispered, still refusing to meet my eyes.
“It’s alright Snowy… you okay?”
She turned to look at me, her eyes red and puffy. “Are you seriously going to become a guard?”
I nodded. “Yeah, I think I have too.”
“Says who?”
“Me.”
“But Icy, it’s dangerous! Dad told me a few stories of his training days… and… and it nearly killed him!”
“I know but…” I closed my eyes. “Snowy, you taught me what one friend can do to a pony. If I can do some the same, be there for somepony that thinks no pony cares. I feel like I should.”
She was silent, closing her eyes before resting her head against mine. “O-okay… just be careful okay? I don’t like you getting hurt.”
“I’ll try Snowdrop…”
“That’s all I ask…” She sighed before her face lit up. “Why’d you stop calling my Snowy? I liked it.”
My face burned. “Well… you see… I… uh… thought you didn’t like it…” I stuttered.
“Of course I did silly.”
“O-okay…”
She gave me a hug, wrapping her hooves around my neck. “Hey Icy?”
“Yeah?”
“Do… do you remember that thing I was gonna give you?”
“Of course.”
“Can… can I give it to you now?”
“Of course you can.”
She pushed herself away from me, reaching into her wing and pulling out that box from before. She held it out for me, her hoof shaking as she gulped. I grabbed it and looked at her quizzically. “Just… open it.” She said.
I glanced at her one final time before I slowly opened the box. Inside, a simple snowflake rested on some cotton, a sheen from the liquefying ice. I looked at her. “Is this?”
“When you were in the hospital, I wished for a way to help you… a way to prove that I wasn’t useless…” She started to cry, a tear slid down her cheek. “Nothing happened and I thought they ignored me just like everypony else did and I’d lose my one true friend… but… then I heard a whisper, a small voice telling me how to make a snowflake.” She rested her hoof on mine. “That was my first one… I-I made a few others and Mom helped me pick the best one to show the Princesses. I… kept the first one… and promised if you got better…” She trailed off.
I smiled and hugged her with my good hoof, patting her back. “Thank you Snowy… its beautiful.” I whispered, staring at the jagged edges.
“But the others said-”
“It doesn’t matter what the others said. I can tell you tried your best and put all your feelings into this one. And that’s all that matters to me. I just wish I could do something for you in return…”
“W-well… I’ve been m-meaning to ask…” She said, her voice getting progressively quieter.
“Yeah?”
“Will… will you be my…” She turned away, her face and ears red.
“What?” She said something too quiet to hear. “Sorry?”
She turned around. “Will you be my… coltfriend?” She whispered.
I blinked and stared at her, my mouth opening as my face burned even more than before. “O-oh…”
“J-just ignore that! I was just kidding! You know… I…” She stuttered as I leaned in and kissed her. Her eyes widened and when I broke the kiss. she stared at me slack-jawed. She stuttered a few times, trying to find her voice. “S-so is that...?”
I smiled. “Yes.”
She squeed and hugged me tightly, the snowflake dropping onto the cloud. She wouldn’t let go, no matter how much I begged for air. Finally she let me go, standing over me as she smiled, the moonlight glinting off her mane. “You could’ve made it easier… I thought you didn’t want to be with me…”
“Sorry, was kinda caught off guard…” I gasped, reaching out to grab the snowflake. I leaned up as she nuzzled my cheek and wrapped her hooves around me.
Suddenly it felt like a shadow was draped over her, the happiness leaving her face. “Icy.”
“Yeah Snowy?”
“I… I need to tell you something.” She tensed, almost afraid I’d hit her.
“Of course. What’s up?” I asked, pulling her close.
“I… I decided to take Princess Luna up on her offer.” She said.
“Oh…” It felt like a knife stabbed my heart. I swallowed and tried to stop the tears, glad she couldn’t see them. “Why ask if your leaving?”
“Because…” She closed her eyes. “I-I wanted to show how much you mean to me… and to prove that I want to be with you.”
“Snowy… I…”
“B-but i-if you wanna break up, I understand.”
I sighed, shaking my head. “It’ll take a lot more for that to happen. I’m happy that you're going… but I’m going to miss you.” I turned to look her in the eyes. “What did Primrose and Storm say about this?”
“They were upset but understood… kinda like you actually.” She faintly smiled, hugging me again. “I… I don’t know if I made the right choice Icy…”
“One pony does until later… you just have to go with your gut.” I kissed her cheek. “I’ll be there whenever I can and I know Primrose and Storm will visit. We won’t just leave you Snowy.”
“Really?”
“Really. I wouldn’t be me if I abandoned anypony, especially my fillyfriend.”
“Thank you Icy…” She said, nuzzling her way under my chin. She sighed before looking back towards home. “We should probably be heading home huh?”
“Probably.” I said, getting up and offering her my hurt hoof. “Let’s go together.”
She nodded. “Every step of the way.” She said, her hoof gripping mine tightly as we made our way home, not letting go the entire way.

=

I opened the door for her and saw Primrose and Storm resting on the couch. They looked up as I shut the door behind us. “There you are… we were starting to worry.” Primrose said, getting up and hugging us.
“Sorry… it was-” Snowdrop started.
“It was my fault. We got into a bit of an argument…” I said, rubbing the back of my neck.
“That’s not true.”
“Not entirely false either.” I said.
She was about to retort when Primrose gently bopped us on the snouts. “That’s enough you two. Icy, you still have some presents to open.” She said, Storm picking up the few packages.
“You really didn’t have too… I mean, you already are taking care of me and letting me live here. I don’t need anything else.”
“Nonsense, everypony likes gifts.” Storm said, setting them on the couch as he forced us to sit down. “Go ahead and open.” He said, sitting down on the chair as Primrose sat on his lap.
I sighed and grabbed the first one. I ripped through the paper, revealing a small box. I opened it and it was a picture frame. I picked up the backwards frame to show a picture of the four of us, smiling at the camera in the hospital.
“I thought you’d like a happy souvenir of your time in the hospital.” Primrose smiled at me.
“Thank you…” I smiled back, placing the picture on the table and opened the next one. It was bigger and took a few moments to figure out how I was gonna open it. I finally managed to get it open, to a box. I flipped the box open and it was a Wonderbolts outfit, Rapidfire’s insignia clip on the neck. My mouth dropped. “How did…”
“Oh, he wanted to make up for not stopping your dad… thought you might like it.” Storm grinned.
I quickly stood up and slipped it on, the suit forming to my body. I winced when I went to put my bad hoof in the sleeve and Snowdrop helped me. I tried not to jump up and down, afraid I’d ruin it already. I did a few poses I saw the Wonderbolts doing, grinning the entire time.
“Looks good on you kid.” Storm chuckled.
“Thankyouthankyouthankyou!” I said rapidfire, finally caving in and hopped up and down a few times.
Everypony laughed. “Its alright kid.” Storm said, shaking his head.
I sat down next to Snowdrop and grabbed the last present. I tilted my head, the wrapping different than the others. “Whose this from?”
“Princess Celestia, she had a guard go get you something. Said she felt awful for not bringing you something.”
“She didn’t have too…” I muttered, opening the gift as we all gasped. Inside were two things, one was a dull sword, just like the guards used. Next to it sat a book titled The Wonderbolts, a history of Equestria’s mightiest defenders. “Whoa…” I said, picking up the sword.
“Be careful with that thing…” Primrose said nervously.
I put the blade down, deciding to mess with that later. I picked up the book, opening the cover to find a scroll.

Dear Icy,
Happy birthday! Sorry I was not here when you returned but I needed to get back to the castle. I heard of your plans to join the guard and I wish you the best of luck Icy. I know you will make a fine guard, a true symbol of helping innocent ponies. I decided to give you a dull sword, hoping that with practice, you can defend the ones you love. And I do hope you like the book. It was a favorite of mine.
I’ll see you soon young one. Have a wonderful rest of the day.
Princess Celestia

“She… really shouldn’t have.” I finally said, after reading the scroll out loud.
“I’ll never understand that mare.” Storm said, shaking his head.
“So Snowdrop, did you give Icy your gift?”
“Hmm…” She smiled, her cheeks pink.
“I take it he said yes?”
“That I did.” I said.
“And you know about her leaving?”
“Yeah… I’m sad that she is but we’ll still visit right?”
“Of course, not even the princesses can stop me from seeing my daughter.” Storm said.
Primroses sighed. “Alright, I think that’s enough excitement for one day. I think its time we get some sleep, we have a busy day tomorrow.”
We all nodded, getting up as we picked up the wrapping paper and plates, throwing them away and putting them in the sink respectively. Storm hugged me and Snowdrop goodnight, going into their room.
Primrose hugged Snowdrop and me. “Happy birthday Icy, I hope you had a good day.”
“It was the best birthday I’ve ever had.”
“I’m glad.” She said, kissing us on the tops of our head. “Goodnight you two.” She said, slipping into her room and shutting the door behind her.
Me and Snowdrop went into her room, shutting the door behind us. She helped me out of the Wonderbolts suit, my hoof getting in the way again. I put it at the end of my bed and placed my sling there too. I laid down on my bed, turning towards the wall and yawning.
“Goodnight Icy and happy birthday.” Snowdrop said, getting comfy in her bed.
“Thank you Snowy… and goodnight.” I said.
A few hours passed, a breeze rustling her curtains as I turned over, facing her and the window. I sighed, trying to fall asleep as a million things ran through my mind. “Icy? You awake?” Snowdrop whispered.
I opened my eye and looked at her. “Yeah, I thought you were asleep?”
“I can’t, I got too-”
“Much on your mind?” She nodded. “Yeah, same here.”
“Icy… um… do you mind if I…” She mumbled.
“C-course…” I stuttered as she quickly got up and got in my bed. She curled up next to me, our hearts racing. She sighed and closed her eyes, my wing covering her the best it could.
“Icy?”
“Hmm?”
“I… love you.” She whispered, kissing my cheek.
“I love you too.”