//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: Role Reversal // by TheGentlemanCreeper //------------------------------// “Honey... Are you awake?” You blink a few times and let out a long sigh before turning in bed to look Rarity in the eye. You can tell from the disapproving look she’s giving you that you don’t need to answer her. “You had nightmares again... Didn’t you?” Leaning up in bed, you rest your head on your hooves. “I swear, they’re so real... I woke up in the middle of the night and didn’t want to go back to sleep.” Rarity’s hooves slide along your sides and grab ahold of you, drawing you into her embrace. “That’s the third night in a row, you know. Do... Do you want to talk about them?” Resting your head into her chest, you draw in a deep breath and mentally steel yourself. “I was... back in the mental hospital I told you about. Y...” Your mouth goes dry as you try to find the words, all the while feeling her stare at you patiently. “You were there. You were telling me how much of a disappointment I was. That I was so weak for not being able to stand strong under pressure. You told me how you didn’t even want to look at me anymore. So you were leaving ‘for greener pastures’.” Rarity’s grip tightens around you and she places her lips on your forehead, kissing you gently. “Do I really have to say it?” “I know, it’s...” You find your own hooves wrapping around her waist. “I need to hear it. Please?” “Darling, I’ll always love you. And I’m not leaving you. I’m here for you, always.” You and Rarity simply stay like that, time ticking by as you enjoy each other’s embrace. “Now... Let’s go get some breakfast and start looking forward, shall we?” Her smile leaves a warm feeling in your chest and you actually manage to give her one in return. “Alright.” Getting up from bed, you and Rarity make your way down the stairs to the kitchen. “We’ll have some pancakes and there’s melon and fresh eggs in the refrigerator. We’ll-” As you step into the Kitchen, you and Rarity both come to a halt as you see Sweetie Belle with pancake batter all over her front hooves and a whisk held tight. “Hi guys!” she cries out happily. “Why don’t you sit down, I’m making pancakes!” Rarity lets out a little laugh and turns to you. “Well... Great minds do think alike.” You can’t help but chuckle under your breath. “Sweetie Belle, I think you’re going to need a hoof with the frying pan. Come on, let’s get you cleaned off a bit and then we’ll get the pancakes started. Sound good?” Rarity smiles fondly as she watches you lead Sweetie Belle to the sink and joins your side. “Hey, at least she was thinking of us.” “Yeah, I heard you having nightmares again,” Sweetie says rather matter-of-factly. “So I thought I’d make you pancakes because our mom used to make them for us when we were feeling down.” You and Rarity freeze for a moment and look down to Sweetie Belle. “You... You know I’m having nightmares?” “Yeah... I sometimes hear you talking in your sleep and it wakes me up sometimes.” Sweetie Belle says impishly. “So I thought maybe some pancakes would make you feel better! ‘Cause well... You deserve it. For being there for me and Rarity when we need it.” You take a deep breath and focus yourself, your throat going strangely tight and your eyes starting to well up. “Thanks Sweetie... I needed that.” Turning on the water, you guide Sweetie Belle’s hooves into the warm water and wash the pancake batter off. “Don’t mention it~” It takes only a few seconds for all of the batter to wash off of her hooves and into the drain. “Alright. So, let’s get the range on and we’ll-” You all perk up and turn your attention to the phone on the wall as it wailed out a ring. “I’ll get it,” Rarity says as she moves towards the phone. “You two get breakfast ready.” “Alright Sweetie, let’s just go ahead and get the pan greased up before we put the batter down. That way, they don’t stick and burn.” Sweetie Belle nods quickly and stands on her tip-toes to see onto the oven, watching intensely as you place the frying pan onto the range and apply a little oil to the center of it. “I really do need to thank you,” she says with a smile. “I learned how not to burn things now, so I’ve been cooking for my friends lately. I thought it would be my special talent, but...” Sweetie Belle glances down to the ground and lets out a long sigh. “I’ll get it eventually. I just have to be patient.” You can’t help but tussle her hair and chuckle aloud. “Very wise for somepony so young. Now, wanna learn how to flip a pancake without a spatula?” She nods as fast as her head would let her without coming off. “Yeah!” Putting a little pancake batter into the now heated pan, you let it simmer for a bit before looking over to Rarity. “Who was it?” you ask idly. “Oh, it was your doctor friend,” Rarity says as she joins your side. “He called Manehattan General and got some ‘sleep study gear’, as he put it. He wants you to come over and won’t take no for an answer this ti-” You shake your head and throw your hooves up. “Fine. I’ll call him back after breakfast and do the study.” “...Why the sudden change of heart?” Rarity asks, a hint of confusion in her voice. “I half expected to have to talk you into it.” “I hardly slept at all last night and I know, I just know I’m going to pass out the minute I lose this momentum. Not only that, but... I’ve been putting it off for too long.” Using the spatula, you send the pancake into the air and catch it deftly, making Sweetie Belle giggle aloud. “I figure if I’m going to have a nightmare again, I might as well have Bones looking me over while it’s happening.” Rarity leans in and nuzzles your cheek, all the while drawing you in for a quick little hug. “Und ich werde für dich da sein. Wie ich schon immer gewesen.” [Translation: And I’ll be there for you. Like I’ve always been.] You smile and place a kiss on her cheek just as she pulls back. “Danke.” “Oh! I know what that means! It means ‘thank you’!” Sweetie Belle exclaims with a proud smile. “Now if only I knew what else you guys were saying.” “Well... I’ve been speaking Mecklesh since I was your age. Wanna go over some words while we cook?” Sweetie Belle nods enthusiastically. “Yeah! Like... G...Glieb...Gliebter. What’s that mean?” You feel your cheeks grow a little red. “Ummm... Where did you hear that?” you ask, more than a little curious. “You called Rarity that and she smiled,” Sweetie Belle says plainly as she flips a pancake. “What’s it mean?” “Well... It’s something you call your special somepony,” you say with a shrug. “Now, why don’t we-” “And then there was Sinnlich Stute. She got all giggly and red when you called her that.” [Translation: Voluptuous Mare] By now, your face is bright red and Rarity is having a hard time keeping her composure. “W-Well... It’s something a stallion calls their special somepony who’s a mare.” Sweetie Belle nods slowly, but her face scrunches up in confusion and looks up to you.  “But what about all the things Rarity calls you when she’s screaming and-” “HEY, WHY DON’T I SHOW YOU HOW TO MAKE A PANCAKE THAT LOOKS LIKE A MOUSE?” you say with a big plastic grin as Rarity’s pupils turn to pinpricks. “I’m investing in something to soundproof our room...” Rarity mumbles under her breath as she makes her way to the refrigerator. “Welche Zeit haben Sie denken, es ist in Mecklenburg? Ich vermute, es ist letzten fünf am Nachmittag.” [Translation: What time do you think it is in Mecklenburg? I'm guessing it's past five in the afternoon.] Your ears perk up and you shoot a glance towards Rarity as you finish dabbing some pancake batter into the pan. “Speichern Sie den Wein für heute Abend, bitte. Es ist viel zu früh.” [Translation: Save the wine for tonight, please. It's far too early.]  Sweetie Belle’s head bounced back and forth as you and Rarity talk before she finally speaks up. “When are you going to teach me how to talk like you guys?” she asks with a growing smile. You and Rarity shoot each other a quick look before answering in unison. “When you’re older.” “When you’re in highschool.” “Speaking of which,” you say, trying to move the subject. “How’s school been?” Sweetie Belle just rolls her shoulders. “It’s been okay, I guess. Math has been hard, but I got everyone to help me out when it gets hard.” You nod slowly. “Good to hear. Maybe you can teach me a few things. My math is rusty after all, and it’s always good to brush up.” “Oh come on, you gotta be better at math than me! You’re like, older and stuff.” “Math was my worst subject,” you say with a little laugh. “And I’m pretty sure I wasn’t taught what you’re learning right now when I was your age.” Sweetie Belle looks up to you before slowly smiling. “Well... Alright then. I’ll get my stuff together and we’ll study together sometime. That sound good?” You give her a nod and flip another pancake out of the frying pan. “Sounds great. Now, think you know how to do this yourself?” Sweetie Belle’s eyes light up. “Do you mean it?” “I don’t see why not. You’ve been watching me like a hawk this entire time, I figure it’s only fair to let you have a go. Just remember to watch for the little bubbles, okay? That means it’s ready to be flipped.” “Alright... I can do this,” she says, psyching herself up as she pours some more batter into the pan. You step away for a moment, making sure to watch her out of the corner of your eye. Rarity takes a step forward when Sweetie Belle starts struggling with the spatula, but you put a hoof in front of her and give her a quick look. “Just watch,” you say below a whisper. With one little quick movement, Sweetie Belle manages to flip it over and looks over to both you and Rarity with a beaming smile. “I did it!” “Great job, Sweetie!” Rarity says, smiling from ear to ear. “Think you can handle the eggs, too?” “I’m sure she can,” you say, making your way for the hallway. Making your way to the bathroom, you leave the two sisters to their own devices for just a moment and look into the mirror. The stallion staring back at you was sporting a disheveled mane and was starting to grow a bit of a beard. Grabbing a pair of scissors, you start giving yourself a trim and let your mind wander. It’s just a sleep test. Nothing too serious. They’re just gonna put some wires on you and watch you sleep. The mere mention of sleep makes you let out a long yawn. “Easy.” **************************************************************** Something about the Ponyville General Hospital set you on edge. The smell of disinfectant, the way ponies would glance at you as you walked by, and just the atmosphere reminded you of a darker place. The mental hospital... you think, swallowing the lump in your throat. But you’re not there. You’re in Ponyville General. Repeat it. You’re in Ponyville General and Rarity is right by your side. You look to the side, reinforcing the fact that Rarity was right by your side. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to,” Rarity says aloud. “Not now at least.” “No, I have to...” you say, shaking your head. “I’ve been putting it off. I’ve come up with too many excuses... Besides. The sooner we get this done, the better. Maybe I can start pretending things are normal again...” Rarity nuzzled up to you, making you drop the frown you wore and start to smile. “Thank you.” “Just remember,” she said above a whisper. “You’re safe. I’ll be there for you as soon as you wake up.” You give Rarity a quick peck on the cheek before leading her over to the reception desk where Nurse Redheart sat. She looks up from her scribblings and shoots you a grin. “Ohh, you must be here for-” “Yes,” you say abruptly, feeling yourself growing a little more nervous now. “Yes. Can you, umm... Show me where I have to go and-” Nurse Redheart looks over the empty waiting room and gets to her hooves. “Certainly. Today’s slow, so we can see you right away. Just follow me.” Greeeeat... you think with a forced smile. And here I was actually hoping for a good long wait. Stepping out from behind the desk, Nurse Redheart starts her way down the hall and shoots you a look. “Something wrong?” You blink a few times and realize you were standing still and let out a little laugh. “Sorry... Zoned out there for a second. Guess I’m just really tired.” Nurse Redheart gives you another one of those warm, patient look and leads you down the end of the hallway. “It’s alright. If anything, needing a good rest will help us,” she says as she opens the door. “Just sit on the bed and I’ll go get the doctor so we can start.” As she steps away, leaving you and Rarity in a room of the hospital you’d never thought you would see. The sleep lab somehow managed to send a chill up your spine as you sat down on the bed. White walls, white floor, white ceiling, white bed, white sheets. Something about it just felt... wrong. “Something wrong, dear?” Rarity asked as she took a seat next to you on the bed. “Are you-” “I just... I’m just on edge, I think. I’m used to treating ponies, not-” “Ahh! Fritz!” You turn towards the door just in time to watch the doctor start wheeling in a tower of machinery taller than him. “Just gimmie a second to plug this thing in...” “Bones, what the hell is that?” you ask, your eyes running up and down the contraption a few times. “I thought you were just gonna take some sleep readings.” He turns to you, a big grin plastered across your face. “I am. This polysomnogram takes more precise readings than any other machine on the market and we’ve got it for the next few days. We’ll be able to see down to the millisecond when you enter REM sleep. Are you ready?” You look over the machine and let out a long sigh before shooting him a tired grin. “...Alright. Let’s get this over with.” “Okay then... Just lay back in bed and we’ll get you all set up,” he says before pulling a number of wires and sensors. Ohhh boy... Suddenly, this is a lot scarier than I thought it would be... you think as Bones starts securing a band around your arm. Just as you take a deep breath, Rarity takes your hoof into hers and squeezes it tight. “Just relax,” she says with warm smile. “And remember, if you’re a good boy, you’ll get a lollipop when we’re done. You can’t help but laugh aloud and shake your head. “Aww, but you said we were going out for ice cream.” You and Rarity both share a good laugh, all the while the doctor places a number of sensors along your head, face, and neck. “Alright... That about does it,” he says, taking a step back. By now, you had more than half a dozen wires connected to you and it did nothing to help your anxiety. “I feel like an unlucky lab-rat...” you mumble under your breath. Leaning in, Rarity places a quick kiss on your lips and runs a hoof through your mane. “You’ll be fine. Just sit back and try to relax.” “Yeah. Also, there’s no deadline when you have to fall asleep. In fact, the longer you stay up, the better the baseline we get,” he says, double checking everything on the machine. After a few seconds, it starts printing paper with a number of different colored lines. “Alright! We’re good. Now Fritz, I’ll be in my office and doing my rounds. If you need anything, anything at all, don’t be afraid to ask.” You give the doctor a grin and chuckle. “Don’t worry. I will.” Leaning back in bed, you let out a long yawn before looking over to Rarity. “Well... Any time now, I’m going to be out like a light.” Your eyelids were already starting to feel so heavy as the pillow molded around your head. “I know... Now, just try and relax like the doctor said. I’ll be here for you every step of the way.” You look up to Rarity and feel another of those big, goofy smiles growing on your face. “What did I ever do to deserve you? I-” **************************************************************** “-would like a glass of glass of champagne, please.” The stallion holding up the silver tray of champagne glasses stops mid stride and looks down his nose at you before lowering the tray down. “Thank you.” Grabbing a hold of the slender crystal glass, you swirl it for a second before taking a little swig. Scanning the crowd of ponies, you spot Nurse Redheart standing next to one of the tables where a rather extravagant looking cake stands. “Well good to see you here, Nurse.” You smile from ear to ear and stand by her side. “Great party, huh?” Nurse Redheart doesn’t pay you much mind and simply stares down at her own champagne glass. Feeling a little awkward, you try to break the silence. “How’s work?” That gets her attention and she turns her head towards you. “It’s fine. My boss takes care of me.” You blink in confusion. “W-What?” You sputter out, your grip loosening around you glass, causing it to fall the floor and shatter. The conversations stop and the room goes deathly quiet, all eyes now focused on you. “How could you not notice how she looked at her? You know what? Don’t even answer. I don’t think I can even look at you now.” You feel your jaw go slack as you watch Nurse Redheart walk towards the exit, a few ponies in the crowd following her. Taking a deep breath, you try to steady your shaking hoof. Reaching into your jacket, you fumble around, trying to find a handkerchief. Your vision is obscured as a white cloth bounces in front of your face. Looking up at the white stallion in front of you, you breathe a sigh of relief. “Bones... Thank you.” “Save it. This is the last favor I do for you.” By now, your whole body is trembling. “W-What? What’s going on Bones, I-” “And stop calling me that. I never really did like that pet name, you know. It makes me sound like all I’m good at is chopping up ponies. But you heard me,” he said, throwing the handkerchief into your chest. “I’m done. All I ever do is help you get out of your own messes. From college to Ponyville, all I’ve ever done is clean up after your messes. Well I’m done. I’m tired and I’m done.” “Bones, wait!” you call out as he stomps away, leaving you to clean up your mess. With a heavy heart, you bend down and start to mop up the spilled champagne, doing your best to avoid cutting yourself on the glass. “I wish you never met her.” Your head jerks up and you find yourself looking eye to eye to Sweetie Belle, who is looking at you with disdain. “I wish I never met you.” You feel your throat tighten and you try to squeak something out, anything, but Sweetie Belle bounds off before you can even say a single word. “It’s... It’s okay...” You say aloud, trying to steady yourself. You blink rapidly, doing your best not to tear up. There were less ponies looking at you now, but that didn’t matter. “I just... I just gotta clean this up. That’s it.” You gently scoop the pieces of broken glass into the handkerchief and start looking around for a garbage can, only to bump into another familiar pony. “You forgot about me.” A young blue mare stops you dead in your tracks, her eyes burning into you. “You said you’d help me. But you let them take me. When I needed you the most, you weren’t there.” “C-Crystal... I called around... I couldn’t find you, I-” She tears her eyes away from you and looks on ahead, leaving you standing there as she makes her way for the door. “I... I...” “Coming to you was the biggest mistake of my life. I can’t believe I asked you for advice.” “Twilight! I-” “You ruined my marriage, you asshole! What makes you think you know anything about relationships?!?” “Rainbow! Wait, I-” Both mares stomp off, taking with them the rest of the crowd until there are only three ponies in the room. You. And your parents. “M...Mutter? Vater?” [Translation: Mother? Father?] “Wir sind sehr enttäuscht von dir.” [Translation: We are very disappointed in you.] “A-Aber es ist nicht meine Schuld! Bitte Vater!” [Translation: But it’s not my fault! Please father!] “Sie sind eine Schande für die ganze Familie! I have no son!” [Translation: You are a shame to the whole family!] You cry out to them, but they don’t hear you. They turn their back on you, leaving you by yourself. Your legs give out from underneath you and you collapse to the floor, lying on your side. “They’re gone... They’re all gone...” you mumble, hot tears running down your face. “I have nothing...” Your eyes drift along the floor until you spot something close to your head. A single diamond. Marquise. “Except this diamond,” you say weakly. “It’s just me... Me and my diamond...” Closing your eyes, you drift off, away from it all. **************************************************************** Slowly, your eyes slowly flutter open and you find yourself looking into a set of big, blue eyes. “Are you okay, darling?” You swallow the lump in your throat and weakly wrap your hooves around her. “I... No... No I’m not.” “Then I’m here for you. Always and forever, I’ll be there for you.” You lean forward and place your lips onto Rarity’s and give her a quick little kiss. “Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you... I wish I could show you just how much I love you.” You lean in for another kiss, yet this one lasts a little longer and your hooves start to across her body, hitting all the right spots to make her shiver and squirm with excitement. “H-Here?” Rarity asks, her voice filled with fear and a hint of excitement. “B-But... I don’t think...” “Ahem!” Both you and Rarity jump slightly, with the latter sitting upright and attempting to hide her blush. “H-Hey Bones...” you say with a bit of embarrassment, rubbing the back of your head. “So, umm... What’s the news?” The doctor starts gathering up the mound of paper the machine spat out and starts looking it over, somewhat pleased. “Well, nothing yet. Right now, I need to sit down with your somnograph and spend the next few days picking it over,” he says with a tired laugh. “But I will want you to come in tomorrow for another sleep test, okay?” What? I thought... Again? He seriously wants to do this again? You lean back in bed and let out a long sigh and curse under your breath. “Verdammnt...” [Translation: Damn] “If you want, you can talk to Nurse Redheart and she can schedule your next appointment.” Shaking your head, you get to your hooves and shrug. “Alright then.” “Well Bones, I’ll... See you soon, I guess.” You walk out of the room with Rarity hot on your heels. “Well... That went well, all things considering,” she says with a little laugh. “So, what do you feel like doing for supper, darling?” “I have no idea, to be honest. Whatever is good.” Walking up to Nurse Redheart’s desk, you give her a little smile. “Can you schedule me for my next appointment around the same time as this one?” She smiles back and opens up a rather large planner. “Well sure I can, just give me one moment...” As you stand there, you feel your ears twitch and pick up on what somepony thought was a quiet conversation. “You see that?” the stallion in the waiting room whispers. “That’s him. He’s the one who went batty...” “Poor thing, really... I can’t help but feel bad for his mare, too. I mean, just imagine having to take care of him.” Your throat starts going dry and you feel your eyes grow wet. “I-Is there anyway we can hurry this up? I’m, uh, I’m kind of in a hurry.” You can almost feel Rarity tense up next to you. Nurse Redheart looks up from her planner and gives you a patient. “Well, certainly... I can pencil you in for the day after tomorrow, same time. Sound good?” “Yes, yes. That’s perfect. It was nice seeing you Nurse, have a nice day.” Turning on your heels, you make your way for the door as quickly as you can without it making it look like you were running. You just make it out into the streets, only to bump into another stallion. “I-I’m sorry,” you manage to sputter out. The stallion in question looks to you and you can see a flash of recognition in his eyes. He doesn’t say a word, but his mouth does contort slightly before he walks off. The way he looked at you, it looked like a mix of embarrassment and... something else. You couldn’t quite place it. You continue walking through the streets, only to jump slightly when Rarity joins your side and speaks up. “What was that all about? What’s going...” She stops when she sees your face and leans in close, talking below a whisper. “Are you having an episode?” You felt your jaw tighten and you started walking forwards. “Ich bin völlig in Ordnung.” [Translation: I am perfectly fine.] “Legen Sie sich nicht zu mir. Du bist nicht die in Ordnung. Jetzt sagen Sie mir, was beunruhigt dich.” [Do not lie to me. You are not fine. Now tell me what is troubling you.] You open your mouth, but quickly close it when you pass by another couple, their eyes darting to you, then Rarity, and back to you. Both of them wearing the same expression the stallion had. That’s when it finally hits you like a ton of bricks. Poor thing. They pitied you. You felt yourself freeze up in the streets of Ponyville, your legs shaking slightly as your head whipped around. Each pony you looked to quickly looked away, acting as if nothing was happening, but you saw it. That look. You wanted to run. You wanted to hide. But you were locked up. They’re watching me... you think, your chest tightening up at the thought. They’re watching me and pitying me. The couple on the bench behind you, the mare at the market stall, the stallion sweeping the porch. You saw them when you passed, but even with them to your back, you could feel their eyes burn into you. They were judging you. “Darling, you’re going to start walking. Now.” You look to your side and see Rarity standing there, her own eyes burning into you. “I have no idea what is bothering you right now, but we’re going to go home and we’re going to talk about it like two adults. Okay?” You swallow the lump in your throat and nod dumbly. “I, uh... I... Rarity....C-Can I lean against you?” “Of course you can,” she says with a smile. “Is there any rea-” “Two reasons,” you whisper hoarsely. “First, so I don’t collapse.” “Second?” “Second... Is so I don’t run and make a scene.” Rarity bumps up next to you and stares at you with her big, blue eyes and for a moment, you feel just a little bit better. Leaning against your mare, you let out a sigh and start walking down the street. The fifty feet from the street corner to the boutique was the longest fifty feet of your life. Every passing glance, every word spoken by a stranger; it was all you could do not to snap and scream at them or barrel home and never look back. But you stayed by Rarity’s side and finally made it to sanctuary, lasting a whole ten seconds before breaking down. “Oh sweet gods above, they all think I lost it...” you moaned out as you collapsed on to the floor. “They don’t see me as a stallion anymore, they see a mad-pony... A deranged mad-pony who needs to be sectioned...” You didn’t even make it halfway to the floor before Rarity rushed to your side, holding on to you as you shook. “I don’t know if I can leave the house knowing that Rarity...” you snivel aloud, nuzzling your face into her chest to hide your tears. “I’m...I’m... Oh gods...” “Shh... Shhh... They don’t matter,” she coos in your ear. “Those that mind don’t matter and those that matter don’t mind.” You shake your head. “It’s... It’s easy to think that way, but... putting it into practice is another thing. I wish I could just...” Another sigh of frustration and you get to your hooves. “I care what other ponies think of-” “Now, that’s no way to think darling!” Rarity started, her brow furrowed. “You shouldn’t-” “I care what other ponies think of you! They look at me and then they see you! This beautiful, perfect mare who’s staying with a disjointed, mad-” All you could do was yelp out in a mix of surprise and fear when Rarity lurched out and grabbed you by your shoulders. “Don’t you dare say another word,” she hissed out, her words like venom. “If you do, I’ll never forgive you.” You swallow the lump in your throat and manage to squeak out one word. “Okay.” “Good. Now listen. You are not ‘disjointed’. You are simply in a bit of a rough patch at the moment. It’s nothing we can’t handle. We just need to take a step away, and...” Everything else turns into white noise. A step away... Your mind rushes with the possibilities until you’re grinning from ear to ear, looking like a true madpony. “W-What? What is it?” Rarity asks you look to her, still smiling. “A step away,” you say calmly. “That’s what we need to do. We need to take a step away from it.” “It?” “It. All of it. Let’s get away from Ponyville for a week. You, me, Mecklenburg. A vacation away from all of it.” Rarity’s eyes go wide and she starts getting to her hooves. “D-Darling? Are you sure that’s the best idea?” she asks, her voice full of trepidation. “I mean... You aren’t exactly-” “Rarity.” Still kneeling down, you grab ahold of one of her hooves and kiss it lightly. “I’ll be just fine. Do you wanna know why?” You let the question linger in the for a few seconds before trailing a series of kisses up her leg until you reach her shoulder. “I’ll be fine because you’ll be there. You’re my rock.” “I-I... Ohhhh my...” By now, Rarity was melting in your hooves, each kiss followed by a little playful nip that made her shiver in your grasp. “So what do you say?” You look her square in the eyes, a playful grin on your face. “A vacation sound good?” The question snaps Rarity out of her stupor and she clears her throat. “W-Well... If we do, and I’m not saying we are, then I’d like there to be a few conditions.” You remain silent and continue to kiss her neck, making her squeak aloud. “O-One!” she gasps out, “You are to be cleared by your doctor. If he says you are in no position to be leaving Ponyville, then you stay.” “Done.” You punctuate the word by biting the spot between her neck and shoulder, making her legs almost buckle out from underneath her. “T-Two...” she moans out, her tail twitching frantically. “If anything happens and I f-feel we need to get back to Ponyville... The we leave. No arguing.” “By your command.” By now, Rarity is doing her best to remain stoic, but you can tell that she’s just one good push from being sent over the edge. Leaning up, you grab ahold of her ear in your teeth and nip it ever so gently, making Rarity cry aloud. “T-Threeeeee!” You gasp out in surprise as she grabs you and brings you in for a deep, rough kiss. Not one of passion, but one of lust. “Three...” she pants out, breaking the kiss for a moment. “Upstairs. Bed. Now.” Before you can even open your mouth, Rarity’s horn glows and envelopes you in her magical aura. Ohhh boy... I think I pushed too many buttons, you think with a nervous grin as she carries you upstairs, her eyes half glazed over with lust. She unceremoniously tosses you onto the bed and jumps on you, licking her lips. “Ohhh yeah... Too many buttons...” **************************************************** “Hey, uh... Nurse Redheart? Is Bones busy at all?” Nurse Redheart’s gaze moves away from whatever papers were in front of her to you. “Oh my goodness! Are you alright?” You limp into the waiting room of Ponyville General and give her a smile. “Yup. Perfectly fine. I, uh... I fell. A couple of times.” She raises a single disbelieving eyebrow at you. “I just need to talk to him. Is he busy?” “No, no...” she says, giggling aloud with a light blush. “He’s in his office. Go right on ahead...” You give her a smile and start to make your way down the hallway.. “You stud, you...” You blush furiously and do your best not to look back at her. Oh dear... Is it that obvious? Grabbing a hold of the doorknob, you walk into the doctor’s office and smile. “Got a second?” The white stallion looks up from the stack of paper and gives you a smile. “Ahh! Fritz! Just the stallion I wanted to see.” Getting up from his chair, he carries over the papers and almost thrusts them into your face. “I think I’m on to something.” You look at the papers, confused for a second before you realize that it’s the somnograph. “Really?” You can’t hide the excitement in your voice. “What’s going on? What did you find?” “Two things. First, look here.” He points a hoof at a large red spike along the paper. “Right here. When you first came in, you were having night terrors. All the classic symptoms of ‘em. But now? You’ve just been having plain old nightmares.” “Huh... Alright then. So, we know I’m having full blown night terrors, not just nightmares. And that they... stop abruptly?” The unicorn shrugs. “I don’t know... It’s odd. It’s a very sharp decline. Your heart rate was through the roof, your breathing was erratic, and then all of a sudden, it just starts to stabilize. As for the second thing, Twilight Sparkle found mentions of the same kind of mixture Nurse Careheart gave you in an old medical textbook. We’re following up that lead and trying to get in touch with the pony who wrote it. In the mean time, I want to run a few more tests. Zecora has a few remedies from Zebrica and we need another blood sample.” You grimace at those words and sigh aloud. “Umm... Bones? To be honest, I was about to ask you if I could... Leave.” “Leave? Why would you want to leave the office, you just-” “I mean, leave Ponyville. I was thinking of taking Rarity and going on vacation for a week. You know, get away from it all for a while.” That stops him. He looks you in the eye and his face drops slightly. “Fritz... I really don’t think leaving Ponyville right now is the best idea right now. I mean, you were hallucinating not too long ago. What do you think’s going to happen when you’re out in some strange city and you need medical attention? I don’t want some quack looking you over and sectioning you.” You open your mouth to protest, but close it slowly. “Well... Alright then,” you say, a little crestfallen. “I promised Rarity I wouldn’t fight your decision. So, where does that leave us? What happens now?” “Umm... Well, your next visit. But, uh, Fritz-” “When’s the next best time for you?” The stallion goes quiet for a few moments before letting out a long sigh. “The 27th.” “So next week then?” “Yeah. Go talk with Nurse Redheart and tell her I need some blood work for you done. After that...” He lingers for a moment before putting a hoof on your shoulder. “I wanna see you as soon as you get back.” Your ears perk up and you look to him shocked. “Back?” “Yeah. After everything that’s happened to you, I think you deserve a vacation.” You can’t help but smile excitedly. “Thank you Bones, I-” “But you better promise me you’ll get your ass back on the first train if something happens, alright?” he barks out, his tone changing quickly. “I don’t want to hear that you spent the majority of your vacation hospitalized.” You nod quickly. “I’ll keep in touch with you Bones, I promise. If I so much as sneeze, you’ll know.” He gives you a warm smile and nods back. “Good. Now that that’s out of the way... Why are you limping?” “Ummm... Uhhh...” You give him a nervous blush and a laugh. “Yeah... funny story.” ************************************************************ “You sure you have everything this time?” “For the tenth time, yes.” Rarity answers with a bit of a huff. “It wasn’t that much of an issue... And besides, how can I go to Mecklenburg without my dirndl?” “Or your designer belt... Or your designer sunglasses,” you add dryly. “But I’m just asking again so that you don’t have a little fit when we actually get on the train this time.” “Well, that’s good because I have everything I need,” she says with a smug smile. After a few seconds, her smile grows warmer and she nuzzles her head into your neck. “And I mean it. I have everything I need.” The little bit of anger you had for being forced to run back and forth between the Carousel Boutique and the train station melted away. “Love you too.” Walking onto the train platform, you feel yourself smile as you the steam engine barrel towards you, its whistle cutting through the air. You can’t help but sing aloud. “Tuff tuff tuff, die Eisenbahn!” [Puff, puff, puff, the train!] Everypony on the station looks to you, some with a curious look on their face, others with shock at the sudden outburst. “Wer will mit zu Oma fahren?” [Who wants to come with us to Oma's?] Putting a hoof around Rarity’s shoulder, you draw her in close as the train pulls into the station. “Alleine fahren mag ich nicht!” [I don't want to go alone,] “D'rum nehme ich die Rarity mit!” [So, I'll take Rarity with me.] Rarity blushes and leans up, planting a little kiss on your cheek. “You should sing more often,” she says, smiling from ear to ear. You open your mouth to say something, but are quickly cut off by the ticketmaster's booming voice. “Mecklenburg! All aboard for Mecklenburg!” “That’s us!” Rarity bounds ahead, leaving you with her luggage. You watch as she disappears into a nearby coach, only for her to poke her head out. “Are you coming or not?” “Yeah, yeah! I’m on my way!” With a kick in your step and a smile, you climb on to the train and smile. “Mecklenburg... Here I come.”