//------------------------------// // Unburn Our Bridges // Story: Never Dream // by Ximer //------------------------------// Isabella stared at Discord, both seated at a hilariously small table by comparison to their body types and sizes. Fluttershy’s eyes shifted between the two, waiting for one of them to speak, so far neither one had said anything since they sat down. Fluttershy cleared her throat with a cough, giving Discord a light kick to the shin. To the lord of chaos it felt more like a poke, Fluttershy wasn’t the strongest pony there was, but he understood what she was wanting from him. “So…” Discord said, unsettlingly serious in tone. “So…” Isabella returned, her arms crossed beneath her “Well this has been just an eye opening experience with you Isabella, we really should do this more often. Sometime around never againuary?” Discord asked. “Cute, but you’re the reason we’re here to begin with.” Isabella growled. “Both of you, stop! I-I mean…it’d be nice if you could stop fighting.” Fluttershy’s confidence died down almost instantly. “Fluttershy this was a bad idea, we’re not even two minutes into this little intervention and he’s already wanting to walk away. You tried, I’m sorry.” Isabella said, trying to stand up from the small chair. “I agree with her for once.” Discord nodded. “But…but….you can’t stay mad at each other. You said he was one of your best friends Discord, she’s his sister. Doesn’t that count for something?” Fluttershy asked, holding his lion arm. “I doubt they’re friends anymore Fluttershy. Why were you in his room anyways?” Isabella asked. Discord looked down at Fluttershy’s pleading eyes. No matter how disconnected he pretended to be, this mare knew how to pull at his heart. The puppy dog eyes worked every time, it was his greatest weakness. “Because of something we both share, before you ever arrived in Equestria.” Discord said. With a snap of his fingers a VIP pass appeared on the table. “Why did you take this?” Isabella asked angrily. “He didn’t, Discord offered to go with Daniel when nopony else was free to go with him to that concert.” Fluttershy spoke up, defending him. Isabella was surprised by this little tidbit of information. It still didn't make up for nearly killing her brother, how was she supposed to just forget about that because he felt guilty? Still, a promise was a promise, and if Discord was going to play ball now, she was obligated to as well. "Okay, so you and my brother are friends, or were anyways. What difference does that make on the situation?" Isabella asked. An idea formed in Discord's twisted mind. He recalled what Daniel had told him to give her, a red newt with green fungus covering three toe-no that wasn't right. It was the other thing he was supposed to remember, something about green icing. "We still are, I talked to him just the other day." Discord said as a matter of factly. “How’d that turn out?” Isabella chuckled, expecting some sort of negative response. “He said you would know what this means. I assume it’s some sibling code?” Discord replied with a snap of his fingers. A small box appeared in the center of the table. It seemed inconspicuous enough, no tricks or gags, just like Daniel had said. Discord found such an opportunity a waste, but if he really thought this would help then it was worth a shot. He despised being this serious about any situation, but he was capable of focusing long enough to see something through. “I’m not falling for some spring loaded pie trap.” Isabella huffed. “Spring loaded pie trap? Do you really think I’m that unimaginative?” Discord snapped. “Why don’t you open it then?” Isabella asked with a smirk. “Both of you stop!” Fluttershy exclaimed, blushing afterwards. “I-I mean, I’ll open it, if that would make things better.” The timid pegasus opened the box and smiled. She turned it around for Isabella to look inside, no traps or gags, only an oddly decorated cupcake. One would assume it was Pinkie Pie’s creation, were it not for both Isabella and Fluttershy witnessing Discord summon the pastry from some chaotic void. Isabella was silent as she stared at the cupcake. Exactly three sprinkles, on top of a rather off putting layer of green icing. Hesitantly, she wiped a small portion of the icing away, revealing the delicious red velvet beneath. Three was such an odd number, and Discord had said he talked to her brother, but did he really know why this particular combination was special? “Isabella?” Fluttershy gently placed a hoof on the humans’s shoulder. “A-are you okay?” “I’m fine…did he tell you why this was special?” Isabella asked, staring at Discord expectantly. “No, I was hoping you could explain. I’m not one to complain about odd taste in pastries, the odder the better, but even I’m a bit confused on this one.” Discord confessed. “One time when I was snowed in with my brother, I had the brilliant idea to try and bake something. I had seen my mom do it, so I figured I should be able to as well. I ended up making a mess and pretty much destroyed the kitchen. Needless to say, that didn't sit well with my parents." Isabella explained. Discord remained silent, he had a few hundred witty comments he could make, but he was under the impression there was some sort of point to all this rambling. He manipulated his tail tuff into a miniature hand to serve as a catalyst for his power, changing one of Fluttershy's humming birds that was about to be devoured by a feral hawk into an eagle. "I was grounded and had nothing to do but cry myself to sleep. All I wanted to do was be like my mom and do what she could. I woke up to my brother setting this hideous looking cupcake in front of me. We both ended up being grounded since he made a mess too, but I'll never forget what he said..."At least we've always got each other." Isabella finished. Discord heard a quiet sniffle and looked over at Fluttershy. She had wiped a tear away, being easily moved by the story. He had a better understanding now, that Isabella wasn't just some hothead; the bond she and her brother shared was a powerful one. "I'm sorry, he's my little brother. He's put up with bullies, heartache, and his fair share of difficulties I'm sure he hasn't even told me about. What kind of sister would I be if I just ignored him now? I did enough of that in our adult years." Isabella confessed. "I can't say I relate, I've no close relatives to speak of," another gentle kick from Fluttershy urged Discord to mind his words. "But I dislike the idea of being at odds with a close friend's family member...I'd like to start over." It took every ounce of willpower Discord had to force the words from his mouth. He had unfathomable power at his disposal, immortality, and cottony candy clouds that pegasi couldn't control without getting an upset stomach. Still, having one more friend was better than having one more enemy, and until Twilight found a way to fix Daniel, Isabella was his only source of human related entertainment. "This doesn't make us friends Discord...but I'll stop with the cuts and insults." Isabella sighed, even though deep down she still wanted to take a swing at him, she remembered what Fluttershy had said to her at the party. It was time to start letting things go. --- “Okay Cloudchaser, you’ve made it this far,” Cloudchaser said to herself as she exited the train. “Now all you have to do is find him.” She retrieved the letter Isabella had sent her from her saddle bag, scanning over the part which detailed his current address. She wasn’t the best at finding ponies by address alone, but Isabella had wrote down the name of the building. She at least had something to go on now. Cloudchaser ascended into the air above the station, flying towards the busier part of the bustling city. It was culture shock for the mare. She was used to the background chatter of the market place in Ponyville, not the deafening sounds of alarms, doors slamming, ponies shouting at one another, and the high pitched whistles of factories. “How can anypony think straight with all of this nonsense?” Cloudchaser mumbled, scanning the area for one building in particular. The building she was looking for was called Golden Bay Apartments. She had heard the name tossed around before, but had no idea why Daniel would have chosen such a location to call home, or how he could afford such a place. Note Worthy had taken a trip with a band to Las Pegasus once and complained about prices when he returned to Ponyville. “There you are!” Cloudchaser cheered, finally spotting the building’s large sign. Her joy was doused when she reminded herself what she had come for. It was easy to talk about winning over somepony’s affection, but the thought of actually trying to court him made her nervous now. Cloudchaser couldn’t understand why, things had been so easy when she was treating him like a normal stallion. As she considered this, her flight speed dropped uncharacteristically low for the mare. Don't panic Cloudchaser, don't panic...oh no! The flower! Cloudchaser quickly forgot her own advice and frantically checked both saddle bags for the flower she had received from Roseluck yesterday. She let out a sigh of relief when she pulled out its container, which was soothingly cool to the touch. Within was a carefully cut flower that had a preservation spell cast on it. If treated delicately, the flower could last at least a year. Cloudchaser was holding onto the hope that she wouldn't need it for long, but the prevalent fear of it being rejected was still a possibility. A stallion could always turn a mare down, Daniel was a special case. Isabella had said he didn't mind flowers, but he wasn't expecting any kind of gift. How was she supposed to let him know she was interested in him? Would he find it offensive in his culture? Cloudchaser looked at the flower's container once more, ultimately deciding to try the courtship ritual. She was getting ahead of herself anyways; she had to make sure he was actually staying at the complex. The Golden Bay could pass for a hotel, it even sounded like one. It made Cloudchaser wonder if signals had gotten crossed somewhere between the paper work when the building was being built as to what it was supposed to be. Its occupants probably didn't mind of course, but it did make it one of the stranger apartments in Equestria, and more luxurious. The flow of ponies coming in and out of the building was low, not surprising on a Saturday. In Ponyville not much of anything occurred on Saturday, unless Twilight and her friends stirred something up, then things got interesting. "Well, this is the place. Which floor is he on though..." Cloudchsaer's eyes bounced from window to window, tracking the floors in the process. She stopped at the fifth floor when she felt a light nudge against her left foreleg. "Are you lost ma'am?" asked a young colt, smiling brightly. "Sort of...I'm trying to find somepony very special. He's got a weird name though, so I'm not sure if you would know him." Cloudchaser replied. "Oh...well I know a pegasus with a weird name, if that helps?" the colt offered. "Oh really? So what's this pegasus' weird name then? Pretty sure the pony I'm looking for has him beat." Cloudchaser chuckled. "Daniel, he works for my Dad. He's been getting faster and-" the colt continued to ramble on, about what Cloudchaser wasn't sure, only one word registered with her, Daniel. "You said Daniel? Does he really live here? What floor?" Cloudchaser asked, barely able to contain her excitement, and growing anxiety. "Um, up on the tenth floor...are you his marefriend that Lean Streak talked about?" the colt asked. "I don't know about a Lean Streak, but...can you keep a secret?" Cloudchaser asked, cocking an eyebrow suspiciously at the colt, who nodded eagerly. The mare looked around to make sure nopony was paying too much attention to her as she reached into her saddle bag, retrieving a small box. Cloudchaser opened it just enough for the colt to see inside, a beautiful, pale persian blue flower. "Whoa..." the colt said, as the trapped cold air mixed with the warm temperature of city, creating an alluring, sweet smelling mist. "You're a funny little colt, what's your name?" Cloudchaser giggled. "S-Star Sprint." the colt blushed, pawing his hoof at the ground. "Well it was nice talking to you Star Sprint. Tenth floor, right?" Cloudchaser asked. "Yuh huh, his door says one zero four nine." Star Sprint replied. Before Cloudchaser could say thank you, Star Sprint was already darting towards a scooter. She never did see the appeal of them, but that's what wings were for. She knew one filly had one in Ponyville, but never thought much of it. Cloudchaser found the elevator in the lobby; she should have known he would be towards the top of the building. Pegasi had an affinity for high places, it was a universal trait that often gave the impression of arrogance, but in reality it had to do with security. Even she had to admit that she slept better at the Wonderbolt’s Academy than her own home in Ponyville, simply because it was high above the ground. “He’ll be just as nervous as me…probably more nervous than me…you can do this…you can do this.” Cloudchaser quietly chanted as the slow ride up to the tenth floor began. She secretly hoped that more passengers would board the traveling elevator, but there was no such luck as a soft ding indicated that the elevator was passing the fifth floor. Her heart was starting to beat faster as she passed the seventh floor, her only company being her doubts and fears. “…moment of truth.” Cloudchaser said to her reflection in the polished metal. Her double disappeared as the double doors slid open, revealing a hallway with red carpet and assorted potted plants and paintings. For all its glamor, to the mare, it may as well have been on fire and crumbling as she hesitantly stepped past the cold doors. Cloudchaser looked for the correct door number, knowing that with each door she passed over, she was drawing closer to Daniel’s room. She had come this far, there was no point in turning back now, and it would be a waste of bits if she did. At long last, she stood in front of room one zero four nine. Cloudchaser pressed her ear to the door and listened, picking up movement from beyond the door, he was home. Steeling herself, she tapped the door once before pulling away in the hopes that he didn’t hear her. “I can’t do this...this is stupid.” Cloudchaser mumbled. “What’s stupid?” the voice sent a chill down the mare’s spine. The stallion Cloudchaser saw was much different from when she last saw him. His muscles were more defined now, but his aura was still soft and gentle like she remembered. It was him, Daniel. --- It had been a long day of training, and true to his word Lean Streak kept the insults limited to me. They weren’t as hurtful now that I knew why he pushed me so hard, but even he was starting to admit I was getting faster. Start Sprint had stopped by after he got out of detention. He was a good kid, and was curious about my old world. He still found it hard to believe that I was actually an alien, but found most of the stories about my world interesting. Talking about my old world wasn’t enough to take my mind off the looming race, my first. Time was flying by quickly, and I was feeling pretty confident about my chances of doing well. Of course Lean Streak had said feeling confident meant squat if you couldn’t win, and then proceeded to increase the number of wingups that day by twenty. What sounded like a tap at the door caught my attention. Star Sprint hadn’t forgotten anything, and Track Pace was busy with Sky Mark ruling him out as a possibility. “This is stupid.” A muffled voice said as I pressed down on the door knob. “What’s stupid?” I asked, the mischievous side of me hoping to catch…oh. Cloudchaser was now staring back at me. I felt my heart skip a beat as I stood there, stupefied by the mare who had caused a great deal of emotional conflict. My brain was ordering me to say something, but my mouth wouldn’t respond, sealed shut out of fear of saying something I’d regret. “Um…hi.” Cloudchaser managed to choke out. “H-hi…” I replied. “Can I-“ “Would you-“ we said in unison, cutting each other off. “You go-“ “You first-“ again we both decided to try and talk at the same time, adding to the awkward moment. “Do you want to come in?” I asked quickly. “Yes! I mean, yes, thank you.” Cloudchaser blushed. I couldn’t help but sneak a quick glance at her flank as she walked past me. I gave myself a mental slap, reeling my self-control back in as quickly as I could. Still, she was perfect, and it was hard not to rush in and hug her right then and there to let her know how much I missed her. "So, how's Ponyville?" I asked casually. "Same ol' same, unless you feel like talking Twilight into finding some ancient curse to cast on everypony," Cloudchaser pawed at the soft carpet nervously. "What have you been doing lately?" "Well, after things went south, I got a visit from a unicorn named Track Pace," her ears perked up at the mention of my friend's name. "He wanted me to come here and be some racer. I thought it was a joke at first, but here I am." "Racer huh?" Cloudchaser asked, tracing a hoof along my foreleg, up to my chest. "That explains all this then. I guess they've been working you pretty hard?" "Sort of," I said, my muscles occasionally twitching when she passed over a sensitive or sore area with her hoof. "Cloudchaser, what are you doing out here?" Cloudchaser looked up at me now that the elephant in the room had been addressed. Her visit wasn't unwelcome, but it was unexpected, and Lean Streak would probably throw a shit fit if he knew she was here. "I wanted to see you, that's all." Cloudchaser stammered. "Oh, well, I'll be back in Ponyville soon. Did Isabella or the others tell you?" I asked. "Yes, but I um...I also wanted to know if you'd like...um-" Cloudchaser was starting to fidget anxiously. Whatever was on her mind had clearly been bugging her for a while. My heart started to sink; maybe this was how she planned to tell me there was nothing between us. That she didn't feel the same way. "Wouldyouliketogoout?" the mare spoke so quickly I barely managed to catch what was said. She placed a hoof over her mouth, eyes wide as she stared at me, waiting for my response. I had been bracing myself for rejection, and expected some kind of heated exchange to follow. I hadn't planned a response if she actually did care or want to come back, leaving me at a loss for words. "I...I'll go." Cloudchaser squeaked out, bringing me back to the real world. Not this time. I thought to myself. Before she could walk away I grabbed her right foreleg, stopping her. She looked up at me, those big, beautiful eyes starting to develop tears. I wasn't about to let her walk away again, not after she had come all this way to actually try to make this work. "When did you want to meet up?" I asked. Cloudchaser turned around, studying me for even the smallest hint of doubt or insecurity. I took her moment of silence to close the gap between us, a smile slowly spreading across her face. "Um...to be honest I didn't think that far ahead." Clouodchaser confessed with an adorable squee. "That's fine," I shrugged looking over at the clock, noticing it was still pretty early in the day. "Hey, do you want to hang out a little later?" "I think I'd like that...you're okay with me um...here though?" Cloudchaser blushed. "Absolutely." I replied a bit over enthusiastically, making Cloudchaser laugh. "I guess I should listen to Flitter's advice more often," Cloudchaser smiled, leaning against me, her head coming to rest beneath mine in the crook of my neck. "I missed you." "I missed you too." I said --- Okay, so things didn't go quite as planned, but you're here now, in his room. And when did he get...so buff? I know he's been working out for this racing bit, but I had to stop myself from tackling him to the floor, Celecstia I hope this stuff Isabella wrote down is true. Cloudchaser thought to herself as she critiqued her reflection in the bathroom. She hadn't been on an actual date since she broke up with Thunderlane. Even when she went out, it often felt like it was just to show her off like some trophy he had won. She shook her head, chasing away the past from her mind. Tonight was about moving forward. "Cloudchaser, are you about ready to go?" Daniel called. "Mmhm, just about." Cloudchaser replied, smiling at her double. Yes, tonight was about moving on with who she believed was meant to be her bond mate. Daniel was resting on the bed, wearing a simple white button up piece with a green neck tie. It wasn't too fancy, but not so casual that it down played the outing tonight. She didn't know what to expect, but he looked handsome, and judging from his flushed cheeks he thought the same of her. Flitter was the sister that put a bit of forethought into things. She had suggested taking some sort of clothing if things went well. It was a light rose dress to match her eyes that had a skirt and open front as opposed to the closed styles that Rarity was a fan of. Such a sight in Ponyville would appear unusual, but in Las Pegasus, it would be considered a regular evening. "You look...beautiful." Daniel said breathlessly. "You don't look so bad yourself." Cloudchaser smiled, her confidence slowly starting to return to her. There was one thing missing though before this night could begin, it was something that had been troubling her immensely. The custom of giving a flower to the stallion a mare was interested in. She did her best to grasp what confidence she had regained for this moment that could still end in heart ache. "Um, Daniel, I know human stallions don't like flowers as gifts. But, I was wondering if you would want one from me?" Cloudchaser asked, opening the box that contained the item she had been so carefully guarding. --- Cloudchaser looked stunning, mesmerizingly beautiful. Her gift was a flower that, true to Rainbow Dash's letter, matched her coat color perfectly. Judging from the box it had been held in, and how fresh it looked and smelt, it wasn't cheap. I carefully took the flower from her and placed it in the right front pocket of my shirt piece. Pony clothes were bizarre creations, shirts being little more than glorified vest for dogs from my world, though I would never say this out loud. They were also called pieces, the pockets of which only held small objects that were more cosmetic than useful. Tonight that's exactly what I intended to use them for. If Cloudchaser pressed me to keep it tucked behind my ear I would, after swallowing a great deal of my pride. Her eyes lit up with joy when I opted to tuck it in a pocket, exposing the colorful petals to the rest of the world. "So, what did you have in mind tonight?" Cloudchaser asked as she followed me out of the apartment. "Well, how familiar are you with Las Pegasus?" I asked in return. "I have some family here, believe it or not. I'm not too comfortable with the layout though, and I don't like all the noise during the day." Cloudchaser replied. "Well I know of one place that's pretty spiffy. I think you'll like it." I said, mentally praying that she actually would. "Spiffy huh? Okay, I'll take your word for it." Cloudchaser giggled. "What's that supposed to mean?" I turned to the mare, feigning hurt. "Oh lighten up, you big doofus." Cloudchaser bumped her flank into mine playfully; she was starting to act more like herself now. I wasn't used to the shy side of the mare, even before there was...whatever this was between us, she was always spunky, and full of energy. The trip to the restaurant was filled with small talk involving simple observations. It seemed that tonight had been an excellent night to go out on the town, there were other stallions who were sporting flowers, which still seemed a bit off, and felt like it would be a compromise to my masculinity. I did enjoy witnessing Cloudchaser snarl at one mare who didn't take the hint, even after seeing the flower. Tonight I was hers, and she was hell bent on making that clear to any mare stubborn enough to think otherwise. When we finally arrived at the restaurant something odd happened, I say odd because neither one of us made a move for the door. Rainbow Dash had said that she was the one who would let the stallion through first, after she had filled most of the letter with tips for what happened after the date. Seriously Dash, get the order of things straight. It was seen as weird for a stallion to hold the door open for a mare, but my humanity was in protest over being the one let through the door first. Cloudchaser still wasn't making a move; glancing over at me...did she want me to open it? Even though that would go against everything she was raised to accept as normal? Screw it, I'm going in. I thought to myself reaching for the door handle. Apparently Cloudchaser had the same thoughts as her hoof pushed open the other door. This was now an awkward situation, one that there really was no way to play off. There was clearly something off with Cloudchaser, who was starting to look worried and possibly second guessing her choice. "Oh, thank you youngins'." said a kind, elderly voice. We both turned to see an older earth pony slowly creeping past us. That was one crisis averted, we both waited for the old mare to walk in before we followed suit in unison. I was kicking myself for misreading her; had Dash been wrong? Or was she just getting in one big prank at my expense knowing I'd be gullible enough to believe her? "Good evening," a unicorn addressed us. More specifically, Cloudchaser. "Will it be just the two of you?" "Yes, and we'd prefer a booth if you have any." Cloudchaser replied, taking charge quickly. "Hmm...follow me please." the stallion said, two menus levitating roughly a foot away from his horn in a green aura. The building was almost packed, employees working quickly to make room for new customers. The soft music playing in the background was soothing, and was a nice break from the loud, often obnoxious ambiance of the city. "Here we are." Cloudchaser was the first to jump in the booth; a small, nervous smile on her face as she focused on me. The waiter was unicorn cocked his eyebrow at us before shrugging once I took my seat across from her. "Your waiter will be with you momentarily," he said as the menus gentle came to rest in front of us. "If I may be so bold, the wines are on the back, enjoy." "Um...what?" I asked, but he was already out of ear shot. "Heh, don't worry about it." Cloudchaser said, turning her attention immediately to her menu. Was she avoiding me now? --- Stupid, stupid, stupid! Cloudchaser thought to herself. She was trying to take charge over him, something she couldn't allow herself to do. Daniel didn't understand that the stallion thought they were having an argument, which is why he suggested the wine. As much as she wanted him to feel special, he was acting weird compared to how Isabella described him. Is he messing with me? No, he's too softhearted for that, anypony in Ponyville would testify to that. So why the weird behavior all of the sudden? Cloudchaser's muzzle scrunched up in thought as she looked over the menu. "Is everything okay?" she heard her date ask. "Yeah, just uh, trying to get back into the swing of things." Cloudchaser chuckled, her laughter masking her true emotions. Everything on the menu was expensive, how in the world was she-no she had to let Daniel pay. He had chosen this spot for a reason, he must have. Still, she had to wonder how he had enough to spot the bill. "So, how was the accadamy?" Daniel asked, tearing her attention away from the menu. "It was okay, I need to make some improvements, but over all I did pretty well." Cloudchaser didn't have the heart to tell him how bad it really was. "Oh, well I'm sure you can do it. I think you’re a great flyer." Daniel smiled. "Thinking and proving are two different things...so how have you been...adapting?" Cloudchaser asked hesitantly. "Honestly, it's been weird. When I was able to revert to a human again, I would have phantom limb syndrome, like I still had wings. For some reason, I don't feel that now like I thought I might with fingers or toes." Daniel replied. Okay, just keep him talking. This isn't so bad now. Cloudchaser thought to herself. "Do you like it here? In Equestria I mean." "When I first arrived I wanted to go back home, before everyone there assumed I was dead. But it started to grow on me, even with you guys wanting to chase me out of town." Daniel smirked. "Yeah, you were pretty freaky. I guess this wasn't what you had in mind when you wanted to get to know us better huh?" Cloudchaser asked. "I didn't think I'd get stuck, no, but I did meet a pretty cool mare. So it didn't turn out too bad." Daniel winked, making her blush. Okay so you skipped the gift, the table, and almost everything else on the list. At least he seems to be enjoying himself, maybe this won't end in catastrophe...I hope Cloudchaser thought to herself. "Hello there, my name's Firestone, and I'll be your waiter this evening." a bright red mare unicorn said, bringing an end to their small talk. --- At least she's talking, I just need to keep the conversation going and everything should be good...maybe. I thought to myself. A mare unicorn introduced herself as Firestone, derailing my train of thought. If it wasn't for the fact that this was a restaurant I would have assumed her special talent was changing wheels on carts. "I'll have the chef's soup with lemon water." Cloudchaser said in response to her question. "Very good, and for you?" the mare asked. "The stuffed tomato sounds nice. I've been meaning to try it at least once. Sweet tea if you have it." I replied. I was curious to see what exactly one stuffed in a tomato to add to such a simple fruit, because tomatoes aren't vegetables you know. "Okay, I'll be right back with your drinks." the waiter said as the menus levitated towards her. "Being adventurous tonight huh?" Cloudchaser asked. "I'm just trying to experience new things." I shrugged. "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?" Cloudchaser tilted her head slightly. "Uh, sure go ahead." I said as our drinks were brought to us. "How many mares have you really dated? I mean, that day I know you said you'd never had one before, but you're not really what you look like. So...I was just curious." Cloudchaser took a sip of her water. This wasn't a question that would, under normal circumstances, be deemed appropriate on a first date. Our relationship was anything but normal, however. Cloudchaser was dating an alien that just happened to look like something she was much more familiar with than the tall, lanky ape I had been. "If you're talking about from my world, I've had a few, I was married once. I had it all at one point in my life, but life has a funny way of pulling the rug out from under your hooves sometimes." I said. "Do you ever miss your real home? I know I miss Cloudsdale sometimes, we moved when I was really little, so I don't remember much about it around that time." Cloudchaser played with the straw in her drink as she spoke, spinning it slowly. "I miss Earth sometimes, but if I had never come to Equestria I'd probably still be the same wishy washy coward I once was. Spending time here has definitely had an impact on me. I'm friends with a princess and a couple of heroes, and I met a pretty attractive mare. So, Equestria is my real home now." I replied. "My parents left Cloudsdale because there was a pretty big uproar with a group that was causing trouble over land bound ponies. They called them inferior and it almost turned violent. My dad didn't want us around that, so we left." Cloudchaser said, revealing a bit of her past. "So why didn't you go back after things settled down? I'm sure Celestia didn't let that carry on for long." I chuckled as I pictured a group of tribist...speciesist...ponyist? Getting blasted by the solar princess herself. "Well, it was nice and mellow in Ponyville, my parents saw it as the perfect place to raise Flitter and me so that we wouldn't end up like the arrogant jerks that drove us away in the first place. Plus, I met a really cool stallion." Cloudchaser smirked. "Stuffed tomato," the waiter said as a plate with an oversized, familiar looking red orb was placed in front of me. "And chef's soup. Let me know if you two need anything else." Though the food was impressive, it was far from my mind right now, even as I carefully sliced into it, revealing sliced bits of peppers, onions, egg and other ingredients. No, I was busy silently pondering over how Cloudchaser might feel about me wanting to return to being a human. I watched her sample the soup with delight before digging in, she stole my heart even when eating, when did I become so sappy? I loved her for her, but did she love me for who I was, or what I had become? Or maybe it was something else entirely? "So," I said after taking a bite of the tomato and all its internal goodness. "Did they ever fill that postal position back in Ponyville?" I asked. "Nope, I don't think so, why? You're not thinking of backing out of this setup, are you?" Cloudchaser teased. "Well, I just need a plan when Twilight eventually finds a way to fix me. She said a year, but I know she's been working on a way to bypass such a lengthy time." I said, sliding my response in nonchalantly to gauge her reaction. Cloudchaser grew quiet, unsure how to respond to the news that I was willing to become a human again. Still, I needed to know how she felt about this, about what this might do to us. "Would you really want to go back though?" Cloudchaser asked. "I mean, maybe? Don't get me wrong, I love being able to fly, but this isn't the real me...even though it is right now, which is muddying the subject." I replied. --- Cloudchaser stared down into her half empty bowl of soup. Of all the things he could think about, he picked that one. She wasn't sure how to come back or say what was on her mind without offending him. She liked him just the way he was, right? So should it really matter? She knew the answer was no, but something inside of her was bugging her. Could she really stay bonded to a human? Her plan, everything thing that Isabella had told her, it was all coming undone at the seams. The only thing keeping it together had been the hope that they could be together. All the doubts she had done her best to suppress were suddenly resurfacing, drowning out logic with fear of the unknown. "Cloudchaser?" Daniel's voice broke through the mess of thoughts. "Is everything okay?" She suddenly didn't see the stallion anymore, but the human. She blinked twice, willing the illusion away. It was replaced by an overwhelming sense of dread, one she could not ignore. "I...I..." Cloudchaser stammered. "Cloudc-" Daniel's expression of genuine concern for her only added to her guilt and doubts. "I'm sorry!" Cloudchaser exclaimed before jumping out of her seat and taking off through the building on swift wings. She heard him call to her, but ignored it. She needed to leave, find someplace to gather herself before leaving the city. In her panic, she had forgotten that her knowledge of Las Pegasus was limited. No matter, just as long as she could get away from him, so she wouldn't hurt him again. She had left him alone in Ponyville when he had been reduced to nothing, and still he had taken her back, why? The thought drove nails into her heart the more distance she put between herself and Daniel. Everything had gone wrong, nothing happened like it was supposed to tonight. She had tried and failed, and what's more, she couldn't bring herself to tell him what was really wrong. How she had tried to do things the way humans did, only for it to backfire. Cloudchaser kept flying blindly, tears ruining what little make up she put on. She didn't even realize she was over the park until she looked up to make sure she wouldn't run into a building. She landed next to a small pond, the full moon reflecting off the water. The stars joined it in an almost perfect replica of Luna's sky, the only disturbance being the occasional frog or fish disrupting the surface. "Why did I think this would work? Why?" Cloudchaser sobbed. The mare cried into her foreleg, doing her best to wipe away the tears mingling in with ruined eyeliner. So what if fate wanted her to bond with him, what did that mean to a human? Did he even know how important this was to her? "Luna...why...why him?" Cloudchaser whimpered, staring at the moon's reflection. --- Cloudchaser had left at top speed, nearly knocking one couple over. Her outburst left me baffled as I threw a sack of bits that would have been more than enough to cover the bill. The rest of my plans were quickly going down the drain as I tried to determine which way she went. I noticed a few ponies shaking their heads or staring eastward while complaining about running into somepony. That had to be her, that or I was about to go after a robber on a completely unrelated event. My wings were just starting to get a bit of their energy back, but I ignored the returning pain. I had to find her, she was being silly right now. Why was my desire to be a human such a big deal to her anyways? I was beginning to lose track of time as I searched for her. I didn't want to give up though, even when my muscles started to protest. I knew she wouldn't go to the apartment; I still had the key, so that only left a few hundred possibilities in Las Pegasus. "This is impossible...I'll never find her in a city this big..." I mumbled. Northeast. What was almost a whisper danced across my ear. I spun around expecting to see somepony. I was certain I had heard a voice; it was soothing and put my mind at ease. I was out of options, and with nothing to lose I followed the voice's advice once I had my bearings. I continued along the suggested flight path until a light shimmer caught my eye. It was the moon's reflection against a small pond. It was the park Star Sprint played in, though at night it became deserted and somewhat creepy. Tonight, it was occupied by a familiar pegasus. Her soft sobs reaching up to my ears, over the quieter part of town. The sense of relief I felt after seeing her was quickly washed away by the realization that now I was going to have to win her back. She was scared of something between us; I had to show her that there was nothing to be afraid of. I tried to land as quietly as I could, cursing my misfortune when one of my hooves broke a twig. I thought for sure Cloudchaser would bolt, and I would have to search for her all over again. Instead, she looked over her shoulder before staring down into the still waters of the pond. She didn't respond as I cautiously approached her, no longer needing to mask my presence. "Why are you here?" Cloudchaser sniffled. "Because my date ran away, and I wanted to know why." I replied. "So stupid....why would you fly all over Las Pegaus looking for me? I left you there alone." Cloudchaser didn't make eye contact as she spoke. "It's getting kind of late out now, and I don't think it'd be right of me to just storm off and go home without knowing you were safe....what's wrong Cloudchaser, be honest with me." I said. "I...I thought you were the one...it's something between pegasi, but you want to go back to being a human...why would destiny lead me to you?" Cloudchaser whimpered. "Cloudchaser, you're being silly." I said emotionlessly. "Silly?" Cloudchaser looked up at me confused. As If I had really just been that forward with her. "Do you know what Twilight told me when I woke up after the spell accident? That you visited me while I was asleep," Cloudchaser's expression softened as I spoke. "You came all the way here to try and make this work, you knew what I truly was then, why does it matter now?" "Because...I don't know...I just don't want to be hurt again...and you're been all I've been able to think of..." Cloudchaser's eyes were squinted shut now, he muzzle scrunched up as she tried to hold back the flood of emotions. "You're the only one I've been able to think of too," I said hugging her. "I'm not going to let you go." "...you won't fall out of love with me? Even if you go back to being a human someday?" Cloudchaser asked. "Sometimes my mouth and brain get signals crossed, and I end up wording my sentences poorly, or saying the wrong thing at the wrong time," Cloudchaser looked up at me, the corners of her eyes misty. "It's a good thing my heart doesn't, Cloudchaser, will you be my special somepony?" Cloudchaser nodded wordlessly before returning my embrace, causing my heart to soar. "I'll be yours, if you'll be mine." After what felt like an eternity without it, that pleasant dizzy feeling I had around her returned as our lips pressed together beneath the moonlight. Though it was short, the emotions behind it were no less true. "Let's go home." I said smiling down at the mare of my dreams. "Yeah, we have a lot to talk about when we get back." Cloudchaser giggled, wiping a stray tear from her eye. "Good stuff I hope." I laughed nervously. "Very good stuff." Cloudchaser said, capturing my lips in another kiss. --- Unbeknownst to the new official couple, they were being watched as the bond between them was deepened beneath the moon light. Luna was smiling down on the two pegasi from afar. "Thou art in our debt young Daniel, mayhaps we shant hold thee accountable...just this once." Luna said as she watched them leave the park. She still had work to do, but it was always special to see young love blossom beneath her beautiful night sky. "Bed him well, dearest Cloudchaser." Luna giggled. --- WARNING the following link is NSFW, if you don't know what that means, or value your job, don't click here. --- The sun’s morning rays trickled in through the windows, gently rousing me from my slumber. Last night had really taken it out of me, and I didn't want to move...not that I could anyways. I smiled as I gazed upon the sleeping form of Cloudchaser, my marefriend. It felt...awesome to be able to think that way about her. She was snuggled up beside me, her shallow breaths against my coat indicating she was still asleep. I kissed her nose, smiling as her muzzle scrunched in response. Tired eyes slowly opened, a smile replacing the frustrated expression she had subconsciously made. "Good morning beautiful." I whispered, catching her lips in a proper kiss. "Mmm, I could get used to waking up to this." Cloudchaser whispered back, wrapping a foreleg around my neck. I pulled her close to me, her head coming to rest beneath mine. A soft purr escaped her as I draped a wing over her. If we didn't leave bed today that would be fine for once, I was more than content to spend the day next to Cloudchaser, tangled in our loving embrace. "I love you."