//------------------------------// // Part 3 (The plot thickens) // Story: Equestria Girls...? // by TwilightsmyMare //------------------------------// Morning... The sun shone through the library windows waking me, I wondered did it echo the sin in Equestria? Or vice-versa? Just how connected were the dimensions? Could actions... Major actions I supposed affect them all? Hiroshima? The meteor that fell in Canada creating the Manicouagan crater? The even bigger one that wiped out the dinosaurs? If that even happened, did that happen in Equestria? I'm sure in some dimensions they survived and flourished... So many questions but no way to tell for certain. Well worrying about it wouldn't help us here, Twi lay against me much the same as back home me on my back with her beside me her head on my chest. I brushed her hair gently off her face as she stirred stretching against me. "Mmm... Morning..." She slipped her arms around me snuggling up. I kissed the top of her head holding her as well. "Morning, sleep well?" "Not bad at all, that music helped. What did you call it? An m, three player?" "MP3." "Amazing you can fit so much music into such a small device..." She put it down with a sigh. "I hope we can come up with a plan..." "With all of us brainstorming I'm sure we'll come up with a few, conflicting I have no doubt but we'll come up with something." She giggled softly as we cuddled a bit longer, must be the teenage hormones but I wanted her as badly right then as ever before, but this certainly wasn't the time or place... Now if I could just convince a different part of me of that... My dirty train of thought was interrupted as she rolled over on top of me sitting up straddling me her hair messy biting her bottom lip. "Sooo..." Well that got things back on track! I pulled her down kissing feverishly again and again but before things went too far I pushed her away gently her confused look made me smile. "As much as I... Really, really, really want you right now it's probably not a good idea, we could get caught but... Well that’s part of the attraction but with no magic here, and..." I tapped her forehead gently rubbing her exposed belly softly. "Not that I'm scared of another baby but this place, then going back... I don't know it could cause complications." "Your right... Humph, fine... But this frustrating teenage make out session isn't over." "Oh I'm going to ravage you when we get home..." We kissed again long and slow before getting up and trying to straighten our clothes and hair. "I can see why you don't wear them to bed, what a bother! Well... One reason at least." She giggled. "Little minx." I chuckled giving her a playful swat on the butt eliciting a squeal and return swat from her. The library wasn't locked thankfully and we cautiously exited finding some nearby washrooms to clean up. I managed to make myself presentable at least and exited to wait for Twi, and wait, and wait... I was about to knock when she came out looking fantastic, clothes back in order, hair tamed and still slightly damp I could see. No makeup but she didn't need it. "You look great." "Thanks..." She blushed slightly. "Sorry for the wait, some things are... Difficult to manage when your used to doing things with magic." "I bet." A few students and teachers began trickling in as we looked around trying to blend in as we passed by some vending machines she suddenly stopped. "Is that food?" Her tummy grumbled softly making her blush. "I'm a little hungry." She smiled sheepishly. "It is." I searched my pockets then hers but it seemed whatever force or magic brought us here changing us and giving us different clothes hadn’t thought to include money! Maybe because we didn't have any on us when we entered...? "Sorry..." "Stand aside! The great and powerful Trixie...! Wants some peanut butter crackers." A light blue skinned girl with white hair brushed by us feeding a few coins into the machine snatching the package that dropped in triumph and sauntering off happily. "Great and powerful...? Was she really that bad when you first met her?" I asked. "Oh you have no idea..." She giggled. We laughed a moment but we were still hungry, we stared a bit longer until we heard someone clear their throat behind us, we spun around finding an older heavyset woman with light green skin and grey hair. She had a stern expression but her eyes still shone with intelligence and humor. "These yer new friends Applejack?" "You bet Granny Smith." Applejack stepped out from behind her a playful grin on her face followed by Big Mac and Applebloom. "Lookin like ya'll skipped breakfast?" "Uh... Yes, we..." "Mistake, most important meal'a the day don't I always say youngins?" "You bet." "Eeyup." "Ya!" "Well..." She looked us over shrewdly. "Ah don't take ta hungry young folk wanderin around on ma watch. So if'n you two'r willin ta do a bit ah work around the kitchen before class I'll make sure ya start yer day off with full bellies at least." "That’s very generous of you Granny Smith, we'd be happy to help out." Twilight smiled. "Don't ya worry Granny won't work ya too hard." Applejack winked with a grin. "Alright Apple family ya'll have a great day!" "Thanks Granny!" They echoed each heading off in their own directions. "A'right you two, let's get to er." "Lead on." We followed her to the cafeteria where she passed us a couple of aprons and hair nets. "A'right now ah gots ta get lunch started fer everyone but if you two'll get these few dishes leftover from yesterday taken care of that'd be mighty helpful." She gestured over toward a considerable pile of pots, pans and dishes. "Not as young as ah used ta be, get plum tuckered out when the day is done." She sighed wearily. "You can count on us Mrs. Smith!" Twilight smiled pulling me off, we tackled the mountain trying to get through them quickly but making sure they were all clean. It only took about a half an hour but it seemed much longer before Granny passed by us. "Good enough youngins, come on an have a feed before ya go." We both sighed with relief drying off and turning to follow her both of us stopping to stare at Granny balancing a pile of trays in each hand making her way with ease, she looked back at us with a grin and a wink. "Don't feel bad you two, kids'a been fallin fer that 'tired ol lady' trick fer years. Ya done fine work though come sit a spell." We did as she asked and she loaded us up with two sandwiches each as well as fruit, homemade fries and a tall glass of milk. "You two just relax a bit, ya still got time before the first bell." Not a problem for us but we weren't thinking about that at the moment as we dug in with a muffled 'Thanks!' "Don' be talkin with yer mouths full!" She chuckled turning back to her work. We ate ravenously, I was worried Twi might not like the sandwiches as they appeared to be baloney. The first I'd had for a long time... Didn't quite taste the same, or maybe I'd forgotten...? She didn't seem to notice and I wasn't about to burden her mind with any other worries. We sat full, content and sleepy another minute before the bell rang jolting us awake. "Off ya scamper! An thanks for the help!" "Anytime!" We called back rushing out trying our best to look like students on their way somewhere but really searching for any of the others, we didn't have a lot of time and if we were going to come up with a plan it had to be soon. We caught sight of Pinkie and Rarity about to enter a class and they waved us over. "So good to see you both! We all have a free study period after first class, a holdover from before when we used to always get together... And now again!" She smiled. "We'll be meeting out by the football field to do some planning!" "I know you two likely don't have the period off but if either of you can make it... Well, we'll discuss it at lunch too naturally." "See you there... Ooh! It's hamburger day!" "Why can't there be a salad day...?" Rarity sighed following Pinkie into their class. "Ham...? Burger? I've heard of a burger of course; you know Hayburger is one of my favorites." "Sure do... Well the ham part stands for hamburger meat..." "Meat? I suppose that makes sense this is a human world... Wait a minute! was there meat in those sandwiches?" "Well, yes..." "And you didn't tell me?" She fumed punching me in the shoulder but then immediately smiled pressing forward for a kiss but remembering at the last moment pulling back both of us embarrassed looking around to see if we'd been spotted. Thankfully everyone seemed to be in class. "New experiences right? It tasted good..." She shook her head. "Anyhow, we had better make ourselves scarce until it's time to meet them." "Sounds good." We both looked around the school some more making sure not to stick around in any once place for too long, first period wasn't too long though and before long we met the girls out to the side of the field, they were surprised to see us. "Just so happens we have this period off too..." I sheepishly explained. "Lucky." Dash grinned. "Very convenient darlings!" "Maybe a little too convenient..." Pinkie narrowed her eyes at us a moment before breaking out in giggles. "So any of ya'll come up with any ideas?" "Well..." "Ta help Twilight Dash." "Oh..." "I did some thinking on the matter, Sombra's bullied his way into winning but no one’s been very happy about it..." "They've just had no other choice..." Fluttershy whispered. "Exactly Fluttershy! But if we can show Twilight and Flash will be a far better King and Queen and won't be pushed around..." "About this Flash..." "Oh we haven't asked him yet but I'm sure he'll be fine with it, he doesn't let Sombra and his goons push him around... Well, he kind of just stands above it, letting it pass by... Ooh! There he is now! Hi Flash!!!" It must have been his gym period as teens had been jogging by around the track as we talked, the one she waved too was light yellow skinned with dark and light blue quaffed hair, he nodded at Pinkie and gave her a wink as he passed, he even managed to make his gym outfit look cool... I hated him. The girls watched him jog off Rarity and Applejack giving low whistles of approval, Fluttershy watching with interest? Trepidation? I couldn't tell, Pinkie was just happy to be acknowledged and even Dash gave him an appreciative once over. Twilight I couldn't tell as she was turned away from me and before I could move to see her he was gone. "Isn't he cool?!" "Sure... Great." "But what are we going to do? even if he's interested in helping we still need to convince more than fifty percent of the student body to side against Sombra before tomorrow!" "Relax Twi, Flash is popular with plenty of groups around the school, half the battle right there!" Pinkie bounced around grinning happily. "And the other half?" I asked. "Well there are these..." Rarity blushed lightly pulling out a headband with pony ears on it and a simple belt with a tail at the back. "They used to be popular before but... We haven't sold any for ages, the sewing and craft club that is..." She sighed. "These will help how?" "School spirit..." Fluttershy whispered. "Speak up sugar cube." "Everyone wants to be proud of their school, we might complain sometimes but it's our school! With Sombra... Well school prides been pretty low, and it shows. The Wonder Colts haven't even placed for ages; even Dash can barely keep the soccer team afloat..." "Hey! We're fine... Though it would be nice to see more than ten people at the games..." "Exactly! We need some pep popping peppering up! For pep!" "Riiight... Still not quite clear..." "Rick darling, if we show Twilight will be the kind of Queen that will take care of the school and students people will notice! I hope..." Honestly I never really paid much attention to stuff like this when I was in school, but I was bit anti-social too... A bit? Just kidding, you know what my school life was like but it seems like a good plan though. I can't think of anything better at least. You... You’re ok with me running with Flash? It seems that it would help but, if it bothers you... It does, every mention of him and any look he might give you, touch you... Ahrrg! But, I won't mess up our chances with my jealousy... I hope, I can't promise not to punch him if he tries to kiss you. Silly... "Hello...? Are you two communicating telepathically? That would be so cool!" "Ah, sorry Pinkie just thinking." Our mental communication while much faster than talking still took time. "Same, We... I think it's a great idea, Rick?" "Whatever you want Twi." "Excellent! Oh here comes Flash again, lets flag him down and see if he's willing to assist us in our daring plan." The five of them rushed over to the track leaving Twilight and I alone for the moment. "Well you better go introduce yourself..." I grumped making her smile and grab my hand dragging me with her. "You too frowny." She giggled. He was a pretty easy going guy, not as big of a jerk as I had hoped... And while the appreciative glances he gave Twi made me want to punch him right then and there at least he didn't limit it to her, all the girls got their share. Pervert... Ok fine I was just as guilty. That decided we hung out for the rest of the period tossing ideas around and arranging to all meet as soon as the lunch bell rang. The others hurried off to their next class giving us another period to kill, we'd looked around the inside of the school quite a bit so we took a tour around the outside. The grounds were large and well tended, plenty of room for sports and other activity’s but still some greenery and trees. There was a large playground for the younger kids too and we spent some time there swinging together reminiscing... Lunch came soon enough and we met the others near the cafeteria for the beginning of our plan. Music it seemed was as big a part of this dimension as Equestria... Come to think of it music was a big part of a lot of people’s lives on Earth too, we just usually didn't burst out in song... --Song-- For my part I kept back passing out ears and tails to anyone who wanted and keeping an eye out for Sombra or any of his 'gang', his spies could be anyone though for all I knew. Word spread quickly and students who were eating outside or elsewhere began to arrive, they finished singing but everyone it seemed had questions and for the rest of lunch they answered them. They were doing fine so I snuck out to use the wash room, on my way back rounding a corner my arms were suddenly grabbed and I was shoved up against a locker. "I thought I told you and your 'sister' to keep out of my business!" And there was Sombra his eyes burning with anger, to my left was a pudgy teen holding my arm with pale blue skin and orange hair and on my other a skinny gawky teen 'normal' skin color and light teal hair. Standing aside looking uncomfortable avoiding my gaze was Lyra. "I recall hearing something like that, however seeing it was you I immediately dismissed it." "Funny..." The lightning fast punch to my gut wasn't completely unexpected and I had tensed, he still had some power behind it more than enough to make me grunt. "One solution to every problem eh Sombra? Same as always..." I grinned. "What’s that supposed to mean?" "This world, where we came from same old, same old right?" The two holding me looked back and forth between us but more surprising was the look of confusion on his face. "I... I don't remember... There was something before, I was someone else, powerful... Feared and respected... Ahrg...!" He clutched his head as if in pain Lyra squeezing his shoulders comfortingly until he glared at me. "The crown will give me back what was mine!" "And just what was that?" "It... It's just flashes and images, sometimes I remember a few things..." He shook his head straightening up and motioning Lyra back. "You promised..." She whimpered. "I know; I won't hurt him... Much." He drew back and swung again but I was fully ready this time, his two henchmen had my arms held fairly securely but my body was still able to move, as he connected with another powerful body blow I pushed myself back against the locker using the power from his punch as well as my own to snap my torso and head forward slamming my forehead into his, I would have preferred his nose but I didn't have the angle for it but the pain that exploded in my head I was sure was worse for him verified by his eyes rolling up into his head as he fell backwards, Lyra shrieked trying to catch him both of them tumbling to the floor. "What the?!" "Boss!" They both jumped clutching my arms all the tighter which was fine, the skinny one would be the weaker of the two I was sure, I extended my leg across his path suddenly twisting my body pulling him off balance tripping over my leg pulling all three of us down in a heap both of them letting go trying to break their fall. I recovered faster pushing myself up then driving my elbow into the chubby one’s gut hearing his pained groan I quickly turned my attention to the other, he was already sat up gaining his feet so I punched him lightly just between his chest and gut in the solar plexus causing him to fall back gasping for breath. Those two temporarily out of the picture I turned my attention back to the far more dangerous foe and just as I feared he was already conscious and trying to get back up, I quickly pushed him over while he was still disoriented twisting his arm up behind his back bracing it with my knee as Lyra looked on obviously concerned for him which I couldn't understand but also in surprise and shock, I couldn't be the first person to actually fight back against him, could I? "Stop, please..." She whispered. "I won't damage him permanently Lyra, it's ok..." "Get off of me!" "You just stay there a moment." I pressed him back down with my weight. "Not so easy when someone fights back is it?" "You'll pay for this..." He growled. "Oh? When your all powerful and rule this world? What is it you really want Sombra?" "I have my reasons..." He answered glancing over at Lyra. I got up hauling him up with me slamming him against the lockers gripping his shirtfront. "Forget them, leave Twilight alone." "Your so called 'sister'?" He chuckled. "Even if she was just my sister you would deeply regret hurting her, any of them..." I glanced over at Lyra this time, she was watching us warily still looking confused I guess he hadn't told her about his past how would he? "Better stop me now then hero..." He grinned meeting my gaze firmly. "Go on..." I shoved him back into the lockers taking a step back. "I know what you’re capable of, I've seen it. And we won't let it happen again..." Again I got a confused almost pained look from him quickly turning into a grimace then diabolical grin as he stepped back pushing Lyra behind him. "You haven't seen anything yet..." They backed away slowly and I let them go shaking my head, so many unknowns here... everything I had been told of Sombra and had seen firsthand in the Crystal Empire spoke only of his corruption from Dark magic and the evil that followed, but here... He seemed little more than a bully in a position of minor power milking it for all it was worth, and Lyra...? I couldn't figure that out either but nor could I understand those who stayed in abusive relationships in the first place. I left his two henchmen groaning and headed back to the lunchroom to see how things went and to get something cold for my forehead. It looked promising, everyone was talking, smiling and laughing. Twilight and Flash were together answering questions making my skin crawl but as soon as she saw me enter she excused herself coming right over making me feel foolish. "Everything went well then?" I asked forcing a smile. "Better than we could have hoped!" She squealed happily. "Ooh, what happened to your head?" She touched it tenderly but it still made me wince slightly. "Heh, a small misunderstanding..." I mentally explained the rest as we rejoined the others. He's such a creep! I'm glad you’re ok... "Whoa! Ya lose a fight with a wall their Rick?" Applejack chuckled. "Not quite Applejack, bent over to tie my shoe in the washroom but I forgot about the basin... Bam! Nearly knocked myself out." I grinned. Dash, Pinkie and Applejack all found that incredibly amusing bursting out laughing while Rarity smiled sympathetically, Fluttershy however looked very concerned immediately rushing off getting some ice from Granny Smith wrapping it in a towel. She insisted I lay down across a couple chairs with my head in her lap as she gingerly held the ice pack to my head blushing but smiling down at me. "Ooh, I never would have thought of that Fluttershy." Rarity whispered with a grin making Fluttershy blush all the more. "Humph!" I glanced out of the corner of my eye a disgruntled Twi turn her back and pointedly ignore us. Admittedly it was a nice feeling to have someone jealous over you but it lost its luster a bit when you remembered it was hurting them inside, I knew it all too well... I'd have to make it up to her. Lunch was over everyone streaming out promising to tell their friends about Twilight and Flash's bid for the crown and to get them to all vote for them. We exited the cafeteria as well Fluttershy finally releasing me and headed off together trying to look like we were on our way to a class. "That went well, you got through to a lot of people." "I suppose..." "It should be a shoe-in for you to win the crown back..." "Maybe..." "We can finally get home..." "Are you sure you wouldn't prefer to stay here with Fluttershy?" She growled turning her back on me in a huff. I couldn't help but begin chuckling, her anger and annoyance was so cute I couldn't help believe me I knew by now women (and mares) got really annoyed when you called them cute when they were angry. She spun around her eyes wide and face red. "What are you...?!" "I can't help it love, you’re so beautiful when your mad." "How dare you. I..." I didn't let her finish pulling her to me kissing her passionately as her small fists beat against me chest a few moments before she melted against me. Thankfully we were down an abandoned hall as this would be more than a little difficult to explain. But I really didn't care at the moment, after a few more seconds we parted reluctantly. "I'm sorry..." She whispered. "Don't be, I love that your jealous, that sounds bad I know but it’s nice to have someone that passionate... That cares that much..." "I know..." She smiled slyly. "Don't think I don't love it when you look like you’re ready to punch Flash. These damn teenage hormones... Though I must admit I hate the attention Lyra steals from you back home too..." "I told you I'll..." "Don't be silly..." She put a finger to my lips then sighed with a smile. "Well let’s go, I'd like to see every part of this school. After all we're not likely to come back here once we go right?" It was an amazing school, huge and opulent looking more like it should be a private school of some sort filled with privileged elite but here there was a mix from everywhere, some who looked like their clothes had been handed perhaps even more than once to a haughty looking young miss transporting a cello. But they all seemed to co-exist, even more so now. Splintered groups we'd seen seemed to be coming together members talking and laughing together the pall we had felt over the school seemed to be lifting. Plenty of them had an encouraging word for Twilight asking questions which she answered to the best of her ability, I was largely ignored but that was fine with me I didn't care for that much attention, I knew Twi didn't either but she'd gotten much better at it and with me not being the center of attention I could keep my eyes open for Sombra, any members of his gang. Things were pretty quiet though, I was certain he hadn’t given up that easily he was planning something and the fact I couldn't see it worried me all the more. The rest of the day passed quickly, we saw the others a few times and they asked us to meet them after school which we agreed to naturally. We met at the corner of the parking lot students and faculty busy heading home. "I think today went fabulously! I've been answering questions and handing out ears and tails all day! A sign of our solidarity some have said, wish we had thought of it sooner." Rarity smiled. "Same here pardner." "Yup!" "Me too... It was scary..." "The soccer team is with you! And the football, basketball, track... Well you get the idea." Dash laughed. "That’s great! I was wondering... What happens if one of the elected can't continue their duties? Say they move away or get expelled from school? I'm sure that must have come up especially when Sombra first came onto the scene...?" "Hmm... I believe the remaining member simply rules solo until the next election dear. But there’s no need to worry about that, you’re not going anywhere!" "Right..." Twilight blushed playing with her ring, a nervous habit she'd picked up back home. "Anyhow, even though it's Thursday I've invited everyone over for a slumber party! We used to have them all the time until... Well never mind, naturally we want you to join us as well!" "Me? Oh! Thank you! Wait... What about..." She looked over at me as did the girls some of them blushing a little. "Oh... well typically slumber parties are a girls only affair... I don't think my parents would approve..." I guess we must have both looked disappointed as she sighed and smiled. "I'll check." She whipped out her cellphone. "Call home." She waited a moment until it was answered then paced back and forth around us talking rapidly. "Yes Mother... I understand... I don't see how... Yes... Yes... Okay! Be home soon... Ugh! Fine, I'll pick up some milk... What?! Okay, okay. I'll give her a ride too. Goodbye." She put the phone away sighing heavily then smiling. "Surprisingly she's fine with it... You'll have to sleep in a different room of course, she's not that naive." She giggled. "And..." "Wait for me sis!" We all glanced over at the cute pink and light purple haired girl running up, Sweetie Belle pretty easy to recognize in either world. She ground to a halt short on breath. "Sweetie Belle! I reminded you twice this week to renew your bus pass!" "Sorry..." Rarity sighed patting her gently on the head. "Let's go, and we'll see the rest of you in a few hours." "You bet." "Ah'll ride ma bike back, once Granny gets home she's usually done fer the day." "I'll bring games! And balloons! And..." "Just yourself is fine Pinkie." "Okie dokie loki, let’s go Fluttershy!" "O... Okay..." Fluttershy secured her pink helmet sitting behind Pinkie on her moped clutching onto her looking terrified as they took off. Twilight and I sat in the back while Sweetie Belle sat up by her sister glancing back at us occasionally as we drove. A brief stop at the supermarket and we were on our way, Rarity was a fast but quite safe driver and the town sped by finally pulling up to a fair sized colonial home. "This is your house Rarity? I'm impressed." I commented. She blushed fetchingly. "My parents..." "Our parents..." Sweetie Belle interrupted with a giggle. She pulled into the driveway and garage with a sigh. "Yes Sweetie our parents’ house, I've been complimented on it before but really all I've ever seen it as is home..." She smiled. "At any rate Father is out of town so it shall be just us girls... Oh, and you Rick." "Thanks for the thought." I chuckled. "Yes... Well, let’s get inside so we can get things set up and..." "Can I..." "No Sweetie Belle, this is my sleepover with my friends, you don't see me intruding on your juvenile get togethers when you have your friends over do you?" "But..." "Come, I'll introduce you to my Mother." "I wish you would sometimes..." Sweetie Belle whispered as Rarity sped off. Pearl was a lovely and talkative woman just entering middle age it appeared likely just a bit younger than I was! She had a dark pink complexion and long dark blue hair done up in a bun, a conservative outfit and a pair of glasses perched on her forehead and only a bit of the thickening middle and hips that so often comes with middle age. "Oh! Here we go, come in, come in." She smiled warmly. "Sweetie, Rarity how was school today?" "Fine Mother." "It was great Mom! Scootaloo jumped her scooter right over the see-saws! And Applebloom made me laugh so hard at lunch milk came out my nose!" She giggled. Rarity groaned and rolled her eyes but Pearl smiled even wider laughing alone with her. "Alright Sweetie off and do your homework, you did remember to attend class right?" She chuckled sending her off with a light smack on the rump. "Now then the family room downstairs is all set for your get together just move things around if you like. It’s so nice to see all your little friends here again honey, I'll make something simple for dinner say sandwiches and fries for you and your friends? "Mother..." Rarity blushed. "That would be fine, thank you..." She quickly dragged us off showing us her immaculate bedroom then the large basement fully furnished with a sixty inch tv on the wall! "Could you move a few things for me Rick?" She asked sweetly so I shuffled some chairs out of the way but still able to see the television then got the coffee table out of the way then moved the couch a bit back but then she changed her mind and I moved it back forward then back an inch. I was about to ask her to make up her mind but a glance back caught her stifling a giggle while Twi looked dangerously close to smacking her. "Very funny Rarity..." "There’s no harm in looking darling." She giggled nudging Twi who tried to force a smile but looked so awkward doing it, Rarity then she both burst out laughing. After that we helped dig out a bunch of blankets, sheets and pillows to make a cozy sleeping area. By that time people started to arrive Dash first naturally but Pinkie and Fluttershy shortly after she looked relieved to have survived the trip. Applejack arrived a short while after a bit sweaty from her ride, naturally Rarity sent her off to have a shower before dinner which she did with few comments about Miss Fussypants. Shortly Pearl brought down plates of sandwiches, drinks and fries as well as chips, popcorn and some other assorted junk foods only hanging around a bit to embarrass Rarity before retreating back upstairs dragging Sweetie Belle with her. Being the only guy in a group of girls isn't the most comfortable position to be in, and once the girls changed into their nightclothes... Well... Applejack I would have thought would have a long linen night dress the kind Granny Smith might approve of but to my surprise she just had a pair of old shorts and a worn t-shirt. "Ah usually wear a lot less'n this." She teased with a wink. Fluttershy had a very simple cotton shift though she filled it out quite nicely and her demureness only added to the appeal. Pinkie Pie had a tank top and pair of short-shorts, I thought with her love of sweets she'd have a bit of a pudge but not really, the constant motion and hyperactivity might have something to do with that. Dash very surprisingly had a plain silk nightie that she seemed more than a little embarrassed for me to see her in. "What? I'm a girl you know..." Rarity naturally had a lovely and intricate nightie covered by a nightgown that really covered up nothing whatsoever and she knew it all too well. Twilight... Well we hadn’t brought any change of clothes and though she did have a few items of lingerie back home those were for... Other things... I usually just slept in my shorts but I would be keeping all my clothing on down here... Rarity had taken Twilight up to her room, which is where all the girls had gone to change of course. Coming down last she had a simple black nightie with a bit of lace at the neck and skirt. She looked amazing... But then, she always did... If your done staring at the other girls... Hmm...? What?! Oh, right... Sorry... I'm teasing, how does it look? Rarity seemed to think it was too plain... You look... Very tempting... Beautiful! That is... I was so screwed. We snacked some more and 'watched' a movie, that is I tried to keep my eyes on the screen while the girls talk and laughed over it. It was amazing how fast they bonded with Twilight, I suppose I shouldn't have been that surprised, I had heard the story of how she's come to Ponyville for the first time and with each and every one of them just... Clicked. They were all wildly different ponies, and people but somehow they all just fit together like pieces of a puzzle. I felt a bit sorry for the Twilight of this world, she was missing out. "Lights out! You've all still got school tomorrow don't forget." "Yes ma'am..." They sighed together disappointed. "And if you'll join me up here Rick?" "Night all." I waved to the girls as I followed Pearl up to a small office various pictures and football trophies decorating it a pillow and sleeping bag on the floor. "I may have agreed to let you stay here tonight but no way are you sleeping down with the girls, I remember what it was like to be young you know." She smirked with a wink. "Not a problem, thanks for letting me come." She seemed surprised at my easy acceptance, must have been too used to dealing with her headstrong daughter. "Well then, goodnight..." She paused at the door giving me a shrewd look. "I've got great hearing too so don't be trying to sneak back downstairs." "Goodnight ma'am." I chuckled. I turned out the light and got undressed in the dark getting comfortable as best as I could on the floor. It had been a long day and my head still ached, I lay there listening to the little sounds around the house. Pearl getting ready for bed, still the occasional giggle from downstairs. It was hard to switch off my mind, drift off without Twilight beside me. She just made every problem real or imagined seem... Unimportant. I must have tossed and turned for an hour before I started to fall asleep, the house fully silent now... Suddenly the door clicked and opened an inch. "Hmm?" And suddenly I was awake again. Twilights head popped around the door smiling sheepishly. Hey... Hey... Can't sleep? Not really... Come here you. She shut the door quietly sliding into the open sleeping bag snuggling up. "Mmm..." I breathed her in holding her close. I feel better already. Me too... I'll have to wake up early to get back down to the girls. Sure... Deja vu... You... She turned her head up and we kissed softly the small amount of streetlight from the window illuminating us. Click! Both of us blinked shielding our eyes a moment until we could see, I expected to be busted by Pearl but there was Rarity backed by Applejack and Dash, Pinkie and Fluttershy peeking around the doorframe. Their expressions ran from slight amusement (Pinkie) to outright disgust (Rarity), and the whole gambit in-between. "So. It's true..." Rarity scowled. Dammit...