Magnate rolled his shoulders to try to work out the kinks that had built up in his muscles from hunching over a desk all day. He yawned wide, then started up the stairs of the apartment complex. Night had come earlier than normal, or so it felt with the gloomy clouds lingering in the sky.
If he had to be honest, the whole of Manehattan had seemed to be overcast with a grey hue since Lovey Dovey had hopped the train back to Ponyville. She had suddenly appeared, turned his world upside down with things like love lines and romance, and then just left without so much as an explanation. His heart clenched with a brief pang of regret, but he shook his head to chase away the thoughts that swelled at the sound of her name in his mind's ear.
His horn lit up to unlock the door and he walked inside his apartment, dragging his hooves ever so slightly. There, in the place he called home, was his only physical memory of her, resting on the coffee table: a letter he had received two days ago that simply read "I'll be seeing you." Other than that, his life was completely normal and utterly mundane.
He dropped down onto the couch, the letter now hovering in the air above him. The parchment was light pink and glittery. Every time he reread it, glitter found its way into his coat, which had led to an awkward conversation at work the other day. He chuckled to himself and reached out a hoof to tap on the levitated letter, sending a small shower of sparkling dust down onto his chest.
"I'll be seeing you," he muttered aloud and sighed. "When, exactly?" He touched it again, this time more of a caress than a tap.
The pink paper floated down to its place on the table and he rolled off the couch. After a simple dinner, with nothing else to occupy his time, he simply went to bed. A boring evening, just like every one he used to have before Lovey had entered his life, but somehow it just felt more lonely after having met her.
In the morning, an excited flurry of knocks came from the front door. He was nearly startled right out of bed but managed to catch himself just before he tumbled off the edge, instead stepping down with a little more grace.
"Coming!" he yelled, though his voice was raspy and he had to cough to straighten it out. "I'm coming!"
The knocking ceased. He paused to take a deep breath in and let it out slowly, hoping to look more presentable if he could smile. "Yes?" he asked as he opened the door, then added with a startled lump in his throat, "Lovey?!"
The smiling pink pegasus stood on a welcome mat. He didn't have a welcome mat, so he had to pause first to wonder from where exactly it had come. The copious amount of hearts lining the border of it was a pretty big giveaway as to the culprit for its sudden existence.
"I'm home!" Lovey squealed, hopping just barely off the ground in struggling excitement.
Magnate's gaze lifted from the mat to trace her form, which was nearly engulfed by a bulging bag tied around her middle. It looked as though it would either burst at the seams, swallow her under its weight, or both.
The sight of it pulled his thoughts back to the matter at hoof and he furrowed his brow. "Lovey, I'm happy to see you, but... what exactly is going on?"
Lovey stepped forward and managed to get a third of herself through the doorway. Her front legs braced on the sides of the frame, she grunted and strained against the bag that prevented her from moving any further. She gave up with a sudden gasp and collapsed to the ground. "I'm"—she huffed—"home, d'uh."
Though he wasn't sure why, he looked around the apartment as if to confirm it was still indeed his and that he hadn't woken up in Ponyville. "What?" was all he could think to ask.
Lovey pointed at the bag that threatened to smother her. "Help me?"
With a little effort, he maneuvered his magic around the straps that tied the bag to her, then lifted it off her and set it just outside. She gave a frustrated sigh, got back up onto all fours, and turned to look at it.
"No, no, Magny, I want the bag inside, not outside!" She tossed her head and looked up at him, a small pout on her lips. "For such a smart stallion, you totally got that wrong."
He raised a hoof in confused protest. "Not until you—" He cut himself off, the rest of the sentence ending up a strangled grunt in his throat. "No, first, hello." He stepped toward her and wrapped a hoof around her neck, then placed a light kiss on her cheek. "How was the train?"
She leaned into his embrace. "Just awful! I couldn't fit into any of the seats with my luggage, which rather upset the conductor, because he couldn't get past me to check other ponies' tickets." She sighed, nuzzling her face against his neck. "Oh, I know it's only been four days, but I missed you so very much, Magny! I'm sorry it took me so long to make arrangements!"
"Arrangements?" He pushed against her to put enough distance between them so that he could look her in the eyes. "What's going on, Lovey?"
"Huh? What do you mean?" She blinked up at him with sincere confusion. "I thought that part was obvious! I'm moving in, of course."
The words sent a sudden shock of surprise through him and he nearly jumped out of his coat. "You're what?!"
She pointed at herself. "I"—her hoof lifted and moved in a circle to gesture at his apartment—"am moving in." A bright smile lit up her muddled expression as she pointed at him. "With you!"
Magnate rubbed his temple, slowly shaking his head. "Lovey, it's too soon for you to move in! We have only been on one date."
"Oh, we can still go on dates!" She giggled and pranced over to her bag. "But we're meant to be, so why delay? That just seems silly."
"To you, perhaps," he retorted a little too sarcastically. The words fell out faster than he could think them through. "To the rest of us, your 'meant to be' nonsense is just that: nonsense." Finally, his brain caught up and his eyes widened. "That's not—What I mean is—Lovey, I—"
She turned to face him with an amused smile, the corners of her mouth wrinkling as though she was struggling to keep laughter at bay.
"... You're smiling?" He blinked. "You're not upset?"
"Of course I'm not upset! Silly Magny." She giggled and leaned against the doorframe. The light caught in her eyes as she gazed up at him, making his heart skip a beat. "I've been a matchmaker my whole life. You don't think you're the first naysayer, do you?" Another giggle bubbled up. "Everypony comes around eventually at their own pace. And when you come around to realize you're my very special forever somepony, I'll be ready! I mean, I'm totally ready now, but I can wait."
Magnate sighed. He put a hoof on hers, a small, weak smile on his lips. "I'm sorry. Anyway, you can stay here until you go back to Ponyville, if you'd like."
Lovey's smile fell and she tilted her head. "Isn't that the same thing as moving in?"
"No." His smile similarly fell. "My version implies you leaving to return home at some point."
"But I can't do that!" She sat on her haunches and crossed her forelegs over her chest.
His voice grew strained as he pressed, "And why not?"
Lovey huffed. "Because Juniper's living there now. I sold it to her since I thought I wouldn't need it anymore. Which I don't!" Her cheery air returned as she dropped back down onto all fours.
He stared at her, mouth slightly agape. "What?"
"I'll just use the bits to rent an apartment for the time being. They were going to help cover my portion of the rent, since I figured I should pull my weight, you know, but it'll take me some time to get settled here. So the upfront bits seemed like a good idea!"
Magnate sighed and, despite knowing better, tried to catch her attention with a small wave of his hoof. It was no use. The rambling had started and she was lost to the world.
"Of course," she continued, "that's not to say that I won't figure something out for bits once my little fund runs dry. I don't know exactly what I'll do, though. I can't be a matchmaker anymore, considering that requires me to travel all the time, and I'm ready to settle down!" She giggled, covering her mouth with both hooves like a school filly.
"Lovey..." He waved his hoof again.
"Oh, Celestia, who ever thought I would be the one who gets to settle down? After attending so many weddings for happy clients, I get to attend my own! As the bride! Should I start booking a venue? Is it too soon for that, too?"
"Lovey!" he shouted and grabbed her by the shoulders. He gave her a small shake for good measure. "Lovey, look at me!"
Lovey blinked. Her gaze, which had glossed over with glee, focused on him. "Huh?" She blinked again and smiled. "What's wrong, Magny?"
He took a moment to catch his breath and wits before he asked carefully, "How can you sell your house, give up your job... leave your whole life behind?" He frowned. "What if it doesn't work out between us?"
One of her ears started to fold against her mane, but it snapped back into its usual perky, upright position. "Of course it will! We're soulmates, after all." She playfully bopped him on the snout. "Don't be such a Nervous Nelly!"
He sighed. "Let's just start with breakfast, okay?" He let go of her and walked to the kitchen. "I'll make it while you figure out how to get your things inside."
"Roger that!" She bounced back into the hall and grabbed the bag with her teeth, then tugged with all her might.
He listened to her struggle with a small amount of amusement, even glancing over in between cooking steps. "Lovey?" he finally asked.
She grunted and let go of the bag to reply, "Yes?"
"It's Saturday." He transferred the light meal to two plates. "Do you want to go on a date after breakfast?"
A high-pitched, giggling squeal erupted while her wings fluttered, lifting her off the ground. "Abso-positively-lutely!" She sailed across the living room and threw her forelegs around his neck, swung around, and landed beside him. "Where are we going to go? What are we going to do?"
He smiled down at her. "It's a surprise."
She squealed again and climbed onto one of the chairs. Her hindhooves swung back and forth while she wiggled and bounced. "I'm so excited!"
"I know." He sat across from her. "Now, eat your breakfast before your hummingbird wings blow it away."
Her wings paused for a moment, then continued flapping rapidly. "Okay!"
I have high hopes for this!!!!
It's here! Yes!
If we're really going to explore Magnate being uncertain about his relationship with Lovey, this is going to be extremely interesting. I really like the start, so far!
Previously at work:
"Why do you have two black eyes and a limp?"
"You know who Lovey is, right?"
"She did this?"
"No, no. We were on a thirdaversery date, whatever that is, and went to the premiere of The Three Mareteers when it happened."
"You were mugged?"
"Just listen."
"Lovey got a bit exited during one of the fights between the Mareteers and the Kings Guard. The next thing I know one of the Mareteers, a pink mare, yells, 'Vampony' and dives off of the stage into me."
6935794 Me, too!
6935818 It only took... forever! I blame Wishes.
6935827 Well, given the title and description, I'd consider it false advertising if the story doesn't explore that.
6935873 Hahah! Oh, dear.
Oh this will be a treat for sure.
6935953 I certainly hope so! A slow treat but it's about time to get Lovey and Magnate's story out there.
6935952
I've missed the no strings attached fun times.
Lovey truly doesn't have a setting between "off" and "full throttle" does she? You'd think, at some point, someone would have pointed out to her how strongly she comes on.
Then again... would she have listened?
6935873
Hah!
My own contribution:
Magnate walks into the behind-the-scenes meet and greet following the ballet. Pinkie's there organizing the after-show party, Velvet is there as one of the performers, Cadance is a guest of honor, and Lovey is flitting about.
"Sweet Celestia, there's an entire herd of you!"
A week later he's a hermit deep in the wilds of Maretania.
Poor Magny
So. Flipping. Excited.
Lovey is best character
6935952 I guess I should've phrased it better. I'm hoping that we'll "explore Magnate being uncertain about his relationship with Lovey" in a depth that will satisfy me.
6936140 Ah. That I can't make any promises for. Nothing I write will ever make everyone happy!
...he has no idea what to do as a date, does he?
Also, forgot how much I missed Lovey! Her characterisation is amazing!
Yey.
YAY!!! new Lovey Dovey story!! and, Of course she amuses me with her antics. The poor love mad Pegasus but i love it. This is a good start and I cant wait to read the rest of the story!
Not my kind of story... but I shall keep an eye out for it nonetheless. Who knows, perhaps this is the type of tale I need right now...
Only Lovey would move this fast. And make it this hilarious. Also, what does it say about Magnate that the first thing he thought about after seeing Lovey was why he suddenly had a welcome mat?
6935794 Sorry, but I cannot resist posting this when I see the words "high hopes":
(I agree, either way)
6935957 So, any idea on the exact update schedule beyond the blizzard-esque "When it's done"?
Yeah, this can only end well. As someone who's married to that kind of crazy already, I have a word of advice for Magnate: Just give up, dood. You lost the moment she set her eyes on you. Your only way out now is to completely destroy her, and I don't think you have it in you.
6936030 She probably wouldn't have! She has a habit of hearing what she wants to hear.
6936046 Indeed!
6936074 She's oodles of fun to write, that's for sure!
6936626 He does generally seem to be lacking in a few departments, romance included.
6937055 Give me, um, two chapters? Maybe one! Maybe three. No more than three!
6937219 I can't wait for the rest of it, either!
6937599 No worries. Not everything is for everyone!
6937844 Lovey is a super duper fun character. The only problem with her is that I pretty much can't nail down an outline when she's involved because she can be unpredictable to write.
As stated in the blog post, unfortunately the answer is no, there is no exact update schedule. I really want to close out Mask, and Hopes will take the main spotlight as far as update attention goes. Lovey will bump up in priority when Mask finishes, but that still has about 10 chapters left.
But it also bugs me to no end to have a story without updates (Horsey's story haunts me) so it will get worked on, I just don't know when. At least once a month. I can commit to at least that much for sure.
6938366 I agree, there is pretty much no stopping crazy without extreme, bridge-burning measures taken. And Lovey is on the far side of crazy!
6938401
So, somewhere along the line, the date will turn from him taking her out to her taking him out to show him how it's done? I wouldn't be at all surprised.
P.S. Note to self; don't date a "relationship specialist."
6938998
You only think that Lovey is crazy and random. In fact every action she takes is designed to provoke a specific reaction in the recipient. She'll play him like a marionette until he is able to move on his own, after all she is a master of love lines.
I thought "ooh, I'll be adding this to my 'Next' list", but then I thought "why delay the inevitable?", thus I moved my mouse one space to the left and hit 'Favourite' instead!
6939740 Awww, thanks I hope it delivers what you expect!
6939742 What I expect?
Maybe.
Satisfaction?
Probably.
(Need any more butter? )
>sees this in the "Popular" side bar at the front page.
>has a "happy" siezure
>reads
*squee intensifies*
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS THE SEQUEL!!
*dancing in chair intensifies immensely*
>is happy
>happiness is over 9000
dat sequel tho
@_____@
>has to explain when caught doing a "happy dance" and the squee
You have my attention, ma'am. Adding to tracking list. Also, enjoy your vacation.
When I first saw the cover I thought Lovey Dovey's coltfriend was Trenderhoof which would have been really funny
Finally caught up on the first story so I could read this one too.
You know, absent any context, that sounds kind of stalker-ish.
Oh god, glitter. You'll never be rid of it, Magnate.
Silly Lovey, I'm sure Manehatten is big enough to justify a dedicated matchmaking service. No need necessarily to give up a successful and cutie mark associated career.
6941013 I figured you'd be happy! I hope to have the next chapter up soon-ish!!
6941473 Thank you and thank you!
6942844 Even with context... given how strong Lovey can come across... I think it still sounds a little stalkerish.
6943228 What are you doing replying to comments?! Get back to vacationing, silly pony! Get back to me in three days.
6944224 B-But... I don't want to be rude! Okay, fine. I'll reply in three days.
Oops! *finger slips on Post Comment button*
Too late!
6943228
>is burned out from the happy dance...also need new chair
Are you sure this is the original Lovey Dovey? Maybe this is her doppelgänger, escaped from Equestria-Upsilon-Decimus, and the real Lovey Dovey is imprisoned, forced to lounge on velvet cushions and satin sheets while cabana colts feed her chocolate bonbons all day!
...
...
Better write that one down....
6949997 If you believe the Mirror minific to be canon... then it is a possibility!
I want to do that now. Just keep a bunch of welcome mats in my car, and leave them at people's doors if they don't have one.
6958519
better idea, knock on the door and pretend to be taking a survey, if the person is nice and kind put down a mat with "welcome" on it, if there neutral or not interested put down blank mat, If the are unwilling and down right nasty put down an unwelcome mat
.
I like this story already. :)
no, he's a "neighsayer"...