Not what I was expecting, vibe-wise, but this is probably better.

That last paragraph was a great ending to the chapter.
(Chapter 10)

Oh, that was very nice.

"...I don't know. When I look at you, I feel... strange. I missed you, when you were gone, working. Part of me feels so terrible, so bad for leaving..." She sighs heavily, but presses against him again, face buried in his stomach, hooves holding him tight. "But it feels like I did the right thing? Does that make me a bad Mare, Barnon?"

Seems in keeping with her Element actually...

"I need you to lean down, so I can kiss you." She states, firmly. Her eyes are still red -- but no tears flow, now. "If that's alright."

She fell in love QUICK...

"I need you to lean down, so I can kiss you." She states, firmly. Her eyes are still red -- but no tears flow, now. "If that's alright."

Why did I felt like this sentence was wrongly cut-and-paste from Fluttershy story?

He can hear her sniffle, muffled against him. Shit, man. He wasn't built for complex feelings. He called people Gay on the intergalactic web and paid his Derogatory Sexuality Remarks Fine.

The future isnt all rainbows and sunshine it seems😔😔

11847336
naaah, She's got a crush on him. Different from love just yet, crushes are far faster to manifest and at times more intense than long time love.

11847915
The idea of not being able to insult people with a derogatory term used to insult homosexuals offend you? That's pretty damning of your personality

Delayed demonstrating defense, for now. Skipped over to demonstrating housing, what else was there on the Wooing Checklist?

11871240
🙄

11847915

"Oh no, my actions have consequences!"

That was utterly adorable, the last sentences especially.
Doing a great job with the pacing so far.

Daaaaamn . . .

Love it.