> Tugging At My Heartstrings
>  by Pegasi will rule
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Tugging At My Heartstrings
By: Pegasi Will rule
Chapter 1


Well, here I am. Well, I should say here I don't wanna be. My name is Mason, Mason Conrad. I'm just your normal nineteen year old guy, spending my days either out with friends or home playing video games. I really can't say my life was exciting, since it wasn't, but I can say I enjoyed normality, as in things not being so horribly askew as to be mind rapingly horrible. I guess this is where I say what happened and why I'm so down in the dumps, huh? You'll have to forgive me, I've never been very good at writing or sharing a story, but I'll do my best to relay it back to you, seeing as how I've got nothing better to do with my time now. Might as well keep a journal as the days go on.

Well, I don't know how we got to this place. It just kind of... happened. I remember driving around with my sister and her boyfriend, and then a bright flash, a sudden stop, and then we woke up in a field of wheat under a bright blue sky. I'm still convinced we're dead, and this is heaven, or would have been if it weren't completely populated by ponies. Although, my views on religion aren't the best anyways, being agnostic like I am.

Well, I can tell you the three of us were scared. My sister was latched onto her boyfriend for comfort, while I only had myself to keep me from breaking down. I was always an introverted child, and when I was upset, I only had myself anyways. I only needed me anyway, seeing as how people spew nothing but bullshit when trying to offer advice, thinking they know what you're dealing with. But, I was okay with that, and I guess It helped me through the beginning of this nightmare.

The mare who found us, Fluttershy was her name, apparently was the residential animal handler, or something. When she found us, she thought we were a new species, and was just so excited. That's when my hopes were dashed that there were other people here. She was a bit frightened when we spoke, but decided to help us out nonetheless, although it was hard to understand what she said when she quietly mumbled to us shyly. 

So, we were paraded through a little village; Ponyville was the name of it. Passerby's fled in terror from us, only reinforcing the sad truth that we were alone in this world... I was alone in this world... Anyways, Fluttershy brought us to this gigantic tree, with a sign on the front that read, 'Golden Oaks Library'.

That's where we met Twilight Sparkle, apparent prodigy to the Princess of the land and something called an 'Element of Harmony'. Don't ask me what that means, I really don't know. But, we spent more than our fair share of the day in that library, answering a multitude of questions to compile her list that was at least a mile long. I'm not bullshitting either. The stack of papers literally touched the ceiling.

Only when Twilight finished asking us a plethora of questions was when she decided to send a letter to her Princess about us. Did I expect a warm welcome, the red carpet to be strewn at our feet as we set foot upon this new land? No, I absolutely did not. Do you think that's what we got?

You'd be wrong. 

About five seconds after Twilight sent that letter, did we realize we were utterly fucked. Not only did a gigantic white pony literally appear out of nowhere in front of us, but she was accompanied by at least ten heavily armored ponies, each one aiming a spear in our faces. My sister broke down, and Craig desperately tried to comfort her. I just stood there, a look of utter defeat on my face. It was weird though. I was younger than both my sister and her boyfriend, yet I was the one who was keeping the brave face for us, no matter how defeated it looked. Was I scared? Most definitely I was, but I couldn't just show it in front of all of these creatures. 

So, once that happened, we were teleported back to a freaking massive castle, where we were questioned, tried and sentenced, as the world thought we were monsters. Apparently ancient folklore in this land listed species similar to us as, and I quote, "Horrible, bloodthirsty abominations". Yeah, great title, right? 

So, about a week later, we were facing the gallows. No fucking joke, the hangman's noose was dangling right in front of our faces. But, there was just one mare. One mare who stood up in front of the crowd and decreed 'no'. I will never forget that moment, ever. It was brave, foolhardy, and brash. Something I admired very greatly. The mare in question's name was Lyra Heartstrings, self proclaimed anthropologist. Apparently she had heard about three humans in Equestria, and, upon hearing our predicament, decided to help. 

The ropes dangled around our necks as she spoke up, the two Princesses eyeing her with confusion and a hint of anger. Lyra didn't care. She stepped right up on the gallows and spoke to the ponies like she was a trained politician, and got a startling response. Ponies cheered her, cheered her words, her spirit, and her kindness. She spoke of how wrong it was to judge the way we were being judged, to kill without any reservation, simply because we were new to this land. Because we were different. As she spoke, she turned to me, smiling so sweetly and so softly. I could feel the life slowly returning to my body; the life that was torn away the moment we entered this world.

The Princesses held another vote, and this time, we were found innocent of crimes we never committed. The Princesses offered their apologies and gave us enough currency to start a meager life. It was enough for each of us to start a living so that's what we did. My sister and her boyfriend moved into an apartment in Manehatten, while I stuck around in Ponyville, where, coincidentally enough, was where Lyra lived. 

I stayed with my sis and her boyfriend for about two months in Manehatten while my home was being built. I really didn't stay there, mind you, since I was helping the ponies who were building my home with the construction. Lyra came by everyday, offering me lunch and a cool drink during the heat of the mid-summer days. She had become my first, and possibly only friend in town, since the ponies were still quite uncertain about my presence. She told me to pay them no mind, and just focus on being happy. I tried, oh did I try to be happy. I just never got that spark of life back that I lost when I came here... It helped that Lyra was so sweet, but, it didn't help that I was alone, without a companion of my own species other than my sis and her boy.


When my home was finally complete, Lyra decided to help me shop for furniture and all the basic necessities my home needed. She even helped me move everything in, the sweetheart. We spent the entire day just organizing my home, talking, laughing... It did feel good to have a friend here, but, yeah... Anyways, once we were done, she decided to throw a house party for me and invite all of Ponyville. I wasn't too ecstatic about the idea, but it would help alleviate public opinion about me. 

So, the next day came and it was time for my party. I didn't expect anyone to show up, and I was right. No one came besides Lyra. Even the local party pony, Pinkie Pie, if I remember, didn't show. I didn't care, I didn't need them. If they didn't want to know me, then I didn't want to know them. It's as simple as that. 

Lyra brought a fruit salad and a bottle of cider over, and, since no one came to the party, I decided to let her stay for a long while. I whipped up some dinner for us, since I had gone shopping that morning (still receiving strange and scared looks from the residents). I made a simple salad, nothing more, but Lyra said it was the best thing she'd ever eaten. I had bet she was just being nice, but the look of bliss on her face as she buried her head into the bowl suggested otherwise. It was like she had gotten off on that salad, but, I digress.

So, anyways, we just hung out for the night, talking and mingling. Lyra did seem to have an immense fascination with my hands though. She was constantly eyeing them and, at one point when she was quite inebriated on the cider, began to play with them, flexing each digit, studying them like a piece of work. At one point, which to this day I'll still never understand why it was so cute at the time, she placed my hand atop her head. As soon as my fingers slid down her scalp, she dawned a look of pure bliss as she begged me to scratch her head. Being a bit tipsy, I obliged, laying on the floor with her and just caressing her scalp in my fingers. We stayed that way for a while, but soon the silence became too much, and I had to break it.

"Thank you." I said finally, breaking the silence that had gone on for over an hour. Lyra looked over to me, a questioning look on her face as she spoke.

"For what?" She asked, confusion evident in her voice. I laughed that she didn't know what I was thanking her for, which got her to laugh a bit as well. 

"For a lot of things. You saved mine, my sisters, and her boyfriend's lives. I just wanted to thank you for that. I'm glad they can be together still and not have to worry about being sentenced to death for nothing... They're lucky, though. They have each other, and I'm-"

"Alone?" Lyra finished for me. I just nodded, looking away from her. That word hurt me in a way it never had before. To actually be alone was the scariest feeling of my life. I'll never hear the sound of my name called by friends and family again, nor will I know the touch and caress of a woman, the love of relatives... To know I was never going to see any of them again was... crushing; crushing to the point where I had a loosing fight with my emotions and just broke down.

Lyra sighed and gave my cheek a nuzzle with her soft little muzzle. "I know how you feel. Ponies didn't want to be around the 'crazy human believer'. The only friend I have is Bon-Bon, and she still thinks I'm crazy, just like everypony else... But, I'm not crazy! I was right! Humans do exist! I'm talking to one right now!" 

I smiled and nodded, trying to get comfortable on the hard carpet as I wiped away my tears. "You were right, though. Still, you weren't sent to some fairy tale land for God knows what reason... I have nothing; no future, no one to share my life with... It's painful, Lyra." I turned back to her and noticed the sad look dawning on her face as her ears splayed back. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lay it on you like that... I'm just a bit stressed is all."

Lyra nodded as I continued to scratch her scalp, although she didn't seem to notice it anymore. She just looked away, lost deep in thought about something. She didn't say anything after that, and soon, she fell asleep against me, her head resting on my shoulder. I fell asleep next to her a few minutes after that, too tired to care anymore. I at least had a friend who wanted to be by my side when I was upset, and she was really sweet, if not a bit eccentric. I still remember feeling her cuddling up closer to me just before I fell asleep. We were both lonely, and we needed something like this for each other. Platonic, of course.

The next morning was a bit awkward. Lyra and I both woke up, her body pressed against mine as the two of us spooned on the floor of my home. My arm was draped around her body and she was holding onto my hand in her hooves, pressing it against her soft barrel. We both awoke at almost the same time, her a little bit earlier, which is what caused me to wake up. 

She let out a small gasp as she pulled away from me, startling me back into the land of the living. I just rubbed my eyes, perplexed. "I'm sorry! I-I didn't mean to have that happen!" She sputtered, confusing me to no end.

I just stared at her with a raised brow, having no idea what she was talking about at the time. "What do you mean? Sorry for what? You did nothing wrong." I grumbled. I wish I didn't say the last part...

Lyra just stood there her mint green cheeks a faint red. "I-I... really? You... don't think so?" She asked uncertainly, her eyes filled with a mixture of emotions from uncertainty to hope.

"Mmm... Nope." I groaned, looking over at the clock on the wall. It was only 7:20 in the morning, and I was so unused to being up that early. I was still half asleep, which is when my mouth works faster than my brain. "We should do this again sometime. It's nice to have someone close."

Lyra's face instantly lit up, as if I had said some magic word. "Really?! Oh, wow! Yes, I'd like to... do this again, if you want." She smiled, twirling her short hair in her hoof. I just nodded, making her blush as she giggled slightly. I had no idea why at the time, and you'll find out soon enough.

Lyra looked to the clock, then back to me. "Well, listen; if you're not doing anything later tonight, I'd love it if you could come to dinner at my house, meet Bon-Bon and everything..." She muttered shyly. I was confused as to the sudden personality shift, but paid it no heed, as I was still extremely tired. 

"Yeah... sure. What time do you want me to come over?" I asked, wiping the crusties out of my eyes. Lyra tapped her chin as she thought of an appropriate time for me to arrive.

"How does... eight sound? I mean, if that's too late, then we can move dinner back." She said quickly, as if she would offend me by the time. I didn't care what time dinner was at for her. I don't tell people how to live to accommodate me in their home, so anytime would be good.

"Eight's okay. I'll see you then." I said, sitting up from my makeshift sleeping spot. I was instantly body tackled by Lyra as she wrapped me in a large hug, squeezing me silly. I hugged her back, with a bit of trepidation over the new found affection. Something was screwy with her.

"Okay. I can't wait to see you!" She gushed, releasing me as she went for the front door. "Bye! See you tonight!" She sang as she left, shutting the door behind her. I went for the window, watching her leave. She had a massive skip in her step as she trotted into town, her eyes shut in content as a smile plastered her muzzle. Who the hell could be that happy at seven in the morning?

Well, I found out later why...
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2


Well, there I was, standing in the middle of my living room, looking out the window long after Lyra left. I was a still highly confused about her behavior before, but I guess I didn't know her that well to make a judgement on her character. I let out a long sigh as I made my way to the kitchen for some breakfast, which was either hay oat cereal or some left over fruit salad. I stuck with the fruit salad, needless to say. 

I ate my breakfast as I usually do, hurried as fuck, then proceeded to get dressed for the day. That was stupid, I only had one pair of clothing right now, so why the fuck would I need to change? I had to wash it everyday out back on a washboard, which was pretty damn low tech, but it took my mind off a lot of things, so that was my first stop. 

once my clothes were washed, I just sat around my house naked for a few hours until they dried. Thankfully, I had my bed sheets to act as a makeshift toga, which I used to do back home anyways when I was too lazy to put on pants. So, I was walking around my home like a Greek; cleaning, dusting, or just lounging until I figured out something to do.

A light knocking on my door signaled an end to the boredom as I rushed over, opening it with haste to see who was on the other side. Standing there was a white unicorn mare, her purple mane and tail pampered and posh. She stared at me and my attire with perplexed eyes before speaking. 

"Ahem. Um, hello... My name is Rarity, local fashion designer here in town, and I was wondering if you and I could... talk, for a moment?" The way she said 'talk' made it sound like I did something bad, which got me a little nervous. I nodded and let the mare into my home, watching as she eyed it, this time, with a happy look on her face. "Well, your home certainly is well kept!" She complimented, heading into the living room and taking a seat on the couch. I took a seat on the chair across from her and waited for what she had to 'talk' about. 

It took a while, but she finally began to state her business. "Mr. Mason, as I said, I'm the local fashion designer, so anypony who needs clothing can come to me for anything. Even you." I nodded, knowing that's why she wasn't here. "Good, now for the next thing I wanted to talk about. Lyra came by my store this morning and bought herself quite an... extravagant dress. She said something about a 'date' tonight." 

I slowly nodded, not understanding why this was something I needed to know. "Oookay, she has a date tonight. Why does this concern me in any way?" I asked. Rarity sighed and shook her head. 

"Dear, could I trouble you for a cup of tea? It was a long walk over, and a tea always does me good." She sighed again, giving me a small, yet sad look. I nodded, heading into the kitchen to brew some up. There was no talking between us during the six minute wait for the water to boil, which felt like an eternity. 

Once the tea was done, I reentered the living room, handing Rarity her cup. She took a sniff of the contents and, satisfied, took a small sip, letting out a hum of pleasure. "Hmmm. Divine. Now, where were we? Ah, yes, the 'date' Lyra has tonight and how it concerns you. Well, she and I talked for a few, and do you know what she said?"

I shook my had and leaned back in my armchair. "Honestly, not a clue." I admitted truthfully. Rarity nodded at that, placing the teacup delicately onto the table. 

"Well, she told me she has a dinner date tonight. A dinner date with a human, as in, you, human..." Rarity waited for my response, but I simply couldn't muster one. My mind was going absolutely abound with thoughts of how this happened, where the miscommunication occurred and how to get myself out of this. Rarity, sensing I couldn't say a thing, spoke up for me. 

"Listen. I know what you must be thinking right now, and I can tell by that look it's nothing good, but Lyra is... delicate. I can't tell you how many ponies she had shoot her down after they found out about her crazy human obsession, and I can't tell you how many times she's been emotionally broken. If... you are going to burst her bubble, please, do it as gently as you can? I don't think she can take another heartbreak."

Heartbreak? I was new to this world and inadvertently set myself up with a pony and she was worried about that pony's heart being broken?! How about my sanity!? Every moral fiber in my body was screaming that this was so fucking wrong on so many goddamn level! I liked Lyra as a friend, but it couldn't be more than that! I'm a human, she's a pony! What the hay was I supposed to do with that?!

"I'll um... I'll keep that in mind." I stuttered hoarsely, letting out a long sigh. Rarity nodded, getting to her hooves. 

"Well, I'm sorry about yours and hers misunderstanding, but, I must be off. I just thought I should let you know about this. It was very lovely to meet you, Mason. You are most definitely not the monster ponies make you out to be." She giggled a bit and made for the door. "And if you ever need clothing, just come on down to Carousel Boutique. Ta-ta!" 

Once again, I was alone with the brand new concerns and dreads in my head that turned my gut into a pretzel. What the hell was I supposed to tell Lyra? 'Hey, I'm glad you like me, but you're a horse and I'm a human so it won't work'? I know what it's like to be shot down by someone you like, and it sucks. But I had to do this, because it could never work in the long run. I mean, yeah, she saw past what I was, but... there was nothing back home that would be considered normal about this. This world had many different species, most of them highly sentient, so inter-species relationships would, logically, be fairly normal around here. I just had nothing to go off of in my life back home to find something appealing about this. 

Letting out a long sigh, I pulled out my Ipod, noting it was only at a quarter of battery power left. I dreaded that thing dying, because once it was out of battery, I'd never be able to listen to my world's music again. I only listened to one song a day, and today was a good day for... God, I couldn't even think straight. I just put on a song and laid on the couch as the music danced inside my head.

Once the music was over, I shut off my Ipod again and went to go check on my clothes in the back. They were almost fully dried, so I decided it was a good time to head to the market now for some more supplies. I was glad to be out of the bed sheet toga and in some jeans and a t-shirt. I loved how tight fitting my shirt was, too. It showed off my muscle mass that I gained from working as a package handler for over a year, and the manual labor I had done when building my home. I wasn't stacked, but I was definitely defined, which was something I was immensely proud of. I forwent the jacket, which I wore everyday, because I needed to test something out...

Out in the market, ponies passed me by, eyeing me, or more specifically my body, carefully. I had always thought the ponies here saw me as a monster, but apparently that time had passed. It was different, seeing the town not run and cower away from me. I mean, I was never in town much to begin with, so I never really paid any of them much mind other than when I bought something from the market and whatnot. While the Stallions weren't paying me much heed right now as I walked through the streets, the opposite gender was. 

Some mares began to take notice of my body definition, which just assured me that many ponies were used to the whole inter-species thing. Two mares passing me by gave me the biggest hint of all. One of them whistled, while the other bit her lip as her eyes trailed up and down my torso, her cheeks a light shade of red. Mine instantly began to match that as I made for the apple stand across the market. I knew Applejack fairly well now, since I had been buying one of the few edible items I could eat around here from her since I first set foot in Ponyville. She saw me approach and her eyes went wide for a second.

"Well, uh, howdy, Mason. Ah see you decided to leave yer jacket at home." She stated obviously, trying to keep her eyes on her apples. 

"Yeah, I needed to see if something I thought was true..." I sighed, picking at a piece of pealing wood from Applejack's cart. "Turns out I was right..." 

"Right about what, hun?" Applejack asked worriedly, putting twelve Apples into a bag for me. "Now, Ah ain't lettin' you leave till you tell me what's got you down in the dumps." She said sternly, pulling back the bag of apples when I went to reach for it. 

I gave up, letting her know what was really eating away at me. "Well, Lyra thinks that we're having a date tonight because of... some strange miscomunication, and I don't know what to do. I thought maybe it wasn't normal around here either for two different species to date, but the reactions I got today suggested otherwise..."

Applejack tilted her head slightly in confusion. "Well, a'course that's normal round here. Ain't it normal back where ye're from?" She asked. I shook my head and let out a sigh as I pulled my pouch of bits out of my pocket. 

"No, it's not... I... I don't know what to do, Applejack. I know you and I don't know each other very well, but do you have any advice on what to do?" I asked hopefully. Applejack smiled a very genuine smile at me as she grabbed my hand in her hoof. 

"Well, if Ah were you, Ah'd realize that life is too short to be holdin' onto these fears. So, there ain't no inter-mawhatsit relationships back where ye're from. So what? Yer here now, and here it's normal. Ye'll never know how you feel unless you give it a chance. Remember; personality over looks. That's what Ah always say." 

Applejack's advice was the first real good advice I have ever heard in my entire adult life. Why shouldn't I give this a chance? Because of my own upbringing and moral views? Anything could be conquered, and I didn't want to hurt Lyra over this. She was a sweet girl- er, mare. Maybe I should...

But what if my sister and her boyfriend found out? What would they think of it? Of course, they had each other, so they wouldn't know the crippling loneliness that one feels without a member of the same species. I didn't want them, the only family I had left, to think I was a freaking weirdo. Whatever I was supposed to do, only could be answered by me... and I didn't know which choice was the right one...

"Thank you, Applejack. You've given me a new side to this dilemma." I stated gratefully, passing her the bits and she passed me the apples. "I'll see you around, okay?"

Applejack nodded, waving as I left. "You know it. You have yerself a good day now, ya hear? And try to look on the up side of things!" She called out as I disappeared into the crowd. 

I finally felt a sense of happiness wash over me. With a somewhat clear head, I was able to see things in this world clearly for the first time. So, these creatures are different and may be pony shaped. They can all talk, feel and think like a human, so what's the difference. And, after all, I was only a man. I had needs too; needs which I alone couldn't satisfy. I guess it's better to start sooner rather than later, right?

"Where is he!? Where's the human!?" I heard an angry female voice call out through the crowd. I turned about to see a very angry looking mare with a tan coat, pink and blue mane and tail, and three candies as her cutie mark skulking about. One of the ponies she was 'asking' pointed directly at me, and when her eyes met mine, I could instantly tell she meant business. 

I didn't move an inch as she approached me, her eyes seething at me. She stopped dead in front of me, stood on her hind legs, and pinned me to a lamp post at my back. She was still a head shorter than I was, but she definitely was strong. Stronger than I would have liked...

"You Mason?" She asked bitterly. I slowly nodded and watched as her eyes narrowed. "Bon-Bon, Lyra's roommate. Now, listen here, bub. Lyra likes you, and believe me, I know how hard she falls for ponies. I've had to clean up the aftermath of relationships gone wrong for her for too long, and you, my friend, just entered dangerous territory..." She pressed me further into the streetlamp and snarled. "If you break Lyra's heart, I'll break your spine! That is not a threat, that is a promise! Now, you're coming with me, and we're going to make you look like a gentlecolt for my friend tonight. Got it?"

"O-O-Okay..." I stuttered, shrinking my head into my shoulders as she wrapped a foreleg around my wrist and began dragging me through a crowed of utterly confused ponies. I had no idea where she was taking me, but all I knew was one thing.

I was fucked, no matter what decision I decided to make...
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3


Bon-Bon continued dragging me through the streets of Ponyville, an eternal snarl etched onto her face. I had to admit, I was very frightened as to what she could do to me. If her strength was any indication, she could probably crumble me up like a piece of tissue and stomp me to dust. that was an outcome I'd like to avoid if at all possible.

"Alright," Bon-Bon finally said with an angry growl. "First stop is Carousel Boutique. You aren't wearing those clothes after I saw what Lyra got this morning. No, you're going to look like a high end Canterlot Noble by the time Rarity's done with you!" 

I could only nod as I was dragged through the front entrance of the store, the bell above the door letting out a little jingle at our entrance. I expected to see Rarity come to greet us, but what we got was pretty much a mini version of her. This unicorn had to only be up to my lower calves. Her mane and tail were pink and light purple, also a bit curly too. Her eyes were a vibrant green, and she had an adorable smile on her face as she spoke. 

"Oh! Hiya, miss Bon-Bon! What can we do for you today?" She asked in such a cute voice, I couldn't help but smile. Bon-Bon turned to me and snarled, causing me to crease my lips and shrink back for fear of a beating. 

"Well, we need your sister to make this sorry excuse for a being look good tonight for his date. You mind getting her, Sweetie Belle?" Bon-Bon asked, tightening her grip around my wrist to the point of painful. 

"Well, alright. SIS! YOU GOT CUSTOMERS!" The little filly shouted. A few seconds passed before Rarity came trotting down the stairs, surprise evident on her face when she saw me, although that gave way to a knowing grimace when she saw Bon-Bon latched around my wrist like a bear trap.

"Oh, hello, Mason. Bon-Bon... I take it you're here about suitable clothing for him tonight on his date with Lyra?" She ventured. Bon-Bon nodded and threw me forward, causing me to almost land on Rarity. Luckily, I caught myself before I hit her.

"Good guess. Make him a suit that would put the royals to shame. If he doesn't look like a true gentlecolt tonight for Lyra, I'll bury him where they can never find the body." She threatened, although I knew this one was a promise too... That look in her eyes was just... horrible.

Rarity seemed to almost pale as she lightly guided me to the back room. "A-Alright, well... Come along, Mason. Will get you looking like a true... noble..." Rarity said, seemingly almost as scared of Bon-Bon as I was. It wasn't hard to be scared of this freaking mare. She was a raging nut job! 

Rarity shut the door to the back room and gave me a look of sheer shock. "Darling! How could you let Bon-Bon find out about this?! She cares for Lyra like a sister!" She was whispering harshly at me, like all this was my freaking fault!

"Hey, she lives with Lyra!" I hissed back. "Did you ever think it was her who spilled the beans about this?!" It was at that that Rarity conceded the argument, letting out a small huff as she began to take my bodies measurements.

"Well, now you can't have any second thoughts! If you hurt Lyra, she'll hurt you." She warned me, even though I already knew that. She began running her tape measure along my body as she simultaneously wrote down the measurements on a clipboard.

"I know that." I sighed heavily, getting her to pout mockingly at me. "Look, I- I don't know what to do, but I'll think of something, alright?" I assured her, or maybe I was assuring myself at that point, I didn't know. I was scared shitless now over this entire out of control situation.

It only took Rarity a few moments to to pull out the materials and start designing my new look. "Well, even if you're scared, you're going to look good being scared." She huffed, changing the subject. "I have a few ideas in mind for your suit, which will send a nice message to Lyra. I was thinking a mint green silk vest underneath your tux, with Lyre cuff links. What do you think?" 

"Whoa, whoa whoa. Hold on a minute!" I said, quickly walking forward. "Am I supposed to be parading her colors and mark around like a freaking billboard?!" I asked incredulously. 

Rarity simply let out a snicker as she continued cutting the delicate fabric. "You obviously don't know how it works around here, do you? Wearing the colors of your mate is-"

"MATE?!" I shrieked, covering my mouth after realizing how loud I was, only to hiss it out again quieter. "Let me make it clear; Lyra is not my mate! Jesus! What the hell, Rarity?!" I snarled, scrunching up my face at the thought of it. I had needs, but I'd cross that bridge when I got to it. 

"Okay, calm down, Mason! Look, it was a poor choice of words. Wearing the colors of your date shows signs of affection. You're Lyra's friend, and as long as you show that, she'll be more than happy. Trust me on this, alright?" 

Rarity had a point. She did know more about this worlds customs than I did, since I've only been here for little over two months... I guess I would just have to trust her judgement on the matter and roll with this. Although, showing signs that Lyra and I were 'mates' just made me feel a teeny bit uncomfortable. Scratch that, it made me feel a whole new level of uncomfortable. Well, I had no choice but to go through with this. With a friends feelings on the line and my own well being hanging by a thread in Bon-Bon's hooves, I had to go through with this date and make Lyra happy...

No matter what...

Rarity kept me as far away from Bon-Bon as she could, which I had to thank her for immensely. The suit she made, which only took about two hours, was spectacular! The coloring, the stitching, and the feel of it just made me feel like a high class man. I gazed at myself in the new digs in the full body mirror, letting out a whistle.

"Damn, I look good! How much do I owe you?" I asked, smiling at the mare who made the greatest suit a man has ever worn. 

Rarity simply giggled. "Darling, this one is on the house. I mean, Bon-Bon did force you into this... Anyway, think of it as a welcome to Ponyville gift." Rarity began to straighten out my suit with her magic as she placed the lyre cuff links on my cuffs. "There. Now it's perfect. Oh, darling I wish you so much luck tonight. No matter the outcome, just remember that you can't let other ponies force you into something you're not comfortable with... Except Bon-Bon... She might actually kill you tonight." Rarity let out a small, hollow giggle as she braced herself and opened the back room door. 

Bon-Bon was sitting on one of the waiting benches, reading one of Rarity's fashion magazines. When she looked up, she saw me in my tux for the evening, and she looked damn impressed. It was a nice look; way better than bat shit crazy...

"Wow. I gotta say, you cleaned him up good, Rarity!" Bon-Bon gawked a bit, coming over to where we were standing. Once she was a good foot away, she began circling me like a shark would a wounded seal. She sized up everything about my appearance; my suit, shoes, color patterns, hair.

"Well, that's good enough, I suppose." She sighed, making Rairty's right eye twitch at the comment. All her hard work for the day, labeled as, 'good enough'. I had to admit, that comment made me a bit upset, too. Rarity did a fine job, and I think I looked damn freaking good! Bon-Bon ignored Rarity and glared up at me. "Now, it's seven o'clock, and I want you to head over to my house. Lyra's waiting so eagerly for your arrival. I have an errand to run, so you can get yourself there."

I gulped and nodded. "Yeah, but I don't know where you live. How am I supposed to get there?" I asked, dreading this moment. It was going to be so awkward, seeing Lyra so dolled up for someone who probably can't be with her... My stomach was in loops over the situation, and my brain screamed different feelings and thoughts about the matter, trying to overwhelm the other. I had only two choices, and none of them were easy in the slightest.

Rarity spoke up for me, guiding me towards the exit. "Not to worry, dear. I'll take you there. Bon-Bon, I trust you can show yourself out?" Rarity asked, opening the front door and ushering me outside. 

Bon-Bon nodded and followed us out. "Yeah, I'm right behind you. See you at dinner tonight, and you bring any of this up to Lyra, I will cut you!" She hissed to me, quickly making off into Ponyville. 

I grunted in anger as I followed Rarity's lead. "Man, she's a bit of a bitch, isn't she?" I asked, making Rarity gasp.

"Darling! Such foul language! But... yes, Bon-Bon can have her moments... It's because she cares deeply for Lyra and doesn't wish to see her hurt. Those two are best friends and the last thing she wants to see is Lyra crushed. Mostly by you."

I rubbed my brow and let out a long breath. "And why does it matter if it's by me?" I asked, wanting to know what made me so special. I kind of wished I didn't ask at all to be honest...

Rarity coughed awkwardly and began to blush. "Well, as you know, Lyra has a 'fascination' with your kind. Well, that's putting it lightly... Obsession would be more accurate. Let's just say, she really likes humans."

I grimaced at that, but let out a chuckle to help alleviate my apprehension. "I don't need to carry around mace to keep her off of me, do I?" I joked, hoping to get Rarity to laugh with me. She didn't...

"Well, it wouldn't hurt, but don't worry. She'll restrain herself, alright?" Rarity stopped us in the middle of the street and pointed to one of the houses at the end of the block. "Now, that's Lyra's home. You're early, but she'll take that as a good sign. I want you to behave like a gentlecolt and show her a wonderful evening, alright?" 

I rolled my eyes and nodded. "Okay, mom." I mocked, making Rarity giggle. I had to admit, it calmed me down a bit about this. Maybe the whole ordeal wouldn't be so bad. I mean.... 

Eh, I had nothing. 

Rarity said her goodbyes and trotted back to her home, leaving me alone to approach Lyra's home. I felt a knot slowly forming in my throat the closer I got to that doorstep. My heart was racing, my palms were sweaty, my body was shaking, and I probably was going to piss myself. Good excuse to get out of this, right?

Right?!

"Look out below!!" 

I looked up just in time to see a rainbow blur plow straight into my chest, sending me tumbling about ten feet backwards against the hard gravel road. Well, so much for keeping appearances... My suit must be ruined. What the hell even hit me, anyways?

I looked up to see a light blue mare laying across my chest, groaning lightly as she sat up. She looked at me and began to chuckle nervously. "Ehehehe... Sorry 'bout that. I was practicing a new move and, well, I need more practice." She climbed off my chest and helped me to my feet, eyeing me up and down. "Hey, I know you! You're that human guy everypony's been talking about! The one going to take Lyra to the stables tonight, if you know what I mean." She winked at me, making my face turn a beat red as I buried it in my hands.

"Goddamn it! How does everyone know about this!?" I groaned. The rainbow haired mare began to laugh as she began brushing the dirt off my suit with her wings.

"Heh, don't sweat it, big guy. This town is small, and news travels almost as fast as me. Name's Rainbow Dash by the way. What about you?"

"Mason." I said sighing, sticking out my hand for her to shake. She looked at it a bit oddly before clenching my fingers into a fist and bumping my knuckles. "Ah, makes sense since you don't have fingers..." I chuckled.

Rainbow grinned and fluttered up to my face. "Yeah, well, after tonight with Lyra, you might not have them either." She said sinisterly, laughing hysterically when my face turned a shade of white. "Oh! Oh Celestia, you should see your face!" She whaled, falling to the ground in fits of laughter. 

Once her laughter subsided, she got back to her hooves and took to the air. "Listen, I'm just messing with you. Have a good time tonight, alright? I'll see you around!" She yelled, rocketing into the sky and leaving a trail of rainbow behind her. I watched her leave and sighed, getting back to my ultimate mission of making it to Lyra's front door. It was probably already time to be there anyways, so I might as well be on time than late. 

I stood on her porch and made sure everything was all set. Suit? Check. Cuff links? Check. Box in my pocket? Wait... Box in my pocket? 

I reached into my tux pocket and, sure enough, there was a small box sitting inside. I was certain this wasn't in there when I put the thing on. I opened it up, and inside was a large, white rose bud with a little bit of stem. Underneath that was a card, which I curiously opened. 



Hey dummy!
I heard you didn't get a flower for your mate! What's wrong with you? Lucky for you, I got you covered because you're apparently dense when it comes to winning a mare. You're welcome.

-Rainbow Dash



Before I even had to time to register what the hell I just read, I heard the creaking of wood behind me. I turned around quickly to see Lyra standing there in... Oh dear God, she actually looked... Wow was the only word I could use to describe her appearance. 

The porch light shone on Lyra, revealing how much she had prepared for this date. Her mane had some glitter sprinkled about, giving it a shining appearance in the light. It was also curled slightly at the ends, giving it a flowing look. Her dress was radiant, having quite the old world charm to it, but maintained her mint and white coloring to accentuate her better. Her eyes had a layer of light blue eyeliner, and her eyelashes were crimped, giving them a... god, the only way to describe it was a sultry look. She stared at me as well, her eyes trailing up and down my figure to size up just how much I had gotten ready for this date. I guess she didn't expect me to get dressed so spiffy tonight. She blushed slightly and gave me a very warm smile. 

"Well, hello, Mason. It's lovely to see you. You look... cute..." She said shyly, kicking her front hoof at the ground. I smiled and tried to not look absolutely shocked by her. She was a stunner when she wanted to be, and that feeling sent my stomach through another series of acrobatics. 

"I-I... So do you." I said, still genuinely shocked at how good she actually looked to me. "Oh, and here. I... guess this is for you?" I said unsure, presenting her the white rose. 

Lyra gasped and her eyes began to shimmer as she looked up at me. "Oh! I-It's... breathtaking! Here!" She said, moving her hair aside around her ear. I guess I was supposed to put it on her or something, so that's what I did. Once the rose was tucked behind her ear, she pulled out something from inside the house, just on the other side of the door.

"I... um, didn't know that you would accept." She stuttered, her face on permanent red basis. "But, I got this for you, too, in the hopes that, you know, wanted to..." I didn't know what she meant, but I took the present she offered. Opening it up revealed two things;

One of them was a small necklace with a golden gem on the end. Engraved in the gem was a Lyre, raised with silver. The strings of the silver harped instrument spelled out an 'M' and an 'L'.

The second gift was a painting, which Lyra had done herself. It was of me, laying against the oak tree just outside of my house. Lyra and I would hang around there countless times when I was taking a break from construction. The image on the painting brought the memory back to me. It was the day that I had fallen asleep against the tree with Lyra, and the day I considered Lyra to be the best friend I ever had. I remember waking up, with the sun halfway set on the horizon. Lyra was still sound asleep against my thigh, smiling so sweetly in her sleep. I had never been that close with a girl before, and since Lyra was a mare, I thought absolutely nothing of it. Now, seeing the painting of that day before me, made by the mare who saw me as so much more than what I felt, I had to reevaluate just how much I meant to her. 

"Do you... like your gifts?" Lyra asked shyly, still pawing at the ground as she looked up at me with apprehension. I just smiled and nodded quickly, turning to show Lyra the sincerity on my face at just how amazing these gifts really were.

"I love them! Lyra, you didn't have to get me anything!" I tisked, making her blush harder. To see Lyra suddenly so flustered around me was odd, but it did cement the fact in my mind that, if I made the decision to stay friends, it would crush her heart. Just seeing her like this; it was too cruel to take it away. But it was also cruel to play her... 

Lyra was fighting back the giggles as she spoke. "Well, I-I didn't know if you'd say yes to this for sure, and I certainly didn't expect the flower! I was only going to give you the painting if that was the case." She said, looking a bit sad at that. I didn't know what she meant, seeing as how the painting, in my eyes, was the more romantic, but I just played it off and gave her a pat on the cheek. 

"Well, do you mind if I come in?" I asked, putting the vile of gold around my neck. In doing so, this got Lyra to smile so wide, I thought her grin would rip her cheeks open. 

"Yes! Yes, come in, Mason! And make yourself right at home." She insisted, stepping aside. Never one to be rude to my host, I obliged, nodding to her as I entered her home. 




> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 4


I entered Lyra's home, letting out a low whistle at just how beautiful the place looked. Imagine going to a relatives house during the holidays, how everything is so nice and perfectly kept for having company over. It was pretty much like that, except there were a lot more candles around, setting the house in a... sensual tone. This got my stomach to do a few confusing churns when I thought about it.

Lyra shut the front door upon my entry and I could hear her light hoofbeats clacking on the wooden floor right behind me. Then she wrapped my waist in a powerful hug, burying her muzzle into my back as she giggled uncontrollably. It was then that I felt something; a feeling, deep down in my heart that was desperately trying to make itself known. It was so weak, but so persistent. I couldn't even get my mouth to work I was so confused by the feeling. Luckily, Lyra did all the talking for me at that moment.

She took a deep breath and exhaled loudly, but happily, before she spoke. "Mason... I wasn't sure about all this before, if it really was what you wanted... I mean, we've been friends for a while and I... I always have had these feelings for you, bottled up deep down, ready to explode. But, after what happened last night, I know you and I can work... I really like you, Mason..."

I could hear the struggle in her voice as she said those last words. It was as if she had been fighting off saying them, for fear of a backlash, just like so many times before. I couldn't think with this mare latched around my waist the way she was. The kernel of something was growing larger the tighter she wrapped around me. She was the water to the growing seed; the sun to the bloom. Something about this was... right? Was that the right term to use? I didn't know, and not knowing scared me significantly. Maybe I should just stop this; let that seed die and we can move on with our lives.

But she confessed, right here and now about her feelings for me. Was it fair, after all she went through, to shoot her hopes down like that? It wasn't just her feelings that I was worried about hurting by doing this. It was our friendship. Lyra was such a funny, smart, charismatic mare to be around; never asking, always giving. Maybe just this once, because she asked... because she deserves it.

Because we deserve it...

I turned around, Lyra loosening her grip to allow me to do so, but keeping her forelegs wrapped around me still. I looked down at those golden eyes staring back up at me, wantingly, expectantly. Something about those eyes was different tonight. It was as if I was seeing them for the first time, and they were the only thing I could focus on. I had something to say to her, but I couldn't remember. I had wanted to tell her the truth, but ultimately, I just could not remember with all this stimulation happening to by body and emotions.

"Lyra! I'm home!" 

We both turned to see Bon-Bon strolling in, a paper bag hanging from her teeth. She stared at both of us with a raised brow and smiled. "Ah, I see I'm interrupting something. So, who's your friend?" She asked slyly, acting like the two of us never met. I guess that was for the best, seeing as how she had meddled in Lyra's romantic business to make her happy. 

Lyra guided me over to Bon-Bon, who wore a smile, but it read so many other things than 'friendly'. There was mischief, malice, and promise in that smile, that spoke volumes to just how crazy this bitch was!

"Mason? This is my roommate, Bon-Bon. Bon-Bon? I want you to meet Mason. My... date tonight." She said, still unsure if I was one hundred percent with this. I held out my fist and Bon-Bon bumped it lightly with her hoof.

"Well, I'm charmed to meet the human everypony has been talking about. So, tell me, Mason. Where did you get that stunning outfit? Oh! And those Lyre cuff links? I must say, your romantic sentiment to Lyra is most heartwarming." She cooed, giving Lyra and I the dreamy eyes. Lyra let out a little groan as her cheeks turned crimson, but she kept her smile nonetheless. I just coughed awkwardly, not knowing what to say. 

"Well, enough chitchat!" Lyra said hastily, pulling me along into the dining room. "How about we eat? I don't know about anypony else, but I'm starved!" It was times like this when I really appreciated Lyra. She always knew how to change an awkward topic when she wanted to, and she did it in such a funny way. I really liked that about her.

Wait...

"Eh, fine by me." Bon-Bon said, strolling past me. She walked over to the far end of the four chair table and sat right at the head of it, glowering back at me with such a smug smile. I gulped inwardly and made my way over to the table as well. Bon-Bon shot a glance at the chair next to mine, and I knew exactly what she was getting at. 

Before Lyra had a chance to sit down, I pulled the chair out for her, fearing the incurring wrath of Bon-Bon. Lyra blushed, hopping up in the chair. I pushed it in and sat beside her, looking at that adorable smile on her muzzle. Lyra's smile was something that became a joy to see for me when I first got to know her. It exuded so many things; peace, innocence, timidness. It was always fun to mentally guess what her smiles meant in a situation.

Where did that come from...?

Lyra began dishing out some of the food for the evening. There was an assortment of greens and vegetables, as well as bread sticks, plants, and  potatoes. Potatoes were always my favorite food, and seeing them on the table, steaming and smelling like a euphoric trip, I had to restrain myself from diving head first into the bowl. 

Once everyone was dished their food, we began the task of idle small talk. Some subjects about how the town was founded, what we all did for a living, what we like to do in our free time. Bon-Bon was a wiz at making candies apparently, and Lyra was a skilled lyre player, which was no surprise after seeing both their cutie marks. I tolled them that I played Piano in my free time, which made Lyra smile when she found out. 

"Really? How come you never told me you could play an instrument?" Lyra asked me as she took a sip of wine. I smiled and took a sip of my own, thankful for the fact that there was real alcohol in this world. 

"It just never came up." I said, leaning back in my chair. "I mean, it's not like we really did talk about our personal lives since we met." I pointed out. Lyra nodded in agreement as she poured herself some more wine.

"Yeah... But now we'll finally be able to." She said in a dreamy voice, resting her head on her hoof as she sighed. Bon-Bon could see the grimace on my face and decided to get rid of it with a very cunning tactic. 

She smiled at me and grabbed a bread stick from the bowl, holding it in between her hooves. "So, Mason. Why not tell us something more about yourself and your home. I'm sure Lyra would love to hear all-" She snapped the bread stick in half with a twist as her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "-about it."

Lyra beamed and wrapped her forelegs around my arm. "Aw, can you, Mason? Please! I've always wondered what human society was like! Tell me some stuff about it? Pleeeease?" She pleaded, giving me the puppy dog stare. Goddamn, if that wasn't the cutest thing I ever done seen... 

"Alright, alright." I sighed, smiling down at my date. "Well, what do you want to know?" That was a question that I regretted asking, because her immediate answer was,

"Everything!"

Well, I spent pretty much three hours answering all the personal questions Lyra, and sometimes Bon-Bon threw my way. Our conversation carried us from the dining room, to the living room, where we were all seated by the fireplace; Lyra and I on the couch, her snuggled up next to me, and Bon-Bon reclining on the armchair, laying down in a way that was comfortable for ponies to lay. Lyra, however, was still a complete conundrum.

She was sitting up like a human, her hind legs dangling over the couch, leaning her head against my shoulder. I was just getting done telling them about the time I had gotten into a car accident (after explaining what a car was). I was laying back against the couch, enjoying the licking warmth of the flames against my body.

"-and I had to wear a cast for eighteen weeks after that. It really sucked, let me tell you." I chuckled, grabbing my wine glass off the table. I was on my sixth glass, and was feeling all warm and tingly from the alcohol, which wasn't a smart move on my part. Let's just say, alcohol and I don't have the best history in the common sense department.

"Wow, that must have been awefull!" Lyra cooed, hugging my tightly. "Cars sound freaking scary!" I could tell by the way Lyra spoke that she was getting quite inebriated, which was also a bad sign for me. But, of course, I was too drunk to care at the time 

"Well, luckily for you, there are no cars in Equestria." I pointed out, making Lyra giggle as she plowed her muzzle into my neck, giving it an affectionate rub. Her hot breath blasted my skin, causing my hairs to stand on end.

"Hmm... I bet if there were cars here, you'd protect me from them." She sighed, her eyes fluttering, both in a flirtatious manner and that of fatigue. I could see her body becoming more droopy over time, signalling that it was probably time for her to hit the hay, no pun intended of course.

Bon-Bon let out a yawn and stood from her seat. "Hmm. What do you say, Lyra? I think it's getting pretty late, and I don't think Mason here wants to stay up any longer. And from the looks of things, neither do you." She added with a giggle, noticing Lyra gradually rocking back and fourth, trying to keep her balance.

Lyra instantly bolted upright, wrapping her forelegs around my arm. "No! I-I'm okay! I'm not-" She let out a rather large yawn before she had a chance to finish her sentence. "-Tired... Okay, so I am a bit, but I don't want tonight to end!" She let out a defeated groan, turning to me with pleading eyes. "Please don't go, Mason. Pleeeeaaase?" She begged.

I sighed and looked at the clock on the wall, which read 12:46. It was definitely time to get some sleep, but I couldn't help but feel bad for Lyra. She was having such an amazing night, and I didn't want to take that away from her. But, I still wasn't sure about this whole thing. What would I say? How can I tell her that we should just be friends? Well, at least I'd have the night to sleep this over.

Bon-Bon walked over to us and smiled. "Well, Lyra, why don't you walk Mason home? I'm sure he'd love the company." She sing songed. Lyra lit up and slowly got off the couch. Well, I guess I didn't have the night to think it over...

"Well, I guess it is late, and we should get some sleep. Mason, do you mind if I... walk you home?" Lyra asked shyly, looking at the floor as she pawed it with her hoof. I smiled and stood from my seat, stretching my lucid muscles. 

"Well, I see no harm. Let's go, minty." I teased, tussling her mane. Lyra giggled and pushed into it as we made our way to the door. Before we made it, Bon-Bon called out to Lyra, ushering her over to her. I waited by the door and watched as Bon-Bon pulled out the same brown bag that she came home with earlier and, much to my chagrin, pulled out a little tube of lipstick. She applied it to Lyra's lips, making her mumble in embarrassment, but she also seemed a bit excited at the prospect of thinking about kissing me.

Oh, God, was I really going to let her?

I hadn't decided yet, and I just didn't want to right now. Once Bon-Bon was finished with Lyra, I turned back around towards the door, hoping they didn't notice I spied on them. Lyra was blushing profusely as she and I left, with Bon-Bon shouting out to us, "Make sure she comes home in one piece, Mason! I don't want to have to come get her tomorrow because she can't walk!" 

This got both Lyra and I to flush red as we quickened our pace away from Bon-Bon and back to my place. Our houses were probably about twenty minutes apart, give or take a couple, and it made for some great time for me and Lyra to have a conversation. 

"So..." She began, inching closer to me. "I, um... I'm so glad you came tonight, and I'm sorry if things got embarrassing back there..." She mumbled, obviously bringing up Bon-Bon's not so subtle hints towards us. I just waved a hand and smiled.

"Eh, it's cool. My friends used to do that with me all the time back home. I'm used to it." I assured her, to which she only nodded and continued on in silence. It wasn't a 'we have nothing to talk about' silence. It was a 'okay, things are getting a teeny bit awkward' silence. Honestly, that's how I felt all night, but thankfully, with the help of my good friend Mr. Booze, I've been feeling a hell of a lot better. Still not getting all into the prospect of... relationships with ponies, but... I couldn't stand to see Lyra sad. 

As my home came into view, it was do or die time. Do I tell her that nothing is going to happen between us? Or do I suck it up and give her a chance? After all, I wasn't very popular with the ladies back home, but here? Here there was a funny, sweet, kind and sensitive girl right in front of me. The only thing that was holding this back was the fact she was a pony. It was tearing me up inside just thinking about it.

Lyra and I stopped under the porch, her eyes meeting mine with apprehension and want. I just smiled awkwardly, rubbing the back of my neck. Lyra sighed and looked to the ground, pawing at it with her hoof. She had been doing that a lot this evening. 

"So... I guess this is goodnight?" She asked with a bit of apprehension. It sounded like she didn't want the night to end, which was really pulling at my heart. What should I tell her when this is something she never got to experience? Never had a chance to do? I took a deep breath and braced myself for what I had to do. 

"Lyra? I really do like you, but... I think we should take it slowly. I mean, I am new to this sort of thing, ponies and humans..." I could see the look of utter defeat on her little muzzle, and it just crushed my heart. I knew what I had to do to make her see that I really did like her. I took a deep breath and leaned down.

Lyra wasn't expecting it, and to be frank, I wasn't either. She let out a surprised squeak when our lips met, and I could feel her body stiffen in response to what was happening. I could taste the lipstick on her lips, which had an odd, yet tantalizing flavor to it. After a few moments, we pulled away, with Lyra gasping and me blushing.

"W-Wow..." She stammered, stumbling backwards. "T-That was... was-" I cut her off with a finger to her lips and a smile. 

"I mean it Lyra. I do like you. I just need to take things... slowly..." I stuttered for a moment when a feeling of incredible heat washed through my body. My head began to buzz and a tightness in my lower body was beginning to ache at me. "That's... odd..." I thought.

Lyra smiled and gave me a large hug, sending shivers up my spine and the aching feeling in me to skyrocket. It hurt so bad, yet at the same time, so good. Lyra grinned from ear to ear as she began to walk off.

"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow Mason! It's... too bad you don't wanna do anything tonight, but I understand you want to take it slow." She sighed, but kept her smile. 

"Do we have to?" I blurted, covering my lips when the sentence left my mouth. Lyra turned back around curiously, arching a brow.

"But... you said you wanted to take it slow. Do you... really want to do this?" She asked, walking slowly towards me. I watched the way she walked; the look in her eyes, the sway of her hips. It gnawed at me, ate away at my being, my moral fiber. I lusted for her with a sudden passion I have never had in my entire life. I couldn't hold back from this rocketing ache in my body.

I lunged forward, Myself having no control over it. My lips met Lyra's, hard, causing her to stumble backwards and topple into the grass. She let out a pleasured, low groan as she wrapped around my neck. The fire inside my body grew into a blazing inferno when our lips reacquainted with one another's. I didn't know how or why this was happening, just that I needed it. Badly.

Very, very badly!

"Oh~ Mason!" Lyra gasped as I began to grind against her, trying to relieve this unbearable urge in my groin. It needed relief, it needed attention! And the only one around willing to give it was Lyra! God, did she look so sexy as I dry humped her in my front yard. 

I wanted to stop; to get a hold of myself and just walk away, but my body wasn't my own anymore. Now, it belonged to my desires, my sexual drive and lust. Lyra didn't seem to mind so much as I continued on her. I could feel a wetness dampening my leg, and when the smell hit me, that's when I began to lose it.

"Lyra... Bedroom? Please?" I begged her. Lyra punched her lips into mine and that's when I absolutely and completely lost it. I felt my aching member explode in my pants, coating my underwear in a thick layer of seed. Lyra could feel it and looked at me, completely and utterly shocked. 

"M-Mason! I-I didn't think you liked me this much!" She said, a smile on her face that grew larger and larger each second. I nodded, biting my lip as I felt the fire remain and my member stay as stiff as an obelisk.

"M-Mhmm! God, Lyra! You're amazing! I want you- No! I need you! St-Stay the night! Please say yes and stay the night?" I pleaded. Lyra grinned from ear to ear and jumped up from under me, knocking me to my back. She began to saunter over my body, giving me a fantastic view of underneath her body. She stopped her rear directly over my head and let a single drop of her arousal land square on my lips, sending its intoxicating aroma to my nostrils and the taste to my mouth. I could swear I could have came right there again just from that!

"Hmm... Come on, Sparky!" Lyra teased, making for my door, swaying her hips in a lusty manner. "It's time I got to study humans more thoroughly. Time to add your reproductive habits to my studies." 

I grinned deviously as I chased after the mare, wrapping her in my arms as I opened the door. I don't know what happened to me, or why I felt this way, but one thing was for certain...

I was going to fuck Lyra Heartstrings; my best friend. And I was going to fuck her hard.




> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 5


It was like my body was on fire the moment consciousness retook me. My eyes felt like lead, my body in no better of a situation than that. My mind swam, trying to piece together what had happened last night, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember. All I remembered was dinner with Lyra, her walking me home, then... nothing.

I finally, agonizingly slowly, opened my eyes. I was in my bed, so that was a good start. I looked to the right to see the clock, which read 8:20. Don't usually get up that early, but I guess it wouldn't hurt. Another oddity was that I was stark naked under the covers and could plainly feel the my member crusted over with dried-

"Oh fuck! Tell me- No! No! I didn't!" I mentally screamed. I turned to the left and, to my utter horror, Lyra was sprawled out beside me; her back legs spread wide, as if closing them was too painful for her to do. There was a small, dried up puddle beneath her, and it didn't take much to imagine what it was. 

"I didn't! Oh, God! I did! I DID! SHIT!" I continued to mentally berate myself, unable to accept what I had done. I couldn't even comprehend what had driven me to do it, let alone remember what had driven me to do it... What had happened last night!? Was I slipped something? Drugged? Forced? 

The self questioning of the possibility of date rape subsided when I felt Lyra turn towards me, her eyes half open and a small smile on her muzzle. She had a look of sheer bliss on her face that I had never seen before in my time here. She obviously enjoyed what had transpired in the night.

"Mmm... Morning, Mason." She yawned, crawling closer to me. I instinctively flinched, which she didn't pick up on. "Wow... last night? Freaking incredible! I didn't know humans could move that way..." Her voice dreamy and full of lust when she said that, which made me wonder what the fuck I had done last night to her!

"Eh... Yeah. I-" I was hesitant on telling her I didn't remember the night of her freaking life, since she was so happy, but I had to. I had to be sure she didn't drug me or anything. Then again, when has your rapist ever stuck around to tell you what an incredible lay you were? Probably not many. "So... Lyra, I'm sorry, but I can't remember anything about last night..." I sighed, making her tilt her head in confusion.

"You don't remember... any of it?" She asked, her voice a little weak. I slowly shook my head, ready for her to start getting all sad and mopey, but to my surprise, she simply started to giggle. "Well, I guess you did have a little bit too much to drink. Didn't peg you for a lightweight." She teased, nuzzling up to me. 

I sighed and got out of bed, making Lyra give me yet another questioning look. "Lyra, I'm not a lightweight. Heck, I only had five glasses of wine! Back home, that would have barely buzzed me! But... I remember the evening, but anything after you walking me to my house is just a blur. Please, tell me everything that happened."

Lyra sat up and stretched her forelegs, grinning. "You want me to tell you everything?" She asked, a hint of mischief in her voice. She thought I was probably teasing, but I had to know what happened. I had to be sure.

"Yes. Everything that happened up to us arriving here. All of it." I demanded. Lyra smiled as she reclined at the side of the bed I had occupied, looking up at me with those lusty golden eyes. 

"Well, you might wanna sit down, because this might get a bit long... and graphic."




(3rd person POV)

He was an animal, an insatiable beast of lust! Just when Lyra thought her hopes of Mason being her mate were crushed, he surprised her once again with this carnal act of desire. He wasted no time in tearing open the door, scooping Lyra up in his arms and proceeding to run up the stairs with her as fast as he could, all while keeping their lips connected the whole time.

Once in the bedroom, Mason threw Lyra upon the bed, getting her to let out a happy squeal of delight. She bounced up once, then was pinned to the bed when Mason flew on top of her. Lyra had never been treated like a mare before by any stallion, and the way Mason lusted for her so suddenly was the biggest turn on of her life. She could already feel herself becoming wet with desire already.

Mason wasted no time in removing his clothing, starting with the top half of the suit. Lyra watched with lidded eyes as his muscular chest was revealed to her. She had seen it before when he was working on his home, since it was too hot in the summer heat to wear clothing anyways, but she had never looked at it with such wanton craving. 

Lyra let her hooves travel all across his chest once his shirt was removed. He was a hard man, toned, but not overdoing it. Mason began to work on his pants next, freeing himself from their tight embrace. All of Lyra's attention on his chest went forgotten the moment his erection sprang from its fabric prison.

It was smaller than a stallions, which was to be expected, but Lyra had deduced, from her studies, where size is lacking, usually skill makes up for it. Size didn't matter to her anyways. What mattered was the one who she was loving with. Mason was the very height of her pining. Never before had she felt the feelings for him on any other stallion. He was everything she ever wanted. Sweet, caring, affectionate, passionate, and most of all? Human. 

Mason restrained himself from plunging right into Lyra's quivering pussy right there. Instead, he had a better idea. He crawled up to the head of the bed and motioned Lyra to him. She obeyed instantly, mounting his waist. 

"H-Hold on. Before we start fucking, I had an idea. Ever heard of 69?" He asked. Lyra shook her head, which got Mason to smile. "Oh, then you'll love it. Crawl on me like this." He instructed, laying down and guiding Lyra's firm rump to his face. Lyra felt a little hesitant, but once she saw his shaft dangling before her like a piece of candy, she knew it wouldn't be bad. 

In fact, it was absolute bliss.

Once Mason dove into her pussy with his hungry tongue did Lyra realize just what to do. Rubbing his shaft a few times to get it absolutely stiff (which probably wasn't necessary), she plunged her head down, taking his entire length into the back of her throat. Mason let out a groan of pleasure into Lyra, causing her walls to tremble. This got Lyra to let out a moan onto his shaft, which continually sent the shock of the pleasure back through them like a sexual circuit.

Mason's mouth was deft; his tongue striking deep into Lyra's clenching walls. She was incredibly tight, which he was glad for. He loved the feeling of her walls squeezing his tongue, and could only imagine what they could do to his dick. With that thought in mind, he continued to lap up Lyra's nectar, going increasingly faster with each whip of his tongue. 

Lyra continued to suck off Mason, loving the feel of his cock in her mouth. She would have never been able to fit a stallion's length in her mouth like this, which was one of the many drawbacks with colts. She didn't want to think about that. Instead, she thought about the man below her, pouring his love into her body like a bucket of water. She could barely concentrate on her own work with the constant stimulation on her pussy, but pressed on giving him the best pleasure of his life that she could. She began to swirl her tongue around his cock with each plunge downward, causing Mason's hips to instinctively buck upwards with pleasure, plunging his cock deep into Lyra's throat. This caused her to let out a few gags and chokes, but she didn't care. The way his cock slammed into the back of her throat was the most dirty thing she had ever felt.

Mason clenched his hands around Lyra's firm ass, spreading her cheeks wide. He pulled his tongue out of Lyra's pussy, which caused her to groan in displeasure. She was about to ask him why he stopped, when a sudden lick to her butthole caused her to swallow her words. 

Mason licked the puckered little ring, savoring the salty taste on his tongue. He brought fourth one of his fingers, sliding it past the opening and deep within her anal cavity. This caused Lyra to scream in absolute bliss. She had never expected her back door to feel so exhilarating! His fingers pummeled her insides while his tongue went to work on her clitoris, causing a tsunami of pleasure to envelope the unsuspecting Unicorn. The stimulation finally became too much, and with one final, carnal scream of passion, Lyra came, her pussy releasing a torrent of juices, which Mason eagerly lapped up. 

Lyra panted as her ass rested against Mason's face. She could barely move, but continued to finish off Mason's own orgasm all the same. She knew he was close when she felt his hips buck into her faster, trying to draw out the orgasm he so eagerly craved. It only took another minute of sucking for Mason to let out a groan of immense pleasure into Lyra as he shot his hot seed down her gullet. Lyra let out a surprised groan at just how much he came, swallowing as much as she could. The amount eventually became to much and she had to pull away, gasping for breath as the rest shot onto her face.

Mason panted heavily as Lyra turned about to face him, grinning as his seed still covered her face. "D-Did you like that?" She asked through pants for breath. Mason just simply sat there, stunned as he nodded, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. Lyra crawled off his face and remounted his hips, her eyes lidded and her face flushed from her orgasm. "Looks like you're still a bit eager, huh?" She giggled, rubbing her slit against his shaft.

Mason just nodded, still lost to the world from the most incredible orgasm of his life. Lyra took his silence as her cue to continue. Her pussy was still very sensitive from her orgasm, which cause her to moan loudly with each rub against his cock she did. 

Lyra took Mason's cock in her magic and brought the head to her lips, spreading them ever so slightly. She smiled and looked Mason in the eyes and said, "Mason, I don't know about you, but I'm ready to go again..." 

Mason nodded and placed his hands on Lyra's hips as she drove herself down, letting out a gasping squeak as his member slammed deep within her. Mason could feel her walls still trembling from her last orgasm as they pressed and squeezed at his shaft, causing his still sensitive member to flair within her. 

"Don't... blow to quickly..." Lyra gasped as she began to move up and down, leaning down and wrapping her forelegs around his neck as her movement became faster and harder. Mason replied in kind as he began to buck himself upwards into Lyra, causing the room to be filled with the moans and grunts of their carnal desires. 

Lyra shakily picked her head up and planted her lips on Mason's, and the two shared a carnal kiss of tongues, battling it out for dominance in each other's mouths, with Lyra winning out in the end as her more powerful tongue explored the confines of Mason's mouth, getting both to moan more affectionately. 

Soon, Mason's thrusting became more sporadic and quicker in pace, letting Lyra know he was just about ready to finish. Lyra unwrapped herself from Mason's neck and placed her hooves on his chest and arched her back in pleasure. "A-Are you ready, Mason?! Please, cum inside! Oh~ I want to feel it inside me!" She screamed out, and that was all the incentive Mason needed to go faster and let out the horrible pent up pain in his loins.

After a few more thrusts, Lyra could feel his head flair and burst his seed into her deepest regions. Lyra felt as if her stomach was full as his shaft continually pumped his seed into her. It was as if someone had plugged her with a hose and didn't bother to shut it off. 

After what felt like an eternity, Mason finally ran dry, and could feel his entire going numb in the most extacy filled experience of his life. He had such an endorphin rush, that the coming down caused him to black out, leaving Lyra to sit atop him, stunned as she too came down from the most incredible experience of her life. 

Lyra slid off of Mason and fell beside him, panting as she felt herself leak his seed onto his bed. She was sure he wouldn't mind, and she was too drained to get up and use the bathroom. With a tired sigh, her eyes fluttered closed, and she too fell unconscious.





"-and that's pretty much what leads us here." Lyra concluded, while I just sat there in utter astonishment. I can't believe that I... and then  I- with my...

"M-Mason, are you okay?" Lyra asked as I faltered and fell against the wall. "Let me get you some water, maybe that will-"

*Knock Knock Knock*

Both Lyra and I turned towards the sound of my door, with me going to the window a second later. I looked down to see my sister and her boyfriend at the door. 'Oh God, this can't be happening!' I thought, turning to Lyra who looked a bit confused. 

"You have to hide!"

Lyra looked at me with a raised brow. "Why do I have to hide? Who's here?" She asked curiously, looking out the window. "Oh! It's your sister and her mate! I would love to-"

"NO!" I shouted, only to catch myself when it caught Lyra off guard. "I-I'm sorry, but I just don't think I'm ready to tell them about... this." I said, gesturing to Lyra, who instantly furrowed her brows. 

"E-Excuse me?! What do you mean? You juts gestured to all of me!" She stammered, huffing as she continued to stare daggers at me. 

"Yes, I did... I don't know how my sister or Craig will feel about you and I and... what we just did. It's early, and they'll know something happened between us if they see you here! Please, just stay up here for a bit! Please?"I begged.

Lyra huffed and nodded. "Fine... Don't keep them waiting..." She mumbled with a very cross voice. I was too busy panicking to pick up on it as I grabbed my pants and headed downstairs, skipping most of the steps as I launched at the door and opened it. 

Both Stacy and Craig looked surprised by how hastily I opened the door, and the fact I was breathing so heavily, as I greeted them. "Stacy! Craig! I... wasn't expecting a visit! What do I owe the visit?" I asked curiously, ushering them inside.

Stacy and Craig entered and took a seat on the couch, with Stacy proudly showing off a large ring on her finger. 

"We're getting married!" She said ecstatically. I smiled from ear to ear as I hugged them both, so proud they were finally tying the knot.

"Wow! Congratulations! I always wondered when you two would settle down! When are you planning the wedding?" I asked curiously.

Craig answered, saying, "In a few months. We figured with being stuck here and all, might as well tie ourselves down. Not the craziest thing to happen around here, huh?" He asked, chuckling.

"Yes! Congratulations!"

Oh how I wish that was me who answered his question, but alas, what I feared would happen did. The voice at the top of the stairs was Lyra's, and she came down with her mane a mess, her makeup smudged, and her dress folded up in her magic, still sporting a few tears from when it was torn from her...

I turned to my sister and Craig, who stared at the mint green unicorn in shock, then turned to me. Lyra grinned evily at me and took a seat next to me on the opposite couch from my Stacy and Craig and pulled me in for a kiss. 

"Hmm..." She sighed as she pulled away, smiling. "Don't look surprised, that was tame compared to last night..."

I was floored! What in the actual FUCK was Lyra doing?! I had asked her one simple thing, and she completely blew it up in my face! How could she?! Now I bet Stacy and Craig were-

"Wow, you two ended up together? You owe me twenty bucks!" 

I turned to Craig with a shocked look. They... had bet on it?! They actually saw Lyra and I getting together?! How long did they think that?! Have they always had a hunch?! 

I sat in shock, asking, "You mean, you don't... care?" When they both smiled and shook their heads, I turned to Lyra who simply winked at me. "Did you know?!" 

"Why do you think they're here?" She giggled, pecking my cheek. I sent them a letter yesterday telling them about our date and to come by today! I had no idea that they had their own engagement announcement!" Lyra turned to my sister and grabbed her hands in her hooves, grinning like mad. "Congratulations! Really! Do you still need a Mare of Honor? Can I be it?! Pleeeeaaaassseee?!" She begged.

"Of course!" Stacy giggled. "You saved our lives, so fair is fair." 

"Yes!" Lyra hissed, fist pumping. "I'm going to throw you the best bachelorette shower EVER!" She sang, all while I just sat on the couch in utter confusion. 

Craig picked up on this and gestured me to follow him outside while the girls had their girl talk. Once outside, he passed me a cigar and lit one of his own, lighting mine for me. We stood in silence for a few moments before he spoke.

"Look, we don't care that you're with a pony. There's no other people here for you, so far be it from us to judge." He chuckled, blowing out a ring of smoke. "Besides, Lyra and you are just the cutest." He teased.

I chuckled and blew my own ring of smoke. "I'm... glad you guys don't care." I sighed in relief, the thought actually registering in my mind. Now that they knew, and accepted the fact that I had done the do with Lyra, being with her no longer registered as a bad thing in my mind. I actually did want to give it a shot with her, and the look back I did through the window at her wasn't lost on Craig.

"Don't be lonely forever because of what you thought we'd think. You're the only family we got left, and it's not like we'd abandon you because of you dating a pony. Be happy with her, man."

I nodded and looked out over the early morning of Ponyville, as Ponies woke up and began to go about there business, the sun steadily rising higher into the sky, and the children heading out to school, laughing and playing as they went.

"You know, life here isn't so bad after all..."