> Sugar on the Rocks > by Steel Quill > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Sugar on the Rocks > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Ok, a little more to the right!” A voice called over the hum and cranking of machinery, buzzing and groaning as it carried its load of heavy materials to its destination. The breezy, sunny day in Ponyville was full of activity in and out of town. Being the midway point between fall and summer, it was one of those days that one would be remiss to skip going out to do anything. Much of the populace agreed with the idea, the park itself being chock full of picnickers and nature enthusiasts alike. A few ponies had gathered in one open field with Fluttershy, who had deemed it safe for some of the animals to roam freely as they interacted with the ponyfolk. On another side of the town, some ponies were taking advantage of the good weather to get important work done, namely the construction team hired to tackle on Mayor Mare’s latest project: a community safety bunker for emergency disasters. Of course, some at first pondered if it was a good use of the community’s money to create such a thing when they’d all so far endured every disaster thus far well enough. That was before Twilight’s library had been devastated in a single magical blast from the villainous monster known as Tirek. In the aftermath of that confrontation, the townsfolk immediately agreed on the development of a structure designed in the interest of safety for the population. Twilight Sparkle had at first offered a section of the new castle that had emerged in town that was her new station. However, this idea was ultimately removed as it was considered to be too new a structure to yet be used for the populace. Furthermore, they were uncertain of the integrity of the castle, though Celestia herself had assured it was a sound and strong building. Thus leading to the next suggested idea for an underground structure. Being one of the first constructs the town would have that served a purpose beneath the ground, Mayor Mare had to try and seek out assistance beyond the town borders to insure that everything would be properly done. It would not be just a matter of constructing a shelter, but also insuring that the ground surrounding the structure would also be sound and safe. It was mentioned several times in the meeting concerning the development that there was to be no risk of collapse or danger from the surrounding rock. But that led to asking who could precisely offer a good opinion on rocks, which led Mayor Mare to contacting an unexpected expert. “I must say, I am grateful that you came so quickly. With how highly you were recommended, I wasn’t certain if you’d wish to help our town, with being so busy.” The grey-maned mare commented to her companion as they observed the diggers working to try and tunnel into the pre-selected location for the shelter. The clatter of metal picks and shovels meeting dirt filled the air amidst the hum of idle machines. When no reply came from the mare beside her, Mayor Mare wondered if she said something offensive, but decided to continue on. “And you’re sure this area is safe for us to use, miss…I’m sorry, what was your name again?” “Maud.” The monotone reply made the bureaucratic mare ponder if for a moment the woman beside her was depressed. But she’d been this way ever since she’d arrived in town, accompanied by the town’s premiere party planner, Pinkie Pie, the same mare who recommended Maud for the project. Such a stark contrast between the two made Mayor Mare wonder if they were truly related, yet Pinkie was insistent on her being perfect for the job. “…Miss Maud. So you believe this location is best?” the grey-maned woman asked. “Yes. From what I remember when I visited Pinkie a few months back, much of your town has poor structure geographically. Out here, your townsponies haven’t affected much of the environment.” The blue-smock wearing mare leaned down and pressed her hand against the ground, feeling the dirt brush against her palm before she rose back up, gazing at the work equipment. “So long as they don’t damage too much in the first dig, it should do ok.” She finishes, looking back to the mare beside her who was checking things off on her clipboard. “Ok? Would it not even do ‘good’ or ‘great’?” She asked with a raised eyebrow. “Yes, it would.” Maud replied. Mayor Mare could only blink at the odd response before choosing to simply accept it. “We’ll get started and keep in touch with you on terms of progress. Pinkie informed me that you’ll be staying with her?” As if on cue, the very pink and profoundly unpredictable pony herself appeared, hugging her sister from behind. “You got it, Mayor Mare! She’s got all her stuff back at Sugarcube Corner, safe and sound! Spike was nice enough to help her move in. Oh! We should totally go around town so I can introduce you to everypony else in town! You’ll love them, just like with my friends!” Pinkie exclaimed. Her sudden appearance made the grey-maned mare jump in surprise, but Maud showed no reaction save for a small smile at her sister’s active personality. “Sure, Pinkie.” Was all that Maud replied with, leaving Mayor Mare stumped at the sheer stark difference between the two. Watching them go, she could only shake her head. It was simply another strange part of the town she oversaw. At least this guest wasn’t one looking to cause any trouble. A crash brought her out of her thoughts as she looked behind her to see one of the foremen telling off a worker for knocking over a pile of lumber for later use. With a sigh, she went back to work as the Pie sisters went on their way. *** “Hey BonBon! Hey Lyra! Hey Colgate!” Pinkie chimed as she walked alongside Maud, the two having taken a turn down one of the vender lanes that ran through the town’s marketplace. Giving everypony a cheerful greeting was standard for Pinkie, but the recipients of said greetings were put off by the blank stare her sibling gave when she followed Pinkie’s movements. Even when Pinkie swung around and waved behind her at somepony and Maud was inadvertently dangled from her arm, she gave no reaction to it whatsoever. The sight made some ponyfolk stare in curiosity at such a contrast, since most ponies that get within physical range of Pinkie can nary resist a grin, let alone showing cheer. “I’m so glad you said yes when I asked you about helping us out. Mayor Mare was so worried about making a safe place for ponies!” Pinkie exclaimed as she beamed at her sister. Maud simply nodded as the pink mare continued. “Now we can help make sure everypony is safe and sound and secure and…and…” Pinkie pauses momentarily. “I can’t think of another s-word to fit.” But then picks herself right back up again. “You’re going to be such a big help, Maud!” The grey mare looks to her bouncing sibling and allows a small smile to cross her lips. “Anything for you, Pinkie. After all, what are sisters for?” she stated, her hands moving to her sides as Pinkie released her arm to shade her eyes, peering about the stands. “We need a snack for the day…oh! I see one! Come on!” And just like that, they were off again. Maud admitted to herself that living the life of Pinkie would undoubtedly be one she could never hope to match in terms of energy. She was too fluid, too loose. Maud preferred being steadfast, enduring, fixed in one way and one way only. Rocks can teach you things like that. Boulder taught her plenty about it. When Pinkie finally came to a stop at the stand, Maud had to blink as she looked about the stall. She should’ve known that her sister couldn’t resist having a sweet confectionary, no matter what time of day. The rumors of Pinkie’s addiction to sweets was well-founded, she mused, with how she was beaming at the various candied treats. This particular stand sold a peculiar kind of treat that Maud was unfamiliar with. Instead of brightly colored packaging and soft appearances, many kinds of hard candy were on display. You don’t have a sister like Pinkie and not recognize some of the treats: Lollipops, jawbreakers, even frozen treats for a sunny day. “Hey, Glass Sugar! How’s the day going so far?” Pinkie chimed, calling to the stallion that ran the stand. Coming out into the light, Maud took in his profile. Clean cut and clad in a striped red and white shirt with tan pants, the stallion in question finished tying his smock about his middle and smiled up at the pair. “Pinkie! Always nice to see another candy maker hereabouts.” He said cheerfully, before lilac-purple eyes turned to the grey mare beside her. “And who might this be?” Pinkie grinned and stood apart from her sister, holding her hands up as if showing off a new display of her making. “This is my sister, Maud! She’s come all the way here from home to visit and help with making the new safety shelter Mayor Mare wanted to build.” Glass looked to Maud for confirmation, but there was no shift in her expression. Not even an eyebrow twitched or a lip curled in an affirming smile. He had to blink at the curious response, but chalked it up to chance shyness. “Well, welcome to Ponyville, Miss Maud.” He extended a hand to her, waiting for her to shake it. When no hand was felt, he blinked and felt an awkward air form around himself. “Maud doesn’t do handshakes much. She says some ponies’ hands are too soft.” Pinkie stage-whispered to Glass, who blinked and looked from Maud to the party pony and back. He smiled, trying to dispel the awkwardness with a laugh. “Well, alright then. Everypony’s got their own preference.” He remarked before shifting topic. “So can I get you two ladies anything today?” he questioned, drawing their attention back to the hard candies on display. Pinkie eyed each one up close, her mind as open as her expression as it took in each sugary treat. Glass chanced a look to Maud, who had yet to move or even indicate she had heard him offer. First instinct would’ve had Glass take offense from her lack of speech, but manners and rationale stepped in to guide him to a more reasonable answer. If she was still new to the area, she could be shy and have this kind of persona up to try and protect herself. “Oh! I’ll take the chocolate gummy worms, a pack of lollipops…oh! And the quartz blue rock candy!” Pinkie exclaimed. Turning to fetch the treats in question, Glass heard a low-toned mumble come from Maud, and he raised an eyebrow as he turned back to face her. “Did you say something, miss?” He asked. Perhaps she had a candy weakness like her sibling? “I will try your rock candy.” She repeated, her monotone unwavering like her stare at him. It was a little unnerving, but in this town, he’d witnessed many a strange oddity or two. Taking it as simply another curious quirk of hers, he set about fetching their requests. Pinkie’s order was simple, since each was prepared separately and needed only bagging. However, Maud had unspecified just what flavor or type she’d like. “Miss Maud?” he turned back to speak to her, holding Pinkie’s bag in hand. “Maud.” The grey-coated pony repeated. Glass blinked and then laughed sheepishly. “Right, sorry. Just Maud then.” He amended. “Do you have a particular flavor you’d wish to get?” “No.” The monosyllabic reply caught him off guard. The standard practice with rock candy partakers was getting a favorite flavor to help counteract the toughness of the candy, the taste being a distraction and reward as well. But to have no favorite whatsoever? Glass was dumbfounded. “I’m sorry? Do you not have a particular kind you like?” he asked. “I like rocks.” Her reply left him confused and he could only hand Pinkie over her bag as he used his other hand to rub the back of his head. “Do you have anything like rocks?” Glass looked from Maud to Pinkie and raised an eyebrow. “Am I missing something here?” he questioned. Pinkie giggled as she poked her chin with her index finger. “Well, Maud’s a fan of rocks, you see. She’s really really really reeeeeeaaaaallly into them.” She explained. “She works with them, studies them, cleans them, walks them, plays with them. Lots of stuff with rocks! So rock candy makes sense. But I never could make a good rock candy that she wanted to eat. They sure make pretty necklaces though!” To demonstrate, she reached into her top and tugged out a string that had various bits of candy looped through it. Turning his gaze to Maud, the grey-coated mare gave no ground on whether what Pinkie said was true or not. “So she’s a fan of rocks and has yet to find rock candy that she actually likes, huh?” Glass questioned, drawing a nod from Pinkie. “Well, I always like a challenge. How long are you here for, Maud?” he asked. “The project is estimated to require two to three months to be completed. I will be present until they have deemed it safe and sound.” She replied. Her monotone never wavered, and Glass could honestly admit that it’d be a fair judgment to think that nothing could draw her out of such a state. But he’d been raised differently than that. Every piece of candy is made differently, but every piece can be just as delicious and enjoyable to the right pony. “Well, then I have until then to try and figure out just what rock candy you like!” he declared cheerfully. If Maud gave any indication of if she shared his enthusiasm or not, he couldn’t find it. But he chose instead to not focus on it, giving her a smile and nod before Pinkie took her by the arm. “Come on, Maud! We got lots more to see and do! See ya, Glass Sugar! We’ll be around!” she called as she waved back at him, Maud giving him a final glance before being dragged along with her sister. “So? What do you think?” she asked, looking to Maud. “About?” Maud replied, wondering what her energetic sibling could be on with now. “Duh! Glass Sugar making you a special treat! He’s done it for everypony once or twice. I once had him make me a super sweet sugary candy for my birthday, and it left me hyper for three weeks! Or that may have been the energy spell Twilight used on me to try and combat the need for sleep. That was a fun week of watching the sun rise!” Pinkie explained. “I wonder what he’ll make for you?” Maud had no reply to that, keeping to her thoughts as they drifted on the idea of having a candy made especially for her. Most ponies were put off by her method of speaking, or by her attitude. It wasn’t that she was disrespectful or didn’t care. It was simply that most things in the world didn’t appeal to her as they did most ponyfolk. Rocks did appeal to her though. And rock candy if it could be done right. *** A couple of weeks passed with relatively little activity. The shelter’s construction had been slow but steady, the earth pony diggers having been efficient in cutting out the basic area where the shelter could be constructed. That was the easy part to complete on the workers’ behalf. Now began the difficult part of forming the foundation of the shelter, which is where Maud’s expertise came in. It was obvious that while much of Ponyville was based upon the same geographic area and makeup, what was being asked for the shelter required hauling in materials outside of the town’s main geography. Mayor Mare had seen to that, leaving Maud to shape and design the rock as needed. This was what Glass Sugar wandered into when he chose to take his day off to go for a walk. The stallion had decided to get a look at the project he heard Pinkie talk of before when they visited. Since then, he’d taken on the task of trying to formulate just what kind of rock candy would suit the stony mare. Rock candy was more complicated than simply making a piece of flavored sweet that was hard to chew. There were ingredients to consider, shaping the candy, maintaining the taste once it was made; things many did not consider in making candy. Pinkie could appreciate the process, which was why she often would visit to see what he had for sale. In his hand, he held a bag containing his first batch of what could possibly work as a solution for her rock candy quest. He’d chosen to go with his first gut instinct, and decided that sweetness should be downplayed in the making of the candy. Instead, he chose to go with a focus on flavor and texture, adopting a new shape with a little help from a visit to the library. Since Maud was fond of rocks as she said, he deduced it wouldn’t be a far shot to believe she liked all things rocks. So he chose to form the candy in the shape of a popular rock type called Euclase. From what he’d read, the stone was one that encouraged happiness, so perhaps it’d bring a smile to her face? Loud sounds of smashing and rocks crumbling snapped Glass back to reality as he came upon the project site. A few warning signs had been posted for the sake of keeping civilians at bay, while some of the workers looked on at the area where dust and rocks were flying into the air. Approaching the barrier put up, he leaned over and peered into the large hole that had been dug out for the shelter. At the base of it, a figure could be made out standing solitary before a large boulder. Their fists were clenched as they reared one back. “This will make the tenth boulder today. She’s like a machine!” One worker comments, making Glass blink as he looked from the pit to the onlookers and back. The figure then slammed their fist into the base of the rock, and there was a resounding bang before the boulder shattered, fragments flying about the pit as dust erupted into the air. Glass held his free hand up to shade his eyes, letting him watch as the figure walked up and out slowly. Only then did he recognize who it was, and his jaw slipped as he took in the sight of Maud Pie. From the ground up was a tall drink of water in looking at the lean, long legs of Maud as she walked. Her gait was relaxed, as if the massive physical feat she just demonstrated was no more trouble than taking out the trash. The black leggings she wore clung to her form tightly, emphasizing the curve of her hips leading up to her midriff. Glass’ eyes pressed on upwards, doing their best not to dwell on the pleasant taut midriff exposed by the simple white top she wore. The fabric was stained with beads of sweat and dust, making her bust appear more prominent. If Maud gave any indication of caring that her body was making the nearby workers drool, it didn’t appear on her face. The orange-blonde maned stallion shook himself out of his stupor and waved at the approaching Maud. She didn’t wave back, but he didn’t expect her to. “Afternoon, Maud! Having a busy day?” he called to her. To his surprise, she responded, looking over to him before making her way to him after finishing speaking to the foreman, who nodded dumbly as he watched her leave. “Glass Sugar. Today has been normal. The work was as I expected.” She replied. “How are you?” “I’m fine! It’s my day off, so I thought to get a walk in and maybe find you.” He said, holding up the white plastic bag. “I’ve got my first batch here for you to try if you want. Remember?” Maud nodded, grey bangs waving lightly in the wind. “I do. Pinkie spoke highly of your talent. I would hope you match with her expectations.” She remarked as they walked away from the construction zone. Well, Glass more or less followed where she walked, the pair being steered towards the marketplace. “She did, huh? Well, she’s awfully nice to say that about me. She’s the real candy maker, Pinkie is.” He said before fishing out a sample of the candy he’d crafted. “Here, give it a try and tell me what you think.” Taking it from his offered hand, Maud silently popped it into her mouth, the expected crunch escaping from her lips as she bit into it. Glass watched silently as she chewed, the candy being a brittle if tasty treat. When she swallowed and didn’t speak, he blinked in confusion. “Well?” he asked. “Well what?” Maud asked in kind, looking over to him. “Was it good? Or bad? If it’s bad, it’s alright. Sometimes the first batch isn’t the best batch.” He pressed, trying to make sense of her reaction. At least she hadn’t been allergic to it, as far as he could tell. Bon Bon’s first candy creation had caused her to swell like a balloon on the first try! Though Lyra seemed more than happy to see to her, for some reason or another… “It’s ok.” The simply reply caught Glass off guard, making him blink as he thought he misheard her. When she didn’t explain further, he rubbed the back of his head. “It’s ok…huh. But it wasn’t good?” He prodded on, confusion settling in as she only nodded. “Why not?” “Rocks aren’t supposed to be sweet. Rocks are cool.” She replied, her turquoise eyes drifting to him. “Pinkie’s rock candy is always too sweet. I never eat them. They make nice necklaces though.” Glass nodded and tucked that piece of info for later. “I see…so it needs to not be sweet at all, huh? Anything else?” he asked. Maud stopped walking and held out her hand to him. Looking up and down from her to her hand, he blinked before he handed her another piece. “…Euclase. Mineral.” She notes to herself before looking up at him. Curiosity poked and wormed its way to her mind’s forefront. “I did not expect you to mimic its shape.” Glass puffed his chest out in mock bravado in reply. “I may be a candy-maker, but Momma Sweet always told me to be willing to learn. So I thought to try and make it like a rock that has good connotations.” He explained. Maud only blinked and took in this info with a small degree of approval. It wasn’t every day you met somepony who could share an appreciation of rocks. She nodded and handed it back to him, where he placed it in the bag. “I know a lot about rocks. I could tell you more sometime.” Glass blinked at the offer and mulled it over for a moment. On one hand, he didn’t care *that* much about rocks. Rock candy is just rock candy, another part of his profession. But on the other hand, as he observed Maud brush away a bead of sweat from her forehead, her eyes watching him with a steady gaze, he remembered being told once about opening the door for a friend. You can always close a door on somepony, but if you want to be a part of their world, it means having that door open for a friend to walk in. “Sure, Maud. You can always stop by and I’ll have an ear open to listen.” He replied, smiling at her. He blinked when she didn’t smile back, but just chalked it up to Maud being Maud. Maybe when he found that perfect candy, he’d get a smile from her then? **** As it turned out, there was a lot more to rocks than what Glass could ever have fathomed existing. Every day since that conversation, Glass had found himself having Maud as a companion at his stand or when he did errands, or even just on his off days. It was like clockwork; start the day, with ponies stopping by for a treat for themselves or others, and by mid-day, he’d see that same grey mare walking up the street to his stand. He’d open the side door to let her come in for shade (many days that month had been heated, complaints to the pegasi weather team unheeded). And when he wasn’t busy selling treats, he listened to her talk. And Celestia’s beard, could she talk. Types of rocks, colors of rocks, the textures, shapes, how they’re made, what they can become; He was going to need a journal or diary at this rate, half expecting a pop quiz from her on all the different kinds of rocks she’d spoken of. But he listened diligently. Some days, he found himself listening out of manners, the terms and descriptions she’d give going over his head. Other times, he found himself intrigued, like when she described how the shelter was being protected from magical harm by the rocks they’d imported in. Or how she could tell the integrity of the buildings she walked by just from their foundations. He had to give credit where credit was due: Maud knew her stuff. One day threw him off course, however. And of course, it’d be the party mare herself, Pinkie Pie. Maud and he had just finished discussing – meaning he listened as she explained – Igneous stones when she stopped by. “Hey, Glass! Hey Maud! How’s it hanging, you two?” Glass smiled at the bubbly pony and nodded at her. “Going good as always, Pinkie. Folks can’t seem to stop buying the lollipops lately. I think it’s due to that recipe you suggested. The dash of peppermint with chocolate one?” Pinkie gave a small “ooh” and giggled. “I told ya so! Ponies just live for the sweet things. Oh, that reminds me!” she reached into her back pocket, holding up a letter. “Maud, Papa Rock wrote to ask about you. I thought you might wanna write him back.” Maud took the letter and saw that it was indeed addressed to her from their father. She looked to Glass who finished polishing one of the display signs that a kid had spilled a drink into earlier, avoiding a scooter-riding Pegasus. “I will return, Glass.” She toned, and he looked up and nodded at her. With that said, she nodded at Pinkie and departed, leaving the two alone in quiet until Pinkie spoke up. “She likes you, you know?” Pinkie chimed. The question threw Sugar off from his thinking, and he blinked as the curly-maned pink mare smiled over at him. “Beg pardon?” he asked. “What do you mean?” “Oh, come on, silly! Don’t tell me you haven’t seen it?” Pinkie hefted herself up from the counter she was sitting her derriere on and walked over to Glass, plucking up various beads of candy he’d been piling into groups. “She visits here every day now, she talks to you all the time.” She listed off as she plucked up one bit by bit. “That’s more me listening to her and letting her talk than anything.” Glass protested. “What is Flint made from?” the random question prompted confusion from the candy maker, but his lips moved before he could keep up. “Re-crystallized Silica.” He blinked and shook his head. “What the buck.” “What’s the type of rock that’s made deep within the earth and often has crystals?” she prodded again. “Metamorphic rock.” Again, Glass blinked and stared over at the grinning pink pony. “Ok, so I really really listen to her. A lot.” He says, setting aside the broom he’d picked up to sweep the wooden floor with. “But if she likes me a lot, then why doesn’t she smile at me? Or anypony for that matter?” At this question, Glass blinked as Pinkie looked to the side, bashful. “Well, you see…growing up on a rock farm doesn’t give a whole lot to smile about. You work and work on rocks, and that’s all you know. I always brought smiles to my sisters, because that’s what fun is for me! But for them, after I left, I think they sunk back into their old habits.” She looks up to Glass, whose listening intently by this point. “It’s not that Maud isn’t happy. She is, a lot of the time! Just…she doesn’t always know how to show it. I get her to smile because we’re sisters. It’s a Pie thing. But you make her happy too. You just have to be patient with her, like you have been!” she smiles at him, making him rub the back of his head. “Well, it’s nothing too special to me. I like making folks smile. I’ve always wanted to do that with candy. After all, nothing like a sweet treat to pep the day, huh?” Pinkie giggled and nodded, prodding him to continue. “Even with all the teasing I got as a kid for being obsessed with candy, I found myself enjoying it because it was my own kind of thing. It was me, and I accept that it’s me. And the rest of the world is welcome to accept it or reject it, if they want. I’ll still be me regardless.” Glass finished. He paused however as he saw Pinkie grinning widely. “What? Did I spill something?” He looked down to his apron, but saw no spilt sugars or chemicals. Looking back to Pinkie, she still had that same grin. “What?” She only shook her head and giggled. “You’ve already got her figured out, silly. You just gotta connect the dots!” She stood up from her place leaning over the counter and stretched. “I’ve gotta go and see about the Cakes’ next order. They let me have this break so I could come and chat. Gotta get back to work now!” Pinkie said as she turned to go, opening the back door to the stall and stepping out. She paused and looked back at him, adding “Remember what I said!” before winking and stepping out. This left Glass Sugar to be standing there, mulling over her words mentally before he jumped as Maud returned right after her sister left. “Hey, Maud. Did you send off that letter?” he asked. Maud heard him, but seemed to be not quite there, in his eyes. Her turquoise eyes were watching him with what seemed to be a newfound appreciation. “Maud?” “Did they tease you a lot? For your talent?” the question made him blink before he realized she’d overheard him. He wondered how much she had heard, but didn’t comment on the matter. Glass laughed softly and ran a hand through his mane. “I am sorry if my question offended.” Maud’s added statement made him shake his head. “No, no, I’m not bothered at all, Maud. They did, some at first. Back in the school days, everypony looked for something to make fun of in others, huh?” he asked rhetorically, and Maud nodded. “My bullies were more or less just trying to deal with issues of their own. Bad parenting, was all.” He assured before looking to Maud. “…did that ever happen to you?” “…no. I did not have bullies.” Her reply was soft and Glass opened his mouth to reply, but her next words cut them off. “I had nothing but rocks.” This made him pause and close his jaw. The quiet of the room filled them both as he put himself in her shoes for but a moment: a mare living on a distant, out of reach farm, surrounded by rocks and a dreary outlook. Comprehension dawned as if a wall had cracked between them. “It was a bit too quiet, huh?” he asked softly, and the grey-coated mare nodded. Nodding as well, Glass stepped forward and laid a hand gently on her shoulder. She looked up at him, taking the moment to admire how well the colors of his eyes reminded her of Amethyst crystals from her books. He smiled and continued. “Well, I may have been quiet while listening. But that doesn’t mean that you’re alone. You know I’m here to hear you. Besides, who doesn’t have the time to listen to a cute mare talk about her passions?” He asked with a grin before his mind caught up with himself. “Ah! I mean. Uh.” He stammered out before finding the broom from earlier and setting about vigorously sweeping the stall out. “Stupid mouth. Very stupid. Need to learn to shut up.” He muttered under his breath before a sound filled his ears. They flicked as he slowly turned and looked behind him. He almost dropped the broom. She was laughing. And smiling! The sight was one he would remember committing to memory; her laughter was quiet, low enough that you had to be seeing her laugh as he was to recognize it. But her smile brought a whole new light of beauty to her face in his eyes. The stiff lines that made up her stony mask faded into a smoothed expression of joy in her smile. When it stopped, he realized he’d almost let the broom slip from his grip in surprise. “You…you smiled.” He spoke finally after finding his voice. “Yes.” Her monotone returned and her mask was back in place. “I like to smile when it’s right. And for certain ponies.” She replied, her eyes looking up at his. He nodded and offered a smile back, getting a small lift in the corner of her lips as a response. Glass suddenly blinked and snapped his fingers. “That reminds me!” Maud looked on as he opened a tray set to the side, a square cube in his palm as he returned. “My next attempt. I went with your advice, and eased up on the sweetness.” It carried the same coloring as the first, but the altered shape intrigued her. Plucking it from his palm, she popped the treat into her muzzle and chewed. He’d kept the toughness of the candy, but the sweet taste had been swapped with a more bitter sting, but nothing overly done. With a swallow, she looked to the hopeful Glass and thought on how to voice her judgment. “Better.” She chose finally, and he grinned and swelled with pride. “But not what I want.” He deflated just as quick, hanging his head in defeat. She almost giggled again. Almost. Glass rose back up and took a deep breath before clenching his fist to his chest. “Well, I’m getting there, at least! I’ll just have to continue on!” He declared, and went back to cleaning up. Maud observed him for a moment, mulling over his attitude and behavior. He was resilient in his persistence, even if the goal seemed silly to others. Dedicated, steadfast in the desire to achieve his wish for her. He didn’t show it in the open, but with that display, it revealed a solid character. Solid like a rock. She smiled to herself that time, Glass missing the moment when his broom knocked over a canister of jelly drops and gummy bears. *** And so it went on for several more weeks, only with a change between the pair of ponies. Whereas Glass had only a minimal interest in having Maud around before, he now felt a keen desire to keep her there with him. It was a change he’d gradually found becoming natural, the more often he chatted with her. That was something else of note as well: where before it was simply Maud talking and Glass listening, he now spoke in fair turn, regaling tales of his family, trade, and life for Maud as she listened. The grey-coated mare found herself intrigued by some of the similarities she could see echoed in Glass’ stories, reflecting some of her own thoughts of herself. Like how he was the only hard candy maker in town, since most ponies prefer soft, chewy candy like what Pinkie makes. Just as he specialized with it, so too did she specialize in a field of study that her peers failed to appreciate. Granted, his expertise was culinary, not academic; but she could appreciate how he could understand her ideas and thoughts by relating it to his own work. Whenever she detailed out an idea, such as having to remix a layer of the shelter’s protective design, he could understand it by simplifying it. In retrospect, Maud pondered as she made her way to see him once more, his simplicity also made him endearing. She had met stallions before who thought to impress or woo her with their intellect or vast alleged wisdom. Suffice to say, it made her prefer the quiet she had when working in the field with rocks, just her and the behemoth boulders alone. Boulder was an exception to that, but he was special. Glass had taken to Boulder with curiosity, she noticed, but didn’t seem put off like Pinkie’s friends had at their first meeting. He had even made a piece of candy for the pet rock, which to his astonishment was gone only a few minutes after lying next to it. He wisely chose to not question it. No, instead Glass’ simplicity made him better. He didn’t object to an idea or laugh or mock. If she explained something to him, he would nod and make sure he understood before going with it. Internally, Maud could admit that she respected him for his listening skills. Add that in with his friendly personality and kindness, and she’d be tempted to ponder on a potential romantic development. Brushing those thoughts aside for the time being, she returned to the present as she walked to the front of Glass’ stand, a fair amount of customers present today. Glass was, of course, working diligently to give each customer their requested sweet treat. The number was surprisingly more than usual, though she recognized a few faces belonging to the construction crew she’d worked alongside with. He’d just finished an order, adjusting the small hat he wore as part of his uniform atop his head before spotting Maud. “Hey, Maud! Come in, the back door’s open.” He gestured behind him, working on a young filly’s demand for the sweetest lollipop he had. Glass had several such lollipops and told her so, but the filly wanted them all. Seeing the wad of bits that her father, a brown-coated stallion dressed smartly in a suit, he let her pick from his selection. “Here you go, Miss Tiara. Mister Rich.” He nodded at them both, the stallion giving an appreciative nod as the pink youngling took her bag with an eager grin. Finished there, he turned back to see Maud enter, her usual relaxed gait letting him drink up her attire. Similar to the time he’d happened across her outfit when she had been smashing boulders, she’d gone with her original clothing she’d worn when they’d first met. He did find it suited her, looking smart against her coat color and flattering her body. Realizing he was staring, he shook his head quickly and smiled at her. “How are you today, Maud?” he asked. It was part of their usual greeting each time she came by. And of course, she’d reply she was fine, and then they’d chat… “I feel good today.” He blinked in surprise and looked back at the mare in question. Usually, she would reply with nary an “I am well,” or a “fine” even. “Well. That’s uh…good!” Glass replied, offering her a smile as she took her usual seat atop the side counter, swinging her boot clad feet lightly while they dangled above the floor. “Always good to be in a good mood, I say.” “It is different. Boulder noticed it too. He thinks today something good will happen.” She stated, and Glass chuckled. “Well, if Boulder said so, I’m sure you must be having a good day.” He turned back to the store front as another customer approached. “Ah, Pokey. What can I get for you?” he asked as the dark blue stallion perused the various displays. Maud let her gaze wander over the rest of the shop, taking in the usual appearance and orderly manner that Glass kept his stand in. Perched atop the fridge he kept to the side for overly hot days, she noticed a bag labeled “For Maud”. Natural curiosity from her scientific side requested investigation. But that was Glass’ property, she reminded herself. “Glass. There is a bag here labeled with my name.” She declared to him, drawing his attention back to her after Pokey had chosen to pass for today, his marefriend having chided him for eating too many sweets that went to his belly. “Oh! I was going to save that for when I got on break. But go ahead!” he said as he rubbed his hands against his smock. “It’s my latest attempt at a candy for you.” The efforts of Glass Sugar to find Maud’s type of candy had been monumental. He’d perused through his own family’s recipe book, as well as some he’d plucked from Twilight’s newly formed library wing in the castle. Yet each attempt, while close, still lacked some sort of element he’d yet to tack down. But his vigilance persisted, every day presenting Maud with some sort of confectionary. Pinkie had teased her that he was woo-ing her with sweets, but Maud dismissed such claims. Even if they were admittedly kind to think of. Reaching into the bag, her hand came upon a smoothed, circular object, and she tilted her head before pulling it out. In her palm sat several small stone-esque candies, colored pink and white in a blended fashion that rose and fell in waves about the surface of the candy. Having watched Glass shape much of the treats in his store, she knew such precision and craftsmanship required delicate handiwork. Her eyes moved to the observing Glass, who nodded at her. “Go on, try it. I tell you, that one was a doozy to make.” Shifting it about in her hand, Maud thought back and realized why the shape and color of the treats was familiar. “…Rhodocrosite.” She murmured quietly. Maud had lent him a couple of her textbooks, he giving the reason that he’d like to scan through them for possible design ideas. Of course, in retrospect, she had pondered if giving him the book detailing stones and their meaning was necessary. It had been given for purely academic reasons. But she remembered all too well what that stone represented. Now, Maud was not a mare whose feelings were displayed easily. It was how she managed to stare down a rock into crumbling of its own accord for a dare from her sister, Inkie. To get an emotional response from her was a task that foiled many a suitor wandering to the Rock farms at the behest of her father or mother. But where they had failed, Glass had somehow succeeded, worming and working his way into her heart. He cared, in his own special way, and it showed. Lifting it up to her muzzle, Maud gave it a small sniff before popping the treats into her maw. Biting down and chewing, an amalgamation of tastes barraged her senses, and her eyes widened as she paused in her eating. It was…no, not bitter, but not overly sweet. Gentle enough on the tongue but brittle that it could spread the taste throughout. Time paused in Maud’s awareness as she was assaulted mentally by the confirmation of deliciousness from her taste buds. Something to note for the unaware stallion learning his lessons on mares and their unique ways: some mares have a trigger that causes them to respond in a most curious fashion. It can be anything that afflicts the senses: a peculiar taste of a food or delicacy, the smell of a special fragrance or scent, and of course, a sight of most wonderful charm. There’s a reason that the phrase “tastes like sex” came to be, and not because somepony was crazy enough to try and make a food that tastes akin to a mare and stallion’s coupling. Pinkie had been unable to sell it at Mrs. Cake’s order, unfortunately. Some can try to resist the temptation to act on such awakened desires when they come into contact with their special trigger; Celestia herself demonstrated so when she ate her cakes, though the chefs she hired could often be overheard discussing rumors of her coming close to breaking that will with a well-enough made confectionary. It explained why Cloud Icing had been seen pulled into her private chambers after she sampled his triple layer chocolate cake one day. Or why Pinkie Pie would take hours when she visited with Doughnut Joe on his off hours at work. So how does this relate to Maud? What Glass was unaware of was that in his mixing of the unique candy he’d made, he had uncovered the precise formula that stimulated not just Maud’s taste buds, but her dormant sex drive as well. The vast pool of fuel that laid there needed but one spark to kick into gear, and Glass Sugar had found that very spark, which was why Maud found her attentions becoming singularly focused on Glass as she ate more of the candy. The stallion in question was occupied with detailing the process he’d taken to make the candy, but at the moment, it was gibberish to Maud’s divided attention. She was relishing every second of the delicious confectionary’s unleashed taste on her maw, and looked to Glass’ smiling face. ‘Glass Sugar made this sweet treat. Glass is a good listener, smart, friendly. He likes Boulder. Glass cares.’ Her mental checklist proceeded as she set the bag down. ‘Logically, Glass must also taste just as sweet as this candy.’ She walked over to him, Glass’ attention elsewhere as he continued talking. He did like to talk, she noted. But he didn’t annoy her with it; but she could think of more uses in the moment for those lips than talking. She paused in her movement when she noticed the stand was still wide open, herself and Glass still visible to the world. With an internal smirk, she simply reached over and flicked a small switch near the light switch on the wall. Glass blinked as his store front was suddenly covered by a storm cover, a thick sheet that was often put in place if one was caught amidst a sudden onset of bad weather by pegasi accident or impending disaster via villainous planning. Looking back at the cover, he turned to look back at Maud, opening his mouth to speak when he found himself unable to, profoundly blocked by the grey-coated mare’s lips pressed to his. ‘Soft’ was the first word that came into Glass’ mind as Maud held the kiss, himself returning it weakly at first as he was still reeling in surprise. For such a strong, earthen woman, she certainly had a sensual touch to her lips. When she pulled back, Glass’ cheeks flamed as he tried to comprehend what just happened. “M-Maud? Did we just…kiss? Or did I dip into bad candies this morning for a snack?” he asks, confused and nervous. Maud only smiles at him, making him believe in the former than the latter. “We kissed. I found it to be pleasant enough for more.” To punctuate that statement, she caught his lips once more, hands coming up around his neck to keep him in place as she tilted her head and deepened the lip-lock. Glass Sugar forgot the world momentarily, the sensation of soft lips caress against his acting like a blast of passion within his mind. Forget candy; Maud’s lips were becoming the sweetest treat he’d tasted, better even than anything Pinkie could create with her ways. When they parted for air once again, Glass was left panting, his cheeks flushed as Maud simply kept smiling, her own cheeks only a light pinkish hue. “I…take it the candy was good then?” he jokes lightly, chuckling sheepishly. “Yes, it was. It was good. I’d like something else good, however.” Turquoise eyes shone playfully as Glass swallowed, pinned beneath the predatory gaze. When their lips met the third time, he reacted back, choosing to throw caution to the wind and give back passion for passion gifted already. His hand came up and brushed through her blue-violet mane, the shoulder-length locks like a whisper of wind against his fingers. The affectionate action prompted her tongue to investigate his muzzle, catching him unawares as her pink invader dominated over his unsuspecting own. The wet kiss was elongated as she breathed through her nose, him mimicking her as they moved back to bump into the counter, Glass propped there against it. Once they stopped moving, he pulled back for air, gasping lightly as Maud seemed hardly winded. “Y-you uh…wow. You’re a…good kisser. Great kisser.” Glass licked his lips to try and regain coherence as Maud’s hands danced along his back to where his smock was tied, easily undoing it and flinging it aside. Once done, her hands moved down to his pants, undoing the belt buckle with surprising swiftness that made his eyes widen at her fervor. “M-Maud!” his voice made her pause, and she looked up from her now kneeling position in front of him. “W-we…I-I uh…” he stammered. “N-not to seem…ungrateful. B-but…I didn’t expect you to…well. All this.” He waved a hand over her form. Maud stared up at him, hands almost within reach of her goal – a goal she noted was certainly not objecting to her being involved – and spoke. “You are kind. Giving. Listening and doting. Diligent and focused on what you want.” She listed out as she tugged his pants down, leaving him in only boxers in the stand as he looked on. “Even when most would turn away, you persisted. You’re as lasting as a rock. I like rocks. I like you.” To her, it sounded completely logical, while Glass simply took it that he somehow had qualities she sought in a mate. Those thoughts came to a pause as Maud’s snaking hands found his length, which had been awakened by her efforts and the general first touch of a woman in what seemed ages. “M-Maud, I…ung…” Glass trailed off into a moan as a soft and wet muscle came into contact with his sensitive flesh, making his legs twitch as Maud surveyed his flaccid length. Looking down at her, he opens his mouth to speak but is again denied as she nuzzles against him, sniffing lightly with a small low hum as she finds his scent pleasant. Sensing no resistance from him, she tugs down his boxers as well, freeing him entirely to her efforts. One hand cups his balls, holding them aloft gently as she rolled them in her dexterous fingers, the other gently stroking his slowly growing member as he shivered under her efforts. Through narrowed eyes, he looked down at her turquoise own, and shuddered as she kept watching him as she licked at his base slowly, lavishing it with her tongue. Panting, Glass braced his hands on the counter, aiding him in keeping his balance whilst Maud worked him over. He had no idea where she learned this, and to Tartarus with caring when or how. The way she was massaging his orbs while lavishing him with attention was doing away with any care or concern, moreso when she licked up his now rigid length to the tip. He was captivated as she pulled off, looking up at him momentarily before she engulfed it in her maw, his eyes rolling back as she slurped and licked slowly, acclimating to his taste quickly as she slipped more of him into her. The heated wet cavern welcomed him gladly, her tongue swirling about the head as she worked him over. For Maud’s behalf, she didn’t mind to give him pleasure through this act. Pinkie had educated her a great deal on what sort of things stallions like when it came to the bedroom, and she listened with rapt attention. The grey-coated mare wasn’t somepony to go out and actively practice, so this was a good time to put her notes to the test. Hearing his panting and moans encouraged her that her actions thus far were effective, and she pressed on. Closing her eyes and shifting to a more comfortable position on her knees, she began to bob her head down, more of him sinking into her maw before she pulled back, bobbing slowly and coating him in her saliva. The wet slick sounds of her lips gliding over his member echoed in Glass’ mind, and he moaned when her tongue came into play, caressing the underside with small twitches and flicks as she worked him over. Having been on the receiving end thus far, Glass was at a loss of what to do. More often than not in his experience, mares had opposed doing such a thing with him, going only for the main goal. He’d never pushed for it as a result, leaving him unused to such treatment. “M-Maud…Celestia that…feels good…” he huffs out between breaths, a hand coming down to entangle in her mane as she pressed on. It was maddening, to contain himself from letting go too quickly. He didn't want to disappoint her by firing off early, and distracted himself with petting and brushing her head as she continued. Maud, feeling that she wanted to speed things along with encouragement from her panging nethers, removed her hand from his balls to rub along his bare thigh, drawing his gaze down to her. When her eyes met his, she acted, his pillar suddenly vanishing down her throat as her nose became nestled into his crotch. She held him there, his body trembling as her tongue slid and snaked about his twitching length. Droplets of salty pre were dripping down her throat as her eyes never left his, the intimate gaze making his breath catch as she slowly drew back. His restraint was left on a wire-thin tie, one that came undone when she pulled off his length with a pop, tongue flicking at the head as she held his shaft aloft. “M-Maud!” He cried out. Sensing his climax impending, Maud made use of her hands and stroked him quickly, egging on his climax as his seed spurted out from his slit, thick wads that splashed against her cheeks and nose as she closed her eyes. She could feel the heated substance trail down her cheeks as the remaining spurts dribbled out onto her hand. Releasing the panting stallion, she brought her messy hand to her lips before licking the cum off slowly. Mulling the taste in her mouth, she swallows it before speaking. “We’ll need to change your diet. Too bitter.” She states as she wipes at her cheeks and nose to remove what had shot onto her face. If Glass was aware of what she said, it was lost in the coming down from the sexual high he’d just endured. He was now intimately involved with this mare, relations and shops and everything else be damned. “Maud that was…amazing. I-I haven’t been this dizzy since…since I tried magic-laced chocolate fondue drops.” He said as he regained his bearings. Looking down to the mare still kneeling, he ignored the self-consciousness of being half-naked before her (despite having her just blown him) and smiled. “Only fair to…return the favor, right?” he asked of her. Maud blinks up at him. “What do you mean?” she questioned as she remains where she is. Glass replied by holding his hand out to her, and letting her take it before helping her stand. “H-here…sit on the counter.” He suggested, and Maud complied, moving to perch herself on the counter. Once there, Glass moved to stand before her, but paused. She was still fully dressed. “Um…I would…need you to undress, Maud, if I’m going to do anything for you.” He tries to explain, confused how she could go from sexual minx, sucking him off to climax, into uncertain as he wished to give back in kind. “Oh.” Was Maud’s only reply as she undid the belt at her middle, setting it aside before tugging her dress off. Freed of it, Glass was treated to the sight of Maud in her brassiere and matching panties, both a shade of black that matched well with her fur. Her breasts were firm and perky, pleasantly shaped in their lace confines. Walking up to her, Glass pulled his gaze away from them to Maud’s eyes, noting her cheeks were a light pink. “Do I look ok?” she asked. “You look beautiful.” Glass confirmed, smiling to assure her. “Like a fresh cut gem shining among the rocks.” His unique phrasing made her smile in kind, and he kissed her once more, her replying gladly as his hands came up to fondle her breasts through her bra. He tried to listen for a moan or some indicator of doing something right, but she wasn’t very forthcoming. Persevering and reasoning that maybe the remaining clothing could be the issue, he reached around and fiddled with the strap before getting it to come undone, freeing the orbs as they sat upon her chest, his hands coming up to grope them gently and knead them. Yet Maud still did not respond vocally, their kiss growing more lustful as his tongue dueled with hers. In the back of his mind, Glass chided himself for being too eager. Maud isn’t like most mares he saw in magazines or the videos his older brother neglected to hide properly. She had her own way of showing, so he would simply have to keep on doing his best. Leaving her lips, he kissed a trail down to her breasts, lavishing the orbs with attention as he squeezed and rubbed them much like he would dough. His ears flicked as he listened for any negative or positive sounds, but heard little more than her breathing. Leaving her breasts for now, he focused on his original goal, head coming to level with her panty-clad marehood. Her tail laid at rest, tucked underneath her, tickling his chin as he hovered there. Looking back up to her, he saw no apprehension as he moved his hands up, brushing her thighs slowly as they made their way to her covered treasure. Testing the waters, he brought a finger forward and prodded along the edge of her panties before dragging it up and down along what he knew was her lips. He raises an eyebrow as he felt wetness there, which encouraged him as he continued to rub, adding a second finger for more stimulation. “Glass.” Maud’s voice made him pause and look up at the mare, who shifted slightly when he stopped. “…keep going.” Her tone never wavered, but Glass could imagine that she was enjoying it; at least her body was communicating such. His fingers resumed their rubbing, pushing and creating a pleasant friction through the now noticeably damp panties against her lips. Deciding to do his best to stimulate her, Glass’ other hand moved to her thigh, pushing lightly to get her to spread her legs moreso, which she did after a moment, foot twitching as he pushed a little deeper. His palm caressed her bare thigh, the fine hairs teasing at his hand as he brushed and squeezed gently. The dual sensation of his handiwork was letting her fall into the moment, now letting him be the giver of pleasure. When he felt she was ready for more, he slowed the fingers on her panties and looked up to her. He brought his hand to the small band of fabric that kept the cloth covering still held up on her curved hip. She opened an eye and looked down to him and nodded. The silent permission granted, he tugged them down slowly, Maud lifting her rear up slightly to best allow him to act. Once freed, Glass was immediately assaulted with a sweet smell of femininity that caused his then half-stiff member to twitch. Her flower was a sight to behold, swollen in arousal and gleaming with fluids brought on by his dexterous hands already. He sniffed, taking in another whiff of her scent and leaned closer, hands still caressing her thighs before he gave a tender flick of his tongue against it. Maud shuddered above him, and he grinned. Vocally, she may be silent, but her physical reaction spoke volumes. He stayed close and began to dab his tongue in and around her marehood, first circling the labia to tease at her. Her breaths were shallower now, her hands resting on his shoulders as he went. Her taste was unlike any sweet flavor he’d dipped into before: pleasant on the tongue before it shifted into a honey-like taste that only made him yearn for more. Acting on that wish, he shifted closer and pressed the flat of his tongue to her nethers, the wet connection drawing a gasp from above. Slowly, he dragged the muscle up until he flicked his tongue off of her uppermost tip, her clit being brushed just barely. Her thighs suddenly clamped around his head in a vice lock that made him freeze. Part of him, the still somehow rational side, recalled how this was the same mare who could punch a boulder to pieces. The larger and more vocal side at the moment being his libido, he focused instead on how warm and how arousing it was to be trapped and pressed so, surrounded by her thighs and pressed into her marehood moreso. “More.” Was all Maud uttered, and he would gladly obey. Glass set himself to the task, pushing his tongue deep into her waiting marehood. The prying muscle was immediately welcomed into the grey-coated mare’s depths, her walls hot and dripping juices for him to drink up, and drink he did. Her nectar flowed richly down his muzzle and tongue, Glass having to breathe in short inhales when he drew back as she kept him trapped in a lustful hold between her thighs. The sensually thick muscle wouldn’t give by any means, he knew; but that knowledge only aroused him further, immersed in her scent and taste. Her hands were entangled in his mane now, his hat having been knocked aside when she hitched as his tongue brushed her clit again. “Don’t stop. Ever.” Maud let out between deep sighs as she did her best to keep her composure. It was cracking, however; much like her own work on the rocks, though her cracks were more physical: her eyes were squinted shut, legs trembling as he continued to vigorously work her marehood with his tongue. Her lungs burned with every exhale, Maud’s resistance to crying out ebbing away as a ball pooled within her belly. That ball suddenly surged when she felt an additional invader tap at her marehood, Glass adding his fingers into the fray to pry and rub at her lips. Her eyes shot open when he pressed his tongue to her clit, circling it in slow motions as his fingers dipped and hooked within her, stimulating every nerve they could inside her sensitive depths. “G-Glass...” was the only word she could utter before her body hunched over, her hips bucking up into his fingers digging motions. It became too much to handle; her thighs tightened on his head and pinned his muzzle to her entrance as she climaxed, femcum flooding out of her trembling nethers and onto his jaw. The sheer force of her release was enough that it sprayed onto his cheeks and face as well. Yet the stallion took it in stride, savoring every drop he could get to taste as she rode out her climax on his writhing, wiggling tongue within her. When the high of her orgasm left her, she released her hold on him, letting him pull back. She gazed down at him, breathing deeply to get air in her lungs once again. The burning of her lungs told her that she may have finally broken out of her silent shell amidst her pleasure. If his flushed face was anything to go by, Glass certainly had no issue with her enjoyment, audible or no. A further glance down confirmed it: he was rock hard again, and her marehood twitched as she looked to him. There was a new fire in her that had knocked aside her usual control over her emotions. She had only one thing in mind then: to be mated and mated good. Glass wasn’t quite sure what happened in the span of time that passed immediately after Maud’s climax. He had thought to somehow ask if he’d done well, ignoring the fact that how well he did was currently splashed across his face. The next moment of thought however brought to his attention that the ceiling was now directly above him and that a panting, sweating, and very sexy looking grey mare was straddling his lap. Her essence continued to drip down onto him from her pussy, the opening hovering over his rigid pole. “M-Maud?” He asked shakily, his hands having instinctively caught her at the hips to balance her as she stayed there. “Glass Sugar. You have an erection. I am aroused. Now stay put and let me ride you until we both climax.” Her words may have intended to declare her intentions, but Glass could only blink, watching with a soft groan as she teased at his tip with her nethers, grinding against it and further soaking it in her juices. “M-Maud.” She paused in her motions and looked to him, prompting him to continue. “Talking dirty…mother of Celestia…is not your thing, I think.” He commented as she listened. “Maybe…keep it simple? Like earlier?” “I can do this.” Maud agreed, and Glass opened his mouth to acknowledge it only to lose any sensible coherence in the sensation of sliding into her hot depths. Celestia’s flank, it was like plugging his cock into a sauna! Her previous climax had seemed to awaken her muscles to action rather than loosen her, making him feel every tight, wet, pulsing inch of her as she speared herself on him. For Maud’s behalf, joining together with him was putting her elation on an entirely new level of ecstasy, his cock spreading her inner tunnel with his girth. He had been a little above average in her observations while blowing him, but she pondered if she underestimated him. Reaching his base, she held there for a time, adjusting to the newfound length within her. For Glass, his vision was wholly occupied by the mare in his lap. Maud’s legs were spread wide to wholly straddle his lap, her hands resting on his chest, fingernails scratching as she slowly clenched her hands. Her grey mane, once orderly and neat against her back, was now slightly ruffled. Her breasts heaved with her breathing as she slowly rose up, the cool of the air making them both hiss as he was withdrawn from her steamy core before she plunged back down again. Glass gasped out as Maud sighed in contentment and began grinding from side to side in his lap, making his length rub against her walls in a pleasant friction that stimulated them both. “Sun and Moon be damned, Maud, you’re amazing.” Glass groaned out. His lust was pushing him to act to further her pleasure, and when she rose up and slammed into his lap once more, it was the tipping point. He lurched up suddenly, catching Maud around the waist with an arm while the other entangled itself in her mane. His lips pounced on hers and demanded entrance for his tongue, which she gave as she began to rock up and down, riding him cowgirl as they clashed tongues. The air was charged and heated with their lovemaking, the cover over the front keeping much of the air within the stall present. The heat only aided their lustful coupling, sweat dripping freely down their backs and necks. Maud could feel him slide against her, her breasts dragging across his chest with every motion she made. The friction against her nipples, the rigid bumps sensitive to every little touch, acted like a spark of life that shot up into her mind. The real electricity came of course from his member pounding away within her. All was forgotten in that moment as she let herself be a mare, the academic and stoic worker left open so that the woman within could breathe. And breathe she did, if only to exhale in whimpering moans with every grinding inch of his cock burying itself into her pussy. Glass’ mind was likewise scattered as he took everything that Maud had to offer. He broke off the kiss, gasping breaths brushing her lips and then her neck as he licked a trail down to her breasts. With their newfound vantage, he had free reign to lick and suck at the nubs he’d felt brushing his chest before. His oral assault was vicious, lighting Maud’s skin aflame with want as hers and his laps became soaked in her juices. Maud’s hands had moved to his shoulders to keep herself steady as she rode, and managed to crack open an eye to watch as he tugged at her nipple with his teeth, his fingers tweaking the opposite bud. The erotic sight made her lust burn as she thrust down harder, as if to make him reach deeper within her if possible. As strong as their fires were for each other, Glass’ lust persuaded him to give something a shot. “Maud. I want…to try something.” His request drew her curiosity, and she slowed her bouncing until she came to a rest, his maleness throbbing within her. “We’ll need to shift positions. Can you move to lay on your front?” Listening to his suggestion, Maud acted quickly. The sensation of being sans hard cock within her nethers demanded resolution, making her move quickly to his desired position. Glass’ eyes soaked up the image of Maud’s pert rear lifted up high as she allowed her front and head to rest on her folded arms. The two globes of her rear were firm and taut, another demonstration of her physical fitness. Even as he took hold of them, letting his length rub through the valley between the two, he found himself in awe of it. Some stallions demanded size in their mares’ back door; Glass wouldn’t trade Maud’s fine, toned rear for anypony else, even the famed plot of Celestia herself. Eager to return to the fun, he maneuvered his length to press at her folds, the lips glistening with her juices as she awaited him. Glass underestimated her, however; his first push in was welcomed with a tighter embrace than when she’d rode him, causing his legs to lurch and him to accidentally thrust to the hilt in one go. The unintentional depth charge maneuver caused Maud’s eyes to widen; letting her utter a simple “Oh.” before Glass regained his footing. Satisfied he was properly aligned, Glass began to pound away, eyes glued to the tight rear now smacking into his crotch with every deep push he gave. Maud responded in kind, rocking her hips back as her ass bounced against him, letting him plunge into her depths with ravenous want. Glass let free his withheld moans as restraint fell to desire’s whims, his balls slapping into her thighs with every buck. Seeing her tail wave in a loop with every motion, he gripped it, tugging on it for balance and to give a kinkier element to the rough bucking he was giving her. Judging from how her juices were now dripping down her thighs, he believed his idea was working. It would not last long for either, however; even with their previous climaxes, their haste and need for the other allowed little room for an elongated experience. Glass was the first to sense it as he could barely hold it back much longer, his length stiffening within her depths. “Maud, I can’t…I can’t go much more…I’m gonna blow…” he warned. “Where?” “Inside. Inside me.” Maud panted out, turquoise eyes looking back into his lilac eyes. The gaze communicated reassurance, and in Glass’ own view, heartfelt affection, to the extent that he had no qualms whatsoever if she even wound up with his child. He’d found a mate within the mare he’d come to know, and renewed his efforts to bring her to climax with him. His fervor spurred her on, and his resistance shattered with a bang. Glass’ climax came in thick bursts of seed, ropes of stallion spunk firing into her welcoming marehood. She milked him for every drop she could as her own marehood tightened around him, her juices splashing around the tight seal they made at their joining as she too came. Glass released the hold he had on her tail and plot, a red handprint visible on her butt cheek as he fell back, withdrawing his length from her depths with a gasp as he left the heated marehood. He was granted a glance at the swollen, cum-laced lips of Maud’s pussy as he fell back onto his rump, watching as a trickle of his sperm trailed down her thigh. Lying back, he felt her climb atop him, hands coming to rest on his chest as she peered down at him. “You are very good.” Maud commented, making him chuckle as he nodded at her words. “Safe to say we’re of the same mindset, Maud. That…phew!” His arms flopped at his sides as he panted. “No words. None fit the best experience ever.” Her cheeks warmed at his praise, her hands rubbing his chest as she nuzzles into his neck. They basked in the afterglow of the moment, neither thinking of anything other than who they held. At least until the backdoor suddenly opened, making them both jerk up as a figure blocked out the sunlight beaming in. “Are you two done yet?” Pinkie questioned, poking her head in through the doorway. “I can come back later when Maud’s done sampling your lollipop. Oooh, what if we could share-“Her idea was cut short as Maud pushed her back out and closed the door, locking it a moment after. Glass smiled sheepishly as Maud shook her head. “Pinkie being Pinkie.” She commented, looking over to her newfound mate who stood up to join her, unabashed by their nudity. “Let her be her silly self. I think I’ve found the real diamond in the rough right here.” Glass said, smiling sheepishly for the cheesy statement. His reward was a simple kiss on his lips from the grey-coated mare, the pair smiling as they embraced each other. On the counter, the candy he’d made for her remained where she’d left it on the counter, giving off a small gleam as it shone in the light, a warm color that reflected the warmth the pair now shared.