Snowdrop's Very Special Somepony

by ZomBrony

First published 30th of November, 2014

When Snowdrop makes a new friend, her very first. The two foals get along wonderfully and their friendship grows into much more very quickly.

Snowdrop, being the quiet little filly she was, didn't have many friends at school. Even after the two years she had been there. But when a new pony transfers in from a town to the North so small, that it doesn't even have a name; she and this new colt become best friends -- And more, very quickly.

Love at First Sight?

It was the first week of Ponyville's very first Winter. Snowdrop, usually such a quiet little filly, often depressed even, was still extremely excited about discovering her talent and making this wonderful sounding season even better for all those who admire it. She was sitting up on her cloud, making some more snowflakes and so enthralled in her beautiful work that she had lost track of time. She hears the loving voice of her mother remind her that school will be starting soon and swoops down from the clouds on the path she had memorised so well.

Chestnut, being the shy little colt he was, was walking home from the Golden Oak Library in Ponyville once again with a new book. Bundled up with his winter scarf, he rushed quickly home as he remembered that school would be starting soon.

Snowdrop was in such a rush that she didn't even remember to throw on some winter clothes. But it was okay.. In all her years spent meditating on that beloved cloud, she had gotten used to the colder temperatures of this time of year. (Still..) She thought. (Ponies will probably make fun of me for not wearing anything..) She sighs and slows down her flight. Might as well prepare herself for the bullies..

Another thing the filly had discovered throughout her time of meditation.. And due to her blindness of course, was a heightened sense of feeling.. And hearing. She felt eyes on her as she landed in the cold snow. As always, ponies watching her made her feel uncomfortable.. But feeling her lovely creation on her feet was enough to cheer her up anyway.

Chestnut watched her land gracefully in the snow, just feet in front of him. He kept walking home, knowing he would walk by her.

She heard him now too. The soft crunch of snow beneath his hooves. "H-hello? I hear you.. Where are you?" Her voice is just as small and delicate as her appearance.

Chestnut was surprised. Surprised that she was asking where he was. (What? Is..is she blind?) he asked himself, too shy to answer her.

"Um.. Hello? I-I need to get to school so I don't have long.." She says, just as timid as before. Perhaps a little scared.

"Y-y-you...c-can’t s-see me?" Chestnut asked, his voice cracking as he spoke very softly.

"Aww.. You sound sweet. But.. N-no, I can't.. I'm naturally blind." She answers him, trying to look in the direction of his voice.

Chestnut watched the ground as he walked. "O-oh..I...I'm sorry. My..my name is Chestnut.. Wh-who are you?" He asks shyly, his voice wavering.
She smiles, unable to get over that adorable little voice. "My name's Snowdrop. You don't have to be so shy with me, Chestnut.." She says sweetly. "Believe me, I've been through a lot and hurting somepony's feelings is the last thing I'd want to do."

“Sn-snowdrop? That’s...that's a nice name." Chestnut says. "Why...why have you been hurt?" he asked, gazing at his surroundings.

She sighs and looks down. "Why do you think..? Nopony ever likes somepony to be different. You think knowing that I'm blind would make them feel bad for me.. But they make fun of me for it.. And beyond that, they make fun of me for being so shy and quiet.. They think I'm some kind of loner and that there's something wrong with me.. I don't know why.." She says, finishing.

"Oh..I..I understand. Everypony picks on me..just because I’m so small." Chestnut said, gripping his book tighter under his fluffy wing.

"Ponies can be so cruel.." Says Snowdrop with another sigh. "You should run along, Chestnut. This little conversation is slowly making both of us late." She tells him, hesitantly starting to walk away.

"O-ok." He says with a sad sigh, his voice not quivering as before.

Snowdrop stops. "Hey.. Don't be like that. You've found a new friend in me, Chestnut. I'm just looking out for you. Do you want to sit beside me in class when you get back?" She asks, again attempting to look at him so she could give him a smile.

"Sure..but..I don't think we will be in the same class. But..if we are..then I would love to sit with you." Chestnut said. "And..thanks..you're...you're the first pony to say that." he said as he walked away, smiling.

"Wait! Why do you think we'll be in different classes?" She asks him, her eyes following his hoofsteps and voice.

Chestnut stops, looking back around at Snowdrop. "W-well..I don't know. I just moved here." He explains. "It's...it'll be my first day there."

"Oh.. I see. I should have explained this to you sooner.. Have you ever gotten a tour of the "school"?" She asks.

"No..not really..but I'll be there tomorrow." He said smiling.

She chuckles. "Well that explains it. You've at least noticed or been told that it's not very big, right?"
“Yes..yes I have." Chestnut admits. "But still, I am not real sure. I..I hope I get to be in your class." He says. "N-now..if you don't mind, this weather is..*sneezes* I believe g-getting colder. I r-really need to get home." Chestnut adds, starting to shake from the cold wind.

"Right. Sorry for delaying you. I.. I just like to.. Umm.. I guess it'd be called teasing.. I was purposely distracting you from what I really want to say because I like you. Our school isn't exactly what one would consider a school. It's a school /house,/ so there's only one classroom." She finally says, smiling at him. "So we can sit beside each other no matter what. S-sorry to drag this on. It is getting colder, you're right. So hurry up please. Sorry again.." She says, blushing a little and feeling bad at the same time.

Chestnut looks at her, slightly confused. "R-right. W-well I w-will see y-you tomorrow th-then. Have a g-good evening!" He called, starting to quickly walk away now as he began to shiver more.

(Wait..) She thinks. (Didn't he tell me just a moment ago that he was at least going to school today?) "O-oh well.. See you later, Chestnut!" She calls after him, hurrying to class.

(What did I say? Tomorrow? Oh!!! It's today!!!!) he thought, running now to the school house.

Snowdrop was disappointed and confused as she took her seat. But at least nopony decided to sit beside her.. She hoped it would stay that way.

The school bell rings just as Chestnut sees it come into view. (Oh no!! I'm late!!) he thought as he ran quickly up to the door. (Oh.oh no...I...I couldn't..I..I have to.) he thought. Knowing he would have to enter in front of other ponies, Chestnut knocked nervously, his hoof shaking.

The teacher was about to start her lesson when she heard the erratic knocking on the door. With a smile, she says to the class; "Ah.. There he is." She opens the door for him and gestures to the class. "Class, meet our newest student, Chestnut. He's new not only to our school, but to the town as well. So please, be nice to him. Take your seat, dear." She says, smiling.

Snowdrop looks up from her desk, with a big smile on her face. (Oh, he did make it! I'm so happy to hear him.) She thinks, relaxing a little.

Chestnut walks awkwardly in, keeping his head low as he quickly walked in and looked for a seat. Spotting Snowdrop and an empty seat, he moved quickly there.

Murmurs and hushed conversation could already be heard around the classroom as he made his rough entrance. Too nervous to even close the door, Snowdrop noticed. Hearing the wind whistling outside.

"And I must warn you, son.. You were able to get away with it today since you were late, but tomorrow, We would like you to introduce yourself to the class. Try to be one time, okay?" The teacher says, looking right at him. "And as for everypony else.. Welcome to your third day of class! You'll probably all be happy to hear that the silly introductory activities are finished now. And I know.. You've already all learned your A, B C's but we need to review for the younger students. We'll start a new subject soon, don't worry."

Chestnut sat in his seat, shuffling uncomfortably as he felt the stares of several ponies on him. (How did I forget that class started today? I was ready for it...I was excited..when did i forget?) he questioned himself.

Snowdrop whispers to him, feeling the tension; "Don't worry about them, Chestnut. You'll always have me and I can make you forget everything those mean ponies say."

Chestnut let a small smile come to his lips. Whispering back; "Thanks..that...that means a lot." Feeling more comfortable now, chestnut at still and listened to the teacher as she spoke mostly to the younger ponies.

Snowdrop smiles as well. She may be unable to see his smile, but she can hear that he feels better already and knowing that he's happy makes her happy too. "No problem, friend." She responds, wondering about what she could do as the teacher focuses on the younger ones. She knew the work would be more difficult for them, but it could take forever for the teacher to help all the younger ponies and she never handed out assignments until she makes it to you. Kind of counterproductive when you think about it.

Chestnut sat, listening intently as he went back over stuff he knew with what the teacher was saying. (Hmm..I wonder what kind of books they have.) he thought, his mind wandering off of the teacher.

Snowdrop listens to the teacher drone on about all these things she already knew and practically falls asleep when, suddenly, the bell rings.

"Oh! Is it time for recess already? Goodness, time flies! Sorry, seniors. I'll get to you after recess. Have fun now!"

Snowdrop snaps right out of her sleepy trance at the announcement of recess. "Ooh, Chestnut! Do you want to go outside with me? I'll do whatever you want to." She says happily.

"Y-yes..sure." He said, his shy tone back in full.

Snowdrop giggles. "Come on now, what did I tell you? But.. Are you sure you won't to go outside? You seemed really cold earlier.." She says, thinking about this carefully.

"S-sure..I-I've warmed up s-since then." He stuttered out nervously.

"Oh calm down, Chestnut. I already told you I won't do anything to hurt you.. I understand that you're shy, but can't you trust me?" She asks, suddenly feeling [and sounding] hurt without even realising it.

"I-it's n-not you." He said, his voice quieting down to almost a whisper. "I-I..I don't l-like cr-crowds." Chestnut admitted.

"Well like I said.. We don't have to go outside, you know. Sometimes I just like to stay in and read." She says, smiling. Nearly grinning as she anticpates his asking how.

"R-reading?" He asked, looking up at her slightly taller frame. "Th-that sounds..like fun." He said, his voice not quivering as much.

"Well I always enjoy it. Like I said.. I can get bullied a lot here, so I often prefer it. Do you like reading?" She asks as she gets out of her desk.

"Y-yes..I love books." Chestnut smiled, his voice returning to normal.

"Oh, that's great to hear! I can see us being longtime friends already." She says, smiling again. "I-I'm glad you feel.. Comfortable with me." She says, that same little blush returning to her cheeks.

Chestnut smiled. "B-but..wait..h-how do you...how do you read?" He asked.

"That's not something many ponies know, eh? It's called braille. Basically, they're little bumps that we can read with our hooves. Every bump is made out of a bunch of smaller ones and there's a different amount of smaller bumps for every letter." She explains. "And yes.. It can be very difficult to learn." She adds on.

"Oh...that's...that's really cool. I've never heard of Braille before." Chestnut said, smiling brightly as he talked with snowdrop.

"Isn't it? I thought so too when Mommy started teaching me it." She said, smiling back. "So.. Ms. Windith mentioned that you're not from here. Where did you come from, Chestnut? And.. I-if you don't mind me asking.. Why?"

"Well..I am originally from the northern part of equestria. We didn't live in a specific town or city but rather in the country. My mom..she wanted me to go to school so...we moved here this year." Chestnut said. His voice quivering slightly as he spoke of his parents.

"I see.. That's a long journey to make. I'm kind of surprised they don't have any closer schools.. Maybe they do and your parents just didn't know where it was. But.. A-anyways.. I'm from Cloudsdale which isn't too far at all. It's actually suspended just above Ponyville.. I think. I can't exactly see the ground. Hehehe.. I do know we live near the edge though. There's not other houses nearby. Or at least not ones that I can hear." She did kind of notice a change in his voice, but she didn't want to pry. She never really had any friends aside from her mother and the Princesses.. She didn't want to risk this one.

"Th-that's nice...so..is..is Cloudsdale different than Ponyville?" Chestnut asked.

"Well.. I.. I guess. I don't really spend much time in Ponyville. Everything is made of clouds for one.. And the ponies there seem to be a little.. Umm.. Condescending to Ponyvillians or just.. Earth Ponies in general. And they do have that weather factory I always hear about. I can't say, really." She says, giving him the best response she could.

"Sounds..fascinating." he said, dreaming of cloud made structures.

"I'm sure it is.." She responds, smiling sadly.

"Is..is something wrong?" he asked, snapping out of his dream filled world.

"Well you know I can't see it.. That can be a really painful reminder sometimes.. Cloudsdale is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places in Equestria and I'll never be able to see it.. Even though I live there.." She explains to him, suddenly noticing how close they were and hugging him.

Chestnut jumped at her touch, the hug unexpected. "O-oh..I'm so sorry..I..I forgot." he stumbled out.

"It's okay.." She whispers, hugging him tighter and trying not to cry.

Chestnut sat there, awkwardly holding her and patting her back gently. "I-it's o-ok." he repeated.

Snowdrop stays silent for a moment, trying to think of the right thing to say. "W-well.. I-it is with you.." She says shyly, resting her head on his.

"Th-thanks?" Chestnut said, unsure of what was meant. "S-so..whats..whats your favorite book?" He asked, changing the subject to try to comfort her.

"Hmmm..." She opens her eyes and loosens her grip as a start, but she really didn't want to let him go. "Ooh! Probably Brighthoof!" She suddenly exclaims. "I love her books!"

"Hmm..the action books..I like them!" He exclaimed happily.

"Yeah, they're so cool!" She agreed, too distracted by her childish excitement to remember she was hugging him a moment ago and really liking it.

"Yeah! What..whats the last one you read?" Chestnut asked, pulling a book out from under his wing.

"I think it was actually a nonfiction.. And not intended to be action packed at all.. I was visiting the Princess and I stumbled upon this book of legends. I can't remember what it was called.. But I remember the story. It prophesied about Nightmare Moon.. Have you ever heard that storey?

"Nightmare..moon? No..what is it?" He asked, his curiosity strong.

"Well it's supposed to be just an old mare's tale. But the story was so convincing. It told about how, in the very beginning, Celestia and Luna co-ruled just like they do now. But then it went on to explain that Luna got jealous of Celestia's popularity and turned evil.. She tried to bring eternal darkness upon Equestria and got banished to the moon for 1000 years." Snowdrop said, summarising the story for him.

"Wow..that sounds..intense." Chestnut said. "So what happens next?"

"Well.. That's where it gets scary. After the 1000 years, Nightmare Moon is supposed to return to Equestria to complete her task. It's.. Odd that this story involves the Princesses though. I've talked to the them before.. Both of them. And Luna doesn't sound evil at all. Why do you think they wrote something like this?" She asks.

"I..I don't know. I've never met either of them..I've heard a lot about them though." Chestnut said with a sigh. "I'd love to be able to meet them." He said, hoofing through the first few pages of his open book.

"Mmm.. I'm sure they're beautiful mares. I know for sure that they're nice though. Maybe I could introduce you to them.. You see.. I-I'm pretty good friends with Celestia. She watches over me a lot and I'm sure she'd be happy to hear that I've made a friend. With Equestria's newest citizen at that! Would you like that, Chestnut?" She asks happily.

"Wow! That..that sounds like it would be awesome!" he exclaimed. "Do..do you think they would?"

"Well of course they would! Like I said, I'm good friends with Celestia. She'd be happy to hear about you. She's.. Almost like a second mother to me. And they obviously know about you, the Princesses look over everything. I'm sure they;d be happy that you found a friend so quickly too!" She says, getting rather excited herself.
"That sounds-" Suddenly the bell rings, signalling that play time was up. "O-oh..Well..maybe we can talk about this later." He said shyly.

"Well we could talk about in class too, silly! Don't tell me that you actually need to learn the alphabet again.. Do you?" She asks, actually starting to think about it.

"I..I shouldn't..but..I..I don't wanna get in trouble." Chestnut said.

"Aww, you sound pretty cute when you stammer." She comments, smiling. "But fine. You do make a food point.." She says, taking a quick peek at his work to get an idea of what they were doing and repeating him.

Mrs. Windith makes her way closer to the centre of the class, where she can address most of her older students. "Alright, everypony! S-sorry for getting so distracted with the little ones.. Ehehe.. But umm.. Oh yes! As you have all already learned your ABCs, and I can see that /some/ of you still wrote down my notes anyway, it's time to start a new subject! We'll be starting with numbers and basic math. Now all of you can count to ten, right?"

Snowdrop sighs and puts her face in her hooves. "Oh brother.. What fun our schoolyear will be, Chestnut. Yes, Mrs. Windith! 1.. 2.. 3.. 4....." She goes on.

Chestnut smiled shyly at Snowdrop as she spoke. Watching, listening, nodding and answering when called upon.

The day drones on, all of the older ponies learning their numbers all the way up to 100. Something that finally actually was new to her, but still. She quickly caught on that it was still just the same thing over and over again. Bored nearly to sleep again in that day, Mrs. Windith finally announces that they've finished their numbers for now and it was time to move on to math. They would learn addition and subtraction with numbers 1-10. And would soon be doing more than that as well. Snowdrop brightens up at the introduction to something truly new and actually really enjoys doing her math until the lunch bell rings. "Woah.. Is it lunchtime already?" She asks nopony in particular. "Wow.. Math is fun! How are you doing, Chestnut?"

Chestnut was looking at his desk writing something down. "Hmm? *drops his pencil* What was that?" he asked.

"It's lunchtime! I asked how you're doing with your math." She repeats herself, smiling at him.

"O-oh..its..somewhat new." he said casually, pulling a small sandwhich from his saddle bag. "I know some math from reading so much..b-but..not alot."

"Hmm.. Learning Braille, you'd think I know math too.. But I don't, really. It's really new for me and I love it!" She exclaims happily, pulling out her saddlebag as well. "Hmm.. I wonder what mommy made for me today.." She says, looking at it on her desk.

Chestnut asked, peeking over at her desk. "Ooh! Looks good." he said, smiling at her. "I think you'll love it."

"My saddle bag looks good?" She asks, chuckling. "I do love it quite a bit, thank you." She says, still smiling as she pulls out a paper bag from her saddle bags.

Chestnut blushed slightly. "Y-yes..It matches your coat very well." he said, looking back to his small lunch quickly.

Snowdrop giggles a little more and pulls out a small container. "Ooh! Another salad! Oh.. A-and thanks, Chestnut. I'm sure mommy took great care picking it out for me. I never knew that before.." She said, sounding touched.

"Mmhmm." he said quietly with a nod, his cheeks burning.

Carefully reaching out, Snowdrop touches Chestnut's arm. "H-hey.. Can I ask you something?" She says, her hood still against his arm.

Chestnut looked down at her hoof, then up to her sincere face. "S-sure?" he said nervously.

"I-I realise we've just met.. And that you're a really shy little colt.. But I think I really like you. I've already learned that you like to follow the rules.. But.. But I want to propose something that's kind of against them.. Hear me out?" She asks him, nervously and quietly.

"Mmhm.." He said, his voice getting quiet.

"Well it's nothing too serious.. We don't even have a seating plan. But.. I..I just want to move our desks closer. When I reached over like that earlier.. I wanted to pat your back. Not just touch your arm. I never realised how far apart the desks are.. Could you? Err.. W-we?" She asks, feeling herself blushing.

Chestnut sighed with relief, thinking she was going to ask for something worse. "s-sure." he agreed, sliding his desk closer to her desk.

Snowdrop lets out a sigh of relief as well. "Whew.. I'm.. I'm really glad to hear that, Chestnut. I guess I did over exaggerate that a bit, huh? I.. Just wasn't sure how serious you are about these kinds of things.." She explained, feeling kind of bad.

I-it's ok." he said softly, touching Snowdrops arm. "I-I..just d-dont like attention b-brought to myself...really." He added, his voice dropping quieter as he finished speaking.

"Well you don't seem to mind my attention~" She says, chuckling. "But I know what you mean... You don't like the bad kind of attention. I'm like that too.. " She says, sounding like she wants to say more but not doing so.

"Y-yeah..i-its just..I..I...uhm.." he started but stuttered, unable to finish his statement.

“It's okay, Chestnut.. Just take your time." She says, stroking his arm then leaning back over to pull her desk closer as well, and start eating while he collects himself.

Chestnut took breath as he looked at his half eaten food. "I-it's j-just I...k-kind...*inaudible mumbling*"

"Oh, don't worry about telling me yet, Chestnut. I think I know what you're trying to say anyways. Just take your time." She repeats, keeping her unseeing eyes trained on him as she eats her salad.

Chestnut looked down at his food, taking a small bite slowly.

"Mmm.. Shy ponies like you going quiet are one of those things that really make me wish I could see you." She said, stroking his back as she had wanted to before. It was what both Celestia and her mother did for her when she was upset..

Chestnut shivered at her touch. Looking back at her, he smiled.

"Mmm.. D-do you like that? I kind of feared it might be a bit too much.." She says, starting to pull away.

"No!" he said quickly, grabbing her arm gently. "Er...I..I m-mean..n-no?" Chestnut said, his face burning red as he let her arm go.

Snowdrop smiles. "I'm sorry.. I'm just.. Pretty flustered myself. I'm just like you. You're the first friend I've ever had and I've never felt like this about somepony before.. I just.. Want to be with you. It's weird.." She says. "Err.. N-not in a bad way! I.. I just..." She sighs.

Chestnut laid his head down. "Y-you know..y-you're really pretty." he said very quietly.

“Oh! Y-you think so?" She asks him, blushing a little more. "Only the adults have ever told me that.." She said, getting kind of quiet herself.

Chestnut was quiet the rest of the lunch period, eating his small lunch.
Snowdrop led herself off into a bit of a depression when she didn't hear from Chestnut again. But she didn't say anything because she just felt like it was better that way. Maybe it'd all blow over by tomorrow.. She looks back down to her desk with a sigh as the second bell rings. "Well.. Back to work." She mutters to herself, feeling her way along the page to find where she left off. "Now what was it again.. 6? Yeah.. I think that's where I am.." She "reads" over the instructions again and gets back to work,

The rest of the school day dragged on as the class listened to Miss Windith teach through math and reading. Chestnut sat still and listened intently, periodically glancing at Snowdrop. Finally the final bell rang, allowing the young ponies the freedom to leave for home.

Having long ago finished all her work, Snowdrop packed up quickly and quietly, and was about to leave when she figured she should wait for Chestnut. She stopped at the door and stepped aside to avoid the stampede of eager ponies. Standing quietly, with her head down.

Chestnut walked to the door with his book and saddle bag. Spotting Snowdrop he touched her slightly on the arm. "H-hey..th-thanks for waiting." he said softly.

She eeps a little, surprised that she didn't hear him coming. "O-oh.. Hey. I.. I just figured I should.. That's what friends do, right?" She asks, saving herself and smiling at him. She also takes his hoof, intending just to return the affection, but also realising it could mean more and squeezing a little.

Chestnut blushed slightly. "Y-yeah..th-thats what friends do. S-so..t-today was fun." he said, starting to head out the door into the cold.

"Yes it was." She says, smiling and blushing a little herself. "I wish you didn't live so far.. I'll see you tomorrow?" She asks.

Author's Notes:

Please pardon any inconsistencies with grammar. This story is written directly from a roleplay and my friend.. Well let's just say he's not as grammatically inclined as I. The same issue applies to tense, unfortunately. Please.. Let me know if these inconsistencies affect the story at all and I'll work to fix it as quickly as I can.

A New Friend

"I..I could..maybe..i-if you..don’t mind..w-walk you home?" he said shyly, closing the door behind her as she walked out behind him.

"Well it wouldn't really be a walk~" She says, chuckling. "But I'd really like that." She adds on, smiling.

"What..do you mean?" Chestnut asked curiously, following her face as she spoke.

"I live in Cloudsdale, silly! We'll have to fly there." She informs him. "Oh.. A-are you a pegasus?"

"Ahhh!! You..you live in cloudsdale?!" Chestnut asked excitedly. "I am pegasus!" He said now more excited. "So how do you get to your house?" He asked.

"I just.. Fly until I get there.. Like I said, it's right on the edge, so it's pretty hard to miss. It should be even easier for you to find. And then you can meet mommy! I'm so excited!" She says, looking forward to it already.

"Sure! Let's go!" Chestnut said, excited he might be able to see Cloudsdale, the city in the sky.

"Awesome!" Snowdrop takes off with an excited bound.

"Woah!" Chestnut said, watching her fly before taking off himself. "Wah..woah..ok..there!" (almost fell..keep it together.) he thought to himself.

"Keep up, Chestnuut!" She calls behind her, ecstatic to be flying again. It was her second favourite thing to do.

"Im trying!" he said, pushing himself harder to catch up. "There! Now we're side by side!"

Snowdrop smiles, laughing a little."Good work! So.. You don't spend much time flying, huh?" She asks.

"No..not really." he said smiling as he stretched out his arms as they flew. "My parents..well..they aren't pegasi. They're unicorns." He said.

"Both of them..? Hmm.. Why are you a pegasus then? That's weird.." She says, thinking aloud. "H-hey.. Keep an eye out. We should be getting close."

“Ok!" Chestnut said. "And no..only my mom..my dads an earth pony." he explained.

"That's even weirder!" She says, laughing.

"Who cares!" Chestnut laughed. "Woow!" he exclaimed as Cloudsdale came into view. "It's..so big!"

"It's just weird." She repeats herself, chuckling. "And isn't it? I've heard about Cloudsdale. It's so beautiful.." She says sadly, sighing.

"What do clouds feel like?" Chestnut asked, hearing her sadness.

"Hmm.. I don't know. Soft.. Fluffy.. Comfortable.. I dunno." She says again. "Kind of like big, fluffy.. Sinky pillows."

"Huh..well..that...thats what it looks like..it looks like a soft, fluffy pillow." Chestnut said, trying to describe what he saw.

"Hmm.. Thank you, Chestnut. I never knew that." She says, smiling.
"You're welcome." He said happily. "So..your house is on the edge?"

"Mhm. I think it's even pretty isolated. Not sure about that though." She says, stopping her ascension.

Oh..well lead the way Snowflake!" Chestnut said in his excitement, blushing when he realized what he said.
"Snowflake, hmm?" She asks, chuckling. "What happened there, Acorn?" She responds, grinning and starting a slight descent.

"N-n-nothing." He stammered. "S-so..a-are we close?" Chestnut asked, trying to ignore his mistake with a question.

"Should be.. But can you please tell me why you just messed up my name..? That isn't something that happens too often and I don't like it.." She says, sounding a bit sad

"I...I..its..a...a nickname..h-haven't you..h-had one?" Chestnut stammers, confessing why he called her name wrong.

"Nope~" She says, giggling. "You're my first friend, remember? And mommy always calls me things like sweetie or dear. From a guy that'd be just.. Bleh. But why Snowflake then, Ches..ty? That's longer than my real name!" She says, laughing.

"I..I don't know..I..it sounded good?" Chestnut said unsure.

"I guess it did.." She says thoughtfully, smiling again. "Hmm.. Sure. You can call me that. But how's Chesty?" She asks him, a bit concerned.

"Its..I like it." he said more comfortably. "Why is it that I can talk so easily around you..you're the first pony to be so nice to me." Chestnut said.

"Well it could have to do with the fact that you don't need to worry about me seeing you.. But even if it were, that's probably not something you would think of. Hmm.. I-I'm not sure.. Maybe because I've been so nice to you?" She asks. "I know that would definitely help me if more ponies were.."

Yeah..I guess thats it." Chestnut thought. "So..where is your house?" He asked, looking at the Cloudy City.

"We should be pretty much above it right now.. Didn't you notice that I've started going down?" She asks, almost ready to just stop flying and let that mysterious separate cloud that never left her house catch her. She loved doing that!

"Oh..ok..I have but I wasn't entirely sure." Chestnut said, looking down and spotting a small cottage looking house.

"Hmmm.." She thinks carefully and closes her eyes to concentrate on her hearing even more. Her house was a bit too far to risk the fall yet, but she starts descending straight down.

"Woah! Down faster?" He asked, following her move shortly.

"Just you wait~" She says, grinning and taking a deep breath. "I think we're close enough."

"Close enough for what?" Chestnut asked, watching snowdrop.

Watch~" She whispers, closing her eyes and leaning back.

"O-ok.." Chestnut said, watching with his great curiosity.

"See you on the other side.." She says dramatically, stopping the flapping of her wings and letting herself plummet down towards the ground.

"Snowdrop!!" Chestnut said, flapping down after her. Stopping shortly after he saw the cloud. "N-n-not funny!!"

Snowdrop rolled around on the cloud laughing hysterically.

"Y-you sc-scared me!" Chestnut said, flapping next to her little cloud.

"Oh man! You've got to try that some time, Chesty. I know it looks scary.. And it really is. Even to me still, but it's SO MUCH fun! Now come on down here with me. Pegasi can walk on clouds." She informs him happily.

"We...we can?" He asked, slowly setting himself down. "Woah!! This feels...it feels...soft, and...and fluffy."

"Liiike I told you~ And no other race can do it! Isn't that cool?" She asks, smiling at him and getting up. "Mommy, I'm home! And I brought a friend!"

"Ohh my! A friend?!" Comes her upbeat voice from inside.

"O-oh..she sounds nice." Chestnut said to snowdrop.

"Oh, mother's very nice! I can't wait for you to meet her!" Excited Snowdrop jumps up from her cloud and runs into her mother's waiting arms. "Mmmm.." She lets out a little loving sigh as she holds her.

"Now now, darling.. Introduce me to your little friend." She says, standing up and smiling.

"Ooh ooh ooh! His name is Chestnut and he's been really nice to me, mommy! I ran into him on my way to school and.. Oh no.. I already can't remember.. Do you want to tell her, Chesty?"

"Chesty?" Her mother asks, chuckling. "You two have nicknames for each other already! That's so cute! What do you call her.. Chesty~?" Her mother asks teasingly, chuckling some more.

Snowdrop goes quiet as she does. Already knowing that he wouldn't like that very much.

Which she notices almost immediately and covers her mouth. "O-oh.. I'm sorry.. Could you still tell me, please? I really want to know.." Says her mother.

"S-snowf-snowflake.." He said shyly, not looking up as he spoke to her.

"Snowflake?! Oh my goodness, that's ADORABLE! Come in, you two. Come in." She says, backstepping into the house. "And y'know, Snowflake.. It's pretty accurate too. You're quiet and delicate like a snowflake. He must have put a lot of thought into that name, sweetie. You better appreciate that. Now go ahead and show him around. I'll make the two of you some Hot Cocoa." She says, walking off into the house.

Still outside, Snowdrop speaks up quietly. "W-wow.. I really want to apologise for what just happened.. But what mommy said.. Is that true, Chestnut? That's so sweet.."
K-kinda...r-remember when I got quiet in class?" He started.

"Yeah.." She said, still quiet and a little saddened again by the reminder. "I really didn't like that too much.. I thought I must have hurt you or scared you or something.." She confessed to him, looking down.

“N-no..th-that is when I started thinking.." Chestnut said. "S-so...c-can we go inside? I'm getting cold." He said as a shiver ran through his small body.

"Wow.. So you really did put a lot of thought into this.. W-wow.. That's all I can say. Thank you so much, Chestnut.." She says, walking up and hugging him tight. "S-sure.. Let's go inside. Mother must have left the door open for us too and that'd be no good. All the heat will get out." She said, patting his back before letting him go and then leading him inside.

Chestnut followed with a smile on his face. (W-wow..she..she actually likes the nickname..that's...she's really sweet.) he thought to himself as he looked around her house.

Snowdrop lets out another happy sigh. Even with a friend at school, FINALLY, it was always nice to come home to the familiar feelings and warmth of home. Especially now that she had this friend.. She realises. He'll make her life so much better now. Maybe she could even get into that dating thing she hears the older ponies talk about. He definitely seemed like "coltfriend material" from what she'd learned. "S-so.. Uh.. I've never done this before.. I have no idea what to.. Um.. S-show you.." She says, suddenly extremely shy and nervous again for some reason.

"I don't know..its your home..I..I guess we..you could..uhm...I..I don't know." He said, stuttering like her.

"Oh! I know!" She exclaims, excited again. "Follow me!" She calls behind her, running off upstairs.

"Ok!" Chestnut said, following quickly behind her. "Where're we going?" He asked.

“My room!" She says excitedly. "I have so many books I can show you!" Quickly making it up the acute stairs and running down the hall.

"OOH!! Ok!" Chestnut said excitedly.

Snowdrop's room was on the far left of a nicely sized second floor. She ran into it like.. Well, an excited filly and jumped onto her bed to wait for him with all four legs down.

Chestnut followed her in with a smile on his face, stopping when he spotted her on the bed.

"Ooh, you finally caught up! Hey, slowpoke!" She jumps out of bed and gestures him over to her book collection. She had a few small bookshelves, stocked almost fully with books.

"Hehe..what was with the pose?" Chestnut asked with a laugh. "Wow!! So many books!"

"Pose?" She asks, stopping right there and cocking her head. "I wasn't posing.. I was waiting for you, silly!" She wraps an arm around him. "I'm glad I met you." She says cutely.

"M-me too..I..I mean..im glad I met you." He said, stammering slightly as he glanced at her arm.

She giggles. "I love how quickly you can switch between awkward and confident." She says, nuzzling him. "Anyway.. Whew. Where to start with all these books?" She asks him, sitting nice and close.

"Yeah." He said, slightly squirming around from her closeness.

"Well why don't we take a look at them then?" She asks, standing up and walking to the left so that her plot was in his face. She didn't even think of that when she got up.

Chestnut sat there, slightly stunned as her tail appeared in his face. (Why is her tail in my face? Should I move?) he thought to himself.

Snowdrop answered for him by finishing her strut over to the very left side of the bookshelves. "Over here, silly! I alphabetically order my books by genre." She explains to him.

"Ok." Chestnut said, standing up and following her.

She smiles as he approaches, hearing his soft hoofsteps on the clouds. "After what my mom said.. I've thought of two better nicknames for you, Chesty~" She happily tells him as he gets closer.

"R-really?" He asked with a smile. "And what are they?"

"Well.." She trails off, drawing back her hoof. "Silly!" She continues, booping his nose. "And sweetie." She says, kissing his cheek. "Because you've been really sweet to me." She tells him with a smile.

Chestnut blushed as she kissed his cheek. "O-o-oh." He stammered, trying to find words to say.

"Do you like them~?" She asks happily.

"I...I l-like them!" He stammers, finally finding words to say. "S-so...what are these books?" Chestnut asked, turning his attention to the bookshelves.
"Good. I'm glad you do. I've been thinking about that.. You probably noticed how I reacted when mommy was teasing you like that.. Ever since then, I've been thinking I need to come up with a better one for you. Calling you silly was just a joke, really.. But you really have been so sweet to me and.. And Chestnut is hard to work with!" She exclaims, chuckling. "That sounds almost like a nickname already! But I also do find you pretty silly, so it wasn't all just a joke.. Not even close. Is there anything you'd want me to call you?" She asks, forgetting about his question as she carried on and on.

"Hmmm? I..I can't think of anything." Chestnut said thinking.

"Well sweetie it is then." She declares, mocking a professional's voice. "Let me know if you think of something better though, kay?" She asks him, smiling. "Now.. W-what was that other thing?"

"What..other thing?" Chestnut asked, snapping out of his embarrassed trance.

"I heard you ask a question when I was.. Uh.. Rambling." She chuckles. "But I didn't really hear it hear it.. Know what I mean?" She asks, still trying to remember.

"Yeah..b-but..I don't remember it really either." Chestnut said, thinking hard to remember.

"Oh well.. Couldn't have been too important then. Come to think of it.. I know we both really like books, but I'm not too interested in reading right now. I.. I think I only wanted to bring you up here to confess that.. Have you ever had a crush before?" She asks, walking back over to him.

"N-no..why do you ask?" He asked, following her sightless gazes.

"Because I obviously like you!” She giggles. “I think that's the main reason I had you over. And it seems like mommy can tell too. We'll be great friends at this rate!" She calls excitedly. "Now let's go get our cocoa!" She says, racing away again.

"Ok!" Chestnut says, following her graceful maneuvers as she ran through the memorized path.

To get even further ahead with another risky thing Snowdrop loved to do, she slides down the banner and lets the fluffy clouds bounce her into place at the table. "Beat 'em!" She says, chuckling.

"Woah! That was so cool!!" CHestnut said, finally catching up to Snowdrop.

Imagine how long it took to master without sight." She tells him, smiling in the direction of her mother.

"Woah..." he said, thinking of the possible injuries. "Cool."

"It sure was fun learning it. Thanks for the cocoa, mommy! So.. What do want to do when we're done, Chestnut? Are you hungry?" She asks, clasping her mug.

"Thank you for the cocoa." Chestnut said quietly to Snowdrops mom. "I don't know..I'm not really hungry right now."

"Okay. My mom makes great snacks too, that's all. Maybe we can actually get some reading done after this. OOH! Mommy, can he stay for supper?" Snowdrop asks excitedly.

The Sleepover

Her mother chuckles. "Well I have no problem with that, but he'll have to ask his parents too." She responds, smiling. "Would you like that too, Chestnut?" She asks him.

"S-sure..b-but i live on the far side of ponyville." He explained, sipping the cocoa.

"Well maybe you could spend the night too.. OH MY GOSH, IT'D BE MY FIRST SLEEPOVER! EEEEEE!"

"Snowdrop dear, calm down. How could he tell his parents if they're so far? Would they be really worried about you if they didn't hear from you?" Her mother asks him calmly.

"W-well..I..I don't think so..I think they won't mind." Chestnut said unsure as he sipped the delicious hot cocoa.

"Well don't get me wrong, son. I know they'll obviously be worried about you, but I think you know what I mean. They won't have a nervous breakdown or anything. Besides, maybe they'll just give you permission from now on when they hear how well it goes." She continues, smiling. "It's up to you though. Snowdrop and I would be more than happy to take you home if you change your mind."

Snowdrop sighs, then looks back at Chestnut and smiles. "Thanks for handling that, mommy. I guess I got a little over excited, hmm?" She asks, sounding a little sad.

"Yes, but don't worry dear. Everything will be just fine." She reassures the two of them.

"I..they won't have a breakdown." Chestnut said, setting the glass down. "I know them enough to know that." He said happily. "S-so sure!"

"Awesome!" Snowdrop jumps out of her chair and glomps him. "I'm so exicted!"

Chestnut gasped in surprise as he was tackled to the ground. "Woah!!" Laughing, he smiles as he hugs her back.
Snowdrop smiles down at him and feels a strange urge. ..But how would he react to that? How would her mom react to that? She kept her smile strong as she wondered and decided just not to do it, letting him up shortly after. "Oh, that's such great news! Wait.. We do have spare bedding, right mommy? I didn't even think of that.." She says, suddenly losing her excitement.

"Oh.. Uh.. Huh, I'm not sure. I'll go check, okay? You two finish your cocoa before you go anywhere! It's already cooled down a little." She says to them, heading to the basement.

Chestnut smiled as he watched Snowdrops mom walk away. "So..what are we gonna do next..Snowflake?" He asked, giggling as he said her nickname.

Snowdrop blushes a little at hearing him call her that again. "Well mommy had a point. We should finish our cocoa before anything." She says, walking back over to her seat. "But then.. Well I was serious, we should read together. I could teach you more about braille. There isn't much more to do here anyway. That's what got me so into reading." She answers him

"Oh..sounds fun!" He said, sitting back down next to her. "You know? Clouds are so soft! I never knew they would be this soft!"

Snowdrop grins and giggles. "Well somepony who's never been on clouds wouldn't." She says, sticking her tongue out. "And you should feel my bed then. They're even softer! I don't know how cloud manufacturers do it!" She exclaims, getting excited again.

"Ohh! Is it really that soft?" Chestnut asked excited also.

"Yeah! Hurry up and finish your drink so I can show you!" She says, quickly downing her long-warm cocoa.

"Ok!" he said, copying Snowdrop by tipping his drink backwards, swallowing the last few sips left. "Ok! Let's go!"

"Awesome!" Snowdrop shoots off again, surprisingly swift with her handicap.

"H-hey! Wait for me!" Chestnut called, trying to follow her quick movements.

"Don't worry, Chesty! You'll be this fast soon enough!" She calls after herself, grinning.

"I learn fast Snowdrop! Just remember that!" He said, laughing as he caught up to her. "See?"

"I told you you'll be this fast soon enough!" She says, chuckling and counter condescending him.

"Haha! Yep!" Chestnut laughed. The more time he spent with Snowdrop the more he felt comfortable around her. What was it about her that made him feel so safe and warm inside? Chestnut watched her as the neared the door to her room.

Snowdrop was waiting for him again in bed, just sitting on the edge. "Hey! Come on over, it's soo soft!" She says, lying down and rolling over to make room for him with a giggle. She found herself just watching him as he came over, looking right into his beautiful blue eyes. (What is it that I like so much about you, Chestnut?) She asks herself.

"Ok!" Chestnut said, walking over and climbing slowly onto the bed, getting a good feel of the softness that the clouds provided. "Wow! They're so..fluffy." He exclaimed, partly surprised.

"Aren't they? I love my bed! And hey.. You wanna know something?" She asks, grinning.

"Sure..what?" Chestnut asked, looking up at the ceiling as he laid next to her.

Snowdrop smiles bigger as she realises how much this will catch him off guard and she leans in closer, putting a hoof on his chest as she speaks. "We'll be sharing it if mommy can't find spare bedding~ What do you think of that?" She asks happily.

Chestnut tensed slightly, Snowdrop able to feel his heart start to race a little faster. "W-we w-will? O-oh..th-thats nice." He stammered out, blushing brightly as he squirmed uncomfortably.

Snowdrop grins again. "Yeah we will. I never discussed it with mommy, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind. She expects us to be in the same room anyway." She responds. "But don't worry, sweetie. That's only if she can't find the extra bedding. Unless.. You want to? I know I'd like that." She says, smiling.

"I..i uh..uhm..s-sure.." Chestnut said, smiling with a bright blush on his face. (Oh...oh my..what..what is this feeling? I don't know it, I've never felt like it before!) he thought to himself.

"Great! But.. Let's not tell mommy. I think that would seem weird.." She smiles at him, snuggling up closer. (Hmm.. I've never felt so.. Attracted to somepony before.. What does this mean?) She asks herself, snuggling into his chest.

"Y-yeah..good idea." Chestnut said. (What is it about her? I...I can talk fine sometimes and others i fall apart..what is it?) He thought, watching her as she nuzzled herself in his soft fur.

"Mmm. I'm glad you agree. And I really like this." She giggles. "I never realised how soft a pony's fur can be.. Mmmm.." She closes her eyes, staying all snuggled up into his chest as she was.

"Mmmm." Chestnut sighed happily as he curled up next to Snowdrop and nuzzled her mane.
Her smile fading a little as she grew used to this pleasant sensation, Snowdrop smiles again when she feels Chestnut nuzzle her back. It was the most amazing feeling. "Hmm.." Pondered Snowdrop. "As much as I really like this.. We should probably go check on mommy. Remember.. You agreed to sleep with me even if she did find the extra bedding. J-just reminding you because I'm looking really forward to this. S-sorry.." She says shyly.

"O-ok." Chestnut said, snapping out of his happy reverie.

"Alright, let's go!" Snowdrop takes Chestnut's hoof for a moment as she slides out of bed and kisses his cheek again once up, taking off downstairs.

Chestnut blushed at her kiss before taking off after her, following her down the stairs.

That was twice she'd kissed him now! Where did all these things keep coming from? Snowdrop's heart and mind were racing as she blasted downstairs. Racing so much that she didn't even see her mother until she was knocked over with pillows and blankets flying everywhere.

"Whew! What did I tell you about watching where you're going, Snowdrop?" Asks her mother, chuckling.

Snowdrop smiles that sheepish, knowing smile usually only shared by couples. "Oops! Sorry, mommy!" She says, giggling.

"Oh it's alright, Snowflake." She says, smiling. "But you know that. You know what else you know?"

Snowdrop rolls her eyes. "Yes, mommy.. I'll get right to it, mommy." She says, searching around to help her mother collect the bedding.

Chestnut watched the two ponies collect the bedding, unsure of what to do.

Soon after, Snowdrop and her mother had quickly collected all reorganised all the items. Snowdrop gives Chestnut a goofy smile. "Well you could have helped, you know."

Her mother chuckles and pats her head, carefully balancing everything as she trudges upstairs.

"O-oh..i'm sorry." Chestnut said apologetically as he followed Snowdrop around.

"Just on the floor will do, mommy. Chestnut and I will set it up how he wants. Thank you." She says, smiling and hugging her.

"Mmhmhm, you're welcome, sweetie. You two have a good night, okay? Don't stay up too late!" She says, heading out.

"Y-yes ma'am." chestnut nods with a shy smile.

Snowdrop smiles as her mother walks away. "Wow.. Spending the night with you.. My first friend, my first crush. It's so exciting!" She hugs him again.

Chestnut hugged back, a smile on his face. (Wow...this..this is nice.) He thought.

Snowdrop holds on to him, loving the warm feeling it gave her and the soft feeling of his fur. The slight rise and fall of his tiny chest as he breathes. "Mmmm.. This feels even better than mommy's hugs." She says, closing her eyes again.

"Yeah." Chestnut sighed in a joy-filled trance.

She finally lets go. "So what do you wanna do? I wouldn't mind snuggling all night.. Giggles But I think that would get boring eventually and mommy might still check up on us a few times before she goes to bed." Snowdrop explains.

"I don't know..what do you wanna do? You know your house more than me and you know there is to do around here." Chestnut says looking around her room.

"Like I said, though.. All I really do is read.. There's not a lot of choice out there for blind ponies. I can think of some imaginary games we could play.. But we'd have to be really careful and quiet. Mommy gets kind of strict come bedtime." She tells him.

"Sure! Sounds fun!" Chestnut said enthusiastically.

Yeah.. I've always been a good girl. Breaking the rules a little sounds fun! Tag, you're it! Remember to be quiet!" She says, running off out of her room.

"Wh-what?!" Chestnut asked suprised. "B-but..thats not fair!" He said quietly as he tried to follow her.

"Why not~?" She asks, as quietly as she can from her hiding place.

"B-because I don't know your house!" Chestnut whispered, looking around for Snowdrop.

"But you can follow my voice~ This is what real hide and seek should be like. Having to rely on your lesser senses like I do." She says, listening very carefully for the soft padding of his feet.

"Yeah..but...still!" he whispered, trying to hear her voice.
"Have you ever played tag hide and seek before?" She asks.

"Hmm.no." Chestnut said.

"Well how about hide and seek? I was just asking so I could tell you the rules are the same. You can ask for hints if you want." She tells him.

"They usually aren't much more than this though.. But all I know about Hide and Seek is what I've learned from watching other ponies play it, so I probably don't know that well anyways.." She says, sighing.

"Hide and seek is exactly what the name provides. One pony hides while the other seeks." Chestnut explained, following Snowdrops voice to his right. "But with more than two ponies, all but one pony will hide and the last one out will seek."

"I know. I just mean I don't know how everything works perfectly. Everypony knows the basics!" She says, sounding a bit happier.

"Oh! yeah, yeah..I guess." Chestnut said, his smile growing bigger as her voice got louder to his ears. "That would be about all I know to, so don't feel bad." he said as he peeked into a doorway. (Where are you?) He thought as he began looking under tables, chairs, and behind plants.

"Well I still kind of do.. It reminds me how lonely I was before I met you.." She says, quieting down again.

"O-oh..I..I know what you mean." He said stopping in the middle of the room. "I..this..is the first time actually /playing/ the game." Chestnut said with a depressed tone. "I..I'm really glad it's with you." He added, smiling to himself.

Snowdrop smiles and lets out a little forced laugh of happiness. "Me too, Chestnut. Every first time we have together, I'll be glad it's you." She says, feeling that warmth in her chest again.

Chestnuts ears perked up as he heard her laugh, noticing the direction it came from. "Yeah..I will enjoy it just as much." he said, sneaking around behind the possible spot she was in.

"Ooooh~ Sounds like you're getting closer!" She grins as she backs up further into her corner.

"Yes...I..I might be~" He sings, lowering his voice as he tip-toed closer.

Hearing his hoofsteps approach, she was tempted to make a run for it but she wanted to find him too, so she resists.
Chestnut hushed himself, not speaking as he neared the corner of the room. (Naturally she would hide in the least expected place...behind the giant...bush looking...thingy.) He thought to himself. Jumping around it he grabbed her around her waist. "Gotcha!" he said a little to loudly.

She jumps as he touches her waist of all places then breaks into a fit of laughter. "Whew! You scared me!" She said, laughing. And also realising that being touched there made her feel a little funny. But it didn't bother her, it was just.. Different.

"I wasn't trying to!" He said laughing with her. "Good spot to hide by the way." Chestnut said, peeking out through the plant.

"Thank you~ Due to conditions.. Tag doesn't really apply right now, so how long do you want? I can count to 100 now~" She said with a grin.

"Hmmm..tag!" Chestnut said before running off with a laugh.

Snowdrop starts giggling again as he tags her anyway and slowly quiets down as she watches him go, her smile slowly growing. (He's really.. Cute. Why am I thinking like this?) She asks herself. "A-alright, that was your head start! Here I come!" Still tracking his hoofsteps, she chases after him.

And Snowdrop's mother downstairs, being as the foals were failing horribly at their goal of staying quiet just keeps reading and smiles to herself. "Hmm.. When should I intervene? It is the weekend after all.."

"Fair enough!" Chestnut said as he hid in a small room. "Come and get me!"

"I'm coming!" She quiets down as his hoofsteps stop and follow him into another dark room. "Hmmm.." She closes her eyes, focussing on her hearing so it gets even better. After moments of silence, she can hear his breathing and slowly starts walking towards him. "Where are yoooou~?" She asks happily.

"Not in here." He whispers. (I don't think I'll win this game.) He laughs to himself.

"It sounds like you are~" She sing-songs, grinning. "I think now would be a good time to tell you.. You're allowed to change hiding places too. If you get the chance!" She adds on, chuckling.

"I am?!" He asks with a playful tone. "How amazing!" Chestnut said, slowly sliding out of his spot to go around Snowdrop. Unfortunatly, Snowdrop was to close to the door and he would never be able to walk out without her noticing.

"Hmmm.. Movemeeent~ Nice try, Chestnut. But I'll get you yet!" She responds, also playfully.
"I..I didn't move!" Chestnut said, sliding back into his first spot with defeat on his face. "But you could move a little bit to you know~"

"But then my hearing radar isn't as good~" She says, chuckling. "Hmmm.. I'll give you a chance to move again and cover my ears if you want." She says happily.

"No..there's no fun then~" Chestnut admits, smiling as he sat still in his hiding spot.

"Really? I thought that'd be more fun for both of us. OKay then~" She glomps him. "Tag!" And quickly runs off to a better spot.

"Ah! Hey!" Chestnut laughs, running out of the room to see if he could spot her. "You're really good at this." He said, trying to get her to speak.

"I told you~ I basically have radar with my enhanced hearing~" She sing-songs in response, somehow sounding proud as well.

"Yeah..I know..you're to good at it." Chestnut said, trying to follow her voice.

"Sorry~" She calls, giggling as she climbs inside of something that would make her harder to hear.

Chestnut listens for her, her movements almost silencing. "Where did you go?" He asked, walking around the house looking for her.

"Somewhere goooood~" Calls her muffled voice from somewhere on the left.

"Obviously!" Chestnut calls, still fogetting they were supposed to be quiet.

"Gooood luuuccck~" She grins and goes quiet.

He said sarcastically, walking into a large bedroom. "Wow..big room." He said.

"This is the Master Bedroom! Of course it's big~" She says from some nearby with a giggle.

"Wow..it..it's so..so big!" Chestnut said, sitting down to take it all in.

"That's a Cloudsdale house for you~" She says, grinning.

"Wow..so..theres a bed in here of course..but what else?" Chestnut asked, looking around the room.

"A wardrooobe.. Clooosets..Ennnnd taables~ Lots of places to hide!" *Giggles*
"Woah..so..a closet would be good...but that seems way to unlikely..the wardrobe would be more likely..because it's smaller..seems less likely except i feel like you would hide there." Chestnut said, walking over to what he presumed was the wardrobe.

"Hmm, you're clever. But guess what~" She smiles bigger.

"What?" Chestnut asked as he stopped in front of the wardrobe.

"You snooze, you lose!" She bolts out of the wardrobe's other door and gallops away into another room.

"Hey!!!" Chestnut called, chasing after her quickly.

"Gotchaaa~" She dives under her bed and squeezes up against her nightstand.

"I know you're in here..I watched you run in here...but where?" He asked, looking around.

"You've definitely gotten faster, huh?" She giggles. "Good luck~"

"Yeah..and i'm learning how to track with my ears~" Chestnut sang, glancing around the smaller room.

"You'll never be as good as mee~" Giggles

"I know..but I’m getting better!" He said as he jumped next to a dresser..finding an empty hiding spot. "Ok..maybe not." Chestnut laughed.

"You sure are!" She calls back enthusiastically. "But you're not quite right~"

"Yeah..I see that." Chestnut says. "O-oh..i-im sorry...I..I didn't mean..that." He says pologetically, thinking she would be hurt by his use of words.

She giggles. "Sorry for what?"

"I..I thought..n-nothing." He stammers, shuffling around to look for her some more.

"H-hey..can..can we stop this game and play something else?"

Snowdrop steps out of the wardrobe. "S-sure.. But.. Why? What's wrong?" She really wanted to know what he was thinking now.

"Nothing!" Chestnut said as he glomped her, tickling her sides.
"Ahhahahahihi! Why would you say that then?!" She squirms around beneath Chestnut, laughing.

"Cause this isn't hiding!" Chestnut said, laughing with her as she squirmed. Stopping for her to breath, Chestnut sat back with a goofy smile as he watched her catch her breath.

"Mmm.. I never thought that would be so much fun! But you know what I mean, sweetie.. What were you apologising for?" She asks, the light, humorous tone quickly fading from her voice.

"I..i thought you might be hurt when I said I see that.." Chestnut spits out, his voice diminishing as he spoke.

"Why would that make me feel bad? Please.. Explain." She says, sounding a bit sad.

"I just..with you being..b-blind and all I..I thought you m-might get..offended?" Chestnut said, his ears lowering.

"Oh.. Well that's understandable, I guess. But you don't need to worry about that, sweetie. I've had plenty of bullying in my time.. And I know you don't mean it like that. So, uh.. What was that other thing you wanted to do? Just had enough of hide and seek?" She asks, chuckling.

"Y-yeah..let's play something else!" Chestnut said, perking back up.

"Can you think of any, Chesty?" She asks, smiling.

"Hmm..nope..not really. You?" Chestnut said in thought.

"Well.. I can think of some, but none that I can really do.." She says with a sigh.

"Well..like what?" Chestnut asked, scooting close enough that Snowdrop felt his wings slightly touch hers.

Snowdrop smiles again. "Well.. As psychologists say, the brian loves to focus on negative things. So.. The first game I thought of is.." She sighs again. "I Spy.. But hmm.. We could still play that, actually. Quite easily too!" She says, getting excited. "Do you want to head back to my room and play?"

"Oh..well we know the problem there...and sure!" Chestnut says enthusiastically, standing up as his feathers brushed against Snowdrop.

Red Hooved

Snowdrop walks immediately beside Chestnut on their way back. "I like being close to you.." She practically whispers, wishing she could hold him again.

"I-i know." Chestnut whispered back, smiling with a blush.
She chuckles softly. "I love you." Snowdrop blushes deeply before it's even out. "Oh my.. That's what this is, isn't it.." She plops down on the floor right there. "Wow.. I said that.."

Chestnut froze, watching Snowdrop with his mouth agape. "Wh-wh-what?" he stammered, slightly in shock.

"I-I know.. But.. I think I do.. What else could explain it?" She speaks quietly as she says this and blushes pretty hard.

Chestnut spots Snowdrop's blush, smiling now. "Hehe.I..I guess the blush proves it?" he asked, a happy feeling in his chest.

"I guess so." She blushes some more and smiles. "Hey.. Could.. Could I kiss you? I just feel really warm right now and.. I don't know, I want to." She says, blushing a little more.

"I..I uh..um..." Chestnut stammered, unsure of what to say.

"Fine then~" Snowdrop said, teasingly in this voice that only Chestnut ever heard. She pulls him close and even kisses his lips instead of the cheek.

Chestnut squirmed for a second before he relaxed, his body under Snowdrops command. Closing his eyes, he leaned in and enjoyed the moment.

"Mmmm.. Wow!" She says after kissing him. "I'd heard of ponies doing that before but.. Wow. It feels really good? What did you think, Chesty~?" She asks, teasing him again.

Chestnut didn't answer, his eyes were still closed while he leaned forward. Falling over snapped him from his trance. "Wh-what was that?" He asked blushing.

"I asked what you thought of the kiss, silly~! I really enjoyed it~" She says, smiling at him slyly.

"O-oh...y-yeah..I..I loved it." he sighed happily, his eyes half closed in ecstasy.

"Well I'm glad to hear. You seem pretty breathless~" She teases, giggling. "I hear that makes it even better~" Snowdrop starts kissing him again, pushing him back this time until she winds up mounting him. Blushing hard and with her unseeing eyes closed to enjoy the moment, she hears a padding come down the hall.

"Sweeetheearts!" Calls her mother, announcing her arrival. "It's getting laate! You should-" She turns on Snowdrop's light and freezes. "You should.. Definitely not be doing that!" She shouts. "Snowdrop, you're way way too young for this! Who taught you to behave like that?! Is it this boy?!" She was cross. Exactly the kind of "strict" that Snowdrop warned Chestnut about.
Chestnut froze, terror filled his eyes as he stared at Snowdrops mother. "N-n-n-no...I...I di-didn't..I..I'm sorry!!" Chestnut says before running to hide.

Snowdrop's mom sighs. "Oh, it's alright, Chestnut.. Come on out. I just.. That is NOT something I would expect you two to be doing. Honestly, Snowdrop.. Who taught you that?"

"I-I.. Uhh.. M-multiple sources, actually.. Word of mouth and I.. I found some of your books one day. I-I came onto him, actually.. I-I.. It's just.. I really like him and I was curious.. I wasn't going to do anything else I read about it.. The rest sounded gross."

"Oh my Celestia.. You found my erotica? Good gracious, that's embarrassing! Snowdrop, sweetie.. Come here. You too, Chestnut." She sits down in the doorway and hugs Snowdrop tight, tears coming to her eyes as she runs over.

Chestnut slinked over, his ears down and his head low to the ground. "Y-y-yes?" He asked shaking, tears coming to his eyes. "I...I di-didn't d-do it..I..I pr-promise." Chestnut said as he sat next to the pair.

"Don't worry, son. Snowdrop already explained everything. Come join our hug. You both need to hear this." She says, opening an arm for Chestnut while Snowdrop is still snuggled close.

Chestnut walks into the hug, sitting down to listen as Snowdrop's mother pulled him in.

"Now what you and Snowdrop were doing was some very borderline adult activity. Kissing is fine, even kissing on the lips. But you two were getting way too into it and doing that will eventually lead to further adult activity. Tell me.. Do you to feel.. Funny at all?" Asks her mother. "If you do.. Try to describe how you feel to me."

"I-I do, mommy.. I feel r-really warm and.. Umm.. K-kinda tingly.. D-down there."

"Ohh my.. You kids are lucky I interrupted. If you want to keep up this passionate kissing stuff, that's fine by me. But when you start to feel like that.. You need to stop. Okay? You're too young to be.. Um.. Using those organs. When you start feeling funny like that, it's called "arousal " and you need to stop. Understood?"

Snowdrop nods, still crying a little. "U-understood, mommy.. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, kid." She pats her head. "Just don't let it happen again, okay? Now get some sleep. And "arousal" works a bit different for you, Chestnut, but the same goes for you. The two of you will know if Chestnut gets turned on and remember to stop when that happens. Goodnight, you two. Be. Good." Snowdrop's mom turns out the lights again and lets go of the foals. "I'll see you two lovebirds in the morning. Nothing better have happened to my daughter, understood Chestnut?"
Chestnut nodded, his eyes watering slightly. Once Snowdrop's mother left, Chestnut walked over to the extra bedding and began lying it out on the floor silently.

Snowdrop watches her mother leave, still a little teary-eyed herself. Once she's sure the mare is gone, Snowdrop walks up to Chestnut's side. "I'm really sorry about that.. Are you really going to sleep on the floor now..? Because of me..?" She asks, sadly.

"A-are..y-you sure..y-you want to st-still?" He asked, looking over at Snowdrop.

"Of course I still want to.. Why wouldn't I..? Even if she does catch us in the morning, mommy knows I'd never lie. I'll just tell her the truth; that we didn't do anything. Don't worry about her, Chesty. She's just trying to protect me." Snowdrop sits down beside him and hugs him again.

Chestnut hugged her back, tears streaming down his face into Snowdrop's soft mane. "I-if y-you're s-sure." He said.

"Why aren't you sure?" She asks, rubbing his arm like when they first met.

"I..I just..d-dont w-wanna be in tr-trouble." he admits, laying his head on Snowdrop's shoulder. "B-but..if you're sure..then ok."

"I told you.. We won't get in trouble. I can promise you that." She kisses his cheek again for reassurance. "But after that.. Do you think maybe we should try to get some sleep? We never played I Spy if you're not tired yet, but.. I-I'm just a little uncomfortable after.. Th-that.. You know?" She crawls into bed. "Either way, we should soon. So you're coming up here whether you're ready to sleep or not." She says, chuckling.

"O-ok." Chestnut said, crawling up into the bed after her. "S-so how do we play?" He asked, looking round the darkened bedroom.

"We'll play the way I have to play. This makes it a bit harder. Instead of looking at an object, we have to imagine it. There's two difficulties. Easy is reasonable objects. Like imaging the kinds of things that probably would be in a bedroom. Hard has no restrictions. Which do you want to play?"

"Either is fine. You go first and show me how to play." Chestnut said, rolling onto his side to watch Snowdrop.

Hearing the slight "pomf" sound of movement on clouds, Snowdrop smiles. "We'll play on hard then, but I'll still try to keep it easier for you. I spy.. Something yellow." She gives Chestnut a moment to think. "Now.. I already explained the imagining objects part. You just have to guess what I'm thinking of." She tells him. "You're allowed 3 hints."

"Hmm..yellow? Give me one hint." He said, thinking of mny objects.

"I feel like they'll all give it away, darn it.. Hmmm.. It's one of the closest "planets" to Earth." Snowdrop says, pronouncing planet a bit differently and hoping this one wasn't too obvious.

"I thought they had to be in the room?" Chestnut asked, confused at the thought of a planet. "Is...is it the sun?"

"I said we're playing on hard mode. But yes.. It was the Sun. I knew any hint would give it away!" She sighs. "Your turn."

"Hmmm." Chestnut closed his eyes. "I spy...something...purple." he said finally, chuckling afterwards.

"Purple.. Hmm.. Are they grapes?" She asks, rolling over to look at him. Snowdrop knew how much that could mean despite not being able to see him herself.

Chestnut smiled as she looked at him. "Nope~ Try again." He sang.

"Give me a hint then~" She smiles at his tone of voice.

"It's something somepony can wear." Chestnut said smiling. "That help?"

Snowdrop blushes at the first idea that comes to mind. "Umm.. I-is it a sweater?"

"Hmm..close..but no~" Chestnut said chuckling again.

"Ehh.. P-pants?" She was getting more and more awkward as she ran out of cover-ups for her first thought.

"Nooope~" Chestnut kept saying, rolling back onto his stomach to get closer to her. "Want another hint?" He asked.

She calms down a little as he offers a second hint. "Y-yes please.. Thank goodness.."

"What's the matter?~" He asked. "It's something that goes over your head." Chestnut added, laughing a little at her discomfort.

"That's the furthest thing from what I was thinking.. Is it a hat or a headband?" She asks.

"What..what were you thinking?" He asked her.

Snowdrop blushes more and closes her eyes tight. "Iwasthinkingofpanties!" She blurts out, covering her mouth.

"Of..of what?" Chestnut asked, looking at her completly confused.

"Panties.. Underwear.." She repeats quietly through her muffling hooves.

"But..w-why?" He asked, touching Snowdrop carefully on her arm.

"I don't know.. It was just the first thing I thought of.." She says softly, sliding closer to hug him as he touches her arm. "Thank you.."

"You're welcome..b-but..why didn't you say that first then?" Chestnut asked, watching her face.

"Because it's embarrassing.. And don't ask me why that is.. I don't know, it just was for me.." She buries her head in Chestnut's chest. "You know.. This is something I've always loved.. Always wanted to do." She says, shifting slightly so she can look up at him and speak clearly.

"W-why i-is that?" Chestnut stammered as he looked down at her laying on his chest. His heart started to beat faster as he looked at her.

"I don't know.. Mommy would always do it for me when I was sad and I just think it feels really nice. It's the closest I've ever been to somepony and it's just so.. Soothing. Feeling their warmth.. Their breathing.. Hearing their heart beat.. I just love it." She says, smiling and snuggling back up with hin. "Hey.. Do you want to try? Maybe we could just cuddle for a bit before we get up tomorrow.. Because right now, I just really don't want to move." She says, hugging him again.

"S-sure." He says, his eyes wide as he watched her.

"Do you want to play some more?" She asks with a yawn, the tiredness very obvious in her voice now.

"Hmm..n-no..l-lets just..sl-*yawn*Sleep." Chestnut said as he laid his head down.

"Okay.." Snowdrop smiles again and curls up a little more, closing her eyes. "Goodnight, Chestnut.. I love you."

"G-goodnight." Chestnut said, quickly dozing off with Snowdrop still on his chest.

The Confession

Author's Notes:

I’m really sorry about the inconsistency that will be starting near the end of this chapter.. This story was made out of a roleplay with a friend of mine and we just learned what Snowdrop’s mother’s name is there.

Just as Snowdrop predicted.. She woke up without prompt from her mother the next morning and smiled to see Chestnut still sprawled out as he had fallen asleep. It looked like he hadn't moved at all and she thought that looked incredibly cute. Apparently up before him, Snowdrop carefully rolls away and slides up to watch him sleep. (I wonder how long you'll be..) She thinks to herself with a little giggle.

Chestnut slept for fifteen more minutes before waking up. "W-wha?? Wh-where am I?" He asked before realizing Snowdrop was watching him. "O-oh...H-hi."

"Mornin' sleepy head~" She says, smiling at him. "I think we're up before mommy even is.. How did you sleep?" She asks happily.

"I slept wonderfully! how did you sleep?" He asks smiling at her.

"Too well to even describe. Sleeping with you is the best thing I've ever done." She says, smiling back. "So.. Was there something you wanted to try last night~?" She asks, grinning. "I know it might seem weird.. But trust me, it feels really nice."

"Wh-what d-do you mean..try?" Chestnut asked, rolling over onto his back to stretch.

"The chest thing, remember? How I slept with you? You said you wanted to try it too, didn't you?" She asks.

"Oh..no..I mean..I don't remember." Chestnut said, rolling back over onto his stomach.

"Well you don't have to~ But I actually kind of want you to now. I've never felt what being on the giving end is like." She says, chuckling.

"O-ok." Chestnut said, sitting up. "How do..no..What do I do?" He asked.

"Just snuggle up to me and let your head rest on my chest." She chuckles. "It's really simple. Hugs are optional." She says, giggling a little more.

"oh..Ok!" He says as he scoots closer to her.

She smiles bigger as she hears him approaching and lies back down on her side. "This feels a bit strange already.." She says, blushing and nervously laughing. "I've never given this to anypony." She says, letting him snuggle up without restraint.

Chestnut slowly laid his head on her chest as he curled in up next to her. "R-really?" He asked as he laid his head down fully, feeling her soft fur and the steady thump of her heart.
"Yeah, really.. I've never really been so close to somepony before.. Never trusted them enough.. Never even had anypony to let do this.. Mmmm.. It feels almost as good as your position. Just holding you.. Feeling you so close to my heart." She hugs you carefully.

"Mmm..y-you're right..this feels..nice." Chestnut said with a happy sigh.

"Doesn't it?" Snowdrop asks happily, petting his mane. "And how does this feel? I can shiw you every little thing mommy did to comfort me that's made this position so lovable for me." She says, continuing to pet him lightly.

"Mmmm." He hums, closing his eyes in comfort.

Snowdrop giggles and smiles. "That's how I always felt about it too." She says, continuing to pet him.

Chestnut layed there, fully under Snowdrop's spell as she petted him.

Snowdrop giggles. "Hmm, I think I like you more when you're talking to me." She says, stopping. "But that all feels really nice, huh? There's one more thing she would always do~"

"Mmm..why'd you stop?" Chestnut asked, opening his eyes to look up at her face.

"I told you why. You're more lovable when you're talking." She giggles and kisses his forehead. "And now you know everything you need to comfort children." She says happily. "Kind words and forgiveness always work nicely too." She tells him.

“Aww..but it felt good!" He whined playfully. "So what else did she do?" Chestnut asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"I showed you the three main things. Holding, petting and kisses. Usually only the forehead though.. I don't know why that feels so nice." She answers. "And of course, being nice like I said. But I've learned a lot more than that from her "adult books" too. Things that, like she said, I'm way too young to know about. But I know them now anyways. She shouldn't have gotten those books in braille and left them in my reach if she didn't want me knowing about them." She says, chuckling.

"What...what books?" Chestnut asked, sitting up from his position.

"Oh no.. I was rambling again, wasn't I? I didn't even notice I said that.." She blushes. "A-adult books.. Why are you so interested?"

"I'm not...I just didn't understand." Chestnut said, running his hoof along Snowdrop's mane.

"Okay.." She shifts down a little to hug Chestnut again.

And then.. As if on cue, in comes her mother again. No lights needed this time in the early morning sunlight. "Snowdrop! What are you doing!?"

Snowdrop blushes deeper and practically jumps away from Chestnut. "N-nothing mommy! He-he.. He just had a nightmare! I-I was comforting him just like you always did with me! I'm sorry.." She lies down, cowering on the bed.

"Alright, Snowdrop.. I'll believe you. But why the heck is he in your bed then?!" She asks, clearly not calmed in the slightest as she starts approaching.

"I-I told you! He woke up and told me he a nightmare.. I said he could come up here, I know how to make it better."

Snowdrop's mother stops advancing and crosses her arms. "Fine.. But I want the two of you on separate sides of the table for breakfast. I swear, Chestnut.. If I find out my baby's new behaviour has anything to do with you.. I'll be speaking to your parents." She says darkly, turning around and trudging away.

Snowdrop stayed cowering where she was, tears coming to her eyes.

Chestnut sat there stunned. Waiting on her to leave he turned to snowdrop. "I thought you said you would tell the truth." he whispered.

"I did.. Just not entirely.. We weren't doing anything, were we? I told her that.." Snowdrop sighs. "I feel horrible.. Even if it was just a little white lie.."

"Its ok." chestnut said, setting his hoof down on Snowdrop's. "Now come on! Breakfast!" He said jumping up.

"You're ready to face her so soon after.. That? I don't want to.." She says, on the verge of tears. "I hate it when she yells.. I'm thankful she doesn't hit me like some ponies would.. But still.. Is all that yelling really necessary? It scares me.."

"O-oh..I'm sorry." Chestnut said, sitting back down next to her. "The thing is..it's now or never."

"I guess.." She sniffles. "But I'm not going to listen to her. I'm sitting with you and if she tries to tell me no again.. I'll tell her why." She says, her voice turning a little for the darker as she speaks.

"No.." chestnut said adamantly. "You..you should listen to her.."
"No. Why should I? Either way, she'll just yell at me again. Can't I at least feel safe downstairs with her? I wouldn't be on my own.."

"B-but..she's y-your mother.." Chestnut said, his voice stuttering again.

“So what?! You saw how she treats me.. Which do you think she pulls more? Yelling and scaring me, or treating me nicely? Why do you think I isolate myself so much? I won't bucking listen to her! Either I sit beside you, or I don't go downstairs at all." She says angrily, turning away from Chestnut on the bed and crossing her arms.

Chestnut backed away in fear, her tone scaring him. "I-if...th-thats h-how you feel." He said sadly, jumping off the bed and exiting the room.

"So you'd leave me over that.." She quietly says to herself. "Fine. Be that way, Chestnut.." Snowdrop curls back up in bed and cries.

Chestnut heard her, but chose to ignore it. Walking downstairs he entered into the small dinning area. "G-good m-morning." he said to Snowdrop's mother as he walked in.

"Morning.." Said her mother, still sounding upset. "Where's Snowdrop?"

Chestnut wasn't sure how to answer as he stood in the doorway silently with an akward look on his face.

She sighs. "Alright, sweetie.. I'll go get her." Snowdrop's mom puts a plate down on the table for Chestnut and heads upstairs.

Chestnut nods, going to sit down at the table.

Hearing her mother's hoofsteps from afar in the silence, Snowdrop covers her head with the pillow. She wasn't angry anymore.. But she was still pretty upset and crying. She didn't want her mother making it worse.

She knocks first. "Snowdrop, sweetie? I'm sorry.. Could I please come in?"

Snowdrop doesn't answer.

"Snowdrop dear..please answer me." Says her mother as she walked in anyways.

"You really hurt me, mommy.. You know I don't like being yelled at.. It hurts my ears and scares me.." Snowdrop says, muffled and strained through her pillow.
"I know dear and I'm really sorry. But still, its twice I've seen you and Chestnut practically on top of each other. You're to young to be doing these things sweetie." She says sitting down next to Snowdrop.

"I was just comforting him, mom! I told you.. He had a nightmare.. Am I too young to be calming down my friends too? I don't even understand why you were so upset the first time.. I mean.. I know it would be shocking.. But I wasn't doing anything wrong, was I..? We were just playing and.. It happened. It can't be too bad if you read about it!" Snowdrop responded, clearly in the middle of an emotional roller coaster.

"Still.." Said her mother, keeping a calm tone; "You should not have been on top of him like that. One thing can lead to another dear."

"I read your stupid books.. I know that. But don't you trust me? I-I'm sure I would have stopped if I thought we were going too far.. But the things like that.. I didn't even think of doing them! It sounds disgusting! Isn't that proof enough that I wouldn't do it?" She says, slowly calming down. Already to the point that she had uncovered herself.

Her mother touched her arm softly. "Dear, I trust you, but I just want to keep you safe...you know that right?" she asked stroking Snowdrop's mane as she pulled her into a hug.

"Yeah.. I even told him that after you left last night.. You scared him too. But do you really think yelling is the way to accomplish that? I haven't stopped crying since you left earlier.. You should know your own daughter well enough to know that this is the approach to take. Not yelling at me like that.."

"I know sweetheart..but you've only just met Chestnut yesterday. It scares me to think that you would even consider kissing him after such a short time."

"I just wanted to try it, mommy.. I've heard kids at school talking about it and again.. Read about it in your "eroticas".. And you have to understand, don't you? I've never had a friend before him... Of course I'll quickly come to like him.." She says, finally calmed down enough to look at her, eyes still watery.

"I understand..but I still think you shouldn't be messing with that sort of thing until you're a little bit older." Said her mother. "Now..let's go back down and join Chestnut for breakfast..ok?" she said, patting Snowdrop on the head.

"Why does it matter, mommy?" She asks. "I've already told him I love him.. It took both of us by surprise but doesn't the fact that I didn't even mean to say it mean anything to you?"

Snowdrop's mother was surprised by this and her face showed it. "Wait..you already said you love him? Sweetheart..I don't want to hurt you but I think you're moving this..this relationship along way to fast. Do you even know where he's from? How much do you know about his home life and his family?" She asked.

"He's from Northern Equestria. He told me they lived in such an isolated area that it didn't even have a name. He just moved to Ponyville and he's been just as socially challenged as I am. He loves to read just like me and he's a sweetheart. He comforted me after I told him it was okay to come out when you scared him into hiding yesterday and the only reason I'm still upset is because he isn't here to do it again!" Snowdrop runs out of the room crying.

"Snowdrop! Come back here!" Her mother called after her pleadingly as she followed after her.

Snowdrop didn't listen, she just kept running until she saw Chestnut at the table and jumped into his arms to hug him. "Mommy thinks we're too young for love, Chesty!" She cries, burying her face in his chest.

Chestnut was surprised by Snowdrop's sudden hug, jumping as she touched him. "W-what?" He asked confused. "I..I d-don't understand."

"She doesn't believe that I love you.." She says, crying into his chest. "She thinks we're too young.."

Her mom comes rushing down the stairs shortly after. "Snowdrop, I'm sorry! Please.. Don't be like this!"

"O-o-oh." Chestnut said understandingly. "I..I d-dont know.." He started before her mother came into the room, silencing him.
"You don't believe me either..?" She asks, looking up. "P-please Chestnut.. What about last night? ..W-what about this morning? Don't do this to me!"

Snowdrop's mother stops where she is and watches Snowdrop sympathetically. Anxiously awaiting Chestnut's answer.

Chestnut sat frozen, glancing between Snowdrop and her mother. "I..I...uh..I.."

Primrose stays quiet. Her expression slowly starting to change as Chestnut continues hesitating.

"Ch-chestnut? Do you..?" Asks Snowdrop, her eyes already brimming over again as she struggles to speak.

Chestnut decided not to speak as he leaned in slowly and kissed Snowdrop on the cheek, his eyes closed tight.

Both ladies let out a sigh of relief. Primrose speaks first. "Oh thank Celestia.. You were so close to breaking my daughter's heart and getting kicked out, Chestnut.." She says, still strained and letting out a forced laugh.

Snowdrop smiles and blinks the tears away, hugging him tightly. "Oh thank you so much, Chestnut.." She whispers, muffled from his chest.

Chestnut kept his eyes closed, still to afraid to open them as he held Snowdrop.

Primrose walks up and strokes Snowdrop's mane. "I'm sorry I doubted you, sweetie.. But even if you don't admit it yet, I know you understand my concern." She hugs both of them, smiling and crying a littler herself.

"It's okay, mommy.. I do understand." Snowdrop whispers quietly, snuggling deeper into Chestnut's chest as they hold their group hug.

Chestnut slowly opened his eyes to see them both hugging. Letting out a sigh of relief he taps Primrose on the shoulder.

Primrose opens her eyes. "Y-yes, Chestnut?"

Hearing her mother speak, Snowdrop opens up too and looks at her.

"S-so y-you're not...not mad?" Chestnut asked in a small voice, his eyes wide as he looked at her in the eye.

"No.. Snowdrop told me a lot of things that I should have realised myself. If you two do decide to.. Get together.." She starts delaying a little, getting emotional about it again. "Y-you have quite a catch in your hooves here, little man. I advise you keep her. And.." She starts legitmately crying. "And I'm sorry for getting so mad at you two. I need some time alone now.. Pardon me." She lets go of them and walks off upstairs.

Snowdrop smiles. "So.. It looks like we've got my mother's approval But even though I'm the one who initiated it each time.. There's something she told me that I agree with too. We need to not take this so fast. Last night.. Kissing you like that.. It really risked a lot. That kiss you gave me on the cheek because you were too scared to say it? Those are the sorts of affections we're open to right now. I certainly wouldn't mind doing more But we don't need to make a mistake along the lines and mess things up. Are you okay with this?" She asks, smiling at him again.

"Mmhhmm." Chestnut nods with a content smile on his face.

"Good." She kisses his cheek with a giggle. "I'm really glad I met you, Chestnut." She says, finally getting off his lap to get her breakfast.

"Mmmhhmm." Chestnut nodded again as he actully started to eat his breakfast now.

Primrose was still crying upstairs. She was proud of her daughter of course.. But this was such a big change for her. This meant she had potentially even less time with her daughter than the average parent's 20 years or so. That sounds like a long time, but it goes by so fast for parents. Not even out of elementary school yet and she already had a coltfriend? What could this mean for her teen years? How much did this shorten her time with daughter? How long would it be before she was all alone.. The poor mare's head was just filling up with questions like this and she couldn't help but cry.

Downstairs, Snowdrop had grabbed her breakfast and was sitting across the table from Chestnut just as her mother had wanted her to all along. The main thing that started their whole stupid little fight.

Chestnut sat across from Snowdrop, eating his food happily. (I'm so glad that this fight is over...I..I hope her mother is ok.) He thought to himself.

Snowdrop couldn't help but smile as she ate. Always seeing Chestnut across from her.. She was already fantasising about their future together. Spending every morning like this together. She dreamt like a fully grown mare about to be married. But despite all these happy feelings, there was this tiny little voice somewhere in her head. Constantly reminding her how young they were, that Chestnut would only be spending a few more hours with her today before he had to go home. It was small alright, and it was quiet. But she couldn't ignore it. The negative thoughts slowly started to take over her mind, breaking the seal of happines. Just as she was finishing her pancakes, Snowdrop puts her fork down with a sigh. "We should go check on mommy, Chestnut.. We need to get you home to tell your parents yet. Do you think they'd let you spend the weekend once they know you're safe? Or at least.. Let me spend the weekend?"

"I don't really know..." Chestnut said, his tone shakey as he thought of home.
Snowdrop's already faded smile falters more at the tone of his voice. "Is.. Everything okay at home? N-normally I wouldn't pry but I just.. That was one of the things Mommy asked me about when she doubted that I love you.."

"Y-yes..i-it's just..I...I'd rather not talk about it." Chestnut said, his tone quiet.

"Okay.. Are you sure though..? I.. I don't like how you're acting now that I mentioned it.." Snowdrop said, looking at her first love with concern.

"It's nothing..I..just don't wanna talk about it." Chestnut said as his voice got stronger.

"Well.. O-okay.. Could you come with me to see mommy, please? She might need some more time before she's ready to leave the house.." Snowdrop warns him, going around to collect their dishes.

"Ok." Chestnut said, following behind Snowdrop. "Lead the way!" he said with a mock accent.

"Just a second, sweetie. Mommy always tells me to put the dishes away when she can't." Snowdrop tells him, putting them in the sink first.

The Journey Home

Author's Notes:

Firstly, I'd like to apologise for the last chapter getting shortened. I figured ~600 words isn't too big of a change and.. Well, again. This is a roleplay. The way I'm deciding these chapters is just by splitting up the story where it seems appropriate.. In the Google Document that this was originally posted too. Maybe I should stick to FiMFiction for the rest of my edits, hmm? x3 Also, this chapter may be a bit shorter than the rest so far, but the story's a work in progress, what do you expect? x3 Sorry for any inconvenience. ^^`

Snowdrop smiles. "So.. It looks like we've got my mother's approval. But even though I'm the one who initiated it each time.. There's something she told me that I agree with too. We need to not take this so fast. Last night.. Kissing you like that.. It really risked a lot. That kiss you gave me on the cheek because you were too scared to say it? Those are the sorts of affections we're open to right now. I certainly wouldn't mind doing more~ But we don't need to make a mistake along the lines and mess things up. Are you okay with that?" She asks, smiling at him again.

"Mmhhmm." Chestnut nods with a content smile on his face.

"Good." She kisses his cheek with a giggle. "I'm really glad I met you, Chestnut." She says, finally getting off his lap to get her breakfast.

"Mmmhhmm." Chestnut nodded again as he actully started to eat his breakfast now.

Primrose was still crying upstairs. She was proud of her daughter of course.. But this was such a big change for her. This meant she had potentially even less time with her daughter than the average parent's 20 years or so. That sounds like a long time, but it goes by so fast for parents. Not even out of elementary school yet and she already had a coltfriend? What could this mean for her teen years? How much did this shorten her time with daughter? How long would it be before she was all alone.. The poor mare's head was just filling up with questions like this and she couldn't help but cry.

Downstairs, Snowdrop had grabbed her breakfast and was sitting across the table from Chestnut just as her mother had wanted her to all along. The main thing that started their whole stupid little fight.

Chestnut sat across from Snowdrop, eating his food happily. (I'm so glad that this fight is over...I..I hope her mother is ok.) He thought to himself.

Snowdrop couldn't help but smile as she ate. Always seeing Chestnut across from her.. She was already fantasising about their future together. Spending every morning like this together. She dreamt like a fully grown mare about to be married. But despite all these happy feelings, there was this tiny little voice somewhere in her head. Constantly reminding her how young they were, that Chestnut would only be spending a few more hours with her today before he had to go home. It was small alright, and it was quiet. But she couldn't ignore it. The negative thoughts slowly started to take over her mind, breaking the seal of happines. Just as she was finishing her pancakes, Snowdrop puts her fork down with a sigh. "We should go check on mommy, Chestnut.. We need to get you home to tell your parents yet. Do you think they'd let you spend the weekend once they know you're safe? Or at least.. Let me spend the weekend?"

"I don't really know..." Chestnut said, his tone shakey as he thought of home.
Snowdrop's already faded smile falters more at the tone of his voice. "Is.. Everything okay at home? N-normally I wouldn't pry but I just.. That was one of the things Mommy asked me about when she doubted that I love you.."

"Y-yes..i-it's just..I...I'd rather not talk about it." Chestnut said, his tone quiet.

"Okay.. Are you sure though..? I.. I don't like how you're acting now that I mentioned it.." Snowdrop said, looking at her first love with concern.

"It's nothing..I..just don't wanna talk about it." Chestnut said as his voice got stronger.

"Well.. O-okay.. Could you come with me to see mommy, please? She might need some more time before she's ready to leave the house.." Snowdrop warns him, going around to collect their dishes.

"Ok." Chestnut said, following behind Snowdrop. "Lead the way!" he said with a mock accent.

"Just a second, sweetie. Mommy always tells me to put the dishes away when she can't." Snowdrop tells him, putting them in the sink first.

"Ok." Chestnut repeated, sitting down on the cloud floor to wait for her.

Snowdrop puts everything away quickly and runs by Chestnut, tagging him as his only warning that she was heading out.

"Hey! Wait for me!" He calls, chasing after her. "So you think she'll be fine?" Chestnut asked, looking over at Snowdrop as they ran next to eachother.

"Well.. I think she'll be okay. Fine might be a bit of an overstatement. This is a lot to take in for my poor mother." Snowdrop answers, slowing once they're upstairs in respect of her mother's grieving.

"Oh..w-well..I hope that she'll be ok then." Chestnut said, slowing down to walk behind her.

Approaching her door, Snowdrop knocks lightly. "M-mommy.. May we come in?"

Very quietly and sounding somewhat strained still, Primrose responds "Y-yes.. Come on in, please.."

Chestnut didn't want to enter first, so he nudged Snowdrop. "G-go ahead."

"O-okay.." Snowdrop whispers back, reaching up for the doorknob with her tiny hoof. She was hesitant as well.

Primrose stayed quiet.

"I-it's ok..I'm r-right next to you." Chesnut said to comfort her. "We go in together."

Snowdrop smiles. "Oh, I'm glad to hear that.." She finally opens the door and finds herself stumbling in a dark room. Primrose must have closed the curtains, turned off the lights.. Everything. "Mommy..?"

"Don't worry, Snowflake.. Mommy's here. Just needed some alone time like I said.." The young mare still sounded very tired, haggard almost.

"O-okay.. It's just.. Chestnut and I were thinking of taking him home, but we want you to come with us." Snowdrop said, still unnerved and extra quiet.

"Sure I will, sweetie.. Just give me a couple minutes to clean up." She chuckles. "I look terrible right now."

Snowdrop smiles. "Aww, I'm sure you don't, mommy. But okay." She responds happily. "C'mon Chestnut! Let's go!" She takes off again, giggling.

Chestnut followed, laughing with Snowdrop. As the pair neared the door, Chestnut slowed to a stop. "So..uh..y-you're gonna..come home with..with me?" He asked nervously.

"Of course I am!" She declares happily. "Why wouldn't I be..?" Asks Snowdrop, again saddened by the realisation that there was definitely something off about her new friend whenever home was mentioned.

"N-no reason...j-just..wondering." He said, obviously hiding something. "Anyway...l-let's go!" Chestnut said as he reached for the door.

"We have to wait for my mom!" Snowdrop sounded almost annoyed now. "Why are you in such a rush, Chestnut? I can tell you're hiding something.. Your atitude changes completely whenever we talk about your home.."

Chestnut stayed quiet, deciding if he should talk to her about it or not.

"Chestnut..?" Snowdrop places a hoof on his arm again. "You don't have to tell me what's wrong if you don't want.. But at least tell me you don't want to then." She says, half-hugging him.

"I-I'd rather..not really talk about it." Chestnut explained, his tone quiet as he scuffed the floor with his hoof.

"Alright.." Snowdrops says understandingly. "But.. If you're this.. Umm.. Hesitant about it, is there anything you should warn me about before we head out?" She asks.

"No..it's just..m-my parents..w-well...I..don't wanna discuss it." Chestnut answered again, hiding his face from Snowdrop.

Snowdrop sighs. "Alright, baby.. I'll just take your word for it. Don't worry about them." She says, hugging him a little tighter.

Primrose comes down the stairs just as Snowdrop hugs him again and smiles. She looked beautiful. Her pale pink and white hair all tidied up and straightened out. She even threw on a nice dress. Giggling as she noticed her daughter staring, she says; "Oh, don't mind me. I just want to look good for his parents. First impressions are everything, you know~ Everypony ready?" She asks happily. not thinking about why Snowdrop would be hugging Chestnut.

"Wow...you look really pretty." Chestnut said looking up at Primrose. "Alright..l-let's go." He said shyly again as he turned to the door.

Primrose smiles again. "Alright! But hold on a moment, Chestnut~ I have an offer to make! Snowdrop knows what I meeean~"

Snowdrop's face lights up just at the possibilities she thought of. "Ooh ooh ohh! Yes, mommy! Please! I love that!" She says, smiling wide and sounding excited.

"What?" He asked, turning around to face Primrose. "What..offer?"

"She's offering to let us ride her, Chesty! I love riding mommy! She can fly so much faster than me and I don't need to worry about straining my senses to find the way! And you can guide her and we'll be sitting so close! Ooooh, this is gonna be so much fun!"

Primrose smiles wider and nods, sitting down so Snowdrop can hop on. "Are you up for it, sport?" She asks Chestnut, looking at him.

Chestnut thinks for a minute before nodding happily. "Sure!" he said as he climbed on to Primrose's back carefully.

"Alright.. Hold on, you two!" Primrose takes off with a running start.

Snowdrop cheers with excitement as they take off and grabs onto her mother's neck carefully. "Chestnut!" She calls back to him. "We'll be going faster than this yet, grab onto me! And.." She starts with a sudden thought. "B-be careful.. There aren't many.. Ehm.. A-areas you can grab.." Her embarrassment saying enough about what was on her mind.

Chestnut grabbed Snowdrop around her waist, right below the base of her wings. "That..that ok?" He called to her over the winds.

"Perfect." She says happily. "Now you're going to need to direct her, Chesty~ Are you good to start following directions, mommy?" She asks.

Primrose nods. "At your service." She says with a chuckle.

"Alright..y-you can just go to the library in town..I..I know my way from there." Chestnut said, yelling over the wind.

"Awww.. But Chesty, I want to meet your parents! How else can we ask them if you can stay longer?" Snowdrop sounded disappointed.

Primrose slows her flying so the two can talk.

"I can...ask them then meet you two somewhere else?" Chestnut said, shrugging his shoulders lightly.

"No. I want to know why you're avoiding this so much. If it's really so bad, we should stop them anyways." Snowdrop says, starting to get defensive of her coltfriend over the thoughts she was having.

Primrose sighs. "You know, Chestnut.. She's right. It sounds like there's definitely something up with them and we both want to make sure you're okay." She was trying to be more reasonable than her daughter.

“I-it's nothing..I promise..i-it's just..nothing!" Chestnut said, burying his face in Snowdrop's back.

"I don't believe you." Says Snowdrop, still sounding snippy.

"Please, Chestnut.. This all sounds very concerning. If it really is nothing, we won't take any further action. But if this turns out to be something really bad like we're both thinking.. I'm going to have to do something about it." Says Primrose. "You understand that, right? If anything's wrong, we need to know."

"Nothings..nothings wrong.." Chestnut said softly, pulling his teary-eyed face from Snowdrop's back. "Please..j-just..let me walk?" He begged.

“I can't let you do that, Chestnut.. If you're acting like this, it has to be something bad." Primrose was doing all the talking now. Snowdrop had gone quiet and was trying not to cry.

"B-but..fine." He says, defeat resounding in his voice. "Go to the library first and I'll take you from there." Chestnut said with finality.

"I don't know if I can trust you after this act.. But it's not like a really have a choice." Primrose sighs again and starts descending. "Be ready to chase him if you have to, Snowdrop. I'm not as agile as you."

Snowdrop nods, tears in her eyes. "I really hope it's not too bad.."

Chestnut sat on Primrose's back waiting for her to land fully. As soon as she landed, Chestnut hopped off and walked to stand in front of her.

Primrose watches him carefully, Snowdrop still seated on her back. "I'm sorry I had to be so forceful with you, Chestnut.." She lowers her head. "Please.. Lead the way."

"It's ok..just..do one thing?" Chestnut said, looking at Snowdrop. "Don't...dont try to follow." he said before darting away, running in the direction of the Ponyville Park.

"Darn it! I knew we couldn't trust him.. He went to the park, Snowdrop. Follow him! I'll.. Um.. I-I'll.. Shoot.." Primrose trails off. She too had to face a decision now. The more responsible think to do right now would be either stay here and watch over her daughter or keep a bird's eye view open for her. But her mind was telling her to go home and let her daughter handle this on her own. "Sn-snowdrop.. Wait a moment. I need your help. Do you think I should stay here for your sake or wait for you at home?"

Snowdrop couldn't believe she was hearing this. The choice was obvious even to her, just a filly. "Mom.. I-I don't know what's gotten into you, but that's pretty obvious. Watch over me. It'll be hard for me to track him in a less familiar area." She starts running after him before his hoofsteps get too quiet and calls behind her; "Watch over me!"

Primrose blinked. Her daughter was right.. What a horrible thing to think.. She shakes her head clear and takes to the skies. "You've got him, Snowdrop! Keep running!" Were her only instructions for now.

Chestnut didn't stop. He heard Primrose and Snowdrop talking but ran as hard as he could. (I'll be in the trees soon enough and I can hide there.) He thought to himself as he pushed his speed. Only yards from the trees, he had to choose, hide or stop and face the truth. Deciding to hide he ran into the trees and out of Primrose's sight.

"Hurry, Snowdrop! He's run into the trees! I can't see him as well now!" Primrose calls from above.

Snowdrop nods and charges forward, leaning into her run for aerodynamics and quickly crashing into the bushes not far behind. "Come out, Chestnut! Why are you doing this?!" She calls out.

(Don't answer her Chestnut..she'll find you then and you'll have to go back..just...just don't answer.) Chestnut thought to himself as he ran. Knowing the forest in the park helped him enough to give him time to hide from Snowdrop in a discreet little part.

"I'm not giving up that easily!" Snowdrop calls out when all goes quiet. The tears hadn't left her eyes yet, and her voice wasn't in check but she was managing. "Please.. Answer me, Chestnut! I know you're out here! What could be so bad that you won't even let us try to help you?!" She wanders the forest aimlessly, straining her hearing again so she could listen for every little sound.

Family...

Chestnut didn't move in his small little hiding place, instead he sat there crying.

The tears were welling in Snowdrop's own eyes. She wanted to sniffle.. She wanted to just let it all out but she had to stay quiet so she could listen. The quiet sounds of the forest were soothing to her, slowly.. Very slowly relaxing her. (How can I love somepony so much in so little time?) She wonders to herself, embracing the silence. (It's only been a day.. And here I am, hunting him down because he doesn't want to return to an abusive family. Poor kid..) "Chestnut.. Please. We just want to help.."

"NO!" he called, his voice echoing slightly. "Y-you c-can't..." Chestnut said with a saddened tone, very close to Snowdrop.

"Yes we can, Chestnut.. We have an adult on our side. We can get the authorities! What do they do to you that's so bad? What do they do..?" Snowdrop wass getting more and more emotional as her mind swam with the thoughts. But at least she finally got him to talk.. She starts heading towards his voice.

"It's not..it's not something you can help with." Chestnut said, hearing her slow approach. "Watch for thorns..there's..one bush." He warned her.

“Thanks.." She was calming down. His insisting that there was nothing they could do was giving her more ideas. But could that really be the case? Chestnut wasn't very old yet.. That meant his parents couldn't be either, didn't it? She approaches more slowly, feeling around carefully for her obstacle. "Really.. Thank you so much.. I was so scared without you.. I'm so happy to hear your voice again.." Feeling the bush he warned about, she steps around it and right into a little ditch that steals her balance. Snowdrop comes tumbling down into Chestnut's lap and smiles. "Heh.. Found you~"

Chestnut didn't laugh as he looked at Snowdrop. "You can't help." He insisted, laying his head down on top of Snowdrop's.

"Well you saying that so much sure has given a lot of ideas about what happened.. Can you just tell me what's so bad about them if I promise not to take you back? I care about you, Chestnut.. I really do. I love you, and if it's so bad you don't even want to go back to them, then you don't have to. I'm sure mommy would appreciate the company. And if your parents care at all.. She can send them somepony to let them know that you won't be going back."

"N-no." Chestnut started with a sniffle; "No pony can help..th-thats...that's the thing." he said getting very quiet.

Snowdrop rolls over and hugs him. "Then I think one of my other ideas might be the right one.. Are your parents.. Dead, Chestnut?" She asks cautiously.

Chestnut was slow to answer, giving Snowdrop the answer she needed. "Y-y-yes...th-they....yes." he said, bursting into tears as he hugged Snowdrop tightly, crying into her shoulder.

"Oh my gosh.. I'm so sorry.. All those horrible things we were thinking about them... D-does anypony know?" She asks, still holding him and stroking his mane.

Chestnut shook his head. "N-no..I flew into town a month before school started and signed up myself." he said through his tears.

"Oh my gosh.. I feel horrible.. All those things I was thinking.. I'm so sorry, Chestnut." She hugs him tighter. "D-do you want to go home then..? I understand why you wouldn't tell us that, so don't worry.."

"N-not r-really..its..it's not a home anyways...i-it's a...a shed. L-let's just..go back to your mother." Chestnut said, standing up on shaken legs. "D-don't...don't say anything..please?" He begged Snowdrop. "L-let me..let me tell her?"

"Chestnut.. When I said home, I meant my house. Of course we won't make you go back to that. And.. I don't know why it matters who tells her.. But.. Yeah, I'll stay quiet about it. I can't apologise enough.." Snowdrop slowly climbs up after him. Her urge to cry.. Her need had completely worn out now. She felt so bad that tears wouldn't be enough. "How should we approach her..?"

"I..I don't know..I'll think of..of something." Chestnut said as he helped Snowdrop climb from his secret place. "I just...I was afraid to say anything..I..I don't wanna be taken."
"Yeah.. I can see why you wouldn't want to face that.. But why wouldn't you just tell us in the first place? Were you.. Afraid we'd take you to an orphanage or something? I wouldn't let mommy even if she thought of that." Snowdrop says confidently.

"N-no..not you..not even your mom...but..others might." Chestnut said as they neared the clearing again. "Your mom should see us soon." He said, looking at their surroundings.

"But we wouldn't turn you in.. Did you just forget about it when we were having so much fun together? But still.. Why wouldn't you tell us when we were assuming all those horrible things then? Sorry I'm asking so many questions.. I just don't understand." Snowdrop explains.

"I wouldn't expect you to." Chestnut said with his head down.

"Well why don't you explain it then..?" She asks, still feeling bad.

"No..n-not..not right now please?" Chestnut asked, looking up at the skies above.

Snowdrop sighs. "Fine.. Mommy! I found him!" She calls up to her.

Primrose had flown deep into the forest, much further than the two ponies had been. But she thankfully heard her daughter calling and went flying to her. She was expecting her to be back on the road by now, but instead she spotted the two tiny ponies in a clearing. "Ah, there you are! I'm so glad you're safe!" She comes drifting gracefully down. "Now hurry! Let's get out of here. Everfree Forest is dangerous!"

Snowdrop climbs up silently, still overwhelmed by the situation she had just experienced. Dead parents.. Hateful comments.. Horrible thoughts.. When would she forgive herself?

Chestnut obeyed also, climbing on without a word. Watching the ground as he held on while Primrose flew, he started thinking; (What did I do to deserve this? Why do I have to be that one pony...Why? I..I just wanna know why..) He thought, starting to cry.

Snowdrop smiles sympathetically as she notices Chestnut crying, feeling his tears drip onto her back. "You'll be fine, Chesty.. You have us as your family now." She says reassuringly.

Primrose noticed the hushed voices behind her but they were difficult to hear over the wind. She was slightly disturbed by not knowing what they were talking about, but she was able to take reassurance in telling herself that they'd fill her in later. "So.. Where are we going now, children? I.." She blushes a little. "I just realised I'm flying without a destination." She finishes with an awkward laugh.

Chestnut looked up and around at where they were. "Just..head back to Cloudsdale. We...we can talk there." Chestnut said loudly, speaking over the wind once more.

"My house? Umm.. Alright then. Is everything okay? You two are being awfully quiet.." She says, attempting to make conversation with her passengers.

Snowdrop looks down sadly and buries her head in her mother's neck. (Sorry, mom.. I'll keep Chestnut's word over yours..)

"Err...y-yes.." Chestnut said, watching Snowdrop bury her head. "We..we can just talk when we get there."

"Okay.." Primrose was losing a bit of her motivation now, saddened by the feeling of ignorance, but she kept on flying for her daughter.. Soon to be son as well.

Snowdrop was hoping hard that her mother would be alright with this change. She couldn't think of any reason she wouldn't be.. But two huge changes like this in a row? That would do a number on any mother's heart. Especially in this situation. First, she finds out her barely a child daughter is in love, and then she finds out that her daughter's love will become an unofficial son? Oh boy..

Chestnut held onto Snowdrop, holding on for hope; for love. He held her close, crying lightly into her soft fur as he thought of what might happen next. What will Primrose say? What will she do and how will she react? Chestnut was causing himself to panic as he thought of scenarios. (I hope she doesn't freak out like I'm thinking she will. I don't wanna have to run again..once in a year is already hard..)

Snowdrop smiles as she focusses on this moment. Who needs worrying? Here she was, holding onto her beloved mother. Her beloved coltfriend holding onto her. What more could she want? A soft bed, maybe.. She was looking so forward to getting home and snuggling up with Chestnut again. She'd never felt a happier moment in her life. And she loved him so much that she didn't even care about not understanding it. She loved him and he loved her. They were together. That's all that matters. Snowdrop snuggles deeper into her mother's neck. Ready for her sad life to take a turn for the better.

Chestnut tried to relax as they neared cloudsdale, knowing that as soon as they landed he would be bombarded with questions. (What do I say?) he kept repeating to himself, never coming up with a good answer.

"Alright guys.. Here we are." Primrose lands with a sigh and stands still so her cargo can depart.

Snowdrop could tell her mother was unhappy. "Mommy.. What's wrong?"

"It's nothing.. I-I'm fine, dear." She answers.

"If you say so.." Snowdrop could tell she didn't mean it, but she knew her mother well enough. If she didn't want to talk about it, she wouldn't. So down she hopped. Waiting for Chestnut to do the same.

Chestnut didn't jump down, instead scooted forward to hug primrose. "I...I'm sorry." He said crying.

"You're sorry..? For what, sweetie?" Primrose looks back at him as well as she can.

"For running..for scaring you..for...for anything." Chestnut said, hugging her once more before jumping down next to Snowdrop.

Primrose smiles as she turns to look at him. "Oh, it's fine, dear. I remember how hard it is to be a kid. I'm just glad you're both safe. But.. I did hear you two talking back there.. I didn't understand you and I really don't like being left out of things.. Call you tell me what happened, please?"

Snowdrop looks down again, closing her eyes in shame.

"I...I d-don't..r-really know what to tell you.." Chestnut says. "Just...I'll answer whatever questions you have." He said as he hung his head.

"I asked you the only question I have, dear. What happened back there? What was the point of all that? Why did you do it?" She sounded a little frustrated as she went on, sighing to calm herself. "I'm sorry.. It's just.. Like I said, I don't like being left out."

"I...I didn't want to take you home...so..so I ran...that's all I know how to do." Chestnut said while looking down. "It's...it's all I've ever known how to do for years." He said as he looked up into Primrose's eyes.

Snowdrop sighs. "Why don't you just tell her, Chestnut? All you're doing by avoiding this is worrying her more."

This catches Primrose's attention. "Just tell me what, Chestnut..?"

"I...I can't...." Chestnut said, looking over at Snowdrop. "P-please? H-help?"

"As somepony who's never really had to deal with this.. I don't understand why it's so hard.. But what he's trying to tell you, Mommy is.." She sighs. "His.. His parents are dead. I don't know how long he's been alone; I didn't want to pry. But that's why he didn't want to go home.."

Primrose's face falls just as Snowdrop's had. "Oh my goodness.. I was so wrong about them.. C-chestnut, I'm so sorry! The way you were avoiding the topic so much.. I-I never would have guessed that! Oh come here, you!" She bends down to Chestnut's level and opens her arms.

Chestnut flinched as he received a different reaction than what he expected. "Y-you mean..you're not...not mad?" Chestnut asked, as he ran into her arms, hugging her neck tightly.

"Mad..? Why would I be mad about that? You poor thing!" She hugs him back, tightly as well. Then, with a smile she says; "Now before either of you ask.. I know my little girl well enough that she doesn't even have to. Chestnut.. Would you like to live with us? Seeing as things went so quickly your first night.. I'd appreciate you two sleeping in separate rooms, but aside from that: You are welcome in this home!"

Chestnut stepped back, looking at Primrose with an astonished look. "Y-yes!!! I...I would..I would love to!!" Chestnut said ecstatically.

"Well then welcome to the family, son. You better treat my daughter well~" She says, chuckling.

Snowdrop was stunned as well. She had been telling herself that her mother would be okay with this.. But she seemed more than okay! She seemed.. Happy! "Oh mommy, I knew you would say yes!" She calls excitedly, running into her mother's arms.

"Snowdrop!!! I...I get to...I..I get a bed." Chestnut said, realizing what all this meant. He would finally have a home, a mom, a...a family.

Snowdrop starts crying happily. "Yeah you do.. You get your own bed, a whole room just to yourself. You get a wonderful mother to make you meals every day and love you unconditionally. You get a sister/lover who'll stick with you 'till the end. And you.. You get a life! Your new life starts now." She says, snuggling closer to him in their little group hug.

"I...I do don't I?" Chestnut asked himself. "I don't know what to say..b-but..thank you!" He said, smiling brightly as he hugged his new family. (This is the best day of my life!) he thought, looking at the two happy ponies he was hugging. He had what he wanted all along; a family and a friend.

The End

Author's Notes:

Hello there! I just want to leave a quick notice here informing everypony that this story isn't really over yet. Amongst my friend and myself, we've just decided that this is a good place to end the story for now and that the character count by now is getting pretty up there. I hope you all enjoyed and don't you worry -- A sequel will be on its way!