> The Healing Touch
>  by Tuxedo Thunder
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

You are awoken by the sounds of loud birds, chirping outside your room window. As you slowly open your heavy eyelids, you see the morning sun casting beams across the foot of your bed from the barely open window shades. Your slowly, focusing eyes read the time on the wall clock, 8:35 AM. And that's when the pain starts, and reminds you where you are and how you got there.

Your in a room in Ponyville Hospital, recovering from a broken leg and dislocated shoulder. Injuries sustained from a fall out of a tree in the local park. It happened when you were trying to retrieve a kite for a young colt, playing in the park, that was stuck in the tree. It didn't seem that far a climb to get it. But as you climbed up and was reaching out to get it. You heard and felt the limb you were on break, and here you are.

A gentle knocking on your room door catches your attention. The door slowly opens, a snow white mare with a nurse cap and pink mane pulled into a bun steps in.

" Rise and shine, sleepyhead." She calls to you in a singsong voice. You recognize her as Nurse Redheart. 

One of the head nurses in the maturity ward here. By chance she was helping out in the main wing here when you were brought in. Soon after, you found out she volunteered to be your primary care pony. She turns and closes the door behind her and trots over to your side. 

"So...how are you feeling today?" She asked with a sweet smile. 

You look into her bright, pretty, Safire blue eyes. And you cant stop yourself from grinning as you answer. "Well...I'm not as bad as I was. But not quite as good as I used to be." 

Nurse Redheart brings a hoof to her mouth and softly giggles. You have to admit your relationship with this mare have changed a lot since your first met. When she first asked how you got hurt, she seemed a bit cross as she told you it was foolish to be climbing in such an old tree. But when you explained you were helping a colt, who was playing in the park get his stuck kite out of it. Her mood immediately changed. She smiled and she told you it was very sweet of you to help a little colt in need. 

"Well...let's take a look at your X-Rays and see how you doing," she says walking to the foot of your bed and takes out a large folder. 

She then goes over to  a light panel, sticks the X-ray to it and with few flickers of light you see the bones of your shoulder. Redheart places a hoof to her chin, studying it. 

"Hmm...it seem your shoulder is back in place and is healing well. And the swelling is just about gone." 

You smile, "It's all thanks to a great nurse like you." 

Nurse Redheart turns to you smiling shyly, with a soft blush on her cheeks "Thank you." She whispers. "Ok, let's see your leg now." 

You smirk, kicking off the blanket. You pull your gown up on your good leg just above your knee and whistle. 

"Not bad, huh?" 

She turns and looks at you a bit surprised before she starts to laugh delightfully. "Ok, you goofball. I meant your hurt one." 

She then puts up the X-ray  of your leg, and looks it over. "It looks good. The bone is starting to knit back together evenly. And most of the swelling here is down."

"Sounds good." You answer. "Oh by the way, miss Redheart. Will I see you for lunch?"

She smiles, "sure, see you then." 

She puts your X-rays back. Then heads for the door. As she leaves, she turns and gives you a sweet smile. Then softly closes the door behind her.




You rest your head back against your pillow, and smile to yourself. You really look forward to these times you get to spend with her. When you both were going over your medical paperwork. Nurse Redheart noticed  your visitor form was empty and asked why. Your expression turns to a frown. You explained that you just moved to Equestia from earth for work, just a few months ago. And you don't really know anypony yet. Also your family still resided on earth. 

Her ears drooped. "I'm sorry. It must be hard to be in a new place, hurt and alone." 

All you can do is nod. Suddenly her face brightens.

"Hey, I know!! I can visit you between my other patients and duties." Then Nurse Redheart looks at the floor. Trying to hide a warm blush across her white cheeks, then continued. "...um...if you would like me to." 

Your mood brightens with her kind offer. And you smile warmly at her. "Yea, I'd like that." 

Nurse Redheart returns your warm smile, still blushing slightly. "Great! Um...see you at lunch time?"

Your smile widens. "Sure, looking forward to it." 

She then turns and trots for the door. When she touches the knob you speak. "Miss Redheart?" 

She turns. "Hmm?"

, "Thank you." You tell her. 

Still smiling, she nods and closes your room door with a soft click behind her.




A soft knocking on your door brings your attention to the present. 

"Come in." You happily call out. 

In trots Nurse Redheart, pushing a small cart with your lunch tray. And in her mouth, a small parcel tied in a pink handkerchief. Containing her lunch. She places her lunch in a nearby chair. Then rising back on her hind legs, reaches over and places your tray on your lap. She pushes the chair over to your bedside. Hops into it, and gets comfortable. 

Nurse Redheart opens her lunch, then looks at you. "So...what do you have good today?" She asks, taking a bite of her sunflower sandvitch. 

You lift the tray lid. "Um...steamed vegetables, sliced apples, and some hot tea." You answer with mock disgust, sticking out your tongue. 

The mare giggles delightfully. "Oh come on. It's good for you." 

You smile."I know." You joke, as you spear a piece of broccoli with your fork and eat it. "Miss Redheart?" You ask to catch her attention.

"Yes?" She answers, looking up from her food. 

She crosses her forelegs and smiles warmly. WOW! You think to yourself. She has such a beautiful smile. 

"Um...I wanted to tell you...I really enjoy these times we get to talk and visit." You tell the mare nervously. 

"Yea, me too." She says, almost a whisper. 

Truth be told. You thought you wouldn't be able to get close to someone, or somePONY in this case. In this world. It seems in the time you've been here. The two of you have bonded well, and have become close. You telling stories about life on Earth. Your childhood, and growing up. And her the same about her life here in Equestria. 

But when the subject of relationships came up. Nurse Redheart had asked if you wrote to, or was in contact with somepony special back on Earth. You told her no. That you've been single for quite some time now. Even before you came to Equestria. She apologized sincerely, and she hoped you didn't think she was being too nosey. You shook your head, and told her you didn't mind. You grinned,  and told her. You bet such a smart and pretty mare like her has a lucky stallion at home. She blushed deeply, but shook her head. She said sadly she wasn't seeing anypony. 

Actually, with studying in pony medical school, and all the work in ponyville  hospital to be done. Kept her too busy to date, let alone be in a relationship. But since she was promoted to head nurse in the maternity ward. She FINALY has some time for herself. 

"Well? You were going to say something?" Nurse Redhearts voice snaps your focus back to her. 

"Yea." You answer nervously. "Um...I wanted to thank you for spending so much time with me, and taking such good care of me." 

She smiles shyly, starting to blush. "Your very welcome. I'm glad I got to meet somepony nice...like you."

She subconsciously places her hoof on your arm, and gently starts to stroke  it. She continues. 

"Especially somepony who selflessly puts themselves in harms way, for the sake and happiness of somepony else." 

All you can do is nod. You feel your cheeks starting to burn crimson. Her words really have stuck a cord with you. You always thought she was warm and very kind. But something in her eyes, the tender way she's touching you. You feel something starting to stir inside. You know she can be stern with coworkers, loud visitors. Or unruly patients. But it seems when she's around you, she shows a warm. Almost tender side to herself. As if she's...you push that thought to the back of your head. And focus your attention on her and smile. 

Your eyes meet hers and she shyly looks down. At that moment she sees what she's been doing the last few minutes. And her cheeks turn bright red in shock.

"Oh!! I...I'm so sorry. I've shouldn't have done that." She apologizes to you quickly. 

And starts to pull her hoof away. You reach over and softly place your hand on her hoof stopping her.

"Hey, it's alright." You remark with a soft smile. "I don't mind it. It felt nice actually.." Nurse Redheart looks nervously into your eyes. 

"Well it was quite forward of me to do such a thing." She answers.

You pat her hoof. "Hey, as far as I'm concerned. You did nothing wrong. In fact, it shows how warm and compassionate a nurse...and mare you are." You say with a wink. 

This seems to put her at ease a bit. She smiles, and folds her forelegs under her. She looks up at the wall clock.

"Oh...it's about time I get back to work. She remarks. She collects your tray and her lunch containers on the cart. As she opens the door to leave, she turns. "I'll come by to see you before I go home, ok?" You nod smiling and she closes the door behind her.



You lay back in your bed in quiet contemplation, thinking about what happened with her today. Her kind words to you, her touching you so gently. And this stange, warm feeling you felt inside. With a determined nod, you make up your mind.

You turn over in your bed and face the bedside dresser. You reach out and open the top drawer and fumble around in it. When your fingertips find folded paper, you know you found what you was looking for. With the paper firmly in your grasp, you carefully close the drawer with the back of your hand. And bring the item before your eyes. 

It's a pamphlet. Showing a picture of Princess Celestia holding up the sun with her hooves, with her wings unfurled. And with bold letters around her announcing. "Come one...come everypony to the Great Summer Solstice Celebration!!" And near the bottom it reads, "This year hosted in the city of Ponyville." You open it and inside are listed different venues and events held that day. But really catches your eye is after sundown, is planned a grand fireworks display.

"That's perfect." You mutter to yourself with a grin. 

You anxiously watch the clock and position of the sun. Waiting for evening to come, and Nurse Redhearts last visit before she goes home for the night. Finally, at long last. You see the sun hanging low in the west, and you know that Nurse Redheart will be here soon. You haven't  felt this nervous or excited about anything in a long time. 

The knock on your room door makes you jump a bit. You then notice your palms are sweaty and quickly wipe them on your blanket. You then try to speak in a somewhat calm voice,

"Co...come in." You call out.

The door opens and in trots Nurse Redheart. She pulls a chair to your bedside, sits down and gives you a sweet smile. You smile back. 

"So...how was your day today?" You ask. 

She leans over onto your bed resting her head on her left hoof.

"Let's see..." She remarks thinking. "I had a filly with a bad tummy ache, a pair a colt brothers with scraped up forelegs. Oh, and a newborn unicorn filly in the nursery. She's sooo cute." 

You nod smiling. Right then a huge yawn escapes her mouth. She try's to cover it with her other hoof. 

"My goodness, sorry about that." She says sleepily. 

"Long day, huh?" You answer with a smile. 

She slowly nods. "Ya, a bit." Her eyelids starting to droop.

"Hey, you can go ahead and go home if your that tired. I'll understand." 

Her expression softens. "No, it's alright. Besides, I really...enjoy...spending time...with...yo..." Nurse Redheart trails off.

You look more closely at her face. Then you realize she has fallen asleep. This close up to her, she looks so peaceful in her sleep, and also she's...quite beautiful. You think to yourself. Then without thinking about it, you slowly and gently reach out, and place your hand on her cheek. And softly caress her cheek with your thumb. 

Her face lights  up with a warm smile. Then you see a soft glow of a blush appear on her white cheeks. You can't fight the huge grin spreading across your face, nor the growing warmth and happiness inside. Still sleeping, the mare turns her head slightly and you see and feel her gently snuggle her head into your hand. Enjoying your soft touch. 

It warms your heart to see her being so sweet and affectionate. You can't help but chuckle at the sheer cuteness of this sene before you. Your slight stirring  causes her to wake up. You lower your hand to the bed. She blinks her eyes sleepily at you.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to doze off on you." She yawns, then places a hoof where your hand just was. "Hey, did you..." She starts to say. 

Your raise an eyebrow trying to pretend you don't know what she means. She brings her hoof back down, shaking her head. "Sorry, never mind." Her smile returns. "Well...it's getting late. And I should be heading home.",

"Miss Redheart?" You begin. 

She looks you in the eyes sweetly. You clear your throat, and take a deep breath and sigh. Well...it's now or never, you think to yourself.

"Have you ever been to the Summer Solstice Celebration?"

, she shakes her head. "I've heard about it, just never had a chance to go." 

Well...here we go...,you think to yourself. "Um...once I get better. Um...would you like to go to  the Solstice Celebration...with...me?" 

Nurse Redheart brings a hoof to her mouth and softly gasps.

"Ar...are you asking me out?" The mare asks shocked. 

You start to panic a little. "Um..ya. Yo...your not freaked out are you?" You ask nervously. 

She takes a deep breath and regains her composure. "No, I'm not freaked out. You just took me by surprise is all." 

You look on nervously, as she taps a  hoof. Contemplating her answer.

"Hmm...sure. It sounds like a lot of fun." As she smiles brightly at you. 

You let out a sigh of relief. "Great." You reply with a wide grin. 

"But..." She says raising a hoof. "No more tree climbing or risking yourself more then is necessary, ok?" She tells you with a wink. 

You nod. "Well...goodnight, see you tomorrow.. She tells you sweetly. 

"Goodnight...Miss Redheart." You tell her. 

As she reaches the door, she stops and turns to you. 

"Hey, you can call me Red, If you want to."

,"Ok." You answer. "Goodnight...Red." 

She nods, and as she leaves. You notice her trying to hide a deep blush across her cheeks and a big smile.




A few days latter began your physical therapy. Everyday for a few hours. Your taken to a gym-like room, to walk and lift some weights. To help regain the strength in your leg and shoulder. To your happy surprise. Nurse Redheart  started showing up to your therapy sessions. She would watch your progress. Waving and smiling at you. But as the days passed, she became more and more involved in your therapy. Cheering you on, encouraging you to push yourself more each time. 

But today when you went to do your daily walking exercises. Between a pair of waist high bars that run the length of  the room. Red trots over and stands in front of you between the bars.

"So...you mind if I help you today?" She asks sweetly. 

You grin, "Sure, if it's not to much trouble." 

She nods. Red rears back on her hind legs, slowly raises her forelegs above her head and stretched. You hear a few cracks and pops as she did so. 

"Red!! Are you ok?"you ask in alarm.

She smiles and lowers her forelegs to her sides. "Yes. I'm fine. Just getting loosened up a bit before we start." 

You then notice her standing like this, she not that much shorter then you, maybe by a few inches. Red reached out her forelegs to you.

"Here, take hold of my hooves."

You reach out and take hold of her hooves. But as you do, you feel that same feeling of warmth and happiness deep inside again. But now it's stronger than before.

As she slowly leads you along, she speaks. "I'm really happy how far you progressed with your therapy." 

You smile. "Well, it's all thanks to a kind and inspirational nurse like you." You tell the mare with a wink. 

She blushes deeply and turn away shyly. "You give me too much credit. But still, it's very sweet of you to say."

Red turns back to you smiling. You return her smile. You can help but think how much athleticism she showing you. Walking upright like a human, and backwards at that. Red then looks into your eyes. 

"So...you really mean that? She asks shyly. You give her a puzzled look. "Um... Me, inspiring you." 

You nod. "Yea...you make me want to push myself to be stronger, and become a better person." Red perks up her ears listening intently. As you feel your cheeks turning red, you continue. "And, well...I always through you were a...very special... kind of mare to be able to bring out the best in me." 

She emits a small gasp of surprise. "Yo...you think I'm speci....AHHH!!!" 

In mid-sentence, Red loses her footing and falls backwards. Without thinking you lunge forward. One arm you quickly wrap around her back, stopping her fall. And the other braced against the pole. Stopping you from falling as well. A moment latter, you feel a tightness around your chest and open your eyes. Red has her eyes shut tight, ears folded back. And her forelegs are wrapped tightly around your chest, holding on to you for dear life.

You speak. "Red..you alright?" 

The white mare slowly opens her eyes. "Ye...yes I think so." 

She tells you, a bit shaken up. Right then and at the same time. You both realize your both still holding on to each other. You help Red up and get back to her hooves.

"Hey, I'm sorry I grabbed you like that. I just didn't want you to get hurt." You apologize nervously.

Her reaction catches you off guard. She shakes her head and brightly smiles. "There's no need to apologize." Red tells you blushing deeply. "It was so sweet and touching to hear you say that. I didn't think anypony thought that way about me." She starts to giggle. "What you said really caught me by surprise. And  I tripped over my own hooves."

You let out a sigh of relief. "So...your not upset?"

She shakes her head. "On the contrary, you really made my day." The mare then gives you a look of playful annoyance. "However...I do recall telling a certain HUMAN not to risk himself unduly." 

You turn your head to the side in dramatic fashion and remark. "Well...as a gentleman and a representative from earth. I couldn't resist the chance to save a pretty mare in distress." 

Red brings a hoof to her mouth and laughs delightfully. "Ok, Mr. showpony. Well that's enough excitement for one day." She looks up at the wall clock. "It's about lunchtime, I'll walk you back to your room."



The next couple of weeks seem to almost fly by. And with Reds TLC and her cheering you on. You were feeling better and stronger by the day. Then before you knew it, you were fit and ready for discharge to go home. As the mare pushes you along in a wheelchair to the main entrance, you chat along the way.

"Boy, I can't believe how fast these last few week seemed to fly by." You remark. 

"Yea...they did." Red answers in a melancholy like tone that grabs you attention. 

A few moments later you hear her sniff behind you. You stop and turn the chair around. Only to be met by Red, with tears running down her cheeks. 

"Red..wha...what's wrong?" You ask gently. 

"It's just...I got used to seeing you everyday..." She trailed off. 

"And now that I'm going home, you'll miss me?" You finish for her. She slowly nods. You warmly smile. "Hey, give me your hooves." 

Red places her hooves into your outstretched hands, giving you a puzzled look. Then gently pulling her forward, you wrap her forelegs around your neck. As you slip your arms around her, pulling her into a warm hug. As you hold her, she softly buries her muzzle into your chest, and you feel her quietly sob into you. 

"Please, don't cry, Red." You tell the mare soothingly. "It's not like you'll never see me again." 

She leans back, "what do you mean?" She  asks.

You wink at her. "Um...I think somepony forgot we have a date the day after tomorrow." 

She brings a hoof to her mouth and gasps with surprise. "My goodness!! I completely forgot all about it. I'm so sorry." 

You try your best to hide a grin. "I'll forgive you on one condition." She perks up her ears listening, you continue. Lowering your voice. "No more tears...ok?" You whisper to the mare. 

Red giggles a bit, then nods. You reach out and gently wipe the tears from her cheeks. When you reach the main entrance. 

Red stops and tells you. "Hold on, I'll be right back." And she trots over to the information desk, writes something down. Then trots back to you. "Ok, let's go."

She pushes you outside into the bright afternoon sun. You blink a few times and your eyes adjust. Red waves a hoof, and a taxi carriage rolls up in front of you. The stallion tips his cap to the both of you, then takes you bag and stores it in the back. Red helps you to your feet. Then she gives you a folded piece of paper. 

You give her a puzzled look. "What's this, Red?" You ask. 

She smiles. "That's my address. Pick me up at 10:00. Don't be late." She says with a wink. 

Red then rears up on her hind legs and hugs you around your neck. You return her embrace. 

"Thanks Red, thanks for everything." You whisper in her ear.

"Your very welcome." She whispers back.

Red leans over and gives you cheek a soft nuzzle. She hops down to her hooves, and you realize your blushing as hotly as she is. 

"Well...I'll see you the day after tomorrow." You say with a bright grin.

She nods. "I can't wait." 

You open the taxi door and get in. As you get settled, Red closes the door behind you. You both wave your goodbyes as the taxi takes you away. After you tell the stallion where you live, you turn your attention to the note still in your hand, the sweet mare gave you. Her address is not far from your home. Actually it's well within walking distance. As you climb the porch steps of home, you think to yourself, grinning. You have a big day to get ready for.



BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Your loud alarm clock drags from a peaceful sleep. You glance at the time. 8:00AM, two hours to get cleaned up and get your act together for your date with Red today. You grab the outfit you picked out from a chair, and while whistling to yourself you head for the bathroom. For a hot shower and get ready. All cleaned and dressed, you return to your bedroom. You walk to your dresser, and open the top drawer. From it you pull out a jar, written on it is "Emergency Bits". You shrug as you take a handful and put them in your pocket. Then you return the jar to the drawer and close it. You head toward the front door and you grab your backpack. In it you packed two blankets. 

As you stand outside, you take a deep breath, and think to yourself how good it feels to be home and better. With a nod to you plan to pay Red back for all the time, warmth and caring she showed you. So you head for the town flower shop. As you enter the shop, a small bell chimes your arrival. A light yellow colored mare with a red and raspberry streaked mane. Trots out of a back room and smiles at you as she meets you at the counter. 

"Good morning ,sir. I'm Roseluck, How can I help you today?" 

You smile a bit shyly. "Hi...um. I have a date this morning. And I wanted to surprise her with flowers. I was thinking a dozen roses, six white and six red."

Roseluck  giggles. "Well...if it's a mares heart your after, this is definitely a hoof in the right direction." You nod blushing. She wraps up your flowers, and as you leave she call out to you. "Hey, good luck today." She says with a wink. 

"Thanks." You answer back. 

Now back outside, you turn your feet towards Reds house. As you reach her front gate. You start to feel a butterfly like feeling stir in the pit of your stomach. You check your watch, 9:52AM. Hmm...eight minutes to spare. You think to yourself. Well... Here we go. As you take a deep breath and open the gate. Before you knock, you hide the flowers behind your back. And with that, you give her door three good knocks. 

"Coming." You hear her cheerful voice call from within and the clip-clop of hooves coming to the door.

The door opens and there she is. But her appearance is different. Instead of her mane up in its usual bun. She brushed it out and pulled it back in a simple ponytail. It comes down about to her shoulders. Red smiles brightly at you. 

"Hi." She beams to you.

"Hi, Red." You reply. "These are for you." You smile, showing her the flowers. 

She gasps happily. "By Celestia!! Their beautiful!!! Thank you, your so sweet." You grin from ear to ear. "Let me put these in water and we'll be on our way." She trots back inside.

A few moments latter she comes back in her living room with the flowers in a vase. She puts them on the table and gives them a sniff, then giggles delightfully. Then she returns to you closing her door. 

"Shall we?" She asks. You nod and you walk together towards Ponyville park.



When you both reach the park, the celebration is in full swing. Not only are there venders selling food, drink and other merchandise. But there are ponys everywhere. Earth ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns of every size and color. 

You turn to her. "So...what do you want to do first?", 

"let's take a look in the arts and crafts booths." She suggests . 

"Sure." You answer with a grin. 

The booths have a huge assortment from necklaces and jewelry, paintings and works of art. To furniture and decorative things for the home. You both bought a few things, and while you both were discussing what to do next. A loud growling and gurgling sound comes from your middle. Red looks a bit shocked,but starts to laugh.

"Well, according to your stomach. Maybe it's time to get something to eat." She remarks, still giggling. 

Red leads you over to some food tents. The mare orders a small salad, some hay fries and a glass of cider. You order a chef salad, some cookies and a glass of lemonade. You open your backpack and take out a blanket. And spread it in the shade of a big oak tree.

As you both enjoy an early lunch, you noticed something, when you pass by ponies. Especially couples, walking hoof in hoof or kissing. Watching out of the corner of you eye, Red would look at them and sneak a glance at you. Once when she saw you looking at her, Red quickly turned away blushing. 

When you both finish eating, Red looks to the tall clock tower standing high above the trees. 

"Hey, the royal Canterlot orchestra will be performing a concert soon. You...want to go and listen?" 

You smile at her. "Sure, sounds nice" you tell her. 

You fold up the blanket and make your way across the the park to where a stage that has been set for them and other musicians to play today. You both get comfortable under a small flowering tree. As the orchestra plays, you carefully watch as Red slowly inches up to you bit by bit. When she's about to your left elbow. You let out a fake yawn, and wrap your arm around her back. She jumps a bit at your unexpected touch, and turn to you. Her cheeks a bright Crimson.

"Hey." You tell her with a warm smile. 

"He...hey." She answers. 

Reds look of shock, melts into a warm smile. She scoots over the rest of the way to you and leans her head against yours. Slipping her foreleg around you too. As the orchestra plays on, you see the sun starting to set. You also notice the night wind has started to pick up and is blowing every now and again. It's during one of these gusts, Red shivers a bit in your embrace.

"Hey, Red. You cold?" You ask her. 

"Ye...yes, a little. But I'll be fine." She tells you reassuringly. 

You reach over to your backpack and take out the other blanket you brought. You ask her to sit sideways in front of you. She dose as you ask while giving you a puzzled expression. You slowly reach over and pull her to your chest and and lean back against the tree. Then you cover the both of you up in the blanket. 

"Better?" You ask her with a smile. 

The mare looks dreamily up at you. "Much." She tells you as she sighs contently. 
And snuggles into your chest. 

A short time later, Red looks up at you and taps on your chest with a hoof to get your attention. 

"Hey, can I confess something to you?" She asks shyly.

"Sure." You tell her smiling. 

"You...remember the night I fell asleep in your room?" You nod. "Well...I wasn't...really asleep.", 

"oh!! I...um..." You stammer, shocked.

Red smiles at you. "Hey, it's ok. I really loved how warm and gentle you were with your touch." The mare tuns away. Her checks turning a bright hue of red. "To tell you the truth I really...liked you...for a long time now." You nod understandingly, still listening. "I was curious on how you felt, and what you might do...given the chance." 

You grin. "So...I passed your test then?" 

Red looks up at you and nods. "And then some. Sorry I never said anything before you were well. Hospital policy, staff are forbidden to get "involved" with our patients." 

You laugh. "It's alright, I understand."

You wrap your arms around her and pull her into a warm embrace. Red nuzzles your chest affectionately. You rest your head against hers, and when you do. You notice a slight sent of strawberries emanating from her. It's quite pleasing to the senses. You feel Red softly giggle as you hold her close to you. 

As the orchestra plays a lively marching tune. A high pitched whistle of a rocket, pierces over the din of ponies and music. And with a loud bang, explodes in a bright assortment of colors. Taking the shape of Princess Celestias blazing sun cutie mark. Thus starting tonight's fireworks show. 

As the dazzling display lights up the equestrian night, you can't hardly keeps our eyes off the mare in your arms. Red looks up at you and gives you a warm smile. 

"The fireworks are really beautiful." She remarks. 

You grin. "Well truthfully, they come a close second." 

Red looks at you with a puzzled expression. "Second to what?"

You lean close to her. "To YOU...Red."

She lets out a small gasp. "Yo...you think I'm..." 

As Red cutely stammers, blushing hotly. You reach out and gently lift her muzzle. The moment your hand touches her, she goes quiet. The mare looks deeply into your eyes, and you deeply into her Safire, blue ones. Then... you close the distance between you. As you tighten your embrace, you feel Red completely relax in your arms. You softly press your lips against the snow, white mares in a gentle kiss. A few sweet moments latter, you break the kiss. She smiles brightly at you. 

"See, now that's wasn't so bad. Now was it?" You tease, returning her smile. 

Red leans up and nuzzles your cheek and neck tenderly. "It was better then I could have ever hoped for." She tells you, looking into your eyes dreamily.

Red leans her head against your chest. She sighs contently as you softly stoke her mane. You both turn your attention back to the fireworks, content being in each other's warm embrace. 



Soon, the display came to its climactic conclusion. Marking the end of the day's celebrations. Now everypony around you was heading home. Excitingly talking about all the fun that was shared today. Reluctantly you pull the blanket off you and your mare. You help her to her hooves, then pack up your stuff. 

As you walk Red home, you stop by a late night café. For a hot chocolate to share. Your mind is still buzzing about the sweet kiss you shared with Red. You also ponder this warmth and happiness you experienced all day today. And several times while you were in the hospital. And this feeling has only gotten stronger, whenever you spent time with this wonderful, mare beside you. Hmm...love...I'm in love with her, you come to this realization. 

Soon you reach Reds front gate and you open it for her. As you both stand on her porch, it's lit by a single lantern. 

"I had a wonderful time today." Red tells you sweetly. 

"Yea, me too." You answer with a hint of nervousness in your stomach. 

As you lean against the porch rail. Red looks up to you with a twinkle in her eyes. 

"So...what happens now?" The mare asks with an almost seductive tone.

You grin. "Well...that's completely up to you." You respond. 

"Well...in that case..." Red coos playfully. 

Bracing herself with a foreleg. She rises on her hind legs, turns and blows out the lantern. Throwing the porch into total darkness. Still on her hind legs. You hear her slowly walk over to you and place her fore hooves on your chest. You instinctively wrap your arms around Red and softly caress her back, as you gently kiss her delicate lips. Red slowly runs her hooves up your chest and slides her forelegs around your neck, deepening the kiss. A lack of oxygen causes you to break the kiss. Red smiles at you and turns and opens her front door. 

"Hey...it's getting kind of late." She whispers. 

You look around and nod. "Yea...it is." 

A bit disappointed that you date was coming to an end. But before you can say or do anything else, Red quickly pushes you inside her house. As you turn around she's leaning up against the door with her back to it. Then with a coy smile Red reaches her foreleg behind her and you hear the click of the door locking. Red beckons you over with a hoof. You walk over and lean on an outstretched arm close to her. She looks into your eyes fondly.

"Hey...can I tell you something?" She asks shyly. 

You nod, softly smiling. "Of course Red, anything." 

Red takes a deep breath and sighs. "To be honest...I haven't felt...like this...in a long time." You nod understandingly. She reaches out and runs a hoof through you hair. "I hope it's not to soon to say this...to you" she moves her hoof to your cheek.

With tears starting to fill her beautiful eyes. She looks deeply into yours and softly whispers. "I...I love you." 

You lovingly stroke her cheek. "I love you too, Red." You tell your mare, not even trying to hide the wide smile spreading across your face.

Red laughs delightfully as she hugs you tightly. Tears of joy running down her cheeks. 

Still holding you, she speaks. "I guess we helped each other." You gently wipe her cheeks with a hand.

"How so?" You ask.

"Well...I healed the pain in your body." Red says sweetly, pecking you on the lips. "And you...healed the pain in my heart." 

You both laugh happily at this. She pulls you in for another deep kiss. And in this moment of pure joy, you both realize that this is a magical start to a great summer.

THE   END