> Since You Came Along
>  by JaydexTheShadowKnight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 - "A Heart to Cherish"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

It was a crisp autumn evening and the sun had nearly dropped behind the horizon.  The sky was now ablaze with vibrant colors, mostly fiery oranges and bold shades of bright almost pink crimson, they mixed with the darker shades of deep blue and twilight purple as the night met the day.  A light assortment of clouds topped off the scene making for a truly wondrous sunset.

Ponyville was beginning to illuminate with the lights from the large assortment of homes and even businesses that had now become aglow and were joined by various streetlights.

Kevin inhaled a refreshing breath of the cool dusk air.  His body shivered from the falling temperature as he cinched up the zipper of his maroon jacket and pulled its tail over the waistline of his jeans.  It was going to be a cool night, but the human knew it wasn’t going to be too cold.

His shift at the toyshop had ended and now that he had already had a chance to stop by his place and freshen up a bit, he was eager to pay his marefriend a visit.  Kevin spied his watch and was able to make out that it was almost 4:30PM.  The crinkling of a paper bag whisked into his ears as he secured his cargo, an item he knew would be well received.

As the human made his way through the streets, he smiled, taking a moment to recall the past few years here in Equestria.  Like a number of the humans that now called Ponyville and in some cases Canterlot or one of the other major cities home, Kevin also counted his blessings.  He never really had a chance to ask Princess Celestia why she was picking select humans to come live in her world.  Rather, like most of the humans that now called Equestria home, Kevin was just happy to have a change of pace.  Life in Equestria, Ponyville specifically, wasn’t nearly as stressful as life on Earth.  He figured after being here for a little over three years that it was probably due to the kind and loving demeanor of the ponies.  They worked hard, there was no question of that and they certainly had their share of problems, not unlike life on Earth.  But, it was the little things, or perhaps to some they could be construed as big ones, nevertheless making ends meet wasn’t near the challenge.  Work wasn’t so mundane, and the pace of life didn’t seem to be as fast, and somehow, after spending enough time in this land, the mere acquisition of wealth and possessions seemed to fade, becoming less of an obsession, at least that’s how it was for Kevin.   

Kevin’s sneakers crunched on some fallen leaves as he turned the corner, arriving at his destination.  His mare had a simple home, it was one and a half stories, a style not unlike many homes that could be found on Earth, or for that matter other parts of Ponyville.  The house was made of sturdy lumber, oak, stained a pale almond, and had a carefully made thatched roof.  There were windows on the lower level and a few peeped out of the small second floor, almost like a pair of watching eyes.  A gray stone chimney poked out of the top of the dwelling, completing its look.

Stepping up to the front door, Kevin knocked a few times.  He heard the sounds of excited hoof beats along the floor inside.  The door opened and his mare’s young brown colt greeted him.  Excitement was present in his pale orange eyes.  A red and yellow beanie rested on his fiery brown hair, and its bright green propeller was spinning like always, despite the lack of any wind.  “Hey, Kevin!”

“Hello, Button.  How are you this evening?”

Button Mash closed his eyes and grinned.  “Happy!”  He seemed to be bubbling over with excitement.  “Come in, mom’s in the kitchen, I think or maybe she’s doing laundry.”  The young colt, he was barely over ten years old, motioned for his friend to enter.

Kevin smiled as he stepped inside.  “Hey, aren’t you going to that big “Ponies and Dungeons” party tonight?”

After the human was in, Button closed the door and grinned again.  “Yep.  That’s why I’m so excited!  Everypony should be there.  Rumble will be there, Pipsqueak, and probably even the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

Kevin chuckled as he turned to look at Button.  “Ah, so that means Sweetie Belle will be there, won’t she?”

Button’s grin faded and was replaced with rosy cheeks.  He turned his head in a sheepish manner.  “Aww, I guess she’ll be there.  But it’s no biggie.”

“Of course it’s not,” Kevin replied, snickering.  “Oh, I don’t want to forget.  I got you a little something for tonight.”

The colt’s eyes widened and he blinked.  “Really?”  He ran up to the human.  “What’d ya get me?”

“Here,” Kevin replied, offering him the small paper bag.  “I saw these at work and thought they’d be perfect for you and your friends tonight.”

Button dashed over to the coffee table and gleefully smacked the bag onto its surface, and wasting no time, he plunged a hoof inside.  He removed the contents and his eyes nearly jumped off his face.  “Ooh, a new set of dice?!”  Button looked up and glued his eyes on Kevin.

“That’s right.  A collector’s edition too.  Check out those cool swirled colors for each different style.  So if you need four-sided or even up to twenty-sided dice, that set has you covered.”  Kevin nodded enthusiastically.

“Oh cool!”  He ran into the kitchen.  “Hey, mom, check this out!”

Kevin turned his head toward the kitchen doorway, then he finally heard Button’s mom speak.  “Button, how many times do I have to tell you, don’t run in the house.”

“Sorry, mom, but check it out!  Kevin got me dice.”

He stood there smiling as Button and his mother entered the living room.  “That’s great, dear.  Now why don’t you go upstairs and get ready.  Thunderlane will be here soon and so will Rumble.  They said they’d walk you to the party Pipsqueak is throwing.”

Button nodded several times.  “Okay, mom.”  Then he dashed up the stairs.

His mom turned and placing a hoof to her mouth, she called after him, “Don’t forget your sleeping bag.  Remember that it’s also a slumber party.”  She went to look at Kevin, before she turned back and added, “And don’t forget to take a jacket.  It’s chilly outside.”

“OK MOM!”  They heard him shout down from upstairs.

She let out a wry chuckle.  “Ah, children.”

“Yeah, but you’ve got a good one there.  Even if he always likes to play his video and board games.”  Kevin mused, offering her a warm smile as he hung up his jacket.

She nodded, then swept a hoof through her long light brown mane, which fell very flatteringly along her pale tan fur.  “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you.  I was putting a clean load of towels in the dryer.”

He shook his head.  “It’s okay, Cherish.”

Cherish Heart blushed a little.  “Well, at least Button was there to greet you.”

This time, Kevin chuckled.  “Yeah. So, how are you this evening…” He was cut off.  There came a solid knock at the front door.

She gave him a worried look, then her chipper countenance returned.  “I’d better get that.  It’s probably Thunderlane.”  Cherish Heart walked over to the front door.  Sure enough it was.  “Ah, Thunder and Rumble, good evening.”

Rumble was standing next to his older brother.  “Hey, is Button ready?”

Cherish Heart turned toward the steps.  “Button, honey, Rumble and his brother are here.”

Button Mash came zipping down the stairs.  He stopped to give his mom a quick hug.  “Night, mom.  I’ll see you later.”

She smiled and patted his back, then gave him another hug.  “Okay, now, you have fun with your friends.  And I’m glad you have your jacket.”

Button smiled and nodded.  “Yep, and my sleeping bag, and my toothbrush.  Oh, and my dice.  Thanks again, Kevin!”  He grinned.

Kevin patted his back and shared his delight.  “You’re welcome, have fun.”

“I will.”  Button joined Rumble and Thunderlane, then waved good-bye as they departed.

Cherish Heart closed the front door and cast out a gentle sigh.  “Well, he’s off.”

“You never stop being a parent, do you?”  She shook her head.  “It’s all right.  And he’s going to be with his friends.  I’ll bet he’ll have a blast.  Now, what about you?”

Cherish placed a hoof over her mouth and giggled.  Her cheerful blue eyes seemed to sparkle.  “Well, if you want to take a load off, I’ll go start dinner.”  Kevin pulled her into his arms and nearly swept her off her hooves.  “Whoa!” She gasped.

“Uh-uh,” Kevin replied, giving her a hug.  “I just got here, Button just left, and you were doing laundry.  You’ve earned a break.”

Her face softened and her eyes fell partially shut.  “Well, if you insist.  But what did you have in mind?”

Kevin smiled, brushing back a stray lock of his muddy brown hair.  He stared at her with his pale blue eyes and then glanced over at the sofa.  “How about we just lay back and cuddle.  You could tell me about your day.”

She placed a hoof over his hand and blushed.  “All right and then you can tell me about your day too.”

Kevin nodded as he gave her a tender squeeze.  “Of course.”

Cherish smiled as they made their way over to the couch.  Kevin sat down and slipped his shoes off, setting them beside the coffee table.  He then laid back and let his head and back sink into the large throw pillows.  He smiled as his mare joined him, laying partially on top of him.  She rested her head on his shoulder and swept her hoof along the fabric of his dark gray sweatshirt.

“So, how was your day?” Kevin asked, reaching up to lightly fondle her silky and neatly kept mane.

Cherish Heart cooed softly, in a tone that was almost silent.  “Well, after Button went to school, I went to work at Pepper’s Produce.  Can you believe it?  They cut my hours again.  I only did four hours today.  So, that’s why I was doing some laundry and tidying up.”

He sighed still running his fingers through her mane.  “So they cut your hours again?”

She nodded, moving a little closer to him.  “Yes.  If it weren’t for you being so kind and chipping in money, I don’t know how we’d make ends meet.”  Cherish Heart whimpered a little.  “What’s left of the money we got after Button’s father passed away in that on the job construction accident is almost gone.  The cost of the house and groceries…and other stuff.”  She sighed heavily as her words became a jumble.

“Shh.”  Kevin placed his arms around her, sensing her growing anxiety.  “It’s all right.  We’ve been together for over three months now, heck, it won’t be long till it’s four.  I’m not planning on going anywhere.  If you run into trouble, I can help you out.”

Cherish closed her eyes.  “But you shouldn’t have to.”

“Hey, hey.” He cupped her chin and gazed deep into her eyes right as she opened them.  “I want to.”

She smiled.  “Thank you.  Kevin, you’re such a sweetheart.”  She gave him a hug and brushed her cheek against his.

“You’re welcome.”  He hugged her back and sighed, “Ahh, Cherish.  Tonight is going to be great, now that we have some real alone time we can spend together.  I’ve been looking forward to it all week.”  He nuzzled her back, relishing the sweep of her fur against his cheek.

She sighed, “So have I.”  Cherish Heart slid over so that she was now on top of Kevin.  She contently whipped her tail, resting her hooves on his broad but rounded shoulders.  She gave him affectionate eyes and leaned up, locking him into a passionate kiss.  “Mmm,” she moaned softly, hoping her caring gesture conveyed her unending gratitude.

Kevin wrapped his arms around her neck and pressed his lips against hers, moaning pleasantly, sharing her affections.  He hoped his embrace and kiss expressed his sincerity.

Their lips wrestled tenderly for a few seconds more before parting.  A rosy glow encompassed her cheeks as she brushed her hoof against the stubble on his face.  “That was great.”

“It was.”  He resumed fondling her hair, this time the side that she kept secured with a red hair tie.  “Your mane looks so lovely.”  Kevin just ran his fingers along her tresses, occasionally picking up the small ponytail at the point where her mane was tied and lifted it up and then let it fall along his chest, then he’d repeat the process as he kept his eyes on her. 

“I’m glad you think so.”  She closed her eyes and took a few minutes to savor the calming sensation his playing with her mane always brought.  Cherish sighed, then she glanced over at the nearby clock.  “Well, would you let me make you dinner now?”  Cherish giggled.  “Unless you’d rather start with dessert.”

Kevin turned his hand and grazed it along her velvety cheek.  “That would be wonderful, but, I’m happy to wait till later, especially if you are.”

Cherish smiled and kissed him again.  “I am.  How would you like some spaghetti?”

His face lit up.  “I’d love it.  That’s one of my favorites.  Oh and can you make your sauce with mushrooms?”

She rubbed her nose against his and chuckled.  “Of course.  I still have some fresh mushrooms in the fridge.”  Cherish Heart sighed as she went to pull back and said, “I only wish I didn’t have to leave you.”  She ran her hooves across his chest and laid her head on him.  “Mmm, you’re so warm and it’s just a little nippy tonight.”

Kevin placed his arms around her and held her tight.  “Well, what if I helped you?  I think if we get moving we’ll warm up and if you’re still cold, I can hold you while things simmer.”  He smiled, rocking her in his arms.

“All right.  You know I love it when you help me in the kitchen.”

He nodded.  “Yep, because like me, you love it when we cook together.”

A slight look of concern crossed her face as he let her go.  “Oh, are you sure you aren’t too tired from work?”

Kevin shook his head.  “Nope.  It was an easy day.  And I really want to spend time with you.”

She hugged him again and then the two of them got up and went into the kitchen.  Cherish Heart got to work gathering the ingredients they needed, while he collected the utensils, pot and saucepan required.  As she got the last of the things from the fridge, she glanced back.  “Uh, I hope it’s okay that I don’t have any meat for the sauce, well to put in some of the sauce for you.”

He shook his head and replied, “That’s okay.  Since we’re eating together, it’ll be better if there isn’t any meat.  Besides.”  Kevin patted his protruding belly.  “I could stand to do without a little meat.  And it’s not like I won’t have a chance to eat any again.  I still think it’s awesome that I’ve found grocers in town that are selling meat.”

Cherish smiled as she set the pan on the stove and poured in a little olive oil, then spread it around with a small piece of paper towel.  “Well, originally it was to help with visiting griffons, to make them feel more at home as many of them do eat meat.  It was an added bonus when we ponies learned it could help you humans as well.”

Kevin smiled as he got the cutting board and grabbed an onion.  “Yeah, I know I was happy when I found out.”

“Oh, did you want me to get that?” Cherish asked reaching in his direction.

“Nah, I’m good,” Kevin replied, setting the cutting board on the big green table.

She walked up to him.  “You know, aside from all the help you’re giving me.”  Cherish gave him a sultry look and ran her hoof over his stocky belly.  “I could help you tone up.”

He smiled, placing his arm around her.  “I’d like that.  And aside from what you’re suggesting.  We could also go for walks.”

The saucy look left her face and hopeful eyes took their place.  “You mean it?”

“I do.  Like I’ve been telling you, there are so many things I’d like us to do together.  Oh,” he walked over to the window.  “Rats!  I was sidetracked earlier.  Button was really excited about tonight.  But, you should have seen the sunset a little while ago.”

“I’m sure it was one of Celestia’s best.” Cherish mused, stirring some finely chopped garlic into the pan.

“It was.” Kevin tossed the onion peels and sliced the vegetable in two, then began cutting and chopping it.

“Well, there is always tomorrow.”  She smiled warmly and closed her eyes briefly.

“You’re right.”  He lifted the small cutting board, which was now full of chopped onions.  “Here’s the onion.”

“Great.”  She smiled.  “You can scrape them into the pan.”

Kevin happily did as she instructed.  The onions joined the garlic and began to sizzle in the light coating of olive oil and melting butter, which she had just added.  “Okay, good, just about ready to add the mushrooms.  They can all cook together, and then I’ll add the sauce.”  Cherish glanced over at the large silver pot.  “Would you be a dear and fill that with water, so we can get it boiling for the pasta?”

“As you wish, my lady.”  Kevin smiled politely and walked the kettle over to the sink.  He started filling it with water and looked over watching her stir the onions and garlic.  It made his heart feel warm and airy as she sweetly added the mushrooms.  She turned back and saw him staring and lightly blushed.  Even though they’d been together for a while, the thrill of their growing love made them as giddy as two teenagers, even though they’d both been out of their teens for a good while.

After the pot was nearly full, Kevin took it back to the stove and waited till she lit the burner to set it down.  “Thank you.”  She smiled and resumed stirring the sizzling vegetables as they started to brown in the butter.

“Cherish,” Kevin spoke softly, placing his hand on her back.

She stopped her stirring and knew he was standing close, so she leaned over and nuzzled against him.  “Kevin.”  Cherish leaned against him for nearly a minute when she noticed the contents of her frying pan began to hiss.  “Oh, I’d better keep these going.”  She giggled.

“Sorry, I couldn’t resist.  I know I’m here practically every day.  But even so, I missed you.”

She sighed happily as she set the large wooden spoon down.  Cherish pulled the jar of sauce over and turned her head towards Kevin.  “It makes me happy to hear you say that.  I’m always glad when you’re around.  And you’re so good with Button.  When you first started coming over.”  She turned and poured the rather thick tomato sauce into the pan.  “I wasn’t sure he’d like that you and I were together.  I mean he seemed all right with you after we met, but.”

Kevin added a dash of salt and some olive oil to the water in the pot as it slowly began to pop up tiny bubbles.  He used a slotted spoon and stirred the heating liquid.  “Yeah.  I had my doubts as well.  Though, I suppose it helped that I enjoyed his board games and had some background with video games, even thought it was a while since I played them back on Earth.”  He grinned.

Cherish added some oregano, basil and a hint of salt to the sauce as she started to stir it.  “That was a plus.  I’m just relieved you can help me run interference.  I’m not as young as I used to be and raising him on my own for the past two years hasn’t been easy.  That and the games are a lot different then when I was a filly.”  She sighed dropping her forelegs at her sides, leaning back against the fridge.  “I just couldn’t keep up.”

“Well, tonight, you can enjoy some time to kick back and relax.  Button won’t be home till probably…they said around noon tomorrow, right?”

“Yes.” She leaned against Kevin and wrapped her hooves around him.  Then she looked up at him, while resting her head on his chest.  “Tonight’s going to be so nice.”

The sauce started to spit.  “Uh-oh, we forgot to cover the pan.”  Kevin reached over and grabbed the lid, topping the sauce before it could erupt any further and coat the stove or counter top with its seasoned lava.

Cherish looked up at him dreamily.  She was so glad he had her back.  “Hmm,” she sighed, letting go of him and returning to her sauce.

Kevin watched her walk back over to the bubbling pan.  Her slender but nicely toned legs flattered her curvy flank and the way her tail fell along them, secured with that red hair tie made him sigh with anticipation for later.  Shaking his head, he freed himself from the snare of his trance and saw that the water was nearly up to a rolling boil.  He grabbed some spaghetti and dropped it into the steaming pot.  He chuckled and turned to her.  “It’s like they say, “A watched pot never boils”.”

Cherish share his laugh and stirred the sauce again.  “It’s so true.”  As she watched him stir the long noodles, she couldn’t help but take a lengthy look at him.  She giggled, as she knew he had probably just done the same to her.  Anytime someone would check her out; Cherish always felt a warm rush up her back, and having just felt that, she suspected his eyes had just given her a good scanning.

She started her gaze at his head, with its mostly tame hair, and his eyes that seemed less dull when she was with him.  Her own smile grew as she caught sight of his, then following his neck, she noticed his stockier chest and gut, but somehow, a little extra meat on her stallions, or in Kevin’s case with him being a human, it really appealed to her.  Maybe it was because Kevin was so good at cuddling.  Her eyes reached his waist and the grip his jeans had on him left plenty to her imagination.  Her cheeks became warm as she fantasized about lowering his zipper and unbuttoning his pants.  

Cherish shook her head as she stopped her daydream, and she just smiled as she saw his strong legs holding him upright, like pillars in the grand hall of Canterlot Castle.  She liked that he was tall but not too tall compared to some humans she’d seen in passing.  Cherish turned to check the sauce and took a deep breath.  “Mmm.”  The scent of tomatoes blending harmoniously with the garlic, onions, mushrooms and other spices made her mouth water.  

She lightly startled as Kevin hauled the pot back over to the sink, where he had remembered to place the colander.  He took care of draining the pasta, making sure the hot pads stayed secured around it so he wouldn’t get burned.  Cherish Heart turned the heat off the sauce.  “I guess things are just about ready.”

“Yep.”  Kevin returned with the piping hot spaghetti noodles.  He set them on the stove.  “I’ll go set the table.”

“Okay, sweetie, did you want any salad, I think there’s still some in there from the other night.”

“Either way, my dear.”  He smiled as he took care of setting the table.


* * * * * *


Kevin sat back in his chair and let out a rumbly belch.  “Oops.  Excuse me.” He snickered covering his mouth.

Cherish Heart shook her head.  “That’s all right.  You know, I love how you told me that on your world it once was revered as a compliment to the cook.”

He nodded.  “It was, and you’re a wonderful cook.”

Cherish sighed, brushing her hind leg along one of his legs from under the table.  “Yes, well, I have a great helper.”

Kevin laughed as he reached for her hoof, clasping it in his hand.  “That was fun, making dinner.  I’m so glad my mother taught me how to cook back in the day.”

“So am I.  She certainly taught you well.  Mmm, and I always appreciate the help.”  Cherish smiled again and placed her other hoof on top of his hand.

He sighed, sitting back and stretching his arms.  “Well, we should think about putting the leftovers away.”

“Yeah.  Oh, did you want any of that cake for dessert, or are you kinda full too?”  She asked rising from her seat.

Kevin patted his stomach.  “Yeah, I’m good.  Besides, I don’t want to feel stuffed, especially for later on.”

“Same here.”

He stood up and pushed in his chair, then turned to follow her.  Kevin couldn’t help but stare as Cherish sashayed back over to the stove, flipping her tail back and forth.  Her tail’s motions allowed him to catch easy glimpses of her marehood, her perfectly curvy marehood.  He shivered as followed her, and then got a clever idea.

Kevin made his way beside her.  “Are you waving your tail around like that on purpose again?”  He chuckled.

“Maybe.” She turned back, a silly grin on her face.  “And don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy the scenery?”  Cherish giggled playfully.

He shared her smile.  “Oh, you know I did.  But, what’s this?  You’ve got a tickle bug on you!” Kevin reached around both sides of her barrel and started tickling her.  “Who’s ticklish?”  He laughed.

Cherish Heart started giggling and quickly broke out into full laughter.  “No, don’t tickle me.  That’s not fair.”  She alternated raising her legs as Kevin continued tickling her, until her eyes widen.  “Ahh, stop!”  She broke free of his arms and stood just out of his reach.  “Phew.  I know you like to be spontaneous at times, but a little warning would be nice when you’re going to do that?”

“Huh?” Kevin looked at her funny.

“It’s not really bad, but I might have risked peeing myself if you had gotten too carried away.”  She sighed again, brushing a hoof along the back of her head.

“Oops, my bad, but I did say, “Who’s ticklish”.  I guess I’m just a really bad boy.”  He grinned, slowly stepping away from her.

She kept her eyes on him as he backed away, pretending to give him dirty looks.  “Oh, you know you are, and it’s payback time!”  Cherish chuckled, hunkering down like a lion ready to pounce.  She swished her tail and lunged at him.  “I’m going to get you!”

Kevin turned and ran for the living room as Cherish chased after him.  He looked back at her.  “You won’t catch me!”

She continued laughing as she closed in on him.  Kevin turned the corner of the sofa a little shaky and she went right around after him.  Cherish tackled him and they crashed into the recliner, which from their combined weight caused it to kick out.  They both shook as they came to rest on the plush piece of furniture.  Kevin lay there on his back, looking up at her.  Cherish wore a triumphant smile as she rubbed her nose to his.  “Ha, I got you!”

“Okay,” he replied, a little short of breath, “You got me.”  Then he grinned playfully.  “What are you going to do with me?”

Cherish gazed at him half-lidded.  “Why, give you what you deserve.”  She pulled back and ran her hoof across his chest.  Her cheeks turned a little red and a seductive smile curled up on her lips.  She ran her hoof down over his belly and stopped it at the zipper of his jeans.  Gripping the end, she slowly unzipped him, then carefully undid the button.  Cherish flicked her tail as she slid her hoof into his stretchy white underwear.  She grazed his sleeping manhood, sending a jolt of lightning up Kevin’s back.  He twitched unexpectedly, which made his masculinity rise to attention.

His mare’s seductive smile grew as she began rubbing him.  Kevin was glad he was lying back as Cherish’s affectionate touch set his body ablaze.  As his pleasure grew, her wondrous ministrations left him eager to respond.

She giggled again as she continued stroking him.  “How’s that?”

“Uhh, Cherish…” he gasped fondly.  He noticed she was focused on him as he reached back past her cutie mark.  He placed his hand on her rump and slid his hand under her tail, where he caressed the folds of her crescent.

“Oooh,” she sighed and then she moaned gingerly.  “Kevin…mmm, you and those fingers.”  She fought to keep herself above him and to keep her hoof going.  “Yes…that’s so good.”  Cherish let her head drift back as he fondled her button.

Kevin’s fingers moved on and breached her entrance, lightly caressing her within.  She trembled as he kept touching her, though as much as he wanted to continue, Kevin knew this wasn’t quite what they had in mind for tonight, at least not right now.  “Ch-Cherish, stop.  We shouldn’t do this now.  Oh man, but it feels so good.”

She moaned again, slowing her foreleg.  “You’re right.  This is good.  Maybe we should do a quickie, then we could always go to the bedroom for an encore later on?”  Cherish looked him in the eyes, the rosy color still on her cheeks.  “Well?”

“It has been a while.”  He looked up at the ceiling to think.  “At least three, maybe f…”

“Too long,” Cherish interrupted, kissing him deeply on the lips.

Kevin wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

Their kiss ended and she sighed, batting her eyes at him.  “I’m amazed at your restraint.”

He brushed his fingers through her mane.  “Well, I’d love to take you right here, but part of me wants…oh, I don’t know.”

She chuckled at him.  “I’ll let you in on a little secret.”  Cherish leaned down, the scent of her floral perfume filled his nose from how close she was, as she whispered in his ear, “You aren’t alone.”

Kevin shivered violently.  “Oh, hahh.  I both love and hate it when you do that.”

She giggled again.  “I know.”  Then she sighed.  “I’m a little unsure too, but would it be so bad if we…”

“If we made love on the recliner and then again later tonight in bed?

She nodded and said, “Yes.  I was going to make this a little preview.”  Cherish closed her eyes and whimpered.  “But even though you aren’t touching me at the moment.  Ahh, I can still feel your fingers.  Oh, your fingers, dancing all over me.”

He laughed from the giddiness being with her brought.  “Yeah, and I can still feel your touch…mmm of your hoof, and your lips…your loving lips.”

She stared at him with her bedroom eyes.  “Well then?”

“Yeah, I’m sure the leftovers will keep.”

“They will.  Hmmm.”  Cherish kissed him again.  “I know we’ve only just started saying this, but…  I love you, Kevin.”

He brushed her cheek with his hand.  “I love you, Cherish.”  Kevin sighed.  “Come here.”  He placed his arms around her and pulled her close.

“Oh,” she mumbled, squealing happily as she placed her hooves on his shoulders and cuddled with him.

Kevin nuzzled her cheek, then her mane and ran his hands all over her back and barrel, letting them travel to her baby bottle and pink heart cutie mark on each flank.

She rubbed her cheek against his deftly and blew into his ear.  “I guess this means, we’re not…Kevin.”  Her words collapsed for a moment as she felts his fingers along her moistening folds.

He turned the tides, breathing in her ear and whispering, “Yes, anything for my lady.”

Cherish shivered with glee.  She just loved it when Kevin acted all chivalrous and devoted to her.  This time, she plowed her lips into his, running her tongue along his lips.  Her tongue quickly found its partner as they shared a deeper more passionate kiss.

They moaned and sighed for each other, while Kevin lowered his underwear in the front.  He then placed his hands on her flanks and coaxed her into position.  Cherish whimpered with desire as she felt the tip of his spire brush against her slit.  She tilted her head back and closed her eyes as he entered her, pushing in with just the right amount of force and gentleness.  “Kevin.”  She sighed contently, gripping her forelegs onto his shoulders.  She opened her eyes and saw his loving face smiling back at her.  Cherish couldn’t help but smile as she brushed the light skin of his cheek.

Kevin ran his hand along her mane.  “You’re so lovely, Cherish.  Especially your eyes.”

Her blush deepened, then she leaned front to kiss him.  “And you’re my handsome human.”  She mused with a lighthearted giggle.

He placed his hands on her cutie marks.  “Oh, did you want to stay on top?”

She closed her eyes and nodded.  “Yes.”

“All right.”  He chuckled, still stroking her mane, as he reclined them back a little further in the chair.

Cherish kissed him again, and gave him a seductive look as she gave his manhood a firm squeeze from her hungry walls.  Kevin gasped and gripped her sides as she started bucking her hips on him, gradually adding speed.  She giggled from his reaction.  “I see you liked that.”

“Oh…yes.”  Kevin smiled up at her as he kept his hands on her flanks and moved them in sync with her motions.  She smiled and gave him another kiss, then added even more speed.  Cherish started to moan as she tilted her head back, while Kevin’s head sank into the plush backing of the green recliner.  He sighed from the nearly indescribable pleasure their union was bringing them. 

The chair creaked, while his loins tingled as she continued moving on him.  Kevin gave her a loving look as he continued guiding her fluid movements.  Cherish seemed so angelic as she rolled up and down on him.  Her hair gently fluttered along her neck and Kevin felt nearly faint as her beautiful eyes stared back into his, just as lovingly.  She moaned sharply as he started thrusting up in time with her downward movements.  Cherish gripped him affectionately both inside and out as they continued driving each other wild.

Minutes passed, and Cherish’s soothing moans and blissful sighs rang harmoniously in Kevin’s ears.  He loved the sound of her voice, and whenever they made love, he savored every squeak and whimper she made, burning them into his memory.  Cherish managed to open her eyes and look down at him, in between quakes of passion.  She kept her hooves locked onto his shoulders, welcoming every loving noise Kevin made.  She leaned down, planting a tender kiss on his lips, elated beyond words.

Kevin’s body was almost ablaze with heat, as he closed his eyes and noticed his heart beating faster and his breath quicken.  He managed to open his eyes and see his beloved staring back at him.  Cherish’s breathing hastened and she began moaning a little louder, just before her body started to shake.  “Kevin,” she moaned, crying out with desire.  

Her single utterance of his name was all Kevin needed to hear.  He added even more strength to his arms as he helped guide her to the brink of ecstasy.  “Cherish,” he called out in a shivered moan.  She let out a wondrous series of moans, digging her hooves into his shoulders as her body trembled.  Kevin felt a strong spurt against his manhood as she cried out his name again.  He broke on the spot, erupting in her repeatedly with unrivaled elation.  He placed his arms around her back, gripping her tighter and pulling her as close as he could, singing her name as his body joined hers in the ravages of bliss.  Cherish wrapped her forelegs around Kevin’s shoulders and laid there with him as they both huffed for breath.

A short time passed and Kevin looked up at her, his eyes still teeming with love as he ran his fingers through her mane.  “Cherish.”

She chuckled sweetly and closed her eyes.  “Kevin.”  Cherish sighed, rubbing her cheek along his.  “Mmm, that was so good.”

“Oh yeah, I can’t find the words.” He chuckled, then he gasped.  “Cherish.”

She giggled playfully, giving his mast a few more squeezes, nuzzling him just a little more.  “I knew you’d like that.”

He nuzzled her back, while his fingers continued to caress her mane.  “Always.”

They continued laying there, their breathing had calmed, and her eyes mirrored his own affections.  “Thank you, Kevin.”

“Eh?” He blinked at her.  “For anything in particular…well other than the obvious?”

She nodded.  “Well, yes.  I love that you give me the choice of being on top.  I know we only started really making love about a month ago,” Cherish mused, “But it’s so nice having someone that likes to spice things up.”

“Yeah,” he replied, still stroking her brown locks.

“Uh-huh.  I loved my husband.   Don’t get me wrong, but, he almost never gave me the choice of being on top and didn’t seem to enjoy it either.”

Kevin smiled at her thoughtfully.  “Well, I’m happy to give you that choice.  I can’t speak for him, even if I wanted to.  But, I love having you on top.”  He chuckled.  “But I know you also enjoy it when I’m on top.”

Cherish blushed.  “I do.”  She giggled.

He patted her cheek gingerly.  “You’re so cute when you blush.  I could just lay back like this with you, forever.”

“So could I.”  She let out a quiet yawn.

“Do you need a little nap?”

She shook her head.  “Nah.  Besides, I won’t be able to sleep.  Not with the leftovers and dishes still waiting on me.”

“Us,” Kevin replied.  “I’ll help you clean up.”

“That’d be wonderful.”  She kissed him again.

He chuckled, then gave her another devoted look.  “Can you believe it’s been four days since we last had a chance to do this?”

Cherish smiled and gave him a loving peck on the lips.  “I know, that’s why I said, “Too long,” earlier.”

“Well, I guess we should head to the kitchen.”  He combed his fingers through her mane again.

She nodded affirmatively.  “We should.  But hey, it’s not like we’re out of time yet.”

Kevin nodded as he sat them both up and swung the front of the recliner down.  Cherish got off of him and rose to her hooves.  He stood up beside her, fixed his underwear and secured his pants. 

She walked closely to him as they returned to the kitchen.  Cherish worked on putting the left over pasta and sauce away, while Kevin prepped the sink for the dirty dishes.  As he watched the sink fill with hot sudsy water, he chuckled at how the clean up didn’t go so well earlier.

Cherish finished putting the food away and walked back over to him.  “A bit for your thoughts.”

Kevin started loading the dirty dishes into the sink.  “I was just thinking how my little gesture got things so carried away.”

“Yes well, it’s all right.  In fact, I enjoyed it.”

Kevin blinked, then started cleaning the plates.  “Even the part where I tickled you?”

She giggled.  “Yes, that part too.  I wasn’t as bad off as I pretended.”  Cherish Heart sighed.  “I just know that I can have fun with you and be myself.  And I almost felt like a filly when I started chasing you.”

He laughed through his smile as he rinsed off the last plate and put it over in the draining rack.  “I really enjoyed that too.  I always have a good time when we’re together.”

“Always?” She questioned.

Kevin nodded.  “Well yeah, even when Button is around.”

Cherish gave him a puzzled look.  “Seriously?”

“Uh-huh.  I still get to be with you.”

She smiled as she started drying the dishes he put into the draining rack.  “Kevin,” Cherish replied, almost at a loss for words.

“Oh,” Kevin began, “How would you like to go to Sugar Cube Corner for dessert?”

“That’d be nice, but.”  She looked at him.

“I know you said there’s still some cake left, but why don’t we save that for when Button comes back.”

She chuckled and gave a nod.  “Okay.  You twisted my hoof.”

“We’ll just finish the last of these dishes and then head out.”

“Sounds good to me.”  Cherish smiled again.  “I see you were serious about going for walks.”

“You know it.  Besides, it’s only going on seven.  They’ll still be open.” He remarked, scrubbing out the saucepan.

The two of them finished up with the dishes and then went back to the living room.  After putting on their jackets, Kevin opened the front door and after Cherish walked out, he shut and locked it behind them as they started out for Sugar Cube Corner.
	
> Chapter 2 - "A Night Out"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	


The night air was particularly nippy, which prompted Cherish Heart to stay closer to Kevin as they walked along the mostly quiet streets of Ponyville.  The streetlights were still all aglow now that night had fallen.

“Brrr,” Cherish shivered as she rubbed up closer to Kevin.  “Was it this chilly when you made the walk to my place?”

Kevin placed his arm around her and pulled her close as they continued their trek to the sweet shop.  “No, it’s considerably colder now.  But, I doubt it will get colder than this.”

“That’s good, but, phew, I’m glad I’m not out here alone.”  She leaned a little more against him.

He rubbed his hand along her jacket-covered side.  “I know.  Just stay close and enjoy the same thing I do about Ponyville.”

She looked up at him.  “And that is?”

They turned to the next street and Sugar Cube Corner came into view.  “That’s why,” he answered, pointing to the shop.  “Everything is so close here.  I love it.”

Cherish Heart giggled as they made for the shop’s front door.  Kevin opened the door and held it for her.  She smiled as she trotted past him and into the building’s warm interior.  He followed behind, letting the door swing shut, stirring up one last burst of cool air.

Cherish shivered a little as they made their way to the counter.  She rang the bell and it let out its chiming cry.  From behind the saloon style double doors, they heard a familiar voice ring out, “Be right with you.”

“Is that Pinkie Pie?” Kevin wondered.

“Sounds like it,” Cherish replied.  “Hey, here’s a menu.”  She pulled it over and opened it.  “So what should we get?”

Kevin rested his fingers on the edge of the menu.  “Well, I was thinking of some kind of Ice Cream Sundae, but…” He thought of the night air and trembled.

Cherish giggled as she saw him quiver.  “Yeah, it’s a little too cold for that.”

“Agreed.”

Cherish flipped the page.  “Ooh, what about a piece of cheesecake or maybe…”

“HELLO!” Called Pinkie Pie as she came out from the kitchen.  She saw her two customers and squealed.  “Oh, Cher-Cher, I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“Hello, Pinkie.  How are you?”

She giggled, setting down a carefully packaged cake she brought from the back room.  “I’m just terrific, you know like usual.”  Pinkie grinned.

“That’s good to hear,” Kevin remarked, greeting her with a smile.

Pinkie gasped excitedly.  “Kevy, I didn’t expect to see you tonight?  I haven’t seen any of my human friends in a while, how are you?”

“I’m good, Pinkie, and it sounds like you are too.”

“Oh yes I am.” She replied all bubbly and cheerful.  “I have two fun customers to take care of.  By the way are you two still together?  Oh what kind of silly question is that, you wouldn’t be here and standing so close if you weren’t.  Well that’s great.”

Cherish continued to smile and nodded, sharing Pinkie’s jubilation.  “We certainly are, and quite happily I might add.”

Kevin threw his arm around her.  “That’s right.” He grinned.

Pinkie nodded several times, then rested her forelegs on the counter and looked at the menu with them.  “So, what can I get ya?”

Cherish Heart turned the page to the last section.  “How about some pie?” She turned to Kevin.

“Hmmm.”  He studied the menu with her and tried not to drool.  “Oh, what about that?”

Cherish smiled.  “Are you talking about the Peanut Butter Lover’s pie?”

“Yes!  Just read that description, “A savory graham cracker crust with rich peanut butter moose, sprinkled with crumbled peanut butter cups and topped with a mound of thick whipped cream and accented with a drizzle of chocolate and peanut butter sauces.””

“Yummy,” Cherish remarked smacking her lips.

Pinkie Pie giggled.  “I take it you want a slice of that, or did you want two?”  She shifted her eyes back and forth at them.

“Just one, Pinkie, oh, but could we get two spoons and an ice water with two straws.”

Pinkie nodded thrice.  “You betcha.  I’ll get that ready, and uh, go sit wherever you like.  I’ll bring it over to you.”  She trotted over to the pie case, singing to herself, “La, la, la, la, la.”

Kevin snickered under his breath as he and Cherish left the counter.  “That Pinkie Pie.”

Cherish giggled.  “I know, she’s something else.  Did you want to sit anywhere special?  Maybe somewhere in the corner, near the window?”

“Yeah, that sounds good.  Like right over there?” He pointed as they walked to the seating area.

She followed his finger and nodded.  “That will be fine, sweetie.”

The couple sat down at a square table that had four chairs, but rather than sit across from each other, they sat next to each other.  Kevin placed his arm around Cherish and she rested her head on his shoulder.  “Decided to leave your jacket on too?” He patted her shoulder.

Cherish nodded.  “Yeah.  It’s warm in here, but I’m still warming up from that night air.”

Kevin chuckled, pulling her closer.  “You don’t realize how cold it is till you come in from outside.  Oh well, winter isn’t too far off, and fall won’t last forever.”

“No it won’t, which makes me glad I have you.”  Cherish patted his chest.  “You’re still nice and warm.” 	

Kevin couldn’t help but blush a little from Cherish’s thoughtful words as they warmed his heart.  He rested his head along hers and just ran his hand up and down her side.

“Aww, that’s so sweet,” they heard Pinkie Pie speak as she walked over to their table.  “Here you are.  One ice water with two straws, and a yummy slice of Peanut Butter Lover’s pie with two spoons.”  Pinkie sat the items down in front of them, with a few napkins, then she added, “I also put some extra whip cream on the plate for ya.  I know you two would like it and it’s sort of a garnish.”  She glanced at the plate curiously.

Kevin looked up and smiled.  “This looks great.  Thank you, Pinkie.”

“Yes, thank you.”  Cherish closed her eyes and shared in the collective happiness.

“No problem, if you two need anything else, I’ll be around.  Gotta get those last few late orders ready.  Good thing the Cakes extended their evening hours Friday night.”  Pinkie chuckled and then skipped back into the kitchen, leaving her two customers to their treat.

Cherish Heart eyed up the dessert, then turned to Kevin.  “Doesn’t this look scrumptious?”

Kevin glanced at the pie and then at his sweet heart and nodded.  “Yes it does.  Here,” he said, sinking his spoon into a small portion of the slice’s point.  Kevin raised the spoon to her lips.  “Lady’s first.”

She smiled; her cheeks were still a little rosy.  “Okay.  Ahh.”  Cherish opened her mouth, allowing Kevin to give her the first taste of their dessert.  She let the morsel roll around her tongue, and then she moved it to the side and started to chew.  “Mmm…” She closed her eyes.  The pie had a wonderfully silky texture with a bold but sweet peanut butter flavor and the addition of the graham cracker crust gave the dessert a very satisfying crunch.  “That is simply delicious.  Kevin, you must try some.  Here.”  Cherish loaded her spoon with some of the pie.

Kevin opened wide and happily let her put the spoon in his mouth as he cleared the bite from it, and like her savored his first taste of the decadent dessert.  “Wow, smooth, sweet and a great peanut buttery burst.”

Cherish giggled as she reloaded her spoon.  “It looks like we chose our dessert well.”

Kevin cut into the slice with his spoon as they both prepared to feed each other another bite of bliss.  “Yes, we sure did.”  He chuckled as they each emptied the other’s spoon.

They both swallowed and shared a loving chuckle.  Kevin noticed that none of the whipped cream had been touched.  So he plunged his spoon into the small white mountain, loading it with some of the fluffy garnish.  “Here, we don’t want to miss this.” He smiled offering her the spoon.

Cherish Heart closed her eyes and smiled as she once again opened her mouth, but she stopped herself and gave Kevin a sly smile.  She approached the spoon and instead of simple letting it into her mouth, Cherish licked the smooth cream.  Her tongue dug into it, its sweetness setting her taste buds ablaze.  “Yum.” She mouthed slowly swallowing the rich and heavy topping.  “That’s so tasty.”

Kevin stared at her fondly.  “I’m sure.  By the way, loved the way you did that.”

Her blush deepened.  “Well, I thought you’d like that.  Oh, why don’t you have some.”  Cherish scooped some up with her spoon and presented it to Kevin.

He smiled as he moved toward the spoon, smacking his lips in anticipation.  Kevin wasn’t sure if he could pull off sensually eating whip topping the same way she did, but he thought he’d see what he could do.  He looked at her half-lidded, then he took a small lick of the whip topping, before going back and taking the entire utensil into his mouth.  Pulling back, he left her with an empty spoon, then took a deep breath through his nose as he savored the thick fluffy confection, slowly swallowing it.  Kevin turned his head a little, giving her the same loving eyes.

She giggled a little and mimed hitting him with her hoof.  “Stop that.”

“What?” He snickered.

“You know.”  Cherish shook her head.  “My silly Kevin.”

He smiled at her as they continued sharing their dessert.  Then after the pie and the lovely mounds of whip topping were gone, they shared the chilled water, sipping from the two straws and just lazily staring into each other’s eyes.  To any onlooker, they would seem like a pair of silly teens, but Kevin and Cherish still felt the spark of their love burning brightly and were nearly lost within it.


* * * * * * 


After paying for their dessert, Kevin and Cherish Heart said their farewells to Pinkie Pie and trudged back out into the chilly night air, which was now more on the cold side.  The couple remained close as they resumed strolling the streets of town.

“Ahhh.”  Kevin sighed.  “I’m sure glad we skipped the ice cream.”

“Me too,” Cherish replied.  “Brrr.  It’s still cold out.  Besides, we would have missed that yummy pie, and I would have missed that look you gave me when you took that first spoonful of whip cream.”

“Aww, you aren’t going to let me forget that, are you?”

She giggled, and bumped against him.  “Of course not.  I loved it.”

Kevin patted her side as they both lightly swayed, their steps becoming airy.  “So what should we do next?”

“Oh look!”  Cherish pointed.  “We’re passing Carousel Boutique.”  She gasped.  “And it looks like it’s still open.”

Kevin rubbed her shoulder as he joined her in looking over at Rarity’s place.  “Yeah it is.  Did you want to stop in?”

Cherish’s eyes sparkled and her smile tripled in size.  “Could we, just to browse?”

He chuckled, giving her a nod.  “Of course.  I know you love the fashions Rarity makes.”

“I do.”

“Then, let’s go.” They changed their path and made for the boutique, Kevin smiled more as he felt Cherish really lean up against him.  It might not have been his first choice of what to do next, but it was so worth it, just to see her eyes light up.

The bell dinged as they entered and Cherish looked around at the shop's lavish setting.  The clothing was all out on display, either on mannequins or dangling from hangers on very intricately placed racks.  The décor was elegant as always, with purple and dark magenta furnishings and drapery adding to the boutique’s ambience.

“Hmm, I don’t see Rarity anywhere.” Cherish gave a long hard glance.

Kevin took a quick look around.  “Well, either she forgot to close up, or maybe she’s just working on something in the back room.  You know Rarity.  When she works on something and is in “the zone”, she can get carried away.”

Cherish nodded, spying a section of beautiful dresses.  “You’re right.  Why don’t we just check out these, I’m sure she’ll be out.”

“Of course.” Kevin smiled as he joined Cherish in browsing through the dresses.

“Kevin, look at this one.”

Kevin had to steel himself to keep his jaw from dropping.  Cherish found a rack with several very alluring dresses.  There was a deep purple dress that had a very flattering slit along the side, accented with sequins and a few shiny gems around the neckline.  It was made of a very sheen material and had tastefully done shoulder straps.  Another Cherish pointed out was an emerald dress with a rather short skirt, a similar neckline and shoulder set, but didn’t dip down as much in the back and due to the skirt’s length, it had no need of a slit.  “Wow, those are really pretty.”  He took a deep breath and tilted his head back.  “I can imagine you wearing them.”

“You really think so?”  Kevin nodded sincerely.  Then, they moved on to another rack of outfits, one stood out to Cherish and was actually on one of the mannequins.  “Oh my.  That’s a really pretty top.”

Kevin gave the shirt a good look.  It was made of a lavender cotton, and for all he knew it might have even had just a hint of spandex in it for flexibility.  The garment’s overall look was fairly simply, yet somehow, it seemed lavish nonetheless.  “I could really see you in that.”

“You do?” She grinned happily closing her eyes.

He patted her shoulder, sliding his fingers on the fabric of her jacket.  “Of course I do.”	

“Oh my stars.  I’m so sorry I’ve kept you.”  Rarity came out from the other room.  “I was just finishing something off and I thought I heard the bell.”  The unicorn trotted over to Cherish Heart.  Then, she smiled as she recognized her.  “Oh my, Cherish.  I didn’t realize it was you.  How are you, darling?”

Cherish smiled, walking over to Rarity.  “I’m good.  And don’t worry.  We knew you’d be out eventually, so we were just browsing.”

“That’s great.  Wait, we?”  Rarity turned and saw Kevin standing faithfully at Cherish Heart’s side.  “Oh, Kevin.  I didn’t notice you at first, my profoundest apologies, darling.”

He laughed warmly, delighted by her polite manner.  “It’s okay, Rarity.  Like Cherish said, we were just browsing.”

Rarity nodded.  “That’s great.  I do have some sales going on at the moment.  Did you need anything?”

Kevin held up his hand.  “No, I’m good.  Cherish just wanted to browse.  Isn’t that right, honey?”

She closed her eyes and nodded.  “Yep.  I just love your fashions, Rarity.”

“Thank you, darling.  Oh, I just noticed.  Where is Button, isn’t he with you two tonight?”

Cherish shook her head.  “Nope.  Tonight he’s at a party with Rumble, Pipsqueak and some others.”

“Oh.”  Rarity nodded, then she smiled at them and said, “I know all about it.  Sweetie Belle was going on and on about that party.  I’m guessing she and her friends are hoping to get their cutie marks in board game mastery or something like that.” Rarity waved a hoof vaguely.

“That sounds like them,” Kevin mused.

Rarity smiled then looked to Cherish Heart again.  “Now then, is there something you were looking at?”

Cherish turned to the shirt and then back to Rarity.  “Yes, I’m sure I’ll regret this.  But, how much is this top?”  She blinked giving Rarity apprehensive eyes.  

“Ah, you have fine taste.  That blouse is 45 bits.”

“Oh.”  Her face fell.  “I’m afraid that’s more than I can afford.”

Rarity saw the brightness in Cherish’s eyes fade, then she smiled walking over to the outfit.  “Oh, darling, don’t worry.  This is left over from my summer/fall collection.  I can offer you a discount.  Would 30 bits be more your speed?”  The unicorn turned her head, a hopeful look on her face.

Cherish Heart gave it some thought, then she closed her eyes and lightly grimaced.  “No.  That’s still more than I can justify blowing.”

“Oh, okay then.” Rarity’s ears drooped.

Kevin placed a hand to his chin, rubbing it along his stubble.  “She’ll take it.”

Cherish turned and looked at him funny.  “But I just said I can’t.”

He smiled.  Walking over to her, Kevin placed his arm around her.  “Maybe not, but I can.  Let me buy it for you.  I want to see you in it and to see that smile on your face again.”

The smile quickly respawned on her face.  “Really?”  He nodded.  “Kevin!”  She all but squealed, throwing her forelegs around him.

He hugged her back, giving her a loving squeeze.  “There’s the smile I was talking about.”

Cherish blushed a little and Rarity giggled as she joined in their happiness.  “And how about I sweeten the deal a little more.  Kevin, you are one of my more frequent human customers; so I’ll knock another five bits off.  Consider it a customer loyalty reward.”

“Thank you, Rarity.  You really are true to your reputation as one generous mare.”  Kevin’s cheeks puffed up as the smile on his face grew revealing his dimples.

Rarity closed her eyes and waved a dismissing hoof.  “Oh come now.  It’s no big deal.”  Then, she placed her hooves over her mouth.  “Darling, why don’t you try it on.  Oh and if that’s not the right size.  I have it in others.”

Cherish was still all smiles as she removed the top from the mannequin.  She glanced at the tag.  “Ah, this should be fine.”

“All right.  Make your way back to the dressing room.”

“Go on,” Kevin urged, joy gleaming in his eyes, which weren’t nearly as pale a blue.

Cherish nodded.  “Okay, I’ll be just a minute.”  She trotted off, bubbling almost the same way Pinkie Pie does.

Once Cherish was out of site, Rarity stepped closer to Kevin.  “So tell me, Kevin?  How have things been for you?  Or more to the point, for her?”

Kevin turned to grab some coins from his bit pouch.  He counted ones totaling 25 and offered them to Rarity, trying not to shake his head.  “They haven’t been so good.  Money is becoming really tight for her and Button.  And she had her hours at work cut back again.”

Rarity took the bits from Kevin and walked over to her register, placing them inside.  “Oh my.  I hope they’ll be okay.”

The grim look left Kevin’s face and a joyful smile returned.  “I think they will.  Cherish and I are growing closer all the time.  I already told her I’m more than happy to help them if things get too hectic.”

“Aww, well that’s really sweet of you.”  Rarity chuckled walking back over to him.  “You know, Cherish was very fortunate to end up with a nice guy like you.”

Kevin looked back toward the dressing room.  He took a deep breath and sighed.  “All I know is, I’m crazy about her.  I’ll do my best not to ever let her down.  And Button’s a really good colt.  Yeah, he has his quirks, but who doesn’t?”

Rarity nodded.  “Very true, and I wish you both the best.”

“Okay, what do you think?” Cherish asked as she stepped out of the dressing room.

Kevin’s mouth dropped.  Cherish came walking back over, the shirt beautifully adding to her figure as she tugged her hair, making sure it was draped properly over her shoulders.

“Wow,” Kevin nearly gasped.  “That shirt looks great on you.”

She blushed, closing her eyes.  “I’m glad you think so.”

“Yeah, I really do.”  Kevin walked up to her, lightly caressing her mane.  “It really brings out your eyes and your mane.”  He chuckled warmly.

Rarity gave a nod of approval.  “Yes, that really does suit you.  Now, why don’t you come with me?  We can get that packed up for your.”  The unicorn turned to Kevin.  “Oh, while we finish up, why don’t you take a look through my human casual and active wear.  I’ve got discounts up to 30% off.” She spoke in a singsong voice.

Kevin shrugged his shoulders.  “Sure, why not.”  He walked over to the section where Rarity kept a small but varied assortment of human garments, namely those for men.

Meanwhile, as Kevin browsed, Rarity took the shirt from Cherish Heart now that she had removed it.  She looked at Cherish Heart.  “So, wasn’t that sweet of Kevin to buy this for you?”

Cherish smiled as Rarity folded and placed the item in a fancy thin box.  “It sure was.  I honestly didn’t expect him to do that.”

Rarity smoothed out the shirt and carefully folded tissue paper over it.  “Yes well, you have a really good guy there.”

Cherish blinked, looking at her.

Rarity smiled.  “You heard me right.  Kevin is a real keeper.  I can tell you I know some mares that are sorry they let him go so easily.”  She took a long glance over at Kevin, then back to her valued customer and friend.

The rosy glow returned to Cherish’s cheeks as she too indulged in a glance at Kevin and then looked back at Rarity.  “I know he is.  I love Kevin and he’s been really good to me and Button.”

“Then you know what I mean, um based on what I’ve heard.”  Rarity chuckled nervously.

“I do.”  Cherish smiled.  “Well, I should go get Kevin.  He’s been so thoughtful to let me come here, and I doubt this is his favorite place to be.”

Rarity smiled.  “Oh, I’m not so sure.  It looks to me like he’s done browsing the men’s section, and has taken to some of my finer dresses.  He might be doing a little window shopping, don’t you think?”  She leaned her head toward Cherish Heart.

“Well.  I guess he could be.”

“Hearth’s Warming isn’t too far away.”  Rarity giggled, presenting Cherish with her shirt, nicely packaged and tucked in a paper bag with handles.  “Here you are, and don’t worry, Kevin already took care of paying me.”  She smiled.

“Thank you, Rarity.  And for what you said.”

“Of course, Darling.”

Cherish called over waving to Kevin, “Honey, I’m all set.  Let’s head out.”

“All right.”  He rejoined her and happily took the bag from her as they waved goodbye to Rarity.  The unicorn nodded and continued to smile as they exited her shop.
	
> Chapter 3 - "Reminisce"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After finishing their walk home from Carousel Boutique, Cherish Heart and Kevin made their way inside her house.  Kevin closed and locked the door, before hanging his jacket up beside hers.  Cherish walked over to the coffee table and set down her bag.

He strolled over, gleeful from the smile that still clung to her face as she gave him another loving hug.  “Thank you again for the shirt, Kevin.”

“Any time, Cherish.”  He sighed, placing an arm around her.  “Say, would you like to chill for a little, maybe cuddle on the couch, unless you’d prefer the bed?”

She shook her head.  “No, the couch is fine, sweetie.  Why don’t we do like before?”

Kevin nodded as he took a seat on the sofa, and like before removed his shoes, pushing them out of the way.  He laid back on the throw pillows and looked up as he waited for her to join him.  Cherish sat down and then fell back against him.  “I’ve got you.”  He smiled, draping an arm around her back.  Kevin ran his hand along her soft fur, staring thoughtfully into her blue eyes.  “That was a very nice outing,” he mused, moving to fluff her hair with his loving touch.

Cherish leaned into his hand, elated from his tender ministrations.  “It really was.  Ohh.”  She shivered.  “Brrr, I’m still a little cold though.”  Cherish leaned close to him, laying partly beside him on the roomy piece of furniture.  

Kevin placed both his arms around her and pulled her closer.  “There, how’s this?”

“Mmm, better.  You’re still nice and warm.”  She ran her hoof along his chest, part of her wishing he wasn’t still wearing his shirt.  She felt something warm and cottony drop onto her back.  “Huh?”  She looked back and then to Kevin.”

“Just covering us up with this afghan.”  He smiled again, spreading out the warm crocheted cover.  “There, this’ll make us nice and warm.”

She closed her eyes and nodded.  “Yep.”  Then Cherish let out a small yawn.  “Oh my.”

Kevin resumed stroking her mane.  “Even your yawns are adorable.”

“Oh, Kevin.”  She giggled, then she leaned front, rubbing her nose to his.

He placed his hands around her neck and moved to give her a loving kiss.  “Mmm.”

Cherish closed her eyes, resting her forelegs on his shoulders as she pressed her lips against his.

Their kiss ended and she gingerly nuzzled his cheek.  “So sweet,” she spoke softly, then she yawned again, laying against him.

Kevin held her close and made sure the afghan was secure, then he figured there was no harm in resting his eyes for a moment, as they warmed up.


* * * * * *


Kevin’s eyes slowly opened as he glanced around.  The living room light was still on and he sighed quietly, turning to see Cherish Heart gazing back at him.  She reached out and brushed a stray lock of his hair out of his face.  “Welcome back.”

He chuckled self-consciously.  “I didn’t think I was going to fall asleep.”

She shook her head.  “Neither did I.  Oh, but it was just so inviting, laying with you under this colorful afghan.”

Kevin nodded, brushing his fingertips along her furry cheek.  “Yeah, it was very comfortable.  Oh, have you been awake for a while?”

“No,” she replied, shaking her head again.  “I woke up, uh, about five minutes ago and was just watching you sleep.”

Kevin smiled, then looked over at the clock.  “Oh, we were only out for a little over ninety minutes.”

“Yep.  It’s only a little after ten.”  Cherish ran her hoof along his chest again, her eyes shining with even more fondness than before.

He took a deep breath, then glanced around the surroundings, before gazing into her eyes, his fingers finding her mane again.  Kevin’s smile grew as he placed his other arm around her and just appreciated having her so close.

Cherish, closed her eyes for a few seconds, relishing his touch, then she looked at him.  “Something on your mind?  You seem almost lost in thought.”

Kevin laughed, tugging on one of her brown locks.  “I was just thinking about us.  Remembering the time we met.  You remember it well, don’t you, sweetheart?”

Cherish Heart smiled warmly, rubbing his chest again.  “You know I do, my love.”

“In some ways, it seems like only yesterday.” Kevin mused.

She closed her eyes and nodded, then cast out a gentle sigh.  “I know.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ponyville, a little over 3 ½ months ago…

It was a rather hot Wednesday afternoon in August.  Kevin had ventured out to the Food Griffon, the name Filthy Rich gave to his growing chain of grocery stores that he had in several of the major towns and cities across Equestria.  Ponyville’s was one of the first and was often a popular venue for shoppers.

Kevin just needed a few odds and ends and even though it was a very hot afternoon, he figured it just made sense to stop by on his way home from work.  As he made his way through the fairly quiet store, he had caught the sounds of a colt conversing with his mom.  The two seemed to be getting along quite well, although, every so often, for good or for bad, the human would hear the mother call out, “Button!”  He could only conclude that was her son’s name.  Aside from bugging her for a treat here or a piece of candy there, Kevin found their conversing quite enjoyable.  He even had the chance to pass them, but he didn’t really look at them much and they didn’t really notice him.

After getting the last of his provisions, Kevin made his way to the register.  Keeping in mind it was a very hot day, he figured a nice cold drink was in order.  As he stopped to check the contents of the cooler near the cashier, he caught the last of Button and his mother conversing as they left the store.

“Mom, can I play “Invasion of the Ursa” before we head home?” The colt asked, then he added, “Please?”

“All right, Button.  You may, but not too long.  Phew.  It’s hot outside, and I’d like to get home before the ice cream melts.  And mommy is feeling a little tired.”

“Okay, thanks mom.”

Kevin chuckled.  The mom seemed really thoughtful, while Button was just eager to play his game.

Returning to the drink cooler, Kevin decided a nice cold lemonade would really hit the spot.  He placed it with the rest of his items as he walked over to the cashier.  “Hello.”

“Good afternoon, sir.” A young mare greeted him as she began ringing up his items.

“It’s a hot one today.” Kevin said; placing a hand on his bit pouch, getting ready to pay once his order was rung up.

The cashier rang in a few more items then looked up at him with her sparkly green eyes.  “I heard it was going to be toasty outside.”  She sighed, then smiled.  “Makes me glad it’s cool in here and that I won’t be leaving till the sun starts losing its punch.”

Kevin chuckled again.  “Yeah, it’s not going to be fun when I step back outside.”

The mare smiled at him as she finished bagging his order, which only consumed a single bag.  “Here, I trust you wanted this left out?” She slid his lemonade over to him.

“Yes, thank you.”  He took care of paying for his items, and then Kevin grabbed his bag and left the cashier.

Stepping outside, he felt a wall of heat roll over his face.  He let out a tired breath in response to the strong warmth that made his body break out into an instant sweat.  “Oh man,” he muttered to himself, gripping his bag securely.  As he left the shop, he passed Button and his mom.  The colt was still playing away on his game, oddly, unaffected from the heat.  Kevin looked to his mother, who looked like she’d have rather been anywhere than waiting on her son to play a video game.  She glanced Kevin’s way for a moment, then turned back to her son.

Kevin made for a tall shady oak tree that was at the end of the Food Griffon’s sidewalk.  He stopped under the tree’s cool leafy shadow and popped the top on his beverage.  “Ahh,” Kevin sighed inviting a few sips of the chilly lemonade into his mouth.  He swallowed it and enjoyed the cooling sensation that seeped out along his warm innards.

He wasn’t standing too far from the store’s entrance, where Button and his mom were.  “Button, sweetie, are you done yet?  You have plenty of games at home?”  Kevin continued glancing over their way and couldn’t help but feel annoyed for her as Button continued to play.

The colt turned to his mom and said, “But I don’t have this game.  And please, mom, just give me two more bits.  All I need is one more continue, then I can save the villagers.”

She sighed, but as Kevin came to learn in a short time, his mother did just as he expected and kindly gave him the last two bits he needed.  “Here you are.  Then we’re heading home.”

“Thanks, mom.” He placed the coins into the arcade game and resumed clicking on the keys and tugging on the small joystick.  “Yay!! I did it!  I stopped the Ursa Minor!  Now the citizens are safe!” He cheered, throwing his forelegs up in the air triumphantly.

His mother smiled.  “Good, can we please go now?”

Button nodded.  “Yep.  Thanks again, mom.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie.  Now lets get these things home.”  She placed a hoof across her forehead.  “It’s really warm today, and…”

“You okay, mom?” Button asked, finally paying her attention.

She nodded.  “Yes, I’m okay.  Mommy is just a little tired.  That’s all.  Probably just the heat.”

The mare had on a pair of saddled bags, each one held a handled grocery bag and she picked up and carried a third in her mouth.

Kevin took another sip of his lemonade as they started heading in his direction.  He contemplated heading out himself, but just as he finished putting the cap back on his drink, he heard what he could only conclude was the sound of a falling grocery bag, which was followed by a soft thud.

Kevin turned their way and saw that Button’s mom had partially fallen, dropping the bag she had clasped in her mouth.  Concern gripped the human as he walked over to them.  “Are you all right?”

The earth pony brushed a hoof along her forehead, which seemed to be perspiring.  “Ooh, I think so.  What happened?”

“Mom, you fell!” Button spoke in a frightened voice.

“Did I pass out?” She wondered.

“I’m not sure,” Kevin replied.  “I was just putting the lid on my drink when I heard something drop and a light thud.”

She remained there for a moment.  Kevin stooped down.  “You look a bit flushed.  And here, let me help you with that.”  He carefully put the items back into the bag.  “Here, come over to the shade.  Get out of the direct heat.”

Button’s mom stood up and made her way over to the tree, followed by her son.  Kevin held up his drink, unscrewing the cap.  “This is still cold.  Could you use a drink?  Uh.”  He turned the lip of the bottle.  “I didn’t drink off this side.”

“Thank you, that’s very kind.  I am thirsty,” she replied, taking a decent sip from his lemonade.

Kevin reached into his pocket and fished out a few bits.  He turned to the brown colt.  “Hey, you’re name’s Button, right?”

He nodded.  “Yeah.”

“I’m Kevin.  Button, could you do me a favor, please?  Take this.”  He handed him the money.  “Go back into the store and get your mom a bottle of cold water from one of the registers.”

“Okay.”  Button turned to his mom.  “Hang in there, mom.  I’ll be right back.”  The colt turned to Kevin.  “You’ll stay with her, right?”

Kevin nodded.  “I won’t move a muscle.”

“Okay.”  Button took off for the store making haste.

Kevin turned to his mom.  “Did you want some more?”

She nodded, taking another sip.  “You sure we’re not any trouble.”

Kevin smiled and shook his head.  “Nah.  I just got off work, so I have plenty of time.  Besides, I’m a little worried about you right now.”

“But, you don’t even know me,” she replied, wiping the back of her foreleg across her face.  

The human shrugged his shoulders.  “Yes, well, call it the atmosphere of Ponyville.  By the way, I’m Kevin.”

“Ch-Cherish Heart,” she said a little weakly.

“Mom!” Called Button as he came running from the store.  “Here’s your water.”

“Thank you, sweetie.”  She took the water and after popping the top, she started downing it.  In a matter of seconds she had drank half the bottle.  “Ahh, that’s better.” Cherish Heart spoke.

“Good.  Is your place far from here?”  Kevin asked, looking around at the nearby houses. 

Cherish shook her head.  “No, it’s only a few blocks away.” She pointed.

“Okay.  We should get you home and here.”  Kevin took the two bags from her saddlebags.  “I’ll carry these for you.  Button, can you get the other one?”

“Uh-huh.”  He gripped the bag in his mouth and managed a smile.

“Lead on,” Kevin urged to her, making sure not to forget his own bag.

Cherish Heart stood up, a little wobbly at first, then she started walking.  “Okay, this way.”

“Easy now.” Kevin called after her still voicing concern.


* * * * * *


Cherish Heart led them back to her house.  Once inside, she took a seat on the couch, while Kevin took her groceries into the kitchen.  Button followed him and gave him the other bag.  Kevin set them all on the green dining room table.  “Okay. I heard you mention ice cream while I was at the register, do you have any other cold items?”

She thought for a moment then called back, “Yes.  There’s the milk, butter and some cheese.”

“All right, got it.”  Kevin got to work putting away all of her perishable goods, then went back to the living room to check on her.  Cherish Heart still seemed out of sorts.  “I can’t help but still feel a little concerned about you.”

She managed a smile.  “That’s nice of you, but I’ll be all right.”

“Yeah,” Kevin said reluctantly.  “But, I’d feel a lot better if you went to Ponyville Urgent Care for a check-up.  Just to make sure it’s nothing serious.”

Her face softened and her blue eyes glistened, mirroring his concern.  “You really are worried about me.  But, why?”

Kevin shook his head.  “I don’t like it when anyone is suffering, and call me crazy, but it just feels like it’d be irresponsible if I left you now.”  He wasn’t really sure if that was it or if there was something more, all he knew is he just couldn’t shake the idea of what would happen if he left her.  Then, he added, “If I can do something to help, I’d like to.”

She smiled and nodded.  “All right.  I suppose a check up wouldn’t hurt.”


* * * * * * 


Following another short walk in the heat, the three of them arrived at Ponyville Urgent Care.  Kevin made sure Cherish Heart took a seat, then he went ahead and checked her in and took a clipboard with some forms back with him.  He asked her a few questions as he filled out the forms on her behalf.  She seemed better, but still wasn’t back to one hundred percent.  

Button on the other hand wasted no time and found the children’s play area.  There, he pushed around a little toy train and kept making trains sounds.  As Kevin filled out the forms, he glanced over periodically at Button, smiling to himself.  After he finished the paperwork, they waited until her name was called.

“Cherish Heart,” announced Nurse Tender Heart.

She rose to her hooves.  Kevin looked up at her.  “Did you want me to come back with you?  I can wait out here if you pre…”

Cherish Heart shook her head.  “No, I don’t mind if you come back.  Oh, please get Button.”

Kevin nodded as he went to get her son.  Then, the two of them joined her as the nurse led her back to one of the rooms.  

Time went slowly after the nurse took Cherish Heart’s vitals.  Then, after sharing some light conversation, mostly about Ponyville and the weather, the doctor finally came in.  He looked her over and ordered some tests, just to make sure everything was okay.

A good hour passed before Nurse Tender Heart stepped back into the room.  The blue earth pony smiled.  “Okay, your test results are back.”

“What did you discover?” she asked eager to hear the results.

“You are a very lucky mare.  It looks like you just had a mild case of heat exhaustion.  It’s a good thing this fellow got you some fluids right away.  You only seem to be suffering from dehydration, so it would still be good to keep drinking plenty of water.  Your blood sugar was a little low as well.  Have you eaten much today?”  The nurse inquired.

Cherish Heart shook her head.  “No, not really.  I didn’t eat much of a breakfast and didn’t really have a lot at lunch either.  I wasn’t very hungry.”

“I see.  Well, you should also eat something.  And be sure to stay out of the heat.” The nurse explained.

“Sure, I will.  Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.  Now just go see the receptionist out front and they’ll get you checked out.”  Nurse Tender Heart passed her a sheet with her information and one that also had some heat safety tips.

Cherish Heart nodded as she stood up and left the room, followed by Kevin and Button. 

After checking out of the clinic, the three of them gathered under the shade of a nearby tree.  She lowered her head a little, then turned to Kevin.  “Thank you, for all of your help.”

He waved a dismissing hand.  “Hey, don’t worry about it.  I’m just glad you’re going to be all right.”

She smiled, then she replied, “I know it’s not much, but could I treat you to dinner?”

Kevin looked over at Button; he was playing with a paper condor he made from one of the blank forms he got at the clinic.  He then turned his eyes back to Cherish Heart.  “I’d like to, but you should probably head home.  I’m sure you’re husband will be worried when he finds out where you’ve been and what happened to you.”

“Oh,” Cherish replied.  Her ears drooped as she turned her head away and then looked back.  “But I don’t have a husband anymore.”

“Huh?” Kevin looked at her curiously.

She nodded sadly.  “Yes, I’m a widow.  Button’s father passed away a few years ago.”

Kevin’s heart sank as he lowered his head.  “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s all right.”  The best reply Cherish Heart could think of, and she decided it best not to linger on the subject.  “Now, I was thinking of going to Hay Burger.  It’s one of Button’s favorites.  Would that be all right with you?” She asked.  “If you’d still like to join us for dinner.”

He nodded and smiled.  “Sure, but if you like I know a place that makes a great pizza.”

“Awww,” Button whined.  “I want to go to Hay Burger.  Their Foal Fun Meals are currently featuring “Final Lunacy IV” figures.  I’m hoping I can get a Luna Nexus figure.”

Kevin chuckled happily and saw the look on Button’s face.  “All right.  Hay Burger will be fine then.”

“Yay!” Button Cheered and then he started chanting, “Luna Nexus, Luna Nexus, Luna Nexus!”

Cherish Heart smiled as they set off for dinner.  “So, what kind of burger do you like, Cherish?”

She giggled as she turned and said, “The Hay Burger Deluxe with cheese.”

“Mmm, I haven’t had one of those for a while.  Do you like them with potato fries?”  She turned and nodded as they drew nearer to their destination. 

Kevin took a deep breath.  “Mmm, we must be getting close, the air smells like fries.”

Cherish just closed her eyes and smiled as Hay Burger came into sight.  The three of them made their way to the front door and stepped inside out of the heat.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Ponyville, present day…


Cherish rested her head on Kevin’s shoulder.  “I remember that day so well.  You were so worried about me, even though you barely knew me.”

Kevin smiled, resting his cheek against her mane.  “Yes well, there was and still is something amazing about you, Cherish.  At the time I just hated the idea of something bad happening to you.  Regardless of how well I knew you.”

She sighed, pawing his chest again.  “Who would have guessed we’d end up hitting it off from there.”

He chuckled, playing with another of her silky locks.  “Well, it helped that we enjoyed the same kind of Hay Burger foods.  And we found we had other things in common as well.”

She nodded, slowly running her hoof across his shirt.  “I know.  We’re both chocoholics, love peanut butter.  And I didn’t think I’d find someone that shared my love of sunsets.”

“Yes well, they can have some very vibrant colors.  A canvas in the sky,” he mused.

“That’s a really profound way of putting it.”  She brushed his stubble again.  “Hmm.  You’re going to need to shave soon.”

Kevin ran his hand over his chin.  “Yeah.” He laughed.  “I guess I am.”

“So, what would you like to do now?” Cherish laid her head on his chest and sighed.

He shook his head.  “It doesn’t really matter.”  His fingers traipsed through her mane.  “I’m just really enjoying our time alone together.”

“Me too,” she replied, rubbing her cheek against his chest.  Then she closed her eyes.  “Say, I have an idea.  But we’ll have to go upstairs.”

“All right.” Kevin smiled as they both sat up and made their way to the steps.


* * * * * * 


It may have been retro, but Cherish Heart dug out Button’s father’s old video game machine.  And while it featured a very simple version of “Pong”, she and Kevin found a fun game they could play around it.

The two sat on her bedroom floor as they played.  The little gray square bounced back across the two rectangular paddles, passing over the simple gray line of a net, amid the ebony field.  “I’m leading.  You’re not going to get the better of me this time!” Kevin remarked.

“Oh?” Cherish grinned meeting every one of his returns as her hoof clicked on her paddle slider.

He shifted his slider.  “Yep.  I’m in the lead.  And…  Yes!”  The dark gray ball sailed out of reach of Cherish’s paddle, bringing up the “Game Over” screen.  “That’s another win for me!” Kevin grinned.  “That makes it…”

Cherish turned to their little score paper as she added another hash under his name.  She counted the tallies, and smiled.  “Okay, that makes the score 14 to 12.”

He nodded with a grin.  “Good.  I’m leading by two now.”  Kevin smiled proudly.  “I believe you owe me some kisses.” He snickered running his hand on her shoulder.

She closed her eyes and blushed a little.  “You’re right.  I do.”  Cherish slid over to Kevin and placed her hooves on his shoulders.  Then, leaning in, she started kissing him.

Kevin counted to himself as she kissed him again and again.  He figured she’d stop at seven, per the rules they added to spice up their game.  However, she made it to seven and kept kissing him.  Kevin blinked as the count had reached 13, then she gave him a rather lengthy kiss before she stopped.  

“Wow.  I thought we agreed to one kiss for every two wins.”  Kevin looked at her, intrigue in his eyes.

Cherish giggled.  “Yes, well.  I thought I’d change things up a little.  A kiss a point makes more sense, don’t you think?”

He stared at her half-eyed, placing his hand back on her shoulder.  “It does.  And you know.  That means I owe you six kisses.”  Kevin chuckled, moving to embrace her.

“Yes, you do.”  She smiled, giving him a dreamy stare.

Kevin proceeded to kiss her five times, each kiss a little longer than the last, until he reached the sixth.  Then, he left his lips linger, letting them wrestle just a little harder to her own.  Cherish moaned softly, she could taste his passion as their kiss deepened.  She dug her hooves into his shoulders, conveying her approval as she happily kept their lips and their tongues bonded for a while longer.

Their mouths parted, while a delicate string of saliva tried to keep them together, before it finally broke.  The dreamy look remained on Cherish’s face, only now, Kevin gave her one of his own as they remained in each other’s embrace.

“There.”  Kevin chuckled.  “I hope that makes up for all the kisses I didn’t give you before.”

She ran her hoof along his cheek.  “Oh yes, in spades.”  Cherish looked over at the game machine.  “Well, we should finish our game?”

He stared at her swaying his head back and forth.  “What game?”

She laughed at him.  “That one, silly.”

Kevin followed her gaze.  “Oh, yeah.  I guess we should see if we can wrap things up.” He chuckled again.

“Of course.”  They made their way over to the machine.  “Well?”

Kevin looked at her.  Their last kiss left him feeling less like playing “Pong” and more like playing her.  He sighed, then looked at her.  “Do we really have to?”

She nodded, laughing under her breath.  “Yes, but come on, it’ll be fun.  I promise.”  Cherish winked at him.

He sucked in his upper lip and made a sloppy smile.  “All right.”  

They faced the game machine and Kevin clicked it on.  “Okay.  Game on!”  Their paddles moved as the ball started its random path across the screen.  At first the two hit the ball back and forth, neither one missing a mark.  Then, Cherish slid her paddle controller up and a sly smile blossomed on her face.  The ball went out of bounds and ended their last game.  

“There, that’s game point.  You win.”

Kevin blinked at her.  “But you just threw the match!”

She nodded.  “I know, but would you rather this go on forever?” Cherish leaned her head his way, her eyes partially closing.  “Or would you like our evening to move on?”

He chuckled, seeing as she made a good point.  “You’re right.  Our match should have ended at 11 points.”

“See?” Cherish remarked, switching the game machine off.  “I’ll go put this back in Button’s room.”

Kevin nodded as he stood up.  “All right.  I trust we’re going to get ready for bed?” He grinned suggestively.

Cherish giggled at his silly expression.  “Yes.  So, why don’t you go downstairs and turn off the lights.  I’ll brush my teeth and oh, when you get back up here.  I’ll have a little surprise for you.”

Kevin’s face lit up.  “Really?  What are you planning?”

“Well, go downstairs and then you can find out.” She smiled as she picked up the machine.

“All right.  Oh, and I’ll check the doors, make sure the front and back ones are locked.”

She nodded as she left the bedroom, carrying the video game machine in her mouth.  Kevin followed behind her and made his way downstairs.  He checked the door locks and then turned off any of the lights that were still on.

He trucked back upstairs, now that things had been secured.  Kevin scratched his underarm as he caught the sound of Cherish spitting into the bathroom sink.  “The house is secured.” He called out.

“Good.  Come on in.” She called to him.

Kevin walked over and stepped into the bathroom.  “All right, what’s my sup…whoa!” He gasped.

Cherish moved away from the sink and turned to face him, lightly fluffing her mane.  “Well, what do you think?”

“Is that one of my…” Kevin could hardly believe his eyes.  Cherish Heart appeared to be wearing one of his white T-shirts.  It fit her surprisingly well, and stopped just shy of her cutie mark.  “Shirts.  Wow, it looks so good on you.”

She giggled, sauntering over to him.  “It is one of your shirts.  From all the times that you’ve spent the night, you left some of your clothing here.  I didn’t mind washing it, but I wondered what you might think of me wearing this.”

Kevin nodded, still eyeing her up.  “Oh yeah.”  He snickered.  “It doesn’t quite cover your cutie mark.”

Cherish waved a hoof, blushing a little.  “Yes well, it’s not a robe or a gown.  Oh, and check here on the counter.  I have a little something for you.”

He examined the area around the sink.  “Huh?  More of my clothing?”

“Yes.” She nodded.  “Clean jeans for tomorrow with a sweat shirt, oh and a pair of socks, and then, for tonight, a clean T-shirt for you and some underwear.  So I’ll leave you to change and brush your teeth, sweetie.”

Kevin chuckled as he started removing his long sleeves.  “Okay.  Oh, should I toss these?”

Cherish nodded again.  “Yep, into the hamper will be fine.  I’ll be waiting.” She spoke in a singsong voice.

Kevin took care of changing, although, with what they were planning to do next, he had to wonder if there really was a need for undergarments.  He shrugged his shoulders as he finished changing.  Then, Kevin brushed his teeth and finished up.

He strolled into the bedroom, clad in his fresh whites, bearing his mare a loving smile.  “Okay, all set.”

She walked up to him very slowly, leaving each fore and hind leg lightly stretch out with each step as she drew closer to him, lightly batting her eyes.

Kevin shivered, the sight of her doing that in his T-shirt, made him tingle all over.  “Mmm, you look so beautiful in that shirt.”  He reached out and ran his hand along the shorter side of her mane.

Cherish blushed, turning her head away.  Then, she looked at him, a seductive smile adding to her rosy cheeks.  “I’m glad you like it.”

“I do and is that…” He sniffed a few times and then took in a long deep breath through his nose.  “Ahh, your perfume.  You just sprayed some, didn’t you?” Kevin asked gleefully.

She nodded, giggling softly.  “Yep, Floral Delight, I know you love it.”  It was no secret that Kevin loved the perfume she wore, which was a wonderful blend of lavender and peach blossom.

He took another whiff of her.  “Mmm, yes, I do.  It’s part of your scent.”  Kevin turned his hand and brushed her heavenly locks.

“Oh, do you still think your shirt is too short on me?” She asked flexing her hips.

He glanced back at her, Cherish’s cutie mark pretty well exposed – not even a quarter of it met the tail of the shirt.  “Well, maybe we should look into getting you some white panties or something.  That would add to the fun.”

Cherish ran her hoof along his chest, wrinkling the fabric of his own shirt.  “It might, but wouldn’t they just get in the way and need taken off?”

Kevin laughed, continuing to fondle her hair.  “I can think of some fun things they might add.  But, you’re probably right.  At least this way I have easy access to you.”  He reached out and pulled her close.  

Cherish welcomed his sudden advance as she filled with intrigue.  Then, she smiled at him and ran a hoof through his muddy brown hair.  “Are you going to keep me in suspense, my love?”

He smiled seductively, running the back of his hand along her cheek.  “No, I was just savoring the moment.  Oh, but there is one thing, well two things I’d like to take care of first.”  Kevin let go of her and stepped toward her flank, a brief grin on his face.  He lifted her tail, holding it in his hands.  Cherish shivered as she looked back at him, her eyes full of wonder.  Kevin deftly slid the hair tie off her tail, then left if fall gracefully along her rump and hind legs.

Cherish nearly whimpered, wishing he had done more, but she suspected he was going somewhere with this.  Kevin returned to her face, a loving smile on his lips.  Anticipation brewed in her eyes as he clasped the restrained portion of her mane.  Kevin teased the red tie off, unbinding her tresses and letting her silky hair flutter down, splashing against her supple neck.

She inhaled softly.  Her desire continued to grow, and now that her hair was free of its restraints, so was she.  Cherish stood on her hind legs and snagged his shoulders.  She looked him in the eye, partially closing hers.  “Are you teasing me on purpose?”

Kevin looked right back at her and shook his head.  “No my love.”  He placed his hands around her neck and pulled her into a loving kiss.  Cherish left her eyes fall shut as she pressed her lips back against his, stoking the fires of her passions even more.  She moaned softly, sliding her hoof up his shirt, there she caressed his lightly matted hair.  Kevin felt her touch resonate from his chest all the way down to his loins, filling him with even more desire for her.  His grip tightened on her, before he left a hand slid up her shirt, allowing him to savor her incredibly soft fur.  Kevin pulled Cherish closer, almost hoping that somehow their hungering sexes would brush and add to their pleasure.

The kiss continued a while longer as they started moving closer to the bed.  They bumped against the overhanging blanket on her side.  Kevin removed his hand and let it join his other in embracing her.  Cherish mimicked his action and happily fell onto the mattress with him.

Their lips parted, allowing them each a chance to catch their breath.  Kevin ran his hand along her cheek, then let it roam down the entire side of her body, halting at her cutie mark.  Cherish closed her eyes and sighed, then she stared at him, and unending longing in her eyes.  “Kevin.”  She brushed his cheek.

“Cherish.”  Kevin swept her mane.  The lovers locked into another kiss and gradually sat up.  He stretched out his legs and left them parted, while she straddled her hind legs and let them rest above his.  She went to breach his shirt again, only this time, Kevin stopped her forelegs, just long enough to remove his shirt and let gravity drag it to rest on the floor.  He sighed, breathing through his nose as she resumed swirling her hooves on his chest.  Kevin felt his excitement manifest as his manhood awoke, pushing against its cottony prison.

Kevin left his hands move down Cherish’s shoulders, until they found her flanks.  He rubbed her cutie marks for a short time as he felt her touch tease nearer to his hungering loins.  He smiled as he let his fingers tiptoe down to the waiting folds of her hungry marehood.  His digits brushed against her slit and there was more than a suggestion of moisture dripping out.  Kevin glanced down at her curvy crescent, while his fingers patrolled its fleshy surface.  “Oh, Kevin, that feels so good.”  Cherish moaned pleasantly from his soothing touch.

Cherish glanced down at him, feeling his touch begin to escalate around her.  She didn’t want things to become too one-sided, so she moved her hooves down to the elastic of his underwear.  There she pulled on the stretchy fabric and allowed his masculinity to stand free.  Kevin halted his actions, while her eyes soaked in a lengthy stare at his firm spire.  She grazed her hoof along the sensitive skin, filling him with anticipatory chills.  Then, she smiled at him as she left her hoof bump into the base of his tower.

“Mmm, Cherish.  More.”  He sighed.

She smiled lovingly as she ran her hoof up the smooth underside of his length, leaving her hoof linger at his summit, where she lightly massaged him, before she resumed caressing him in long tender strokes.  Kevin twitched a little and moaned quietly.  Cherish giggled playfully.  “Oh, you like that.  Good.”  She continued returning the favor just as she let out a shivering gasp.  “Ohh.”

Kevin rubbed against her protruding button, before he gave it a firm but delicate squeeze.  Cherish braced herself against him, and made sure to continue moving her other hoof.  She felt even more pleasure as he inserted two of his fingers into her, and reveled as her desire coated them with her arousal.

Cherish let her head roll around as his loving digits continued to massage her from within.  She squeaked out a short moan as Kevin gave her button another short pinch.  Her tongue lolled out of her mouth a moment, before she plowed her lips into his, eager to share another passionate kiss.  Cherish pulled him close with her free foreleg as she kept the other tending to his manhood.  Her marehood throbbed all over in time with her beating heart as Kevin’s loving assault continued.  A fiery warmth spread out across her back as things continued to escalate.

Kevin caressed her mane with his free hand as they kept touching each other, while sharing a series of short and long kisses.  His manhood tingled and burned as she kept tenderly running her hoof along him.  Kevin nearly felt ready to burst.  But a few loving moans allowed him to keep himself in check as he moved to embrace his mare.  Cherish saw the look in his eyes and nodded as she placed both hooves on his shoulders.  She moved closer to him and this time, as they both moaned and sighed, she brushed her wet mount along his solid staff.  Cherish smiled, her eyes gleaming with affection as she started gently rubbing herself against him.

He held her tighter, longing to merge with her even more.  Kevin shared another deep kiss with her, before gazing deep into her eyes again.  Cherish nodded as her movements slowed.  She stopped as his fingers grazed the sides of her flower.  He gave her button another squeeze, making Cherish shiver blissfully as he parted her petals.  She gripped Kevin’s shoulders tightly as she moaned into his ear.  He slid inside her with just the right force and she locked her walls around him, closing her eyes as she felt their bond grow even stronger.  Cherish pulled him close as she hugged him from both inside and out.  “Mmm, Kevin,” she sighed.

“Ooh, Cherish.”  He brushed her mane then coaxed her onto her back.  Her head sank into her pillow as he started moving on her, thrusting in and out, forming a heavenly rhythm.  She reached up and locked her hooves onto his shoulders, leaning up to kiss him.  

Cherish moaned as their loving union continued.  She gave him all the pleasure she could muster and rolled her shoulders in response to the heightening levels of ecstasy he brought her.

Minutes passed and from within the heat of her burning love and desire, she moved to sit up, urging Kevin to return to their previous position.  He saw the look on her face and happily followed her lead.  Now, sitting on his lap, Cherish nuzzled his cheek as she enjoyed that they were still connected.  She began bucking her hips, alternating her tender squeezes with his loving thrusts as they continue burning with more than mere desire.  She knew it was his loving embrace that allowed her to know each time they made love that it was more than just a simple physical emotion.  Cherish pulled him closer as they both neared the gates of heaven.  Her breath began to shorten and her moans became more frequent.  Kevin sighed heavily again and again as he felt on the verge of melting.

Cherish added more speed to her motions and then finally, she knew their love was culminating.  She gripped him tightly as she let out a long and very pleasant moan.  She whimpered and squealed a little as she moaned a few more times.  Kevin rocked his hips in time with hers as he felt his body tense up.  He gripped her tightly, just as he lost all restraint.  Kevin broke inside her, and moaned with unending delight, as she spurted not once but three times against him.  Cherish let out another loving moan and gave him a firm squeeze.  Kevin jerked and cast another five solid blasts of his unending love into her.

Kevin held Cherish tight, pulling her back as they fell onto the bed, his head crashing into the soft pillows.  The lovers laid there for several minutes, breathing heavily as their bodies came down from their emotional high.  Kevin looked up at Cherish, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand.  “Cherish,” he huffed gazing up at her fondly.

“Yes?  What is it, Kevin?”  She ran her hoof through his short brown locks.

“R-riddle me this?” He asked still catching his breath.  Kevin glanced over at the alarm clock.  “It’s almost midnight.  Which means, we just r-rocked each other’s world about six hours ago.”

She turned to check the time and nodded.  “Yeah, so?”

He took another lengthy breath, fondling her mane.  “Then, why did I want you just as much now…if not more than I did after dinner?”  Kevin let his head sink back as he closed his eyes.

“Well, as you said before we made love in the recliner.  It had been four days since we had a chance to do this.”  She blushed and shook her head.  “It was a crazy week.”

He nodded, then resumed running his fingers through her silky hair.  Cherish leaned against his hand, then really smiled as he brought his cheek to nuzzle against hers.  “Oh, Cherish.  My sweet mare.” Kevin sighed staring up into her eyes.

Love continued to sparkle in her eyes and on her face as she patted his shoulder.  “Kevin.  My loving human.”

Kevin clasped her hoof in his hand.  “Did you ever think it would feel normal to be with someone that wasn’t the same species as you?”

Cherish rubbed her cheek along his closed hand.  “In the beginning it seemed differed, at first.  But as we grew closer and our love formed.”  She shook her head.  “No, it didn’t.  I look into your eyes.”  Cherish whimpered a little.  “I don’t see an alien or someone so different.  No, I see a lover…my lover.”

He wrapped his arms around her, kneading his fingers into her fur.  “That’s how it was for me.  Especially with you.”

“Kevin.  Close your eyes,” she spoke softly.

Kevin nodded, closing his eyes and sighing deeply.  “Okay.”

She moved his hand close to her chest.  “Do you feel that?  My heart beating?”

He felt a steady series of gentle pushes against his hand.  “I do.” He nodded.

Cherish moved a little, letting her head come to rest on his chest.  “I’m glad.  Hmm, I can feel your heart beating.”

“Cherish.”

She looked up; there was a slight faltering in his speech.  “Kevin?”

Cherish appeared blurry as his eyes filled with tears.  “Awww,” Cherish saw a lone tear trail down from his glassy eyes.  “You’re crying.”  It warmed her heart as she felt her own eyes tear up.

“Maybe it’s the emotional high.  But, I just know I’m glad I found you.”  Kevin pulled her closer.

“Oh, Kevin.  I’m glad you found me too.”  She placed her hooves around him and could feel a warm tear escape her eyes and run down her face.  “It’s times like these that I wish you never had to leave or go back to your house.”

She nuzzled him again, while Kevin pulled her close, smiling up at her and burning her image into his mind as he kept stroking her mane.  “Well, this may be a crazy thought.  But, have you ever thought about us living together?  Maybe I could move it, if that’s not too wild of an idea for you?”

Cherish Heart blinked for a moment, then laid her head back onto his chest, brushing her hoof along his side.  “Hmm, live together…yes.  Why don’t we?  Then you can stay here every single night.”

Kevin rested his head against hers.  “I know I’d really enjoy it.”  He chuckled self-consciously.  “I’ve gotten spoiled having you by my side most nights.  It’s really lonely when I sleep at my place and you aren’t with me.”

She nuzzled him again.  “I know how you feel.  Those nights can be very long as well.”

“Well, they don’t have to be anymore.  Oh, here’s another thought.” Kevin remarked.

“What’s that?”

“Why don’t we do a trial move-in.  I’ll just get some essential things from my place and we’ll give it say a month and see how it goes.  What do you think?”  Kevin ran his hand along the back of her mane.

Cherish bobbed her head a little giving everything he said some though, then she smiled.  “Okay, that sounds like a great idea.  But I have a feeling things will be fine.”

Kevin nodded.  “Yeah.  You really bring out the best in me.”

Her smile grew, but suddenly dropped off.  “Awww.”

“What is it, honey?” Kevin kept his arms around her.

She looked back toward her cutie mark and then looked at him.  “I wanted to give you another loving squeeze or two, you know.  But, it’s not.”  Cherish looked at him a little sadly.

“Oh,” Kevin laughed.  “Yes well.”  He touched her cheek.  “You satisfied me, just as you always have.  And when I have a very satisfying climax, he tends to lose his punch.”

Her cheeks turned red.  “You wanted to make me blush again, didn’t you?” Cherish giggled.

“Well, you look so cute when you do, and what I said is true.”  Kevin kissed her, lightly nipping at her lip as he pulled back.  “I hope I’m satisfactory for you.”

She kissed him back, then rubbed her nose to his.  “More than satisfactory.  You’re always so attentive.”

Kevin laughed leaning his head back.  “I try to be.”

Cherish shook her head and smiled.  “I love you, Kevin.”

He smiled back, tending to her mane again.  “I love you, Cherish.”

Cherish shivered.  “Ooh, I was still very warm a minute ago.  I must have cooled off.”

“Why don’t we get under the covers.”

“Okay.”  Cherish moved off of him and they both left the bed, long enough to turn down the covers.

Then, Kevin and Cherish laid back down, while he pulled the sheets and blankets over them.  The two cuddled close under the covers.  “How’s that, warmer?”

She nodded as she reached to turn off the nightstand light.  “Much, thank you, sweetie.”

“Cherish.”  Kevin yawned, pulling her close again.

“Kevin.”  Cherish giggled playfully, and placed her hooves against him, laying her head very near his.  She yawned and adjusted against him.

The two of them shared one last kiss, then remained close as the excitement of the day finally left them to rest.  Sleep soon feel upon them and the room grew silent, aside from the sound of their collective breathing and the occasional hum of the furnace.
> Chapter 4 - "A Peaceful Morning"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kevin began to stir.  He took a deep breath in through his nose and sighed as he slowly opened his eyes.  Glancing around the room, he discovered that it was morning.  He broke out into a smile as he felt Cherish moving her loving hooves against his bare chest.  Kevin chuckled as he remembered throwing his shirt onto the floor last night.  He turned to look over at his mare.  Her lovely eyes had opened and were staring back at him, shimmering with affection.

“Hey.” Kevin held her close, keeping his arms around her shoulders.

She giggled, patting his chest.  “Hi.  Mmm,” she looked around.  “Morning already?”

Kevin nodded as he tugged the covers, keeping them under their warmth as he secured his arms around her.  “Yep.”  “He glanced at a nearby clock.  “It’s a few minutes till eight.”

“Oh that’s right.”  She closed her eyes.  “Listen?”

Kevin turned his head, checking to see if he heard anything out of the ordinary.  “To what?  It’s quiet, aside from our talking and breathing.”

Cherish laughed again.  “That’s just it.  There’s no pony yelling, ‘Mom, make me breakfast.’  Or ‘Mom, is it too early to play my video games?’ or, ‘Mom, I’m ready for school.’ ”  She sighed, sliding her forelegs around Kevin.  “Right now it’s just us, till Button gets back from his slumber party.”

Kevin brushed his fingers along her mane.  “So I take it you’re enjoying the slight change of pace?”  

She closed her eyes and nodded.  “I am.  I almost hate to admit it.  I love Button very much, but some mornings.”  Cherish let out an exasperated sigh.  “I just want to sleep in and not have to worry about anything right away.  I know having a child means having added responsibility, but…”

Kevin chuckled and nodded in agreement.  “I can understand where you’re coming from.  I had my share of friends on Earth go through what you are.  And from the various nights I’ve stayed over here.”  He laughed again, being all too familiar with Cherish Heart’s Button alarm clock.  “I know he can be a handful at times.  Or should I say hooful?”

Cherish giggled and shook her head.  “It doesn’t matter.  I’m just glad I’m here with you.” She hugged him again and this time gave him a loving kiss.

Kevin slid his arms around her a little more, pulling her closer as he pressed his lips back against hers.  “Mmm.”  They kissed for a while longer, then just laid there for a moment.  “Ah.  Last night was something else.  Wasn’t it?”

She nodded.  “It really was.  Hmm, yeah, I still feel wonderful.”  Cherish lightly tossed about within his embrace and smiled at him.

Kevin ran his leg against hers.  “You and me both.  And did I remember right?”

She looked at him, curiously.  “Remember what?  Oh, you mean about living together?”

He nodded, playing with her brown locks again.  “Yeah, and that it’ll be a trial to see how it goes.”

“Yes, I remember, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes, sweetie.”

“Me too, oh, which reminds me.  We should stop by my house, so I can get some things.”

“All right.” She started running her hoof along his cheek, looking at Kevin half-lidded.  “Imagine, living together.”

“I can.  And while I’d love to just lay here a while longer.”  Kevin raised his arms and stretched.  “We should get up.  We only have till noon, then Button will be home.”

Cherish moved to sit up beside him.  “You’re right, we should definitely be here when he arrives.”

“Hmm.  Despite feeling wonderful from last night, I do feel a little grungy.  I should grab a shower before we have breakfast and head out.”

She leaned against him and ran her hoof across his chest again.  “All right.  But, since it’s still chilly, how about we share a nice hot shower together?”  Cherish blinked her eyes at him and had the most adorable look on her face.

Kevin pulled her close.  “When you say it like that, how can I refuse?”  He chuckled, resting his head on her crown as he ran his hand along her barrel.  “Oh, and if my previous sleepovers serve me.  We should each use the bathroom before we shower.”

She nodded.  “All right.  And now that you mention it, I do need to go.”  Cherish laughed.  “It’s funny how you don’t always notice it, until someone mentions it.

“Tell me about it.”  He snickered in agreement.

Cherish left the bed and took her turn freshening up in the bathroom.  Then, the familiar sound of the toilet flushing met Kevin’s ears as he saw her poke her head back into the bedroom.  “Brrr.” She shivered.  “It’s drafty up here.”

“Then, I’d better be quick,” he remarked.  She just closed her eyes and smiled as she slipped back under the covers.

Kevin stood on the area rug, which offered a warmer surface than the bare hardwood floor that lay beneath.  He scratched the small of his back as he made his way out of the bedroom.  Then turning into the hall, he made his way to the bathroom and closed the door behind him.  He glanced at his reflection and laughed.  “Yep, my whiskers are even longer this morning.”

He walked over to the toilet and took care of his business, then returned to the sink to wash up.  Drying his hands, he saw his face again.  Running his hand over his whiskers, he nodded.  “Yeah.  It’ll only take a few minutes.”  

After wetting and lathering up his face, Kevin began shaving.  Much to his delight, a toothbrush wasn’t the only thing Cherish had provided for him in the event that he spent the night.  Thinking about the clothing she had laid out for him last night also made him smile as he started running the razor across his face.  Thankfully, like Earth, Equestria had similar razors, so a straight blade wasn’t his only option.

He heard a pat at the door.  “Kevin?” Cherish called, as she slowly opened the door.  “Are you decent, you didn’t come back.”

Kevin chuckled, removing another line of shaving foam.  “Yeah, I’m good.  Come on in.”

She finished opening the door and walked inside.  “Oh, that’s what kept you.  You decided to shave?”

He nodded.  “Yep.  Thought it was time.  And when I nuzzled your cheeks last night, it wasn’t as much fun.  I’m just not a big fan of hairy cheeks.”  Kevin explained, taking a few more sections of shaving cream with his blade.  Cherish walked up just as he wiped his face and finished rinsing his razor.  “There we go.  All set.” He nodded.

She stood beside him and turned to get a look at his face.  “Hmm.”  She ran her hoof along his cheeks.  “Very nice.”  Then she swept it past his chin.  “But you missed a spot, a big spot.”

Kevin shook his head.  “Nope.  Not if I’m growing some of it out.”

“Oh,” Cherish gasped softly patting his upper lip.  “You left your stash as well.”

“Yep.  During the colder months, I don’t mind having some facial hair.  Besides, I know your sides are ticklish, but it just might help me find a few other places that you’re ticklish.” He grinned suggestively, rubbing his nose against hers.

Cherish giggled, then gave him a rather sultry gaze.  “But, Kevin.  You already know another spot on me that if you touch me just right, hmm, you make me giggle.”

Kevin blushed as he nodded.  “That’s right.”

“Just like I know a spot on you that’s rather ticklish.”  She patted his crotch and swept her hoof low on him.

He jumped back and pretended to defend himself.  “Okay, you got me.”  Kevin laughed a little, then walked over and placed his arm around her.  “Ah, Cherish.” He sighed.  “You’re always so much fun.”

“I try to be.” She smiled, then moved to hug him.  He happily hugged her back as they shared a short kiss.  

“Now how about that shower?”

“Mm-hmm.” She nodded as they walked over to the tub.  Cherish removed the T-shirt she borrowed from him and tossed it into the hamper.  “Okay, ready.”

“Hang on.”  Kevin slipped off his underwear and sent them to join the shirt.  “All right, you wanted the water nice and warm, right?”  He turned back.

“Oh yes.” She smiled.  “The warmer the better.  It’s really cold, even with the furnace set on 70.”

“Yeah, you’ve got a point.”  Kevin started the water and got it nice and warm, then started the shower.  He pulled the curtain towards his right to keep the water from splashing out, then opened the other side.  “We can enter from back here.”

“Okay.”

“After you.”

Cherish stepped inside and Kevin followed right behind her.  Since the two had done this plenty of times before, they went right to their task, but rather than clean each other, they figured it would be faster and less risky to clean themselves.  Ordinarily they would have enjoyed the chance to clean each other, but with a limited time frame, they figured better not to risk getting carried away.

After they finished cleaning and rising off, they just stood there in the falling water.  Cherish stood up on her hind legs and rested her forelegs on Kevin’s shoulders.  “There we go.”

“Cherish?”

“I just wanted a chance to stand here with you under the falling water.  It’s nice and warm, like you.”  She rested her head on his shoulder.

“Hmm.  You’re so sweet.”  Kevin held her and rested his head against hers.  Then, he ran his hand along her freshly cleaned and wet mane.  “This is still nice, but I think it’s better to touch your mane when it’s dry.  Still, this isn’t without its charm.”

She simply chuckled, rubbing her wet cheek along his shoulder.  Cherish sighed as she pulled back and tapped her hoof on his chest.  “Well, we should probably get out.  Don’t want to waste too much water.”

“Good point.  But first…” He cupped her chin and started into her eyes, then moved to kiss her, a bit deeper than the kiss they shared in bed a short time ago.

Cherish whimpered softly, somehow the addition of the warming torrent from the shower made the kiss seem even more romantic.  She kept her hooves on him as she shared his affections.  Cherish moaned as she felt his arms compress tenderly around her.

Their lips broke and she just stared at him, watching the water spritz and splash off his face and shoulders.  A nearly endless smile curled up on her face, before she reached back to turn off the water.

They stepped out onto a few neatly placed towels and used the other larger ones to dry each other off.  “There, that feels better,” Kevin remarked, rubbing a towel over her.

“It sure does.”  She ran her towel over him and smiled as she made sure to dry every inch of him.  “Oh, while you get dressed, I’ll go downstairs and start work on breakfast.”

“Sounds good.”  The two finished drying each other off, and then Cherish left to start breakfast.

Kevin walked over to the broad side of the sink and gathered the clothing she had set out for him last night.  He looked back just as her tail slipped out of the room, leaving him eager to share breakfast with her.


* * * * * *


After getting dressed, Kevin made his way downstairs.  He took a whiff and caught the smell of something yummy cooking.  “Oh wow.  What are you making?” He asked, heading toward the kitchen.

“Come and see.” She called back to him.

Kevin followed her lovely voice into the kitchen and nearly did a double take as he saw her walking his way.  “Oh wow!”

“I take it you like what you see?”  Cherish smiled as she stood near the counter, winking at him and holding up a plate with three fluffy pancakes, topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a dash of rainbow sprinkles.  To top things off, she was wearing the new lavender blouse he had bought her, but what made Cherish look even cuter was that she also had her white apron tied over it.

Kevin smiled.  “Yes, I certainly do.  You look so beautiful.”  He chuckled.  “And even cuter when you winked at me.”

She blushed a little as she sat the plate of pancakes down.  “Well, I wanted a chance to wear this, but I didn’t want to get it messy while I made breakfast.”

Kevin nodded and continued to get a good look at Cherish.  “That shirt really suits you.”

“I know, and thanks again for buying it for me.  You really didn’t have to.”  She returned to the stove and flipped the next round of pancakes.

Kevin ignored the plate and walked over to her, giving her a big hug.  “Of course I did.  The look on your face last night was priceless, and getting that shirt made you so happy.  I just love to see you smile.”

“Kevin.  I…Oh.”  She looked and quickly removed the food from the pan.  “Phew, if I had left these on any longer I might have burned them.”  She turned and grinned.  “That wouldn’t have been good.”

He shook his head and nuzzled her.  “No it wouldn’t have.”  Kevin reached for the plate.  “Here, why don’t I take these over for you.”

“Okay, just let me top these.”  She took the can of whip topping and added a nice mound to the steaming cakes and then shook some sprinkles onto them.  “There, all set.” Cherish nodded.

Kevin grabbed the second plate and walked both over to the table.  After setting them down, he pulled out a chair and sat down.  She joined him as she took a seat.  He eyed up the stack of big fluffy pancakes.  “Man, what did I do to deserve such a fancy breakfast?”

Cherish smiled and shook her head.  “Oh come on, these are nothing fancy, but I knew you’d like them.”  She continued to smile as she tapped the edge of his plate.  “Go on, take a bite.”

Kevin glanced down at them.  He took his fork and cut a small piece out of one, then popped it into his mouth.  His eyes widened as he enjoyed chewing the morsel even more.  “Mmm.” He swallowed then looked at her excitedly.  “You put chocolate chips in these too?!”

She giggled, placing a hoof over her mouth.  “You bet I did.  I know you love your pancakes that way.”

“Aww yeah,” he remarked enthusiastically taking another bite.

Cherish started digging into hers and then offered him his choice between normal syrup and chocolate syrup.

After they cleared their plates, Kevin patted his belly.  “Mm-mmm.  That was delicious, I’m nice and full.”

“I’m glad you liked it.”  She sat back in her chair and relaxed a moment, then she said, “So, are we going to head for your place after we clean up?”

Kevin nodded.  “Yep.  It’s only a little after nine.  So we have plenty of time yet, besides, I don’t think it’ll take long.”

“Great, then let’s take care of this mess quick.”

“Sure thing.”  He smiled as they stood up and went right to work cleaning up the kitchen.  Then, once the dishes were done, they grabbed their coats and set off for Kevin’s place.
> Chapter 5 - "Moving In"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun had already risen into a partly cloudy sky, while Cherish Heart and Kevin made their way to his house.  Their walk from her place had only lasted about seven minutes, before they arrived at his.  Kevin’s home was in a fairly new section of houses in Ponyville, along the northwest corner.  It was where the majority of the humans lived, but they weren’t alone, no, there were also quite a few ponies sharing this area of town as well.

Kevin’s house itself was considerably simpler than Cherish Heart’s and a little smaller.  On the outside, it had a very similar motif.  The dwelling was made of the same sturdy oak and also stained a pale almond.  The roof was a little more modern and was made of charcoal gray shingles, rather than thatched like hers.  Everything was on one floor, but like Cherish’s home it did have an attic and a basement.

Kevin reached into his pocket and dug out his key.  He unlocked the front door and stood aside as he let his mare enter, then followed behind her.  Cherish removed her coat and let out a happy sigh.  “Ahh, it’s not nearly as chilly today.  Mmm, and it’s nice and warm in your place.”

He chuckled as he hung up his coat.  “Yes well, I learned you never turn your furnace off when you’re away, not unless you want to come home to an ice box and worst of all frozen pipes.”

Cherish looked back and gave a nod.  “That’s the smart thing to do.  And I’m glad you do the same as me.”  She laughed a little self-consciously.  “Of course, I’m rarely gone from home that much.  Well, unless you count when I go to work and the grocery store.”

“Those would count.”  Kevin walked over and checked his thermostat.  “Hmm.  Looks like it’s a comfy 70 degrees in here.”

“Yeah.” Cherish nodded as she looked around, still finding a good deal of charm to his home.  “We don’t come to your place nearly enough.  You have such neat things set up, and there’s I don’t know, a great feel to this place.”

Kevin laughed.  “Could it be because it’s mine?  And I don’t really have anything special here.  Just some things I bought over the past few years while living in Ponyville.”

She nodded.  “Yes well, these portraits are of places in Equestria that many ponies take for granted, and you found a nice way to display them.”  Cherish also pointed to his fireplace mantel.  “You also found a great place for these figurines of the princesses.”

Kevin stood beside Cherish and rested his hand on her back.  “You’re sweet, Cherish.  And it makes me smile that you still enjoy coming here.  But, I think Button is probably the reason we don’t hang out here more often.”

She grimaced and lightly nodded.  “You’re probably right.”

He moved his arm around her and pulled her closer.  “It’s not really a bad thing.”  Kevin smiled at her.  “You’re a good parent, honey.  I’ve known people that don’t treat their children half a good as you do.  Button is very lucky to have a mom like you.”

Cherish leaned her head against him and placed her hoof over his hand.  Her eyes sparkled as she smiled up at Kevin.  “Thank you, sweetie, you’re always so thoughtful.”

“Anything for you, my love.”  Kevin rubbed her shoulder, then stepped away.  “I’m going to head to my room and start packing some things.”

“All right, I just wanted to look around your kitchen.  I’ll join you shortly,” she replied as she left the living room. Cherish stood near the sink, looking out the kitchen window.  She really enjoyed the view of Ponyville from atop the small hill Kevin’s house rested on.

He left the living room and started back the small hallway.  Her love of the view from his kitchen made Kevin smile as he entered his bedroom.  He looked around, at the simple room.  His full sized bed was centered between the two windows and it had a dark brown nightstand resting on its left side.  There was a matching dresser with a mirror that stood across the foot end of the bed, near the door to the hallway.  There was also a set of shelves with some books and a few collectibles resting on the wall opposite of the sliding doors of his closet, which was to the right of the door to the master bathroom.

Kevin started for the closet, but changed his mind and decided to walk into the bathroom.  It was a smaller room by comparison and wouldn’t take as long to check.  In addition, now that he was inside, he realized he needed to make use of the facilities.  Kevin turned and gave the door a decent push – oblivious to the fact that it hadn’t shut the whole way.

He unzipped and unbuttoned his jeans and gave his underwear a tug, then proceeded to relieve himself.  Kevin had just started to go when he noticed the bathroom door squeak.  “Kevin are you in here?” Cherish asked as she walked in and saw him there.

Kevin’s eyes widened.  “What are you doing?  Can’t you see I’m…”

She giggled and replied, “What, it’s just peeing.  Are you too shy to go in front of me?”

His stream had slowed a little but Kevin shook his head.  “Well, no, but this is more than a little weird.”

“What makes you say that?” She asked, while watching him as he continued to go, getting back up to speed.

“Oh, I don’t know?”  He glanced her way and saw the rather content look on her face.  “Enjoying yourself?”

Cherish nodded.  “Why yes, I am.  It’s rather fascinating.”  She gave him a playful smile.

Kevin turned his eyes to the ceiling for a moment and felt warm and tingly all over.  He wasn’t sure if he was embarrassed or just feeling a little awkward.  

“Wow, you must have had to go,” Cherish remarked, a strong blush rolling across her cheeks.

“Well, I haven’t gone since we woke up this morning.”  Kevin finished up and flushed the toilet.  He lowered the seat and closed the lid, before he walked over to the sink and turned on the water.  “Was that good for…” He glanced over at her.

Cherish Heart was studying his toilet.  “This is a really nice model.”

Kevin got some soap from the dispenser and began to lather up his hands.  “It’s just the one that came with the house.  Though the realtor did say it’s one of the better brands.”

“Yes, this is very nice.”  She lifted the seat and lid, continuing to check it over.

“I’m glad you approve.”  Then he noticed a trickling sound over the water flowing in the sink.  Kevin glanced her way and saw that she had already turned around, parted her hind legs, raised her tail to the side and he blinked as he saw a distinct yellowish stream running out of her.  “What are you doing?”

She sighed contently, then looked his way, smiling.  “I watched you go and since I had to pee anyway – it just seemed fair.”

Kevin continued scrubbing his hands.  He wasn’t entirely sure what to think.  “I guess that makes sense.”  Kevin glanced at her as she continued to go, then turned his eyes away and back to his hands.

Cherish chuckled.  “Are you telling me you’ve never seen a mare pee before?”

That warm and oddly tingling feeling returned to Kevin as he rinsed the soap from his hands.  “No, it never really came up.”

She finished up and dried herself, before doing like him and flushing.  “Really?”

“None of the other mares I was with ever mentioned it,” he remarked while drying his hands, before he looked her way.  “Here, I left the water running for you.”

“Thank you, sweetie.”  She walked over and washed her hooves in the warm water.

Kevin stood beside her as she finished washing up.  “I had no idea you were into something like this.”

“What?” She looked at him furrowing her brow.  “You mean peeing?”

He nodded.  “Yeah.”

Cherish shook her head.  “I’m not really into it.  I had heard some mares talking about it the last time I got my hair done.  And to be honest, their conversation left me curious how a human went.”  She turned off the faucet and dried her hooves.  “Besides, something like this didn’t seem like a big deal to try.”  She felt a slight start.  Her pupils shrank, as she looked his way.  “I didn’t upset you with this or make you mad, did I?”

Kevin shook his head, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.  “No, not really.”  He snickered.  “You just took me by surprise.  I thought you were still in the kitchen, and then you came walking in on me.”

She blushed again.  “Well, I said I was going to join you.  I figured you’d like some help packing.”  Cherish fluffed her mane. 

“Yeah, I’m not sure how much I’ll end up packing.  But what made you decide to do this?”  He looked at her, wonder swirling in his eyes.

“When I entered your room, I noticed what sounded like you peeing.  I saw the door wasn’t completely shut and thought now was as good a time as any to give this a try.”  The blush on Cherish’s cheeks deepened.  “So, I figured what’s the harm?  It was one of the milder things the others were talking about.”  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then turned her head his way.  “Haven’t you ever wondered?”

Kevin nodded as he stood there with her.  “Yes well, I have to admit, I was a little curious to how you mares pee, but I’m not really sure it’s my thing, that’s why I’ve never given it too much thought.”

“Well, maybe you could have gotten a better idea if you hadn’t kept looking away.”  She chuckled.  Her cheeks were still nice and red.

“Maybe, but I felt a little awkward and didn’t want to be disrespectful.”  His cheeks had also turned more than a little red from this whole experience.

Cherish stood up on her hind legs and nuzzled him.  “Don’t worry, you wouldn’t have been.”

He placed his arm around her and sighed.  “Well, one thing’s for sure.  You must be really comfortable around me.  I mean you didn’t seem the least bit tense as you peed.”

Cherish leaned against him.  “I do feel quite at ease when I’m with you, so yes, I’m quite comfortable around you.”  She giggled.  “And it would seem you are with me.  Otherwise I doubt you would have been able to continue.”

“You’re right, honey.” He noted, patting her side.  “Just one question?”

“Yes?”

“I’m not going to have to dread you walking in on me, while I’m doing a number two, am I?”  Kevin turned to look her in the eye.

She shook her head.  “Of course not.  My curiosity doesn’t go beyond the bladder.”

Kevin sighed and pulled her close again.  “Good.  I’m not crazy about it, but if you did have a pee thing…eh, I could probably learn to deal with it, but something other than that I’d have to put my foot down.”

Cherish giggled again.  “Well, you don’t have to worry either way.”

“That’s good to know.  Now then, what do I have in…” Kevin checked the medicine cabinet and closed it.  “Well, I don’t think there is anything I need from here.  Like I realized this morning, you already have just about everything I need for the bathroom.  A toothbrush, razor, bath puff and towels.”

“Of course, I wanted you to feel at home, and since you spend a lot of time at my place.”  Cherish smiled.

“Right.  You’ve always been a great host.  Come on.  We should go out to the bedroom.  I’ll grab some clothes and see if there’s anything else I might need.”

“Okay.”  She followed him into his bedroom.  Kevin walked over to his closet and grabbed his travel bag, before he started looking through the clothes he had hanging up.  Cherish turned and saw his bed.  It was as inviting as ever, making her giddy as she flopped onto it.  She rolled around playfully, enjoying the soft and welcoming texture of his dark blue bedspread.

Kevin had placed an assortment of shirts and some pants into his bag, and then he walked over to his dresser, there he gathered some of his underclothes.  

“Kevin, come here,” Cherish called over to him.

He loaded the undergarments into his travel bag and looked her way. “What is it?” 

She sighed, reaching a hoof toward him.  “Join me.  We don’t get to use your bed that much either.”

Kevin chuckled as he walked over to her.  “Well, maybe we’ll have to change that.”

Cherish sat up and looked at him half-lidded.  “Mm-hmm.”  She reached out and pulled him in.

“Whoa, Cherish.” He gasped somewhat surprised.

She nuzzled her cheek against his very affectionately.  “Mmm, Kevin.” Cherish sighed deeply, wrapping her forelegs around him.

Kevin happily embraced her and ran his hand along her velvety back.  “Wow, what’s gotten into you today?  First the shower, then the pancakes, that odd pee thing and now this.”

Cherish pulled back, her blue eyes glistened as she ran her hoof through his muddy locks.  “I’m just so happy to have someone like you.  You’re so thoughtful, understanding and caring.”  She gingerly patted his cheek.  “I can see why some girls enjoy a bad boy, but you…you’re such a rare find.”

Kevin turned his head away.  “Aww, I’m no one that special.”

She placed her hoof on his chin and made him look her way, while she stared deep into his pale blue eyes.  “Yes, you are.  You always make me feel so needed and wanted.”

Kevin closed his eyes for a moment.  “That’s because in the past, I heard so many things women complained about and said they wished their boyfriends would do.  They were always tired of being desired for only one thing.” Cherish blinked, and continued to give him her full attention.  He sighed as he brushed a stray lock out of her eyes.  “I was determined I wasn’t going to be like them…well not entirely anyway.  And instead, I decided to embrace the things women wished their guys would do. I wanted to make sure they felt needed and wanted, and desired for more than just sex alone.  Besides, it felt normal to me to take such things to heart.”  Kevin sighed heavily.  “Though sadly, I never really had many relationships on Earth.  Well, at least, not the kind I truly longed for.”

She brushed her hoof along his cheek again.  “Kevin…”

“What we’ve shared so far is more like the kind of relationship I’ve yearned for, for so long.  Even though I was with other mares.”  He shook his head.  “We never really connected.  Not like you and I have.”

Cherish wrapped her forelegs around him.  “Now I understand.  It’s part of who you are.  That’s why you didn’t get mad a little bit ago, and that’s why you’re happy to be with me, even when Button is around.”  She looked into his eyes, while hers glistened with devotion.

Kevin smiled, running the back of his hand along her light brown hair.  “Yes.  And that’s also why, even though I’m excited about living together, I’m also scared.  What if I mess something up?”

She caressed his shoulder, fondness still present in her smile.  “I don’t think we’ll have to worry, and besides, if we have any problems, we can always work them out.”  Cherish kissed him.  “That’s another thing I love about you.  You’re always happy to communicate.  And you know something?”

He shook his head.  “No, what?”

Cherish turned her head to the side, her eyes falling partially shut.  “The fact that you’re worried tells me you’re giving our relationship plenty of thought.  It’s reassuring.”

Kevin placed his arms around her and held her tightly.  He nuzzled her cheek and said, “Just trying to be someone you can rely on.”

She nuzzled him back.  “You are.”  Cherish moved so that they could lie down beside each other.  They faced each other as they renewed their embrace.  “Oh, Kevin.”  She kissed him deeply, moaning softly as she felt him respond in kind, wrestling his lips with hers.

Their kiss lasted a few more moments, before it ended.  “Mmm, Cherish.”  Kevin sighed, running his fingers through the shorter side of her mane.

She stared at him as his fingers continued running through her hair.  The loving look on her face quickly changed to a more longing one as Cherish continued to think about what Kevin had said.  His loving touch only added to her resolve, as she became half-intoxicated.

Cherish placed her hoof against his crotch.  Kevin looked at her with some surprise.  “Sweetheart?”

She nuzzled him again, then ran her hoof along his cheek.  “I was just thinking how patient you were with me when our relationship began.”  Cherish smiled.  “You gave me time to decide what I wanted and when I was ready to take things further with you.”

“Well, while it had been a few years, you were still coming to grips with a great loss.  It couldn’t have been an easy decision to make.  That’s why…” Kevin chuckled a little self-consciously.  “Even though I wanted you, I was content to wait till you were ready.”

“You were.” She ran her hoof along his shoulder.  “And after hearing what you just told me.  Mmm,” she kissed his lips.  “I want you, right now,” she remarked, a resounding lust in her voice.  Cherish unzipped his pants and quickly unbuttoned them.

Kevin placed his hand on her foreleg.  “Are you sure?”

She looked at him, an almost pleading look in her eyes.  “Yes, and please, this is one time you don’t need to hold back.  I love that you’re willing to wait, but now…” Cherish took a deep breath.  She was fervent with desire and her body wouldn’t leave her alone until she had what her heart desired most.  “I need you.”

“Aww, Cherish…I need you too.” Kevin smiled at her fondly as he drew her into a tight embrace.  Then, pulling back, he swept his fingers through her bangs.  “I love you, Cherish.”

She moved her forelegs, capturing him in her grip.  Cherish let out a faint moan and said, “I love you, Kevin.”

He released her, allowing her to resume what she had started.  Cherish smiled at him, brushing her hoof along his heart.  Then, she turned her focus back to his unzipped pants.  She all but yanked his underwear down, and lightly panted when she saw his masculinity was at the ready.  She took another deep breath and began stroking him, slowly rubbing her hoof along his length.

Pleasure and exhilaration rippled and tingled from his manhood as Kevin partially closed his eyes, treasuring her affectionate touch.  He moaned softly.  “Mmm, Cherish.”

“Kevin…touch me.  You know where.” She whispered, adding a little haste to her hoof.

Kevin reached down, past her active foreleg, past her slender barrel and beyond her flank.  He smiled briefly in between his pleasant sighs.  Cherish had her left hind leg stretched out and her tail draped out of the way, offering him easy access.  Cherish whimpered and let out a short moan as she felt his fingers brush across her slit.  She sighed deeply as he kneaded her mound, stoking her desire even more. Kevin rubbed her tenderly, walking his fingers closer to the upper end of her crescent.  There, he employed a single finger to push and massage her flesh, drawing out her sensitive nub.  Cherish shivered as she felt two of his fingers press and rub her clit.  She let out a pleasant squeal and moaned as he squeezed her button.  “Oh…Kevin.  More…” She pleaded.

“Mmm…of course, Cherish.”  He continuing to softly pinch her nub and slid one of his free fingers into her marehood, causing her even more pleasure.

She panted and moaned again, swallowing thickly as she moved to kiss him.  Cherish kissed him so deeply, she placed her free foreleg on his shoulder, attempting to pull him closer.  Kevin moaned for her as he deepened their kiss even more, allowing their tongues a sensual embrace.  He took a long breath in and out through his nose as she continued caressing his member and fondling his sack.

Then, just as the kiss ended, he felt Cherish squirm.  She halted her hoof and patted his arm, ushering him away.  Kevin barely had time to wonder why she did this, when he felt her damp flower rub against his firm spire.  Kevin sighed from the wonderful sensation.  He stared deep into her eyes and saw the same unending desire burning brightly within.  Kevin reached out and brushed her silky mane, conveying his own burning lust for her.  As she requested, he wasn’t about to hold back, especially, not if this is what she wanted.

Cherish moved a little, brushing her marehood against his manhood.  “How does that feel?” She asked, running her hoof along his cheek.

Kevin noticed her lightly flexing her hips.  He moaned softly as he felt her nub prodding the underside of his member, right along a particularly sensitive stretch of skin.  “Hmm…it feels heavenly.”

“Mm-hmm.  I thought it might.”  Cherish giggled sweetly as she continued rubbed her self against him.  “Let’s keep going, just like this.”

He closed his eyes for a few seconds, the movement of her firm clit and wet slit stirred a sense of pure ecstasy in Kevin, making it even sweeter knowing how they felt about each other.  Kevin placed his arms around her waist.  “All…all right.  But, aren’t you worried about getting your fur messy?”

Cherish blushed and shook her head.  “No, and I doubt you’d get too much on my fur.”  She chuckled, brushing the side of his head.  “And don’t give me that look.  If your blanket gets messy, it can always be washed.”

Kevin shared her blush and gave a short nod.  “You’re right.  And this feels, amazing…”

She continued to flex her hips, speeding up the movement of her crescent.  “It certainly does, so just relax.”

“Hmm,” Kevin nodded as he sighed.

Cherish rested her hooves on his shoulders as she relished the touch of his smooth and hardened flesh against her aching curves.  She moaned pleasantly as she felt his hands tug gently along her hips, guiding her motions.

Kevin saw a chance to up their pleasure and he started moving his hips, forming a harmonious rhythm with hers.  Cherish added even more speed to her movements and sighed and moaned as her pleasure increased, along with her breathing.  Her body teemed with delight as every motion scratched her yearning itch.

He listened on with delight as she began to whimper and moan, making the same wonderful sounds he savored every time they made love.  Even though this time they weren’t doing it the way they normally did, this way was still invigorating in its own light.

Minutes passed, and Cherish began to tremble.  Her body seemed to wind up as her pleasure neared the point of overload.  She gripped Kevin tightly just as she cast out a series sensual moans and called out his name.  He felt her shaking as she continued moving, her mound pushing against his staff.

Cherish moaned again and this time Kevin felt a few warm spurts tear out from her marehood, destroying the last of his restraint.  He gripped her hips tightly and continued to rub against her, as he grunted faintly.  Kevin let out a loving moan, calling her name as his body surged, while he broke against her, casting his warmth along her folds.

Through the quakes of their emotional high, the two lovers still managed to keep just a little of their movement going, until they both ran out of strength and grew still, holding each other close as they continued to be the victims of unending bliss.

They took some time to catch their breath, remaining closely embraced.  Then, Kevin shared her loving gaze as their breathing had finally calmed.  Cherish swept her hoof along his shaven cheek.  “That was great…and a wonderful change of pace.” She sighed.

Kevin reached over and caressed her light brown tresses.  “It was.  Mmm.”  He sighed and chuckled.  “I didn’t think we’d make this much use of our time alone.”

Cherish blushed as she continued looking at him.  “Well, I guess we were a little more in need than either of us thought.”

“We really were…and this was so good, like last night before dinner and before we went to bed.”  He caressed her mane while she gave him a loving stare.  “Oh, here.”  Kevin reached back to the nightstand and grabbed the box of tissues.  “I wonder how big a mess we made?”

She giggled and shook her head.  “It doesn’t matter.  I’ll help you clean up if it’s bad.”  Cherish smiled as she removed several tissues from the box.  The couple pulled back and surveyed the aftermath.

Kevin nodded.  “Will you look at that.  It’s not nearly as bad as I though it w-would b-be.  Mmm.”  His words halted as she wiped the fluids from his manhood.

“There you are, sweetie.  Oh, ahhh…” Cherish sighed contently as he used the tissues he grabbed to cleanse her marehood.

“That should do it and thank you, honey.” Kevin smiled as she spied the waste bin and tossed the used tissues into it.

“You’re welcome, and mmm, thank you for returning the favor.”  She chuckled as she balled the tissues up and gave them a pitch into the trash can.

Kevin covered himself and gave the bed a good look.  “Nice, the bedspread didn’t get messed up.

Cherish shook her head.  “Nope, oh and look, my fur and my blouse are okay.  See, I told you it would be all right.”

He laughed and nodded in agreement.  “You certainly were.”  Kevin placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a kiss.  Then the two shared a few loving cuddles.  “Well, as much as I hate to see this end.  We are still on the clock.  And I need to check the kitchen.  I want to make sure I don’t have anything that will go bad over the next few weeks.”

Cherish sat up with Kevin as her eyes widened.  “Oh yeah.  You probably have some meat in there.”

“Yeah.  I wouldn’t want that to go bad.  Oh, but will it be okay to put it in your fridge?”

She nodded.  “Yeah, Button knows better than to touch any of the meat I keep in there, and I have that spare drawer I can keep it in.  Oh and if you have any in your freezer we can keep that frozen in mine.”

“Sounds good to me.  Let’s wrap things up then.”

“Mm-hmm.” She nodded as they left the bedroom and made their way to the kitchen.

It didn’t take long before the two of them finished in Kevin’s kitchen.  He gathered his travel bag and the few food items he was taking.  Then, Kevin and Cherish Heart left his place and made their way back to her house.


* * * * * * 


“I just thought you’d like to know, so you two don’t worry when Button doesn’t show up at noon.” Thunderlane smiled.

Kevin nodded and shared Thunderlane’s smile.  “No, I appreciate the heads up.  So they’re all having a really great time?”

“Mm-hmm.  So great in fact, they don’t want it to end yet.” He chuckled and held up a hoof.  “So, I offered to let the parents of everypony know that we’ll be a little later with things.”

“No problem.  Thanks again for the heads up.” Kevin waved as Thunderlane departed.

“Anytime.” He waved a hoof back as he trotted off.

Kevin closed the door and made his way over to the sofa.  He ran a hand over his travel bag.

“Who was that, dear?” Cherish Heart walked into the room.  “Oh, I put your food items in the fridge and freezer.”

“Great.”  Kevin walked up to Cherish and drew her into his arms.  “I have some good news.”

“Oh?” She ran a hoof along his forearm.

Kevin stroked a lock of her mane.  “Yeah, that was Thunderlane.  It seems the colts and fillies are having such a great time that they won’t be back till after three, more like four this afternoon.”

A gleeful smile formed on Cherish’s face.  “Wonderful.  While I’m really looking forward to seeing Button.  This will give us more time to get you settled.”

Kevin glanced at his travel bag and then back at her.  “Uh, how long will it take to run my bag upstairs and put my clothing away?”

“That’s just it.” Cherish gave him a happy look.  “There’s something I want to show you and if it works, I also have something I want to run by you too.”

He gave her a puzzled look.  “And what’s that?”

“Oh…just come with me.”  She slipped out of his arms and headed for the hallway that led past the kitchen.

Not wanting to be left behind, he followed after her.  Kevin caught up to her and noticed she seemed to be rather enthusiastic, seeing as she was flipping her tail back and forth.  He couldn’t help but smile each time he caught a glimpse of her marehood.  This must be big if she was this excited.

“Why are we heading to…oh.”  

They stopped at the back of the hallway.  Just past the kitchen was the washing area, to the left was the door to the basement and at the end of the hallway was another door Kevin had concluded must lead to a pantry or coat closet, but the look on Cherish’s face said otherwise.

“In here.  This is my old bedroom.”  She clicked the doorknob and opened the door.  Kevin always wondered what some of those windows outside of the house were to, but he had no idea they were for another bedroom.

“Whoa…” He followed her inside.  There was a distinct stale smell in the room and everything seemed to have a coating of dust.  “How long has it been since you used this room?”

Cherish walked over to the bed and froze.  Kevin walked up to her and placed a hand on her back.  “Cherish…are you okay?”

She looked back at him, tears in her eyes.  “A…a while.  This was where I, I used to sleep with…”

Then it dawned on Kevin, the layers of dust and the fact that the room had gone unused for some time.  “This was the bedroom you and Button’s father used to use, isn’t it?”

Cherish made her way over to him and buried her face in his belly and placed a hoof around him.  “Mm-hmm.”  She sniffled a little.

Kevin ran his hand along her mane.  “Why did you bring me here?”

She sobbed a little more, then pulled back.  Cherish cast out a long sigh.  “I thought to celebrate your moving in, we could use this room.  It’d offer us more privacy since Button’s room is upstairs and it has its own full bathroom.” She pointed to the door on the right side of the room.

“Oh, I see.” Kevin kept caressing her hair.

Cherish nodded and took in a shaky breath.  “Yeah.  Only, I didn’t think after three years that I would still get so broken up coming in here.”

“You two must have spent a lot of time in here.  I know you loved him a lot.”  Kevin leaned down and kissed the top of her head.  “We don’t have to use this room…not if you aren’t ready.”  Kevin gently pulled her into a hug.  “Causing you pain is the last thing I want to do.”

She placed a hoof on his arm.  “I know, Kevin.  That’s why I still want to try.  Maybe if we clean this place up and change a few things around.  We can use this room to make some new memories.”  Cherish smiled up at him.

Kevin reached out and wiped a few wayward tears from her eyes.  “Only if you’re sure.”

Cherish nuzzled against him.  “I am sure.  That’s why I was so happy that Button would be just a little later.  We can clean up and get this room ready for tonight.  It’s not so dusty.  And I can use the fresh sheets from the bed upstairs on this one.”

This time Kevin froze for a moment.  “Ooh, will it be okay?  I mean the two of us in your old bed…I mean…yeah.”

“Oh, are you worried about the bed?” She gave him a thoughtful look.

“Yes.  Will it be okay since I wasn’t…oh, I’m going to stop talking now.” He shook his head, since the words just didn’t want to come out right.

Cherish placed a hoof under his chin.  “Don’t worry.  We’ll freshen up everything.  And if need be, we could switch beds or get a new one.  Though, he and I used the one upstairs quite a bit in the past.”

“Really?” Kevin gave her a curious look.  “But it’s always so fresh.”

She nodded.  “Mm-hmm.  You know I like to keep my home tidy.”  Cherish grinned sheepishly.  “Well, aside from how I let this room go.”

“It’s understandable.  But, if you’re serious, then, why don’t we get started in here?” He ran his hand along her shoulder.

“Okay.  Sorry about that little outburst.”  She patted his arm.

“Don’t apologize.  I lost someone close to me two years before I left Earth.  I know how grief can sneak up on you, even when you think you’ve gotten over losing someone.”

Cherish gazed deep into Kevin’s eyes.  “You really do know, don’t you?”

He closed his eyes and nodded.  “Yes.  My father, and even though I was 25 at the time, it still hurt.”

She just pulled him into a hug.  “Kevin.”

Kevin sighed.  “Cherish.”  He patted her back as they savored their embrace.

The two moved apart and she gave the room a cursory glance.  “If you go upstairs and get the clean sheets from the dresser.  I’ll get started dusting in here.”

Okay.” Kevin smiled as he stepped out to get the fresh bedding.


* * * * * *


Nearly two hours had passed since Kevin and Cherish began cleaning up her old bedroom.  They remade the bed with the fresh sheets and a clean blanket he got from upstairs.  Afterwards, the two started the long process of sweeping and dusting the room.

Kevin was sweeping the floor, while Cherish was dusting the shelves.  As she ran the duster over the one shelf, she kicked up a small cloud of dust.  It wafted its way over to her and up her nose.  “Ah, ah…ah, AH-CHOO!!”  Cherish sneezed and sent the dust cloud back toward the shelves.

Kevin walked past the nightstand and clipped a clean tissue.  “Here, honey.  You might need this.”  He offered it to her.

She sniffed a little as she took it from him.  “Thank you, sweetheart.”  She blew her nose and wiped it dry.  “Ooh, darn dust allergy.”

Kevin chuckled.  “I think dust has that affect on all of us at one point or another.”  He grinned.  “Here, let me crack this window.”  Checking for any locks, Kevin opened the window about an inch or two.  Fresh cool air flowed into the room.  “There.”

“Dust always seems to make me sneeze.” Cherish blushed a little as she walked up to him.  She rubbed against him.  “Thank you, Kevin.”  Cherish looked around.  “Well, aside from the shelf and the floor, I think we’re almost done.”

“Yeah, but do you have some air freshener or maybe a scented candle or six we could burn to take that staleness out of the air?”  He looked her way.

She closed her eyes and nodded.  “I do.  We can burn a few this evening.  For now, I think it’d be best to keep the window open.  Don’t you?”

“Actually, that would help freshen the air.  And as long as we close it before dark, it shouldn’t affect the furnace too much.”

“Nope.  Come on, let’s finish up.” She smiled as she picked up the duster.

“Sounds good.” Kevin gave her a happy look as he grabbed the dustpan and swept up the dirt and dust he gathered into a neat pile.

After finishing with things, the two put the cleaning supplies back in the small hall closed near the washer and dryer.  Then, Kevin and Cherish returned to the bedroom and stood together.  “What do you think?” She turned her head his way.

He gave a few nods.  “Yeah, this looks a lot better.  Air it out a bit and burn a candle or two and we’ll be good.”

Cherish smiled at him as she walked over to the bed.  “You know, we haven’t even given this bed a test yet.  We can just lay down and see how it feels, don’t you think?”

“Hmm.” Kevin placed a hand to his chin.  “Are you sure you’re ready?”

She closed her eyes and nodded.  “I think so.” Cherish gave him an affectionate look.  “If you join me.”  She sat on the bed and stretched out on her side.  “Coming?”

“Of course.” Kevin smiled as he walked over to the far side of the bed, near the window.  He joined her and lied down.  “Hmm, this is pretty nice.”

“Mm-hmm, and fresh and clean too.” Cherish giggled softly.

Kevin nodded as he moved to face her.  “It is.”  He reached out and ran his hand along her barrel, running it from her shoulder, along her blouse and stopping shy of her cutie mark.  “Would you like to cuddle?”

Her face lit up. “Love to.  Come here, sweetie.”  Cherish reached out her forelegs as Kevin inched closer to her.  They embraced and began nuzzling their cheeks together.

“Mmm, this is nice.”  Kevin sighed contently as he caressed Cherish’s mane.  “It just needs one more thing.”

She tilted her head and looked at him.  “Yes?”

“This…” Kevin placed a hand on her cheek and leaned in to kiss her tenderly on the lips.  She wrapped her hooves around him, while he snagged her in his arms.

Their kiss lasted for almost a minute, before their lips moved apart.  They remained embraced as she smiled over at him.  “That was just what we needed.”  Cherish let out a soft yawn.  “Oh, cleaning up this room was a little exhausting.”

“Yeah.  It was.” He joined her in letting out a yawn.  “Hmm, maybe it would be okay if we just rest our eyes.  Besides, the front door is unlocked, just in case.”

“Uh-huh.  But I’m not sleepy.” Cherish smiled weakly.

“Same…same here.  But, just for a moment…yeah.” Kevin smacked his lips as he nestled closer to Cherish.

She did the same as they both closed their eyes.  “Only…for a bit.” Cherish sighed as they both grew quiet and dozed off.


* * * * * *


The house was quiet as Button entered the living room.  A single lamp was lit, but it was only starting to get dark outside.  He trotted around the living room, the propeller of his beanie spun around as she surveyed the area.  “Huh?  Is that Kevin’s bag?”  Button blinked.  “Mom?”

There was a noise Button thought came from the kitchen.  He made his way out and into the kitchen.  Only a solitary nightlight was lit in the empty room.  “Hmm.” Button placed a hoof to his chin.  Then, glancing back the hallway, he noticed the door open to the back bedroom and a light on inside.  “Huh…did mom open the old room?”  Button shrugged his shoulders and walked back to the bedroom.  He smiled as he saw his mom and Kevin lying on the bed.  “Aha, I found you!”

Kevin moved a little and groaned.  “Button, not so loud…can’t you see.  Wait?”  He blinked his eyes and looked at the foot end of the bed.  “Hey, welcome home, Button!”  Kevin rubbed Cherish’s shoulder.  “Cherish, Button’s home.”

“Huh?” She stirred and opened her eyes.  Cherish smiled at Kevin.  “Oh, Kevin.”  She looked down and saw Button.  “Oh, hi, sweetie.”  She blinked.  “What happened?  When did you get home?”

“Uh, just now, mom.” Button grinned.

Kevin chuckled as he rubbed her shoulder.  “Looks like we fell asleep anyway.”

Cherish giggled.  “It would seem so.”

“I don’t get it.” Button stared at them curiously.  “Why did you fall asleep and in here?”

Cherish moved over and patted the spot between her and Kevin.  “Come on up, Button.”

“Okay.”  He hopped up on the bed and crawled up between them.

“I thought it was time this room was put to some good use.  So, Kevin and I spent most of the afternoon cleaning it up.  And we were just taking a little nap when you got home.”

Kevin’s eyes widened.  “Oh, what time is it.”  He glanced over at the alarm clock.  “Wait, it’s 11:45?”

Button blinked at Kevin.  “No, it’s almost 4:30.”  He grinned.  “We all had a really good time and kept talking.”

Cherish pulled Button into a hug.  “Well, I can’t wait to hear all about it.  Mommy, missed you.”

“I missed you too, Mom.” He turned to Kevin.  “And I missed you too, Kevin.”  Button smiled.

Kevin slid over and added to Button’s hug.  “Same here, Button.  Did the dice help?”

Button’s face lit up.  “Are you kidding?  Everypony loved them!”

“Awesome.  So how did everything go?  Like your mother said, we’d love to hear all about it.”

Button nodded and grinned.  “Well, once we got there last night, we had pizza and cake and ice cream.  Then, we played ‘Ponies and Dungeons’ for five hours!”

Kevin and Cherish chuckled.  She patted Button’s shoulder.  “Then what happened?”

“Then, it was time for bed, but the fun didn’t stop there.”  Button really grinned.  “Scootaloo and Apple Bloom started a pillow fight!  They got Pipsqueak and Rumble, but Sweetie Belle and I got the drop on them.  And then…”

Kevin and Cherish happily sat there on the bed and continued to listen to Button talk all about his sleepover.