The Beach
It's a bright and warm morning, as I sit in the living room, reading the Equestria Times newspaper. For this morning, I'm wearing shorts and a white T-shirt. I reach down to the coffee table, picking up my mug of coffee. As I take a sip, I found an article about ponies beating the heat at a new beach that opened up near Manehattan with beach houses that you could rent for up to a week. As good as that sounds, I don't have the bits to go there and I just plan on having a few drinks from the Ponyville bar.
"It's definitely not gonna be a fun day for me," I thought to myself. "I can't go to work because of that fire and now I don't have a clue of what to do for fun, but go to the bar later today."
My name is Echo, a thirty-one-year-old human living with Equestria. How did I get here? It all started five years ago, when I was passing by Canterlot High and saw a woman in her twenties with red and yellow hair sticking her hand through part of the school's statue, as though she were a ghost. I walked by, as though I didn't see anything, then hid behind the statue, wondering what was up with this girl. I quietly snuck to where the girl was and she just... vanished. I thought I was going crazy, but I came out from hiding and looked to the part where the girl sticked her hand through. I place my hand to where she had placed and suddenly, my arm went through, making me retract my hand. It was such a freaky experience; it was like something out of the Twilight Zone. I let my curiosity take over and decided to go in, feeling my body get sucked in like a vacuum.
Everything was spinning with bright colors, as the end of the vortex is a bright light. As soon as I got through the light, I entered a world that I never knew existed. And remember that girl? Turns out, she's the new princess of Equestria like those before her such as Twilight, Celestia, Luna, Cadance, etc. Everypony worried about me being a threat, but I explained that I meant no harm and just got here out of curiosity. I ended up living with Sunset, along with Twilight, until I could get the hang of things around. I ended up living with them for about two months and decided to move out and get a home of my own, including a job. I found a nice house in a quiet neighborhood where the neighbors often come buy for a drink with me or talk about some weird shenanigans that they had during their week.
During these years being here, I came to a conclusion of living here till the day I die. Nice ponies, little of violence, and friends with royalty? How can I pass this up? I learned a lot of Equestria and it's history; Twilight may be a nerd, but she knows much about this world than I do. For Sunset, I learned that she was once a student of Celestia and has been living in the human world, doing wicked things, until Twilight came and made her understand the meaning of friendship. After living in the human world for a long while, she decided that she wants to come back home and live as a princess. I often went on some adventures and enjoyed coming along. One time, I went with her to the Crystal Empire, where I got to meet Cadance, Shining Armor, and their little baby. The stay was nice and I like nearly everywhere being crystal, it's like walking through a cave with pretty crystals.
I often go meet Sunset and we would usually do all sorts of stupid things like having a drinking contest or would walk around Ponyville, talking to one another about our day and what we have going on for later on in the week. I know it's wrong to fall in love with an animal, but Sunset is such a nice mare and she has a nice figure like that of a woman. I want to say that I like her, but I should wait for when the time comes to say. Even if she says no, she might as well find some rich stallion with tons of bits in his pocket. As long as she's happy, then I'm happy for her.
I place down my mug and continue reading any news, then spy a picture of the company building in flames. I work for a construction company and somepony made an error, causing a fire to come on and now we're jobless until the place is back up in running. From what I know, we're not going to work till sometime next week. Suddenly, a knock comes from the door. I place the newspaper, walking to my right, past the couch and up to the door. As I opened it, it was none other than Spike, holding onto a folded letter with Sunset's cutie mark in the middle, holding it together.
"H-hey Echo," said Spike, wagging his tail. "How's it going?"
"Hey, Spikey," I said with a chuckle. "I'm doing okay. I'm jobless because of the fire."
"Sorry to hear about that."
"It's okay. What's up with the letter? Is it for me?"
"Yeah," he said with a nod. "Twilight wanted me to give you this."
"Thanks," I said, taking the note.
"You're welcome. Mind if I come in?"
"Come on in," I said, as the two of us walk in. "So, how's it going with Rarity?"
"Rarity?"
"Yeah," I said, sitting down onto the couch, while he sits on the chair close to the left corner of the coffee table. "Have you gotten to flirt with her?"
"N-not recently," he said, blushing.
"Spike, you need to make a move and win her heart. I believe in you."
"It's... I'm kinda shy."
"Spike, you can do it. You need to dragon-up and let the burning flames of love come onto her."
"Huh?"
"I mean to grow up and ask her on a date. You two know each other longer than I've been here. Put on some fragrance, clean your teeth, wear something fancy, and be yourself."
"I'll try."
"A wise man once told me that there is only 'do' and 'do not.' There is no try."
"Then... I'll do it," he said, getting up to his feet, feeling confident. "I'll go ask her out."
"That's the spirit," I said, standing up for a stretch. "Go get yourself a mare!"
"I will!" he said shouted, rushing towards the door. "See ya around, Echo!"
As he exits, I give out a chuckle, knowing that it feels nice to give him advice. Perhaps I should use this advice on myself; I used to date a girl back on Earth before we broke up after her father disagreed with me being around her. I don't know why her father hated me? I'm a nice guy. Maybe it's the fact that I drink? Whatever it is, I'll never know.
I sit back down and peeling off the sticker of Sunset's letter, opening it up as it reads:
Dear Echo,
How're you doing? I know it sucks not doing anything around in Ponyville, but are you free to do something fun? Was wondering if you'd like to go with me to the beach near Manehattan? I'll pay for room and you'll pay for board. Sounds fair, right? I know you're not rich and all, but I'm willing to be a nice mare and letting you pay for our food. What do you think? The train leaves at noon today and by the time you get this letter it should be close to ten. If you're not interested, I wouldn't mind going alone. What do you say?
Your friend,
Princess Sunset
"The beach?" I said with surprise. "The two of us? She and I?"
I never expected this to happen; was expecting today to be boring, but going to the beach does sound helluva lot better and staying around the house. It's nice of her for having the two of us to split the bits; if she was gonna ask me for rent bits, then we'd be shit outta luck.
"Perhaps this is my chance. I can confess my feelings for her! This is a sign of great things beginning to happen!"
A smile comes across my face, as I place the paper down onto the coffee table and rush towards my room.
"Better get myself cleaned and ready!"
It's near eleven, as I make my way towards the train station in my jean shorts and yellow T-shirt. For this trip, I packed in sunscreen, two pairs of shorts, two T-shirts, two pairs of boxers, two pairs of socks, swim trunks, tooth brush, tooth paste, comb, a towel, and a sack of bits for paying board and such.
The sun beats down onto me, as I wipe the sweat from my forehead.
"Phew," I said, making it to the station. "So hot."
"Hey there, human," said the brown-colored stallion in the ticket booth. "Where to?"
"Ticket for Manehattan, please," I replied.
"That'll be ten bits."
I unzip my backpack and pull out my sack of bits. I reach in and handed him the amount.
"Thank you," he said, as I put my bits back into my backpack. "Wait here for a second."
He was gone for five seconds, then comes back with my ticket.
"There you go, Sir," he said, as I grab ahold of my ticket.
"Thank you," I said. "Have a great day and beat the heat."
"Same to you," he replied, as I make my way into the station stop.
Once passed through, I make my way to one of the benches and took a seat, feeling myself cool down from the shade. I look ahead, looking at the hills, as my mind drifts off. My mind clouds as I think of how our time at the beach will be; running around the beach, splashing one another, playing a game of volley ball, having a romantic dinner at a restaurant, and ending it all with a goodnight kiss.
"Echo... Echo... Yoo-hoo! Echo!"
My mind pops back into reality, as I look to my left to see Sunset, looking down at me.
"Echo?" she repeats. "You there?"
"Oh!" I said with surprise. "Sunset!"
I stood up, giving her a hug. We then break the hug, looking at one another. Sunset wears a red tank-top, short shorts to show off her legs, flip-flops, dark blue sunglasses, and wears her gold crown with a red jewel in the middle. She too brought along her backpack with her cutie mark on the side.
"Good to see you again," she said, as her tail shakes back and forth. "Looks like you're ready to have some fun."
"Yeah, I got packed once your letter came."
"So good to get out of the castle," she said, giving out a stretch, making her breasts squish together. I look away, trying not to be a pervert. "How about you?"
"Same. Being around the house sucks."
"We have a while to wait," she said, as she walks past me and sits down. "Wanna talk?"
"Sure," I said, sitting down beside her. "It's nice to take a vacation. Haven't had one for a while. The boss works us to the near bone and by the time we're done, all I want to do is sleep. It's not so fun, but it's want makes bank."
"I've been dealing with friendship and such. Heh, nothing too new. I have been learning many new things during my time here in Equestria since I left the human world."
"Seen anything new?"
"Was hanging with Celestia and Luna yesterday before I told them about having my vacation. We all had tea and cake, but I brought along with me a bottle of champagne. That stuff hits the spot and even the sisters had a sip or two."
"How're they? I don't see them often."
"They're doing fine. It's nice to see those two."
"She's a great princess, but not as great a princess as you are."
"Stop," she giggles with a small blush on her cheeks. "You're making me blush."
"Can I ask you something, Sunset?"
"Y-yeah?"
"How long was it until you got used to being a human?"
"It was weird at first, but I got used to it."
"I felt weird being around Equestria, too. It's unlike me to live in a society of anthropomorphic animals and other creatures."
"Are you still okay with living here?"
"I don't mind one bit. I like it here. It's full of nice ponies and I'm friends with royalty. My parents told me never to believe in fairy tales and face reality head on. I have, but I never knew that Equestria is such a place and I now live in it. It almost feels like an escape from reality, yet this is reality."
We talked and talked, until the friendship express came. We aboard and enjoyed the ride, seeing wonderful sights of Equestria, including Neighagra Falls. Never been there, but it looks beautiful.
"Ever been there?" I asked, looking at Sunset from across where I sit.
"Not really," she replied.
"Wanna go there, sometime?"
"Whenever I'm free next time we go together somewhere."
"The way you say that makes me feel as though you and I are on a date."
"Date?!" she said, ears up and cheeks red. "N-no! No! No! We're just gonna be together as friends."
"You sure?"
"y-yes!"
"Just kidding," I said, with a chuckle.
"You jerk!" she said, ears flopped down with an embarrassed look on her face.
"Sorry! Just wanted to make this ride give you a chuckle."
"I clearly see you do."
I give out another chuckle, then she too chuckled.
As the train stops, we grab our packs and walk on out and into the city, being large and full of noises.
"It's always so busy around here," said Sunset, as she and I walk along the sidewalk.
"I come here a few times for work," I said. "This place has some good establishments and even good hay burgers."
"You eat hay burgers?"
"Not really. I don't eat hay."
"Why not? Do you get the 'hay fever'?"
"Oh, ha ha," I said sarcastically.
"Gonna go 'hit the hay'?"
"..."
The walk was quiet for the two of us, until we made it, the beach that has been popular as of late. The sun still high in the sky, as fillies play with colts, and mares splashing water with friends, coltfriends, special someponies, or husbands. Some ponies play tether ball, some make sand castles, and I can notice a small party further away. Half a mile from where we stood is the area to where the rentals are, nice houses with some trees around them. Sunset grabs onto my arm tightly, making a loud squeak of excitement.
"We're here!" she shouts, jumping up and down.
"Y-yeah," I said, feeling her breast rub off against my arm. "I'm very excited."
She then let's go, her tail brushing my right leg, like a dog wanting to go on a walk. She then grabs ahold of my hand and drags me toward the check-in. Once in, we make our way towards a mare wearing a blue suit with a flower in the right breast pocket. She was young, about the age of twenty, with brown hair, light brown fur, and large folded wings on her back.
"Hey there," said Sunset, letting go of my hand. "Princess Sunset Shimmer and Echo checking in."
"Nice to see you, princess," said the mare, giving her a bright smile. "We have been waiting for you and your human friend."
"Wait!" I interrupt. "You booked me in before telling me?"
"I... kinda knew you'd come," she said, ears twitching.
"I'm not mad, but I'm rather surprised you booked for the two of us in advanced."
"That'll be two hundred bits," said the mare.
Sunset reaches into her pack and pulls out a large sack. She reaches a hand in there and hands the mare the said amount of bits.
"Thank you, princess Sunset. Have a good time here. You too, human."
"It's Echo."
Sunset puts her large sack of bits onto her pack, as the two of us exit.
The rented house looks fantastic! Full of space, a large sofa, a bar of five drinks, two large bedrooms, two bathrooms, and best of all, a porch to look out at the beach. Being here is totally worth it; I'm so glad I agreed to this.
"Damn!" I said with amazement, looking back at Sunset, who stands in the middle of the living room taking off her glasses and with crown in the other hand. "This place is perfect!"
"I agree," she replied. "Reminds me when I went to the beach back in the other world."
"Phew," I said, reaching to the bottom of my shirt. "It's very warm here, yet it's also cooler than in Ponyville."
I pull off my shirt and have it lying on my right shoulder. Sunset's face grows red, along with biting onto her lower lip. I guess my body is too good for her; I have been working out and eating healthier than the shit I ate back on Earth. Since meat is never on the menu here in Equestria, I resort to eating more greens than I ever had since my childhood and been eating little of sweets like candy and energy drinks.
"Um... E-Echo," said Sunset Shimmer, looking speechless. "Sw-sweet Celestia... I'll go and change!"
She runs off and enters her room, shutting the door hard. I give out a chuckle, knowing that I at least have charm to my body for her to gaze.
"Wait!" I thought. "Oh God! What if the other mare's see me as a stud?! SHIT! Now I worry!"
I didn't come here to be the hot piece-of-ass for mares to gawk at; I just wanted to have a fun time with Sunset and tell her my true feelings for her.
"Don't think like that," I thought, slapping my cheeks. "You came here for fun and tell Sunset your feelings! When she's done, you two are gonna go out and play out in the beach! It's only 2:04 PM!"
"Um... Echo?" said Sunset, catching my attention.
There it was, one of the reasons why men go to the beach, to show off some skin from the opposite sex (in this case, fur). She dwindles with her fingers, as I look all around her figure. Damn, those curves are too damn sexy than the women back on Earth and I love the orange bikini. This is the first time seeing her in a bikini.
"S-stop staring," said Sunset, making my face bright red.
"S-sorry," I said, looking away. "You look... good in that."
"Is it that good?"
"Y-yeah."
"Too good?" she asks in a teasing tone. "Does my body look that good?"
"S-stop! D-don't tease me!"
"Well, you teased me with your... sexy abs."
"I do a lot of construction. Think of it as a workout."
"Well, mister workout, wanna go to the beach or do you want to stay here looking se- I mean, being bored?"
"I'll go out," I said, rolling my eyes with a chuckle.
"Good. I wanna feel the water."
"Want me to help you swim?"
"I can swim, thank you very much," she scoffed, as the two of us exit the house.
I take off my shoes and socks, leaving them on the patio. We then walk onto the sand, feeling its warmth pass though our toes and all around our feet.
"How's the sand?" I asked, looking to Sunset.
"Feels nice," she replied. "Can feel them coming pass through my feet and sandals, making it a bit heavy to lift my feet."
"Want to take them off?"
"Too late now. We're already on the beach and I like wearing these on hot days."
"As you wish, Sunny."
"Sunny? Man, I haven't heard that nickname in a while."
"Mind if I call you Sunny from time to time?"
"I don't care."
"So," I said, as we stopped our walk. "Want to get in the water?"
"Sure! I wanna swim!"
"Then what are we waiting for? Last one in is a rotten egg!"
I run towards the water, with Sunset catching up from behind. As I walk through the water, my pace slows down, then stopping as the lower half of my body is underwater. I turn to see sunset slowly walking up to me, smiling.
"Sandals slowing you down?"
"Y-yeah," she said, now standing in front of me. "But here we are."
"Gets me the chance to do this!"
I splash onto Sunset, making the fur on her arms wet from blocking her face.
"Hey!" she said with a laugh. "Splash back!"
She takes a handful of water and throws it toward me, hitting me in the chest. The two of us continue splashing one another, as though we were kids. After the tenth splash, I walk further into the water, making more of my body feel the cold and wet sensation of the ocean. My head was the only thing poking out of the water, as Sunset starts swimming toward me. Unlike me, she's three and a half inches smaller than I and she is now at the point where she needs to swim.
"Woo!" she says, swimming towards me. "Can you help a mare out?"
"Of course, Sunny," I said, stretching out my hands.
She reaches my hands, making me pull her closer to me, as her breasts bump against my chest. My heart skips a beat and possibly hers too, because a blush appears onto her face.
"S-sorry," I said, as I move back a bit, still holding her hands.
"It's okay," she replied. "Oh!"
"What?"
"I feel something brushing against my leg. Is it a fish? A SHARK?!"
"Do not worry, Sunny," I said, shaking my head. "I'm right here. I just felt it brushing against my leg, too. It's not a shark. It's just a small fish."
"Oh... okay."
"Wanna swim around more?"
"I'm not gonna have a small fish ruin things, so yeah, let's keep swimming."
I take in a deep breath and place my head underwater, then bring it back up, with my hair all wet and slick. Sunset comes up, her hair all slicked down with a strand of hair in her muzzle.
"Come on," I said, swimming away to the other ponies. "Let's go with the others."
"Can't we stay here? It's nice because there are little of ponies over here."
"What's wrong? Jealous that some mare is gonna flirt with me?"
"N-no!" she shouts.
"Then come on."
"Ugh, fine!"
I swim slower, until she is to my left. I look to her, seeing her give me a slight smile, before she picks up the pace.
"Damn, she's such a tease," I thought, as I too pick up speed.