Beauty Unparalleled
It was an average day in Canterlot, the birds nestled and chirped in their shady homes in the trees, the clouds rolled overhead in a gentle wind, and Celestia’s sun shined warmly upon the earth below. The local ponies went along happily in their day, dining on the patios of their favorite tea and pastry spots, trotting along the storefronts down the main stretch, or relaxing in the tranquil parks and gardens of the equestrian capital. That was not to mention those who still worked during these early afternoon hours, which was much of the population of the city.
For you, Canterlot’s resident human (and the only one in all of Equis), it was not an average day. No, it was the day out of the week you always looked forward to: Friday. Not only did you work half-shifts on Fridays, giving you plenty of free-time in the warm afternoons, you knew today was the day you’d get to make your way down to the parade grounds. The idea of spending a calm and breezy afternoon at a flat, open field might seem puzzling to anyone not looking to enjoy a picnic (and even then there were plenty of parks with benches and shade), but you knew it was the best idea you had in your mind at this moment, and marched with pure assurity to your final destination.
And soon you found yourself standing at the edge of the paved Canterlot road, a red-brick and iron-bar fence between you and your destination. After-all, the parade grounds were part of the Royal Barracks, and were only open to the public during seasonal events. Luckily, you had spent enough time scouting the perimeter to know that this spot here was perfect.
So, stepping onto the bit of grass turf that was laid between the sidewalk and the fencing, you set your metal lunch box through the bars of the fence, and make your way to one of the brick columns. Climbing over was easy, and once your feet touched the grass you retrieved your lunch and made your way under the shade of a lone tree just a couple feet away. Gazing down at the watch on your wrist, you knew it would soon be time. You put down your metal lunchbox into the grass, took your water and sandwich from it, and settled down in the shadow of the tree-leaves.
Just in time too. First came the clattering of metal and the light rumble of hooves upon the earth, then the barks and shouts of orders, and your eyes were caught by the shine of golden armor and the ponies which wore it: The Royal Guard; or most of them anyway. The sight of the columns marching in unison less than sixty yards away filled you with excitement, their colorful banners flapping and snapping in the wind.
Friday was the Royal Guard’s Drill day, and it was always something you looked forward to towards the end of your work-week. Not only did it spice up your otherwise mundane and quiet day, but it gave you the chance to see her. From your pocket you fished out a little metal cylinder, unhooked the small latch with a snap, and extended it to full length, and held it up to your eye and began scanning the golden ranks.
You recognized her unit’s colors immediately, and waited for the formation to turn towards you as they marched about the field. At the head of the column, just beside the bearer and drummer, there she stood: a creature of beauty and grace, her golden armor polished beyond a shine, her pale aquamarine coat brushed and without blemish, her dark and light blue tail trimmed and groomed, even from your place so far her amber eyes seem to brighten the world with their aura.
You felt your heartbeat just a bit faster than normal, and your throat felt dry suddenly. You remedied this with a sip of your water and a bite of your sandwich, and it helped just enough for you to focus on the show, and on her. The ranks sat at parade rest for a moment, before continuing on with their maneuvers, stopping once or twice to be inspected by the platoon sergeants.
Occasionally a guard will come by, the same earth pony stallion who you’ve seen get put on perimeter watch the past few weeks, but you easily avoid detection by climbing up into the branches of the tree, a lesson hard learned after nearly getting caught once before. Even though you had made it over the fence barely in time for him to see you, he still told you to get lost.
You almost chuckle at the memory as you watched him trot by, though you do make note of the extra second or so he took to check around the shade of the tree before he’s off again. The stallion wouldn’t be around here again for another thirty minutes, so you’re in no rush as you gently come down from the tree, lunchbox in hand. Though, considering you’ve finished your lunch, you decided it was best to stash your box on the other side of the fence, and to continue watching the show with your little telescope.
Though, the little guardsmare you’ve had your eyes on gets your mind wandering. From the time you first saw her on patrol that day, you knew you needed to at least know her name, but your dreams were dashed as she disappeared into the crowded market streets. Despite that, you were determined to see her again, even one last time. After a bit of asking around and information gathering, you learned that the Guard had these outdoor drills on Fridays. That was all weeks ago, and so here you stand now.
But there was another set of problems: how would you get to her? It wasn’t like you could just go out there and talk, you hadn’t seen her on patrol since the last time, and you weren’t allowed inside the barracks. You chewed your cheek as you thought of solutions, ran scenarios through your head, pondered other factors. It would be a really tricky situation.
“Hey you!”
You were broken from your thinking by a gruff voice, and to your right saw the stallion guard rushing towards you.
“Son-of-a-bitch!” You hissed under your breath, collapsing your spyglass and rushing to your feet.
The guard was on you before you could take one step, his baton half-way from its sheath, “I knew I’d catch you around here again!” He barked.
“Look, Officer, I–”
You try to respond but he cuts you off, “Didn’t think I’d come back to take a quick peak again, would you? You’d have almost gotten away with it.” He squints his eyes, “Almost.”
“If you’d just let me explain, I was–”
“Explain what?” He snaps, “You’re trespassing on Royal property, is what it is. And what's with the little telescope, huh? Are you spying on us? You a griffon spy, maybe?” The stallion has the baton out fully now in a hoof, pointing it at you accusingly. “I ought to drag you down to the dungeon right now! Let the Captain interrogate whatever information you’ve got outta’ ya. Why I outta–”
A new voice cuts off the stallions rantings, “Private Long March!” You and the stallion turn to see a platoon of ponies standing there, their spears at rest in hoof. The one that leads them takes a step forward, the gray stallion clad in purple armor with gold trimmings.
The stallion called Long March beams, “Captain Swift Mist! Sir, I caught this trespasser…well, trespassing!”
Swift Mist doesn’t seem pleased however, and his next words come out almost a growl, “Private, holster that baton.”
Long March pauses and looks between you and the Captain, a bead of sweat forming on his brow, “But Captain, he could be a spy! I’ve caught him here on the Grounds twice in the past two weeks! He has a telescope and everything!”
The Captain takes another step forward, bearing down on the Private, their muzzles almost colliding, “That’s an order, Private.” Long March relents, and holsters his baton, “Back to your post.” The Captain finishes, and you watch as Long March goes away along the edge of the fence the way he came.
“You can put your hands down now.” Realizing that you’d thrown your arms up instinctively, you slowly lower them, “Now, would you mind telling me what you are doing here?” The Captain asks.
Lips feeling a bit dry, you answer, “I was, well, admiring the display of your company, and I didn’t think watching from way behind the fence did it any justice, so I wanted a closer look. It was really quite amazing, very fluid and precise.” You explain.
The Captain gave a light nod, “Well I’m glad that all our hard work is being appreciated by something more than the trees and grass.” He looks you up and down, “What Private Long March said isn’t true, I’d hope?”
You shake your head, “Oh no, no, no. Not at all. How could I, I haven’t even been outside Canterlot.”
That gets the Captain’s brow to raise, “So long as you’re not here to cause trouble, and promise not to come back here again, I’ll let you off with a warning. Does that sound fair, civilian?
“It does very much, thank you Captain.” You nod.
Swift Mist turns on a hoof to the ponies behind him, “Go tell the Lieutenant that the situation is handled, and get back in formation all of you.” They salute and start to trot off, “Sergeant Angel! Front and center!” From the crowd trots out a guardsmare, and you feel yourself tense up: it's her.
The mare stands stock still and salutes, “Sergeant Guardian Angel reporting, Sir!”
Swift Mist turns to her fully, “Sergeant, show our little ‘spy’ to the gate, and be back quickly! We still have six more maneuvers before the afternoon is out!
The mare nods sharply and salutes, “Sir, yes, Sir!” With her response, the Captain takes his leave, making his way across the open field towards his troops, leaving you and the small guardsmare before you.
You wave a hand in greeting, “Sorry about this whole situation, Sergeant.”
She shakes her head, “No need to apologize.” Her voice feels silky smooth against your ears, despite her assertive tone. “This is the most excitement we’ve had in days!” She nudges her head against your hand, the warm metal making you freeze, “Just follow me, sir.”
You obliged and wasted no time walking up beside her. The two of you make your way along the edge of the fence, and you can feel the hundreds of eyes of the guards on your back as you cross the open grounds. Eventually the pair of you come up to an iron gate, which she opens with a simple turn of the wedge lock. “You know, I never thought I’d see the resident human snooping around here.” She chuckled.
“Well, I never meant to get caught.” You chuckle back.
She starts swinging the gate open, “Maybe you should work on that.” You see the small curl of a smile on her lips, but then it’s gone, “But please don’t, it can and will get you in trouble.”
“Trust me, I know when I’ve pushed my luck too hard. But I couldn’t not risk it for something so…beautiful.” That last part you mumbled under your breath.
The mare ushers you out the gate and you make your exit, standing there in the entrance watching her close it, “Say, what was your name, miss?” You ask. You had heard it from the Captain, but you wanted to hear it in her own voice.
She looks up at you as she locks the gate, “Guardian Angel.” She replied, “And yours?” You give your name to her, “That’s an interesting one…it suits you.” She smiles again, a bit fuller this time. “Well…It was a pleasure to meet you. I wish we had more time to talk, but I’ve got to be getting back.” The mare pauses in a half turn, eyeing you up and down, it almost seems like she's…hesitant? It was hard to tell. “Maybe I’ll…see you around sometime?” And with that she turns on a hoof and starts on her way.
Idiot! This is your chance! “Hey, Angel?” She looks over her shoulder to you, “It’s fine if I call you Angel, right.” She nods, turning back and giving you her full attention, “Say, um, would you? Hmm…”
“Yes?” She cocks her head.
“Maybe…” Come on, God damnit, you’re losing it! “Would you like to go out sometime?” You feel your heart stop and your cheeks get hot as you hear the words spill forth from your mouth.
Guardian Angel’s face glowed red instantly, the tips of her ears folding and turning rosey even through her aquamarine fur. Her eyes widened, giving you an even better view of those amber irises, “You mean like…on a date?”
You nod, “Y-yeah. On a date.”
Then she turned away.
You blew hot air through your nose and ran your fingers through your hair, “Sorry, that was a bit sudden. Just, forget I said anything.” You turned to leave, trying to hide your own blush, your fist clenched at your own idiocy.
“Wait!” You stop dead in your tracks, and see her trotting up, “When you said you risked trespassing to see something…beautiful, you weren’t talking about the marches were you?”
You come back over to the gate, leaning on the brick wall where its hinges are bolted, “No. I was talking about you.” You corrected.
She pulled away for a moment, and for the first time you see her majestic wings unfurl and she covers herself, even the ends of the feathered appendage burning hot with blush, “Y-You think I’m beautiful?”
You nod assertively, “Beautiful, gorgeous, majestic, heavenly. Do other people not think so?” Alright, you’re laying it on a little heavy, but you already asked out someone you’ve only just met, might as well pile on the icing if you can get the cake.
After taking a moment to compose herself, Guardian Angel lowers her wing and smiles at you warmly, “I’m…not sure. Nopony’s ever been so…forward.” Shifting her hooves, her armor plates clattering a bit, “I’m off Sunday, how about then?”
You raised your eyebrows, “Yeah, yeah! That works perfectly, maybe around 6:30?”
She nodded, “That works for me. I’ll be waiting outside the main gate, in the Royal Plaza.”
“Any preferences?” You inquired.
The mare grinned and turned on a hoof, “Surprise me, you’ve done so already.” She started down the path back towards the parade grounds, “Don’t be late~” And then she was gone.
You stood in silence for a few minutes, trying to wrap your head around what had just occurred, and then, with a burst of energy equal to a thousand energy drinks, you jumped up in the air and pumped your fists. Turning on a heel you canter down the streets with a spring in your step, and ponies can’t help but look at you, wondering what’s gotten you in the best mood of your life. You make it home with no time to spare, you’ve got to make some plans, maybe get a new set of clothes, so much to do and so little time.
You never even realized you forgot your lunchbox on the edge of the fence.
Saturday came and went in a flash, and you had spent the whole day planning your date with Guardian Angel. Choosing a place for the outing was your first obstacle, one which got your head spinning at countless scenarios. After all, the aquamarine mare never told you what places she liked in the city, or her preferred foods, did she like tea or coffee more? Was she a drinker? Perhaps she didn’t want food at all, perhaps a nice afternoon stroll in the park would suffice? Or maybe a night at the grand theater was more her fancy? So many questions that wouldn’t be answered until Sunday.
And you couldn’t even get started on your clothes. Sure, you had only a small handful of outfits to go off of, but nothing really felt like ‘first date’ material. So you stood in your home for hours, mixing and matching tops and bottoms, deciding hat or no hat? Should you wear your casual slip-on shoes or your boots? Dozens of combinations flooded your bed, some sticking around for a few rounds, others getting knocked out as they stepped into the ring.
Then you took a step back and breathed. Clothes were all fine and dandy, but they didn’t help if you were so visibly stressed over your looks during your time together; and a restaurant might have good food, and a theater great entertainment, but none of that mattered if it all didn’t mean anything to you beyond it being a ‘date night’ spot. First impression was key, but it wouldn’t open every lock. You needed this to reflect who you were as a person, and you sure as hell did not wear suits or go to fancy Prench restaurants and watch opera. After clearing your head, and finally deciding on a simple button-up and jeans, you knew what you would do.
That afternoon you set out from your home, and started your way towards the Royal Plaza, it would be a solid ten minute walk from your place and you made sure to check your watch frequently. It was a nice afternoon to be out, the sun’s rays warm on the skin, and the wind was brisk and smooth. You’d have to thank those weather-team ponies at some point for keeping the weather just perfect (and you can’t forget Celestia for deciding to tone down the heat). All in all, it was perfect for what you had planned.
The Royal Plaza was, much like the rest of the city, a grand place. Walls and Columns of marble and quartz made up the surrounding buildings, and their trimmings and detailing of gold and silver helped to break up the plain alabaster architecture. It also had an organic touch, with creeping vines of ivy and rose bushes lining the green spaces besides the stone road. It was magnificent, to say anything less of the Royal Palace’s east wing was an insult.
But you didn’t linger on the architecture long, and started to look for your date. It didn’t take long, as you noticed her sitting down on a bench gazing over a few flower beds. She seemed to notice you immediately as well, as she waved and hopped down the bench, trotting towards you.
“Hey there.” She greeted with a smirk. She unsurprisingly lacked the golden armor that you were so used to seeing her clad in, but rather wore a simple sleeved yellow tunic over her barrel that covered her up to the flanks. On her sleeve you saw the distinct triple chevrons that marked her as a sergeant. Her mane was also fully exposed, much longer and fuller than you expected from a guardsmare; blue bangs nearly covered her eyes while the rest of her flowing locks wrapped around the back of her neck to hang heavily to the other side. To say you liked the look would be an understatement.
You felt the tinge of a smile on your lips, “Hello Angel, I didn’t keep you long did I?”
Angel waved you off with a hoof, “Nah, you’re a bit early actually.”
You kept that smile on, “Well, I didn’t want to keep a mare waiting.”
“Smart stallion.” She chuckled, “So, where’re we heading?”
The two of you started making your way out the plaza, “It’s not the fanciest place, but I’m sure it would be worthy of Celestia herself with a mare as lovely as you there.”
A touch of blush formed on her cheeks, “A bit cheesy there, Romeo. But, you keep up that talk, and you’ll find I’m not a hard mare to please.”
“Romeo, huh?” You half-asked. That old-timey play had surprised you when it popped up here, strangely ponified, “I’d hope we’ll get a happy ending.”
She poked your leg playfully, “That will be entirely up to you.”
The two of you shared a laugh. There-after not much more conversation was had on the way through the city, you figured it would be best to save the back and forth over a cup of warm tea. Soon your destination was in view, a nice little corner cafe at the edge of the city. Just across from it was the Canterlot Park, and even from here the tranquility of that place calmed your soul and relaxed your body. The two of you approached, and sat at the small tables just outside the glass door and windows of the cafe.
Angel looked around, only a few other ponies were here at this hour, but this was clearly a favored spot for some to have warm afternoon tea, “Nice little place, this.” She said, eyeing the little napkins and silverware already placed about.
“Yes, yes it is. The tea is great here, the pastries too.” You affirmed, “You like tea?”
She nodded, “I love it, especially with lots of sugar.”
“Oh, a sweet tea kind of gal, eh? Ice cold with lemon is best, I’d imagine?” You inquired.
“Perfect for a hot day after P.T.” Angel agreed. She went to say something else, but then a waitress came over wearing a simple little white vest with a pen and pad stuffed in its pocket, and at the sight of the two of you, she beamed.
“Hey! Glad to see you making friends!” The mare chriped.
You raise your hand lazily in greeting, “Afternoon, Sweet Leaf. Say, could I get the Tea menu today?” You say motioning over to Angel, who smiled in greeting at the amber colored mare.
Sweet Leaf nodded enthusiastically, and pulled out two little laminated pamphlets from a pocket, “Take your time, we’ve got quite the selection as you know! Maybe you’ll try something new today, hmm?” She smiled at you as she placed the white menus between the two of you.
You give a friendly smile back, “Thanks Sweet Leaf, I’ll hollar when we’re ready.”
Sweet Leaf trotted off humming a tune, and Angel looked at you, “Friend of yours?”
You shrug, “You could say that. I come here enough to be a regular. She knows me by face, really is all.”
“Besides you being human.” Angel points out.
“That would be a pretty dead giveaway.”
You take up one of the menus, scan it, and put it down, you already know what to get. Angel, however, takes her time scanning the pages, most of them are a list of the variety of teas they served, as well as some coffee, and of course their pastry and ‘crumpets’ selection. Though she soons puts it down, “You know, I was going to ask you something earlier.”
With a brow raised you respond, “Ask away.”
“What got you so interested in me that you’d ask me out the first moment we met?”
“Are you asking what else besides your immaculate beauty?”
Angel shook her head, “Cut the cheesy crap, and be blunt with me Romeo.”
You shrug, “Well, besides that I think you’re a very gorgeous mare…” You lean back a bit, “I suppose I just got a thing for girls in uniform.”
Angel opens her mouth and it hangs there for a second, and she seems to eye her own tunic for a moment, then looks back to you. You give her a smile and a wink, and a light blush forms on her cheeks, “Alright, I get the message.”
You notice Angel hadn’t picked the menu back up, even after you were done teasing her, “Do you know what you want?” With her nod, you waved Sweet Leaf over. She took your orders quickly and sooner than either of you would have expected, tea and scones were placed before the two of you.
Blowing on your cup of warm Apple Crisp, you inquired, “How long have you been with the Guard?”
Angel poured some sugar into her cup of Black, “About 2 years now. I was already going strong with the Cloudsdale Air Response Unit for 3 years before getting offered to join the 23rd Scouts. The Guard even made me Corporal right off the bat, and I just got promoted to Sergeant a few weeks ago.” She smugly responded, her voice dripping with pride.
You whistled, “That’s seriously impressive. It would’ve taken at least a decade or more for an enlist to get that far back where I come from.”
She sipped her tea, now properly sweet, “Were you in the military back where you come from?”
You shake your head after sipping your spicy apple tea, “No, but my father was. He was active duty when I was born, he only retired a few years ago.” You pause, “Well, before I got here.”
Angel nodded, “I read about you in the papers, back when I was barely getting into the 23rd.” She chuckled, “I remember a few of my squadmates freaking out about ‘alien invasions’ and having to go to war with ‘The Monkey King’ and all this and that.” She laughed softly at the memory.
You couldn’t help but chuckle as well, “Yeah, strange times those were.”
“And what about you?” Angel asked, “What do you do? I’d assume a lot of places would be scrambling to hire the only human in Equestria.”
“Yeah, especially when I was still a freaky alien monkey person.” You quipped, “But I mostly do editing on the local newspaper, and for a few freelance journalists and authors. Then in my free-time I paint, and that gets me a few extra bits.”
Angel munched on a scone, and if her slightly widened eyes and enthusiastic chewing were anything to go by, she liked it, “So you’re the creative type? My brother is like that. I don’t get how he can be so good with a brush and not get his feathers all gunked up with paint and charcoal.”
“You’ve got a brother?”
She nodded, “Yep! And a little sister. They still live with my parents, up in Cloudsdale.” She looked down at her tea, pawing at the cup with a hoof, “Been awhile since I visited though, I should probably try to get some leave, go and see them.”
You bring a scone to your mouth, “Nothing more important than family.” And you take a bite.
Angel nods in agreement, and for a while the two of you enjoy the tea and pastries in peaceful silence. You stole a glimpse of her every moment you could however, and soon the two of you had finished your plates and two cups of tea each.
“Hey, you down for a little stroll? There’s something I’d like to show you.” You asked as you finished paying for the meal, Sweet Leaf thanking you as she had many times, before trotting back inside the cafe.
“Sure, Romeo! Anything for you.” Angel feigned a swoon before hopping down from her chair, “This was really nice. I’ll have to come by myself on my off days.”
“Why come by yourself when you can have company?” You teased as the two of you set off. It was a simple walk down the road before coming to the entrance to the park. It was a very nice time for a walk, and Angel didn’t seem to mind if her pace had anything to say about it. She seemed excited to see what you had to show her.
It wasn’t long before you were there. At first it seemed a rather unambiguous spot along the edge of the forest, but coming upon it closer, Angel’s mouth dropped. “That’s quite a view.” She muttered.
“Yes it is…” You responded.
Here was a small clearing, where at its edge sat a small marble railing that ran far left and right past your view, and marked the only barrier between the cliffside and thousands of feet of open air. In the distance, the setting sun painted the sky a brilliant array of oranges and cool reds. High in the sky hung Cloudsdale, its rainbows still full and colorful even from here, and far below the town of Ponyville could be seen nestled against the Everfree forest.
In the distant south the brown mounds of the Macintosh Hills rolled into the Badlands, and to the far north the tips of icy-blue mountains broke the skyline, with snowy mists hanging about their pearl white tips. And if someone of keen-eye were to look hard enough, to the far west, where the sun hung at its 7 o’clock, they would see the edges of the Vanhoover hills, and the mysterious lands that lay beyond its borders. It was an absolutely breath-taking sight, and though Angel would have seen much of the same from Cloudsdale, you thought that to have such a view from a place upon earth was extraordinary.
You went to lean upon the marble barrier, not even acknowledging the extreme height of which your head peered over, “...quite a view.” You muttered to yourself, finishing your sentence.
You heard the mare trott up and saw her perch her forelegs upon the smooth marble beside your folded arms, “This is a nice spot you’ve found. Perfect place to do a few fly overs.” She says, but you simply nod in response, intent on enjoying the now cooler winds upon your face and the warmth of the sun, then you turned to the mare.
“I come here a lot. Mostly to relax, but also to think sometimes.”
“I can see why.” The mare agreed, tapping the marble idly, looking up to you, “I’m sure you’ve got a lot to think about.”
You nod, “Yeah, I’m sure a lot of folk do.” You turn and notice a nice and shady tree and without a moment’s hesitation make your way over, and settle down in the cool grass. You watch as Angel does the same, sitting down beside you on her plot.
“Say, what’s Cloudsdale like?” You ask her, eyeing the sky city in the far distance.
“It’s nothing like Canterlot, that’s for sure.” She replies, “Besides the obvious…” She thuds her hoof to the ground a few times, “...there aren’t any snobby nobles waltzing around, none of those fancy foreign restaurants, and of course we don’t get to see the Princesses make their morning debut every day and night.” Angel stopped to think for a moment, “It’s…honestly hard to describe in words just how different and unique it is compared to everywhere else. Though maybe it’s just my home-sickness.” She admits.
You simply nod along, memories of your home coming back to you slowly but vividly. “What was your home like? How were things…over there?” Angel asks.
Biting your cheek in thought, you think of where to start, “For one, it’s a lot…grander in scale.” You wave your hand across the sky, “The town I grew up in, well, you could be up in the old church tower and still not see the end of the houses into the distance. Not the largest city, but a ‘quaint little town’, like my mum used to call it. You could take your time there, enjoy the day, share a cup of coffee in the plaza downtown, and no-one would give a damn.”
“So nothing like Cloudscale, got it.” She chuckled, “Cloudsdale is fast, competitive, traditional in a pegasi’s sense. You’re either the first in line, or you're eating dust. My father always told me, ‘You’ve got to fight for what you want, even if you have to kick a stallion in the balls and rip a mare’s wings off.’” She gave a soft laugh, “I knew what he meant, you’ve got to be willing to work hard, very hard, if you want to be someone in Cloudsdale.” She blew a bit of mane out of her face, “But I’ll tell you, I’m glad to have been raised there, and not some smog-hole like Manehatten.”
“Your father sounds like a strong stallion, a hard worker.” Kind of like your father, “What about your mum?”
Angel’s smile fell just a bit, “We don’t see eye-to-eye very often. She’s a bit more traditional when it comes to certain things, and let’s just say she didn’t think very kindly of me joining the militia, and especially the Guard.” She sighs, “I know she’s just worried. She’s a little hard on my little ‘sis as well. Though it’s been awhile since I’ve seen them.”
After a moment, Angel looked up to you, “And your family, what about them? What were…are they like?” She asked suddenly.
You didn’t say anything on that slip up, and you suppose you owed her a bit for her telling you about her family. “Well, my father was a military man, a lot of his family was. He was in the 14th Engineer Battalion, paved the way for the other guys. He cared a lot about the men he worked with, and had huge respect for people who wanted to serve their country and save lives.”
“He was a good man. Always tried to do well by me and my mother, even when he was deployed.” You pause, “My mother was from a different country than my father. They met when he was stationed there. She was very…refined, I suppose the word is. Always knew what to say, how to act, and who was worth talking to.”
“I guess that’s how she met your father?” Angel remarked.
You nod lazily, “You could say that, I guess. She was kind and compassionate and brave, both my parents were, but she was brave in a way only my mother could be.” You felt a smile touch your lips once again, “She was the greatest woman I’d ever known.”
Angel was quiet for a moment, “Did you have any brothers or sisters?” She eventually asked.
You shook your head, “Nope, only child here. Little ol’ me!” You went silent as well, “But I did have a dog, Thunder. Closest thing to a brother I had. You’d never have met a more faithful, lovable dog.” You sighed sadly.
“You miss them, huh?” Angel said.
You nod, “Who wouldn’t? They were just…the best family a man could have hoped for. They love me, and I love them. Simple as.” For once you didn’t really have any complex metaphors or romantic words for things, it was as simple as the love you held for them.
You felt a hoof touch your elbow, and saw Angel giving you a bittersweet smile, and you returned it, before chuckling outwardly.
“What’s so funny?” She questioned.
“It’s just, I’m honestly kind of baffled that we’re sitting here right now.”
She cocked her head in confusion, “And why is that?”
“Well, I just didn’t think you’d agree to going out with me. After all, I did spy on you.” You chewed your cheek, “Pretty freaking weird now that I think about it in hindsight. But, after I saw you that day in the market, I just couldn’t stop thinking about you. I think I’ve made it pretty clear how awestruck I was by your attractiveness.” You look down to her, “ I didn’t even think you’d have given me a second thought, with me being a human. Besides that, I was honestly expecting you to already have a boyfriend, or even a husband.”
Angel blushed heavily and turned away, “Oh, I’ve had a coltfriend before, though it’s been…awhile, since we’d broken up. He was a real jerk honestly, so…I guess I just haven’t been looking very hard to find another…not that I’ve had many propositions.” With her face under control, she looked back to you, “But, dating is, for one, prohibited between fellow members of the Guard, and I don’t get out very much now, with my new position as squad leader. I used to go out a lot, but now most of my old squadmates see me more as their commander than their friend.”
You saw her muzzle twitch, “They don’t even talk to me much during mess or on our freetime, I guess they’re just trying to get used to the whole, ‘I say, you act’, kind of chemistry we have now, but, it’s…it’s been hard, getting used to it all. Not to mention the Lieutenant breathing down my neck at every given moment.”
She pawed the ground idly, “As for why I agreed? I guess I just find you really interesting. You’re really…a breath of fresh air. I can’t really see why you yourself don’t have a marefriend.”
“Maybe it’s because I’m a weird alien?” You joke.
The mare shakes her head, “I’m being serious. It takes a real blind kind of pony to not recognize your kind personality, or your humor, or your straightforwardness despite all the fanciness you throw around. And especially after everything you’ve been through? I’m sure lesser ponies would have crumbled under the pressure, if not gone insane. That’s something to admire.”
You went to say something, but she cut you off.
“But that’s not all.” Her muzzle switched slightly, as if she had to think an extra second on her words, “Ever since I read about you in the papers, reading all the things they had said about you: about you being the only one of your kind, alone in a world as big as this, doomed to never see their home or family again, I just…couldn’t get the scenario out of my head. And when I saw you standing under that tree during drills? Well…”
She stared off into the sky. The two of you had been talking for awhile now it seemed. The sun was now low in the horizon, with dusk overtaking much of the land, shadowing it in dim light. “I just kept thinking that…that it was just horrible what had happened to you. It’s not something that I would wish on anyone. It’s the idea of such a thing that got me to join the militia, and then the Guard. So no mother would be without her foal because timberwolves snatched them up in the night. So no pony would have their house sacked and burned by bandits. So Equestria could be safe…so my family could be safe.”
Her head hung low and she sighed again, “I know it might sound like pity-talk, but ever since I was a filly, I always felt this need to be there for people that were hurting. Sometimes ponies just need a friend to prop them up, to watch their back. Some need a bit of support to get them through a bit of bad luck. Other times…”
“They need an angel on their shoulder.”
The mare gazed up at you, nodding in agreement at what you said, “You took the words right out of my mouth, Romeo.”
You smile, “Well, I didn’t want you to get all melancholy for my sake.”
She smiled back, “I didn’t mean to.” She sighed, “I guess what I’m trying to say is: I wanted to try and at least be a friend to you. I always figured that if I ever met the only human in Equestria, he wasn’t going to walk away friendless.”
Angel sulked away a bit, “Sweet Celestia, it sounds even worse when I say it outloud.” She looked up to you, likely looking to know if you felt the same about her little emotional tangent. In reality, you were elated.
“Thanks Angel. I…It feels good. Good to know that there was someone out there, a complete stranger at that, willing to give me the light of day.” You smiled warmly.
Her mood seemed to brighten as well, “I’m not usually one to get all emotional.” She said, “It might be this little grotto here, or I guess we both just have had a lot of things to think about.” You nodded to her, and settled against the tree trunk.
The two of you sat there in silence for a long time, the sun having now set behind the horizon, the twilight sky now being visibly littered with the twinkling droplets of starlight as Luna’s moon rose. A cool wind blew in, rustling the leaves of the trees and blowing your hair about. The moon was now poking itself above the horizon, and the night sky shone brightly in its light; with the stars speckling the darkness out of its reach like glitter in an onyx. “I’m glad you brought me here.” Angel nuzzled up a bit against your arm, the warmth of her soft fur welcome in the chilly hour.
You nodded in agreement, “And I’m thankful you joined me.” Looking down, you meant to ask her if she was ready to head home, but you stopped to watch her resting her head against your bicep, taking in all her details as you had many times before: the gentle breeze getting caught in her mane and blowing it lighty in it’s grip, the moon’s rays reflecting itself off her pristine coat, and then you caught her eyes; her amber irises meeting your own, and you stared for a long time, lost in their natural beauty. She truly was the closest thing to perfection in this world.
You felt yourself mesmerized by her gaze, feeling the need to peak further beyond their aura, to see what might lay beyond. You felt her hot breath on your face, and soon the soft warmth of her fur upon your cold and bare skin. You closed your eyes as you relaxed into their embrace, your lips colliding with her own, and you felt her silky smooth hair run along your neck as she angled herself to get better access at your mouth.
It was a bit of an alien sensation, but not one that you dared to question. Rather you embraced it as you felt your lips part slightly, just enough to taste her breath on your own. Black tea, sugar, and lemon flavors all touched your tongue, and you were sure she could likely taste the apple cinnamon and cherry from your tea and scones. Instinctually you glided your arms to her side, feeling the woven cotton of her tunic, and you felt her own hooves, somehow hard and soft all at once, feel up the sides of your shirt up your shoulders, before locking themselves around the back of your neck.
Then you were separated, the need to breathe and the burning in your lungs too great to ignore, and the two of you leaned against each other there at the edge, your grips iron around one another, as you shared breath. “Angel…” You breathed. But you were silenced as she came back in, more forceful this time, as your lips collided once more. This time however, you felt something wet and broad touch your closed lips, and you opened them for her tongue to invade your mouth. You really did taste her now, a mix of the tea and lemon mixed with what seemed to be some strange flavor you couldn’t quite place.
This makeout session didn’t last nearly as long, as a rather chilly gust of wind blew you back into reality, “Sorry.” You say finally, the two of you now nestled against the trunk of the tree, “I…just couldn’t help myself.”
“Don’t be.” Angel purred, “You’re not a bad kisser~”
“Even for an alien?”
“Even for an alien.” She pawed at your neck, “In fact…I think I’m gonna’ have seconds.”
And her lips collided with your own once again, rather forcefully this time. You’re surprised by her sudden entry into your mouth as she tasted you hungryly, her large tongue dominating your own. You do your best to return the favor, wrestling your tongue with hers, but despite you having the advantage in flexibility, her width wins out most of the time.
Then you separated once more, the cold air rushing down your throat as you stood there with the mare in your arms, panting for breath. Then she let you go. You wanted to protest, but any words beginning to form were jostled as she leaned against you, her forelegs on your shoulders and her body laying upon your chest between your legs.
“What are you thinking, Angel?” You ask.
The mare is quiet for a moment, then responds by sitting up and, with trained efficiency, begins taking off her tunic.
“Angel?” You question again, a bit suddenly.
She threw her tunic off, giving you a full view of her soft body, especially her tuft, “What am I thinking?” She asked, before crawling over to you once more. In her motions you finally got a good look at her buttocks, and her cutie-mark: a halo ring, bright gold, flanked by two pristine white wings that seemed to glow in their place upon her flanks. There seemed to be also the silhouette of a pony there, arms outstretched to the skies above, barely visible.
You look between her, and her discarded uniform, “I’m not so sure.” You puzzled.
“Then let me make it clear.” And she kissed you again. This time you were ready however, and met her assault with full force, your tongue meeting her’s half way, and this time you gained the advantage thanks to its sharper shape. You invaded her mouth with fury, exploring every inch of her, all the while her tongue fighting with your own. Then you two separated again.
You were broken from your daze as the mare took the buckle of your pants in her teeth and started tugging on it. “Wait.” You stood up suddenly, jostling her.
Angel cocked her head in confusion, “What’s wrong? I didn’t nip you, did I?”
You shook your head, “No, no. Nothing like that. It’s just…” You rolled your shoulders, “I’m not usually that comfortable being out in the open without clothes on. I don’t have fur like you to cover my…parts.”
Her face turned a bit crimson, but she kept herself composed, “I just wanted to see what you looked like without those clothes.” She asserted, though you had a feeling she wanted more than that.
You looked her up and down, your gaze landing on her exposed body, and you felt your face getting just a bit warmer at the sight, “Alright, but did you have to go after my pants right away?” You looked around at your surroundings, the light of the moon illuminating the little clearing well in its pale light, the night was shaping up to be a nice one.
“I’m sorry if I’m being a bit…assertive.”
“Don’t be. I’m sorry for being a bit jumpy. I’m just not used to much…contact.” You eventually conclude, and so you begin unbuttoning your shirt. It doesn’t take long before your chest is free, letting the shirt fall loose behind you from your shoulders; the cold bites at your bare flesh like the stinging ants as goosebumps from across your body in a wave. Then you notice Angel's big eyes scanning your now unclothed upper form, that touch of crimson blush upon her aquamarine fur growing slightly by the second. You yourself had been hot in the cheeks for some time now.
You heard her mutter something under her breath that you didn’t quite catch. “How about those?” She asks more openly, nodding her head down to your pants.
Considering you were already getting a bit cold, you crossed your arms over your chest, and watched the little mare for a moment.
“Please?” She smiled.
God she was so cute. ‘Fuck it’, you thought, and started undoing your boot-laces. They came off quickly, and you set them aside along with your shirt. She wasn’t surprised when you stood up to undo your belt buckle, though you noticed her eyes watching your work intensely as your fingers moved with great dexterity, even for such simple tasks.
Once your pants were loose, you held them up and slid them down. Instantly your legs were nipped at by the cool air, and you felt a strong shiver go up your spine. You didn’t care how dirty they got, you were sure as hell not taking your socks off. After laying your pants down with your other belongings, you stood before her once again, and opened your arms wide, “Well?” You did a bit of a half spin, “The verdict?”
“You’re certainly unique.” She smirked, “I like it.”
You gave her a look over, and you saw her wings twitch lightly as you scanned her more openly this time. You felt a gust of wind blow through, shaking the trees above and rattling the branches lightly, not to mention sending another light shock of chill across your near-naked body, “Well I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a bit chilly out here.” As the words left your mouth you felt yourself pressed upon once more by something warm and soft.
Angel was on you again, having forced you back against the tree like you’d been before, though this time you felt her body up against you in all its glory. Her fur was warm and amazingly soft against your bareskin, her body feeling almost on fire compared to how you’d felt during your makeout session, and her chest-fluff was like a thick pillow of the silkiest fur you’d ever felt as she rubbed against you, “You said you were cold, huh?” She leaned against you, her hot breath tickling your ear, “Let’s fix that.”
Then you felt her stomach run against your bulge. Just looking at her was enough to get you a little stiff, but after everything that had happened tonight, you were hard as diamonds. She seemed to notice too, and after going in for another deep kiss, you felt her start grinding her lower half against your crotch.
“What happened to just…” You grunt at her movement, “...taking a look?”
Even just the thought of this sexy little mare getting worked up over you was enough to turn you on, but now that she was vigorously near-bouncing on you, well, you felt like you were going to tear your underwear in half.
“Please…” Angel purred, “Don’t tell me all that fancy talk nothing? Don’t you think I’m beautiful, gorgeous, majestic, all that?” She breathed.
“Of course.” You answer simply.
She looked to you with pleading eyes, “Then let me have this. I’ve been so…miserable lately. All the pain, all the stress, all the loneliness. I…I need this. I need you.” She pleaded.
You gave her a wide smile and stroked her neck, your hand running down her side, under where her wings were tucked. You noticed they were getting a bit twitchy, a little stiff even, she was surely in the mood, if your dense ass couldn’t tell already. “Yeah.” You ran one of your hands along the arch of her back from her neck down to her buttocks, “Yeah alright, get off me for a moment will you?”
Once more, she cocked her head in confusion and did as you asked, and you stood up just enough to grab the waistband of your underwear and slide them off you. The effects were immediate, you hard member bouncing free from its thin, stained prison, and Angel’s face was already red as a tomato, but at the sight of your privates her ears got rosey, and her wings stiffened at half length. Though you felt the chilly night air blowing against your exposed balls, the work the mare had done (mostly by just being there) kept your penis hard in the cold.
“Wow…you really are something else.” Angel said, and her amber irises scanned your now exposed lower torso. You let her look as long as she wanted, so long as she came back over and warmed you back up afterwards. When she finally did move, she made slow, almost predatory movements as she laid just before your crotch. What surprised you the most, and actually made you jump a bit against the tree, was when she smelled you. Pushing her muzzle right between the base of your penis, your balls tickled by the fur on her chin. “Celestia, you smell different too.” She moaned.
Then her wide flat tongue licked at the base of your shaft, sending a little shock of pleasure up your spine. “Oh, and the taste.” She muttered before licking up the middle of your penis, “None of that musk that gets caught in the fur, not so sweaty either.” You heard her say, though it was getting a bit hard to focus. Considering you rarely ever masturbate, along with not having any real action in years, you were quite sensitive, and very pent up.
You had to close your eyes. You knew if you looked down at the sexy mare playing with your dick, you’d probably blow your load right in her face, so you tried keeping your mind elsewhere, thinking about what painting you might try next, the couple chapters you’ve yet to finish looking over…where you two would go for your next date. Your thoughts came to a screeching halt as a hot and wet sensation over-took the tip of your cock.
Angel was blowing you, her muzzle bobbing up so your tip laid on the end of her tongue, before going about half-way down your cock. “Christ, Angel. You keep that up and I’m gonna’ cum.” You hissed.
She took one last suck on you before releasing you with a ‘pop’, “Can’t have that.” She breathed, licking you up and down, “Yet.” Moving away from you, out a bit more into the open of the clearing, she sat down and, leaning back on her forelegs, spread her hinds, “Come’on Romeo, lets see if your bite is as good as your bark.”
From here you got a perfect view of her marehood, her puffy mount was rosey and wet with her arousal, and her pink slit was just barely visible from your place. You stood up and made your way to her, the sight of her open and exposed to you making your tip dribble with precum. She laid back as you approached, keeping herself up with her forelegs as support.
Coming down between her legs, there was a strange hint of smell lingering in the air. It reminded you of the air after a cool, summer rain. You weren’t bothered by it in the slightest, and stroked the fur around Angel’s thighs. She twitched instinctively, and her tail flicked up, brushing against your neck and running up your chin. It was also amazingly soft.
You moved your hands closer to her private area, and her tail flicked once more. This time you grabbed it, holding it aside you parted her drenched lips, taking in the sight of her pink insides. You heard the mare intake a sharp breath and her legs twitched more violently this time. Was she really already this sensitive?
“I’m not going too fast am I?” You asked her.
“N-No.” She breathed, “I just…haven’t been touched down there in awhile.”
“Alright, just tell me if I need to slow down or if I’m hurting you.”
You bring your attention back to her lips, tracing your finger up and down her slit, until you finally put your finger inside. You heard Angel hiss a breath again, and her walls clenched hard on your appendage as you moved it around, exploring her depths.
“Oh, sweet Celestia.” Angel moaned, her forelegs giving out slightly, forcing her to rest on her back. You continued to finger her with vigor, adding a second one to your assault. Meanwhile your other hand clenched down on her tail, which was fighting to get free from your grip.
“Hmmph!” She grunted as she slammed her eyes shut, and her vaginal muscles clamped down on your fingers like a vice grip. Her legs shook violently for a moment, and you felt your fingers wetted by a sudden flow of extra fluid. You kept them lodged there until she settled herself back into the grass, and she wasn’t holding you so hard. With a wet slick you removed your fingers from her, and watched them glisten in the moonlight.
You brought them to your nose and sniffed. That rainwater smell filled your nostrils, and then you stuck them in your mouth. She tasted like rainwater too. It was rather refreshing, if you were being honest. You looked back to her face, where the mare was watching you, breathing heavily.
“You need a second?”
She shook her head, “You’re a real magician with…with those hands of yours.” She let her head fall into the grass again, “Now…show me what you can do with that wand of yours.”
“With pleasure.” You laid over her, propping yourself up with one arm just above her stiff wings, casting a shadow over the small mare under you, your other hand holding the base of your penis, “You ready.”
She sharply nodded, steadying herself.
You pressed your tip against her soaked lips, and pushed. You didn’t want to risk hurting her, even with how ready she was, and so you took it slow, fighting against your urge to enter hard and fuck the mare even harder. She squeezed your tip hard, and you hissed a bit at the pressure and the heat of her insides. Soon, you felt yourself bottom out, your tip kissing her cervix, her silky smooth walls wrapping around you like a second skin.
“You feel really good, Angel.” You muttered through heated breath.
She responded by pawing at your chest and shoulders, her mouth hung open in a silent scream of pleasure, eyes clenched shut in concentration as you filled her entirely. You were always curious about the size of the average stallion and how he’d complement the average mare, and frankly you were always worried that you might be a bit small. But judging by your lover's reaction, you were just fine.
“I’m going to start moving now.” You warned, and started sliding yourself out of her. You felt her walls clench where your penis once was, almost pleading to be stretched aside once more. And you obliged, sinking yourself within the mare again, taking it slow the first few times.
Then you started speeding up, plunging yourself into her marehood at steady pace, the wet slaps of flesh upon matted fur reverberating through the trees. She squirmed beneath you, clenching her hooves around your shoulders, as you sent wave after wave of pure pleasure through her body.
“O-Oh Celestia, don’t stop!” Angel cried beneath you, her voice and the sounds of your lovemaking piercing the quiet of the night. You didn’t care though, your body moved on instinct, a fire burning in your mind and pressure growing in your groin. You were close, and you prayed you didn’t finish before you got her to cum.
“Wh-where?” You grunted through your heavy breaths.
“D-Do it…” Angel hissed, throwing her head back, “...on-on my stomach, paint me white!” She moaned, looking down between your sweaty body and her own, a twinkle in her eye as she watched your rhythmic thrusts into her.
You nodded and laid down almost on top of her, just enough for you to feel her soft, hot body against you, and went to town. Calling upon your last reserve of energy, you pounded into her with speed and ferocity you didn’t know you could achieve. Angel hugged your neck, borderline screaming into your ear as you felt her slick walls pulsate and grip you like a vice.
Feeling the familiar rush of pleasure from your tip up into your bladder, you pulled out with a hiss and laid your penis between your stomach and her own, humping away with abandon as you felt the rush of cum up your penis. Jumping off of Angel you grasped your dick in one hand and aimed for her ravaged body.
“Oh…fuck!” You hissed as your first rope of visceral white semen rocketed out your tip and splattered upon Angel’s aquamarine fur. Another came, and another, all hitting their marks: just above her pussy, her stomach, and even her chest fluff, the snow thick batter getting caught in her silky hair like dew in the morning. One of your strings even managed to hit her lower chin as she watched you with starstruck eyes.
“Holy shit.” You muttered in exhaustion as your penis finally lost its rock hard stiffness. Closing your eyes for a long second, you did your best not to collapse and catch your breath.
“That…was just what I needed.” Moaned Angel. Looking up to her she was staring up at the stars high above, a goofy grin on her face. “I haven’t been rutted like that…well, ever.”
“I’m glad it was good for you.” You say as you crawled over to her, “Though I’m far from experienced.”
“Could’ve fooled me.” Angel sighed contently, “I won’t be able to walk straight for days.”
Laying down in the cool grass, you counted the stars beside her, “That won’t be a problem, right?”
She chuckled, “I’ll be alright.”
You two laid in the grass in content silence for awhile, and you fought the urge to close your eyes and fall asleep in the tranquility of the park right then and there, it did not help you had the warmth of a lover beside you.
“Say, think we could head back to your place? I don’t want to walk through the Plaza or the barracks smelling like sex.” Angel asked.
You nodded lazily, getting to your feet, “Sure beautiful, I’ve got a shower…” You looked down to the aquamarine mare, as she looked up at you with lidded eyes, “...and a bed.”
She hopped up onto her hooves with a sudden burst of energy, “Now you’re talking, Romeo.” She trotted past you, her damp tail dragging itself across the back of your legs, “Or maybe ‘Stud’ would be a better name, hmm?”
You felt a shock go up your spine, and a predatory grin crossed your face. You didn’t have work tomorrow, and even if Angel did, she didn’t seem to care. One thing was for sure, you were in for a long night, and that was perfectly fine with you.
It was a perfect Monday morning, not to say that you liked Mondays (you knew not many people did, and with good reason). But, today was a good day, because as you walked through the early hours, Celestia’s sun barely peaked above the horizon, trotting beside you was Guardian Angel. You had noticed a bit of a spring in her step, and where her eyes had seemed a bit strained before your night together, were calm and relaxed.
Eventually the two of you arrived at your destination: the Royal Plaza. It was quiet at this early hour, but there was a bit more activity than there had been yesterday afternoon, servants and other workers slowly making their way within to begin their day. You looked over to Angel, who beamed back up at you.
“Yesterday was great.” She said, “Let’s do it again sometime?”
You smiled and nodded, “I had a good time too. Especially because of you.” You put your hand to the top of her head and ran your fingers through her mane.
Her eyes darted side to side, seemingly ensuring no one else was looking, “Jeez, Romeo. I’m glad we aren’t in the barracks.”
“Well you aren’t telling me to stop.” You pointed out, if anything, she was leaning into your hand as you pet her.
“I can’t help it, I swear those hands are magic.” She asserted. After a moment she pulled away, “I better be getting back. Bugle’s in fifteen minutes.”
“Of course.”
Angel turned from you and started down her way from the plaza, “How about the same time this weekend? Maybe go to your place?” She queried, looking back at you over her shoulder.
You nodded, “Sounds like a plan, Beautiful.”
She smiled wide, her eyes twinkling in the morning light, “See you around, Romeo.” She started off again. You hated that she had to leave, but you loved to watch her go, her flanks bobbing up and down in her trot, her tail flicking back and forth, giving you a few brief peaks at her marehood beneath. Angel passed through the grand archway and into the inner corridors, and she was gone.
You sighed contently, and turned on a heel to start making your way back home. You didn’t work for a few more hours, so maybe some coffee and doughnuts would be a nice option for an early morning meal? But as you walked through the streets of Canterlot, their early-bird citizens and alabaster buildings which seemed to shine like diamonds in the morning light were lost on you. All you could really think about was Angel. Including where you two would have your next date-night.
You felt a goofy grin on your face. Maybe you’d go to the park again.