Campus love

Chapters

Chapter 1: The First Steps
Chapter 2: You've got 5 seconds...
Chapter 3: Quest for the Evil Bunny
Chapter 3.5: Beach Day Antics pt. 1
Chapter 4: A Violent Sleep
Chapter 5: Rapid Heartbeats and Confessions
Chapter 6: Scars
Chapter 7: This is not what it looks like...
Chapter 8: Rules of Engagement
Chapter 9: Curiosity, Disappointment and Reservations
Chapter 10: Pulling Strings
Chapter 11: A Night to Remember
Chapter 12: A Night to Remember Part ll; Shit happens...
Chapter 13: A Night to Rememeber Part lll; Pandora's Box
Chapter 14: I Never Left...
Epilogue

Chapter 1: The First Steps

Needless to say, Chris was outlandishly nervous. He didn't know what to expect from collage, must less the most prestigious university in the country; even more so than Harvard, Oxford and Stanford combined.
How, of all people, could I get into something this grand?! Chris thought. He stood at the front of the campus, to his left was a stone sign that read: Lunar Sun University. The school itself was formidable, but he choose to contain his emotions, reset his backpack on his shoulder and start walking to the main building. The inside was much larger than it looked from the exterior because it took him a good hour to find the deans office. Chris reached for the handle but stopped short because someone knocked him to the ground.

"Ow..." He groaned as he sat up. There were books laying down on the floor by his feet, looking up he also noticed a girl was also sitting in front of him but it wasn't the first thing he noticed about her.
White...lace...
The girl looked at him and then began to have was seemed to be a panic attack.

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going and I..." She exclaimed as she scrambled to gather her books.

"Hey, don't worry. It was an accident." Chris interrupted and helped the stranger pick up what was dropped. He reached to a book at the exact same time as the girl. When there hands touched, both looked up and revealed there faces. The girl had soft blue eyes and smooth facial features that seems to scream out elegance, it didn't a genius to know that she was cute. But the most noticeable feature on her was the hair, how the rose pink color flowed down. The two stared into each other's eyes for what seemed to be an eternity, before the girl broke the silence.

"I'm sorry, I... I have to go!" The girl then hastily grabbed her things a took off down the hall
What an unusual encounter... shit! I didn't get a name! Damn it, Chris! You could've had something!
Mental kicking aside, Chris regained his footing and stood in front of the dean's door. With a deep breath he slowly opened the door and stepped in. The dean definitely had a royal look to her, her hair seemed to wave and move on its own. She sat in her chair, working on paperwork, yet still was able to look up and greet him with a smile.

"Oh, hello Chris. And welcome to the Lunar Sun campus."

"Thank you Ms. Celestia, for having me come."

"Please call me Tia."

"Right, sorry. I do have a couple of questions though."

"Oh?" Tia raises an eyebrow.

"Yes, It's about my being here. Surely there are hundreds, even thousands of more qualified graduates that applied to go to this university. I mean, I mostly had C's in my grade report and this campus looks to be for students that had a 7.0 GPA or something. So how is it that a shmuck like me got in?"

"What we are looking for in his collage, is not related to whatever grades you had in the past. We at Lunar Sun look for what lies inside the minds and aspirations of it's students to inspire others and lead the world to a brighter future."
Heh, nice speech. But what the hell is she talking about?

"Alright then... what about my tution?"

"Its already covered."

"But I didn't pay anything." Chris retorts, confused.

"That won't be necessary.
Probably the most expensive collage in the world, and I don't have to pay squat? This seems too good to be true.

"Anyway." Tia continues, "I'll let one of our students show you to your dorm."

"Ok, and thanks again."

"Your welcome, and if you have any other questions, my door is always open." Tia says as she waves me off. I open the door and was meet with outrageously fluffy pink hair.

"OhmygoshareyouthenewstudentIamsoexcitedwegoingtohavelotsoffunwithgamesandpartiesand-"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down, I can't understand what you're saying." Chris calmly stated to the bubbly girl.

"Oh, where are my manners Pinkie. I'm Pinkie Pie"

"Nice to meet you, Pinkie. So are you here to guide me to the dorm?"

"Yupyuparoony! This way!" Pinkie gleefully cheered as she skipped down the hall. This was a good time to get a better look at the girl. Aside from her hair, she wore a simple light pink tank top with a pair of jean shorts that only stopped just above the knees. As we made our way to the dorm building, Pinkie decided to give me a tour of the campus, from the park in the center of it all to the Olympic sized gym room to the various restaurants
Jesus! It's like a fucking city here!
Eventually, Pinkie brought Chris to a five story building; he assumed that they were finally there. Chris continued to follow Pinkie up to the fourth floor and down the surprisingly long hallway.

"4E...4J... Ah! Here it is, 4N. This will be your room."

"Thank you Pinkie. Maybe you can help me out to find the class building."
Pinkie looked at Chris with extreme delight.

"Sure!! Maybe we can hang out later!" She squealed.

"I'll hold you to it." Chris responds with a smile. Pinkie gave a bigger smile and even a crushing bear hug before bounding down the hall. Chris closed the door and sat down on the vacant bed, letting his pack slide to the floor.
Well this was an interesting start.
Chris yawned and his eyelids felt heavy, it didn't take long before he plopped his back on the bed and drifted of to a much needed slumber.

Chapter 2: You've got 5 seconds...

Chris was sitting down at his favorite café, reading up on his latest plans to travel to Hawaii for summer.

"Excuse me sir, would you like to order something?" A voice spoke out. Chris looked to see a girl with flowing pink hair standing in front of him with a notepad.

"Oh yes, I'll just have the standard mocha." Chris responded.

"Yes, it'll just take a minute." The waitress said before turning into the building. Chris didn't get a chance to see her face, but he had a nagging feeling that he heard her voice before. Chris reached down an picked up his mocha and took a sip.

"Ay!... Hot!" He quietly yipped and gingerly sipped again.

"I told you that drinking something like that would burn your tongue." Pinkie said with a smug grin. She then mixed the bottle of hot sauce and coffee together; chugging the whole thing after stirring it for a few seconds.

"Pinkie?! What are you doing here?" Chris asked with much curiosity. She looked back at him with an even wider grin, but it looked more from insanity that joy.

"Batter up!" Pinkie exclaimed as she grabbed the baseball bat leaning on the side of the table and swung it at Chris's head.

"AAAHHH!!!" Chris screamed out, nearly falling out of bed, but not before banging his forehead on the bed post. He clutched his head from the pain, grinding his teeth and swearing between breathes. When the pain subsided, Chris laid on his back, looking at the ceiling.
What kind of dream what that?"
It seemed all too weird for it to make sense. Chris then felt a sudden pressure on his chest, he looked to see a white ball of fluff. He looked at the ball with a raised brow, until it started breathing. Chris's mind began to race at this...thing sitting on top of him, but there was also intrigue that prevented him from chucking the damn thing out the window. The ball shifted and its head poked out of the white mass, revealing long ears and a constantly twitching pink nose.
Oh, its only a rabbit... wait...

The rabbit simply sat on his chest, but thumped it's foot as if he was trying to communicate. Chris then tilted his head back and saw a red bowl with various greens and other vegetables, sitting on top of a low shelf.

"Oh, that's what you want. You must be really hungry."
Chris sat up, letting the bunny slide down onto the bed and grabbed the bowl. As soon as he set it on the floor, the rabbit dashed to it and practically swanned dived into the bowl. Chris chuckled at the sight and began to take in more of the dorm room surroundings. The room was very clean, like a maid came in every couple of days or so and spruced the place up. When he looked to the bed sitting opposite of his, he felt... concerned. The bed cover was a light yellow, with a light pink frill around the edge and even green tassels on the corners. It would seem that his roommate would be one of those guys. It didn't bother him as much, but it would be somewhat difficult to get used to. Yet that color palate seemed all too familiar. But what struck the most unusual was the clothes just laying on the floor near it.

"A bra? Short shorts? He could be a cross dresser..." Chris shuddered at the thought of the last time he met a cross dresser in high school.

"Ugh... that wouldn't be pleasant."
Without a second to spare, the door knob turned and someone walked in the open doorway. Chris's eyes widened when he saw who had stepped in. It was that girl he bumped into earlier, her pink hair still cascading down her back. She didn't even take two steps before both their eyes locked on each other. Time stopped, and the only sounds heard were heartbeats and the bunny munching away on a cucumber. Chris felt a bead of sweat roll down his neck, and saw that the girl's face was getting progressively redder.

"Uh... Hey, I don't believe we've met. I'm-"

"AAAAAAIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEE!!!!!" The girl screamed, "Applejack!! Help me!!"
The girl then ran out though the hallway, yelling for this "Applejack." Chris quickly stood up and began to jog after the girl, only when he made the turn he ran into something soft, yet firm. He fell back and landed on his ass, but looking up; his confidence sank quicker than the titanic. Standing in front of him was a another girl, seemed to be about his height; possibly taller. She had nice curves to her, wearing a pair of jeans and an orange tee shirt and simple sneakers. Her blond hair was fashioned in a some what disheveled ponytail, locked with a red ribbon near the end of her hair and an obvious brown Stetson hat. But what was most compelling was her emerald green eyes, though the burned with scorn now, they were beautiful. The light freckles on the sides of her face, just above her cheekbones only added to the cute effect she had. By the time Chris snapped out of her mesmerizing stature, he instantly noticed her scorn-filled eyes boiled over to out right fury and a little of pink danced under her eyes. He then remembered that soft sensation the lingered on his face and that was when the trigger was pulled.

"Ya listen here, partner. I'ma give you five seconds... but I'm only need'n three to fry yer ass like mornin' bacon." She threatened, cracking her knuckles.

"I-I'm only going to need two." Chris shakingly says.
One...
Chris turned his body and positioned it like an Olympic sprinter, which was what Chris was going to be in this small window to escape.
Two...
Without hesitation, Chris dashed forward. The carpet floors didn't help much with traction, but he had enough to already be nine yards away.
Three!
Applejack sprinted after him, her strong legs bounded her much quicker than Chris had expected, nor anticipated.
Shit, shit, shit, shitshitshitshitshitshitshitshit!!!!! Chris was running at his limit, but Applejack was quickly gaining. Before long, Applejack lunged forward and tackled Chris near the end of the hallway.

"GAAAHHHH!!!" Chris yelped as he fell. He struggled and thrashed to break free, but Applejack was strong and easily pinned him to the floor by sitting on his chest.

"How dare ya sneak into Fluttershy's room, ya stinkin' pervert!" She yells, grabbing Chris's shirt and preparing to punch his brains out.
Geez, if this were a different situation, this would be kind of hot...save for the punching.

"Hey, Applejack! What are you doing?!" Pinkie mysteriously popped up, "Are you two playing a game?"

"Pinkie! Does this here, look like a game?!"

"Hmmm... I guess it doesn't, but why are you on top of my new friend?"

"Friend?! This is a pervert! He was in Fluttershy's dorm room! No doubt doin' no good nasty things ta her!"
Chris couldn't speak, one part because Applejack was sitting right on top of his lungs, the other two being transfixed; that was a mixed drink of one part her eyes and two parts of the fact that her breasts kept swinging low to his face when she talked and turned to look give a death look.
They do have nice shape, but now I'm a freakin bobblehead doll.

"Well duh!" Pinkie's voice broke through Chris's thoughts, "of course he was in her room. He's her new roommate."

"Oh... well in that case..." Applejack began lifting herself off of Chris's chest, "I do believe I owe'n you an apology." Applejack held out a hand to help Chris up, but he didn't take it and stood up on his own, coughing every few seconds from the lack of oxygen.

"Sorry for this here misunderstand'n." Applejack said, trying to sound sincere.
MISUNDERSTANDING?!?! GALLILEO AND THE POPE HAD A MISUNDERSTANDING!!!

"Yea, no problem. Just let me breathe next time you tackle me." Chris said with a hint of sarcasm.
With apologizes made and (some what) forgiven, the trio head back to Fluttershy's dorm room.

"Fluttershy? Ya in there?" Applejack asked, knocking on the door, but there was no response.

"Must still be rattled by the recent events." Chris stated.

"Yup. Ya just stay out here till she decides to open the door."

"Makes sense."

"Well, I'm going back to my dorm, see you later!" Pinkie gleefully says.

"See ya, Pinkie." Applejack replies. Pinkie bounced her way down the hall and into her room. Applejack then grabs Chris by the collar of his shirt.

"Now you listen here, an' you listen good; 'cause I''ma only say this once."
Chris nodded quickly, he knew that the smart thing would be to listen; it might as well be his best way to survive.

"Fluttershy is sensitive, and not good around boys. You need to be patient with her."

"O-ok, seems simple enough." Chris replied.

"I'm not done... I saw the way you were lookin' at my breasts when I was on top ah you. You better not try somethin' clever, or even touch her without her permission. 'Cause if you do, I will make your time here a living hell."
If she new anything about me, she would've known I've already been through hell. But she seems worse.

"Y-yes, ma'am!" Chris stuttered. Applejack loosened her grip on Chris's shirt.
Well isn't this a fine mess...

"See ya 'round, lover boy!" Applejack playfully mocked.
REAL fine mess.

Chapter 3: Quest for the Evil Bunny

Chris sat down just outside of the dorm room, patiently waiting for Fluttershy to open the door on her own. He took the opportunity to let his mind wander into deep thought. He wondered how his best friend was doing, though whether he can even be a friend to anyone was the question that bothered him most. Since his parents' deaths, he made himself a mask that hid his pain, that hid his sadness; yet his attitude sent a clear sign of his feelings. The wound was deep, and he needed someone to withstand his demeanor and break this mask. Chris then dug a little under his shirt and pulled out a black cord that was around his neck, the centerpiece of his necklace lay only a single crystal that was shaped in a tear drop.
Heh... how fitting, even now.
The crystal was a pale blue color, which only made his tragedy even more ironic.

"What's that?" A voice broke through his thoughts. Chris looked up to see Fluttershy had opened the door with out him noticing, the look of curiosity was clear on her face.

"What? This?" Chris asked, raising the necklace.

"Uh huh." she said, nodding her head. Chris pondered whether to tell the story to her, it was especially difficult with the face she was giving.

"It's... it's nothing." He lied through his teeth, tucking the crystal under his shirt again. He then stood up, facing Fluttershy with a (at least trying to) soft look.

"Listen Fluttershy... I don't plan on hurting you in anyway shape or form. Yes, I know I'm a guy, and you are going to have to get used to me being in the same room a lot. But I hope that we can be friends, not just roommates."
My god that sounded cheesy...

"Ok." Fluttershy answered, giving a cute smile that could have given Chris a heart attack. She let him in and shut the door afterward. Before Chris could say anything, a cellphone rang on the desk near the back of the room.

"Hello?" Fluttershy answered.

"Yes... ok... oh my goodness, what happened?!... alright... bye." She then closed the phone and grabbed her bag off her bed.

"Hey, what happened?" Chris stood up and asked with some concern.

"Once of my co-workers had an accident at the Green Cottage Café, so they've asked me to cover her shift till she gets better."

"Well that sucks."

"Yup, I just hope that she will be ok."
Not exactly what I meant but that too.

"Just make sure that Angel is fed in a little while, the bowl greens should be on the top shelf." Fluttershy requested.
So that's its name.

"Got it."
Without even thinking, Fluttershy get a light peck on Chris's cheek and then froze with shock.

"Oh m-my..." She began, "I-I didn't mean..."

"It's ok." Chris quickly stated, "Just get going, or you'll be late."
Fluttershy blushed a little before running out the door and to the café. Chris was left standing in the room, slowly raising his hand to the place where Fluttershy's lips had contacted his skin. The area was still warm and the sensation had lingered. He felt a warm feeling spread throughout his chest, but... in a weird way, it felt hollow. He was befuddled by the feeling, but he decided to put it off. Angel was sitting in his cage, but he kept shaking the cage as if he wanted to get out. Chris looked up to the top shelf, but the bowl was not there.
Damn, must've used it earlier when I woke up.
Angel's racket with the cage was getting on Chris's nerves.

"Ok fine! I'll let you out! Just be silent so I can think!"
He then opened the door, but Angel refused to get out.
Great... NOW you don't want to leave. Ok, just relax. If head to the store and get more veggies then there shouldn't be a problem.
He then left the room and swung the door closed. Jogged to the nearby supermarket, got what he needed and paid. In and out, no sweat. On his way back, a feeling crept on his mind; like he was missing something. He checked the bag, but everything was in there. The feeling still stuck in the back of his head until he got to the dorm room. The first thing he noticed that the door was slightly open.
Huh?... Didn't I close the door?
He went inside and dropped the bag. Angel's cage was empty.
Crap, Crap, Crap, Crapcrapcrapcrapcrapcrap!!!!!
Chris frantically searched the dorm room, but Angel didn't turn up.

"AARRRGGG!!!! GOD DAMN IT!!!" He yelled out. Ran out the room and began searching up and down the hallway.
I'm really beginning to hate this bunny.

"How y'all doin' there lover boy?" Applejack asked sarcastically.

"Oh, just GREAT!" Chris responded in the same caliber.

"Ya lose somethin'?

"NO, I'm just running around the halls like an idiot because I was told to by the Queen of England!"

"Coulda fooled me."

"Oh, screw you."

"I can do better."
Ouch...

"So what is it yer so bent on gettin'?" Applejack inquired.

"I lost Angel." Chris stated flatly.

"Well that there is a mighty sticky mess ya got there."

"You THINK?! Regardless, I need your help."
Applejack was somewhat taken aback by the sudden proposal.

"An why should I help a perv like you?"

"Please, Applejack! Don't make me go on my knees!"

"I'ma liken' the sound of that." She grinned.

"AAAAGGGHHH!!! I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS! I'LL DO IT MYSELF!!" Chris screamed out, clearly frustrated and started for the exit. Applejack hesitated, even bit her lip a little bit.

"Wait..." She said, grabbing Chris's wrist, "I'll help... but then owe me one."

"Fine, Whatever! Just help me." Chris said, letting Applejack take the lead as they search the outside campus. This gave Chris a better opportunity to check out Applejack's body. This time she was wearing shorts, and I mean REALLY short, shorts. But not short enough that it showed any ass, but it was pretty close. Chris also noted the back left pocket had three red apples sewn into it. Her shirt was the same from earlier, but she rolled the sleeves to the shoulder and the bottom half knotted so that she showed her lower back and presumably, her stomach. From a wider view, Applejack's body was really well built. He new that she had nice curves, but her arms and legs camouflaged the strong muscles that she had built up for god knows how long. Her walking posture made it so that her hips and her ponytail swung in almost perfect unison; Chris's eyes followed the swings like he was hypnotized.

"Eyes are up here, partner." Applejack broke his gaze.

"Huh? W-what?" Chris stuttered.

"I know now you were just lookin' at me with that look." Applejack sternly stated.

"What look?"

"THAT look."

"Does it bother you that much?" Chris mockingly asked.

"Mmmm... not really. But you'll never come close."
Ow... that was WAY below the belt...

"There! There he is!" Applejack exclaimed. Chris looked over her shoulder to see Angel across the food district. He looked like he was trying to get into the... Green Cottage Café.

"Where? Is he behind the bunny?" Chris asked with a sly grin.

"It is the bunny, numbnuts." Applejack coldly replied. Chris's grin slightly grew wider.

"I know, I know... Look, I'm going to need you to distract Fluttershy for me."

"Now why in the hay would I do that?!"

"Because she finds out that I lost her rabbit, she'll hate me for it."

"So?"

"PLEASE APPLEJACK!"

"Ok, ok. What do I need to do?"

"I don't know! Start a conversation with her! Order something! I don't care, just keep her from going outside."

"Man, you really want this huh?"

"If I owed you double, would that make you go faster?" Chris sarcastically asked.

"Maybe..." She playfully responded.
Chris then began to move up, acting like he there were cameras trained on him. Applejack giggled a little at the sight.
Hehe... he is cute. I'm goin to have real fun with him later.
She gives a final snicker before walking towards the café.

Chapter 3.5: Beach Day Antics pt. 1

Chris was waiting in the sweltering heat at the train station. He was glad he wore his grey cargo shorts and a light blue shirt. His sunglasses did little to dampen the sunlight and the hat was just shy of giving him a lack of blood to his brain.

"If I stay in this heat for long, I'm probably going to be welded to the fucking bench!" He muttered.

"Sorry to keep you waiting!" Rarity hollered from down the loading dock. She was followed by everyone else including Twilight. They were all dressed in short shorts and small t-shirts, tank-tops and sunhats, or wearing sundresses. Chris took off his hat, nearly ripping his face off, ran a hand through his already sweaty hair and then replaced the cap.

"Is that hat too tight?" Fluttershy asked, her face plastered with innocent worry.
Oh...there goes the arrhythmia...

"A little." Chris responded, "But like watches or belts, there are only two setting of tightness: either so tight that blood will cease to flow or so loose that I would loose it without noticing."
Fluttershy giggled at the thought, which only made Chris's heart beat faster.
"Train to leave for Hoofington Beach. ALL ABOARD!!"

"Sounds like that's us." Chris stated as he began to jog to the train, the girls following suit.

The train was rough and bumpy. Pinkie was practically bouncing off the walls, Twilight was reading her book; have not said a word yet and the rest sat in silence. After two hours of the uncomfortable, coxis breaking ride, Chris and the girls finally made it to the beachside hotel they rented out for the vacation.

"Ok, lets get the room assignments." Rarity said, pulling out a series of purple ribbons, "Matching lengths will determine your roommate."
The others began to draw the ribbons while Chris was discussing with the front desk about the rooms, getting frustrated and flustered the longer the conversation went on. When he walked back to the group, head hung in defeat, the pairs were decided: Applejack/Fluttershy, Rainbow/Pinkie and Rarity/Twilight.

"So how did the rooms go?" Applejack asked.

"Not good. Apparently the budget Celestia gave you was only enough to send you six alone here. Why was I invited again? 'Cause I sense some confusion and pain in the near future." Chris responded. Applejack and Fluttershy instantly and subtly averted their eyes.

"Well..." Fluttershy started, "Remember the first day we met?"

"I remember I getting tackled twice and close to getting my ass handed to me on a silver platter."
Applejack blushed in reminiscence and slight guilt.

"I mean after that." Fluttershy continued, "When you sat outside our room, staring at your necklace."

"Uh huh?"

"You just seemed so sad, and I thought you needed cheering up. So I asked Pinkie to invite you."
Pinkie stood there nodding like a bobble head with a large grin on her face, barely able to contain the excitement building up.

"So where the hell am I going to sleep? The way I see it, any option I choose; and I'm fucked... figuratively speaking." Chris questioned.

"I'm sure I can't handle Ms. Sugarbuzz over there." Chris continued, pointing at Pinkie who was already zipping around the lobby. and gift shops, "I don't want to be drowning in 40,000 different smells to the point where my nose falls off altogether, no offense Rarity."

"None taken." She replied.

"AND I'm sure if I'm in the same room with AJ, she'll kill me in my sleep."

"Ya wanna say that ta my face?" AJ grudgingly questioned, scrunching up one of her sleeves.

"I rest my case."
Everyone began to think of a solution when Twilight finally spoke up.

"What about drawing a ribbon? Have three different colors and pull it from a hat to decide."

"Excellent idea Twilight." Rarity chimed, "Oh if only I had other colours."

"Oh I got it!" Pinkie popped in, pulling up the rug they were standing on and pulled out a green, yellow and white ribbon.
That seems a little TOO convenient.

"Where did you get those?!" Chris inquired, amusement on his face.

"I always have ribbons stashed somewhere; y'know, for ribbon emergencies." She replied with a snort and a giggle. Rarity took off her sunhat and placed the ribbons in them. Chris covered his eyes and reached in. The felts were confusing, but he eventually grabbed one. He opened his eyes as he pulled out the yellow ribbon.

"Then it's settled. Chris will be in Fluttershy's and Applejack's room." Twilight commented. A sense of relief and dread flowed through Chris.

"Well, I better start writing my will before tonight." He stated with a light, nervous chuckle.

While Chris was unpacking his backpack, Fluttershy and Applejack decided to take a bath together. In the short span of time he had, Chris changed to a pair of cotton sleeping pants, but kept his shirt off from the humidity of the southern city. He looked around the hotel room with awe. Two queen sized beds, a desk with computer functions, a flat screen hanging on the wall and a mini fridge under it. Chris walked over to the other side and found the couch, laid down, and almost instantly fell asleep.

"Chris? Are you still out there?" Applejack asked, only to receive silence, "Chris?"
AJ then creaked the bathroom door ajar and peeked outside, only to see the closet.

"Oh, he must be asleep." Fluttershy whispered.

"Hm... Still seems risky." AJ responded. She then grabbed a large towel and wrapped it around herself before stepping out of the bathroom. She eyed Chris's feet hanging over the side of the couch, and slowly tiptoed to her bed; her eyes locked on Chris's face. When she turned give Fluttershy the all clear, she found a shock that she was already walking to her bed fully nude.

"Fluttershy!" AJ whispered, "What are ya doing!"

"Getting ready for bed." Fluttershy whispered back.

"What if he wakes up an' sees you?!"

"Oh don't worry, he's a pretty heavy sleeper."
AJ wasn't convinced but she got dressed in a pair or orange panties and a brown tank before slipping under the covers.

"G'night."

"Good night Applejack."
The lights went out and the room was silent except for slow breathing. For minutes on end, AJ tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.
God dangit! I can't sleep knowin' HE is in the same room with me! I feel hot, my heart won't calm down... ARGH. Okay. Just calm down... he wouldn't do anything. He's too much of a-

"Of a what?" Chris asked.

"AAAH?!" Applejack yelped.

"I heard you talking shit."

"When did you? Nevermind why are you-?"
Before she could finish her line, Chris was already inches away from her. AJ reflexively jumped back, only to be caught by Chris from behind. She tried to get away again only to be back within his reach.

"How are you-?!"

"Shhh." Chris cooed, placing at finger on AJ's lips, "Don't speak. Just feel."
He leaned in close, AJ's face getting hotter by the second. She could say anything despite her struggle to produce sound. He mind started to go blank while her strength left her arms and legs as she could barely stand. She was unable to do anything but close her eyes as a warm feeling spread through her body.

Applejack couldn't breathe, but it took a few seconds before she flung her head out of her pillow. Heaving from the lack of oxygen, see looked around. It was still the middle of the night, the moonlight peeked it's way through the curtains; some shining on Chris's chest, right where his heart was. Applejack noticed that she was sweating profusely and flung the covers off. Her tank was wrinkled and her panty was almost sliding off her body. In light frustration she laid back down and stared out the window to a mostly calm seaside, the waves gently colliding with the sand. She suddenly heard a slighted shaking sound, making her jump; but only found that it was Chris, shivering in his sleep. Without second thought or reasoning Applejack took her blanket and laid it over Chris. Almost instinctively she leaned to kiss him on the forehead, but caught herself and shook her head violently before going back to bed and falling into her deep slumber.

Chapter 4: A Violent Sleep

Applejack had taken a seat out near the corner of the café, patiently waiting for Chris to just get Angel and give her the thumbs up to leave.

"Applejack?" Fluttershy questioned at the sight of her friend, "What you doing here?"

"Well... I was just about ta order somethin'" Applejack responded.

"But you've never come here before."

"Well, maybe I decided to exit my comfort zone for a while."

"Ok! So what would you like to order?"
Applejack looked over the little booklet that sat on the coffee table. She was not particularly fond of most things on the menu, being that they were veggie based or 70% soy.

"I'll just have the regular green tea."

"Excellent choice! Would you like to try our small tofu sandwich?"

"Yea, yea, sure whatever." Applejack quickly responded, not giving a second thought of what she said. Fluttershy gave a big grin before she head behind the counter to make her order.
This is just great. I actually have to EAT this junk. This better be worth it, if lover boy can live up to his part of the bargain.

"Alright, here's your order!" Fluttershy gleefully said as she set the tea and sandwich on the table.

"Oh...boy. This looks... delicious." Applejack said, very hesitant to eat. But Fluttershy didn't move back to the counter, she had wanted to see Applejack try the food she made herself. A cold sweat rolled on Applejack's forehead. She reached for the tea and took a little sip.
Hm... it's a little bitter.

"Do ya have sugar?" She politely asked. Almost instantly, Fluttershy came back with a sugar cube.

"Thank ya kindly, sugarcube. And you too Shy." Applejack smirked and Fluttershy chuckled a little bit. Applejack then reached for the sandwich and decided to at least try it. She took a bite, and subtlety cringed at the taste of tofu, but she kept her composure as to not insult Fluttershy.

"It's... great. Real good. Thank you, Shy."
Fluttershy's face lit up like a firework show, she was very happy and excited.

"I'll bring your check when you're done." She joyously exclaimed and practically skipped back to the counter. Applejack painfully swallowed the concoction and shuddered as it slid down her esophagus.
Oh this BETTER have been worth it. I had to lie between my teeth to, of all people, Fluttershy; while you get the easy bit. You're goin' to owe me triple, lover boy.

Meanwhile, Chris wasn't having as much luck. Angel couldn't sit still long enough for Chris to grab him. Though after six bushes, a dumpster and many yards of concrete, Chris finally caught Angel.

"Ha HA!!! Finally got you! You sir... have no idea... how much trouble you have caused for me." Chris said between breaths. He looked back at Applejack, who looked like she was at her limit, and gave he the thumbs up. Their little escapade was done.
Sorry that I had to put you through that Applejack. I'll be sure to make it up to you.
His walk back to the dorm was peaceful for the most part. He kept a firm hold on Angel so he doesn't run away again, but Chris also seized the opportunity to look at the surrounding scenery. The late afternoon was one of his favorite times of the day. The light breeze brushed pass his cheeks, the temperature was even and the sunset made the sky a brilliant yellowish orange hue. The nearby park had spots of other students either having study picnics or athletes having a late practice. Chris didn't notice it, but he liked this kind of scene; It was tranquil and soothing.

"It that Angel in your arms?" a voice spoke out of the tranquility.

"Huh?" Chris responded and looked a girl standing in front of him. She was a few inches shorter than he was, but she was very well toned for athletics. Running shorts, sports tank top and standard running shoes, but what really stood out was her rainbow colored hair.

"That rabbit you're holding in your arms. It's Angel isn't it?" she asked again.

"How did you know?"

"Fluttershy is one of my friends. We grew up in the same town."

"Oh, I see."

"So you must be her new roommate."

"H-how did you know that?!" Chris was getting increasingly confused.

"Pinkie told me about it. Practically nothing goes around this college without me hearing about it. Oh, and FYI, Pinkie is my roommate."
Well better to get the word out and over with rather than later.

"You don't seem worried at all. Are you really that fine with the school knowing."

"Worried, yes. Fine with it, eeeehh-not so much. But it is in human nature for people to judge too quick and not think it through later. That's when outlandish rumors spread like wildfire."

"Good point." The girl replied. "Oh, I'm Rainbow Dash."
Go figure...

"I'm Chris."

"Well, Chris... I think you should get a move on and return Angel before Fluttershy's shift is over."

"Oh-right. I'll get on that."
With the conversation done, Rainbow continued her run, but it extended to parkour as she seemingly flew across tables and vaulted walls.
Niiiiice.
Once back into his room, he put Angel back in his cage and closed the door, this time making sure it was closed. Fell into bed, exhausted.
Jesus Christ! This has been one really fucked up day. God, I'm beat.
Chris then stood back up long enough to take off his shirt and hang it over the foot of the bed.

"Too lazy to change into night slacks, might as well keep the jeans on." he muttered. Falling back into bed, his eyes shut automatically and sleep soon took him away.

Several minutes passed before Fluttershy had opened the door and entered the dorm. The first thing she noticed was Chris shirtless in his bed, breathing slowly. The mere sight caused her to blush, and shake her head to ward of any "bad" thoughts.
My... he looks so cute when he sleeps.
She did a double take as she saw the necklace was still around his neck, the crystal sitting on his chest. She leaned in closer and gingerly lifted the crystal, but didn't take the necklace off. It was beautiful.
He seemed so sad when he looked at it earlier. I wonder what it means to him, or why it makes him sad. She set the necklace back onto his chest and went to her bed. She then carefully took off her clothes, the last moments of sunset made her pale skin glisten. She put on a pair of fresh panties, and a thin nightgown as the nights were relatively warm. She took one last look at Chris and couldn't help but tiptoe back over and give him a light peck on the forehead. She blushed once more and went to bed.

Chris just floated in the darkness. nothing could be seen, not even his hands or body.

"Where am I?"

"We're on the beach, silly." Fluttershy said, leaning into Chris's chest. She was wear a very sexy bikini of a light yellow color that enhanced her already feminine features.

"Why would ya ask a silly question like that?" Applejack chimed in, resting her head on his legs. Her suit was a one piece, but most of her sides and back were shown. The moment was like heaven to Chris, two beautiful girls with him, sitting on the beach.

"Come on in Chris! The water is perfect!" Fluttershy hollers from the ocean water as she and Applejack splashed each other. The sight was breath taking, the water droplets clinging to the light skin of the girls. Chris got up from the towel, ready to join the girls.
"WHERE ARE THEY?!?!" A voice screamed out in the black room. Chris was sitting on a silver, metal table; cuffed and looked like a deranged madman.

"What time is it?" He calmly stated.

"OH WHAT DOES THAT MATTER?!" The voice barked again.

"Well, depending on the time... they could either be in one place... or multiple." Chris responds, cracking an insane smile.

"Chris!" Fluttershy yelled from the other end of a ballroom. Chris ran up to her and hugged her, clutching her tight, afraid that if he let go, she would vanish before him. When he looked at her again, however, she had the look of sadness and pain on her face. She started to cry blood and she was gasping for air. Chris was in shock, bewildered by what was before his eyes. He looked down and in his hand was a bowie knife, dripping a red, oozing substance. Fluttershy then melted into the floor and it became quicksand, swallowing him in a matter of seconds.

Fluttershy awoke to the sound of Chris shaking in his bed. His muscles spasmed at irregular intervals, giving the illusion that something was crawling under his skin. She was worried about him, and she felt that she needed to calm him down. She got out of she bed and slipped into Chris's, holding him in across his chest and his head, yet the spasms continued, but slowed down. She then began stroking his hair, which seemed to work a little better, but he was still shaking. She made a last ditch effort and, without thinking, buried his head into her soft, warm bosom. Chris's shaking stopped, and his breathing evened out. She stayed in this posture for sometime, but eventually shifted herself so that she was hugging him again.
You must've had a very bad dream. I guess I'll stay here for tonight.
She stroked his head once more, and even gave him a kiss on the cheek. After she pulled away, she felt something wet fall on her arm, she looked at it and saw a lone teardrop sitting on her arm and another hanging just out of the corner of Chris's eye. She wiped it away with her free arm and fell asleep. The heat of Chris arm and chest spread through her, she smiled as she blushed before finally drifting off into deep sleep.

Chapter 5: Rapid Heartbeats and Confessions

Chris woke to the sound of footsteps and chatter. Must have been morning, and every one is heading to their classes. Chris tried to get up, but something over his chest prevented him from doing so.
Oh great, my arms asleep...
He tried to move his muscles, but the arm wouldn't budge.
Huh? When did my arm get thin?... And have a lighter skin tone?
He turned his head, only to see a sea of pink. Flags went up and Chris's heartbeat was steadily increasing.
Ok, ok, don't panic... Fluttershy is in my bed... oh GOD!! I SERIOUSLY HOPE I DIDN'T...
Chris slapped himself with his free hand.
Get ahold of yourself Chris! All I have to do is slide out of this jam. I can do this.
Chris slowly sat up, but when he tried to pull away, Fluttershy hugged his left arm, trapping it in her extensive cleavage. All his muscles tensed up, but it wasn't the only thing.
If only this were another time... but why the arousal NOW of all times.
His thought was cut short as Fluttershy brought her leg up to his hip, putting him in an anaconda like hold.
Crap, too low, TOO LOW!"
She then brought her head up and rested it on his bicep, still sleeping soundly. Chris couldn't help but crack a smile, by god it was heart attack cute! He tried to escape her bind once more. Slowly sliding his arm out from between her breasts, he managed to remove most of his forearm, but his watch snagged onto her nightgown. As he continued to pull his arm, the gown slid as well. Things started to get... delicate when Chris's hand was in the center of boulders gate. His slightly rough fingertips grazed the silky smooth skin of Fluttershy's breasts, earning a light moan every few seconds. Beads of sweat began to roll down his forehead and his body began to heat up. The texture and consistency almost made Chris loose it, but he strongly resisted for fear of what would happen if Applejack found out.
AH HA! Finally, my hand is free! Shit, her gown is still stuck.
Chris began to fiddle with the fabric, it was beginning to tear and the more it did, the more he panicked. When he looked down to see if Fluttershy still had her eyes closed... his vision focus on something more grand.
Ch-ch-cherry topped...
There in all their glory, was a complete view of Fluttershy's bombshells. His mind went blank for seconds, mesmerized by the sight.
Move man...MOVE!
But his muscles refused to function. Fluttershy shifted again, this time turning in such a way that both breasts were exposed when the fabric completely ripped off.
Jesus... can this get any worse? (or is it better?)
Without missing a second, there was a knock on the door.

"Hey Shy? You up?" Applejack asked through the wooden door.
Damn it! I asked a question, not issued a challenge!!"
Chris gingerly worked his way over Fluttershy, his erratic breathing tickled at Fluttershy's bright pink nipples, earning a sleepy giggle from her. He exhaled as quietly as possible, and then refused to inhale until he was clear. Chris eventually got out of bed and stealthily answered the door.

"Oh, Lover boy... is Fluttershy up?"

"Oh, n-no. S-she, she's still sleeping-g-g." Chris responded, though his irregular breathing was making it difficult to speak coherently. Applejack raised a skeptical eyebrow, which only made Chris that much more nervous.

"You alright there sugar cube? You seem...tense."

"W-what makes you s-say that?!"

"Well, fer starters: your face is red like an apple, you're babblin' worse than a lousy college professor, and yer sweatin' like you ran a 10K for yer life."

"Does it?" Chris inquired, severely trying to calm down.
He's hidin' somethin'. I just got to push him to what.

"Did somethin'...'happen'...last night?" Applejack asked, giving a sly yet seductive grin. Chris's eyes shifted to the right and back to Applejacks.
Gotcha...

"N-nope. Nothing happened."

"Then why are you shirtless?"
Chris's expression grew more serious.

"Because it was hot last night."
Shit. That didn't come out right!"

"Oh, I'm sure it did." She continued, "Mind if I take a peek inside? Just to see if Shy's sleeping well, of course."
Oh, you have no idea.
Before Applejack could take a step to the doorway, Chris grabbed her shoulder and pushed her back. He didn't let go of her shoulder as he got out and shut the door behind him.

"I see you like it rough." Applejack joked.

"Listen here. Now it not the best time, I'm tired, and I don't need you to screw around with me." Chris flatly stated, a fire burned in his eyes from which Applejack could not break contact.
Gee... his eyes are intense. But... there's somethin' else... somethin' sad.

"Ok... ok. I'll just go back and wait for Shy to wake up." She finally said.
I'll hang back a bit. But this won't be over.

"Thank you." Chris finally said, releasing his grip on Applejack.
As she walked away, Chris couldn't help but grin a little.

"Hey Freckles!" He hollered.

"Freckles?" Applejack turned, questioning if he was going to insult her.

"Thought it would be a cute name for you."

"HA! Doubt it."

"It'll grow on ya. Anyway, what I was going to say was that orange is a good color on you."

"Wha-?"
Applejack looked down and realized that she wasn't exactly wearing clothes. She was only dressed in a white beater and an orange thong.

"And you call me the bold one." Chris remarked, Applejack's face getting incredibly flustered.
Finally got one over on you. Oh, sweet victory.

Applejack finally got to her room, a little pissed that Chris, of all people, saw her without pants on.

"Applejack what happened? Didn't Fluttershy get the message?" a voice questioned.
Rarity was sitting at her make-up station, trying to get ready by applying various forms of blush, mascara and nail polish.

"Must you use yer face like a colorin' book?" Applejack inquired.

"Well, not all of us can appreciate was it takes to look fabulous. But you never know what combination of make-up will look dazzling."

"Uh huh."

"Is something wrong Applejack?"

"Oh it's nothin." Applejack replied thorugh gritted teeth.

"Now Applejack. If there is something wrong, I'll see it. Like right now, on your face."

"Well... there is one thing."

"Take a seat Applejack, and give me the details."
She did so, Rarity put on her glasses and mocked being a psychiatrist.

"Well, to put it simply: Chris saw me like this." She gestured to her attire.

"Well I'm surprised you had a thong on. A little bold for you isn't it?" Rarity asked.

"That's exactly what he said!"
Rarity pouted a bit, really thinking hard like she had a new dress design.

"Can I ask you something Applejack?" Rarity finally spoke.

"I can't see a reason not to."

"You like this 'Chris' you talk so much about?"
Applejack almost fell off her seat at the sudden question.

"What makes ya think that I like that perv!" Applejack retorts.

"Why are you reacting so much to a simple question?" Rarity calmly asked, cracking a little smile.
Applejack was blushing profusely, she tried to think of an explanation to help her case, but eventually gave up.

"Fine, I guess I kinda do... a little."

"REALLY?!? I was just swing at air!"

"RARITY!"

"Sorry, sorry. But I didn't think you liked a guy... or any guy for that matter."

"True, but this one's different. I don't know what it is exactly, but... whenever I see him my heart races and I felt like thowin' up."

"That, my dear friend, is what's called love."
Applejack crossed her arms, frustrated with recent events and trying to refuse her feelings.

"Can... can you help me? Y'know... get his attention?" Applejack hesitantly asked.

"Well, my schedule is a little full, but I'm sure I could squeeze you in somewhere."

"C'mon Rarity!"

"Ok! Ok, I'll help. But first I'm going to need to see this 'Chris' of yours."
For Applejack to like a guy, this should be interesting.

Chapter 6: Scars

Chris was in the shower, running in freezing cold water but he didn't bother to change the temperature because he was still flustered by the Fluttershy incident AND the close call by Applejack.
Damn it! I'm still heated here! Is it possible to bring the water to Arctic Circle level?! If I don't cool down soon, I just might burst into flames!
He wasn't really washing himself during his cool down period, more like he was lost in deep thought. The water running down his back was soothing to him, but it quickly became an annoyance and decided he was done. He turned the dial off and stepped out.

"WHOA, SHI-!!" He yelped as he slipped on the tile floor, grabbing the towel rack, only to have it rip from the wall. He whacked his head on the edge of the sink and landed on his back, whiplashed struck his head and he was curling from the pain.
ARGH!! Life is just fucking with me now, isn't it?!

"Chris? Are... are you ok?" Fluttershy asked through the door, waking up from the loud noise.

"Yea... yea, I'm fine. Just slipped, that's all."
Chris sat up, the cold tile tickling at his butt cheeks. When he stood up, he looked in the mirror to see a man with short, brown hair and steel gray eyes with a hint of ice blue around the outer edges of the irises and miniscule flecks of gold in between. His cheekbones were high set, but his face was slightly rounded. His left brow was slightly elevated more than the right one, giving an all present questioning look of skepticism. Small, horizontal scars hid under his right eyebrow, but more noticeable wound was over his left eye. The cut was on his forehead, slowly bleeding out and lined just above his brow. Chris took out a tissue and a cotton ball from the medicine cabinet to wipe off the blood and apply alcohol, teeth grinding from the stinging sensation. Wrapping a towel around his hips, he opened the door to see Fluttershy in his bed, right were he left her, but she was sitting up and her breasts hung like two softballs on strings.

"Chris?! Oh my goodness, what happened to your head?!" She asked.

"It's just a scratch. No big deal." He calmly stated, going back into the bathroom and returning with a large towel. He tossed it to Fluttershy, who showed a confused expression.

"What's this for?"

"To cover yourself up."
Fluttershy then looked down, and gave a little squeal after realizing she was about 90% naked. She held the towel in her hands, hugging them close to her collarbone and looked at Chris, her face almost all pink.

"How... h-h-how much did you see?" She tentatively asked.
If you want my honest answer... I'd say enough to imprint my vision.

"Not much, but I won't say anything about it if you don't."
Chris walked over to the wardrobe and pulled out underwear and a fresh pair of jeans.

"Um... you mind?"
Fluttershy quickly turned around, while Chris hurriedly put on his pants and soon after, places the necklace around his neck. She couldn't help but peek just a little bit, and noticed that he had many horizontal scars running along his lower back.

"What happened there?" she inquired.

"What?"

"On your back... the scars you have."
Chris brushed his hand on his lower back, over the scars and gave a heavy sigh.

"Its...a reminder...something that stops me from looking back. Its not a story I'd like to tell."
He then felt something touch, no... caress the scars. He didn't move, but he new the Fluttershy was behind him. She gingerly glided her fingertips over the little divots embedded in his skin, as if she was trying to read the story they told. Chris turned his head so that she was looking at her, she held the towel in place with her hand and arm, her hair slightly disheveled and a little red showed under her eyes. Fluttershy's hand then travel up to his broad shoulders, his skin seemed to roughen like sandpaper, she brought her hand across his chin and lightly pulled it so that he turned to face her.
She slowly caressed the new cut on his head, while staring into his grey, seemingly cold eyes. Through his eyes, he saw a sea of light blue that swept him away almost forgetting his surroundings.

"I'd like to hear it. But when you feel like you want to talk about it, you can tell me." She whispered, her face seeming to get more flustered. Chris's hands moved on their own as the slowly slide up Fluttershy's arms and held just below the shoulders. The two seem to draw closer, though completely unaware of it.

"Fluttershy, I..." He started.

"FLUTTERSHY?!" A voice screamed out. Chris turned his head up, his eyes locked on a figure in the doorway and the feeling of dread began to spread throughout his being.

Author's Note

Having see that more views has shown, and more people have liked this as one of their favorite stories. I think that this will be enough to continue with it. I have you readers to thank, so Thank You and enjoy the next upcoming chapters.

Chapter 7: This is not what it looks like...

Rarity walked out the dorm room, curious and a little excited about Applejack's recent confession.
Applejack liking a boy, huh? This 'Chris' must be special if he was able to charm AJ's heart so easily.
She walked down to Fluttershy's room and knocked a couple times.

"Fluttershy? Are you there?"
No response.

"Fluttershy?" She asked again, this time opening the door. What she saw, made her freeze in place. Fluttershy was standing with a towel over her chest, practically naked with only a lacey black panty being the only article of clothing on. But what was more shocking was the fact that she was very close to a guy whom had his shirt off, and a cut on his forehead.

"Fluttershy?!" Rarity exclaimed.
The man pulled his head up, a shocked look spread on his face. He looked at Fluttershy, then back a her and instantly swung his hands to shoulder height. At the same time, Fluttershy quickly turned around and gasped, covering her mouth and almost looking to cry.

"R-R-Rarity! What are you doing here?!"

"Well I could ask the same about HIM!" Rarity yelled back.

"Hey, hey, hey! Let's just calm down... this is not what it looks like." The boy retorts.

"Were you not holding her in your arms, staring deeply into her eyes and slowly leaning closer together?!"

"Ok, maybe it is what it looks like... but that's not the point!"

"That won't matter! I have to tell Applejack about this!" Rarity proclaimed and started to jog back to her dorm room.

"NO!" The man yelled, and started to chase after Rarity.

It was only seconds before Chris was able to catch up to Rarity, but she was able to get to the door.

"APPLEJAC-MPH!!"
Chris had grabbed her and swung around a corner. He covered her mouth with his hand and had his arm around her collarbone. Rarity was pulling at Chris's arm, trying to yank it off, but to no avail. She then tried to rip his hand off her mouth, but that was a fruitless effort.
He's stronger than he looks! Who is this madman?!

"Rarity?" Applejack had opened the door, but she was confused that no one stood near it.

"Now, I could'a sworn I heard Rarity's voice..."
Look around the corner!!!
Chris was getting nervous as sweat began to form on his neck and he nearly stopped breathing.
Come on, come on... close the door...

"Eh, must be hearin' things." Applejack stated, closing the door.
Chris let out a heavy sigh of relief and then turned his attention to Rarity, who was still struggling to break free from his grip.

"Ok...this is how its going to work... I'm going to let you go now, but you let me explain."

"MMH HM HMR MM MMHMM!" (WHAT IS THERE TO EXPLAIN!)

"Listen, just... hear me out."

"Mm hm." (Okay.) Rarity responded with much hesitation.
Chris then slowly released his hand from her mouth, Rarity taking big gasps of air.

"Ok now." Chris said, trying to sound clam as he removed his arm and let Rarity take a couple steps away. She brushed off her shoulders and turned to look at Chris. With things clamed down, he had a chance to actually look at Rarity in detail. She was wearing a knee length business skirt and a white blazer, though there were slight dust marks on it. On top of that she was wearing a navy blue undershirt and high heels. But to put the icing on the cake was her sapphire eyes behind a pair of rose colored glasses. The hair was another noticeable point as it had very large curls running through it.
By the looks of it, she seems like one of those "fashionholics" always feeling the need to come up with a new look every day.

"Just... who are you?" Rarity asked.
Huh? Someone who doesn't know me? Odd, considering that I've been the talk of the town for the first couple days. And here I though she was also a "gossip groupie."

"My name is Chris. Nice to make your acquaintance. " Chris responded with a mocking sophistication, holding his hand out for a hand shake.
This is the one that captured AJ's heart? Well I must say I am shocked.

"Rarity. Charmed." She replies.
Despite his lean stature, his muscles show on his skin, though they aren't that defined.
Rarity looked down at his chest and eyed the crystal.

"OOOOHHHHH! What his that?!" She almost squealed in excitement. Chris looked quizzical before following her eyes to his chest and instinctively clasped his hand over the necklace.

"This is not important." He quickly stated, and hurriedly walked of back down the hallway.
Rarity hung over the corner and stared at Chris while he made his way back to Fluttershy's dorm.
How mysterious... wait, why is he going into Fluttershy's room?! I have to tell Applejack!
She jogged back to her dorm room, only to find that Applejack was napping in her bed.

"Oh my, what an undignified way to sleep... Applejack! Wake up!"

"Huh? What?! What happened?!-OOF!" Applejack said, startled before falling out.

"Damnit, Rarity. *yawn* Could you have kept it down?"

"Well I'm sorry, but there is urgent business here."

"If ya needed to started workin' on another dress, or hairstyle or whatever; then why did ya wake me?"

"Because it's about your, to use your words, 'lover boy.'"
Applejack sat up straighter, ears listening intently.

"He was in Fluttershy's room!"
Applejack gave her a look of "Are you really that stupid?"

"Uh, yea... he's her roommate."
Rarity's face was puzzled.

"Really? Well that is a shocker."

"Is that all you wanted to tell me? 'Cause if it is, then I'm going back to my nap."

"No wait! Thats not all of it. I saw something that happened in Fluttershy's room."
Applejack froze and leaned in close to Rarity.

"Go on."

"You see... what I saw was..."

Chapter 8: Rules of Engagement

It was still mid-morning and Chris was already exhausted. His nerves were on the brink of snapping and a cold chill crawled on his spine.

"Geez, Someone is mentioning my name. I don't like where it is going."
He went about his classes as usual, though he was having a hard time paying attention. When it finally finished, he headed to the café that Fluttershy worked at and took a seat near the window.

"Hello, may I take your... Chris? What are you doing here?" Fluttershy asked.

"Oh, hey Fluttershy. I'm here because places like these give me the peace to think."

"Is...is something wrong?" She inquired.

"I don't know... I just haven't been myself lately."
Fluttershy stood next to him for a second, and then a short smile showed on her face before heading behind the counter. Chris didn't notice, as he just stared out the window into the partly cloud sky.
I feel like my life has spun out of my control. I thought going to collage would be good for me, but its turning into a pain in my-
Fluttershy came back with a small mug filled with a creamy brown liquid, topped with whipped cream and had a light chocolate drizzle.

"H-here. Drink this." Fluttershy sheepishly stated.
Chris had a slightly confused look, but took the handle and sipped.

"Hot Chocolate?"
He took another sip, which soon became longer drinks. Before long the mug was empty, and Chris leaned back in his chair, satisfied.

"That was delicious. Thank you, Fluttershy."
Her face lit up and a wide grin spread across her cheeks.

"I... I made it myself. You seemed down, so I thought this would cheer you up." She said, poking her index fingers together, a slight blush glowed under her eyes.

"Well, it worked. I definitely feel better."
Fluttershy looked at him and giggled, "Hehe, you have a little cream on your nose."
Chris began to look cross-eyed, which only made it look funnier. Fluttershy wiped it off with her finger and seductively licked it. Chris's chest felt like it was impaled with roman spears.

"So- so how much is it?" Chris finally snapped out of it, wallet in hand.

"Oh, its nothing really. It's on the house."

"Oh c'mon, I have to repay you some how."

"No really, its nothing! Just helping out a friend."
Chris opened his mouth to protest, but closed it and relaxed.

"You're too kind."

"I'll see you back at the dorm." Fluttershy stated before rushing to another table to take another order.
It's like she is the manifestation of kindness. There's got to be something I can do to pay her back....That's it!
Chris jogged out of the café with a slight bounce in his step.

"He did WHAT now?!" Applejack practically screamed out.

"I am telling you, its true!" Rarity said.
Applejack slumped back in her bed, clutching the sheets in her fists. Her teeth grinded together and she was on the verge of crying.

"That... little...pervy...jerk...@#%$!#%&*!!!"
She slammed her face into the pillow and began to cry her eyes out.
Why?! WHY?! WHY?!?!?! WHY DIDN'T I GET A CHANCE?!
After a couple of minutes, Rarity slowly sat next to the distraught Applejack.

"Uh...AJ?" Rarity cautiously spoke.

"Maybe I outta cut my losses and give up."

"No! You can't give up now! I swear on my fashion expertise... that you will be with Chris!"
Applejack lifted her head, tear stains already set on her cheeks.

"An how do you s'pose we do that?"

"Hm... I know! We take him to dinner. Have you dress up to really grab his attention."

"An ya think that'll work?"

"Absolutely! Come on! We have work to do."

Chris was on his way back to the dorms, but he decided to cut through the park. He had time to kill, so why the hell not? He looked to see a chess table, already set up with a girl sitting on one end with a book in her face.
Been a while since I played a game of chess. Last I remember was with my dad.
Chris felt a lump form in the pit of his stomach.
Dad...
He shook his head and walked over to the table.

"Mind if I play?"
The book lowered to reveal a slightly angular face with deep violet eyes behind a pair of jet black glasses. Her bangs covered most of her forehead, but what most appalling was two bands of pink and purple above her right eye that ran vertically through her indigo hair.

"I'm not so sure, I mean this is a technical game with tons of possibilities and strategies and-"
As the girl kept taking, Chris glanced at the board. The side nearest him was where the black pieces started seeing the king had not moved from its beginning square, but on the opposite side the white king was surrounded by a rook, a pawn and a queen far away that few moves to the white king would put him out of check. Likewise, the black king was cornered with a rook and a bishop.

"Checkmate." Chris said, leaning back with his arms crossed.

"Wait, What?!" The girl gasped and looked at the board. The black pawn had been moved and promoted to a knight. Her eyes shifted all over the board and then she flipped through multiple pages of the book she was reading. The title read: Chess Strategies developed by Grandmasters from 1500-2023

"How did..." She began looking at Chris with disbelief. Chris sat there, raising an eyebrow.

"Would you care to play with an opponent?" Chris asked with a cocky attitude.

"Alright... you're on!" The girl said, as she started setting up the pieces.

"I don't believe I caught your name."

"Twilight. Twilight Sparkle."

"Interesting name. I'm Chris, nice to play against you." Chris held out a hand to shake, but also as a sign of professionalism. The two shook and the game started. Chris let Twilight be white, he always worked better as black anyway. The game was lasting intently, each taking at least five minutes to plan out the next move. The game had lasted long enough, that neither of them were aware that a crowd had form around them, transfixed. Whispers spread throughout the crowd.

"Who's that playing against Twilight?"

"I don't know, but it seems like he's winning."

"Hey, isn't that Fluttershy's roommate?"

"He can't really believe that he can win against the #1 student here."
No. 1 Student, huh? Well this just makes it more interesting.
Few more minutes pass, almost seemed like hours, but the game was coming to a close. All in the crowd of spectators began making bets of who would win. Unsurprisingly, the majority had betted against Chris. The last move was cast and the crowd froze, the air was still. Chris stood up and began to walk off to the dorm building.

"Well, looks like its game over. It was going to happen one way or the other. Thanks for the game, hope to see you again sometime." Chris stated, the crowd moving away as he walked. Twilight sat at the table, frozen, staring at the board in even greater disbelief.
A Stalemate...
She looked out over to Chris, who continued to walk down the cobblestone path, not looking back.

Chris walked through the double doors of the building, before getting a pie smacked in his face.

"What the..." He muffled, removing the tin and wiping the cream off his face. He heard laughter to his left and saw Pinkie and Rainbow Dash rolling on the floor.

"HAHAHA!!! We got you good!" Dash exclaimed between breaths. Pinkie was laughing to much to even speak. Chris gave a little chuckle.

"I'll give you that one, that was good... but lacking finesse."

"HAHA, say what?!" Pinkie finally spoke.

"I'm just saying it was juvenile, crude and unoriginal. But you can't beat the classics."
Rainbow stood up and wipe some cream on her finger. Pinkie did the same, but overdid it by drawing a French mustache and beard to match.

"Oh, and YOU can do better?" Dash retorted.

"Pinkie... Rainbow... take my advice: you do NOT want to start a prank war with me."

"And what if we DO?" Rainbow Dash inquired.

"If you wish to issue the declaration of war, then allow me to make the first move."

"Ok... seems fair." Pinkie said, hold out a hand to shake.

"Nuh uh. Remove the joy buzzer first." Chris replied, crossing his arms. With a pout, Pinkie took of the buzzer and shook hands before she and Dash headed to back to their room.

"C'mon Pinkie, we have laundry to do." Dash said as they walked.

"Oh and one more thing." Chris hollered to the girls. "I have been known to go a little extreme."

"We'll take our chances." Dash hollered back.

"Suit yourself." He whispered, still standing with pie cream on his face.

"CHRIS!!...CHRIS!!...CHRIS!!!!!" Rainbow screamed outside of the dorm room, furiously banging on the wooden door. The door opened and Chris stood in the doorway, his face now cream free, but calm and collected.

"Yes?"

"Where are our clothes?!" Rainbow demanded, motioning to her and Pinkie behind them. They were wearing thin PJ's that did make them look cute, with a side dish of slight sex appeal.

"Well how would I know?" Chris responded, somehow managing to control his urge to barrel into a laughing fit.

"We went to get out clothes from the washers, and they were gone."

"Despite a sign on the door that clearly stated: DO NOT LEAVE CLOTHES UNATTENDED."

"Chris..." Rainbow said through gritted teeth. "Where are they?"
Chris stepped out and started to walk towards the exit, the two girls following suit.

"Y'know...I remember seeing a pair of lace and stockings lying around somewhere..."
He stepped outside and pointed up to the left.

"Do those look familiar?"

"How did you get them up on that telephone wire?!?!" Pinkie gasped, almost giggling at the sight of various bras, panties and other female unmentionables hanging for the world to see.

"Oh I have my ways." Chris replied, an extraneous smug growing on his face.

"Get them down!" Dash demanded.

"Do you accept defeat?"

"NEVER!"

"Well then I suggest you get a very long stick and play panty piñata." Chris stated, slowly returning to the dorm building, a chuckle rising from his throat until it burst into a full blown, maniacal laugh. The two girls stood, befuddled by the extensiveness of his prank, but now even more determined to get back at him.

Chapter 9: Curiosity, Disappointment and Reservations

Morning came on a quiet Saturday. Chris woke up and instinctively looked to his left, but it was clear and Fluttershy was still in her bed, still sleeping soundly. He went through the routine and stepped out without even a sound. He walked down to the park and sat at a bench, pondering about the mysteries of the universe and other paradoxes.

"Oh! A lovely morning to you, Chris!" Rarity broke through his thoughts. She was wearing a light sweater as fall had set in.

"Morning, Rarity." Chris said with a heavy sigh.

"What's the matter? Did you sleep like a baby?"

"Nope."

"Didn't sleep well, huh?"

"Oh no, I sleep beautifully."
Rarity gave him a confused look, to which Chris raised an eyebrow.

"Uh... isn't that a contradiction?"

"If you were referring to the 'sleep like a baby' metaphor, no. That phase implies that I woke up every two hours, crying because I crapped my pants."

"Huh, never though of it that way."
Chris then tapped a finger to his temple. Rarity sat next to him, but the two didn't speak for several minutes. Rarity fidgeted with her fingers, seemingly growing more impatient with something.

"Hey... Chris?"

"Hm?"

"Do...do you know what love feels like?"
Where is this coming from... and where is it going?"

"Well... I can't say that I don't."

"Really? Have you been... you know... in a relationship?"
Chris took a moment to collect his words.

"I've had a girlfriend or two before, but I've never known what it is like to be loved by someone."
Rarity raised and eyebrow with interest, slightly leaning forward to hear better.

"Well... what happened?"
Chris looked at her with eyes that showed mixed emotions that made her feel a slight pang of guilt for bringing up the subject. Chris took a deep breath and sighed.

"When I was in those prior relationships, both the girls cheated on me. It hurt, believe me...and I decided to confront them as soon as I found out. What I told them was this: 'I know you've been cheating on me, but I'm not angry; just...disappointed. Disappointed that my affection wasn't enough for you to be happy, that I couldn't make you happy with the deepest emotions of my heart. But you, today, proved yet again that I am a man that will never experience what it is like to be loved. To have someone to truly care for until the end of my mortal life. There will be no anger...no tears, or jealousy. Just disappointment. Goodbye...and I'm sorry.' After that, they sent me messages and calls. Apologizing for their actions and practically begging me to reconsider. But I refused them both."
Rarity's heart sank and was almost in tears from hearing that. She was not prepared to hear someone who felt that way, which only made that pang of guilt grow.

"And from those experiences, I picked up a phrase that sums up what my relationships then and what's to come."

"And... what's that?" Rarity tentatively asked.

"'Either you CHOOSE me, or you LOSE me. Short, simple and easy to remember."
It was getting harder for Rarity to contain a need to cry, no to bawl her eyes out.

"E-excuse me." She said, standing up and beginning to walk off. She covered her mouth to stifle her tears. She knew that Chris hid something sad when she first spoke to him, but she never anticipated the weight of it.
My god...he's been through really bad days, but manages to keep going with his life. Chris is a really strong person, stronger than most that I have met.

"Hey Rarity?" Chris hollered. She turned around, her vision slightly blurry.

"Don't tell the others about what I said; in time, I'll tell them myself. Rarity was almost taken aback by his straightforwardness.

"Yea. Ok." She responded. She continued to walk before stopping and doing a 180.

"Hey Chris?"

"Something else you want to know?"

"Yes, how would you like to come to dinner?"
She's asking me on a date? After what I said, she looked like she was going to break down right there. Plus, I barely know her.

"Is it just us or are the rest coming?"

"Everyone else will be joining me, think of it as an official welcome to the campus."

"A little belated for that, don't you think?"

"Oh, do you accept or not!" Rarity pouted.

"Hehe... alright, I'll go. It could be fun." He responded, standing back up from the bench, "When and where?"

"Next week, at 8:30. Don't be late. As for where, let me worry about that."

"Formal?" Chris raised a brow.

"Absolutely!"
Chris smiled and walked off back to the dorm room, hands behind his head, looking up at the grey clouds overhead and a single hole where the sun shown through.

Fluttershy sat in her bed, eyes glued to a screen near the foot of her bed. Chris opened the door and became surprised when his eyes gazed across the TV.

"You play Skyrim?"
Fluttershy gasped, then gave a sheepish smile and a light blush.

"Oh, don't let me stop you from playing a great game." Chris continued, "I just didn't expect you to be playing it."

"Yea, I tend to enjoy open world games with a lot a choice involved throughout the story."

"Ah. So what class are you?"

"Assassin."
Well how's that for irony. An embodiment of kindness playing a cold, calculated and silent killer.

"Remind me to show you Assassins Creed next time." Chris said, "Actually, there is something I want ask you."
Fluttershy paused the game and looked toward Chris with attentive eyes.

"I..."
Damn it man!! Just ask her out!"
Chris swallowed hard and took a deep breath.

"I was going to the zoo tomorrow, and it just so happens that I have an extra ticket. And...I was wondering, well...if you'd be interested in joining me."
Fluttershy pondered it for a second, making Chris a little nervous.

"Yes, I'd love to go...I mean, if that's ok with you."
Chris couldn't help but give a wide smile.

"So which zoo are we going to?" Fluttershy inquired.

"Dodge City Safari."

"Wow, I've never been there! But that's quite far from here."

"Don't worry, I got us train tickets to get there. Round trip."
Fluttershy started clapping her hands together and jumping up and down like a little school girl, giggling like she received an early Christmas present.

"Oh, one more thing. Rarity invited me to a dinner party next week, and she said that everyone is going."

"Oh, that will be fun!" She replied, though still more excited about the zoo tomorrow.

Chapter 10: Pulling Strings

Chris was waiting at the station for at least fifteen minutes. He arrived there about 10 minutes early, based on a habit he developed to prevent tardiness.

"Oh! I hope I didn't keep you waiting!" Fluttershy hollers from across the walkway.

"Not a problem, just glad that you made it."
Oh man, I've always wanted to say that!

"Ready to go?" Chris asked, pointing a thumb at the train. Fluttershy nods and they both get on, present their tickets and find seats. The train lurched and took it's time to get up to speed. Fluttershy was facing the direction the train was moving, and Chris opposite her so that his point of view showed the horizon moving away from him. With maybe an hour or two to kill, Chris looked over Fluttershy. She was wearing a light, moss green sundress with a wide brimmed yellow hat to contrast. He also noticed that she braided her hair, as it was laying over her left shoulder. He looked at himself and began to feel a little embarrassed at his attire. He was wearing a blue t-shirt with grey cargo shorts and a black leather belt. When he looked back up, Fluttershy was staring out the window, a large smile on her face, fascinated by the world whizzing past them. Chris couldn't help but smile and relax, despite the train car slightly bouncing and rattling.

Without even realizing it, their train had stopped at Dodge City Central. When they got off, Chris told Fluttershy that the zoo was only a couple blocks away, but easily within walking distance. Beginning on the street, Chris lead as Fluttershy followed two or three feet back. He kept looking back to make sure that he didn't lose her. At some point he stopped to let her catch up and end right next to him.

"Why don't you walk beside me? It will make it easier not to lose you in the crowd." Chris said, lightly smiling. Fluttershy returned his smile and took his advice, but even took it a step further and grasped his hand. Chris felt a tingling sensation run up and down his spine, but he did not remove his hand. He looked over to Fluttershy and saw that she was blushing slightly.

"Guess I won't lose you now." He charmingly said as they walked.
Within 25 minutes, they were standing at the entrance. Fluttershy was getting increasingly excited.

"Oh! C'mon! Let's go!" She squealed as she grabs Chris's arm and started pulling towards the gate.
If she pulls any harder, she just might dislocate it!
He presented the tickets and they both crossed the metal gates. Fluttershy was getting more excited than Pinkie on a sugar rush, yet she didn't know what to do first.

"There is so much to do! What should we start with?" Fluttershy excitingly asked.
Chris held out his hand, "Take my hand, and I will show you."
Smile formed on her face, along with noticeable red patches on her cheeks.
Chris toured her around the various sections of the zoo. It was fairly large, so there was almost always something to do or see. So far, the "date" was going very well, at lunch they ate together at an outpost near the edge of the zoo. Chris found a pair of seats that over looked the safari reserve, gazelles, rhinos, and even wildebeests roamed around or sat in the shade.

"Well today is going well, wouldn't you say?" Chris asked.

"Oh yes! I'm having so much fun!"

"Well. I think you're going to like what I have planned." Chris stated, pulling out a small, clear bag orange-red colored bars in it. Fluttershy's expression was quizzical, yet intrigued. He handed one bar to her and asked her to hold it out over the edge. She did so and held it out for a couple minutes, getting more confused as time passed. She opened her mouth to asked something.

"Give it a few seconds." Chris blurted out, holding a few fingers out. In that moment, Fluttershy felt something moist, yet rough brush against her hand, pulling at the bar. She instinctively let go and thrust her hand close to her, when she looked over, her mouth was agape and speechless. Next to her was a giraffe, munching away at the bar, its tongue occasionally poking out between chews.

"Oh wow!!!" She exclaimed, looking at Chris with disbelief, "How did you know?"

"I asked one of the keepers to guide one of them to here." Chris said with a sly smile, "I also paid him for these bars, which they give to those who want to feed giraffes."

"So anyone can do this?" She inquired, pulling another bar from the bag.

"Well, not to this extent. Others would have to go to a designated area."
Fluttershy was giggling uncontrollably, her large smile made Chris have that warm and fuzzy feeling. He always wanted to make the people he cares about happy. When all the bars were gone, Chris stood up and held out his hand. Fluttershy graciously took it and he brought her to one of the bird shows. Macaws flew in groups across the audience, a peacock displayed its beautiful plumage and a hawk glided near many of the patrons. One pass was so close that the outermost feathers on its wings actually slapped Chris nose, Fluttershy laughing at the frozen expression on his face. After the show, Chris was able to bring Fluttershy up close to the exotic birds, even so much as having them on her hands or arm.

Afternoon came around and the park was nearing its closing time. Fluttershy was getting tired, but Chris had one more stop to make.

"And now, for the piece de résistance." Chris said, going up to a stand near an enclosed bird exhibit. There were doors going into it, so it was possible to walk in. Chris came back with two small cups enclosed in his hands, he give her one of them. In the cup was a murky, yellowish white liquid that had a lightly sweet smell.

"What's this?" She asked.

"It's nectar."

"Nectar for what?"

"You'll see."
Chris opened the first door and waited for her to pass through into the small space before closing it and opening the other door. He brought her out to the middle of the enclosure and held his cup in the air. Before long, a lorikeet flew from a tree and landed on his arm. It shimmied towards his hand and started lapping up the nectar. Soon enough another flew down, and another, and another, until there were five on his arm at once.

"Go ahead, hold it out." Chris told Fluttershy, assuring that it was safe. when she did she ended up with three on her arm drinking, two on her head and four on the other arm, bouncing back and forth between the ones eating. Her laugh was getting contagious as Chris began to chuckle.

"Heh heh, you look like a pirate!" She giggled, pointing a finger at him. He turned his head to find the one lorikeet was sitting on his shoulder. They both laughed until the nectar was all gone and the birds flew back into the trees.

"Ok, seriously. How were you able to do all this?" Fluttershy asked again, being more assertive.

"Well, when I was fourteen, I got an internship at this zoo. After that I worked part time for two years, so I had some pull in fabricating a perfect zoo trip."

"And you did this just for me?"

"Well, you cheered me up when I was down, so I figured to could repay you... with interest."

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!!" She said, leaping at Chris and giving him a crushing hug.

The train ride back home was slow, and darkness had fallen before they left the station. Fluttershy was fast asleep, her head leaning on his shoulder. She clutched a stuffed panda in her arms that Chris bought from the gift shop. He asked the cashier for an animal she could love, to which she stated, "Everyone loves pandas." Chris leaned back in his seat and took the time to reflect. He loved to see her smile, he felt that he wanted to make her happy in anyway possible, yet... a void and slightly sore feeling grew in the pit of his stomach. He hated that feeling, but he couldn't understand what it meant, or why he even had it. When they did manage to get back to the university, Chris practically had to carry Fluttershy to the dorm room. But he did carry her for the last 60 yards before carefully tucking her into bed. Chris smiled and gave her a light peck on the forehead before flopping on his own bed. Fluttershy tightened her hug on the panda, but still was in a deep sleep.

Chapter 11: A Night to Remember

The week passed without notice, though Chris, Pinkie and Dash continued with their little prank war. Starting with Chris finding itching powder, AFTER it was too late. In retaliation, he gave them a cake that hid a balloon inside. Neither side was ready to give up, but they commissioned a temporary cease fire for the dinner. Chris was rummaging through the closet and eventually found a simple white shirt along with a plain black suit jacket and pants. He tucked his necklace under the shirt before getting a dark blue tie.

"Jesus, I always have trouble with this frikin' tie." He muttered as the fumbled with a Winsor.

"Do you need help?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yea, kinda."

"Maybe Rarity can help, she's good with clothes and fashion."
Go Figure.

"Alright, I'll see if she can help." Chris stated, as he walked out the door and down to Rarity's room.

"Uh, Rarity... are ya sure this will work?" Applejack struggled to say. She was standing on a low stool so Rarity could work on every inch of the dress.

"Of course it will darling! He won't be able to resist you while wearing this!"

"Maybe... but would it be too much ta ask if I could breathe? It's a little tight."

"Hmm... I suppose I could adjust it to be a little looser, but you don't want it falling off on you, now do you?"
Applejack thought for a second at the prospect, but quickly shook her head.
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.*

"Oh, I wonder who that could be?" Rarity said, standing up and walking to the door. She only opened partially before seeing who it was.

"Hey Rarity, could you help me with-" *SLAM!!* She shut the door quickly.

"It's Chris!"

"What! Why is he here!" Applejack loudly whispered.

"I don't know, but you're not ready!... I'll deal with him."
Rarity opened the door again, but slipped out before Chris could see past it.

"Heeeeyyy, what's up?" Rarity asked, Chris had a confused, yet discerning look on his face.

"You could've just said no."

"I'm sorry, I was just surprised. Anyway, what can I help you with."
Chris held out the tie in his hand.

"Well, I'm probably the only guy on the planet who can't tie a tie for shit. Fluttershy said you could help me with that. Could you help?"

"Well what kind of fashionista wouldn't know this kind of thing. Of course I'll help."
Rarity made a Winsor in a flash, and took a step back to get a look at him as a whole.
Hm... he does look handsome. But I can't wait to see his face when Applejack dazzles him in her new dress!

"Thanks Rarity. So... how is transportation going to work?" Chris asked.

"I got a friend of mine to fix us up a limo."
Wow, fancy.

"Ok then, I'll check up on Fluttershy and wait for you at the front of the school."
He then headed off, Rarity waited a few seconds before releasing a heavy sigh.

Chris was waiting out at the college sign, constantly checking his watch and bouncing his knee.
Geez, I expected women to take long, but this is ridiculous.

"Ok, Chris! We're here!" Rarity hollered out. Chris turned to see the whole ensemble. Rarity was clad in a deep red-purple dress with some gold highlights. Fluttershy was next to her, dressed in an elegant green dress with a light blue flower that sat above her right breast, just under her collarbone. Pinkie was wearing a dark pink dress that had ruffles cascading from her hips to the ends of the dress. Rainbow dash was in a light blue dress that accented her lean features, and a multi colored belt that matched her hair almost perfectly.

"Wow... I'm... almost speechless. You all look amazing. Wait... where's AJ?"

"I'm glad you asked." Rarity responded with a wide smile. She sidestepped to the left and Chris's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. Before him stood a woman he could barely recognize. Her golden hair was intricately braided, her dress was a vibrant scarlet color. There was a single strap over her left shoulder and a the dress split halfway down her right thigh, almost exposing her whole leg. The look in itself would give Jessica Rabbit a run for her money. Chris stood there, literally speechless this time. Rarity sneaked up next to him and pushed his jaw up, closing his mouth.

"Well... wad ya'll think?" Applejack asked, her cheeks getting warm. Everyone chattered with her, various statements of awe and disbelief was most common, Then she turned her attention to Chris. He felt hot, his palms were getting sweaty.

"I-I-I-I ahhhhh... oh jeez." He stuttered.

"C'mon Chris, what do you think?" Rarity asked.
A lump formed in the back of Chris's throat, he swallowed hard and took a deep breath.

"Well, for starters, you look absolutely beautiful. To be honest, I almost didn't recognize you. This formal look shows a level of grace and elegance that I have never seen."
Applejacks face began to turn a bright cherry, though the night hid most of the color. The limo came about and thin, lean man stepped out.

"Is this the party from Miss Rarity?" The chauffer asked.

"Yes. Thank you, Al." Rarity responded with a gracious tone.

"Anything for the boss's friend."
Al then opened the back door and helped the girls in, one by one. Chris held the door while Al went back to the drivers seat before he stepped in and closed the door. The limo jerked before it smoothly took off to the restaurant. The girls were having there excited chatter, but Chris found himself staring at Applejack most of the time.
To think that her rough and tumble attitude could mask such elegance and beauty.
The more he thought about it, the more he realized that they were practically the same. Both were slightly bullheaded, stubborn and have an obligation to protect their friends. The limo stopped and Al opened the door, Chris got out first because he was closest, but he stayed to gentlemanly help the rest out. When Applejack put her hand on his, he felt his palm get a little more sweaty, whether it was from Applejack or himself, he couldn't tell.

"Why thank you, Lover boy."

"You're welcome...Freckles."
AJ lightly punched him in the arm and continued ahead. Chris turned to Al, who had a slightly jealous look on his face.

"Hey, Al? Do you have a business card or something? I have a feeling that I could use your help if things get out of hand."

"Oh...s-sure." Al said, pulling a card out of his breast pocket and handing it to Chris.

"Thanks. Oh, and have a nice night!" Chris said, holding a hand. Al hesitantly shook Chris's hand, Chris placing his other hand on top as a sign on respect. Al felt a little empowered before they broke and Chris headed for the front door. Al watched as Chris entered the restaurant, he sighed and began to walk to the drivers seat. An itch snuck into his wrist, covered by his glove. Al went to scratch and a small, crumpled green paper fell on the asphalt. He picked it up and unfurled it, surprise consumed him as a familiar 'Grant' stared into his eyes. Al smiled like he never had anything to smile about in his life, he hopped in and drove of into the city, his sprits a little higher.

Chapter 12: A Night to Remember Part ll; Shit happens...

Chris took his seat next to Applejack and Fluttershy. His hot feeling turned into an inferno, to which his tight collar wasn't any help. They ordered their dinners which followed as two Greek chicken salads, Three tenderloins with baked potato and one plate of rosemary alfredo. When the waitress left the group continued to have their standard conversations, swapping stories and even sharing a few laughs. Rarity constantly had to tell Pinkie to calm down and behave, considering her hyperactive nature.
Pinkie does seem to show a heavy case of ADD, but hey, I'm no psychologist.

"It's a shame that not everyone could join us." Rarity sighed.

"Oh? We're missing someone?" Chris responded, now paying attention.

"Yes, Twilight. She had to go on business fer the headmaster. I don't think ya met 'er yet." Applejack joined.
You'd be surprised.

"Not formally, no."

"You met her already?!" Rarity questioned, shocked.

"Yup, played a game of chess together, though it ended in a stalemate."
The plates arrive, but the waitress accidentally trips and Chris's plate falls on him. His steak stained his shirt, giving the impression that he had been shot in the left shoulder.

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" The waitress cried. Getting napkins and cleaning up the mess.

"Hey, hey, it's alright. I mean, shit happens right? It was just an accident." Chris calmly said holding in a scream in spite of the fact that the baked potato was baking his right thigh. He looked at the waitress, she had light blonde hair and was wearing a grey uniform, but what really set her different from the other employees was a slight "derp" expression in her eyes. Come to think of it, when she took their orders she knocked over a tray table and bumped into another waiter who spilled wine on the floor.

"Is there a restroom I could go to? So I could clean up?" Chris asked, rising from his seat.

"Oh yes, second door on your left." The waitress said, pointing down to a hallway in the back of the restaurant. Chris went in and began to wipe the stain with a moist towel.

After a few minutes and lots of paper towels in the waste bin, Chris emerged from the men's room.
Geez, this stain is persistent. Better get heavy duty bleach to wipe this off.

"That's it! I've just about had it up to here with you!" An angry voice punctured through a nearby door. Chris followed it to the kitchen entrance and saw the waitress from earlier with a gruff man (probably the manager) in front of her, a fed up expression on his face.

"You're clumsiness is causing customers to leave! I don't know why Bruce hired someone like you, but if you cause this much trouble for business... GAH!! I should fire you right now!"

"B-b-but... I'm trying as hard as I can. Please! I need this job!" The waitress stuttered, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"That's your excuse for everything! Your trying is not enough!!" The man shouted, the chefs kept working, but they had a concerned look on each of their faces, sometimes even looking at the scene.

"But..."

"NO MORE BUTS!!!" the man screeched, extending a hand and swung it. A loud slap echoed through out the kitchen. Everyone stopped and looked with utter shock. The waitress slowly looked back at the man, tears flowing down her newly red cheek. The manager's face looked only to get more enraged and cocked back another open hand. He turned his shoulders, but jerked, unable to follow through. The look of fury shifted to surprise as Chris blocked his arm and stared into his eyes with a glare of permafrost.

"That's enough..." He coldly stated.

"And what are you doing here?! This kitchen is for employee's only!" The manager barked.

"I should ask you the same, since you don't seem to be doing your job."

"What are you talking about?!"

"For one thing: a manager doesn't punish his employees for mistakes that are purely accidental. Secondly: The point of being a manager is to train a new worker and have them learn from their mistakes."
Having said that, many of the chefs began to nod in agreement.

"And what do you know about being a manager, huh?! This bitch can't learn from her mistakes because she repeats them. EVERY. FUCKING. TIME."

"I'm sorry but what did you say, Johnson?" A voice spoke out.
The entire kitchen was startled and even a few gasps. Chris looked to see a well dressed man in a tuxedo, with a dark blue ascot, a black vest under his black jacket and a very noticeable gold monocle and chain that lead to his breast pocket.

"B-Bruce! I just said-" Johnson stuttered.

"That my new employee can't learn? That you should fire her on the spot? Well if you feel that strongly about having a "simple" workforce, then you can take it somewhere else."

"W-What?!"

"To put it in layman's terms: You're fired." Bruce simply stated.
Nice touch.
Johnson looked back at Chris with an angry expression before storming out.

"Well... let's not dwell upon current events, c'mon. Back to work! There are still hungry people out there in need out our cuisine!" Bruce hollered to the kitchen, earning a cheer among the workers as the continued their duties. He then turned to Chris.

"Young man, I must apologize for my former manager's behavior."

"Oh don't worry about that. I've dealt with sleezes like that." Chris stated, trying not to sound arrogant.

"I must also thank you for defending on of my employees. I know she can be rough around the edges."

"Don't mention it. I would have done it for anyone suffering from mistreatment."

"I bet you're wondering why I hired her."

"Hm...a little bit yea."
Bruce took off his monocle, wiped it and placed it back over his eye.

"I was friends with her mother, she died when Derpy was a little girl and her father left without an explanation. With no one left in her family to take care of her, I took the responsibility of her welfare. After years, she felt that she wanted to repay me by working off her debt."

"Wow, that takes a lot of heart. I can respect that." Chris said.

"Oh, silly me, where are my manners. My name is Bruce Livingston, pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"My name is Chris, Chris Zueski."

"Interesting name."

"Well Bruce it was interesting to be here, but I think my friends are probably worrying about me now."

"Please Chris, call me Fancy Pants. All my friends do."

"Ha ha, and you say I have the interesting name. Well, I hope to see you again, Fancy Pants." Chris chuckles before leaving the kitchen.

The girls were still sitting in their seats, right where Chris left them.

"Oh there you are, Chris!" Rarity said, a slight slur to her words.

"Yea, what took ya so long?" Rainbow questioned, who clearly was tipsy.

"Sorry, this bitch of a stain was more deep set than I anticipated." Chris responded. The night continued without much interruption and Chris actually enjoyed himself. When the bill was paid, the group stood up and started for the door. Out of the six, Pinkie and Dash were the only one's nearly shitfaced, as they hobbled along with the rest. As Chris was leaving, he felt a slight tug on his sleeve. He looked over to see the waitress, pinching at his arm with a flustered expression.

"Um...excuse me, sir. I would like to thank you...for defending me." She said in a low tone.

"You don't need to thank me." Chris started, "It only seems right to protect a person who is subjected to cruelty, no matter the situation."

"But, there must be someway I can repay you."

"Seriously, you don't have to. I would have done it for anyo-"
Chris was cut off and his face began to feel hotter than the devils nipples. The waitress was kissing him, right on the spot. He didn't know how to react, so he just stood frozen. When she broke away, she gave a sheepish smile.

"My name's Derpy, I hope to see you here again sometime."

"Oh...r-right. Sometime." Chris fumbled with his words. He turned and continued out the door, utterly speechless. Though a certain blonde had a frustrated look and almost looked like she was going to kill him, probably thinking about it too.

"Did you have a special conversation with that waitress?" Applejack inquired, though she was harsh about it.

"That's... one way of putting it." Chris replied. At that instant, AJ let out a frustrated grunt and stormed out into the city street.

"Applejack? Where are you going?!" Chris hollered, beginning to jog after her.

"JUST STAY AWAY FROM ME!!" She lashed out. Chris stopped and just stared as she nearly ran down the street.
What was that all about? Could she have been...

Chapter 13: A Night to Rememeber Part lll; Pandora's Box

Saying that Applejack was angry, would be the understatement of the year. Her face was hot, her fists clenched and her heart bored into a sore hole that ached with each passing step.
That, that... ARG!!! How can he be so inconsiderate?! And ta think that I actually liked that scumbarrel!
She stopped for a second, the soreness finally got her attention.
So why do I still have this feelin'?
When Applejack looked up, she found herself in the bad part of town. The streets weren't really streets so much as they were dirt sidewalks. It was dark, except for the lamps, and it was near dead silent. A growing sense of dread tickled at the back of her mind.
Maybe I should head back...maybe I overreacted a little.
A slow breeze came and She began to feel a chill up her spine. Applejack started heading back the way she came... at least, where she thinks she came. The streets only seemed to get darker the longer she walked.

"Hey, there pretty lady." A shaggy voice spoke. Applejack turned and saw a broad figure silhouetted from the street lamps.

"Are you lost? I can help you find your way." The figure said, lightly chuckling.

"Naw, I'm just... late fer somethin'. Sorry, but I gotta go."
At that moment, the figure grabbed Applejacks arm and was forcibly pulling her back.

"Let, me go! I'm warnin' ya!" Applejack protested, but it fell on deaf ears. Applejack then brought her leg forward and arced it back, dead center on the man's groin. He let out a small grunt, but his grip didn't loosen. Applejack struggled harder and her arm began to feel like it was on fire.

"Please!! Let me go!!!" She yelled out. The man then thrust her to wall, pinned her hands above her head and brought his face close to hers; the smell of alcohol and cigarettes filled her nostrils with their putrid stink.

"You know... I have been alone for a long time. I don't remember how a woman felt."
The man placed his free hand to Applejacks face and then slowly slid it down to her breasts. She had a painful, flustered expression as the man groped her, giggling with joy.
I...I can't break free! I'm not strong enough! Someone! Anyone! Help me!!!

"Applejack?!"
She turned her head to see a shadowed figure, his fists clenched and eyes burning with a passion.

"Chris! Help!"

"Shut up, bitch!" The man shouted, pulling her in front of his body like a human shield and a sliver gleam shined across her neck.

"Hey man, take it easy." Chris tentatively said, his hands outward, "We can resolve this without someone getting hurt."

"Like hell we can!!" The man barked, pressing the knife closer to Applejack's throat.

"What's a little pussy like you gonna do to me, huh?! I bet you and this slut go at it every night!" The man ripped open the top of Applejack's dress, exposing her breasts; before roughly handling them. She winced with every stroke, looking at Chris with a begging eyes. Chris began to fell warmer and warmer, his teeth grinded against each other and his knuckles burned from pain.
The fires of Hell hath no fury like mine!

"That's it...LET. HER. GO." Chris stated, never breaking eye contact.

"FUCK THAT!!" The man said, backing up a little bit. He backing under one of the lamps and Chris got a good look at this jackass. The had a relatively tanned skin tone, he wore a black bandana on his head and had various gold rings on his fingers, but what Chris found most unsurprising was a pot plant pendent hanging around his neck. The douche looked to take a quick look at Applejack's "C-shells", but it wasn't quick enough as he saw a fist when he looked back up. He stumbled back a bit, clutching his nose. Chris stood over Applejack, his anger reaching the brink of destroying his sanity. The douche got back up and charged. He jabbed his knife towards Chris's left shoulder; but Chris turned, grabbed his arm, pulled and twisted it and brought his elbow down, bending the arm backwards. The man dropped the knife and screamed in agony, but was quickly silenced by Chris's right elbow. Before he went down, the man manage to get a kick to Chris's side. Applejack was frozen in awe, seeing Chris like this, fighting for her.
It's like I'm seein' a different person.
When Applejack snapped out of her trance, she saw that Chris had lost the upper hand and was being kicked in the gut repeatedly. She couldn't move, no matter how much she wanted to, her body refused to do anything expect shake. She then heard a painful scream and looked up. Chris was clutching his left shoulder, a knife sticking out of it. The man stood up and spit on him before slowly walking towards Applejack. Chris looked and saw that Applejack was crying. A new spark erupted within Chris and his vision began to turn slightly red.

"HEY!!" Chris hollered. The man turned around and saw that Chris was pulling himself up.

"Oh?! You want some more?!" The douche shouted back.

"You can beat me up, you can break my bones, you can even kill me...but when you make the ones I care most about cry...... you, sir... have just opened Pandora's box."
Chris gripped the hilt of the knife, and yanked it out without so much as a yelp. Like it didn't affect him, and he slowly started walking forward. The man, who felt cocky before, now felt something dreadful. He couldn't move, like something was preventing his nerves from sending signals his muscles. His breathing quickened and cold sweat formed. As he looked at Chris, he began to feel... fear. In his eyes, Chris began to look less and less...human... like an unnatural presence surrounded him and he looked like a devil dressed as a man, with eyes a colder than a Siberian winter.

"Who are... WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU?!?!" He screamed in terror.
Chris was right in front of him, he kicked the mans knee before punching his face to the ground. Chris kneeled down and hovered the knife over the mans left eye.

"I'm your deepest, blackest fears." Chris coldly stated before bringing the knife up and thrusting it back down.

The man looked to his left, seeing a small, thin reflection of himself before fainting. Applejack looked at Chris as he stood up, breathing heavily. When he turned to look at her, she instinctively flinched, squeezing her eyes shut. She covered her chest with both her arms, but she wouldn't stop shaking. She then felt something slide on top of her shoulders. She opened her eyes and saw a black jacket, with a blood stain on her left that was barely visible. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a phone was in her lap, the screen preset to call Rarity. Applejack looked up, but Chris was no where to be seen.

Chapter 14: I Never Left...

Applejack hadn't been the same since that Saturday night. Her cheerful personality and hearty attitude seemed to fade.

"C'mon Applejack." Rarity whined, trailing behind AJ through the park. "What happened four days ago? You've been avoiding Chris so far this week, and I'm really starting to get worried."
Applejack didn't respond, like her body was on auto-pilot. She looked up and saw Chris across the street leaving the hospital again. He had bandages that wrapped around his torso and over his right shoulder, stiches crossed on the front of his left shoulder and a couple Band-Aids on his forehead and right cheek. And yet, despite his injuries; he had a smile on his face. He didn't notice the two girls as they passed, Applejack didn't bother to speak up.

The next day, Applejack thought of ways to talk to Chris again (though being forced to by Rarity.) She went over to Fluttershy's dorm room and knocked on the door. Fluttershy opened up, her eyes swollen and she kept sniffling.

"Fluttershy? What's wrong?"
She didn't answer, but instead held out an envelope. On the front was just one word: Applejack. Applejack took the envelope and opened it. She pulled out a piece of paper and a black cord. At the end of the cord hung a blue, crystal teardrop.

You're probably wondering where I went, or why I didn't say anything before I left. But I don't think it's good that I stay, not after seeing the monster that I am on that Saturday night. I leave my necklace for you to never forget me... for I doubt we'll ever see each other again.

Goodbye Applejack.

Applejack had a hard time reading through the letter because her vision became blurry and indistinct. She looped the necklace around her neck and took off towards the door.

"Applejack?! Where are you going?!" Rarity shouted.

"To find Chris!" Applejack hollered back.

Chris stood in line at the station, the wait was extraneous and he was beginning to loose his patience. But the extra time gave him opportunity to reflect. He thought back to that night, though he didn't want to.
I couldn't control myself... I broke my vow yet again. Guess I'll have to start over for the third time. But... y'know what? It was worth it, not because of the relief of releasing bottled wrath, not because I used it on someone who deserved it...but rather, it used it to protect someone I cared for. And yet, despite having to start my life over... I feel strangely satisfied.
A light smile slowly cracked on his face. Without even realizing it, he stood in front of the ticket window while lost in thought.

"Ticket to Dodge, please."

"Will that be round trip or one way?" The ticketer asked.

"One way."
Chris paid and started off to the terminal, resetting his pack on his shoulder. He eventually found a bench to rest on, his train wasn't going to arrive for another hour or so. He took out his phone and the screen opened onto his photo album. He began to scroll through the various pictures of his time at the Lunar Sun: Pinkie throwing a party for his birthday, his face covering in frosting from a face plant into it. A beach day picture, except he was on the sand reading a book. He was surprised that Rainbow Dash actually had a decent pair of knockers despite her original image as an athlete, but he wasn't one to judge. The picture after that was of him running away from Dash and Pinkie, whom of which were covering their bosoms, though Pinkie wasn't nearly as angered as Dash in the photo. Chris remembered that he acted a surrender by "gifting" them new bikinis, but he sewn them together with water soluble thread before hand. It was then that they both surrendered the prank war. He found a photo of Fluttershy sleeping on his shoulder when he came back exhausted from classes and slept with his back on a wall. One of the girls must've snuck that one in, but needless to say he blushed a little. A few more pictures went by when he stopped. The image of the whole group, dressed in fancy attire and ready to go. He stared at the photo, his vision slowly got blurry and he could barely make out a droplet on the screen. He quickly took a few deep breaths and dried his eyes. When he looked at the watch, the train was expected to arrive in another 20 minutes.

"S'cuse me, may I sit here?" A voice asked.

"Oh, yea, sure-AH?!" He gasped. He saw a flurry of golden hair and was staring into a pair of reflective green eyes. Applejack sat down and leaned back, her breathing was erratic and she was almost coughing. Sweat was prevalent on her head and neck. She leaned forward, he hands on her lap as if to stabilize herself. Without warning she punched Chris in the arm.

"Ai! What was that for?!"

"Fer leaving without sayin' anythin'." She responded.

"How did you find me?!" Chris inquired.

"Intuition."
Chris sighed heavily. Applejack then slumped onto his arm. Chris tensed up, expecting another fist to impact, but she just leaned on him. Chris wasn't a stranger to the situation, but somehow... it felt different. He didn't dare to move, but rather enjoyed the feeling. He looked at his watch again, six minutes.

"Chris? Why are ya tryin' to leave?" Applejack asked.

"Because..." Chris began, thinking of what to say, "because of what I am. The side that I never show to anyone, because it is that side that hurts those around me."
Applejack sat up straighter, and hugged his arm.

"But... if you go, you'll hurt those even more." She said, her hug tightened into a clutch. Chris didn't say anything. The train rolled in and stopped, passengers exchanged the on-off routine, Chris stood up and grabbed his pack. As he made his way to the train, he was pulled around and his lips made contact with something soft, warm and had a very faint apple taste. Applejack's kiss reeled him back to the extent of near shock. Time seemed to slow down, and they were both still. When she separated, Chris looked deeply into her eyes, his eyes spoke only two words before he stepped back onto the train.
I'm sorry...
The train lurched forward and Applejack just stood on the platform, unable to do anything but watch as the train left. She eventually collapsed and cried her eyes out. She wept and wept until no more tears could be brought, she then stood up and turned around to walk out of the station.

The college was quiet and Applejack felt herself seem to dissolve bit by little bit. She felt worse than before, and there was an abyss in her heart. She ended up at the park, sat on a bench but then laid down. She didn't want to see anyone yet, not in the shape she was in. She closed her eyes and sniffled herself to sleep. Time passed by quickly when she awoke, because it was late afternoon and the sun was setting. She felt something draped over her, it was a black jacket. She began to feel confused, but she then saw a head of short, brown hair in front of her. The head turned and smiled, its eyes a soft grey.

"CHRIS!!!" Applejack shouted, tackling him to the grass. She repeatedly hit his chest, but Chris stopped both hands and held them in place.

"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!" She yelled.

"Someone who realized that he can't selfishly leave the one he loves." Chris calmly stated.
Applejack blushed and broke his grip and leaned in to close.

"And what made you change your mind?" She inquired.

"I think you know the answer.
Chris gripped her shoulders and turned over so now Applejack was laying on the grass. She figured a game out of this and tried to repeat his action, but was surprised to find that she couldn't move.
Geez, he got stronger.
Chris let himself off and held out a hand. Applejack took it, but was thrust up and he passionately kissed her. The two remained like that until the sun was below the horizon.

Epilogue

A man parked into a driveway. His dress shirt was slightly wrinkled from the his work, and he scratched on his five o'clock.
Man, I really outta shave.
He unlocked the door, only to be meet with two children. One boy who had dark brown hair and blue eyes, and a girl with a very dirty blonde hue and one green eye and the other bluish-grey.

"Daddy! Daddy! Welcome home!"

"Hey! How are my little sunshine's?"
The boy held out a glove and a baseball, "Can we play catch today?"
The boy asked. Knelt down and ruffled his son's hair, "Maybe later today, Aron."
The girl held up a crude drawing, but it was recognizable as two adults and two children.

"I drew this today! Do you like it?" She asked.

"Oh Ava, you are quite the artist. This should be in an art museum,"
Ava showed the biggest smile any joyous, little girl can give.

"Chris? That you I hear?" A woman spoke from the dining room.

"Why don't you two watch t.v. for now." Chris whispered to Aron and Ava. The two kids jogged the den, "Don't fight over the remote, please!" He hollered behind them.
He then hung his coat on a hanger and walked over to the dining room. In the adjoining kitchen was a woman with beautiful golden locks, which was tied in a loose pony-tail.

"Mmmmmm, what is that delightful aroma?" Chris asked.

"It's pork, going along with green beans an' corn"
The woman turned around, and Chris felt like he was seeing her for the first time: her glistening emerald eyes and little spots on her nose and under her eyes.

"Uh-I-um... sorry, how was work, Applejack?"

"Oh ta usual, lots of heavy liftin', pickin' apples; y'know, that kind of labor."

"And yet you still look same as college."

"Har har, easy Lover Boy."

"Ha! haven't heard that one in a while...Freckles."
Chris leaned in and kissed Applejack, while the children were in the other room, watching a show about Technicolor, talking horses.

Author's Note

Finally, after so long it is finished. I just want to thank you all for helping me pick up myself up after falling. It's been a good run and I enjoyed writing as much as you all enjoyed reading. (I hope.) Once again, thank you all!