(Dominic’s P.O.V.)

Letting out an irritated sigh as I stepped back into my home, albeit slowly this time, I felt like a complete fool for having fallen for quite possibly, the oldest trick in the book. As I passed over it, I kicked the bucket out using the back of my heel, and as it bounced out the door and off the porch, I swore I heard loud laughing in the distance. Resisting the urge to slam the door shut, I closed it in a controlled fashion, though the fact I was dripping wet didn’t help my mood at all. Today was the third day of this prank war with Dashie, but it had slowly gotten old quickly; especially when each day yielded dozens of encounters with my mare.

That door and bucket was possibly the fifteenth prank today, yet I wasn’t sure of the exact amount anymore after that prank with my lunch. She had thought giving me a large amount of salt would have the same affects it had on her... and unfortunately for me, it only left me with a horrible after taste that had lingered well until after I left work. It also left me dehydrated. Explaining to Aloe why I was drinking so much water hadn’t exactly been that good of an idea, but it was a necessary one... even if I had to lie about why I ingested so much salt.

As I made my way through my home though, I began to strip off the wet garments that were starting to cling to my skin. They were soaked, icy cold, and by far a horrible feeling after a full day of work. My fingers felt sore, and my back ached from leaning over tables as I massaged ponies of all shapes and sizes, and even more so when Dash had ‘ambushed’ me during my lunch break. The only thing on my mind though, was; How can I get back at Dash for these last few days?

I had a few thoughts in mind, but I just needed to get to Dashies place, wherever that was, and then possibly do some things that would work on her. Whoopee cushions, itching powder, sticky tape, anything and everything was going to be a possibility that I was going to drop on top of her pretty little head. For now, I needed to get into some new and dry clothes. With my shirt off, my shoes and socks still at the bottom of the stairs, I wasn’t about to disrobe anymore. Dash was probably going to show up sometime soon, if she wasn’t already waiting for me to disrobe more than I was already was. I wasn’t about to put anything past her with the wide variety of pranks she had pulled recently.

Throwing my wet shirt into the bathroom sink, I made my way towards the dresser stocked with clothes I could actually wear. Many of the outfits I paid for with credit at the time, the concept having been new to Rarity, but even when she insisted to just give them to me for free, I had refused... though she still gave me a few for, as she said, ‘making dash so happy.’

Speaking of which, that gave me an excellent idea for what kind of prank to use on Dash, though it would take some planning to execute while maintaining an illusion of what I was going to be fooling her with. I just needed to find a way to get someone... maybe Rarity, to fool Dash unknowingly, into thinking I revealed our relationship. Perhaps find a way to have her give Dash and I congratulations or something similar...

That thought brought a wide smirk to my lips, and I knew without a doubt that would be the best bet to really get payback at her; the trick though was wording everything right to one of her friends. Applejack would discover a lie easily, Fluttershy would probably not be a good idea with how nervous she already seem around me, Pinkie Pie would most likely turn it into something else... not that I could see that as being entirely a bad idea. Twilight would also probably smell out a lie, if not being too inquisitive. That left Rarity... my best bet... this was going to be great if I could find a way to make it work. I would probably do it tomorrow. The sooner the better, that would possibly also end this infernal prank war...

Look out Dashie... tomorrow I will be striking back... I just hope it goes according to whatever plan I manage to throw together by then.

Looking across the road as ponies went about their day, I saw a few walking in couples or groups, but the vast majority were either walking alone, carrying saddle bags that were stuffed with goods or in bags that they carried using their muzzles. My path was taking me through the center of the town, where much of the market and business was going on; produce, goods, or even services being offered in the stalls by ponies that didn’t own stores. Yet as I watched, ponies would either glance at me briefly as they continued to haggle for the goods they desired, or gave me greetings as they or I passed by.

Turning and giving my attention to the mare that was still walking beside me, I saw her watching me with a curious glint in her eyes, before she asked, “Dear, I understand the need for you to keep your modesty, but why do you wear clothing that is so... concealing?”

Smirking as we continued to walk, I could understand the curiosity, as I had seen ponies wear clothing on a few occasions. Giving the mare beside me a gentle nod, I asked, “It is concealing if it is for more than style?” While I looked at her, I glanced over her and towards a vegetable vender and gestured towards the stall as I adjusted our path towards it. “My Clothing may conceal my body, but I wear it for more than that purpose.”

Rarity cocked her head to the side, and she smiled slightly as she said, “Please do explain.”

When she asked that, we had reached the vendor, and the mare behind the counter smiled fondly up at me; I recognized her as one of the mares I had actually massaged last week. Giving her a curt, yet polite smile, I began to move what I wished to buy from the shelves in front of her stall onto the countertop. As I began to look at what I was grabbing and what I knew I needed, I turned to Rarity and said, “For example, take my jeans. Yes, you made them, but back where I'm from, people wear them for work instead of fashion. Jeans are durable for tough work, and let’s say something gets thrown at me that can hurt me, they will take the brunt of the damage. Jeans are also useful for keeping warm in cold weather.”

“But jeans aren’t the only thing you wear Dominic. Surely shirts are more of a fashionable attire than jeans are, correct?”

“Not entirely.” Looking towards the vendor, I asked, “How much?”

She glanced down for a brief moment at the items I had placed along the top stall countertop, before she looked back up and said, “Three bits.”

Reaching into my pocket, I fished around and collected the three small golden coins, before placing them atop the counter with a smile as she bagged the items for me using golden magic. I gave her thanks as I grabbed the bag handle, but I watched her eyes dart from my own to my hand. It was for that reason that I chuckled, before turning to Rarity and walking away as I said, “Unicorns... you bunch are lucky you can use magic...”

Rarity tittered lightly as she walked alongside me, “No need to point out the obvious, but I digress.” When we were a suitable distance from the vendor, Rarity giggled before asking, “Back to the main topic, what about shirts? Equestrians wear shirts, and even a few Gryphons as well, but they do so for fashion.”

Looking around as we walked, I saw many other vendors with breads, fruits, vegetables, pastas... with one even having a few cases of wine bottles. Never thought I would be the one to be discussing clothing with a pony... much less a Unicorn.

“Shirts are worn for comfort, style, professionalism, or for protection against hazardous work areas or the weather. I have also learned that shirts provide a sense of modesty, as I have personally learned that the muscle on a male body can lead to women, and mares, to becoming quite flustered.” Looking over at Rarity, I saw she was actually looking towards me with interest in her eyes, “A shirt hides the muscle I have on my body. It prevents the eyes of mares from wondering.” And then I gave her a wink.

The effect was instantaneous, and it reminded me of the night where I had mistook Dashie for a robber when I had left my shower. The white fur across her muzzle had little concealment for the red blush that spread across her muzzle, and her eyes fell down as she seemed to suddenly feel too embarrassed to look back into my eyes. I remembered fondly of how the same had been for Dash, with her feeling either embarrassed or nervous during her many times she had flirted with me; to her now doing it as a second thought.

Then there came a nervous cough, before Rarity spoke up once more, “What of... what about your boots?”

Looking down at my feet, I saw the slightly scuffed leather tops of my boots, and I raised an eyebrow. Of all things, I had never considered boots to be something of that important to mention. Offering a weak shrug as I looked back up, I spoke my answer straight and true, “What about them? They are worn so that I can comfortably work, along with preventing injury should say, something heavy fell onto my feet. They are utilitarian combat boots, meant for comfort and injury prevention.”

Raising my eyes back to the scene around us, I spotted a vendor with baked and baking goods, and it was directly ahead of us. Yet before much time had even passed, another question reached my ears, “What of the material... how are your boots made?”

Material.

I felt myself wince at the question, but I answered nonetheless, “My boots are made out of leather, though I am unsure if it is legitimate leather or synthetic. As for how they are made. The pieces of leather are cut and sewn together in a way that makes them not only tough, but durable. I'm not sure of the exact procedure, but I do know that there are versions of boots that are meant for heavy construction work, such as steel toed boots. Then there are boots meant for fishermen, which are waterproof. And then there are boots meant purely for appearance; fashion, work, comfort, etcetera...”

After explaining that, we stopped by the vendor, a lanky stallion with grey fur, and I asked, “How many bits for five bread loaves and a box of biscuits?”

“Ten bits.”

Counting out the bits, I placed them on the counter, before the stallion placed them under the countertop as I placed the box and bread into my veggie bag. I looked to my side and asked, “Rarity, didn’t you say you needed to buy some groceries as well?”

Rarity looked up at me, before she smiled lightly and shook her head, “Not at all dear, I had merely said I bought groceries for Twilight... she has been stuck in that tree forever! Alas, the girls and I will be visiting the spa tomorrow.” As we turned and left the vendor, she said, “From what I have heard of talk from around town, you have become quite popular... I believe it is time for me to learn if those rumors were exaggerated or not...”

Spa day tomorrow with the girls. Sounds fun...

“Besides, I'm fine with talking with you until we reach my boutique. So, Dominic... what fashion secrets can you reveal to me? Hmm...?”

Fashion talk? Better than running diagnostics on how to work an Equestrian oven I suppose...

...

Once we arrived at the Rarity’s home, I felt both excited and nervous as now I started to implement the plan I had planned out last night. It was bold, it was risky, and it had a high probability of failure, yet it was right down the alleyway of getting Dash to not only admitting her attraction to me to her friends, but indirectly at that. The first step was to plant the seeds of suspicion in her friends, starting with Rarity. That would in turn spread to the others, and once it reached Dash, then the fun would really begin.

Let me see... these mares are all innocent, but not so much to be ignorant. Maybe I should pull off a nervous schoolboy trying to impress his crush. That certainly would yield the effects I want.

Coughing into a fist to gain Rarity’s attention before she disappeared into her home, I saw her ear flick back towards me, before she turned and looked back at me, and I asked, “Rarity, can I ask you a few things before I leave?”

“Oh, but of course! What can I do for a friend such as yourself?” She turned around and faced me with a kind and gentle smile, her front door still open.

I did my best to appear nervous, wanting to appear genuine to pull off the necessary role of an embarrassed guy with a crush, “I actually wanted to speak with you about Rainbow Dash, if you don’t mind... can I come in, in case she is nearby?” I waited with bated breath with the hope she would let me in, though on the inside I was laughing with the flawless acting. Smooth, just like in the movies...

Effective almost immediately, Rarity’s ears seemed to stand even taller as they faced me, along with Rarity even standing up a bit straighter and her eyes narrowing. Her muzzle, which had held a kind smile before was twisting into a slightly mischievous smile, whilst still appearing sincere and completely kind. It was her eyes though that made me feel a bit of excitement, as this was just the reaction I was hoping for. Rarity seemed to shuffle on her hooves a bit, before she stepped to the side of her door and levitated my bags out of my hands and into her home as she said, “Why, but of course dear, please, come in.”

Making my way into Rarity’s home, I stopped in the middle of the room, not knowing where I should go as every other time I had been here was entirely for business. Yet as Rarity closed the door, I turned and followed her into what appeared to be her homes kitchen. As my groceries were set on the countertop, Rarity said, “Please, sit. I will make some tea.” She made her way towards her cabinets, using her magic to move items around, before she asked, “So, Dominic, what was the first thing you wanted to ask me about Rainbow Dash?”

“Eh-heh,” Smiling a bit as I coughed into my hand once again, I swallowed as I licked my dry lips, knowing the show of nervous energy would add to the whole act. Just how I had been back in high school. “Do you know of any particular restaurants that Dash likes to go to? I want to take her somewhere nice for putting up with me for all this time. I tried cooking for her... but that didn’t end so well...”

“Oh, you cooked for Rainbow? Do tell!” Rarity sounded a bit excited, and as one of her ears twisted around to face me, she kept working on preparing the tea. Sugar, tea bags, cups, a pot that she began to fill with water, along with a few other things began to get set onto the countertop.

It wasn’t part of the plan to reveal my failed cooking attempt to anyone, but as I thought about it, I couldn’t see how it would hurt to tell just one mare. Yet I also wasn’t sure of how far she would dig to know everything of that night, and from how Dash had reacted, along with what I had learned afterwards, I wasn’t sure if I wanted one of Dash’s close friends to speculate on what had happened either. So with a sigh, I shook my head before saying, “I’d rather not bore you with the details... I am rather ashamed of how badly I failed at cooking that meal. I just know next time I will prepare and pay attention to the meal a bit more next time.” Reaching a hand up, I scratched at my neck as I asked, “But if you wouldn’t mind, do you know of anything that Dash seems to enjoy? Any hobby’s... activities?”

Rarity placed the pot above a flame, before she turned and looked at me with a curious glint in her eye, before she said, “A true gentlepo... gentleman, you are, Dominic.” She smiled as she nodded, before she said, “I do believe Rainbow Dash enjoys any sort of competition... her and Apple Jack seem to always have a knack for going head to head whenever. But surely that isn’t all you wish to ask?”

Leaning forward, I smiled, though I noticed I was starting to act a bit more lax. I needed to keep up the front that I was nervous about Dash, not as comfortable as two good friends. Yet then again, it was this mare that had seen Dash not only sleep with, but on me when we had returned from Canterlot that one night. Maybe I shouldn’t act quite so abashed about seeking a relationship with Dash, but not be so open about the idea that she would be suspicious if we already were in one. So as I leaned back, I found myself humming, before I asked, “How would one impress a Pegasus? Back home, a guy would give the one he lo- likes flowers!” That one had nearly slipped out. “I, er... how do I word this,” Tapping a finger against my chin, I looked to the side, before I looked back at Rarity, “What does Dash like?”

This actually caused surprise to write itself all across Rarity’s face, before she said, “I thought you would’ve known by now, what with how nopony has seen Dash as often... I had assumed she was always with you?” At that admission, I felt my cheeks burn as my throat constricted, Is that what the entire town thinks? “Dominic, dear, er... sorry for me being straight forward... but do you like Dash?”

Her question sounded like chimes in the wind as she practically danced lightly with her words, almost as if worried she would scare me away from the thought of liking a pony. Yet as she looked towards me, and my silence, her eyes widened, and her mischievous smirk spread into a wide smile as she squealed loudly, a sound akin to a ‘squee’ emitting from her muzzle as she did so. She was instantly at the table, leaning across it as her cobalt eyes sparkled, “You do like Dash!”

This wasn’t what I had wanted to happen when I had approached Rarity with my previous plan, yet it was happening anyways, and this wasn’t something I had planned for. This is when I felt myself starting to panic, as not only was the plan I had set was in jeopardy, but now I had a rouge cannon in front of me with her own confirmed suspicions now in daylight, and I didn’t want this to come back and literally and rhetorically bite me in the ass.

Time to go to plan B.

Time to come up with a plan B!

“I, er, Rarity! Please, don’t shout that out!” I had to whisper, as if Dash surely had heard that somehow, I didn’t want her to hear my voice in here. The fact that I was appearing so worried seemed to only excite Rarity even more, though she refrained from shouting it out again, before she retreated, and sat in a seat across from me, leaning on the table as she asked with barely restrained excitement, “So, Dominic Wild, tell me... what is your plan for getting Dash to be yours?”

I frowned, though not in a worried or aggravated way, rather now I felt horribly nervous, knowing the prior plan was all but ruined now. But as any pilot, I needed to act fast, even if this situation wasn’t in a jet but on the ground and with words; I needed to improvise! I could make this work... I just needed to tweak my plan a bit to make it work how I wanted it to before. Instead, this gave me a new way to get back at Dashie, perhaps have her say something instead of me, that was as a prank, she would admit it instead of me approaching her.

Another part of my mind also realized a key fact that while I had been interested in, I hadn’t thought about too much either. The vast majority of the equine population I had seen had been mares, rather than stallions, and the fact that this was another world could possibly mean that they played by different rules as well. Maybe it wasn’t uncommon for the mares to make the first move here as there was technically, less guys... even though I hadn’t seen proof of that suddenly bold thought.

Either way, I could make this work for me. So as I looked up at Rarity, I found my blush only intensify, and I said a bit nervously, as these were waters I hadn’t prepared to venture into when I awoke this morning, “I... I first want to impress her... get her to like me how I like her. But... but I want her to admit her feelings, if any, to me. I don’t want to lose a friend like her because I wanted to ask her to be my girlfriend.”

The way I had just worded that was also a way of getting a personal question answered for me that I didn’t want to ask another, and at Rarity’s inquisitive stare, she said, “I understand... and before we continue, I believe the term you would use with a mare is marefriend... same concept if I dare say so myself.” As Rarity looked down, a bit less excitement and a bit more seriousness in her eyes, I did a mental fist pump; though the thought of me doing so made me feel ridiculous nonetheless. “I don’t believe I am the best mare to ask how to impress Rainbow Dash, dear. If you asked about Twilight, I would say talk about books or magic, Applejack I would suggest asking her about farming or some other kind of laborious task. And I don’t believe you would be able to make much headway with Pinkie Pie or even dear Fluttershy. As for myself, I have been looking for Prince charming... you aren’t a prince, are you sir Dominic?”

With her attention suddenly on me instead of what had begun to be a ramble, I found myself smirking, before I shook my head and raised my hands in defense, “Me, no, I'm a simple man of simple tastes... I believe you are too elegant my fair maiden...”

Too pish-posh for my tastes... though I will not be rude to such a kind friend to say that.

Even then, the smile on Rarity’s muzzle brightened as she blushed the faintest bits, not as bad earlier as my teasing had done, though she still shook her head as she said, “It is a shame. Dash will consider herself lucky to have someone such as yourself interested in her...”

“Thank you for the compliment Rarity.” It really did make me feel quite special to think someone.... somepony even, thought I was as special as that, and someone that didn’t know me as well as the one I already was in a relationship with. It almost made me feel bad that I was keeping the truth from her. Yet as I opened my mouth to speak, the teapot began to whistle, signaling the tea was ready to be served.

Rarity simply turned her head, and began to levitate all the items to the table using her magic, something I still envied, though respected. Yet as she was once again facing me, she began to place the teabags into each respective cup, before pouring steaming hot water into the cups. The tea in the bags began to soak, and the water began to dilute, making the beginning of tea. I smiled, before I nodded my head to Rarity, and then I asked, “I know Dash is self-proclaimed twenty percent cooler than most other mares... but is there any restaurants that you know Dash likes? Or any particular foods I can cook for her that she would like?”

Rarity frowned apologetically, before she said, “Dash is a simple mare, of simple tastes... she does enjoy muffins fresh from Sugarcube Corner though... and I'm sure Pinkie Pie can make you some specifically for Dash if you so wish.”

I nodded my head, and as I did so, I looked down at my tea and saw the water was now a dark brown color. Yet before I could even think of anything else to ask, Rarity said something I hadn’t expected, “If there is one thing I and the girls know for certain, it is that Rainbow Dash adores the Wonderbolts... almost as much as she enjoys Daring Do books.”

Shooting my head back up and away from the tea I was starting to play with, I felt my eyes widen considerably, my jaw hanging open as I store at Rarity. It sounded almost foolish to ask what I know I heard, but I needed to get confirmation for what I felt I mistook as true honesty, “Dash, likes books!?” I fought hard to hold back a snort, though it still came out in the end. The mere thought brought a large smile to my lips, before I bit back a barking laugh, though part of it still came out nonetheless.

“Oh yes! Surely she hadn’t told you yet!” Rarity giggled a bit, before she said, “She had tried to desperately keep it a secret from all of us when she first began to read them. Dominic dear, if you could get a book, if not multiples, signed by Daring Do herself, that would make Dash the happiest mare alive.”

Getting a book signed by an author... shouldn’t be something so hard when something as strange as me in this world of colorful talking ponies is around. Maybe I can save that for a later time.

Smiling, I grinned all the wider, though I said reluctantly, “Yes, perhaps I can do that for Dash at a later time... but I feel that would take me longer than a weekend...”

“Oh, do you have something planned for Rainbow Dash? Something special planned that you want to share with her before the next weekend?” Rarity leaned closer, her tea all but forgotten at this point. Yet I heard it in her voice, and I mentally cursed myself as I had to invent something knew to say now.

Clearing my throat, I looked down and began to make my tea, before I said, “No, I just wish to have a chance to win Dashies heart before another stallion gets too...”

I had already won it, but Rarity didn’t know that, though she still asked, “Oh, and what makes you think you won’t have that chance after the weekend?”

Eh-heh... I guess I can always seal the deal...

Letting a soft sigh leave my lips, I dropped a few sugar cubes into my cup, stirring idly as I said, “Dash is beautiful, smart in her own way, and loyal... loyalty is something I deeply wish to have in my girl, er, marefriend. What guy wouldn’t? I just wish to win her heart before another stallion does.” Stirring the sugar into the tea, I took the spoon out and chose that instance to bring it to my lips, and take a deep sip, keeping my eyes on the rim. I had to let my eyes unfocus a bit so I wouldn’t go cross-eyed, yet in doing so, Rarity must’ve mistook it as genuine love sickness. The sound of her lightly emitting another ‘squee’ was quite audible to me, and I asked, “Do... do you think you can put in a good word for me tomorrow, Rarity. When you girls are all at the Spa? I'm sure I can make myself busy elsewhere while you talk with her...”

Raising the cup a bit more, I downed the last of the still hot tea, but the feeling of it warming my insides was more than soothing, and as I did, Rarity took in a deep breath, before she let it out slowly. When I looked up, I saw a wide smile spread across her muzzle, and she nodded her head as she said, “I will do so, and more. Would you care for another cup of tea... perhaps we can talk some more?”

Looking towards the window, the sun wasn’t even at its zenith yet, and that meant I would still have plenty of time before Dash returned to pester me today, as she had claimed to have something called weather-duty to do today. Even though my life didn’t revolve around that energetic mare, I still enjoyed every second of company I got with her... when she wasn’t trying to prank me of course. So as I sat there, I looked down at my empty cup, having been ready to leave when I could. Yet the thought of actually hanging out, and actually speaking with another beside Twilight or Dash actually was an appealing thought. So with a smile, I nodded, and said, “I would be delighted.”

...

Making my way back home had been rather quick, and disappointingly so as I had actually enjoyed spending the few hours I had simply talking with Rarity. I hadn’t really gotten much time to know her before, but after those few hours simply talking, learning more of not only each other, but each other’s homes had been extremely productive. While I had gotten to learn more about the land around me, Equestria, and even some of its neighboring countries, I had gladly shared with her how my home was, what it was like, and of course, fashion. I hadn’t been able to sate her curiosity as well as she had my own, but I had apparently given her a few ideas on what she could do for her next line of dresses and fashions, something she had said she would let me know of.

Yet as I walked up my porch and towards my door, I felt a bit disappointed, as I had enjoyed those hours more than I had thought I would, and I knew I would have to do something like that again, even if it wasn’t with Rarity, or just Rarity. The feeling of actually being social, not on only a business level but a friendly level was something I hadn’t realized I had been missing for so long, and thus I knew without a doubt I would be taking more time to the side to making friends and keeping current friendships alive.

While I made my way into my home and towards my kitchen to put my groceries away, a new thought actually caused me to pause halfway through opening a cabinet up. Luna had seemed so eager to share a relationship, though she had been eager for an intimate, more than friendly relationship. She may have wanted to have a romantic one, but it was still a form of social interaction nonetheless. Perhaps since she is a princess, she doesn’t have much time to make friends how I would be able to, and the misunderstanding we had was something more than that, a misunderstanding she hadn’t realized as such, and mistook it as a more than friendly gesture on my part.

Perhaps I can gain Princess Luna as a friend, instead of her viewing me only as her subject or a failed attempt at getting a boyfriend. She had seemed a bit let down when I was obviously more into Dash, and while that will remain true till today and furthermore, longer than that, then perhaps having a princess as a friend wouldn’t hurt. Besides, if more humans manage to come to Equestria somehow, I will need to be there as some form of introduction between the current governmental body and those from Earth. So it would not only benefit us both as a friendship, but also in the event should humans arrive further on down the line.

Smiling a bit wider, I opened the cabinet and began to put stuff away, making my way towards the fridge as well as I began to hum an old song I had long forgotten the lyrics to, though not the tune itself. Today was turning out better than I had hoped. I had a new true friend, the basic preparation to a prank, which I could easily modify to work for my end goals and even an idea on how to turn one of the most powerful beings in this land into a friend.

Today is shaping up to be a good day indeed. If everything pans out how I hope it does, then perhaps I can even get Princess Luna down here to hang out. I would rather she remain at least a friend; she had seemed friendly overall. She may even find a stallion that will like to have her as a girlfriend as well. Today many big plans are being thought of, plans that can very well affect how my stay here in Equestria goes... I should write a letter to Princess Luna and Celestia, an apology to both for separate reasons of course...

Closing the fridge, I turned and placed the bag on top of the counter, knowing I would deal with it later, as I would rather get caught up on reading a few information books before doing anything else. I wanted to get Dash back for everything, and I knew I would be seeing her again before the day was over, but I wished to at least tease her before the main event. Tomorrow would be the day that I could hope she would not only regret starting this confounded prank war, but also where she would finally admit her feelings of me, to me, and in front of her friends nonetheless. If she could learn to admit her love of a book, hopefully she would be able to do the same for her feelings of me. It wasn’t healthy to keep your emotions bottled up inside anyways.

Stopping in front of my bookshelf, I reached forward and grabbed a book off the top most shelf, and made my way back towards the couch. Looking at the title as I went, I had memorized it by now, but still, reading the title would help me memorize where the information I learned came from for later on should I wish to confirm something. It was a book based primarily on the etiquettes one should address when speaking with those of other species, as such, it was properly titled as, ‘Interspecies Social Norms: Do’s And Do Not’s’.

So far this book had proved ideal for my needs, and as such I was able to learn more from it alone than the first day when Dash had interrupted my reading of the book that had shown me where to and not to grab a Pagasus, though those rules no longer applied to me when it concerned Dash as I was her Stallion, and she was my Mare. And now that I had confirmation that it was exactly the same in all but name, I knew where and where not to cross the line I had before. So as I got comfortable, opened the book back up to the previous page I had been on last time I had been reading, I began to drink in the knowledge on the pages. Yet as I read, I couldn’t help but think as well, letting my mind wander as my eyes scanned the pages, taking in what I could, and filing what was important for later use or application.

My knowledge of this world was still sketchy at best, and the only things I knew how to do properly were all those of common sense, knowing that only a few things that I had to avoid on a daily basis. Staring at wings of Pegasi, keeping my hands off of them and horns, ears, and other obvious places while I worked. I had assumed working around a Cutie Mark was obviously off limits, as it was as much as the butt of the ponies that I had thought it was obvious to stay away, yet as I read the book in my hands, it was generally acceptable to touch such a place under a few circumstances while in public, yet it was also something one wouldn’t do, to let’s just say a stranger; another thing that stood as common sense for what would obviously have to be many. I hadn’t thought of it before, but I had even stayed away from the area when I would massage Dashie, though now, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to apply it or remain safe how I had before.

Dash, while not under the effects of salt had been forward and even teasing about going further than simple friendship before. I was almost always certain of the sincerity of those tricks before, but even now, was she simply joking or testing the waters? There is still much about these ponies I do not know, but I can only assume from what I have seen so far, that the social norms are still the same as those back home. Hell, even right here in this paragraph, it is merely stating how those of opposite species of equines shouldn’t do certain things, such as staring at a Pegasi wings or under any circumstance beside helping to preen or brush to not tough a Pegasus wings. Yet before Dash and I had even really known each other, she had still allowed me to do so, and willingly at that, even offering if my memory is correct.

It isn’t odd to watch another work out at the gym while taking a break, or even to observe when oneself isn’t working out, but even Princess Celestia had noted how I had grabbed Dash’s attention from my workouts when I had been in the hospital. It’s horrible to think of little I knew of then compared to now. Before, I wouldn’t even know what a wing boner was, yet the sight of me working out in front of her had obviously given Dash one such boner. I can’t say I'm ashamed, rather I am intrigued, as I know the only thing I resemble here is a Minotaur, and even then I have read the books, and that is only in general shape. Dash had been attracted to my physical attributes before I had even understood the basic importance of not grabbing the wings of a Pegasus.

Smiling as I thought back to then, I couldn’t help but stop reading the book as I thought of then. I hadn’t known anything compared to now, yet Dash had simply humored me, and I had unknowingly done something one shouldn’t. They may not wear clothing, but when Dash had allowed me to do that, it had almost been like I had unclipped the bra off a girlfriend; what with how she had been acting while I literally felt up her wings. Yet the way we were now... I wasn’t sure if I would keep that promise I had made those many weeks ago. I still wouldn’t get that intimate with her, but I also couldn’t see it in myself to keep up that fact forever now that I was dating a pony in a sense. Yet just how I appeared most like a Minotaur in all but fine detail, the same could be said for the basic Equestrian Earth Pony, as they merely shared similarities, and not full details of a pony from Earth.

To learn to love a mare is something many would question; to grow intimate is something all would consider blasphemy and Bestiality. Yet when the mare in question isn’t only a mare, but one that was just as intelligent as I was, then that was where I drew the line for my old social norms. If given the chance and availability... I would choose to stay in Equestria rather than go back to Earth. This was my home now, and while it wasn’t what I was used to, I had found love, and I wouldn’t risk losing it for something as little as familiarity. Though I wouldn’t get as intimate as quick, even if there were clear differences.

The book in my lap had been all but forgotten as my past thought process had all but snatched my attention, as I knew without a doubt that this was still something just as important to think about. Yet my attention had been entirely drawn into my internal debate, thus, I was indeed startled when my mare not only appeared, but flew over and flopped down into my lap. I did my quickest to banish my previous thoughts as Dash stretched out, a few pops sounding from her wings as she did so. I felt myself almost smiling as she relaxed her body, remaining stretched out atop my lap. It was easy to forget the thoughts I had just thought of with her this close.

“Dom, it’d be so awesome if you could give me a backrub, like now...”

Dash wasn’t even being massaged, yet she was still putty in my lap as she laid there, her hooves sprawled out, wings extended, and head lying across the sofa as she waited for a back scratch. Yet as she did so, I chuckled, setting my hands on the soft fur of her back between her wings, drawing a sigh and shudder from her. Then I asked, “Why?”

“Why not? I'm cool if you wish for me to prank you instead.” Dash shot back as she glanced over her shoulder at me. I could see the glint in her eye that I had known to associate with trouble, as well as watching her muzzle curling up into the smirk she wore almost constantly around me. I faintly remembered thinking a few days back this was cosmic payback for all the wicked and unsavory things I had put her through, yet then she had left itching powder in my work boots. It wasn’t until I got to work did the itch became unbearable, and it was then I wondered if I really had been as bad to her.

I knew I hadn’t...

Letting out a reluctant sigh, I slid my hands over her withers, rolling my hands down and over the tense muscles of her forelegs. The moment my hands had begun to roll over her soft fur, that was the moment a soft, almost delicate sigh of satisfaction left her muzzle, along with the smirk turning into one of bliss as her eyes closed. When I reached the part of her forelegs that curved from her position, I spread my fingers, digging into her fur lightly and slid my hands around and back, being mindful of her wings for the time being. I reserved the best of my massage for Dashie, always putting extra effort into my movements.

It showed just how much she appreciated it as well, with an almost inaudible moan of delight as I ran my hands over her wings; where they were loosely pressing against her sides. The effect of my fingers trailing gently over the surface of her feathers brought a shiver of delight from the mare in my lap, her body tensing up for the briefest of moments as my fingers slid between a few. Yet as I worked, I began to smile, my hands reaching the midpoint of her body just past her wings. I leaned forward a bit, moving my hands below her feathers, sliding my fingers slowly and sensually along the sensitive sides of her body that were normally never touched unless by me in the secret of our home. Yet as I continued to slowly work my way towards the front of her body, I leaned in a bit more until I was hovering over her back, and I said softly, “Dashie... it is time for you to stop this little prank war...”

My hands continued to rub under her wings in slow circles so to prolong the sensations I was bringing her, her wings moving away from her sides a bit as they quivered, and I felt them even threatening to extend; her wings flexing a little further out with every circular motion. Despite the ministrations, Dash said a bit heatedly, “Y-You would like t...that, wouldn’t you D-Dom, huh?” The last word left her muzzle with a puff of air, her wings extending a bit more as I leaned forward, intentionally breathing on the back of her ear in shallow hot puffs. She tried to lean back a bit, but I pulled away just enough, and that was when she grunted in frustration, a whine leaving her muzzle as she said, “B-Buck you Dom.”

Feeling a faint smirk stretching across my lips, I felt a chuckle leave my throat, before I said back a bit teasingly, “Dashie... heh, you would like that, wouldn’t you...?”

That was the final straw, her wings sprung out with a force of a mare angered, but I knew it wasn’t due to anger, rather something else. My fingers danced away from their previous motions to instead dance just around her wings joint, rubbing on either side of her barrel just enough to be satisfactory, while overall being teasing. I myself felt a bit excited, as I had never once been this belatedly obvious with my teasing before. Everything I was doing was completely intentional, knowing every motion was sending Dash’s every nerve into frenzy.

“Dominic, erg!” Dash growled as she flapped her wings, erratically and uneven might I add, before she forced her hooves beneath her and stood up. She spun and faced me, her eyes narrowed and angry, yet her cheeks displayed a deep red hue, the blue of her fur non-existent. She pressed her nose into mine, her eyes going from angry, to a slightly less hostile one. While she held my gaze, I saw her wings twitch from the corner of my eyes, and she moved closer to me as she did so, before she said, “Don’t make me make you.”

Hardening my gaze a bit as I smiled a bit wider, I lifted my hands up and held them against her sides as she sat down in my lap. Her nose began to pull away, her head tilting to the side as her muzzle approached my lips. But before she could kiss me, I leaned back just enough to force a growl from her throat, before I asked, “Or what, my dear Dashie?”

“I’ll... buck you Dom...”

She sounded more like she was insulting me more than saying she would, but I felt my cheeks warm up a little more nonetheless. My discomfort wasn’t long lasting though, especially when I felt her muzzle mesh against my lips, her eyes closing as her forelegs wrapped around the back of my neck as she held me close. She groaned softly, her lips pressing firmer against my own as I let my eyelids fall, reveling in the sensation of Dash’s soft lips pressing against my own. With my hands on each side of her body, it wasn’t too much to slide my fingers up and to grip her wings.

Dash separated from the kiss, her eye fluttering open as she moaned softly, her hind legs moving forward a tiny amount as she looked to me with her soft violet eyes. When her eyes store deeply into my own, I smiled as I leaned forward and caught her lips with my own, feeling her hooves tighten around my neck as I did so; yet as I tilted my head to the side and deepened the kiss. Dash pulled away briefly, gasping for breath as she licked her lips. I grinned for but a moment, as she dove into the kiss once more, her tongue darting out of her muzzle and grazed my own as she did so. But as she ran her tongue over my teeth, I slid my hands down away from her wings, trailing them south along her sides as I did so.

My hands settled on her hips, mere inches above her Cutie Marks, and as I squeezed tenderly, Dash pulled away from the kiss once more, her eyes cracking open questioningly. I beat her to the punch by speaking softly, if a little out of breath, “I love you Dashie... but you seem a bit eager, don’t ya think?”

When I finished, Dash scoffed, before she pulled me closer with her hooves, “Shut up... kiss me already.” I couldn’t help but smile as she pulled me back into the kiss with her forelegs as my hands continued to fall south...

Author's Note

Hello everyone, and welcome to chapter 18 of Rainboom Anomaly! I must apologize for the wait, as my inspiration and motivation had taken a large hit a while ago, but they are stumbling back into the ring, ready to throw more right back at all of you! I have taken to writing a basic outline for chapters as something to follow for while I write, as well as reading a rather amazing book, The Way of Kings. I'm a little scared... the book is only 1k pages long, and I'm already almost to 700... I got this from Borders, not that cheap Barnes and noble killer! But hey, I Digress...

Chapter 19 is finished, being looked over by my Editor, and I can assure many of you, it isn't short... no, I plan to finish this story strong. Chapter 19 is at a whopping 10k words, and chapter 20, well I can only hope it surpasses its predecessor as well, but it is still in its early stages of walking. So, alas, enjoy this chapter you buncha wolves!