Mocha's Cafeby GhostlyMChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 1Six in the morning was never fun, exhausted from the late night before, she rose her head from her pillow with a groan. The magic she usually contained sparking around her as she continues to wake up. She covers her mouth with a hoof as she yawns the sleepiness away. Slowly hopping out of bed, she stretches her wings before folding them back against her body. Deciding to preen them after her shower, or even during, she stumbles toward the bathroom. Scrubbing her chocolate colored hair clean, and then the same with her light brown body, she gives herself some time to relax in the warm water. Enjoying the feeling of the droplets hitting her back she thinks on a few things. Though, not wanting to run her water bill through the roof, she quickly steps out. Grabbing the towel from the hanging rack, she dries herself before facing herself in the mirror. Or well, trying to face herself. The mirror fogged up during her time in the shower, and made it almost impossible to make anything out in the reflection. After blindly brushing her hair, she turns to leave but the sight of someone in the doorway startles her. Again the her magic seeps out, and blue arcane fire spurts in the air before dissipating. This, of course, startling the pony in the doorway, but his expression quickly fades into an amused smile. Chuckling to herself, realizing that this pony is her boyfriend of a full year, she goes to him and nuzzles him under his chin. His blonde curls poking at her face, and his darker brown hoof reaching to tenderly pet the back of her head. He’s always so quiet, she sometimes forgets he’s there with her. But usually, that only happens in the mornings, when her head is still clouded with sleepiness. She pushes away from him only enough to stare up into his auburn eyes. She always loved the reddish hue there, and even more so the emotions behind them. For her, there was love, always love. He’d show her emotions he’ll usually keep hidden, and she appreciates his openness with her. To give him the same respect, she is trusting of him and open with him as well. As, indeed, they both have secrets to keep hidden from the outside world. Regardless, she loves him for him, and tells and shows him everyday, and vice versa. This morning with nuzzling and a quick boop to the nose with her own. “Sorry if I took too long,” She begins, “If I knew you got up when I did, you could’ve showered with me.” “Nah, I only just got up, actually.” Leaning in closer to where his lips barely touched hers, he lowered his voice to whisper with a teasing undertone, “I came in here because I wanted to see you.” She couldn't contain her girlish giggle at his comment, and she closed the remaining distance and sweetly kissed him. Making both ponies smile when they separated. Though she smiled at him teasingly, “You should’ve come in here for a shower. Stinky.” He chuckled at her playful remark. Swiping his tail at her as he walked past her. “I’m using your shampoo, then.” She frowned a little at this news, as in this society a mare’s shampoo wasn’t cheap. But then again, the shampoo for stallions didn’t smell too great either, in her opinion. Letting it slide just this once and watching his spotted rear disappear behind the shower curtain, she turned to give him privacy and wash up. Gently shutting the door so the steam doesn’t make the entire room feel sticky, she proceeds for the kitchen. Firing the stove up, putting a small pan upon the fire, and opening the fridge to get some tofu bacon. Placing the strips carefully in the pan and then turning toward the cabinet to retrieve two cups.The cabinets being too high for her shorter-than-average height, however, and therefore uses her wings to boost her height and easily grab the needed glasses. The cups were beautifully designed glass, as were most of their china. The plates having intricate artistic flows of color painted onto them, and some of the cups being stained glass, with similar scenes to match the plates. Generally though, like any other household, their cups were clear glass; only using the stained ones when guests were over. She set them on their wood counters, and flipped the bacon as it sizzled and popped when it was ready before fishing in the fridge once more for her boyfriend’s special breakfast. She easily found the bag of inky darkness, as she knew where they hid it, and placed it next to his cup to warm it up a bit before she poured it for him. At the same time, she managed to make herself her own breakfast. A hay omelet, which tastes better than it sounds to a herbivore species. Placing it onto her plate along with the bacon when both were cooked just right and ready for eating. She called for her boyfriend, knowing he could easily hear her through the still running water, as she opened the bag gently and poured his cup full of the contents inside. Leaving only a little more than half in the bag itself, she closed it up and placed it back in the fridge, behind everything else where no one would see it--if they weren’t looking for it, that is. Before closing the door, she grabbed the gallon of milk and poured that into her own glass. Carefully carrying her plate of food on one of her wings, she walked into the dining room and placed her meal on the table. Sitting down in the chair just as her lover walked in and placed his cup down next to hers on the table and scooting in a chair next to her, too. He always loved to participate in the three main meals with her, even though he was on a completely different diet than she. This making him rush any activity he was doing beforehand, to spend this time with her. She lets him have this normalcy, at least. She smiles at him, “Have a nice shower?” “I did. I bet I smell better, too.” He chuckles, lifting the glass up to his muzzle, but looking away from her as he drinks. She looks down at her food as she cuts up a side to make it more bite-size before sticking it with her fork and bringing it to her mouth. He almost chugs the entire glass of the sticky fluid, but stops himself and lowers the glass. He takes a few heartbeats before he looks at her again, “Do you think we’ll pull it off?” He starts. She looks up at him between chewing, “I don’t know, I think we can. It’ll be a little hard, but we’ll do okay.” He nods at this, watching her take a sip of her milk, “The place was, what, on the market for a few years? And being the ones to buy it, I think the ponies here will like it. Once we fix it up, of course.” Despite saying this, his ears flattened slightly, and she knew he was worried. She gently placed her hoof over his and locked eyes with him, “They’ll like it, okay? We’ll have a cute little cafe, okay? Don’t worry too much.” He gazed into her sparkling emerald eyes for a breath before nodding, squeezing her hoof slightly before releasing her and drinking the rest of his meal. Gulping down the last bit and nervously setting down his glass upon the table. She realized too late, that that wasn’t what he was worried about. Her own ears went down as she watched him scoot back and leave the table, feeling as if she failed him. When he was out of earshot--which he never truly was in this house--she sighed, and continued to finish her breakfast alone. Chapter 2Later, when they decided to visit the property they just so recently bought, it was turning out to be a bright sunny day. They stood on this small hill, that overlooked a part of the city. A tree being the only shade provided on this warm day, along with the small breeze, it seemed an ideal place to put a building. But one was already there. Though old, weather worn, and falling apart, the small abandoned building resting at this hill used to be a successful snack bar before the industrialization of the city. For reasons unknown, it was abandoned and been on the market since. She knew they had their work cut out for them, if they wanted to make it cozy and appealing to customers. She glanced warily at her boyfriend, who was already sweating a little under the heat of the sun. She glanced quickly to his charm necklace that she made for him, “You alright?” She asked him softly, placing her hoof on his side. He drew her in close, giving her a quick hug before exhaling the heat from his body, “Yeah, just, I think it’s fading a little.” He poked at the jewel about his neck. “I’ll be fine though.” He smiled at her, to reassure her. It did little to that effect, and she kept staring at him with concern, and decided later that she’d re-enchant it at home. Instead she brought him under the shade of the tree, both gazing at the old building as they cuddled in the cooler grass. “Are you sure you want to work on it today? It is a little hot.” She mentioned. He shook his head, making his curls bounce with the movement, “It’s a nice day. I’d rather work on it now than on a day that threatens rain.” She was about to protest, say that a cloudy day was safer than a sunny one, but decided against it. There was no changing his mind on something he set his heart out to do. After a few minutes, her ear flicks as she hears his horn spark to life with the usual sound of magic in use. She gazed up to his horn, seeing the pale red magic aura surround it, and then looks to where he’s looking, and notices that he’s simply bringing the tools they brought over to them. He checks through the bag to make sure they have everything, and then opens a side pocket of the bag and pulls out a box of nails. He moves the leg she was resting on slightly, and she gets up at the sign. Getting up soon after her, he starts toward the small building, tool bag in tow. Chuckling a bit at his perseverance, she soon follows to help him. Despite knowing he could probably do it all by himself. As it turns out, she was put on cleaning duty as he renovated. She cleaned the main lobby, which was a big space when it wasn’t filled with tables and other things she pictured putting in. Thankfully, neither of them spotted mold, surprisingly. The place was also just trashed, stoners obviously used this place to hang out. Beer cans, soda cans, a stain on the corner that connects the floor to the wall that smelled of urine. It made the pegasus shiver in disgust. Her unicorn partner seemed to handle it a lot better than she, but mostly, he was deadpanning everything. Just getting his work done, she supposed. Seeing him work so hard motivated her to do so as well, managing to clean the nasty stains of bodily fluids. Having wings helped a lot with cleaning the walls and ceiling. The ceiling looked as if it had water damage in a few areas, but it was mostly dirty by cobwebs. Making her cautious in case she sees a spider anywhere. Or any bug for that matter. The abandoned building was already putting her on edge. After cleaning the built-in bar, and removing the glass shards from one of the broken display windows, she headed in back where the kitchen and storage space was. The kitchen was very nasty and rusted with grime. Virtually every appliance she saw would need to be replaced, which was fine with her. She wasn’t about to cook her chocolate and sweets in these disgusting things. She didn’t think her boyfriend would mind the replacement costs too much. Regardless, she started cleaning what she could, being a slightly cramped space, with the basic fast-food-like area, she assumed this place used to double as a diner in its day. She was fantasizing about what this place must’ve been like, when she heard a ‘ding’ noise. She perked her ears, to strain to listen, at first just thinking it was her partner. “Spicey?” She called to the sudden silence in the room that was now too loud. The noise from the work he was doing in the lobby still didn’t stop, meaning he hadn’t heard her. Meaning he never even left that area. She was now glancing around the dusty room, struggling to see through the sunlight pierced darkness. Trying to catch any sort of movement to pin the noise she heard to. She felt as if she was being watched now, and she didn’t like the feeling at all. “Spicey,” She called his name a little louder this time, feeling scared being alone, but too frozen to go to him. His loud work paused for a minute, to listen. He heard her that time, or he at least thought he had. She opened her mouth to call his name again when something atop the stained fridge fell and crashed onto the floor, making a loud bang from metal hitting tile. She instead screamed his name and was scrambling to her hooves when she saw movement where the metal bowl used to rest. When he ran in, he instantly found her and quickly made his way over to her. “What? What happened?” His voice was panicked, checking her for any cuts or bruises. As obviously he heard the crash as well, and thought she had hurt herself. With a shaking voice and hoof, she pointed to the fridge, “Th-There’s something on top of the fridge..” Of course, when he turned to look there wasn’t anything there. Just dust falling to resettle on the surface. He gave his attention back to her, and nuzzled her to comfort her. “Why don’t you stay with me out there?” His nuzzling felt a little uncomfortable with his headphones resting around his neck, used to block out the noise of the tools he used. Regardless, she tried to nuzzle back but ended up just clinging to him. “C’mon,” He cooed, “You’re safe. We’ll do this back here together, okay?” All she could do was nod in response as he led her back into the lobby. Where the sun lit up every inch of the room with its big windows. Chapter 3She was watching him from an out-of-the-way distance, but still close enough to feel safe. Scanning the crumbling room, and detecting no movement was making her feel a little better. The constant noise from the tools he was using was ensuring that she wouldn’t be able to hear anything scurry around, however. This making her think she was going to develop paranoia, though, he’d always pause to talk to her. To keep her out of her own mind so she wouldn’t scare herself more. Eventually, after she was feeling mostly a hundred percent, she would continue her work and help. But she wouldn’t leave the room, not unless he did, and she’d follow him there anyway. The lobby being already cleaned as best as she could get it today, she was mainly passing him other needed tools for his work. She never understood the work he was doing, being as she couldn’t build a house, only decorate one, but she was at least helping him as best as she could. When it was time to go home, they began collecting their tools, placing them neatly into the bag of which they brought them in. By this time, it was almost sunset, the red and orange beams leaving a painful glare in her eyes. She could only imagine what her boyfriend was experiencing, as his eyes were more sensitive than hers. Waiting for him to finish locking up their future cafe, she got an ominous feeling. The one of being watched again. Being outside and being close to her safe pony, she felt secure, but she couldn’t shake the feeling. Not even as they started on the path down the hill back home. She found herself regularly checking over her shoulder, not seeing anything follow them. Her boyfriend growing more concerned by this, not that she noticed. The sun was fading quickly behind buildings as they entered the more downtown area. Ever conscious of it dipping below the horizon. The sky dimly filling with stars, the orange scenery taking on a more deep purple one. This part of the city was beautiful in this lighting. Streetlamps already on as they continue walking. Ponies milling about for end-of-the-day errands, or simply going home from a long day of work. One would think the pegasus would calm down in this crowded place. Though, no, this was not the case. The mare was even more tense, as she felt as if a certain few ponies she passed began staring at her intently. Brushing this off as strictly simple paranoia and nothing more. Deciding to stare at her hooves clicking on the ground instead, she was only paying attention where she was going by following Spicey’s shadow or the tips of his blonde tail in the edge of her vision. Finally arriving home, and closing the door behind her, she lifted her head towards her love. He was staring at her with worry written on his face. Detailing his dark red eyes with a unique shine. Pinning her ears against her head, as she knew he was about to question her, though at first mistakenly thinking she was in trouble with him. However, he was just silent as he eyed her, before finally, “Are you alright? From earlier? You’ve been acting jumpy all day.” “I’m fine. Was just a bowl falling, I just didn’t expect it.” This being the truth, despite her face looking like a housecat caught somewhere they weren’t supposed to be. He sighs, “I know, honey, just..” He pauses here to find the correct thing to say, unclipping the hoofmade locket from his neck as he ponders, “..you don’t usually get that scared of things falling.” “I thought I saw something move, remember?” “Ah, yeah. Probably just a rodent of some sort, you saw how dirty that place was.” She thinks back at this, distinctly remembering that it seemed much bigger than a rat, but perhaps that could’ve been the shadow of the thing. She absently turns away from him in her thought process, running a hoof through her mane. It was definitely bigger than a rat, if anything she saw the tail of it. It looked more insect if anything, it had that distinct shine to it that beetles have on their armor, she remembers. Beetles, however, don’t get that big, so whatever it may have been she hasn’t the slightest. “Cocoa?” His voice snapping her back to reality, realizing he has moved to be standing in front of her again. “Oh sorry,” She begins, “I was zoning out.” Glancing first behind him at the digital clock on their microwave mounted above the stove, and then to her left out a nearby window she noticed it was a little past their dinner time. “Are you hungry?” “I, what?” He was taken a little aback by her sudden change of the subject. Watching her tail dragging its length across the floor a bit as she was entering the kitchen, clearly going to prepare him his meal--which is no different from his breakfast. He took a step after her when he heard it. A soft click-click-clicking. “Cocoa,” At his serious tone, she turned her gaze toward him, stopping her hunt in the fridge. She wasn’t understanding what he looked so freaked out about, but she was attempting to be as still as she could, as he was unmoving himself. “What?” Asking as quietly as she could, she began inching toward him. The soft clicking kept up for a little, turning his head in the direction of the sound, yet when he did so, it stopped. Straining his ears to see if it’ll pick up again, but after a few heartbeats he stopped the search. “Nothing,” He starts, moving his hoof to rub the back of his neck, “Probably just a bird outside I was hearing.” This triggering her to be a little more than cautious in her own home. Pinning her ears against her head as she gazes around. The kitchen leading into the big livingroom, the TV absent of picture, barely even lit in there as they just came home. Dinner forgotten, she heads into the bedroom, realizing the door was cracked slightly. Simply dismissing it as him forgetting to close it all the way before they left. Her boyfriend following her the whole way, “Are you alright?” “Yeah, I’m okay, just..” She turns to lock eyes with him, “Can we just.. Sleep, please? I’m not feeling well..” He hesitates at this, subconsciously knowing he’ll be skipping dinner--especially important for him--but he ends up agreeing. Walking past her and pushing the door open the rest of the way with his shoulder. “Sure, baby, you’re probably exhausted.” He concludes, his blonde tail and spotted butt fading into a silhouette in the darkness of the room. Before quickly shifting into light again as she flicks the switch on as she enters the room. Making him squint a bit painfully under the blast of light. “Sorry,” She states, getting close to him and giving him a sweet kiss upon his lips. Which he returns just as sweetly, “It’s alright,” Following with a nuzzle to her side. “I’m going to go brush my teeth, okay?” She says as she enters the en-suite. “I’ll go in after you do, too cramped in there for the both of us.” “You calling me fat?” She jokes. “Oh sure, you just take up the entire bed!” He laughs, giving her a playful look. Though directed at her rear, as she was paused in the middle of the doorway. Shaking a bit, the more he studied her. What captured her attention so suddenly, was the fact that she was staring at something curling itself in the bathroom sink. It was thick, black, slimy almost, and pointing its eyes full of color directly at her, just as she was unmoving her gaze from it. It was big, filling the entire bowl with itself, clicking gently and curiously at her with the pinchers lining its face, in a way she almost found cute. Except, it was a huge bug. With its many legs, it reminded her of a centipede, perhaps a changeling version of one, anyway. And like any mare, with an unexpected giant bug in the bathroom, she yelps and panics. Unintentionally making it panic and attack. Seemingly arching its back and shooting thick darts as well as spitting at her. Chapter 4She screams as a couple of darts pierce her shoulder, having fresh blood ooze out. She finally opens her eyes to see that her boyfriend had stopped the rest of darts midair with his magic. The big centipede thing clicking furiously as it unfurls itself from the sink, now eyeing Spicey as he was advancing his ground. Instantly protecting his girlfriend by stepping in front of her. Gazing down to pick out the darts that had wounded her, she comes to the realization of her fur being damp. Clearly where the thing’s spit had marked her. Just over one of the puncture wounds. Growing more concerned over this, she lifts her head to get his attention. Though, best deciding against it, as she was watching him scoop the thing up in a box he managed to get from under the sink. He was making slow delicate movements, and it surveying him intently. He didn’t want to make it lash out again, seeing it being tense and spooked. Managing to coax it into the box, turning then to bring it out of the bathroom and even let it go outside. Though, the sight of her bleeding shoulder is what stopped him first, then the glaze in her eyes capturing his worry. The weird centipede’s clicking was slowing into its normal soft ticks, acting simply like a calmed housepet now. Letting Spicey carry it in the box to rest upon their bed and watch curiously at the scene back in the bathroom. Rushing to her as she began to sag in her stance, he brings her face close, “Cocoa, are you okay? Cocoa?” Her vision blurry, she struggles to stay conscious, feeling weaker and weaker by the minute. She finds herself unable to voice anything to him, only able to sink into his arms thanks to gravity and weakness. She groans faintly as her eyes flutter to keep open, Spicey panicking as he struggles with himself. First of all, the poor unicorn didn’t exactly know what to do, she’s hurt, yes, but that shouldn’t make her lethargic. Secondly, battling with his own temptations, he was skittish to touch her. Yet, she was already in his grip. Finally, he realized that she must be poisoned, the thing curiously watching from the bed must be venomous. “Oh, Cocoa, no.. I..” He brings her closer, to inspect the wound in her shoulder. Having to really pause himself at the sight of her blood. Inhaling deeply, and calming his nerves, he calculates everything. He doesn’t want to lose her, not to some accident, not really ever. He knows what he has to do if he wants to save her, but still he hesitates. He looks into her green eyes with regret written in his. She tiredly gazes back and with the faintest hint of a smile, she reassures him. He gulps before he lowers his mouth to her wound. This proximity easily making his gums tingle. As soon as his eyeteeth drop he gently licks the stream of fluid already flowing outward. Tasting it mostly--but definitely--as poison mixed with the hint of her blood type in the aftertaste. Though, thankfully he never gets sick, not even with venom. “Sorry,” He whispers quietly, unsure if she even heard him, before he punctures her flesh with his fangs. Naturally drinking the fluid that flushed into his mouth upon the reopening of the wound. At first only tasting the full blasts of the venom, making him want to gag and detach from her. Though the aftertaste of her sweet blood was making him bite a bit deeper. Getting almost completely infatuated with her as the last drops of poison were being sucked out. Giving him the complete intoxicating taste of her plasma. At this he squeezed her closer, and losing himself with her. Cocoa being already tired from the effect of the poison, and now being drained of what her body needs to repair. Summoning the last remaining strength within her, she taps on his back. Circling and ‘connecting the dots’ with her hoof on his spots. Something he normally doesn’t like, as it feels weird, and making him tense up and pause immediately. “C-Coffee..” Her voice filled with fatigue and close to silent, yet at her calling him by his real name, not his nickname, he snaps out of it. Pulling off of her with a gasp, as he stares at the mess he made on her fur, then turning to gaze at himself in the mirror. Her blood coating his lips and jaw, his normally dark red eyes a brighter hue, and a single fang poking out from his frown. She watches through the reflection as his ears drop against his head. He shifts his gaze to her and then snaps out of his stupor by apologizing profusely as he attempts to unroll the entire toilet paper roll. Trying to apply some pressure to her freshest wound to stop the flow with said toilet paper. Supporting her weight with one hoof and he cleans her off with the other. “God, Cocoa, I..” He begins, his voice shaking, he can’t believe he’s done this to her. She weakly lifts her hoof to caress his face, albeit smearing her own blood on her hoof, “You’re okay.. You did good..” “But, I.. I almost..” At this, his voice breaks and he embraces her closer, silently sobbing from his actions. Knowing he hates to hurt her, as well as how guilty he feels, she touches her forehead to his, careful of his horn. Locking eyes with him, not thinking she was needing to say much of anything to him. Soon his crying calmed down, and he simply enjoyed being this close to her, closing his eyes to think upon it. Realizing what he truly did for her, and why, he smiles softly. After he recovers he starts to lift her up on his back. Carrying her outside of the bathroom and onto the bed, temporarily ignoring the big bug still calmly watching them both. Turning off the en-suite’s light and closing the door with his magic, he gently tucks his girlfriend in. Giving her a kiss on her forehead before moving to walk around to the other side of the queen sized bed, simultaneously picking up the box with the insect in it and placing it atop the dresser. He chuckled a little at it as he was less surprised and scared of the thing, and at how cute it appears in its box. It seems to have a habit similar to felines, at how it only stares at the pony in the room with it by barely having its eyes over the rim of whatever it was laying in. As well as its soft clicking, that resembles purring of some sort, he almost considers petting the thing. Though remembering what it put his girlfriend through, he decides against it. Simply turning away from it and climbing into the sheets with Cocoa. Snuggling his already passed out girlfriend from behind, he begins to get comfy and almost doze off himself. But right before he falls asleep, he feels the bug crawl onto the bed and curl itself along his hind legs from above the sheets. He feels himself become amused and then lets his body and mind fade into sleep. Chapter 5She awakes to a minor annoyance, a constant tapping upon her head. Along with the ever-present throbbing in her shoulder, she opens her eyes with irritation. Gazing into the deep eyes of a young animal, yet, when her brain truly processes, she realizes it’s the centipede from last night. Her first reaction is to scream, but the fogginess in her mind keeps her from doing so. It clicks at her curiously before making a sort of satisfied noise and hopping off the bed and seemingly skipping its way through the ajar bedroom door. Its many legs gently padding against the wood floors with every move. She later hears her boyfriend’s voice speak in a low tone, almost like he’s speaking to a young child, or a pet. Curious, she begins to shift her body to get up. The pull of her fur against a sticky thing makes her hoof travel towards her wound. Noticing that Spicey must’ve bandaged her when he woke up or something. Groaning a little as the blood rushes to her head when she stands up, she manages to spot him in the living room after hobbling out of the hallway a little. He wasn’t looking at her, but rather at what currently curls in his lap. Absently petting it, as he scans his gaze over and over the intricate design along the centipede’s spine, which now glows a faint dark red. The thing appears to be covered in these symbols, and Spicey was taking his time figuring out their patterns. He distinctly remembers that if this centipede was born with these designs, they definitely weren’t glowing last night. Finally sensing her presence in front of him, he lifts his head to her. He notices that her eyes locking on the bug resting in his lap hold an expression of slight shock. Though her mouth stays straight and calm. It was a conflicting mix of emotions he’s seen yet on her. She flinches a bit in her face when it shifts in its quick nap, and begins a combination of soft clicking and purring. “It’s cute, isn’t it?” He says softly, continuing his strokes upon its body, careful of the jutting spikes. She doesn’t reply, he doesn’t expect her to, honestly. “So,” changing the topic, “how are you feeling? No, uh, uneasiness?” “No,” Knowing exactly what he’s referring to, “Just tired, really. That thing really scared the hell out of me..” She sighs as she reaches to unknot a strand of her brown hair. He chuckles at this commentary, “You scared the hell out of it. Besides, it’s really not all that mean when you calm it down. Kind of acts like a kitten, with how much it sleeps and does its.. Purring thing.” She considers this, and hesitantly, she inches closer before finally sitting down on the loveseat next to him. “Will it bite me?” She gestures toward it’s large pinchers on its face, assuming they were its mouth of sort. “Probably not.” He reassures, watching as she then hovers her hoof over its sleek body. Meekly petting it at first, feeling that it felt of something like a snake, yet not at the same time. It was armored, if only slightly, which apparently gave it its spikes. Opening its eyes only slightly from its nap to see the owner of this unfamiliar hoof. Studying her nervous face before closing its eyes again and click-purring a little louder. Inviting her to pet it fully, like how Spicey is. She satisfyingly gave it its wanted response as she became more comfortable and was petting it with less hesitation. Stroking it a last few times before getting up and inquiring him on if he had breakfast. His ears shifting back as he watches her start toward the kitchen, “Uh, I’m not really all that hungry, considering.. Ya know..” The full memory of last night hitting her finally at his statement. Chuckling to herself as she grabs an apple out of their fruit bowl and taking out some peanut butter, “Oh, right. Well, don’t feel bad about it.” She says sincerely as she carefully cuts the apple into juicy slices with a steady knife. Taking a butter knife and dipping it in the jar and swiping some peanut butter upon the apple slices. Taking one and eating it in two bites. The sound of the crunch making its head perk up. Quickly scrambling off of Spicey’s lap and making its way excitedly to her in the kitchen. Then to gaze at her intently as she works on her slices. When it spots a slice enter her mouth, it scratches at her leg gently, but quickly, with its two foremost ones. The sudden scurry of it making Spicey join in the kitchen too and then laugh as he gestures to her snack. “I think it wants some.” She looks from him to it still pawing at her leg, before cautiously bending to give it an apple slice. Which it takes wholeheartedly, eating it with the help of its pinchers. After eating it completely, it looks up and begs for more by making tolerable high-pitched clicks at her. She finds it surprisingly cute as it gives her a ‘puppy face’ and she giggles, “It must be hungry. Did you feed it anything?” “No,” He states, watching her prepare a whole separate apple just for it. Which she then feeds it its peanut butter-apple slices with one in her own mouth. “Well, no wonder.” She coos, handing it another slice and then tenderly patting it atop its head. He smiles at her lovingly, admiring her ability to adapt to things. He’s never known her to freak out too much about ‘odd’ things, after all. After giving it a complete meal of fruits and somehow convincing it to not follow them out the front door, they head back to their work-in-progress. Spicey beginning work again on what needs repairs and Cocoa cleaning up the rest of the grime. Somehow though, it seems like the place got dirtier, but more like a tornado went through it. Things had been scattered all around like someone, or maybe a few someones, were looking very hard for something. Made complete by floor or ceiling tiles being ripped apart entirely or just thrown away like common trash. When the couple took a gaze upon the place, they couldn’t solve the puzzle. Instead of asking questions, they just went to work again on the place. Nothing spooky to happen this time, and thus, Cocoa getting a lot more work done. Going so far as to actually repaint some of the place to give it a nice refreshing appearance. Her boyfriend soon finishing his own duties, no longer finding anything structurally unsound, and helping with the painting. Of course, the two soon bursting into laughter when he wasn’t looking and stuck his entire hoof into the full paint bucket. Then causing a ‘paint war’ where the two flung paint droplets at each other with the use of their brush. Sometimes giving the wall a spotted look in certain areas, and of course giving each other spots, as well--or in Spicey’s case, even more spots. It took a few more weeks before they could finally open business, as they did have to furnish the place and install the proper equipment. Soon, they found themselves standing outside of the building, which now looks brand new and inviting, admiring their hard efforts. Cocoa tenderly nuzzling her boyfriend’s side, “Looks good.” “Sure does,” He replies, “We officially start tomorrow morning, right?” “Yeah,” Their conversation was short, as they didn’t have much to say. They posted flyers virtually everywhere stating the grand opening of the place, which they appropriately named Mocha’s Cafe. The excitement for the event giving them a restless feeling. They turn and start down the hill toward home. Where they celebrate in their own personal and private way, like any normal couple does. The first day of business was today, and this time Cocoa was waking her boyfriend. Telling him to wake up in the earliest hours of the morning in a sing-song voice. Yawning, he rubs at the side of his face with his hoof. Instinctually glancing out the window, where he could see through a peek in the curtains that it was still dark. Cocoa, however, was fully awake and busy in the kitchen, singing a quiet song to the centipede that patiently watched her prepare today’s breakfast. The centipede, which they just accepted into the family, was obviously named Blackie, and had this as routine. Wake up, watch her cook, get fed, play with them, etc, etc. They never took it out much, though, and that would cause a lot of sneaking into Cocoa’s bags when she went out, but other than that it was obedient. When Spicey saw how passionately she was flipping her pancakes he couldn’t help but smile. Going up behind her to give her a quick peck on her cheek and a small embrace. Her smile became bigger at those gestures and he soon helped himself to his own meal. Preparing it himself so she wouldn’t have to do the extra work. Slipping the small bowl of food on the kitchen floor for Blackie, she set her own plate down at the dining table, where her boyfriend was already sitting. Cocoa cooing about how perfect she made her pancakes, making Spicey take a curious sip from his glass. “I haven’t seen you cook like that in ages, actually.” “I’m happy,” Simply replying as she bit into a piece she cut with her fork. Purposely smiling big at him, promptly showing him her teeth all covered in the syrupy mess, making him almost spit out his drink from laughter. Laughing at his reaction, she began to just eat normally again, “We get to serve ponies coffee today.” He smiles at the joy in her voice, this self-business thing has been on her bucket list for a long time now, ever since he met her anyway. So of course she was happy. Ensuing in their mealtime being lively this early morning, with many jokes made and cute exchanges in loving words. They even did the dishes together this time, purposely splashing soap water at each other to keep the good mood up. Blackie clicking happily at their joyous activity, hopping around their hooves with excitement. After a quick, but playful shower together, they pack up their bags for their first day of self-employment. Spicey not needing his charm as the sun has not yet risen, and his girlfriend basking a little in the greyness and occasional early bird songs. She loves to be out and about in beautiful places, despite this being a generally smoggy city, but she’s one to see beauty in everything. He loves that quality about her, as well. At the top of the hill, he glances over into the distance, overlooking the city. The sky becoming less grey and more full with sunrise colors. He waits a few more beats before slowly clipping the necklace about his neck just as the first rays peek over the buildings. She calls to him from inside the cafe, already unlocked with her keys. She closes the door behind him, simultaneously putting her long brown mane up into a tight bun. At the same time, he puts his nametag on as he goes to inspect everything. Turning on the stove and oven so it’d heat up faster for when she goes to bake her sweets. In which case she will after she finishes setting up the tables and making sure the cups and plates are in their proper places, and after teaching Spicey how to use the cash register. He may be smart in math, but how to work upfront customers and a cash register, nope. The only reason she’s not running it is because she never knows what change to give them. So she’s fine with serving and cooking. Being a seat-yourself place, they don’t need to wait tables, but if they have to, they both do that job. They stocked the fridge with required ingredients and such yesterday, but today, Cocoa finds herself stuffing a few blood bags for her boyfriend in as well. Since this is a cafe--and the only one for a few miles--there’d be lots of ponies around. So just in case, she brought them and a few colored cups, so he can drink in public and the colored plastic would give the illusion of it being a brown soda. This is when she began to bake the first batch of many treats. Reaching down into her bag for a hairnet, she yelps as her hoof brushes against the sleek body of Blackie. Blackie clicking at her as it wiggles itself from her bag that it snuck into. Sighing at the bug but not scolding it, it was probably just curious. Its clicks are soft and it just studies her, hoping for a taste at the chocolate or jelly filling she filled some sweets with after they were done baking. And sometimes she would sneak a little glob of the substance to the thing, which it would happily receive. As long as it stays back with her in the kitchen, she thought it’d be fine, but eventually she would have to go out and do her job there, so she was struggling with thinking of ways to hide the centipede. Both her and her boyfriend didn’t think ponies would react too kindly if they saw it, and judging by her own reaction to it at first, they were right. Calling Spicey over, they discuss ways to hide it, because it was too late to take it back now. They decide to keep it sleeping in the back or at least, entertained in the back. Just as they prepare a makeshift bed for it out of their bags, the bell on the door chimes. Cocoa giving her boyfriend a quick reassuring rub to his back before she goes to check who came in. The first of many customers, apparently. This city was a good sport about grand openings, and that didn’t exclude their cafe. Ponies piling in from virtually everywhere, all making chatter about various things and admiring the once old building. Swallowing nervously, Cocoa welcomes them all in and begins to serve them in a ready time after Spicey rings them up, of course. She can see the beads of sweat on his brow from his nervousness, and occasionally he’d gulp and adjust his curly locks when he would call ‘next’. Though, she smiles at his composure, loving the way he can keep strictly professional when he needs to be. She also appreciates how patient everyone is, as clearly only two work here. Almost all pardoning her when she apologizes for being ‘late’ with bringing out more sweets. The coffee and beverages were easy, and Spicey was fastest with that. Seeing as how coffee making was his talent, however, of course he would be. And through this, he got more comfortable with the customers. Though, sometimes he’d have to go in the back to not only check on the centipede but to also get more coffee beans or something like that. One time during this, it struck him as odd that Blackie was scratching at a panel on the floor, clicking furiously like it’s mad. The dark red symbols glowing a lot brighter and its back arching like it’s preparing to shoot its venomous darts. Though, when the curious unicorn took his steps closer to the bug, it shifts its gaze from the floor panel to him and clicks at him happily and goes to rub against his leg in a loving way. “What’re you doing, you silly?” He asks it softly, like one would with a pet. Touching his hoof to the new scratch marks that the centipede embedded into the tile. Blackie seemingly forgetting its antics as it continues to click-purr and nuzzle him. Obviously, Spicey knew, something was upsetting the poor thing. Rubbing his hoof along the tile some more he realizes that it’s hollow, he could probably lift it up and discover whatever is making the centipede go nuts. Though the bell on the counter snaps him back into focus. Sighing, he forgets the hollow panel for now, pats the bug on its head, and rushes out to do his job. Cocoa giving him a bewildering look as she sees his own perplexment. Though, she focuses on her current task at hoof, which is gathering the dirty dishes and bringing them to the sink. Right now, however, gathering a large pile of dishes, she can only see where she is by gazing through the clear plastic cups. She almost makes it to the back when Blackie darts under her hooves in a blur, startling her and turning her around in every which way as she tries to steady the dishes and herself. Though she fails somewhat, and believes that she’s going to fall and break everything. Though, someone catches her before she falls too much, and helps steady her. “Careful,” Definitely a man as the voice was deep and rough. After making sure the plates and such were in fact balanced, she turns to thank whomever had saved her from her clutz. Though her voice gets caught in her throat and she doesn’t make a noise as she realizes that this stallion, is very big. He easily towers over her, and she thinks he’s even taller than Spicey--whom is the tallest pony she’s yet known. Adding his charcoal coat and black hair, it doesn’t make this guy look any more friendly. Instead of saying her thanks she manages an apology, “Oh, sorry, I-” She has to clear her throat, and subconsciously begins searching for her boyfriend in the room. Instead, she spots Blackie’s glow from within the black tail of the man who is standing in front of her. She takes a few heartbeats to process that the centipede has taken an apparent liking to this guy. It takes her another few beats before she looks up into the piercing purple eyes of him, trying to study his face, with an obvious ‘oh shit’ expression on her own.
Chapter 1Six in the morning was never fun, exhausted from the late night before, she rose her head from her pillow with a groan. The magic she usually contained sparking around her as she continues to wake up. She covers her mouth with a hoof as she yawns the sleepiness away. Slowly hopping out of bed, she stretches her wings before folding them back against her body. Deciding to preen them after her shower, or even during, she stumbles toward the bathroom. Scrubbing her chocolate colored hair clean, and then the same with her light brown body, she gives herself some time to relax in the warm water. Enjoying the feeling of the droplets hitting her back she thinks on a few things. Though, not wanting to run her water bill through the roof, she quickly steps out. Grabbing the towel from the hanging rack, she dries herself before facing herself in the mirror. Or well, trying to face herself. The mirror fogged up during her time in the shower, and made it almost impossible to make anything out in the reflection. After blindly brushing her hair, she turns to leave but the sight of someone in the doorway startles her. Again the her magic seeps out, and blue arcane fire spurts in the air before dissipating. This, of course, startling the pony in the doorway, but his expression quickly fades into an amused smile. Chuckling to herself, realizing that this pony is her boyfriend of a full year, she goes to him and nuzzles him under his chin. His blonde curls poking at her face, and his darker brown hoof reaching to tenderly pet the back of her head. He’s always so quiet, she sometimes forgets he’s there with her. But usually, that only happens in the mornings, when her head is still clouded with sleepiness. She pushes away from him only enough to stare up into his auburn eyes. She always loved the reddish hue there, and even more so the emotions behind them. For her, there was love, always love. He’d show her emotions he’ll usually keep hidden, and she appreciates his openness with her. To give him the same respect, she is trusting of him and open with him as well. As, indeed, they both have secrets to keep hidden from the outside world. Regardless, she loves him for him, and tells and shows him everyday, and vice versa. This morning with nuzzling and a quick boop to the nose with her own. “Sorry if I took too long,” She begins, “If I knew you got up when I did, you could’ve showered with me.” “Nah, I only just got up, actually.” Leaning in closer to where his lips barely touched hers, he lowered his voice to whisper with a teasing undertone, “I came in here because I wanted to see you.” She couldn't contain her girlish giggle at his comment, and she closed the remaining distance and sweetly kissed him. Making both ponies smile when they separated. Though she smiled at him teasingly, “You should’ve come in here for a shower. Stinky.” He chuckled at her playful remark. Swiping his tail at her as he walked past her. “I’m using your shampoo, then.” She frowned a little at this news, as in this society a mare’s shampoo wasn’t cheap. But then again, the shampoo for stallions didn’t smell too great either, in her opinion. Letting it slide just this once and watching his spotted rear disappear behind the shower curtain, she turned to give him privacy and wash up. Gently shutting the door so the steam doesn’t make the entire room feel sticky, she proceeds for the kitchen. Firing the stove up, putting a small pan upon the fire, and opening the fridge to get some tofu bacon. Placing the strips carefully in the pan and then turning toward the cabinet to retrieve two cups.The cabinets being too high for her shorter-than-average height, however, and therefore uses her wings to boost her height and easily grab the needed glasses. The cups were beautifully designed glass, as were most of their china. The plates having intricate artistic flows of color painted onto them, and some of the cups being stained glass, with similar scenes to match the plates. Generally though, like any other household, their cups were clear glass; only using the stained ones when guests were over. She set them on their wood counters, and flipped the bacon as it sizzled and popped when it was ready before fishing in the fridge once more for her boyfriend’s special breakfast. She easily found the bag of inky darkness, as she knew where they hid it, and placed it next to his cup to warm it up a bit before she poured it for him. At the same time, she managed to make herself her own breakfast. A hay omelet, which tastes better than it sounds to a herbivore species. Placing it onto her plate along with the bacon when both were cooked just right and ready for eating. She called for her boyfriend, knowing he could easily hear her through the still running water, as she opened the bag gently and poured his cup full of the contents inside. Leaving only a little more than half in the bag itself, she closed it up and placed it back in the fridge, behind everything else where no one would see it--if they weren’t looking for it, that is. Before closing the door, she grabbed the gallon of milk and poured that into her own glass. Carefully carrying her plate of food on one of her wings, she walked into the dining room and placed her meal on the table. Sitting down in the chair just as her lover walked in and placed his cup down next to hers on the table and scooting in a chair next to her, too. He always loved to participate in the three main meals with her, even though he was on a completely different diet than she. This making him rush any activity he was doing beforehand, to spend this time with her. She lets him have this normalcy, at least. She smiles at him, “Have a nice shower?” “I did. I bet I smell better, too.” He chuckles, lifting the glass up to his muzzle, but looking away from her as he drinks. She looks down at her food as she cuts up a side to make it more bite-size before sticking it with her fork and bringing it to her mouth. He almost chugs the entire glass of the sticky fluid, but stops himself and lowers the glass. He takes a few heartbeats before he looks at her again, “Do you think we’ll pull it off?” He starts. She looks up at him between chewing, “I don’t know, I think we can. It’ll be a little hard, but we’ll do okay.” He nods at this, watching her take a sip of her milk, “The place was, what, on the market for a few years? And being the ones to buy it, I think the ponies here will like it. Once we fix it up, of course.” Despite saying this, his ears flattened slightly, and she knew he was worried. She gently placed her hoof over his and locked eyes with him, “They’ll like it, okay? We’ll have a cute little cafe, okay? Don’t worry too much.” He gazed into her sparkling emerald eyes for a breath before nodding, squeezing her hoof slightly before releasing her and drinking the rest of his meal. Gulping down the last bit and nervously setting down his glass upon the table. She realized too late, that that wasn’t what he was worried about. Her own ears went down as she watched him scoot back and leave the table, feeling as if she failed him. When he was out of earshot--which he never truly was in this house--she sighed, and continued to finish her breakfast alone.
Chapter 2Later, when they decided to visit the property they just so recently bought, it was turning out to be a bright sunny day. They stood on this small hill, that overlooked a part of the city. A tree being the only shade provided on this warm day, along with the small breeze, it seemed an ideal place to put a building. But one was already there. Though old, weather worn, and falling apart, the small abandoned building resting at this hill used to be a successful snack bar before the industrialization of the city. For reasons unknown, it was abandoned and been on the market since. She knew they had their work cut out for them, if they wanted to make it cozy and appealing to customers. She glanced warily at her boyfriend, who was already sweating a little under the heat of the sun. She glanced quickly to his charm necklace that she made for him, “You alright?” She asked him softly, placing her hoof on his side. He drew her in close, giving her a quick hug before exhaling the heat from his body, “Yeah, just, I think it’s fading a little.” He poked at the jewel about his neck. “I’ll be fine though.” He smiled at her, to reassure her. It did little to that effect, and she kept staring at him with concern, and decided later that she’d re-enchant it at home. Instead she brought him under the shade of the tree, both gazing at the old building as they cuddled in the cooler grass. “Are you sure you want to work on it today? It is a little hot.” She mentioned. He shook his head, making his curls bounce with the movement, “It’s a nice day. I’d rather work on it now than on a day that threatens rain.” She was about to protest, say that a cloudy day was safer than a sunny one, but decided against it. There was no changing his mind on something he set his heart out to do. After a few minutes, her ear flicks as she hears his horn spark to life with the usual sound of magic in use. She gazed up to his horn, seeing the pale red magic aura surround it, and then looks to where he’s looking, and notices that he’s simply bringing the tools they brought over to them. He checks through the bag to make sure they have everything, and then opens a side pocket of the bag and pulls out a box of nails. He moves the leg she was resting on slightly, and she gets up at the sign. Getting up soon after her, he starts toward the small building, tool bag in tow. Chuckling a bit at his perseverance, she soon follows to help him. Despite knowing he could probably do it all by himself. As it turns out, she was put on cleaning duty as he renovated. She cleaned the main lobby, which was a big space when it wasn’t filled with tables and other things she pictured putting in. Thankfully, neither of them spotted mold, surprisingly. The place was also just trashed, stoners obviously used this place to hang out. Beer cans, soda cans, a stain on the corner that connects the floor to the wall that smelled of urine. It made the pegasus shiver in disgust. Her unicorn partner seemed to handle it a lot better than she, but mostly, he was deadpanning everything. Just getting his work done, she supposed. Seeing him work so hard motivated her to do so as well, managing to clean the nasty stains of bodily fluids. Having wings helped a lot with cleaning the walls and ceiling. The ceiling looked as if it had water damage in a few areas, but it was mostly dirty by cobwebs. Making her cautious in case she sees a spider anywhere. Or any bug for that matter. The abandoned building was already putting her on edge. After cleaning the built-in bar, and removing the glass shards from one of the broken display windows, she headed in back where the kitchen and storage space was. The kitchen was very nasty and rusted with grime. Virtually every appliance she saw would need to be replaced, which was fine with her. She wasn’t about to cook her chocolate and sweets in these disgusting things. She didn’t think her boyfriend would mind the replacement costs too much. Regardless, she started cleaning what she could, being a slightly cramped space, with the basic fast-food-like area, she assumed this place used to double as a diner in its day. She was fantasizing about what this place must’ve been like, when she heard a ‘ding’ noise. She perked her ears, to strain to listen, at first just thinking it was her partner. “Spicey?” She called to the sudden silence in the room that was now too loud. The noise from the work he was doing in the lobby still didn’t stop, meaning he hadn’t heard her. Meaning he never even left that area. She was now glancing around the dusty room, struggling to see through the sunlight pierced darkness. Trying to catch any sort of movement to pin the noise she heard to. She felt as if she was being watched now, and she didn’t like the feeling at all. “Spicey,” She called his name a little louder this time, feeling scared being alone, but too frozen to go to him. His loud work paused for a minute, to listen. He heard her that time, or he at least thought he had. She opened her mouth to call his name again when something atop the stained fridge fell and crashed onto the floor, making a loud bang from metal hitting tile. She instead screamed his name and was scrambling to her hooves when she saw movement where the metal bowl used to rest. When he ran in, he instantly found her and quickly made his way over to her. “What? What happened?” His voice was panicked, checking her for any cuts or bruises. As obviously he heard the crash as well, and thought she had hurt herself. With a shaking voice and hoof, she pointed to the fridge, “Th-There’s something on top of the fridge..” Of course, when he turned to look there wasn’t anything there. Just dust falling to resettle on the surface. He gave his attention back to her, and nuzzled her to comfort her. “Why don’t you stay with me out there?” His nuzzling felt a little uncomfortable with his headphones resting around his neck, used to block out the noise of the tools he used. Regardless, she tried to nuzzle back but ended up just clinging to him. “C’mon,” He cooed, “You’re safe. We’ll do this back here together, okay?” All she could do was nod in response as he led her back into the lobby. Where the sun lit up every inch of the room with its big windows.
Chapter 3She was watching him from an out-of-the-way distance, but still close enough to feel safe. Scanning the crumbling room, and detecting no movement was making her feel a little better. The constant noise from the tools he was using was ensuring that she wouldn’t be able to hear anything scurry around, however. This making her think she was going to develop paranoia, though, he’d always pause to talk to her. To keep her out of her own mind so she wouldn’t scare herself more. Eventually, after she was feeling mostly a hundred percent, she would continue her work and help. But she wouldn’t leave the room, not unless he did, and she’d follow him there anyway. The lobby being already cleaned as best as she could get it today, she was mainly passing him other needed tools for his work. She never understood the work he was doing, being as she couldn’t build a house, only decorate one, but she was at least helping him as best as she could. When it was time to go home, they began collecting their tools, placing them neatly into the bag of which they brought them in. By this time, it was almost sunset, the red and orange beams leaving a painful glare in her eyes. She could only imagine what her boyfriend was experiencing, as his eyes were more sensitive than hers. Waiting for him to finish locking up their future cafe, she got an ominous feeling. The one of being watched again. Being outside and being close to her safe pony, she felt secure, but she couldn’t shake the feeling. Not even as they started on the path down the hill back home. She found herself regularly checking over her shoulder, not seeing anything follow them. Her boyfriend growing more concerned by this, not that she noticed. The sun was fading quickly behind buildings as they entered the more downtown area. Ever conscious of it dipping below the horizon. The sky dimly filling with stars, the orange scenery taking on a more deep purple one. This part of the city was beautiful in this lighting. Streetlamps already on as they continue walking. Ponies milling about for end-of-the-day errands, or simply going home from a long day of work. One would think the pegasus would calm down in this crowded place. Though, no, this was not the case. The mare was even more tense, as she felt as if a certain few ponies she passed began staring at her intently. Brushing this off as strictly simple paranoia and nothing more. Deciding to stare at her hooves clicking on the ground instead, she was only paying attention where she was going by following Spicey’s shadow or the tips of his blonde tail in the edge of her vision. Finally arriving home, and closing the door behind her, she lifted her head towards her love. He was staring at her with worry written on his face. Detailing his dark red eyes with a unique shine. Pinning her ears against her head, as she knew he was about to question her, though at first mistakenly thinking she was in trouble with him. However, he was just silent as he eyed her, before finally, “Are you alright? From earlier? You’ve been acting jumpy all day.” “I’m fine. Was just a bowl falling, I just didn’t expect it.” This being the truth, despite her face looking like a housecat caught somewhere they weren’t supposed to be. He sighs, “I know, honey, just..” He pauses here to find the correct thing to say, unclipping the hoofmade locket from his neck as he ponders, “..you don’t usually get that scared of things falling.” “I thought I saw something move, remember?” “Ah, yeah. Probably just a rodent of some sort, you saw how dirty that place was.” She thinks back at this, distinctly remembering that it seemed much bigger than a rat, but perhaps that could’ve been the shadow of the thing. She absently turns away from him in her thought process, running a hoof through her mane. It was definitely bigger than a rat, if anything she saw the tail of it. It looked more insect if anything, it had that distinct shine to it that beetles have on their armor, she remembers. Beetles, however, don’t get that big, so whatever it may have been she hasn’t the slightest. “Cocoa?” His voice snapping her back to reality, realizing he has moved to be standing in front of her again. “Oh sorry,” She begins, “I was zoning out.” Glancing first behind him at the digital clock on their microwave mounted above the stove, and then to her left out a nearby window she noticed it was a little past their dinner time. “Are you hungry?” “I, what?” He was taken a little aback by her sudden change of the subject. Watching her tail dragging its length across the floor a bit as she was entering the kitchen, clearly going to prepare him his meal--which is no different from his breakfast. He took a step after her when he heard it. A soft click-click-clicking. “Cocoa,” At his serious tone, she turned her gaze toward him, stopping her hunt in the fridge. She wasn’t understanding what he looked so freaked out about, but she was attempting to be as still as she could, as he was unmoving himself. “What?” Asking as quietly as she could, she began inching toward him. The soft clicking kept up for a little, turning his head in the direction of the sound, yet when he did so, it stopped. Straining his ears to see if it’ll pick up again, but after a few heartbeats he stopped the search. “Nothing,” He starts, moving his hoof to rub the back of his neck, “Probably just a bird outside I was hearing.” This triggering her to be a little more than cautious in her own home. Pinning her ears against her head as she gazes around. The kitchen leading into the big livingroom, the TV absent of picture, barely even lit in there as they just came home. Dinner forgotten, she heads into the bedroom, realizing the door was cracked slightly. Simply dismissing it as him forgetting to close it all the way before they left. Her boyfriend following her the whole way, “Are you alright?” “Yeah, I’m okay, just..” She turns to lock eyes with him, “Can we just.. Sleep, please? I’m not feeling well..” He hesitates at this, subconsciously knowing he’ll be skipping dinner--especially important for him--but he ends up agreeing. Walking past her and pushing the door open the rest of the way with his shoulder. “Sure, baby, you’re probably exhausted.” He concludes, his blonde tail and spotted butt fading into a silhouette in the darkness of the room. Before quickly shifting into light again as she flicks the switch on as she enters the room. Making him squint a bit painfully under the blast of light. “Sorry,” She states, getting close to him and giving him a sweet kiss upon his lips. Which he returns just as sweetly, “It’s alright,” Following with a nuzzle to her side. “I’m going to go brush my teeth, okay?” She says as she enters the en-suite. “I’ll go in after you do, too cramped in there for the both of us.” “You calling me fat?” She jokes. “Oh sure, you just take up the entire bed!” He laughs, giving her a playful look. Though directed at her rear, as she was paused in the middle of the doorway. Shaking a bit, the more he studied her. What captured her attention so suddenly, was the fact that she was staring at something curling itself in the bathroom sink. It was thick, black, slimy almost, and pointing its eyes full of color directly at her, just as she was unmoving her gaze from it. It was big, filling the entire bowl with itself, clicking gently and curiously at her with the pinchers lining its face, in a way she almost found cute. Except, it was a huge bug. With its many legs, it reminded her of a centipede, perhaps a changeling version of one, anyway. And like any mare, with an unexpected giant bug in the bathroom, she yelps and panics. Unintentionally making it panic and attack. Seemingly arching its back and shooting thick darts as well as spitting at her.
Chapter 4She screams as a couple of darts pierce her shoulder, having fresh blood ooze out. She finally opens her eyes to see that her boyfriend had stopped the rest of darts midair with his magic. The big centipede thing clicking furiously as it unfurls itself from the sink, now eyeing Spicey as he was advancing his ground. Instantly protecting his girlfriend by stepping in front of her. Gazing down to pick out the darts that had wounded her, she comes to the realization of her fur being damp. Clearly where the thing’s spit had marked her. Just over one of the puncture wounds. Growing more concerned over this, she lifts her head to get his attention. Though, best deciding against it, as she was watching him scoop the thing up in a box he managed to get from under the sink. He was making slow delicate movements, and it surveying him intently. He didn’t want to make it lash out again, seeing it being tense and spooked. Managing to coax it into the box, turning then to bring it out of the bathroom and even let it go outside. Though, the sight of her bleeding shoulder is what stopped him first, then the glaze in her eyes capturing his worry. The weird centipede’s clicking was slowing into its normal soft ticks, acting simply like a calmed housepet now. Letting Spicey carry it in the box to rest upon their bed and watch curiously at the scene back in the bathroom. Rushing to her as she began to sag in her stance, he brings her face close, “Cocoa, are you okay? Cocoa?” Her vision blurry, she struggles to stay conscious, feeling weaker and weaker by the minute. She finds herself unable to voice anything to him, only able to sink into his arms thanks to gravity and weakness. She groans faintly as her eyes flutter to keep open, Spicey panicking as he struggles with himself. First of all, the poor unicorn didn’t exactly know what to do, she’s hurt, yes, but that shouldn’t make her lethargic. Secondly, battling with his own temptations, he was skittish to touch her. Yet, she was already in his grip. Finally, he realized that she must be poisoned, the thing curiously watching from the bed must be venomous. “Oh, Cocoa, no.. I..” He brings her closer, to inspect the wound in her shoulder. Having to really pause himself at the sight of her blood. Inhaling deeply, and calming his nerves, he calculates everything. He doesn’t want to lose her, not to some accident, not really ever. He knows what he has to do if he wants to save her, but still he hesitates. He looks into her green eyes with regret written in his. She tiredly gazes back and with the faintest hint of a smile, she reassures him. He gulps before he lowers his mouth to her wound. This proximity easily making his gums tingle. As soon as his eyeteeth drop he gently licks the stream of fluid already flowing outward. Tasting it mostly--but definitely--as poison mixed with the hint of her blood type in the aftertaste. Though, thankfully he never gets sick, not even with venom. “Sorry,” He whispers quietly, unsure if she even heard him, before he punctures her flesh with his fangs. Naturally drinking the fluid that flushed into his mouth upon the reopening of the wound. At first only tasting the full blasts of the venom, making him want to gag and detach from her. Though the aftertaste of her sweet blood was making him bite a bit deeper. Getting almost completely infatuated with her as the last drops of poison were being sucked out. Giving him the complete intoxicating taste of her plasma. At this he squeezed her closer, and losing himself with her. Cocoa being already tired from the effect of the poison, and now being drained of what her body needs to repair. Summoning the last remaining strength within her, she taps on his back. Circling and ‘connecting the dots’ with her hoof on his spots. Something he normally doesn’t like, as it feels weird, and making him tense up and pause immediately. “C-Coffee..” Her voice filled with fatigue and close to silent, yet at her calling him by his real name, not his nickname, he snaps out of it. Pulling off of her with a gasp, as he stares at the mess he made on her fur, then turning to gaze at himself in the mirror. Her blood coating his lips and jaw, his normally dark red eyes a brighter hue, and a single fang poking out from his frown. She watches through the reflection as his ears drop against his head. He shifts his gaze to her and then snaps out of his stupor by apologizing profusely as he attempts to unroll the entire toilet paper roll. Trying to apply some pressure to her freshest wound to stop the flow with said toilet paper. Supporting her weight with one hoof and he cleans her off with the other. “God, Cocoa, I..” He begins, his voice shaking, he can’t believe he’s done this to her. She weakly lifts her hoof to caress his face, albeit smearing her own blood on her hoof, “You’re okay.. You did good..” “But, I.. I almost..” At this, his voice breaks and he embraces her closer, silently sobbing from his actions. Knowing he hates to hurt her, as well as how guilty he feels, she touches her forehead to his, careful of his horn. Locking eyes with him, not thinking she was needing to say much of anything to him. Soon his crying calmed down, and he simply enjoyed being this close to her, closing his eyes to think upon it. Realizing what he truly did for her, and why, he smiles softly. After he recovers he starts to lift her up on his back. Carrying her outside of the bathroom and onto the bed, temporarily ignoring the big bug still calmly watching them both. Turning off the en-suite’s light and closing the door with his magic, he gently tucks his girlfriend in. Giving her a kiss on her forehead before moving to walk around to the other side of the queen sized bed, simultaneously picking up the box with the insect in it and placing it atop the dresser. He chuckled a little at it as he was less surprised and scared of the thing, and at how cute it appears in its box. It seems to have a habit similar to felines, at how it only stares at the pony in the room with it by barely having its eyes over the rim of whatever it was laying in. As well as its soft clicking, that resembles purring of some sort, he almost considers petting the thing. Though remembering what it put his girlfriend through, he decides against it. Simply turning away from it and climbing into the sheets with Cocoa. Snuggling his already passed out girlfriend from behind, he begins to get comfy and almost doze off himself. But right before he falls asleep, he feels the bug crawl onto the bed and curl itself along his hind legs from above the sheets. He feels himself become amused and then lets his body and mind fade into sleep.
Chapter 5She awakes to a minor annoyance, a constant tapping upon her head. Along with the ever-present throbbing in her shoulder, she opens her eyes with irritation. Gazing into the deep eyes of a young animal, yet, when her brain truly processes, she realizes it’s the centipede from last night. Her first reaction is to scream, but the fogginess in her mind keeps her from doing so. It clicks at her curiously before making a sort of satisfied noise and hopping off the bed and seemingly skipping its way through the ajar bedroom door. Its many legs gently padding against the wood floors with every move. She later hears her boyfriend’s voice speak in a low tone, almost like he’s speaking to a young child, or a pet. Curious, she begins to shift her body to get up. The pull of her fur against a sticky thing makes her hoof travel towards her wound. Noticing that Spicey must’ve bandaged her when he woke up or something. Groaning a little as the blood rushes to her head when she stands up, she manages to spot him in the living room after hobbling out of the hallway a little. He wasn’t looking at her, but rather at what currently curls in his lap. Absently petting it, as he scans his gaze over and over the intricate design along the centipede’s spine, which now glows a faint dark red. The thing appears to be covered in these symbols, and Spicey was taking his time figuring out their patterns. He distinctly remembers that if this centipede was born with these designs, they definitely weren’t glowing last night. Finally sensing her presence in front of him, he lifts his head to her. He notices that her eyes locking on the bug resting in his lap hold an expression of slight shock. Though her mouth stays straight and calm. It was a conflicting mix of emotions he’s seen yet on her. She flinches a bit in her face when it shifts in its quick nap, and begins a combination of soft clicking and purring. “It’s cute, isn’t it?” He says softly, continuing his strokes upon its body, careful of the jutting spikes. She doesn’t reply, he doesn’t expect her to, honestly. “So,” changing the topic, “how are you feeling? No, uh, uneasiness?” “No,” Knowing exactly what he’s referring to, “Just tired, really. That thing really scared the hell out of me..” She sighs as she reaches to unknot a strand of her brown hair. He chuckles at this commentary, “You scared the hell out of it. Besides, it’s really not all that mean when you calm it down. Kind of acts like a kitten, with how much it sleeps and does its.. Purring thing.” She considers this, and hesitantly, she inches closer before finally sitting down on the loveseat next to him. “Will it bite me?” She gestures toward it’s large pinchers on its face, assuming they were its mouth of sort. “Probably not.” He reassures, watching as she then hovers her hoof over its sleek body. Meekly petting it at first, feeling that it felt of something like a snake, yet not at the same time. It was armored, if only slightly, which apparently gave it its spikes. Opening its eyes only slightly from its nap to see the owner of this unfamiliar hoof. Studying her nervous face before closing its eyes again and click-purring a little louder. Inviting her to pet it fully, like how Spicey is. She satisfyingly gave it its wanted response as she became more comfortable and was petting it with less hesitation. Stroking it a last few times before getting up and inquiring him on if he had breakfast. His ears shifting back as he watches her start toward the kitchen, “Uh, I’m not really all that hungry, considering.. Ya know..” The full memory of last night hitting her finally at his statement. Chuckling to herself as she grabs an apple out of their fruit bowl and taking out some peanut butter, “Oh, right. Well, don’t feel bad about it.” She says sincerely as she carefully cuts the apple into juicy slices with a steady knife. Taking a butter knife and dipping it in the jar and swiping some peanut butter upon the apple slices. Taking one and eating it in two bites. The sound of the crunch making its head perk up. Quickly scrambling off of Spicey’s lap and making its way excitedly to her in the kitchen. Then to gaze at her intently as she works on her slices. When it spots a slice enter her mouth, it scratches at her leg gently, but quickly, with its two foremost ones. The sudden scurry of it making Spicey join in the kitchen too and then laugh as he gestures to her snack. “I think it wants some.” She looks from him to it still pawing at her leg, before cautiously bending to give it an apple slice. Which it takes wholeheartedly, eating it with the help of its pinchers. After eating it completely, it looks up and begs for more by making tolerable high-pitched clicks at her. She finds it surprisingly cute as it gives her a ‘puppy face’ and she giggles, “It must be hungry. Did you feed it anything?” “No,” He states, watching her prepare a whole separate apple just for it. Which she then feeds it its peanut butter-apple slices with one in her own mouth. “Well, no wonder.” She coos, handing it another slice and then tenderly patting it atop its head. He smiles at her lovingly, admiring her ability to adapt to things. He’s never known her to freak out too much about ‘odd’ things, after all. After giving it a complete meal of fruits and somehow convincing it to not follow them out the front door, they head back to their work-in-progress. Spicey beginning work again on what needs repairs and Cocoa cleaning up the rest of the grime. Somehow though, it seems like the place got dirtier, but more like a tornado went through it. Things had been scattered all around like someone, or maybe a few someones, were looking very hard for something. Made complete by floor or ceiling tiles being ripped apart entirely or just thrown away like common trash. When the couple took a gaze upon the place, they couldn’t solve the puzzle. Instead of asking questions, they just went to work again on the place. Nothing spooky to happen this time, and thus, Cocoa getting a lot more work done. Going so far as to actually repaint some of the place to give it a nice refreshing appearance. Her boyfriend soon finishing his own duties, no longer finding anything structurally unsound, and helping with the painting. Of course, the two soon bursting into laughter when he wasn’t looking and stuck his entire hoof into the full paint bucket. Then causing a ‘paint war’ where the two flung paint droplets at each other with the use of their brush. Sometimes giving the wall a spotted look in certain areas, and of course giving each other spots, as well--or in Spicey’s case, even more spots. It took a few more weeks before they could finally open business, as they did have to furnish the place and install the proper equipment. Soon, they found themselves standing outside of the building, which now looks brand new and inviting, admiring their hard efforts. Cocoa tenderly nuzzling her boyfriend’s side, “Looks good.” “Sure does,” He replies, “We officially start tomorrow morning, right?” “Yeah,” Their conversation was short, as they didn’t have much to say. They posted flyers virtually everywhere stating the grand opening of the place, which they appropriately named Mocha’s Cafe. The excitement for the event giving them a restless feeling. They turn and start down the hill toward home. Where they celebrate in their own personal and private way, like any normal couple does. The first day of business was today, and this time Cocoa was waking her boyfriend. Telling him to wake up in the earliest hours of the morning in a sing-song voice. Yawning, he rubs at the side of his face with his hoof. Instinctually glancing out the window, where he could see through a peek in the curtains that it was still dark. Cocoa, however, was fully awake and busy in the kitchen, singing a quiet song to the centipede that patiently watched her prepare today’s breakfast. The centipede, which they just accepted into the family, was obviously named Blackie, and had this as routine. Wake up, watch her cook, get fed, play with them, etc, etc. They never took it out much, though, and that would cause a lot of sneaking into Cocoa’s bags when she went out, but other than that it was obedient. When Spicey saw how passionately she was flipping her pancakes he couldn’t help but smile. Going up behind her to give her a quick peck on her cheek and a small embrace. Her smile became bigger at those gestures and he soon helped himself to his own meal. Preparing it himself so she wouldn’t have to do the extra work. Slipping the small bowl of food on the kitchen floor for Blackie, she set her own plate down at the dining table, where her boyfriend was already sitting. Cocoa cooing about how perfect she made her pancakes, making Spicey take a curious sip from his glass. “I haven’t seen you cook like that in ages, actually.” “I’m happy,” Simply replying as she bit into a piece she cut with her fork. Purposely smiling big at him, promptly showing him her teeth all covered in the syrupy mess, making him almost spit out his drink from laughter. Laughing at his reaction, she began to just eat normally again, “We get to serve ponies coffee today.” He smiles at the joy in her voice, this self-business thing has been on her bucket list for a long time now, ever since he met her anyway. So of course she was happy. Ensuing in their mealtime being lively this early morning, with many jokes made and cute exchanges in loving words. They even did the dishes together this time, purposely splashing soap water at each other to keep the good mood up. Blackie clicking happily at their joyous activity, hopping around their hooves with excitement. After a quick, but playful shower together, they pack up their bags for their first day of self-employment. Spicey not needing his charm as the sun has not yet risen, and his girlfriend basking a little in the greyness and occasional early bird songs. She loves to be out and about in beautiful places, despite this being a generally smoggy city, but she’s one to see beauty in everything. He loves that quality about her, as well. At the top of the hill, he glances over into the distance, overlooking the city. The sky becoming less grey and more full with sunrise colors. He waits a few more beats before slowly clipping the necklace about his neck just as the first rays peek over the buildings. She calls to him from inside the cafe, already unlocked with her keys. She closes the door behind him, simultaneously putting her long brown mane up into a tight bun. At the same time, he puts his nametag on as he goes to inspect everything. Turning on the stove and oven so it’d heat up faster for when she goes to bake her sweets. In which case she will after she finishes setting up the tables and making sure the cups and plates are in their proper places, and after teaching Spicey how to use the cash register. He may be smart in math, but how to work upfront customers and a cash register, nope. The only reason she’s not running it is because she never knows what change to give them. So she’s fine with serving and cooking. Being a seat-yourself place, they don’t need to wait tables, but if they have to, they both do that job. They stocked the fridge with required ingredients and such yesterday, but today, Cocoa finds herself stuffing a few blood bags for her boyfriend in as well. Since this is a cafe--and the only one for a few miles--there’d be lots of ponies around. So just in case, she brought them and a few colored cups, so he can drink in public and the colored plastic would give the illusion of it being a brown soda. This is when she began to bake the first batch of many treats. Reaching down into her bag for a hairnet, she yelps as her hoof brushes against the sleek body of Blackie. Blackie clicking at her as it wiggles itself from her bag that it snuck into. Sighing at the bug but not scolding it, it was probably just curious. Its clicks are soft and it just studies her, hoping for a taste at the chocolate or jelly filling she filled some sweets with after they were done baking. And sometimes she would sneak a little glob of the substance to the thing, which it would happily receive. As long as it stays back with her in the kitchen, she thought it’d be fine, but eventually she would have to go out and do her job there, so she was struggling with thinking of ways to hide the centipede. Both her and her boyfriend didn’t think ponies would react too kindly if they saw it, and judging by her own reaction to it at first, they were right. Calling Spicey over, they discuss ways to hide it, because it was too late to take it back now. They decide to keep it sleeping in the back or at least, entertained in the back. Just as they prepare a makeshift bed for it out of their bags, the bell on the door chimes. Cocoa giving her boyfriend a quick reassuring rub to his back before she goes to check who came in. The first of many customers, apparently. This city was a good sport about grand openings, and that didn’t exclude their cafe. Ponies piling in from virtually everywhere, all making chatter about various things and admiring the once old building. Swallowing nervously, Cocoa welcomes them all in and begins to serve them in a ready time after Spicey rings them up, of course. She can see the beads of sweat on his brow from his nervousness, and occasionally he’d gulp and adjust his curly locks when he would call ‘next’. Though, she smiles at his composure, loving the way he can keep strictly professional when he needs to be. She also appreciates how patient everyone is, as clearly only two work here. Almost all pardoning her when she apologizes for being ‘late’ with bringing out more sweets. The coffee and beverages were easy, and Spicey was fastest with that. Seeing as how coffee making was his talent, however, of course he would be. And through this, he got more comfortable with the customers. Though, sometimes he’d have to go in the back to not only check on the centipede but to also get more coffee beans or something like that. One time during this, it struck him as odd that Blackie was scratching at a panel on the floor, clicking furiously like it’s mad. The dark red symbols glowing a lot brighter and its back arching like it’s preparing to shoot its venomous darts. Though, when the curious unicorn took his steps closer to the bug, it shifts its gaze from the floor panel to him and clicks at him happily and goes to rub against his leg in a loving way. “What’re you doing, you silly?” He asks it softly, like one would with a pet. Touching his hoof to the new scratch marks that the centipede embedded into the tile. Blackie seemingly forgetting its antics as it continues to click-purr and nuzzle him. Obviously, Spicey knew, something was upsetting the poor thing. Rubbing his hoof along the tile some more he realizes that it’s hollow, he could probably lift it up and discover whatever is making the centipede go nuts. Though the bell on the counter snaps him back into focus. Sighing, he forgets the hollow panel for now, pats the bug on its head, and rushes out to do his job. Cocoa giving him a bewildering look as she sees his own perplexment. Though, she focuses on her current task at hoof, which is gathering the dirty dishes and bringing them to the sink. Right now, however, gathering a large pile of dishes, she can only see where she is by gazing through the clear plastic cups. She almost makes it to the back when Blackie darts under her hooves in a blur, startling her and turning her around in every which way as she tries to steady the dishes and herself. Though she fails somewhat, and believes that she’s going to fall and break everything. Though, someone catches her before she falls too much, and helps steady her. “Careful,” Definitely a man as the voice was deep and rough. After making sure the plates and such were in fact balanced, she turns to thank whomever had saved her from her clutz. Though her voice gets caught in her throat and she doesn’t make a noise as she realizes that this stallion, is very big. He easily towers over her, and she thinks he’s even taller than Spicey--whom is the tallest pony she’s yet known. Adding his charcoal coat and black hair, it doesn’t make this guy look any more friendly. Instead of saying her thanks she manages an apology, “Oh, sorry, I-” She has to clear her throat, and subconsciously begins searching for her boyfriend in the room. Instead, she spots Blackie’s glow from within the black tail of the man who is standing in front of her. She takes a few heartbeats to process that the centipede has taken an apparent liking to this guy. It takes her another few beats before she looks up into the piercing purple eyes of him, trying to study his face, with an obvious ‘oh shit’ expression on her own.
