The Bubbly Mare

2, 8
"Up In the Clouds"

"C'mon Scootaloo!"

Derpy opened her eyes to the distant laughter of fillies. She knew she'd been asleep for a while, but didn't feel very rested. Shaking her head she looked out her window and stretched, watching Apple Bloom and her two friends trot by in their little red capes... off on an adventure to find their special talents. She smiled, rubbing her eyes.

The mare got up and noticed first thing, from the lack of clammy material between her legs, that she was dry. A small victory... not to mention she wouldn't need to shower right away. Yawning, Derpy thought for a moment and remembered exactly what she wanted to do today. That was enough to get her moving.

Slipping out of the diaper Derpy trotted from her room and to the kitchen. There she grabbed a muffin to go, and Thunderlane's saddlebags (which were surprisingly lighter than they looked), then headed out. It was a bit after three in the afternoon when she left. Her bottom still smelled faintly of foalpowder, and her eyes hadn't -quite- adjusted to the light yet (giving her a slight headache) but that wouldn't be enough to slow her down. Now that she had energy she wanted to get certain things behind her.

First thing she headed to Doctor Stable's -- a simple appointment made with Nurse Redheart. Done. Derpy would be back the very next day at the same time. It was a little embarrassing to talk about, even with the nurse and no ponies around to hear, but she was able to whisper that she was having problems with leaking. The staff was always so understanding, and this wasn't the first time she'd been to the Doctor's about this, but it was rare since she knew there wasn't much they could do about her nighttime accidents... daytime was new, though. So was what she'd done with Thunderlane. These were all questions she hoped Doctor Stable could answer.

Derpy was soon on her way again, with plenty of time to spare and a pep in her step. However, she knew the Weather Factory hadn't changed shifts yet, so she knew it would still take a while. Anypony could tell that by looking at the clock tower... she wasn't usually too focused on the time, but today she found herself looking at it over and over, watching the minutes slowly tick by. She took a deep breath and sighed... still a bit sleepy, but too high-strung to nap. She needed to keep telling herself everything was going to be fine, because deep down she knew it would be. It made sense to her that she was just nervous... it also made sense to her that she might feel better if she just kept moving.

Derpy looked up to the skies and gradually became lost in her own little world... spacing out, thinking over (for the millionth time) exactly how she would talk to Thunderlane. Seeing how it was approaching late afternoon ponies began to pass in groups as she approached the center of town, though she was aware enough to avoid bumping into them. They were all faceless, most headed home except for one mare that stopped about eight paces away. This particular pony had an air about her that could cause her to stand out in a crowd, much like another mare Derpy knew. It was almost enough to pull the pegasus out of her trance, the pony only had to shout "Hey there!" to get her full attention. Derpy turned to look her square in the eye:

"Hey Applejack!" Her eyes focused on the familiar farm pony trailing up with a cart. They greeted each other with a smile.

Applejack pulled to the side and stretched. They stood near Ponyville Fountain, resting in a spot where they wouldn't hold up traffic. Both glanced out at it. Town square was always busiest once ponies started to get off work.

Derpy felt Applejack's eyes looking her up and down. She could tell her friend could sense something was different, but from her expression Derpy felt Applejack wasn't sure what. She knew Applejack well enough to know when she was stumped. The pegasus still started to blush, to which the farm pony grinned:

"From the look of ya, you must've had one heck-of-a long day." She stretched out again. "Heh, I know the feeling. Surprised Thunderlane ain't with you. Usually is 'round quittin' time, isn't he?"

"I-I'm going to see him...," Derpy stammered, smiling unevenly at her friend. "Actually, he doesn't know I'm coming yet so I guess you could say it's a surprise!"

Applejack glanced at the saddlebags and nodded.

"Got a lil somethin' romantic planned there, huh?"

"Actually no. It's more of a, um... Well, I'm honestly not sure what to say it is yet."

"Still figurin' it out, huh?" Applejack continued to smile, peering down at the pegasus's tightly-tucked wings. "Gunna wing it?"

Derpy nodded slowly, to which Applejack chuckled.

"H-how do you know this stuff, AJ?"

"Maybe 'cause Ah know you. I can see those lil gears turning in your head. You're a teensy bit nervous and that's okay! Ya don't have to be."

Derpy blushed brighter. Applejack ruffled her mane.

"Go do somethin' romantic... don't. S'up to you. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you just as ya are." She grinned. "After Ah'm done with deliveries RD'll be off work, so if there's time we're gunna go relax way up high and watch the sunset together. Sometimes the best thing couples can do is just enjoy the simpler things. Hits the spot, like a cold cider on a hot day. Know what Ah mean?"

Derpy nodded.

Applejack stretched a third time, more thoroughly... her joints popping and cracking.

"Well..." She pushed down the brim of her hat. "If'n I'm gunna make sunset I'd best be off then. Take care now, Derpy!"

"You too, Applejack!" Derpy waved as the farm pony began to trot off. "And tell Rainbow Dash I said hello, and that I'm feeling a lot better now! Okay?"

"Will do!"

Just like that the farm pony was off. Soon she was over a nearby hill with ever-increasing momentum, the grinding of her wheels slowly fading away. Except for the sound of water trickling from the fountain and the distant chatter of ponies, it was quiet again.

* * *

Rubbing her temples Derpy leaned against the fountain, still quite tired. Her headache was back again with a vengeance for some reason, but she knew she'd be okay if she just rested a bit. She took a moment to think about what Applejack had said:

Maybe something romantic would show Thunderlane how much I wanna make things better? Her eyes drifted to the clouds. She sighed. "I don't have any money." It's silly to think like that. Laying down she glanced up at the statue -- a stone mare balancing herself on a ball, just one hoof... something Derpy could never do. She thought hard, continuing to rub her temples. I've got a few Bits in the bank.

A smile spread itself across her face. While her mom had taught her "your savings are for emergencies only" the more she thought about it, the more that's what this felt like. She'd do anything to keep Thunderlane happy, and besides, thinking about this made her feel nice... almost happy. She got up from the fountain and trotted off, blending in with the groups of ponies as she headed further into town. Rather than being lost in a fog, this time Derpy looked passed it all and stayed focused... despite being very tired still.

The Ponyville banks were open until dark. Though it's true she didn't have a whole lot, and any romantic gesture no matter how cheap would cost at least a quarter of her saving (Derpy could figure that much out), it was worth it just to see the look on his face... that grin she'd do anything for. She had an idea... this should be cheap enough and would definitely get her on his good side, even if he was still feeling a tad icky. This idea made her headache go away.

She trotted briskly along until she came to the bank where she went inside. After a few minutes passed she stepped back out, thirty bits from her savings in a small bag nestled in the part of Thunderlane's saddlebags which felt most empty. She didn't really want to think too much about what she was going to do, she just wanted to do it. Having a bit over three quarters of an hour left Derpy trotted over to Horte Cuisine.

* * *

Derpy swallowed hard as she approached the restaurant. This place could put her stomach in knots, especially without Thunderlane, but she knew she wouldn't have to be there very long. She could remember, from looking at the menus, about how much this was probably going to cost.

The pegasus cleared her throat, trying to get the attention of the waiter zipping from table to table a few paces away:

"Um... excuse me?"

The waiter turned to her, smiling at first... but that faded fast. He knew her all too well and she knew him, but he still approached. The look on his face was stiff, which Derpy could only interpret as professional.

"What is it, m'dam? Have you come to spend a few Bits with your Special Somepony?" He shrugged after a moment went by and she didn't answer. "Please allow me to seat you! He will be meeting you here soon, non?"

Derpy shuffled her hooves.

"Actually... he's not coming."

The look on the Prench waiter's face faded fast. He forced a smile back up.

"Well, what is it you want?"

"I was wondering if maybe I could buy some cider?"

The waiter nodded, extending a hoof.

"Certainly, if that is what you want then come with me! We have a bar just inside, away from the noise of the restaurant. It is quiet, m'dam... Relaxing. No need to drink out here."

Derpy took a step back.

"Oh, no thanks! I don't drink."

The waiter's eye twitched. He took a deep breath and sighed... gesturing outward towards the tables filled with ponies:

"M'dam as you can see this is a busy restaurant. Your requests are making little sense. Please tell me what it is you want or I must ask you to leave."

"Um..." Derpy dug into the saddlebag with her bits inside, pulling the bag out. "I just want a bottle of... I think it's called 'Faux-Jacks Cider'?"

The waiter took one look at her bag and smiled.

"Oh, but of course! Why didn't you say so? Something for your Special Somepony!" He turned around, not watching her nodding. "One moment while l get your cider! Then you will be on your way to see him, non?"

Before Derpy could open her mouth to answer he walked off, leaving her there alone. She looked out at the restaurant and took a breath. A few ponies, some in tuxedos, top hats, and fur coats, were seated... chatting softly, laughing, eating. Derpy never got why rich ponies liked to dress up like that, but sometimes it did look pretty neat. If anything it reminded her of Canterlot. The waiter returned with a bottle.

"I just need twenty-six bits and the bottle is yours."

"Twenty-six?" Derpy blinked. "But isn't it-"

"Actually prices have gone down this week, M'dam, as we made a mistake in ordering a very large surplus. New management." He cleared his throat. "Do you have it or not?"

"I do, I do!" she approached the nearest table a few steps away and began pulling Bits from the bag, counting, "1... 2... 3..."

The waiter rolled his eyes, but continued to smile.

A moment passed... Derpy had counted out all she needed to, pulling the last few Bits away by sliding them back into her saddlebag. The waiter, sharp enough to see she had come with the original price on her, gritted his teeth hard enough to snap a bit but still nodded as she turned to him, just finishing scribbling out her receipt.

"Here you go," she said, passing him the bag.

"And here you are!" He passed her the bottle and paper, then, without so much as a nod, turned away... trotting back to the tables. He glanced back to say, "Have a good day M'dam! Please be sure to come by with your Special Somepony sometime and see us!"

Derpy nodded as he left, staring at the bottle... that sickly feeling returning to her. She rubbed her temples again, letting out a sigh:

You're doing okay, Derpy. Just stay focused...

Truth be told Derpy had never purchased alcohol before. She'd had it a couple of times, but didn't like the taste or how it made her feel, even in small quantities. She knew this was considered near top-of-the-shelf for Ponyville, and if that didn't make Thunderlane happy nothing would. She stuffed everything into the bag, then looked up at the clouds, spreading her wings...

* * *

It never took Thunderlane long to get home from work. It was after five now so he was likely just settling in... but something told Derpy this might not be a good time, even though it would normally be as good a time as any. That nagging feeling was just her nerves.

The worst that can happen is he isn't there yet... or maybe he'll ask me to come back later.

Derpy was fine with either, but admittedly would be a little miffed if he told her to come back after what she had just done for him.... even though she was showing up unannounced.

She came up to his house fast, banking hard and landing clumsy by the doorstep... nearly losing her balance and falling face first into the clouds. At least he had no neighbors, so they always had some privacy... plus nopony was there to see her blunder. Derpy shivered. It was always so cold up there.

She walked up to his door and tapped out a familiar rhythm:

Tap-tap-tap, knock-knock! ... Knock-knock!

Then she waited and waited... and waited. It seemed as though nopony was home.

A familiar set of heavy hooves approached the entrance... her heart began to speed up. Derpy smiled as the knob turned and the door creaked open. Standing there, in his white bathrobe, was Thunderlane. She beamed a grin at him and he returned the smile... his brow twitching.

"Derpy," he said, yawning, looking her over from head to hoof. "You brought my saddlebags. Um, thanks!"

Derpy shivered again, looking down at Ponyville... wishing she was there.

"Um... can I please come in? I wanna talk to you but it's so cold out here I can't think straight!"

"Alright." He opened the door a little wider. "Let's keep this in my entrance."

"Thanks!"

Derpy walked inside and the door closed behind her. No more harsh breeze. She sighed, looking up at the pony she'd come to see standing right behind her. He quickly trotted around her, barring the walkway to his living room with his massive frame. She gave him a hug... his body stiff, slightly damp as though he'd just stepped out of the shower. She backed up to see him grinning.

"You're usually not in your robe until nighttime!" she observed. "Are you sick?"

Thunderlane leaned against the wall.

"That's what I told Rainbow Dash," he said, plainly. "Told her I've got the flu and have been resting all day. Isn't far from the truth."

"Oh... so you didn't go to work?"

"Been here all day."

"Well..." Derpy took a sudden interest in her hooves. This was growing awkward quickly. She'd imagined all these things, but it turned out he was just sick. She took a breath, looking into his two golden eyes. Their calm appearance comforted her... he didn't look mad or rundown. "Thundie, I want you to know everything's gunna be okay. Promise!"

"Oh?" Thunderlane smiled a bit. "What'd you mean by that?"

"Well, um... I'm going to see Doctor Stable tomorrow and he's going to help me make everything better. I'll do anything to keep you happy."

Thunderlane chuckled, shaking his head.

"Derpy, please... that doesn't matter to me anymore. Can't you understand that?"

"Oh..." Again Derpy looked at the floor, this time confused. She kept her head low, but her eyes went back up on him. "Does that mean everything's okay?"

"Everything's fine, Derpy. You and I are still on good terms. Promise."

"That's great!" She took off the saddlebags and set them beside herself, unsnapping the side with the bottle in it, getting ready to present it to Thunderlane. "I'm still going to Doctor Stable's tomorrow just to be sure."

"That's fantastic. Derpy, I truly don't care what you do at this point. You're getting that, right?"

She stopped. "Oh! Um..." the words don't care and at this point had rubbed her all wrong, coupled with his tone... but she was sure she just didn't understand. "Maybe there's something I can do to help then? I'll make you dinner!"

"No, Derpy. I'm okay. Trust me. Everything's fine up here and it was earlier, too. You can go home."

She stopped a second time, biting her lip.

"But..." She sighed. "Okay. You're sick... I understand that. Rainbow Dash told me to stay home, too. Guess that means I'll see you in a couple of days?"

"You'll see me at work." Thunderlane smiled. "Remember what I told you last night?"

"Oh! Then we'll go to Horte Cusine."

"I don't think so."

"Um... maybe my house?"

"Nope."

"Here?"

Thunderlane didn't answer this time. He stood there, grinning. It was the type of smile that Derpy loved, but something was off. It lacked what made it feel special. It was almost like he was waiting for something... this confused her even more.

"Thundie..." She took a breath. "What do you want to do?"

He sighed.

"Derpy, I've been patient enough. Here's what I don't think you're understanding -- I don't want to be your Special Somepony anymore. I can't be much clearer than that."

Thunderlane's had just said a few words that caused Derpy to momentarily sink back onto her hind legs. Her eyes went wide, her ears pinning against the back of her head. She felt confused, light-headed, and a bit sick. He must've been joking.

"Thundie... w-what're you talking about?"

"Remember last night when I said 'I'll see you at work'? That means it's over. Please just go home."

Tears began to form in Derpy's eyes. She didn't want to believe it, but that was a sign she knew deep down he wasn't joking.

"But- Thundie... I-"

"You need to stop calling me Thundie, Derpy. It's... inappropriate and getting weird. I'm just your co-worker."

With those words Derpy's vision started to blur. Tears fells from her eyes as she started sobbing, planting her rump firmly on his carpet and staring at the floor. Seeing this Thunderlane shook his head.

"Hey!" the stallion clicked his tongue. "Hey! Up here..." Slowly, she did as she was told. "Derpy, I'm not dealing with this. What do you need to hear? What can I say to you that will get you out of here without making a scene? Talk to me."

She sniffled.

"I just want everything to be okay again. Really, I don't know what I did to make you so upse-"

"Oh, would you please stop it?" Again Thunderlane's eye twitched. "For Celestia's sake, I'm not asking you what you want or telling you to do anything! Just tell me what you need to hear or go home. If you want the truth I'm only doing this so you won't pester me at work. It's over, Derpy. Get that through your thick skull and go home."

Derpy looked up at him... teary-eyed and confused.

"If you really want to do something for me, Derpy, do me a favor and ask me a question. Anything."

She sniffled again.

"Why're you doing this? I thought I was making you happy."

Thunderlane sighed again, leaning against the wall for the second time. He pounded his head twice, hard enough to reverberate through the whole house. He let out a breath, shaking his head.

"Alright, Derpy... you're cute, but you've got too many problems. I know you can't get over them. Bedwetting really was just the straw that broke the camel's back. You already know I think your bed's pretty gross, so why would you invite me there again?" He gave Derpy time to answer, more time than was necessary, raising his eyebrow in surprise when she shrugged. "Look, I don't want you urinating all over me because you fell asleep away from your bed. Especially on my furniture."

"But I can easily bring what I need up here."

"Even if you were careful and I was to catch you dozing... that's not good enough. Your 'protective undergarments' leak or your bed wouldn't look like that. Plus they're not all that appealing to look at."

Again, Derpy looked at her hooves.

"Thunderlane, I can't help it," she sniffled, looking up. "I'm doing my best, really! I- I don't know what else I can do! Please just give me another chance... I'm seeing Doctor Stable tomorrow so it won't happen again."

"First off, Derpy, when you came in here you made it sound like you're seeing Doctor Stable for me. Don't do that. Seriously, go see him for yourself. Second, you can do your best all you want, but it won't change enough. Certain things are just fixed, but none of this is your fault... is that what you want to hear?"

Though Derpy felt sad, his response made her feel weird... and angry.

"Thunderlane... what'd I ever do to you?"

"Nothing, Derpy. At this point I just want you to go away. Okay?"

The world became a small dot as Derpy stood up and clumsily threw the saddlebags at the floor, both satchels popping wide open. The bottle, a few papers, loose Bits and small objects flew out, scattering around the room.

Thunderlane grinned at the mare.

"Feel better?"

She didn't answer, so he looked down at the mess, noticing the bottle.

"What's this?" he asked, poking it. "I didn't have that in my pocket before..."

"I got it for you," Derpy said, pulling the bottle away and holding it tight. "But you're not going to have any... I- I'm going to return it!"

Thunderlane looked at the label... squinting:

"Derpy, it's just a bottle of Faux-Jacks Cider. I can have that any time I want. Take it."

Derpy stuck the bottle behind herself defensively, eyes wide.

"Thunderlane, I-" She breathed heavily, unable to think straight. She heard a roar in her right ear. "I hate you!"

"Oh..." Thunderlane put his hoof by his chest, lowering his head. "Come on, Derpy. You don't really mean that. You're just angry, and with good cause!"

"I do!" She gritted her teeth. "I really do!"

Thunderlane shook his head, letting out a sigh.

"Okay, Derpy... there's something I haven't told you." He smirked. "Maybe you'll feel differently once I get it off my chest. How 'bout it?"

The pegasus stood there, shaking. She had enough presence of mind to answer:

"What?"

"You know those two filly-foolers at work, Lilac Sky and Spring Step? They asked me a couple months ago to get together with them for a, um... let's call it an 'adult sleepover' but I said 'no, I'm with Derpy.' It's true." Derpy's scowl faded. "The reason I've kept you from coming into my house is because they're both asleep in my bedroom."

Her scowl came right back.

"... what?"

"You heard me, Derpy. Do I have to spell it out for you? Lilac likes stallions and Spring Step likes to watch. Lilac really likes stallions, too... and does that thing you were 'too uncomfortable' to do last night and I didn't even have to ask. She got right to it because I have something Spring Step doesn't and I guess she feels like she's missing out, huh?"

Derpy couldn't look him in the eye anymore. Everything seemed to slow way down. The headache she'd had off and on all day found its way to her stomach now.

She looked at the ground -- at the mess she'd made -- finding herself unable to think. She wasn't looking for very long when she noticed a couple of small, square-shaped plastic packages spilled on the floor that looked quite familiar. Though she'd never actually seen one in person, outside of health class, of course she could identify one the moment she saw it. She poked at them with her hoof, looking up at him.

"That's what you think it is, Derpy." He said, smiling. "I'm not going to lie."

"You had this on you last night?" she asked softly, her voice breaking.

He nodded. "I did. A few of them, actually."

She stared at him, taking deep breaths... narrowing her eyes.

"You had this on you last night?" she repeated.

"I just said I did. Yes."

She stared at him silently... hooves shaking. Gritting her teeth, her brow contorted downwards into a scowl.

"You want to know why I didn't use it?" The stallion smiled. "Would that make you go away?"

She didn't answer. He rolled his eyes... sighing:

"I didn't bother because you didn't ask me to. You know I'm not a virgin. I know you are one... well, were one. It's entirely up to you to ask me about it. Besides, it feels much better without one... not that you'd know. Seeing all the problems you have, you're probably not going to get that opportunity again for a long time, so I barebacked you. Really, you should be a little more thankful."

Derpy stared at him. She was no longer crying... she no longer felt much of anything towards him, other than anger. And sick. Not that she'd know it, but the color had left her cheeks. That didn't last. It returned... this time red.

His smile suddenly meant something else to her. It had been something nice for the longest time, something she enjoyed seeing, but now it seemed almost... sarcastic. Mean. Derpy had been with Thunderlane for a number of months and she thought she knew him... she didn't. She could see that whatever suited him was good enough.

The roar returned in Derpy's ear. She lurched forward to express herself one final time, but the words ended up as a jumbled mess that was surprisingly coherent:

"I- you... horrible!"

Being inarticulate made her even more angry. He continued to smile, staying just where he was.

Thunderlane replied coolly as she stood there... shaking and twitching:

"Derpy, would you just leave already? You know I really don't care what you think, so why are you still here?" She stayed where she was, gritting her teeth. "Tell you what, if it'll get you moving, I'll be honest with you... I don't think you're very smart. That's one of the reasons I was with you for so long. You took about everything I told you at face value. Occasionally I'd mess with you to see what would happen, but you never once called me on it. Think about it."

"That's because you-"

"Now, Derpy, I gave you your chance to speak. It's my turn. If you don't like what I'm saying you can just leave."

Again, she stood where she was... scowling. "You- you're just lying to me! You have to be! You're not going to say anything else mean to me... Take it back!"

"I'm being honest. You probably know it deep down inside, but I guess you're too stubborn for your own good. Since we're being so honest, Derpy, let me tell you something else... watching you flail around is hilarious, especially when you get excited. I'm not the only pony who thinks this ... ponies we work with think the same thing. Even Rainbow Dash finds it 'so annoying!'" The look of anger on her face began to fade, replaced with a long expression. "Derpy, you can't fly straight. You can hardly walk straight... your left and right hooves keep ending up in front of each other. I think you still get your left and right mixed up sometimes, don't you?"

Tears were streaming down her cheeks again. "Thunderlane... please stop it. I just don't want you to say anything more mean to-"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I hurting your feelings? Do I have to repeat that I'm not the only pony who thinks these things? If you don't like what I'm saying you can always just fly away."

"You're making me feel really-"

He put up a hoof.

"Alright, I'll stop. Just let me say one more thing first: I know that's a vintage, thousand bit Saddle-arabian mattress you sleep on. You've completely ruined it. How you could even afford something like that is beyond me. This leads me to a question... what kind of stallion is going to want a pony with those kind of problems? The whole point of having a Special Somepony is to eventually end up in bed together. I can't conceive of any stallion or mare who's going to feel comfortable sharing a bed with you, even if it's just a sleepover." Derpy stared at the floor, silently rocking back and forth on her hooves. Thunderlane sighed when he saw she didn't look up or try to leave. "Derpy... Hey Derpy!" He clicked his tongue again, but she continued to stare downward. He grinned. "Alright, one more question..." She peered up, her face surprisingly tearless. "Derpy, I'm curious... what'd your mother do to you to make you so horribly screwed u-"

Without thinking in anything other than rage Derpy shot out a hoof, connecting with the space between Thunderlane's left ear and cheek. He fell down like a sack of potatoes, clutching the side of his head.

"Mother of Luna...!" he exclaimed, shaking his head. "Sweet Celestia, you hit me in the ear! Ow! Ow! Ow!"

Derpy turned away quickly. She picked up the bottle and opened Thunderlane's door in one swift motion, leaving him laying where he was... and the door wide open. Without looking back she was gone and didn't care if she'd hurt him. She'd flown away.

It had been a cold evening when she first arrived, but towards the end of her visit she had become so hot that it felt quite nice to be outside again, so high up... making her descent towards Ponyville. She wasn't thinking of anything now, just putting distance between herself and what had just happened.

Though Derpy didn't like to fly she would stay in the air a bit longer than usual. When she would finally stop it would be in a place without many ponies... but that wouldn't be for a while. It felt nice to just keep moving, far away from everything right now. No thoughts... just the cool, refreshing breeze.