The bus ride

by Wacuire

Rating: teen
Tags: Comedy, Slice of Life
Length: 33502

Plant Care is about to have her most awkward bus ride of her life.

Plant Care is on a vacation in another part of Equestria where the population doesn't speak the same language as she does, thus, when she hears a old couple talk it she thinks about saying hello, but as she hears what the conversation is about she just stands there quietly and tries to ignore it.

Okay, this is based on a true story, but there are some small changes. I hope you enjoy!

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-07-08 12:12:45 UTC

Eng: Gift for Keam

Ruby Song’s P.O.V

After the rather—unusual morning, which had been both quite embarrassing and rather straining, seeing as I had woken up with not one, but two stallions sandwiching me in my own bed. And as if that wasn’t enough, I was later on informed that I had gotten too drunk the previous night and they had to take me home themselves.

Bolt and Cloud, the two stallions which I had gotten the pleasure to wake up between this morning, had been rather nice to me, and as I’d gotten a quick chat with Cloud, Bolt was out in the kitchen preparing our breakfast.

After then getting to know each other a little more after the breakfast, Cloud, Bolt and I ended up playing board-games for quite a while. Back when I had bought these games, I had planned to give them to relatives or friends as a gift for their foals. Though, since all of them already seemed to have bought similar board-games already, my own had just ended up gathering dust under my bed.

Bolt seemed to have grown a little bit more comfortable around me after a while, as he’d seemed a bit tense first. Though after I had given him a light peck on his cheek, mostly due to Cloud whispering kiss him loud enough for everypony to hear, Bolt had been relaxed a little bit at least.

Although it had been fun to play Monopoly with the two of them, it got a little bit tiring after the second game. Fortunately however, I had been able to hunt down a game of Guess Who? Beneath my bed, which we could play after lunch, during which both of them had told me a bit more about themselves.

Bolt on the other hoof was currently working for a small construction-company. His job mostly consisted of hammering in the bolts in columns to larger buildings like skyscrapers, or just hammer in a nail somewhere in some furniture that could be found in buildings of different sizes. Unfortunately though, it didn’t really pay too well, but it helped to pay the bills at least and since he was a unicorn he could get a few more job-opportunities.

Though that he occasionally enjoyed painting on his time off from work caught me by surprise. It wasn’t an unusual hobby to have, sure, but being talented artist usually required a whole lot of dedication and work.

Cloud on the other hoof was unemployed for the time being, but instead stayed at home and simply took care of thing around their house. He would take a temporary job from time to time in case they would need some extra bits for something, but otherwise he seemed to be a bit of a house-husband since he was taking doing most of the chores as he didn’t have a job.

At the moment though, I was preparing a nice vegetable-soup for lunch for my two guests. Unfortunately, I hadn’t gone grocery shopping in quite a while, so I couldn’t make us a fancy meal or anything, but it would have to do. And I wasn’t much of a chef anyways.

It had been nice to get some help with cutting up the vegetables, since doing that with your hooves was quite a bit trickier than simply doing it with magic. Though, Bolt had told me that it took a lot more time to learn, at least if you wanted a decent result.

As I stirred around in the cooking-pot, using a wooden-spoon which I held between my teeth I could hear two stallions laughter from the living-room. Well, at least they’re having a good time I thought with a faint smile, lifted the spoon out of the cooking-pot and placed it on the edges of the pot.

Despite that it would’ve been nice to spend some more time with my new—coltfriends, I decided to start setting the table beforehoof instead seeing as the soup was nearly done. And as both Cloud and Bolt seemed to have a good time by themselves anyways, I didn’t want to disrupt.

With a timid smile, I then took out three deep-plates from one of the cabinets and placed them on the table. With that done, I opened a drawer in which I stored all the silverware, brought out three spoons and placed them by their respective plate.

I thought about getting a glass for each of us too, though since we’d be having soup it just felt like it’d just become unnecessary dishes. So for now there wasn’t really much else I could do except for keeping an eye on the cooking-pot so it wouldn’t boil over.

After a few minutes of waiting and idly enjoying what I could hear of my—contfriends conversation the timer finally rang.

I got out of the chair I had been sitting on as I waited, then walked over to the stove and turned off by turning a small wheel around. I then took the wooden-handle to the cooking-pot between my teeth. After making sure that I had the cooking-pot in a tight grip, I lifted it from the stove and carried it over to the kitchen-table.

When I reached the table I placed the cooking-pot on a potholder. With that out of the way, I went over to the living-room, where I found two stallions sitting on each ends of the couch with some kind of board-game between them.

I cleared my throat. “Bolt, Cloud. Lunch is ready now.’’ I informed the two stallions on the couch and smiled faintly towards them.

Bolt turned his head towards me. “Alright then, I’ll be right with you,’’ he smiled towards me and jumped down from the couch. “Cloud, you coming?’’ he asked as he turned his head towards his coltfriend.

Cloud sighed. “Well, I would’ve preferred to finish the game we had already started,’’ he sighed and lowered his gaze slightly. “Especially since the price was pretty nice this time, too.’’ he muttered quietly for himself.

Bolt shook his head. “Fine, if it makes you happy, you win.’’ he said, then put his right forehoof under Cloud’s chin and gently locked lips with him.

In response, Cloud gently wrapped his left forehoof around the back of Bolt’s head before gently stroking it through the short, white-striped mane and finally stopped as he reached his shoulders. He kept his forehoof there for few more moments before finally breaking the kiss. “See, that wasn’t so bad, right?’’ he asked softly and raised an eyebrow towards him, only getting an eye-roll in return.

“Cloud, why don’t we just come with Ruby to have the dinner she’s prepared for us?’’ Bolt suggested and smiled timidly. “Think you can do that?’’

Cloud gave Bolt a quick peck on his nose. “Alright, sounds good.’’ he smiled at him in response before jumping down from the couch as well and started walking towards me, soon followed by Bolt.

I gave the two stallions a smile, turned around and headed towards the kitchen. “So, Bolt,’’ I started as I entered the small square room. “What would happened if you won the game?’’ I asked curiously and sat down by the seat on the left side of the table.

Cloud sat down on the opposite side of the table. “I had promised him that I’d massage his shoulders for ten minutes of we ended up winning,’’ he replied and smiled towards the other stallion as he sat down by the remaining seat. “Though, I’ll probably end up giving him that anyways, because that was a pretty good kiss,’’ he added and smiled wryly towards the unicorn next to him. “Just a little bit more tongue next time, alright?’’

The silver-grey stallion blushed. “Cloud, can you please stop making me all anxious around other ponies?’’ Bolt asked. “You know that I don’t feel comfortable when you… behave like that.’’ he said and lowered his gaze slightly.

“Oh come on Bolt, don’t be like that,’’ Cloud exclaimed and threw out his forehooves. “It’s just some friendly teasing.’’

“Sorry Cloud, but you might have gone a little bit too far,’’ I told the hot-pink pegasus in front of me. “Now, can we get started with the lunch soon? I’m starting to get hungry.’’ I asked and gazed between my two coltfriends by the table.

“Yeah, hold on a second,’’ Bolt said and lit his horn. A titanium-blue aura enveloped the wooden-spoon in the cooking-pot and then he began to pour soup into his plate. Well done, he did the same with Cloud’s plate and my own, slowly pouring soup into our plates by using his magic. “Alright, all done.’’ he smiled when all the plates were filled to about three quarters.

“Thank you Bolt, I appreciate it.’’ I smiled towards the silver-grey unicorn, then took the spoon in my right forehoof and took a testing sip from it.

“Yeah, thanks Bolt, I’m not sure what I’d do without you.’’ Cloud smiled towards his coltfriend.

Bolt chuckled lightly. “Probably get your wings soaked in soup.’’ he told, levitated the spoon to his mouth with his magic and took a sip from it.

“Yeah, probably,’’ Cloud chuckled lightly, took the spoon in his right forehoof and took a sip from it. “By the way, why are you so quiet Ruby? Is something wrong?’’ he asked with a hint of concern in his tone.

I looked at Cloud. “No, everything is fine,’’ I assured and offered him a faint smile. “I just didn’t want to disrupt your conversations is all.’’ I explained and took another sip of the vegetable soup.

Cloud sighed. “Ruby, just because Bolt and I are having a conversation with each other, doesn’t mean we wouldn’t want you in it,’’ he said assuring and returned the smile. “Just keep that in mind, alright? Can you do that for me?’’

I let out a quiet giggle and rolled my eyes. “Alright, I’ll try to keep that in mind.’’ I confirmed and smiled warmly towards my coltfriend.

Cloud smiled, then leaned forward and gave me a quick peck on the cheek, which did cause me to blush slightly. “Good. Though I will probably end up dragging you into a conversation from time to time anyways, is that alright?’’ he asked and smiled warmly towards me.

I returned the smile. “Sure, I don’t mind.’’ I replied and took a brought my spoon to my mouth and took a sip from it.

Cloud gave me a light pat on my shoulder. “Great. Though I have to warn you, you might find the subject, a little bit awkward to talk about sometimes. So if that happens, let me know, okay?’’ he told with a faint smile.

I nodded. “Okay, I’ll let you know,’’ I agreed and smiled back towards him. “So, how’s the soup then?’’ I asked and gazed between the two stallions by the table.

Bolt shrugged. “Pretty good, I guess,’’ he replied with a faint smile. “Better than Cloud could’ve made it, too.’’ He added and then smirked towards his coltfriend.

“Hey, that wasn’t very nice of you.’’ Cloud exclaimed and shot Bolt a glare.

“I’m just being honest, really,’’ Bolt shrugged and smiled. “I just thought that Ruby here was a better chef than you, and simply pointed it out.’’ he informed and smiled innocently towards Cloud.

“Well, you could’ve told how great of a chef I was, too.’’ Cloud muttered with a small frown.

Bolt rolled his eyes. “Alright Cloud, you are a good chef too,’’ he said with an amused tone, leaned forward and gave his coltfriend a kiss on the forehead. “So, is that better?’’ he asked gently.

Cloud chuckled lightly and smiled. “Yes, very much so.’’ he replied and gave his coltfriend a quick peck on the lips in return.

“Good,’’ Bolt smiled. “Now, could we focus on the meal, I am quite looking forward to a few games of Guess Who?. Is that alright with you two?’’ he asked expectantly.

“Sure, works for me.’’ I replied and smiled towards my coltfriend.

“Well, you heard the mare,’’ Cloud shrugged. “Though I do require some chatting from the both of you, is that understood?’’ he stated and gazed between me and Bolt.

Bolt rolled his eyes. “I guess that’ll have to do, I don’t think that I would’ve been able to keep you quiet anyways,’’ he admitted with a faint smile. “Just don’t forget to eat, alright?’’

“Don’t worry, I won’t,’’ Cloud assured and smiled towards Bolt, then turned his head towards me. “So, Ruby. Have you ever had a crush on a filly or a mare?’’ he asked, smiling innocently towards me.

Although Cloud had asked both me and Bolt a few, slightly inappropriate questions, the lunch had been quite enjoyable. It had been both a little bit embarrassing and annoying whenever Cloud asked something a bit too personal.

Sure, I had been a bit reluctant about it at first, since being asked if I had been, or maybe was interested in mares, wasn’t really something you just asked somepony randomly. Though, I had admitted that I had a crush on a filly in my class for a while during seventh grade. And I guess the fact that the two of them were most likely bisexual in some way or another, made it a little bit easier to admit since it had been something that I usually preferred to keep to myself.

And honestly, despite the awkwardness caused by his questions, it was actually rather nice. And most of the times when some of my foalhood friends asked the same types of questions, I just shrugged it off or just told them half of the truth.

But with Bolt and Cloud, I felt like I could be a little bit more open. They hadn’t judged me for my actions the previous night, which I still felt quite ashamed off. So I didn’t really have much more dignity to lose after that.

Though, there were still things that I wouldn’t share with them, yet. I had been able to share a few things that I hadn’t told some of my best friends back in school, or at work.

Like when I told them about a little obsession with a certain kind of ice-cream I had which most ponies simply gaged at. Cloud simply said that they could stop by the story and buy some next week and try it out. Otherwise, most of my friends just would’ve had a short laugh about it, assuming I was joking.

But other than that, and a few more awkward questions, we hadn’t been able to chat much more during the short lunch. Surprisingly, Cloud had offered to take the dishes while Bolt and I would start setting up the Guess Who game on the couch in the living-room.

I had honestly thought that Bolt would do the dishes, since he was a unicorn after all. Though, because Cloud had been unemployed for quite some time, he had gotten used to doing all the chores around the house. And I have to admit, it was pretty nice to not have to take care of all the dishes for once, especially when it was for three ponies.

As for Bolt and I, it hadn’t taken that long to set up the Guess Who? game. So while we waited for Cloud to get done with the dishes, we decided to start a first game just to make time pass a little bit faster.

The game itself was quite simple. You had a small plastic-wall in front of you with thirty-five pictures of different ponies in small windows. You picked a pony as ‘your pony’ and the other one would ask questions about its appearance or name. The one, which could figure out which pony the other chose first, won the game.

So as Cloud was doing the dishes, which I assumed he would be done with any minute now, Bolt and I had already gotten halfway through our second game of Guess Who?.

I pouted slightly as I looked through all the remaining pictures of different ponies, which was a surprisingly high number considering how long the game had lasted. “Does your pony have… a green mane?’’ I asked and looked up at the silver-grey stallion in front of me.

Bolt shook his head. “Sorry, but she does not have a green mane,’’ he replied. “Does your pony have an orange coat?’’ he asked and offered a faint smile.

“Nope, she does not,’’ I replied and closed all the windows to mares with green manes. “Does your pony have a… short-cut mane?’’ I asked hesitantly and smiled hopefully towards the stallion in front of me.

Bolt shook his head as he shut a few windows on his wall. “No,’’ he replied with a faint smile. “Does yours?’’

I pouted slightly. “Yeah, she does.’’ I replied and flattened my ears slightly. Well, looks like I won’t be winning this game. I though as I saw how few of the mares in the windows had a short-cut mane.

“Good,’’ Bolt said and smiled faintly towards me and shot a number of windows with his magic. “Ruby, can I ask you something?’’ he asked a bit hesitantly and scratched the back of his head with a forehoof.

I returned the faint smile with one of my own. “Well, as long as you’re not asking for whom I choose, go ahead,’’ I replied with a quick shrug. “And does your pony have a red coat?’’ I then added a moment later.

Bolt chuckled lightly. “Yes, he does,’’ he replied and rolled his eyes. “Alright, due to the fact that I have to go to work quite early in the morning tomorrow, me and Cloud can’t really spend another night here, so I was wondering if you could consider spending the night at our place?’’ he asked hesitantly, flattened his ears and lowered his gaze slightly.

I blinked a few times towards the silver-grey pegasus in front of me. “I’ll— need some time to just think it over, is that alright?’’ I asked hesitantly and smiled timidly towards my coltfriend.

Bolt looked up at me and stared at me for a short moment before he smiled. “Yeah, it is.’’ he replied and breathed out, then leaned forward and planted a quick kiss on my snout.

“Hey! Look who finally made a move!’’ Cloud’s voice exclaimed from the kitchen.

Bolt and I turned our heads towards the source, finding a hot-pink pegasus standing leaned against the doorframe to the kitchen with a happy smile on his lips.

Bolt sighed and shook his head gently. “Cloud, for how long have you been standing there?’’ Bolt asked with a hint of annoyance in his tone.

Cloud shrugged. “Eh, just came into the room a moment ago, so the only thing I saw was you kissing our marefriend over there,’’ he replied and nodded towards me. “Though, I do think that Ruby would’ve appreciated it a little bit more if you’d gone for the lips instead, isn’t that right Ruby?’’ he asked me with a wry smile.

“Um…’’ I started and gazed between the two stallions. “I guess so?’’ I replied hesitantly and scratched the back of my head with a forehoof.

“There you go,’’ Cloud said and walked up to his coltfriend. “So the next time you’re going to kiss her, just go for the lips, alright?’’ Cloud encouraged and gave the stallion a pat on the shoulder.

Bolt rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’ll keep that in mind next time,’’ he said. “Now, Ruby an I was in the middle of a game of Guess Who? before you interrupted us and we would like to finish it. Is that alright with you?’’

“Oh, sorry about that,’’ Cloud apologized and bit his bottom lip. “Well, I’ll just take a seat by Ruby for now, is that alright with you, Ruby?’’ he asked and turned his head towards me.

“Yeah, go ahead.’’ I replied and offered him a faint smile.

Bolt returned the smile, then walked up to me, jumped up on the couch behind me and gently wrapped his forehooves around my waist. “So, is this comfortable?’’ he asked gently and rested his head on my shoulder.

I leaned back into the embrace, enjoying the warmth of the pony behind me. “Yeah, it is,’’ I replied with a soft smile. “So, whose turn was it now again?’’ I asked the silver-grey unicorn in front of me.

Bolt shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t know,’’ he replied with a faint smile. “Go ahead and ask if you want to, I don’t mind.’’ he offered and leaned against the backrest.

I nodded and then looked down at the plastic-wall that was covered in tiny windows. Hm… a lot of the stallions names seems to start with an O… “Does your pony’s name start with an O?’’ I asked hesitantly.

Bolt glanced down. “No, it does not,’’ he replied and bit his bottom lip. “Does… your pony have glasses?’’ he asked hesitantly and looked up at me.

I shook my head. “No, she does not have glasses,’’ I smiled and shut a number of windows. Alright, only ten options left, I may still have a chance. I thought and gazed between the ten different ponies, which unfortunately, didn’t have much in common. “Does your pony have a… white coat?’’

Bolt smiled faintly. “No, he does not,’’ he replied, then lowered his gaze again and gazed over his board. “And is there any chance that your pony has a purple mane, perhaps?’’ he asked hesitantly and looked up at me.

I bit my bottom lip. “Yes, she does have a purple mane,’’ I replied quietly. Well, looks like I won’t win this after all. I thought. “Does your pony have a turquoise coat?’’ I asked and leaned into Cloud’s embrace a little bit more.

Bolt scrunched his lips. “Yes, he does,’’ he replied with a soft sigh, then lowered his gaze again and looked back and forth over his board. “Well, I’m pretty sure that the pony which you chose isn’t Melody Dream, correct?’’ he asked and looked up at me.

I blinked a few times towards the stallion. “Yes,’’ I replied shortly and let out a soft sigh. “Well played Bolt, you won this time.’’ I congratulated him and then offered him a faint smile.

Bolt’s lips curled into a smile. “Thank you, though I have to admit that it was mostly a lucky guess.’’ he admitted and scratched the back of his head.

I snickered lightly. “Well, it was a pretty good guess in that case.’’ I smiled towards my coltfriend and leaned back into Cloud’s embrace a little bit more.

“So, will I be playing against the winner then?’’ Cloud inquired, pulled me a little closer and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. “Or are you two going to have a rematch?’’

“No, I think I’ll take a short break from this game,’’ Bolt replied and stretched his limbs with an audible yawn. “So Cloud, should you and I swap places?’’ he asked, put his forehooves behind his head and leaned back against the hoofrest.

“Yeah, I guess we could,’’ Cloud admitted with a light sigh. “Does that sound good to you, Ruby?’’ he asked a moment later and gave me a light kiss behind the ear.

I felt a blush spread across my cheeks my cheeks. “Well, I could just move over to Bolt, in that case,’’ I replied with a light shrug. “It would be a bit easier, since only one of us would have to move.’’ I pointed out with a smile.

Cloud let out a quiet chuckle. “Yeah, I guess you have a point,’’ he admitted with a happy tone. “Well, I guess I’m sending Ruby over to you now, Bolt.’’ the pegasus said and loosened his grip around my waits.

I sat up in the couch, jumped down on the floor and made my way over to Bolt, who scooted backwards just a little bit to give me a little bit more space to sit on. I then jumped up on the couch in front of the silver-grey unicorn and sat down in front of him, then felt his forehooves drag me back into an embrace just a moment later.

“So, feeling comfortable over there?’’ Cloud asked with an amused smile and nodded towards me and Bolt.

“Yes, very,’’ Bolt replied and pulled me a little bit closer in the embrace. “How about you, Ruby?’’

I leaned back into the warm embrace, sighing contently. “Well, I’m doing pretty well over here.’’ I replied and smiled towards the hot-pink pegasus in front of me.

Cloud returned the smile. “Alright, good. So, just go ahead and pick one of the ponies on your board and tell me when you’re done, got it?’’ he asked.

“Yeah, just give me a moment.’’ I replied and turned my attention towards the wall of windows in front of me. Hm… I could take somepony who doesn’t have much in common with any of the others. I thought and pouted slightly as I gazed between the different ponies on the board.

Though, if Cloud would get one thing right, he’d already have quite an advantage. Maybe I should go with Soaring Rain, yeah, I’ll do that. I thought with a smile. I glanced up at Cloud, who still seemed to be pretty concentrated on his board before I spun around the picture of the light-blue unicorn mare with a short-cut red mane half a round with a light tap of my right forehoof.

“Alright, done.’’ I informed Cloud, leaning back into Bolt’s warm embrace a little bit more as I smiled towards the hot-pink unicorn.

Cloud glanced up at me and raised an eyebrow. “That fast? Are you sure you don’t want more time to think?’’ he asked and smiled wryly towards me.

I shook my head. “Nah, I think I’ll be alright,’’ I replied and returned the wry smile with one of my own. “Besides, it’s just a game, anyways. So it’s all just on good old fun.’’ I pointed out with a light shrug.

Cloud rolled his eyes. “Alright, if you say so,’’ he said and turned his attention back towards his board, pouting slightly as his eyes darted back and forth. “Also, just keep in mind, whoever wins this match, owe their opponent a ten minute neck-massage.’’ he informed, looked up at me for a moment and smiled faintly before tapping his board.

Right… Cloud plays with ‘prizes’ I thought and scrunched my lips slightly. Though, I guess I wouldn’t mind a nice neck-massage. I thought and let my lips curl up into a smile. “Alright, deal.’’ I sand and held out my hoof to Cloud.

The hot-pink pegasus smiled. “Deal,’’ he confirmed, leaned forward slightly and shook my hoof. “Good luck, you’ll need it.’’ he said retracting his forehoof and leaned back again.

“So, who goes first?’’ Bolt asked and gently leaned his head onto my shoulder.

“Eh, doesn’t really matter to me,’’ Cloud shrugged in reply. “Go ahead Ruby, you can start.’’ he offered and smiled towards me.

I leaned my head towards Bolt’s chin and gazed between the different ponies on the board. Okay, what to ask… I thought and bit my bottom lip. Gender is probably a good idea, that way I would get rid of fifty percent of the wrong answers. I thought and smiled faintly. “Is your pony a, mare?’’

Cloud glanced down at his board for a moment and then gave a quick nod. “Yes, I believe she is,’’ he replied with a faint smile. “Is yours?’’ he asked in response.

I nodded. “Yes,’’ I replied simply and shut all the windows with pictures of stallions in them. “Does your pony have a, white coat?’’ I asked.

Cloud shook his head gently. “I think not,’’ he replied and glanced down at his own board for a moment. “Does your pony happen to have a yellow mane, perhaps?’’ he asked and tilted his head to the side slightly.

I shook my head. “Sorry, but unfortunately for you, he or she does not have a yellow colored mane.’’ I replied and smiled smugly towards Cloud.

Cloud chuckled lightly and shook his head. “Well, you don’t have to be so specific about it at least,’’ he pointed out, poked out his tongue slightly and faintly returned the smile. “A simple no would’ve been fine, you know?’’

I shrugged lightly. “Eh, maybe not,’’ I smiled towards my coltfriend. “Though, you aren’t really that innocent yourself when it comes to your choice of vocabulary.’’ I added, earning a quiet snicker from a certain silver-grey unicorn.

Cloud burst out laughing and shook his head slightly. “Yeah, I guess you have a point there, Ruby,’’ he admitted between laughs whilst shaking his head a bit and wiped a tear from his eye with a forehoof. “Ah… good one,’’ he sighed a few moments later when he had calmed down a little bit. “Alright, Ruby, it’s your turn to guess.’’

I nodded. Hm… maybe I should go for yellow mane as well, or maybe coat. I thought and pouted slightly. Though, then I’d just be asking the same thing as him. I thought and bit my bottom lip. “Does your pony have an orange mane perhaps?’’ I asked hesitantly.

Cloud glanced down on his board, then bit his bottom lip and scratched the back of his head with a forehoof. “Yes, she does,’’ he replied and pouted slightly before turning his gaze towards me. “Well, at this rate I’ll definitely end up owing you a neck-massage.’’ he commented with a soft sigh.

“Cloud, at least it’d be a change of pace, right?’’ Bolt spoke with an amused tone.

Cloud rolled his eyes and smiled. “Yeah, I guess so,’’ he replied. “Though, you still owe me about thirty minutes of massage from last week.’’ he trailed off and smiled wryly.

“Right, I had forgotten about that,’’ Bolt admitted and sighed softly. “What do you say, if you end up losing against Ruby, I can give her the neck-massage instead, and in exchange, I only owe you twenty minutes of massage?’’ he suggested and nuzzled my cheek. “Is that alright with you, Ruby?’’ he asked with a gentle tone.

I smiled faintly. “Well, if Cloud is alright with it, I don’t have anything against it.’’ I replied with a light shrug.

Cloud tapped his chin. “I guess that could work,’’ he admitted. “Make it fifteen minutes and we have a deal.’’ he stated and held out a forehoof towards me and Bolt.

Bolt leaned forward, took Cloud’s hoof and shook it. “Alright, deal.’’ he confirmed and leaned back once again.

I leaned forward and shook Cloud’s hoof as well before leaning back into Bolt’s warm embrace once again. “Bolt, how come that you’d trade ten minutes of massage for fifteen?’’ I asked curiously and wiggled around slightly, trying to find a slightly more comfortable position.

Bolt chuckled lightly. “Well Ruby, I think you’d have to give our hot-pink pegasus over there a massage just once before understanding why.’’ he informed and gave me a soft kiss behind my ear.

“Hey, I was just expressing how much I enjoyed a nice massage, there’s nothing wrong with that, right?’’ Cloud exclaimed and threw his hooves out.

Bolt let out a tired sigh. “Cloud, when we still lived in that apartment like five years ago our neighbors could hear your moans.’’ he deadpanned.

“So?’’ Cloud asked and raised an eyebrow. “I had a lot of tension in my spine back then, I can’t help that I enjoyed getting rid of it.’’ he shrugged and smiled wryly towards me and Bolt.

Bolt sighed. “Still, you could’ve tried to keep quite at least.’’ he told quietly.

“But that would be no fun.’’ Cloud pouted, poked his tongue out slightly and smiled funnily, causing the very warm and comfortable unicorn to groan quietly.

“Cloud, why did you even need those massages anyways?’’ I asked the hot-pink pegasus and tilted my head to the side slightly.

“Eh, just had a temporary job as a weather-patrol to get some extra bits,’’ Cloud replied with a light shrug. “Fortunately for me, my amazing coltfriend over there had offered to give me a quick massage each day after work,’’ he smiled happily towards me and Bolt. “Which I in fact, am still very grateful for, by the way.’’

Bolt sighed. “I guess it wasn’t that bad, at least our neighbors didn’t complain too much about it.’’ he admitted after a moment of silence.

Cloud chuckled lightly. “Well, the soundproof spell that you cast on the walls did work quite well, after that they didn’t have much to complain about,’’ he smiled towards us. “Also, you will still owe Ruby fifteen minutes of neck-massage if I lose, right?’’ he asked a moment later.

“Yes, that was our deal.’’ Bolt replied simply.

Cloud smiled smugly. “Well, in that case. I give up.’’ he stated, put his forehooves behind his head and leaned back against the hoofrest on the couch.

“Oh c’mon Cloud, really?’’ Bolt exclaimed with a disappointed tone.

“What? I’d most likely lose anyways,’’ Cloud shrugged. “And on the bright side, you just got fifteen minutes of quality time with your marefriend, isn’t that something you’ve been striving for during a really long time now?’’ he asked and raised an eyebrow, smiling innocently towards me and Bolt.

Bolt let out a quiet groan. “Perhaps, but it’d still be nice if you could just finish the game like everypony else,’’ he told. “Though, at least you weren’t the one who won on it this time.’’

Cloud smiled smugly. “Well, I think I’ll find one way or another to turn it into my favor,’’ he said and closed his eyes. “After all, I don’t think Ruby can pass fifteen minutes of neck-massage by not uttering a single sound.’’ he told with an amused tone.

I raised an eyebrow. “How so?’’ I asked the hot-pink pegasus on the opposite side of the couch.

Cloud opened his eyes and turned his gaze towards me. “Well, he got quite some practice when I was working in the weather patrol and a few other jobs as well. So I wouldn’t be surprised if he got a job as a masseuse one day.’’ he told with a light shrug.

“And yet, I never got more than a simple thank you after each massage.’’ Bolt said with a hint of annoyance in his tone.

Cloud raised an eyebrow. “Really now? Because I remember taking you to a restaurant once a week during that time,’’ he smiled wryly. “And I also paid for some quite expensive meals, mind you.’’

Bolt remained silent for a moment. “Right, I may have forgotten about that,’’ he said quietly. “Apologize.’’

Cloud shrugged. “Eh, it’s fine,’’ he assured with a friendly smile. “So, Ruby. Are you up for another game of Guess Who?’’ he asked and turned his gaze towards me.

I rolled my eyes. “Well, as long as you just don’t give up almost instantly, I’m in.’’ I replied and offered the hot-pink pegasus a faint smile.

“Don’t worry, I won’t,’’ Cloud assured with a smile. “Though, I think that we’d have to change price, got any ideas?’’ he asked and gazed between me and Bolt.

“No, not really,’’ I replied with a light shrug. “How about you Bolt, do you have any ideas?’’ I asked, rose up slightly and turned my head towards the silver-grey unicorn.

“Well, maybe the one who loses would have to make a dessert within this week,’’ Bolt suggested and gave me a soft kiss on the tip of my nose. “Does that sound reasonable to you?’’

I smiled warmly and gave Bolt a quick nuzzle. “Yes, sounds good to me.’’ I replied and turned my gaze towards Cloud once again, before wiggling around a bit to get a little bit more comfortable in Bolt’s warm embrace.

“Alright then, just go ahead and chose a new pony then, I guess.’’ Cloud shrugged before turning his gaze towards his board.

I lowered my gaze towards the small board as well and once again found myself gazing between all the different ponies on the board. Hm… maybe I should go with a stallion for once. I did pick a mare the last three games, so it would be a change of pace. I thought and pouted slightly.

I let my gaze slowly wonder across the board and after a moment I stopped at a cyan coated earthpony with a short-cut blue mane. Well, I guess he’ll have to do. I thought and spun around the picture of the stallion half a round with a light tap. “Alright, I’m done.’’ I stated with a small smile.

Cloud looked up at me and raised an eyebrow. “That soon again, really?’’ he asked with a wry smile. “Though, I guess it’d be nice to have somepony make dessert for me for once, so I don’t mind.’’ he said with a light shrug before looking down at his board again.

I relaxed a little bit more than before and closed my eyes. Well, I guess this isn’t half bad. Two lovely stallions to keep me company, board-games and also fifteen minutes of neck-massage. I guess this weekend turned out pretty good after all. I thought and smiled happily.

Maybe I’ll accept Bolt’s offer and spend the night at their place after all. If it’s anything like this, I’m quite sure that I’ll enjoy it quite a lot. I thought, then opened my eye and found myself staring straight up into Bolt’s amethyst like eyes.

Bolt smiled gently, then leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on my lips. I closed my eyes, happily returned the gesture by gently pressing my lips against his and enjoyed the sweet taste of Bolt’s lips, carrying a hint of raspberries as well. A few moments Bolt broke the kiss, smiling warmly towards me before giving me a quick kiss on the forehead and tightened his embrace around me slightly.

“Finally, it was about time you actually made a move there, Bolt,’’ Cloud said with a slightly surprised tone. “However, maybe you should’ve used a little bit more tongue, but that’s just me.’’ he added a moment later.

I turned my head towards the hot-pink pegasus, who was sitting on the opposite side of the couch with a wry smile on his lips. I rolled my eyes, but returned the smile nevertheless. “So, have you picked a pony yet, Cloud?’’

Cloud nodded. “Yes,’’ he replied shortly. “So, who starts asking then?’’

I shrugged lightly. “Eh, you can go first if you want, it doesn’t really matter to me.’’ I replied and let out a soft yawn.

“Alright then,’’ Cloud said and gazed down on his board with a small pout. “Does your pony have a blue mane?’’ he asked a bit hesitantly and looked up at me.

I let out a tired sigh. “Yes, he or she does have a blue mane.’’ I replied with a small frown. Well, I guess I’ll be making that dessert after all.

And as I had predicted, I lost the game.

Not that I minded too much, I wasn’t really a competitive kind of pony. Though, now I’d probably have to bake a dessert at some point this week. On the bright side, I’d also get a fifteen minute neck-massage, which I looked forwards to quite a bit to be honest.

Other than that, the rest of the afternoon had consisted of me, Bolt and Cloud playing different kinds of board-games. That had earned me another ten minutes of massage, a bouquet of flowers, a mini-spa treatment which included a hot path in their bathtub and a home-cooked meal.

Though, I did owe Cloud to take the dishes two times, twenty minutes of cuddling on his preferences and I owed Bolt two private singing-performances within this month, twenty minutes of cuddling for him as well and some stargazing.

I have to admit that it was a bit strange that you could ‘win’ favors like this by simply playing a board-game. But when I thought about it, it was actually kind of smart. It would require you to put a little bit more effort in the relationship and do nice things for those in it.

Even if it would just be simple gestures like buying that bouquet of flowers or making that single meal, it would show how you appreciated each other’s company and, which would strengthen the bonds between those who were in the relationship.

So if you might’ve had a bad day, you could simply ask for one of the favors somepony owed you to feel a bit more loved. Or you could do something for them and then feel like you were appreciated for it afterwards.

Unfortunately, the afternoon eventually had to come to an end and it was soon time for Bolt and Cloud to head home. Bolt had work and Cloud had a few things to take care of around their house. Not that I’d not get to spend more time with them today, since I had considered to come with them home.

At least he had time to play a last game of Monopoly before they’d have to head back home to their house and take care of several of things around the house.

Now though, Bolt and I was the two remaining players in a game of Monopoly. Cloud, which had been slightly reckless at the beginning of the game, recently went out of the game due to his lack of fake paper-money and was currently using his coltfriend’s belly as a pillow.

As for the winner of the current game, the one who’d be the last one to have any kind of fake-money left, would get breakfast in bed served three times as long as they requested it the night before.

And I would probably lose within five turns, mostly because Bolt had managed to get his hooves on most of Cloud’s routes when he went out of the game. And the fact that Bolt had managed to get his hooves on the two most expensive routes on the field, nor did it help that I was right in front of them, again.

I tossed the small dice across the wooden coffee-table and kept my eyes on the small plastic cube as it spun around on the wooden surface, before it eventually stopped spinning with five dots pointing up towards the ceiling.

I let out a sigh of relief and moved my character, a miniature hayburger made out of some kind of metal, five steps forward. “Well, looks like I made it yet another time.’’ I commented and smiled faintly towards the silver-grey unicorn in front of me.

Bolt smiled faintly. “Yeah, lucky you,’’ he said and grabbed the dice between his forehooves. “Though, you’re still only halfway to safety.’’ he told, tossed the dice and got a three.

“Well, at least I wasn’t the one who stepped on one of my opponents routes.’’ I smiled as Bolt moved the miniature-book three steps forward and landed right on one of my own routes.

With a sigh, Bolt then levitated over a green Monopoly-banknote with a value of four in-game bits he owed me.

I once again grabbed the dice between my forehooves and shook them for a moment before tossing it across the coffee-table, which unfortunately for me landed on a single dot.

“Well, looks like I just got my money back.’’ Bolt smiled towards me and then levitated over two pink Monopoly-banknotes with the equivalent value of ten in-game bits.

I let out a soft sigh. “Yeah, looks like you did,’’ I smiled back before moving the small hayburger one step forward. “Well, unless you’d end up landing on all of my routes from now on, I guess I could just kiss that breakfast on bed goodbye.’’

Bolt once again grabbed the dice between his forehooves and tossed it across the wooden coffee-table, getting yet another three as he did so. “At this rate, I don’t think that’s going to happen very soon,’’ he admitted and moved his miniature-book three steps forward. “Though, at least you’ll only have to make it once instead of twice, like Cloud here.’’ he pointed out and looked down at his coltfriend.

Cloud cracked an eye open. “Bolt, I make breakfast each morning anyways, so it doesn’t really make any difference to me,’’ the hot-pink pegasus told, closed his eye again and sighed. “Though, at least I’ll get to sleep in one morning now, which is always nice.’’ he smiled smugly.

Bolt rolled his eyes. “Yeah, good point,’’ he chuckled lightly and then leaned down to give his coltfriend a quick kiss on the lips before turning his gaze back towards me again. “Alright Ruby, your turn.’’ he smiled and levitated the dice over to me by using his magic.

I grabbed the small plastic cube between my forehooves and then tossed it across the coffee-table. Unfortunately for me however I got a two, therefore I had to give Bolt yet another ten in-game bits for landing on his five-bit route. “Well, I guess the game is pretty much settled now.’’ I sighed and then smiled faintly towards the silver-grey unicorn.

Bolt smiled back. “Ruby, just because you’re at a disadvantage right now, doesn’t mean you still can’t win,’’ he smiled amusedly as he used his magic to levitate two green Monopoly-banknotes and a yellow one. “It’s just a little more difficult.’’

Cloud cleared his throat. “Bolt, you’ve got at least ten times as much in-game bits as she does, do you really think that the game would take a turn like that?’’ he asked with a slightly amused tone. “That’s a bit farfetched, dear, you know that?’’

Bolt sighed and rolled his eyes. “Well, it has happened before so I see no reason to why it can’t happen again,’’ he replied and gave us a faint smile. “Like I said, it’ll just be a bit more difficult for her.’’

Cloud sighed. “Try a lot more difficult, I think that would describe her chances of winning a little bit better.’’ he commented dryly.

“Well, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.’’ Bolt smiled, grabbed the dice between his forehooves and tossed the small plastic-cube across the table. The dice spun around on the wooden surface for a moment or so, before it eventually stopped with four dots pointing straight up towards the ceiling.

Bolt pushed the miniature-book forward four steps, landing right on the free-parking square. Therefore, he was provided with all the in-game money that had been collected when players landed on certain routes on the playing-field since last time somepony stepped on it, which was a lot.

I let out a soft sigh, hung my head slightly and frowned slightly as I watched Bolt levitated a number of colored Monopoly-banknotes to his seemingly growing pile of colorful papers.

Which Bolt seemed to take notice of and looked up at me, tilting his head to the side slightly. “Hey Ruby, are you alright?’’ he asked gently with a slightly concerned.

I glanced up at the silver-grey unicorn and rolled my eyes. “Yeah, I’m alright,’’ I assured with a meek, wry smile. “Just kissing a nice breakfast on bed goodbye over here, nothing to worry about.’’ I told and grabbed the small plastic-cube between my forehooves.

Bolt shook his head lightly. “Well, the game can still turn around, right?’’ he asked and smiled faintly towards me.

I let out a quiet laugh. “I guess so,’’ I admitted and tossed the dice across the table, keeping my eye on the small plastic-cube as it spun around a few turns before stopping with five dots pointing straight up towards the ceiling. “Or I’ll just go ahead and lose.’’ I sighed as I moved my character five steps forward, past the go square and landed on yet another one of Bolt’s routes, thus owing him the same amount if in-game bits that I got for passing go.

“Hey, you still have some in-game bits left, right?’’ Bolt smiled faintly and levitated the yellow Monopoly-banknote from the bank over to his still growing pile of colorful papers.

I raised an eyebrow. “Bolt, I can’t even afford to step on any of your routes anymore, how in Equestria am I supposed to win this game then?’’ I asked, giving the silver-grey unicorn a faint, wry smile. “Besides, didn’t you say that we might not get to finish this game because you two were in a hurry to get back home?’’

“Ruby’s got a point,’’ Cloud spoke. “And while this apartment is really nice and all, we do have to head home very soon.’’ he told, opened his eyes and looked up at his coltfriend with a wry smile.

“Oh, right,’’ Bolt mumbled quietly and bit his bottom lip. “Does anypony know what time it is?’’ he asked hesitantly. “I think I may have lost the track of time a little bit, and we might have to head home pretty soon.’’ he admitted with a faint frown and lowered his gaze slightly.

Cloud shrugged. “Well, probably around eight PM or something, since it has started to get kind of dark now,’’ he replied and let out a soft yawn. “So you two better get finished with your game pretty fast.’’

Bolt’s ears flattened slightly. “Yeah, I definitely lost the track of time there,’’ he admitted, biting his bottom lip. “Sorry Ruby, but I think Cloud and I will have to head back home now, since we kind of lost track of time a bit there.’’ he smiled apologetically towards me.

“And by we, he means that he simply couldn’t take his eyes off his beloved marefriend for long enough to actually notice how much time actually passed and how dark it was outside.’’ Cloud spoke from his spot in Bolt’s lap, smiling wryly.

Bolt’s cheeks reddened slightly. “Cloud just, shut up,’’ he said quietly and lowered his gaze a little bit. “And if you noticed how late it had gotten, then why didn’t you tell us sooner?’’

Cloud shrugged. “Well, seeing how happy you were, I decided to stay quiet I didn’t want to ruin your mood,’’ he told and smiled faintly. “Though, when Ruby brought it up, and seeing that the game was almost over, I thought I could as well bring it up and maybe save us a few minutes.’’

Bolt let out a tired sigh. “Alright, thank you for keeping my happiness in mind, at least,’’ he said and smiled faintly towards his coltfriend. “Though, I will get back at you for not informing me what time it was, got it?’’ he asked and gave Cloud a quick peck on the tip of his nose.

Cloud let out a quiet chuckle. “Yeah, got it,’’ he confirmed with a quick wink towards his coltfriend. “Though, you two should probably finish your game as soon as you can, I’m not too fond of walking all the way home in the dark.’’

I cleared my throat. “Um… wouldn’t we already have been finished with the game by now if we hadn’t had this conversation?’’ I asked hesitantly, causing both stallions to turn their heads towards me. “I would pretty much lose within the next five rounds, anyways.’’ I added with a faint smile.

The two stallions stared at me blankly for a couple of moments, before Cloud started laughing quietly for himself while Bolt let out a long, tired sigh.

“Well said, Ruby,’’ Cloud said amusedly, leaned his head to the side on Bolt’s lap and smiled warmly towards me. “She doesn’t just have a pretty face and voice, she’s smart, too,’’ he told with a quick wink, then took a quick leap from Bolt’s lap and sat up in the couch.

“Well, why don’t you two finish your game now while I just use the bathroom really quickly, since the walk home will take a while.’’ he informed and gave Bolt a quick pat on the shoulder before he jumped down from the couch.

“Alright, just don’t take too long.’’ I smiled towards the hot-pink pegasus.

Cloud rolled his eyes. “Don’t worry, I won’t.’’ he assured with a wry smile, leaned forward and gave me a soft kiss before heading off towards the bathroom.

“So, do you want to finish the game, or would you rather start packing down right away?’’ Bolt asked and scratched the back of his head.

I shrugged. “Eh, doesn’t really matter to me. I’ve pretty much lost already anyways.’’ I admitted and offered the silver-grey unicorn a warm smile.

Bolt nodded slowly. “Well, we might as well start packing things down, then,’’ he said and returned the smile. “So, have you decided whenever you’ll come with us back to our house yet?’’ he asked, smiling a bit nervously as he scratched the back of his head with a forehoof.

“Well,’’ I started, leaned forward and gave Bolt a quick kiss on the snout. “If I remember correctly, I was promised a hot bath and a mini-spa treatment this week. Might as well take advantage of that while I can.’’ I smiled lovingly towards the unicorn.

Bolt let out a soft sigh. “Well, I’m glad to hear that,’’ he said and smiled warmly towards me. “So, do you want me to start packing down the Monopoly and stuff while you get your things ready then?’’ he asked with a gentle tone.

I nodded. “Yeah, that sounds good,’’ I replied, scooted a little bit closer to my coltfriend and wrapped my forehooves around him in a warm embrace. “And thank you for, everything I supposed.’’ I said gratefully with a loving smile and gave the unicorn a soft kiss on the cheek.

“Well, I think you should thank Cloud instead, without him I don’t think I would’ve been able to gain enough courage to do anything, honestly.’’ Bolt admitted and lowered his gaze slightly.

I rolled my eyes. “Alright, I’ll thank him too, later,’’ I promised with a warm smile. “But now, I need a few minutes to get a few things packed.’’ I told, gave the silver-grey unicorn a light squeeze before letting go of the soft unicorn and jumped down from the couch.

“Alright, I’ll pack down all the board-games while you do that, sounds good?’’ Bolt asked and smiled faintly towards me.

“Yeah, sounds good,’’ I confirmed and happily returned the smile. “Well, see you in a moment, then.’’ I said, then started heading off towards my bedroom to get my nightdress, which was very nice and comfortable to have during the winter when it was cold.

“Alright, just don’t take too long, okay?!’’ Bolt called out after me.

“Don’t worry, I won’t!’’ I called back before I exited the living-room and made my way through the kitchen into my bedroom.

I glanced around the small room and quickly found my cyan nightdress hanging on a hook on the wall. I walked over to my cyan nightdress, took a quick leap and put my forehooves against the wall, then grabbed the nightdress between my teeth before lifting it up slightly and lifted it off the crook.

I then sat my forehooves back on the floor again before walking over to the bed and gently placed the cyan nightdress on it. Alright, I guess I just need to get my toothbrush and I should be good to go. I thought for myself before I headed off towards the bathroom.

And after a quick trot through the kitchen into the hall, I soon found myself standing outside the bathroom. Well, Cloud should probably be done by now, but I better knock anyways. I’d rather not walk in on somepony that not only is my new coltfriend, but I also just met him this morning. I thought for myself and knocked on the wooden door.

“Yeah, who is it?’’ Cloud’s voice called out inside the bathroom.

“It’s Ruby, can I come in?’’ I called back through the wooden door. “I kind of need to get my toothbrush.’’ I explained a moment later.

“Yeah, door’s open, it’s safe to come in!’’ Cloud called back assumingly.

Well, here we go. I thought and pulled the door open, finding Cloud in a sitting position, leaning against the wall with a music-magazine in his hooves.

Cloud looked up at me with a faint smile on his lips. “Ruby, where do you buy these magazines?’’ he asked curiously. “They actually turned out to be quite interesting.’’

I blinked a few times towards the hot-pink pegasus. “Um… you could probably find them at almost any grocery store, as long as you know where to look.’’ I replied, smiling faintly towards my coltfriend.

Cloud nodded slowly. “Huh, would you mind showing me where you could find them tomorrow then?’’ he asked and tilted his head to the side slightly.

“No, I don’t mind at all,’’ I replied with a warm smile. “And if you’d like, you could bring a few of them with you, I’ve pretty much read them all already.’’ I offered, giving the hot-pink pegasus a soft kiss on his forehead before I walked over to the sink.

“Great, and thank you for the offer, by the way, I’ll make sure to pick out a few magazines.’’ Cloud said gratefully.

I turned my head towards him and smiled. “Well, I’m just happy to see that you found them interesting, not many ponies do that, unfortunately.’’ I shrugged before opened the cabinet under the sink, took out a toiletry-bag and placed it on top of the sink before closing the cabinet again.

“In that case, they have no idea of what they’re missing out on,’’ Cloud chuckled before taking up the magazine once again and flipped it open. “No idea.’’

I snickered quietly for myself. “Heh, not a single clue.’’ I agreed and gave him a quick smile, then took the toothbrush and put it in the toiletry-bag and closed it by pressing five pairs of buttons against each other with a low click for each button. I then exited the bathroom and headed off towards my bedroom once again, keeping my smile up with the toiletry-bag hanging from my mouth as I trotted through the kitchen.

Alright, I should have a saddlebag to put all my stuff in and the magazines in the wardrobe in the hall. I thought as I entered my bedroom, walked up to my bed and gently placed the toiletry-bag on my bed right by the cyan nightdress.

Well, that should be everything that I need, for now at least. I thought, smiling as I turned myself towards the door, finding a silver-grey pegasus standing by the door, leaning against the doorframe with a faint smile on his lips.

“So, are you ready to leave now?’’ Bolt asked gently. “Or are there still a few things that you’d like to bring with you?’’

“No, I think I got everything that I need right here,’’ I replied and returned the smile. “Though, Cloud wanted to bring a few of my music-magazines with back home, so I’d appreciate if you could help me pack those down into a saddlebag, and my things as well.’’ I informed and tilted my head towards the cyan nightdress and toiletry-bag, pouting slightly.

Bolt rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I could do that,’’ he assured with a meek smile. “And I guess that also explains why Cloud have stacked ten magazines on each other down in the hall.’’ he added a moment later with a light shrug.

“Alright, thank you,’’ I said gratefully and smiled warmly towards my coltfriend. “And I guess Cloud enjoyed those magazines quite a bit then.’’

Bolt let out a quiet chuckle. “Yeah, I noticed, otherwise I don’t think he would’ve grabbed so many,’’ he said and shook his head lightly. “Anyways, should we get ready to leave then?’’ he asked and nodded towards the hall.

“Probably, otherwise Cloud might raid my whole magazine supply if we don’t hurry.’’ I replied with a gentle smile, took the cyan nightdress in my mouth and threw it over my back.

“Yeah, I guess so.’’ Bolt said with an amused tone, then turned around and headed off towards the hall.

Smiling faintly, I took the toiletry-bag in my mouth, quickly gazed around the bedroom to see if I could something else that I’d like to bring with me. When I didn’t see anything, I went to the door and turned off the light in my bedroom before leaving it and walked into the kitchen.

Fortunately for me, it seemed like Bolt or Cloud already had turned off the lights in the living-room, but still kept the lights on in the kitchen. I quickly made my way through the square room, turning off the lights with the flick of a lever before entering the hall and found two stallions standing right in front of the door, chatting quietly with each other.

Smiling, I walked up to my two coltfriends, then carefully placed the toiletry-bag on the floor and cleared my throat, causing both of them to turn their heads towards me. “So, are you two ready to go now?’’ I asked, tilting my head to the side slightly.

Cloud smiled faintly. “Yeah, just give me something to put all these magazines in and I should be good to go at least,’’ he said and then turned his head towards his Bolt. “And I expect you to carry it, it’s the least you could do for her.’’ he said quietly and gently nuzzled his coltfriend’s neck, who simply rolled his eyes in response.

I shook my head lightly. “Alright, I’ll get the saddlebag then.’’ I smiled towards the pegasus, then walked past the hot-pink pegasus and opened the wardrobe behind him, finding a maroon colored saddle lying on a shelf slightly below my head.

I crouched down a little bit, grabbed the saddlebag in a small handle between my teeth and carefully lifted it off the shelf. I backed a few steps and then gently placed the saddlebag down on the floor before closing the wardrobe again.

A moment later, the saddlebag was enveloped by a titanium-blue aura, then lifted into the air, floated over towards Bolt and was placed gently on his back.

“So, would you prefer to have your belongings packed down in a specific order, or does that not really matter to you?’’ Bolt asked and with a curious tone. “I could probably prevent your nightdress from getting all creased and stuff, if that’s what you’d like.’’ he offered and smiled faintly towards me.

“Well, I guess I’d prefer it if my nightdress wouldn’t get too creased, otherwise it doesn’t really matter all that much.’’ I replied and returned the smile.

“Noted,’’ Bolt nodded, then his horn lit up in a titanium-blue aura and the toiletry-bag quickly floated into the right saddlebag among with two of my magazines. He then lifted my cyan nightdress from my back, folded it into a small square in the air and put it in the left saddlebag in between the remaining magazines.

“Alright, that should do it.’’ Bolt smiled, folded over two fabric sheets on both sides of the bag and sealed them by buttoning one button on each side with his magic.

“Well then, I guess it’s time for us to get going then,’’ Cloud said with a big smile on his lips. “Ruby, you sure you got everything you need?’’ he asked and turned his head towards me.

I rolled my eyes. “Almost, I just have to get my vest on, because it isn’t really warm outside,’’ I smiled and gave the pegasus a soft kiss on the snout, then suddenly felt a soft fabric being wrapped around my waist and shoulders. I recoiled slightly to its sudden touch at first, but remained still as the soft fabric gently closed in around me and the three buttons by my chest was buttoned with a quiet click.

“So, it doesn’t sit too tight, right?’’ Bolt asked with a hint of concern in his tone, smiling faintly towards me.

I shook my head. “No, it doesn’t,’’ I assured and returned the smile. “And thank you.’’ I added, leaned towards the unicorn and wrapped my forehooves around him in a warm hug as thanks.

Bolt gently returned the hug. “It’s my pleasure,’’ he said, holding me still in the warm embrace for a few moments before he let go of me. “So, sure you don’t need help with the keys too?’’ he asked with a wry smile.

I rolled my eyes. “No, I think I’ll be alright,’’ I replied and offered the unicorn a meek smile. “Thank you for asking, though,’’ I said before I turned around and walked up to the front-door. “So, are you two ready to leave, then?’’ I asked the two stallions behind me as I glanced back at them.

Both Cloud and Bolt smiled and nodded towards me.

Well then, I guess there’s no turning back now. I thought before opening the front-door to the apartment, then took a step to the side and turned my head towards my two coltfriends in the hall. “Well, ladies first.’’ I smiled towards the two stallions and gestured them to pass by with a forehoof.

“Why thank you, that is very kind of you.’’ Cloud chuckled lightly before he trotted out of the apartment, soon followed by his and mine coltfriend.

When both Bolt and Cloud were out of the apartment, I took my house-keys off the key-rack right by the door before exiting the apartment myself. Yep, no turning back. I smiled warmly, then closed the door behind me and locked the apartment.

After walking around on the streets for about fifteen minutes, I was really happy that I’d brought a vest with me. Since Bolt and Cloud seemed to be freezing just a little bit due to their lack of outwear, which they either hadn’t brought in the first place, or simply forgotten at the bar yesterday. So instead, the two stallions walked right next to each other and shared each other’s warmth.

Though, I did get to walk right next to Cloud as we had trotted down the streets, which was quite nice since he had kept one wing wrapped around my back in a soft wing-hug during the entire walk.

We had chatted a little bit as we walked, but mostly kept quiet as we trotted down the calm streets and enjoyed the starry night, with a few exceptions for passing-by clouds.

At one point we had walked past a small group of teenagers which had happily stopped by to say hello. And one of them, a young maroon colt, had to my surprise asked for an autograph. While I had been asked for an autograph quite a few times before, mostly right after a performance, it was still quite thrilling to get asked for one.

So after signing an autograph for the maroon colt and giving him a quick hoofshake, we had continued our walk towards Bolt’s and Cloud’s house.

I hadn’t been really sure what to expect, because as far as I knew they only lived with each other in a house, and only one of them had a job.

Though, now when we finally had arrived, after quite a long walk I might add, I couldn’t help but smile warmly at the thought of entering a warm house. Sure, the vest did prevent the warmth from escaping my body quite well, but it hadn’t been enough to keep me warm during the entire walk, despite having Cloud’s comforting wing wrapped around my back.

As we approached the two-story house my smile only grew slightly wider at the thought of a warm house and perhaps a cup of green-tea if they had some. And spending some more time with my two coltfriends was nice, too, and still felt a bit weird to say or think of in plural.

I felt Cloud gently nuzzle my cheek. “So, are you ready to get inside?’’ he asked with a gentle tone as we walked up to the wooden front-door.

I smiled faintly. “Yeah,’’ I replied and nuzzled the hot-pink pegasus back. “Also, would it be too much to ask for some tea later on? It’d be really nice.’’ I asked quietly and leaned my head against Cloud’s shoulder.

“Well, I might be doing some things around the house for a while now, but I’m sure Bolt wouldn’t mind at all,’’ Cloud replied with a meek smile and turned his head towards his coltfriend to give him a quick nuzzle. “Isn’t that right, Bolt?’’

Bolt gave him a quick nuzzle in return before turning his gaze towards me. “Sure, just give me some time to recover from this walk first,’’ he promised with a quick nod and smiled warmly towards me. “Who knows, maybe we’ll get some dessert to have it with.’’

“Good, now would you mind opening the door, please?’’ Cloud asked. “My wings aren’t really in the shape for it right now due to the cold.’’

Bolt rolled his eyes. “Alright, just give me a second then.’’ he replied and his horn lit his horn, and at the same time the door-handle was enveloped by a titanium-blue aura. There came a click from the door and it was just a moment later pulled open by Bolt’s magic, revealing a small hall which already seemed to be lit by a few lamps in the ceiling.

Huh, well that’s convenient. I thought as looked down the hall before me.

Cloud turned his head towards me. “Well then, mare’s first.’’ he smiled towards me before retracting his left wing from my back.

I gave him a meek smile in return, then took a step forward and entered the house. Well inside the hall, I quickly unbuttoned my vest and let it fall down onto the floor. Suddenly, I heard a clopping sound coming right in my direction. Is that, hoofsteps? I thought, then turned my head forward and spotted a hot-pink coated eathpony filly, with a flat, short-cut dandelion mane running towards me.

Right behind her followed an amber coated unicorn colt, with a similar manestyle to hers but instead his mane was white and slightly longer than hers. And by his side, came a silver-grey pegasus filly, with a long curly night-blue mane, running towards us.

“Daddies!’’ The three foals called out in unison as they approached us as both Bolt and Cloud took a few steps forward to my left to greet the foals who were approaching us.

They, they have foals? I thought in confusion as three foals came running towards me, then a moment later the hot-pink filly ran right into me and wrapped her forehooves around my neck, while the remaining two foals ran right into their fathers waiting embraces.

“Hey there sweetheart, how’re you doing?’’ Cloud asked gently as he wrapped a foreleg around the silver-grey pegasus and kissed her on her forehead.

The little filly nuzzled into her father’s chest. “Good, but much better now when you’re here.’’ she murmured into his coat.

Meanwhile, Bolt was holding the small colt in a hug in silence with his eyes closed.

Okay Ruby, don’t freak out now. Just take a deep breath and calm down. I thought for myself, closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Alright Ruby, just keep calm now, you can do this. I thought, opened my eyes once again and looked down at the filly who currently had her little forelegs wrapped around my neck.

“Hello there, little one.’’ I said with a soft tone and smiled meekly towards the little filly.

The filly looked up at me. “Hi Miss,’’ she said quietly, smiling softly as she tilted her head to the side slightly. “What’s your name?’’ she asked and tilted her head to the side slightly.

“My name is Ruby Song, but my friends usually call me Ruby for short.’’ I replied softly.

The little filly nuzzled into my chest. “Ruby, you have a really soft coat.’’ she murmured as she tightened her grip around my neck slightly.

Alright, you’ve done well so far, just keep calm and it’ll be alright I thought for myself, gently put my left foreleg around the filly’s back and hugged her back gently. “Thank you, that is very nice of you to say,’’ I spoke softly. “So, what is your name then?’’

The filly sighed happily into my chest. “My name is Buttercup.’’ Buttercup replied and tightened her grip around me slightly.

Alright… just—say something nice. “Well, I think that is a very nice name.’’ I told and smiled softly towards the little filly.

Buttercup pulled back slightly and looked up at me. “You think so?’’ she asked and tilted her head to the side slightly.

“Yes, I think so.’’ I assured with a meek smile.

Buttercup nuzzled a bit deeper into my chest. “Thanks.’’ she murmured quietly.

“Bolt, Cloud? Is it you?’’ A feminine voice called out from somewhere inside the house and a few moments later an amber coated mare with a medium-long dandelion mane.

“Yeah Daffi, it’s us!’’ Cloud called back to the amber mare. “And we also managed to bring Bolt’s crush with us, as you can see.’’

Daffi leaned herself against the wall. “I think I’ve noticed,’’ she told and smiled meekly. “And it seems like Buttercup has taken a liking for her as well.’’

Cloud released the filly in his embrace. “Well, she is very pretty and her coat is both soft and well maintained, so I can’t really blame her.’’ he pointed out, leaned down and whispered something in the little filly’s ear before sending the filly off into the house and was soon followed by her brother.

“Oh is that so, Buttercup, does Ruby really have a soft coat?’’ Daffi asked with an amused smile towards Buttercup and I.

“Yes, very.’’ Buttercup confirmed and nuzzled the crimson fur on my chest.

“Okay, now why don’t you see what your siblings are doing while your mommy and daddies have a little talk with Ruby here?’’ Daffi suggested and smiled softly.

Buttercup let out a disappointed sigh. “Fine.’’ the little filly said, then released me from her embrace and started running off after her two siblings.

Daffi shook her head lightly before turning her gaze towards me. “Apologize for her, clinginess. But Buttercup do tend to ignore others personal space occasionally.’’ she apologized and smiled gently towards me.

“Uh… no, it’s alright,’’ I assured and did my best to return the smile. “I was just caught a bit off guard is all.’’

Daffi sighed softly. “Well, that’s a relief,’’ she said and offered me a faint smile. “Though, if she gets too clingy sometimes, just let us know about it and we’ll talk with her, okay?’’

I nodded. “Alright, I’ll keep that in mind.’’ I said and managed to smile faintly towards the young mare in front of me.

“Good,’’ Daffi said and gave me a warm smile as she held out her right forehoof towards me. “Now if you excuse me, I should probably go and check on my foals before they go and break something.’’ she said apologetically, then turned around and trotted towards the door out of the narrow hallway.

A few moments after Daffi had left the room I turned my gaze towards my two coltfriends. “Daddies?’’ I asked hesitantly and skeptically raised an eyebrow towards them.

Bolt scratched the back of his head with a forehoof. “Yeah, about that,’’ he started, biting his bottom lip as a faint redness began to appear on his cheeks. “Well, we kind of have foals,’’ he admitted and smiled anxiously towards me as his ears fell slightly. “And a marefriend.’’

Cloud turned his head towards his coltfriend. “Bolt, I think she kind of noticed that just about a minute ago,’’ he told him, then turned his head towards me with a concerned look on his muzzle. “Ruby, are you alright?’’ he asked with a gentle tone.

I looked at the hot-pink pegasus for a couple of seconds, then sighed softly and shook my head lightly. “Yes, I think so,’’ I replied and smiled meekly towards my coltfriend. “Just caught off guard, again.’’

Cloud trotted up to me and put his right forehoof on my shoulder. “Hey, are you sure?’’ he asked with a soft tone and pulled me slightly closer.

I leaned into his embrace and nuzzled into his mane. “Yeah, just give me a minute or two,’’ I assured and closed my eyes, enjoying the warmth that was radiating from the pegasus. “Though, I wouldn’t mind having a few more minutes of neck-massage later tonight.’’ I added and smiled faintly for myself.

Cloud let out a quite chuckle. “Alright, that shouldn’t be too hard to arrange.’’ he said amusedly and gave my mane a gentle stroke.

I let out a soft sigh and nuzzled a little deeper into Cloud’s soft, white mane. “Thanks,’’ I murmured quietly and closed my eyes. “Though, that massage better be really good.’’ I said firmly to my coltfriend.

“I wouldn’t worry too much about that part, Bolt have never disappointed me at least,’’ Cloud assured before letting go of me and held me a few inches away from him. “I can promise you that at least.’’ he said and gave me a quick kiss on my snout.

I smiled faintly towards the stallion in front of me. “Alright, I believe you,’’ I said, then turned my head towards Bolt with a wary look. “And Bolt, I hope you can live up to those expectations.’’ I told him with a small pout and pointed my right forehoof towards him.

“I’ll do my best,’’ Bolt assured with a quick nod and smiled faintly towards me. “Though, it might have to wait for a while due to three little foals who will roam around the house for a while longer.’’ he said and turned his gaze towards where Daffi and the foals had left earlier.

Cloud cleared his throat. “Well, now when all of this seems to be sorted out, at least for the moment, why don’t you go and see if you can’t spend some time with Daffodil and get to know here a little more,’’ he suggested and then turned his head towards Bolt. “Meanwhile, I think I’d like to spend some alone time with my coltfriend.’’

I smiled faintly. “Alright, I will,’’ I assured before letting go of the warm pegasus, then turned my gaze towards Bolt. “Bolt, would you mind hanging up my vest on one of the crooks?’’ I asked him. “I’m just not really sure of which crooks to use for what, since this isn’t really my home.’’ I explained a moment later and smiled towards him.

“Sure, I’d be happy to,’’ Bolt replied and returned the smile. “And as long as you don’t use anypony else’s toothbrush or something, I think you’ll be fine.’’ he said jokingly.

“Aw, thank you,’’ I smiled, took a few steps towards the silver-grey unicorn and gave him a quick hug. “Though, I don’t think I’d end up using any of your toothbrushes anyways, so there’s no need to mention that.’’ I smiled wryly towards him.

Bolt rolled his eyes and smiled back. “Well, I was just trying to make a point, alright?’’ he said, then put his right forehoof behind my head and pulled me into a soft kiss.

I closed my eyes and smiled faintly as I put my right forehoof behind his head and happily returned the kiss. Though, the kiss only lasted for a few moments before he eventually broke the kiss, smiling lovingly towards me.

“Now, just get out of here and spend some time with Daffi, alright? I’m sure you’ll like her,’’ Bolt said and gave me a soft kiss on my forehead before letting go of me. “And by the way, you should probably be on your watch around the foals because they may or may not organize an assault on you later this evening.’’ he warned.’’

“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind,’’ I assured, then gave the unicorn a quick nuzzle and took a step back. “Well, see you two later.’’ I smiled towards the two stallions before turning around and starting walking towards the door in which Daffi and the foals had left just minutes ago.

“See you!’’ I heard both Cloud and Bolt call out after me before I exited the hallway and walked into a quite big rectangular room.

The room looked like to be about as big as my living-room, perhaps a little bit smaller and was by the looks of it their kitchen. It had a few cupboards right over the kitchen-counter on the left side of the room, a large, rectangular table with seven chairs to use.

A little to the left of the table, I spotted a light-grey door with a small window, leading to what looked like a patio. I also spotted a fridge with a chest of drawers standing by the wall behind me with a painting of a large flower field hanging over it.

I took a moment to admire the colorful painting before I continued my walk through their house, following the sound of laughter as I slowly made my way through what I assumed to be their living-room into a small hallway and soon ended up in front of a door which was slightly on ajar, with happy laughers coming from the inside of the room.

Peeking inside, I spotted a colt and a filly hiding behind an overturned table, throwing pillows towards Daffi and Buttercup, who were hiding behind a small, overturned couch. Well, it seems like they’re enjoying themselves at least. I thought, opened the door quietly and made my way inside the small room.

As soon as I had stepped inside, the silver-grey filly turned her head towards me with a beaming smile. “Hey Miss Ruby, can you help us in the battle against Buttercup and Daffodil?’’ the little filly asked and got a pillow thrown right into her face right afterwards, sending her onto her back on impact.

I suppressed a snicker by putting a forehoof in front of my mouth.

“Silvy! That’d be unfair!’’ Buttercup shouted at her sister.

“Would not! You’ve had mommy on your side for the entire time! It’s only fair that we get an adult on our side!’’ the amber coated colt shouted back and threw a pillow towards his opponents.

Buttercup ducked to dodge the incoming pillow. “It would! Then it’d be two against three! That wouldn’t be fair at all!’’ she informed the amber colt.

“Wasn’t that exactly how it was just a week ago when the three of us fought against Daffi and Cloud?’’ Silvy questioned her sister then got ready to throw yet another pillow, but stopped in midair. “Hold on, can’t the three of us play against mommy and Miss Ruby then?’’ she asked, dropped her pillow and tilted her head to the side slightly.

Buttercup looked towards her sister for a couple of moments, then took a leap and jumped over the overturned couch and ran towards her siblings.

“Ruby, you might want to take cover, unless you want to get hit by a number of pillows.’’ Daffi said urgently.

Just as I saw the little colt got ready to throw a pillow to towards me. I immediately ducked behind the couch and saw the pillow fly by right where I had been just a moment ago. I turned my head towards Daffi, who threw away a pillow towards our three attackers and immediately ducked behind cover again.

I gave the amber mare a light shove. “Um… what did I just get dragged into exactly?’’ I asked her hesitantly as yet another pillow flew right over our heads.

Daffi turned her head towards me. “Well, I guess you could call it a pillow war,’’ she smiled in reply, grabbed a nearby pillow and threw it towards the three foals behind the overturned table before ducking down again. “Throw pillows at them, try not to get hit. It’s as simple as that.’’ she smiled towards me.

Well, they told me to spend some time with Daffi, I guess this’ll have to do. I thought and gave the mare a slow nod. “Alright, I’ll give it a shot, I guess.’’ I said before grabbing a nearby pillow, peeked over the couch and threw the pillow towards the amber colt, flying right by his shoulder.

“Hah, miss!’’ The amber colt shouted. However, his gloat was cut short by a pillow getting thrown straight into his face, sending him right onto his back on impact.

“What was that, Star? I didn’t quite hear you.’’ Daffi said smugly with a wry smile on her lips.

“Ruby missed, but you didn’t.’’ Silver’s voice groaned from behind the overturned table. “Don’t just stand there sis! Avenge me!’’ the colt then urged his two sisters.

“Alright, got it little bro.’’ Silvy said, disappeared behind the table for a short moment, then suddenly popped back up and instantly threw a pillow towards me.

I quickly ducked behind the couch to avoid the incoming pillow, pressed myself against the seat cushion and turned my head towards the amber mare next to me. “So, is there any real point of this?’’ I asked her.

Daffi turned her head towards me. “Well, except for fun. No, not really,’’ she shrugged and smiled towards me. “Now come on, on three.’’ she said, grabbed two nearby pillows and held one in front of me.

I can’t believe I am actually doing this. I thought and gave Daffi a quick nod before grabbing the pillow with a forehoof.

“One,’’ Daffi said quietly and her left forehoof. “Two,’’ she continued and held the pillow behind her head. “Three!’’

Daffi and I stood up at once and threw our pillows towards Buttercup, who quickly ducked behind the overturned table. Unfortunately, our attack seemed to have been expected. As soon as the two pillows had flew by, the three foals stood up from their cover and threw one pillow each towards us.

My vision went black for a moment as one of the rather large pillows hit me right in my face and another one bounced off my shoulder.

“Hah, gotcha!’’ the silver-grey filly cheered gleefully.

“Yeah! Nice throw there, sis!’’ Star exclaimed and gave his sister a hoof-bump.

“Um… guys, we should probably duck right abou—’’ Buttercup started, but was cut short when a pillow collided with her face and sent her right onto her back.

“Everypony, get down!’’ Star called out, grabbed Silvy and dragged her with him under the overturned table as yet another pillow came flying towards them.

Daffi sighed softly. “So, Ruby, how are you doing?’’ she asked gently, crouched behind the couch and looked up at me.

I followed suit and crouched behind the couch as well. “Well, I guess I’ve been a bit, tensed, as of lately?’’ I replied hesitantly and smiled faintly towards the amber mare.

Daffi smiled gently towards me. “Had a long day?’’ she asked and took a quick glance over the couch.

“Yeah, the day has been quite, exhausting,’’ I replied before I leaned my head against the seat cushion. “Yesterday I was enjoying a nice cup of tea while reading the newspaper or some magazines, now I’m not even sure what’ll happen next.’’ I laughed quietly for myself.

Daffi let out a short snicker. “Heh, I guess you have a point there,’’ she admitted with a light shrug. “Though, I think you’ll get used to it, eventually.’’ she assured and smiled towards me.

“Yeah, I hope so.’’ I smiled back, grabbed a nearby pillow, peeked over the edge of the couch and threw the pillow towards Star, who quickly ducked behind the table against as he spotted the incoming pillow.

“Well, it did take me well over a year to get used to it, so just give it some time, alright?’’ Daffi told and nuzzled my chin.

I flinched slightly upon the sudden touch from the amber mare and felt a small blush grow on my cheeks. “Aright, I’ll try.’’ I assured and smiled faintly towards her, then leaned forward and gently nuzzled her back.

“That’s the spirit!’’ Daffi smiled warmly towards me and gave me a light pat on the shoulder. “Now, how about we pay a little bit more attention to the pillow war, okay?’’ she suggested with a wry smile.

I returned the smile. “Yeah, that sounds good.’’ I agreed with a quick nod, then reached for two pillows about two meters away from me and quickly pulled them behind the couch. I glanced over the edge of the couch, spotting Buttercup and Star looking towards us with watchful eyes.

“So, what’s the situation?’’ Daffi asked quietly.

I crouched under the couch once again. “Well, two of them are keeping an eye on us,’’ I informed her and bit my bottom lip. “Do you think we should attack?’’ I asked her hesitantly and tilted my head to the side slightly.

Daffi let out a short snicker. “Well, isn’t that how you play this game?’’ she asked with a wry smile and raised an eyebrow.

I shrugged. “Don’t ask me, I never really played this as a filly.’’ I told her and returned the smile.

Daffi pouted slightly. “Aw, poor you,’’ she cooed and gently wrapped her forelegs around me in a hug. “Now, how about we go on two this time, okay?’’ she asked gently.

“Sure, sounds good.’’ I replied with a soft sigh. This, is actually quite nice. I thought and closed my eyes for a moment and enjoyed the warmth radiating from the amber mare.

“Good,’’ Daffi said gently, gave me a light squeeze before letting go of me. “You ready?’’ she asked me with a gentle tone.

I gave the mare a quick nod. “Yes, I’m ready.’’ I confirmed with a faint smile and passed over my second pillow to her.

Daffi smiled back and grabbed the pillow. “Alright, one,’’ she said, glanced over the edge of the couch and held a pillow behind her head. “Two!’’

Daffi and I stood up immediately and threw one pillow each towards the two foals behind the overturned table, both hitting Star right in the face and sent him right onto his back.

Buttercup looked down to her side. “Hey Star, are you alright down there?’’ she asked with an amused tone.

“Does it look like I’m alright to you?’’ Star’s voice asked with a hint of annoyance. “I got hit twice, and you’re just standing there asking how I am?’’

Buttercup let out a quiet giggle. “Apparently I am.’’ she said happily.

“Well if you’re just going to be standing there, throw back at least!’’ Star commanded.

“Sorry, but I do not take orders from those who are younger than me,’’ Buttercup said as a matter of factually. “Though, if you’d happen to ask really nicely, I might consider it.’’

“Oh come on, really sis?’’ Star’s voice whined from behind the overturned table.

“Yes, really.’’ Buttercup confirmed.

“Alright, can you please throw pillows back at our opponents?’’ Star requested with an annoyed tone.

“Well, since you asked so nicely this time, I’d love to.’’ Buttercup smiled, then quickly grabbed a pillow and threw it towards me before she ducked behind the overturned table.

I quickly ducked behind the couch just in time to see the incoming pillow fly by right over my head, then heard it hit something somewhere behind me before it landed on top of my back. I turned around to see what the pillow had hit, finding Cloud standing right behind me with a small pout on his lips and looking down at the pillow.

Cloud let out a soft sigh. “Buttercup, did you really have to throw the pillow towards Ruby?’’ he asked, looked towards the overturned table and raised an eyebrow. “You could see that I was behind her, why did you have to ruin my opportunity to surprise her?’’

Buttercup’s head poke up from the overturned table. “Because, dad, if she would manage to duck in time, I knew I’d hit you at least.’’ she told and disappeared behind the table again.

Cloud rolled his eyes. “Of course,’’ he said and shook his head lightly. “Why am I not surprised to hear that?’’ he chuckled lightly with a faint smile.

“Well, she is very much alike you,’’ Daffi commented and walked up to Cloud. “So that’s probably why.’’ she said quietly and gave the hot-pink pegasus a quick peck on the lips.

Cloud’s smile widened slightly. “Yeah, probably,’’ he said, leaned forward slightly and gave Daffi a quick kiss on the snout. “Anyways, Bolt and I just prepared some hot water for tea and a few sandwiches, so were wondering if you and Ruby would like to join us.’’

Daffi smiled. “Well, that sounds pretty good to me I suppose,’’ she said and have him a quick nuzzle before turning her gaze towards me. “What do you think, Ruby?’’ she asked me with a gentle tone.

I leaned my head back against the seat cushion. “Yeah, I guess I wouldn’t mind a cup of tea.’’ I replied and offered the couple a faint smile. I really do need something relaxing right now. I thought and slowly rose up on my hooves, using the couch for support.

“Hey, would the three of you like something as well?’’ Daffi called out towards the overturned table. “We do have some of Cloud’s mud cake left in the fridge from this Thursday.’’ she pointed out with a smirk.

I could hear a few barely audible whispers behind the overturned table; though not identify any of the words which were said. And after a few moments the whispering stopped and Silvy’s head popped up from behind the table.

“Can we have cream on top?’’ Silvy voice asked and tilted her head to the side slightly. “We’d really like that.’’

Cloud smiled warmly. “Yes sweetie, you can have cream on your mud cake,’’ he answered his daughter. “And if we don’t have any left in the fridge, I’ll go out and buy us some more.’’ he added a moment later.

Silvy narrowed her eyes. “You promise?’’ she asked her father suspiciously.

Cloud rolled his eyes. “Yes, Silvy, I promise.’’ he assured and smiled gently towards the silver-grey filly.

Silvy lit up in a bright smile. “Yay, thank you!’’ she exclaimed happily, then jumped over the table, ran up to her father and embraced him by wrapping her forelegs around his neck.

Cloud returned the hug by pulling the little filly closer with a foreleg. “You’re welcome, Silvy.’’ he said gently with a happy smile on his lips as he looked down at his daughter.

“Well, with that settled I guess we could start cleaning up here before heading out to the kitchen, alright?’’ Daffi suggested with a smile.

Cloud looked up at Daffi. “Yeah, I’ll get onto that in just in just a moment,’’ he assured her with a faint smile before turning his head towards me. “Ruby, why don’t you go find Bolt and tell him to get some plates and the cake ready while Daffodil and I get things cleaned up here?’’

I shrugged. “Sure, I guess I could do that,’’ I smiled faintly towards him. “Do you have any idea where he is, though?’’ I asked a moment later.

“Yeah, he should still be outside on the patio,’’ Cloud replied and returned the smile. “Do you need any help to find your way there?’’

I rolled my eyes. “Nah, I think I know where it is,’’ I assured him with a faint smile, walked up to the hot-pink pegasus and gave him a soft kiss on the lips, which he seemingly returned with glee. We stayed like that for a few moments before I pulled back and broke the kiss, smiling warmly towards the pegasus in front of me. “Anyways, I guess I’ll see you two when you’re done cleaning up then.’’ I said and gave Silvy’s mane a light ruffle.

Daffi let out a quiet snicker. “Yeah, I guess we do,’’ she smiled warmly towards me. “And while you’re there, there’s a really nice place where you can stargaze out in the garden, so why don’t you ask Bolt to show it for you while you’re there?’’ she suggested and smiled towards me.

I felt my cheeks redden slightly. “Alright, I’ll make sure to ask him about it.’’ I assured the amber mare and offered her a timid smile as I lowered my gaze slightly. Come on now Ruby, just do something—affectionate. Nothing too big, just show her that you care, a little at least.I thought, hesitated for a moment before I slowly leaned forward and gently nuzzled Daffi’s chin.

With a soft smile on her lips, Daffi leaned forward towards me and gave me a gentle nuzzle in return, going from my chin up to my cheek before finishing off by giving me a soft kiss on the snout. “Good, now hurry up and get going, you’ll probably want to enjoy the view for a while before the cake is ready.’’ she told with a soft smile.

I felt more blood rise up my cheeks. “Yeah, I guess so.’’ I smiled softly towards her, then turned myself towards the door and walked out of the room. I quickly made my way through the small hallway into what I assumed was their living-room.

I was a bit surprised over how little furniture the room had. Though I guess it was kind of understandable since they had three foals roaming around the house.

To my right, I saw a fireplace built out of red bricks inside the wall. In front of the fireplace there was a rectangular cyan carpet with a wooden coffee-table standing in the center of it and two light-grey couches with three seats on each side of the table.

In the very center of the room there was a big, unlit chandelier hanging down from the ceiling and to my left I saw a big photo of the entire family hanging in head-level on the white wall, all of them lying on the cyan carpet in front of the fireplace and smiling happily towards the camera.

I slowed down slightly as I walked past the family photo. They do look quite happy on the photo. I thought for myself and smiled faintly at it. Well, I guess I should get going again. I thought, took one last glance at the family photo before walking out of the living-room into the kitchen.

Just like in the living-room, the lights were off. Fortunately, the stars and the moon provided me with enough light to easily navigate through the kitchen to the light-grey door which leads out to the patio. Well there, I pressed down the door-handle and gently pushed the door open before walking out on the wooden-patio.

I cast a quick glance around the patio and spotted Bolt leaned over the wooden-fence just a few meters away from me. Well, here we go I guess. I thought and smiled faintly for myself as I walked up to the silver-grey unicorn.

I took a small leap and leaned over the wooden-fence. “Good evening.’’ I said, turning my head towards the unicorn and smiled warmly towards him.

Bolt turned his head towards me. “Good evening to you too, Ruby,’’ he said and smiled gently towards me. “So, what brings you here?’’ he asked, leaned towards me and nuzzled my chin.

I felt my cheeks heat up slightly. “Well, first of all Cloud wanted me to tell you that you’d have to set the tables for some dessert.’’ I replied and then inched a little closer to the unicorn.

Bolt let out a quiet chuckle. “Huh, I guess I’ll have to get onto that pretty soon then,’’ he said, then wrapped a foreleg around my shoulder and pulled me into a light hug. “So, was there anything else he wanted me to do?’’ he asked and gave me a quick peck on the cheek.

I let out a happy sigh and leaned against Bolt’s shoulder. “Well, Cloud did tell that there was a nice place where you could stargaze, mind showing me where that is?’’ I asked and gently nuzzled the unicorn’s chin.

Bolt pouted and hummed thoughtfully. “Hm… Yeah, I think I know where he meant,’’ he smiled gently towards me. “Just follow me.’’

“Alright, just lead the way.’’ I smiled back and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before letting go of the silver-grey unicorn. I followed him as he walked across the patio, down a few stairs to a small lawn and then continued his trot towards a large oak-tree in the left corner of the lawn.

Bolt sat down under the large oak-tree. “Well, I hope you don’t minding getting a bit wet, the grass is still a bit moist from the rain this Friday.’’ he smiled towards me and patted a spot on the grass next to him with his left forehoof.

I rolled my eyes. “No, I think I’ll be alright,’’ I smiled faintly towards the silver-grey unicorn and sat down next to him. “Besides, it’s just a bit of water, shouldn’t do too much harm, right?’’ I sighed softly as I leaned my head against Bolt’s shoulder.

Bolt let out a quiet chuckle. “Yeah, good point,’’ he said, then wrapped his left foreleg around my shoulder and pulled me slightly closer. “Now, if you look up a little bit, I think you’ll get that nice view that Cloud was talking about.’’

“Alright, thank you.’’ I smiled and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek before I gazed up towards the stars on the firmament. Though it wasn’t much different compared to watching the stars from the patio, I couldn’t help but smiled a bit wider at the sight in front of me.

As the cool night breeze gently blew through the large oak-tree, it caused its autumn colored leaves to dance gently in the light of Luna’s moon, which through the leaves illuminated the area around us ever so slightly with the help of the stars.

I lowered my gaze slightly, looking a bit further out in the distance just slightly below the leaves and watched the thousands of small light dots illuminate the almost jet-black firmament with their dim light.

“It’s quite a sight, isn’t it?’’ Bolt asked with a gentle tone, brought me slightly closer and planted a soft kiss on my cheek.

I felt my cheeks redden slightly and smiled happily as I leaned a bit more into the unicorn’s warm embrace. “Yeah, it sure is,’’ I sighed softly and gently nuzzled the unicorn’s chin in return. “Good thing that Cloud told me to ask you about it, right?’’ I asked before once again leaning my head onto Bolt’s shoulder.

Bolt chuckled quietly. “Heh, I guess I owe him a thank you for that, don’t I?’’

I let out a quiet snicker. “Well,’’ I pulled away from Bolt, then sat down in the grass and placed my forehooves behind my back for support. “You could thank him by setting the tables before they’re done cleaning up, I’m sure he’d appreciate that.’’ I pointed out and smiled smugly towards the silver-grey unicorn.

Bolt turned his head towards me. “Yeah, right—there’s that,’’ he sighed and lowered his gaze slightly. “Just two more minutes, please?’’ he pleaded and glanced up at me with a small pout on his lips.

I rolled my eyes and giggled. “Alright, two more minutes,’’ I agreed and smiled warmly towards him. “But after that you’ll have to hurry, alright? I don’t think the others would be too happy if they’d have to set the tables for you, after cleaning up, just because you’re out here stargazing.’’ I told him with a rather goofy smile.

Bolt chuckled lightly. “Alright, agreed,’’ he smiled back. “Though, knowing Star, I think he might end up slowing them down a little bit at least.’’ he pondered and leaned back against the trunk of the oak-tree.

“Yeah, hopefully,’’ I smiled, then leaned forward and gave his cheek a gentle nuzzle. “And for your own good, you better be right about that.’’ I informed and gave the stallion a stern look.

Bolt smiled warmly. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see,’’ he said, then leaned forward and planted a quick kiss on my lips. “But for now, I’d really like to just spend a minute alone with my amazing marefriend.’’

“Aw, thank you,’’ I cooed, tilted my head to the side slightly and returned the smile. “Do you really mean it?’’

Bolt wrapped his left forehoof around my shoulder. “Every word.’’ he assured, pulled me into a side-hug and nuzzled my cheek gently.

I smiled lovingly towards the unicorn and nuzzled then his cheek in return. “Well, your marefriend wouldn’t mind spending another minute with you either, then.’’ I whispered softly into his ear, gave him a quick peck on the cheek and then leaned my head gently against his shoulder.

“And I am very happy to hear that.’’ he whispered quietly into my ear, tightened the embrace slightly and then gently leaned his head on top of my own.

I sighed happily and gently leaned into the unicorn’s warm embrace, then wiggled around a little bit to find a slightly more comfortable position before I gazed up towards the stars.

Well, I wouldn’t mind doing this every once in a while, I thought and smiled happily for myself. Perhaps I could stay just for the weekend at least, just to see how things work out, at least for a while, I pondered, closed my eyes and relaxed into the unicorn’s warm embrace.

And I still have that nice massage waiting for me, plus I get to use their bathtub. So I guess I wouldn’t mind stopping by on Tuesday, it’s not like I got anything better to do. I considered, sighed happily for myself and leaned a bit more into Bolt’s embrace.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to enjoy the presence of my warm coltfriend for that much longer before he had to go and set the tables for the others. So with that I was left alone under the large oak-tree, in a slightly colder and less comfortable position than before.

Though I guess it’s also pretty nice to get a few minutes for myself for a while, since the day has been kind of, tiring. And at least I had barely noticed the hangover from this morning, which was nothing but a very light headache by now.

Heh, I guess that’s one of the perks of being an earthpony, you’re more resistant to alcohol comparet to a pegasus or an unicorn. Perhaps it hadn’t to handle a number of glasses of hard-cider that was given to me by those stallions last night, but at least it helped to suppress the hangover over the day.

At the moment though, I was quite happy with simply sitting here beneath the large oak-tree, leaning against the trunk of the tree with my eyes shut and enjoying the momentary silence. Even with the light headache which was a bit more noticeable when I got some time to think.

However, said silence didn’t last for more than a couple of minutes before I could hear the sound of somepony’s hoofsteps comming towards me.

The hoofsteps paused. “Good evening, Ruby.’’ Cloud’s voice greeted gently. “Mind if I have a seat?’’

I opened my eyes and turned my head towards the source of the voice, finding a hot-pink pegasus standing right next to me, with his long white mane neatly tied up in a ponytail, smiling warmly towards me.

I rolled my eyes. “No, I don’t mind,’’ I replied and returned the smile. “And good evening to you as well, Cloud.’’

“Thank you,’’ Cloud smiled, sat down on his rump in front of me and then leaned himself back against my chest. “And I take it as you decided to stay out here when Bolt went inside?’’

Well, I thought he’d sit beside me, but this works too I guess. “Yes,’’ I gently wrapped my forehooves around Cloud’s chest and pulled his warm body slightly closer. “I did.’’

Cloud wiggled around slightly. “So, are you enjoying yourself so far then?’’ he asked and gently leaned his head back against my chest.

I sighed softly and leaned myself back against the trunk of the tree. “Yes, I’m actually enjoying this quite a bit.’’ I snickered quietly and smiled for myself.

“Well, I’m happy to hear that,’’ Cloud said, then sank down slightly so that his head was resting upon my belly. “So, did you enjoy the view?’’ he asked, then sat up, turned around and looked at me, causing a small curl to fall down over his eyes.

“Yes, the view was very nice,’’ I assured and used my left forehoof to remove the white curl from his muzzle. “So, thank you for telling me about it.’’ I smiled warmly towards him.

Cloud returned the smile. “Well, I’m happy that you liked it,’’ he said, then leaned forward and gave me a quick nuzzle. “Otherwise, I’d be quite disappointed in Bolt’s ability to show good places to stargaze at.’’ he pouted and scrunched his lips slightly.

I rolled my eyes. “Well, I guess that’s understandable,’’ I giggled quietly in amusement. “But fortunately, that wasn’t the case.’’

Cloud chuckled lightly. “Yes, fortunately it for him wasn’t,’’ he smiled towards me and planted a soft kiss on my snout. “So, how’s my marefriend’s singing career going then?’’

I felt my cheeks redden slightly. “Well, I guess my career’s going pretty good right now. I am getting a few more gigs now compared to a few months ago, so I guess I can’t complain.’’ I smiled back towards Cloud.

Cloud nodded slowly. “Well, I’m happy to hear that things seem to be going your way then,’’ he smiled towards me. “Talking about singing, could I ask you for a small favor?’’ he asked.

I raised an eyebrow towards him. Really Cloud? “Alright, go ahead.’’

Cloud scratched the back of his head. “Alright, do you think you could sing a lullaby for the foals tonight?’’ he asked hesitantly. “You don’t have to of course, but it’d be nice to see those three to go to bed in time for once.’’

I shrugged. “Sure, I guess wouldn’t mind.’’ I replied and smiled faintly towards the pegasus.

Cloud smiled back. “Good, thank you,’’ he said gratefully with a relieved expression on his muzzle. “And you wouldn’t mind if Daffodil joined in too, right? I don’t think she’s heard you sing yet.’’

I smiled softly towards him. “No, I don’t mind.’’ I assured, leaned forward and gave the pegasus a soft kiss on his snout.

Cloud smiled back. “Alright, thank you.’’ he said gratefully, then suddenly grabbing me by my shoulders and pulled me forward.

“Eep!’’ I cried out in surprise as I was dragged down with by the pegasus and landed right on top of him on his chest.

“Comfortable?’’ Cloud asked with an amused tone.

I glanced up at Cloud and blew a maroon curl out of my eyesight with a light huff. “Seriously, couldn’t you even warn me before doing that?’’ I asked and raised an eyebrow.

Cloud shrugged. “Probably, but I figured it’d be a bit more fun to catch you by surprise,’’ he smiled smugly, then wrapped his forehooves around my back and hugged me gently. “And now I also the opportunity to make some cheesy comment about how your eyes tingle like the stars.’’ he added, then leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on my snout.

I felt my cheeks redden slightly. “Really, Cloud? Don’t you think that’s a bit too cheesy?’’ I asked as a small smile crept up onto my lips.

Cloud gave a small nod. “Yes, really,’’ he smiled back and gave my snout yet another kiss. “And if you ask me, it’s not cheesy at all.’’

“Cloud,’’ I felt my cheeks grow even warmer. “Just shut up.’’ I ordered, rested my chin on top of his chest and wrapped my forehooves around him in an embrace.

Cloud chuckled lightly. “Alright, I’ll stay quiet for a few minutes at least,’’ he promised and I felt a pair of hooves starting to rub my back gently. “Then I’ll probably start talking again.’’

I let out a soft sigh. “Yeah, sounds good,’’ I murmured softly, closed my and nuzzled into his soft, hot-pink coat. “But for now, just be a nice and warm pillow, alright?’’ I tightened my grip around the pegasus slightly.

“Yeah, got it.’’ Cloud assured, then gently ran a forehoof through my mane and tightened his grip around me slightly.

I sighed happily and relaxed into Cloud’s embrace. “Mhmmm… that is nice.’’ I murmured quietly into his soft coat, humming happily for myself as I felt his hoof continuously run through my mane gently and then down my back in a soft motion.

A small smile crept up onto my lips and I cooed quietly into Cloud’s soft fur and enjoyed the comfortable warmth radiating from the soft pegasus under me. Yep, I really have to ask which conditioner he uses for his coat. I thought as I inhaled the sweet scent of pineapples yet another time this day.

I opened my eyes somewhat and glanced up at Cloud, finding the pegasus staring right back at me with cobalt-blue eyes and a soft smile on his lips.

I smiled back, then closed my eyes again and nuzzled into the soft fur on his chest. And hopefully, the conditioner won’t be too expensive, you simply can’t get this soft fur with just soap. I thought and sighed happily in the pegasus warm embrace.

We stayed like that for a couple of minutes, simply enjoying each other’s warmth as we lay there idly beneath the autumn-colored oak-tree. And with an exception for an occasional scratch behind the ear, which felt heavenly, neither of us moved an inch.

However, as the minutes quietly floated by, Cloud finally broke the silence.

“Hey, Ruby,’’ he spoke softly and gave my mane a gentle stroke. “I think it’s time to head back inside now, they’re probably done with the preparations any minute now.’’

I sighed softly, opened my eyes and glanced up at Cloud. “Can’t we stay for just another minute?’’ I cooed quietly, closed my eyes and tightened my grip around my warp pillow. “Please?’’

“Well, I’d love to,’’ Cloud chuckled lightly. “Unfortunately, I am quite certain that they are waiting for us right now.’’

“How certain?’’ I questioned him.

“Well,’’ Cloud gave my mane another stroke. “I just felt somepony tug my tail, and since I can’t see how you would be able do it, I can only assume that Bolt signalized to me that the mud cake will be served any minute now,’’ he explained and ruffled my mane. “Along with some hot, steaming tea.’’

I opened my eyes and glanced up at Cloud. “Really, you even do signalizing and stuff now?’’ I asked and raised an eyebrow.

Cloud shrugged. “Well, it certainly does make things easier a lot of times,’’ he smiled warmly towards me. “Especially when we have three foals roaming around the house.’’ he added, leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on my snout.

I felt a blush spread across my cheeks. “Yeah, I guess you have a point,’’ I admitted and smiled faintly. “But couldn’t you have come up with something better than a simple tug in the tail?’’ I asked and raised an eyebrow.

Cloud chuckled. “Yeah, probably,’’ he smiled back. “Anyways, it’s probably time to head back inside now, don’t you think?’’ he suggested and gave my mane a quick ruffle.

I sighed. “Fine,’’ I rested my chin on his chest. “But can you please stop ruffling my mane? Otherwise it’ll take forever to brush it tomorrow morning.’’

“Alright, sorry,’’ Cloud apologized and I could spot a faint blush on his cheeks. “Now, would you mind getting off me so we can head back inside?’’ he asked and smiled warmly towards me.

I smiled back, “Sure.’’ I said, then rolled off the pegasus and stood up on my hooves.

Cloud then rolled around, then stood up as well before he started making his way towards the house.

I followed suit, going after the hot-pink pegasus as he made his way across the lawn and then up the staircase to the patio. Though, as we were halfway to the door, Cloud stopped walking and turned himself towards me.

“Ruby, is it alright if I ask you something before we go back inside? Cloud asked hesitantly, with a somewhat, downhearted or gloomy look over him.

I stopped walking. “Alright, what is it?’’ I asked with a slightly concerned tone

Cloud scratched the back of his head. “Well,’’ he started, then lowered his head slightly and flattened his ears. “Can you promise that you’ll answer this question honestly?’’

I nodded slowly. “Alright, I can try at least.’’ I replied and looked anxiously at the pegasus in front of me.

Cloud took a deep breath. “Ruby, you know that I asked if you ever had a crush on a filly, or a mare, earlier today?’’ he asked hesitantly, keeping his gaze fixed on the planks beneath him.

I nodded slowly. “Yes, I remember that.’’

“Well, if I remember correctly, you said that you had taken the liking for a filly before,’’ he said, then paused for a moment and took another deep breath. “Now, this may have happened a really long time ago, I know, but do you think that there’s a chance that you might feel the same way about Daffodil as you did for her?’’ he asked anxiously, then looked up at me with an uneasy look on his muzzle.

I looked worryingly at Cloud, taking a step forward and put my right forehoof on his left shoulder. “Cloud,’’ I said softly and smiled gingerly towards him. “Unfortunately, I can’t answer that question right away,’’ I started and gently pressed my forehead against his.

“I just met her, so I can’t say for sure that I’ll feel the same way about her,’’ I nuzzled Cloud. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t give her a chance.’’ I smiled lovingly and gave him a soft kiss on his lips.

Cloud let out a relieved sigh. “Well, I guess that’ll have to do for now,’’ he smiled back and gave me a quick nuzzle in return. “But can you at least admit that she’s cute?’’ he asked and raised an eyebrow.

I shook my head lightly. Well, there’s the Cloud I know. I thought and rolled my eyes. “Sure, I can give you that at least.’’ I admitted and snickered quietly.

Cloud smiled warmly. “Good,’’ he said and leaned in for a quick kiss. “Now, let’s head back inside before Bolt decides to carry us in by our tails, alright?’’

“Hold on, carry us inside by our tails? Would Bolt actually do that?’’ I asked hesitantly and raised an eyebrow.

Cloud chuckled lightly and scratched the back of his head. “Yeah, it has happened a few times before when I was out here with the foals or Daffodil, or all of us.’’ he said as his cheeks reddened slightly.

I nodded slowly. “Well,’’ I said and bit my bottom lip. “In that case, we probably should head back inside.’’

Cloud nodded. “That, we should.’’ he agreed with an amused smile, then planted a soft kiss on my snout before he started making his way towards the light-grey door leading into the kitchen.

I smiled faintly for myself and then followed the hot-pink pegasus to the door. After he had opened the light-grey, I gave him a quick nuzzle on his chin as thanks before entering the house.

Unlike before, the room was now lit up by the lamp hanging down from the ceiling. The table was also set with seven glass-plates, cups with small tea-bags hanging out from their edges and seven spoons beside the plate’s and a large half-eaten mud cake was located in the center of the table.

Beside the cake, were a slightly oversized teapot and a big glass-bowl filled with cream beside it, and around the large table, sat the rest of the family.

“Finally, took you two long enough.’’ Bolt commented, smiling towards us from his seat by the far right end of the table.

Cloud shut the door behind us. “Yeah, sorry about that,’’ he apologized and scratched the back of his head. “Ruby and I just had a little bit of a talk.’’

“Eh, it’s alright,’’ Bolt assured and leaned back in his chair. “Though, if there’s anypony you should apologize to, it’s the foals.’’ he informed and gestured towards the three foals sitting by the table.

Cloud sighed. “Alright, sorry for taking so long little ones,’’ he apologized and smiled faintly. “Can you three please forgive your old daddy?’’

Buttercup tapped her chin. “I don’t know,’’ she said and looked towards her two siblings from the far left corner of the table. “What do you two think, doesn’t he get away a little bit too easy?’’ she asked them.

Silvy shrugged. “Maybe we could have him to read a bedtime story for us as punishment,’’ she proposed and gazed between her two siblings. “I like those.’’

Buttercup nodded slowly. “Yeah, they are,’’ she considered and pouted slightly. “Star, what do you think?’’ she asked and turned her head towards the amber colt. “Is a bedtime story be enough for you?’’

Star shrugged. “Yeah, I think I can settle with a bedtime story.’’ he nodded towards his sister.

Buttercup smiled. “Dad, can you read us a bedtime story tonight?’’ the hot-pink filly asked and tilted her head to the side slightly.

Cloud smiled towards his daughter. “Sure, I’ll see if I can’t find a good one,’’ he assured. “Now, don’t you three think it’s time for some mud cake?’’ he suggested.

Buttercup smiled happily. “Yeah, it sure is!’’ she cheered and nodded urgently towards her father.

“Good,’’ Cloud smiled. “Ruby, why don’t you take a seat between Daffodil and Buttercup?’’ he asked and turned his head towards me. “You alright with that?’’

I smiled towards him. “Yeah, that sounds good.’’ I replied, then walked around the table and took a seat between the two ponies.

Bolt cleared his throat. “Alright, now since Ruby here is our guest, I think she deserves the first slice,’’ he announced over the table. “Does anypony have any objections?’’ he asked and gazed over the table.

“Yeah, I want the first slice!’’ Star objected and crossed his forehooves.

Bolt sighed. “Star, you can have your slice after Ruby, alright?’’ he suggested with a gentle tone and smiled towards the cold.

Star pouted. “Fine,’’ he huffed. “But in that case I want a really big slice, okay?’’

Bolt chuckled lightly. “Sure, I can give you that.’’ he smiled and then used his magic to cut out a small slice of the cake with the spatula before it was placed on the glass-plate in front of me.

He then cut out a slightly larger slice of the mud cake and put it on Star’s plate, which followed the slice as it floated through the air down onto his plate and then immediately dug in without a moment of hesitation.

I giggled quietly at him and shook my head. Heh, foals. I thought as I watched the little colt devour the slice of cake.

Daffi tapped my shoulder. “So, Ruby, if you don’t mind me asking, how did you end up meeting Cloud and Bolt?’’ she asked with a happy tone.

“Huh?’’ I turned my head towards the amber mare. “Um…’’ I scratched the back of my head and bit my bottom lip. “Well,’’ I let out a nervous laugh. “They actually brought me back home after I had gotten a bit drunk after one of my performances.’’ I replied and smiled nervously towards the mare.

Daffi raised an eyebrow. “Oh? I didn’t take you for being a drinker.’’ she said surprised and raised an eyebrow towards me.

I let out a soft sigh and bit my bottom lip. “Well, I usually don’t have more than a glass or two of light cider,’’ I admitted with a light shrug. “However, when a few stallions offered to buy me a few drinks for a ‘good night’s performance’ I guess I didn’t give it too much of a thought. And unfortunately for me, the ciders were a bit too strong for me to handle.’’

Daffi nodded slowly. “Ah, I see,’’ she frowned slightly. “Well, good thing that Bolt and Cloud managed to pull you out in time then.’’ she smiled faintly, then gave Bolt a quick thank you as a slice of mud cake was placed on her plate.

Yeah, right in time. I thought bitterly and returned the smile. “I guess so.’’ I shrugged.

Cloud cleared his throat. “Well, now when everypony seems to have gotten at least one slice each, feel free to dig in,’’ he announced over the table with a warm smile. “And Bolt, please get Star another slice, will you?’’ he added a moment later.

I giggled quietly at that, then wrapped my right forehoof around my spoon and took a bite of the mud cake. I smiled faintly for myself and closed my eyes as I chewed the cake. Celestia I’ve missed mud cake. I thought, smiling happily for myself as I chewed on the chocolate flavored cake.

“So, I see that the cake was to your liking, at least.’’ Daffi commented with a warm smile.

I swallowed. “Yes, it certainly was,’’ I smiled towards Daffi. “Haven’t had it for a long time too.’’ I commented and took a sip from my cup, sighing happily as I felt the bot beverage run down my throat into my stomach.

Daffi smiled back and took a bite of the cake. “Well, luckily—we have a pegasus who is really good at—baking,’’ she said between bites before swallowing the cake. “It really makes things less stressful around the house.’’ she said before taking another bite of her slice.

“Heh, and it does have its perks too, I assume?’’ I smiled wryly and took another bite of my slice, which shrank a bit too fast for my liking.

Daffi swallowed. “It sure does,’’ she smiled. “Unfortunately though, it isn’t really that healthy.’’ she sighed and pouted slightly as she took a sip from her own tea-cup.

“Mom, if it’s mud cake, then who cares?’’ Star deadpanned and took a large bite of what I assumed was his second or third slice.

“Yeah, Star’s got a point there, Daffi,’’ Cloud spoke. “Mud cake is always worth eating though, despite being somewhat unhealthy it’s a really great dessert.’’ he smiled and then shrugged.

“See? Cloud gets it!’’ Star told his mother firmly.

Daffi rolled her eyes. “Yeah, and he’ll get a pretty round belly too, unless he changes his mind about that.’’ she said and took a small bite of her slice.

“Not as long as I take care of things around the house,’’ Cloud pointed out. “Just playing with these three little ones is quite an exercise in itself.’’ he smiled.

Daffi sighed. “But it still doesn’t burn all the calories you gain from the cake, Cloud.’’ she told him.

Cloud shrugged. “Maybe not, but at least the majority of them, which is good enough for me.’’ he smiled.

“Yeah, say that in fifteen years,’’ Bolt chuckled lightly and smiled wryly. “Then you’ve probably changed your mind about that.’’

“Maybe,’’ Cloud shrugged in response. “Only time will tell though.’’ he smiled faintly and ate the rest of his slice in a single bite.

“Yeah, one day it will.’’ Bolt said and took a small bite of his slice.

Daffi tapped my shoulder again. “So, Ruby, I just have to know, are you alright with going to bed a bit early tonight?’’ she asked. “It was quite tiring to watch over the foals all day.’’ she explained and smiled faintly towards me.

I guess that makes sense at least. I thought for myself. “No, I wouldn’t mind,’’ I smiled back. “My day has been quite, tiring too, anyways. So I guess some extra sleep would be pretty nice.’’

Daffi nodded slowly. “Ah, I see,’’ she smiled faintly. “Well, in that case, I hope your day was good at least.’’ she said and took the rest of her slice in one bite.

“Yes, I was,’’ I assured her. “Perhaps the day was a bit different from what I’m used to, but it was still good nonetheless.’’ I smiled, then took the rest of my slice in a single bite and chewed happily on the delicious cake.

Daffi smiled. “I’m glad it was,’’ she said and then leaned back in her chair with a soft sigh. “Anyhow, can I ask you something, Ruby?’’

I swallowed. “Sure, it’s not like I can stop you, so go ahead.’’ I smiled faintly towards the amber mare.

Daffi rolled her eyes. “Well, I was thinking that we could take out the foals on a little picnic the day after tomorrow, since Bolt managed to get a day off, and I was wondering if you would like to join us?’’ she smiled warmly towards me.

I tapped my chin with my right forehoof as I pondered over her question. “Sure, I guess I wouldn’t mind tagging along.’’ I replied after a few moments and smiled back.

“Oh, oh! Can I bring my kite, please?’’ Buttercup asked enthusiastically, causing me to recoil slightly by her sudden appearance in the conversation.

Daffi turned her head towards her daughter and smiled softly. “Yes, Buttercup, you can bring your kite with tomorrow,’’ she assured her. “Though, you have to stay close to us, okay?’’

Buttercup smiled brightly. “Yes, I promise.’’ she nodded urgently towards her mother.

“Good,’’ Daffi smiled. “And maybe you could let Ruby try it too? I’m sure she’d enjoy it.’’ she suggested.

“Yeah, that’d be fun,’’ Buttercup said and then her gaze towards me. “What do you say, Ruby, would you like to try out my kite with me tomorrow?’’ she smiled merely. “It has a really nice sun painted on it too!’’

I smiled softly towards the little filly. “No, I wouldn’t mind at all,’’ I assured her. “I’m sure it’ll be fun.’’

Buttercup’s smile widened. “I promise, you will not be disappointed!’’ she said firmly with a determined expression on her little muzzle.

I smiled warmly towards her. “I’m sure I won’t,’’ I said softly, then leaned forward and gave Buttercup’s mane a quick ruffle. “I’m looking forward to it already.’’

Daffi cleared her throat. “So, I see that you two are coming along quite well, mm?’’ she asked with a happy tone.

I turned around towards the amber mare. “Yes, I believe we are.’’ I smiled meekly towards her.

“Yeah, you bet.’’ Buttercup’s vice came from behind me.

“Well, I’m happy to hear that,’’ Daffi smiled softly towards us. “Unfortunately though, Buttercup and her siblings has to go to bed now, she’s already been up for longer than she’s supposed to.’’ she informed with a sad smile.

“But mom! I’m not even tired yet!’’ Buttercup’s voice whined behind me.

“Yeah, neither of us are!’’ Star joined in.

Daffi sighed. “Sorry little ones, but all of you should’ve been sleeping over thirty minutes ago,’’ she said apologetically. “And please don’t argue about it, I don’t want any of you to be all grumpy tomorrow only because you didn’t sleep enough, and no pony wants that.’’ she smiled faintly.

Star groaned. “But mom! I’m eight, do I really have to go to bed this early?’’ he whined.

He’s eight? I thought in mild surprise and gazed between him and his two sisters. Their little brother is eight?

“Star,’’ Bolt spoke softly. “Please just listen to your mother, she only wants what she things is the best for you.’’

Star looked towards his father. “But what if the best for me is to stay up late at night?’’ he questioned. “Have you thought about that?’’

Bolt sighed. “Star, just because you think it’s more fun, doesn’t mean that it’s the best for you,’’ he explained to him. “Think of it as exercising, it can be boring sometimes, but it’s good for you.’’ he smiled faintly towards the colt.

Star crossed his forehooves. “Well, I still don’t think it’d do any harm to stay up for another hour,’’ he huffed and turned away from Bolt’s gaze. “Besides, I’m not even tired yet.’’ he said with an irritated tone.

“Star, sweetie, you always get grumpy when you’re tired,’’ Daffi spoke gently to the amber colt. “And right now you seem to be just that.’’ she smiled softly.

“Silvy snickered quietly. “You know, mom’s got a point,’’ she said amusedly. “You seem a bit grumpy right now.’’

“Oh come on!’’ Star turned his gaze towards the silver-grey filly. “Are you really on mom’s side here?’’ he asked her.

“Well, I don’t agree on that we should go to bed,’’ Silvy shrugged. “Though, you really are quite grumpy now, so she has a point,’’ she told her brother as she giggled quietly for herself. “And you always get like that when you’re tired.’’ she added with a teasing smile.

Star groaned. “But I’m not tired.’’ he whined and glared towards his sister.

“Star,’’ Cloud spoke. “How about this, if you go and prepare yourself for bed now, without any complaints, Ruby here will sing you three a lullaby as a goodnight song, but if you three keep nagging at each other, you’ll go to bed without it.’’ he suggested with a firm look on his muzzle.

“Fine,’’ Star sighed. “Just as long as Silvy stop teasing me.’’ he cast a glare towards his sister.

“Hey, I didn’t do anything!’’ Silvy exclaimed and turned her gaze towards her father.

“Silvy, you did actually try to taunt your brother,’’ Cloud smiled faintly towards her. “You thought you could get away with that with me around?’’ he asked amusedly and raised an eyebrow.

Silvy crossed her forehooves and then turned her gaze away from her father. “I hoped I could.’’ she huffed irritably.

Cloud rolled his eyes. “Anyways, what do you three think? Do you want Ruby to sing you all a lullaby before you go to sleep?’’ he asked as he gazed out over the large table.

“Yeah, I’d like that.’’ Buttercup replied happily with a wide smile on her lips.

Silvy kept her forehooves crossed and turned her gaze towards Cloud. “Sure, I guess that sounds kind of nice.’’ she murmured in reply.

Daffi smiled. “Well then, with that settled why don’t you three go and brush your teeth before getting ready for bed?’’ she suggested with a happy tone.

Buttercup nodded urgently. “Yeah, come on you two,’’ she smiled, jumped down from her chair, then ran around the table and stopped by to the door leading into the living-room, where she turned her head around. “Are you two coming?’’ she called out to her siblings.

“Yeah, I’m right behind you.’’ Silvy called back before jumping down from her seat and ran out of the room with Buttercup, soon followed by Star who came trotting after them.

“Well,’’ Bolt yawned. “I’ll just go and make sure they don’t start a toothpaste fight or something.’’ he laughed quietly and stretched his neck.

Cloud chuckled lightly. “Heh, yeah, I guess that’s a good idea,’’ he smiled towards the silver-grey unicorn. “So, think you need some help with putting them to bed afterwards?’’

Bolt shrugged. “Probably not, though I wouldn’t mind getting some help anyways,’’ he replied and smiled faintly towards his coltfriend. “So I hope you wouldn’t mind, then?’’

“Not at all,’’ Cloud smiled. “I’ll just have to take care of the dishes first, then I’ll be right with you.’’

“Well, sounds good to me,’’ Bolt smiled warmly towards the pegasus. “Anyways, I guess I’ll just get going now.’’ he smiled faintly, then got down from his chair and headed towards the door-opening.

“Alright, I’ll be right with you!’’ Cloud called out after his coltfriend as he exited the room and disappeared into the living-room.

“Good, I’ll be waiting for you!’’ Bolt’s voice called back from the living-room.

Cloud turned his gaze towards me and Daffi. “So, could you two fine mares please carry the dishes over to the sink while I pour up some water?’’ he asked with a happy smile on his lips.

“Sure, I wouldn’t mind at least,’’ Daffi replied. “Ruby, do you think could you help me?’’ she asked with a happy smile.

“Sure, I wouldn’t mind.’’ I smiled back towards the amber mare.

“Alright, great.’’ Cloud smiled warmly, then jumped down from his chair and made his way over to the sink and turned on the tap.

With a faint smile on my lips I got down from my chair, then grabbed my glass-plate between my teeth and placed it on my back, then grabbed Buttercup’s and Bolt’s plates as well before I made my way over to the kitchen-range. “Alright, here you go.’’ I smiled towards the pegasus before I took the plates off my back and placed them right by the sink.

Cloud smiled back. “Good, thank you Ruby.’’ he said gratefully, then leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on my snout.

I felt my cheeks redden slightly. “Well, I’m happy to help.’’ I smiled lovingly as I nuzzled the pegasus chin in return.

“Ruby, could you take a step to the side? I don’t know for how much longer I can carry all of these plates,’’ Daffi’s voice came from behind me. “Now, please.’’

I turned my head around. “Alright, sorry,’’ I apologized before taking a step to the side to give the amber mare some space. “There you go.’’ I smiled apologetically towards her.

Daffi smiled softly towards me. “Hey, it’s fine, don’t worry about it,’’ she reassured, then walked up to the sink, used her teeth to lift the plates off her back and place them right by the other stack of plates. “So, think you got it from here, Cloud?’’ she asked the pegasus. “Or would you like some help with the rest of the dishes too?’’

Cloud smiled. “Nah, I think I got it from here, but thanks anyways,’’ he replied and gave the amber mare’s cheek a quick nuzzle. “Now, why don’t you two head out into the living-room and get some quality time while I do the dishes, does that sound good to you two?’’ he suggested and curled his lips into a wry smile.

“Yeah, I think that sounds pretty good,’’ Daffi smiled happily towards her coltfriend before she turned her gaze towards me. “So, Ruby, what do you say?’’ she smiled towards me.

I scratched the back of my head. “Yeah, I guess that sounds pretty nice.’’ I smiled timidly towards the amber mare.

“Good,’’ Daffi smiled warmly, then leaned forward and gave my chin a gentle nuzzle. “Now, shall we get going then?’’ she asked and gave me a quick peck on my muzzle.

I felt my cheeks grow warm as my blush grew even more apparent and smiled lovingly towards the amber mare. “Yes, I’d like that very much.’’ I agreed, hesitating for just a moment before I leaned forward and gave her cheek a gentle nuzzle in return.

Daffi smiled lovingly towards me. “Good.’’ she said softly, gave me a quick peck on my snout and then motioned me to follow her as she headed towards the door.

With a loving smile on my lips, I followed Daffodil towards the living-room.

“Alright, now have fun you two!’’ I heard Cloud call out from the sink, which was soon followed by a splashing sound when a plate hit the water.

I stopped and turned my gaze towards the hot-pink pegasus. “Yeah, you too!’’ I called back as I smirked towards him, then looked forward again and walked out of the kitchen into the living-room.

As I entered, I noticed that the lamps in the ceiling now had now been lit dimly, which along with a few newly lit candles in the center of the table, gave the room a much more warm and cozy feeling to it.

I felt my smile widen slightly upon the sight in front of me and then slowly followed the amber mare towards the couch.

Daffi stopped by the nearest couch, jumped up on it and then turned her gaze towards me. “So, care to have a seat?’’ she smiled warmly and patted the seat-cushion beside her with a forehoof.

Smiling, I gave her a quick nod in response, then jumped over the hoofrest to the couch and landed right beside the amber earthpony, where I gently leaned back against the backrest.

“So,’’ Daffi started, then leaned hear head against my shoulder. “So, I’m not invading too much of your personal space now, right?’’ she asked softly with a hint of concern in her tone.

I giggled quietly. “No, it’s fine,’’ I assured her and smiled. “It’s actually really nice.’’

Daffi sighed softly and leaned a bit more weight onto me. “I’m glad,’’ she whispered as she gave my chin a gentle nuzzle. “So, what would you like to talk about then?’’

I felt my muzzle grow warm as a small blush spread across my cheeks. “Um… honestly, I’m not really sure,’’ I admitted as I scratched the back of my head. “Do you have any ideas?’’

Daffi shrugged. “Maybe you could tell me something about yourself, that’d be nice.’’ she suggested and planted a quick kiss on my cheek.

I felt the blush on my cheeks intensify. “Well, like what then?’’ I asked her and leaned my head upon hers. “There isn’t really much to say, honestly.’’

“Hey, don’t say that,’’ Daffi argued and gave me a light shove to the side. “Come on, who’s your favorite singer? You do work within that genre after all.’’

“Alright, alright,’’ I said amusedly and gave her a playful shove in return. “Okay, my favorite singer…’’ I said ponderingly and tapped my chin with my right forehoof. “Well, I’m not really sure I can pick a particular one, though there have been two artists which have stood out to me the most, I guess.’’ I started and sighed softly as I once again felt the mare’s weight onto my shoulder.

“However, if I had to choose between them, I’d have to pick Smooth Note, since her songs was the ones which actually got me interested into music in the first place,’’ she continued and wrapped my left foreleg around Daffodil’s shoulder and pulled her slightly closer.

“Though, even if I have enjoyed Winternight’s songs and albums a bit more as of lately, there’s just something special about listening to somepony whose songs and albums are so heavily connected to your foalhood, you know.’’ I explained and leaned my chin against Daffi’s head.

Daffi sighed softly. “Well, that’s nice,’’ she commented merrily and wiggled around slightly. “So, seeing that your cutiemark is also related to music, may I ask if Smooth Note had something to do with it?’’

I smiled softly. “No, not really,’’ I admitted and brought the mare slightly closer. “Well, she did get me more interested within the genre and was a role model for me when I was just a filly.’’ I explained and leaned my chin against her head.

“Anyways, I guess what finally earned me my cutiemark was when I was about eleven years old and my mother had caught a cold, so to cheer her up I sung the same lullaby which she sang for me each night before I went to sleep,’’ I continued and felt a small smile creep up onto my lips.

“At first, I had just been so happy to see how grateful she was, so I didn’t notice anything different. But before I left the room to hit the hay myself, she suddenly stopped me right by the door and asked me to get my father because she wanted to tell him something,’’ I continued, then let out a soft sigh and continued.

“So, I simply did as I was told and went to get my father to bring him back to their bedroom. And when I lead him inside the room, my mother asked me if there was something I wanted to show my old daddy,’’ I stopped and giggled happily for myself as I thought back at that night.

“At first I was just confused and didn’t know what she was talking about, though after a few moments I glanced down at my flank,’’ I gestured towards me cutiemark. “And found this cute little microphone adoring it.’’

Daffi pulled back slightly and glanced down towards my cutiemark. “Well, it looks really nice,’’ she commented and once again leaned her head against my shoulder. “And its location looks pretty nice as well.’’ she added with a teasing tone as she nuzzled my chin.

I felt my cheeks warm up as blood flushed up into my head and caused my blush to redden even more. “Se—seriously?’’ I asked and let my ears fall flat on my head.

Daffi giggled in response. “What? I thought ponies liked to get compliments,’’ she said innocently and gave me a light shove in return. “Don’t they?’’ she asked as she embraced me with her forelegs and nuzzled my chin.

I lowered my gaze slightly. “Well yes but—’’ I bit my bottom lip. “I don’t know, it just doesn’t feel like a thing that you’d compliment right after meeting somepony.’’ I explained and felt the blush on my cheeks intensify even further as I glanced down towards her.

“Well,’’ Daffi said softly and planted a soft kiss on my snout. “Maybe I felt it was.’’ she smiled lovingly towards me.

I returned the smile. “Yeah, apparently that was the case,’’ I said with a hint of amusement in my tone, then hesitated for a moment before I leaned forward and gave the mare a soft kiss on top of her muzzle. “But it was still nice to get a compliment.’’ I admitted and smiled timidly towards her.

“Awww… I’m glad to hear that,’’ Daffi cooed, giving me a warm smile and a quick nuzzle in return.

“Yeah, me too,’’ I said and wrapped a foreleg around her. “So, now when you’ve asked a few things about me, mind if I ask you a question or two as well?’’ I asked and offered the amber mare a small smile.

“Sure, go ahead.’’ Daffi smiled and then leaned her head against my shoulder with a soft sigh.

I tapped my chin with my free forehoof while I pondered over what I should ask my new marefriend. I let my gaze wander around the room and soon found myself looking at the picture of their family. I smiled. “So, Daffodil, if you don’t mind me asking, but how did you, Bolt and Cloud meet?’’ I asked after a moment of thinking and pulled her warm body slightly closer.

Daffodil snickered quietly. “Heh, okay, this may come as a bit of a surprise to you, actually, but I actually met them at their wedding,’’ she started and looked up towards me with a smirk adoring her lips.

I raised an eyebrow in response. “At their wedding?’’ I questioned in slight disbelief.

Daffi nodded. “Yes, at their wedding,’’ she conformed amusedly and rolled her eyes. “So, do you want the long story, or the short one?’’

I shrugged. “Well, it’s not like I got much else to do right now, so I wouldn’t mind hearing the long one.’’ I replied and planted a quick kiss on her forehead.

“Sure, as you wish,’’ Daffi smiled and gave my chin a quick nuzzle in return. “So, to start off I had been quite surprised when I received the invitation to their wedding. Even if we had known each other since we were foals, I was still a bit surprised to find out that they still considered me close enough to invite to their wedding, but I still was,’’ she started and then gently leaned her head against my shoulder.

“Well, I guess I was a bit surprised over the fact that they would get married as well, but they were also quite young,’’ she admitted with a light shrug.

“Anyways, before the ceremony took place we decided to have a quick little reunion together just to catch up a bit since the last time we met. Though unfortunately for me, I didn’t really have much to share with them at the time, which was a bit embarrassing for me when they had a bunch of things to share themselves.’’

“As for the ceremony, I guess it was pretty much like any other wedding ceremony out there, so there isn’t really much to say about there,’’ she shrugged. “Well, I guess the fact that Cloud insisted to carry Bolt all the way to the altar managed to spice things up a little bit at least,’’ she giggled quietly for herself and shook her head gently.

“And well, I guess this is where things started to get a little out of hoof for me,’’ she admitted and a faint blush spread across her cheeks. “So, now when the ceremony was over, everypony went to this big barn to have food, drink and dessert whilst celebrating the newly wedded couple, that I fortunately enough had the pleasure of sharing table with.’’ she told, took a short pause and stretched her body as she yawned tiredly.

When she was done stretching, I slowly wrapped my left foreleg around the amber mare’s shoulder and then pulled her warm body slightly closer.

Daffodil sighed softly in response and then gently leaned her chin against my shoulder. “Overall, we just had a great time and chatted over the food and drinks that they served,’’ she said and gave my chin a quick nuzzle. “But as the time passed I guess all of us just forgot how many glasses we’d had, and then much of it is just a big blur,’’ she shrugged with a faint smile on her lips.

“So when I woke up the next morning, I had a splitting headache, felt a bit dizzy and a just overall numb everywhere bellow my waist. And to make things even worse, I was sandwiched between the newly wedded couple, in what appeared to be a hotel-room,’’ she laughed quietly for herself whilst shaking her head gently. “And yeah, I did have a bit of a panic attack there,’’ she admitted with a light shrug.

“Fortunately however, neither of them got mad or anything when they finally woke up. So after discussing for a few rather tense minutes, we agreed that we’d keep in touch for a while before getting me checked on the hospital, and if something would come up, we’d take it then,’’ she told, then slid her forehoof in between my back and the couch and pulled me slightly closer.

“Well, they kept their promise and came to hang out and check a few times every week, and soon we actually managed to go back to what our friendship had been long before we all separated after middle-school. Then, before we knew it, a month had passed and it was time to head to the hospital for my checkup,’’ she paused for a moment.

“And well, after the checkup, the tests showed that I had indeed gotten pregnant during their wedding night,’’ she snickered quietly and shook her head gently. “Heh, yeah, it’s not really what you’d expect to happen, right?’’ she asked amusedly and nudged my chin gently with her muzzle.

I slowly shook my head in response. “No, I guess not.’’ I admitted with a slightly dumfounded tone and offered the amber mare a faint smile.

Daffodil yawned and stretched her shoulder. “Yeah, kind of embarrassing considering my situation, plus that they were there with me to find out too,’’ she admitted with a shrug.

I can certainly see that… I thought and tightened my grip around the warm and drowsy mare slightly whilst smiling warmly towards her.

“Anyways, after that little reveal, I wasn’t really sure what to do next. I didn’t get much bits from my job at the kindergarten I currently worked at, and my apartment wasn’t really the ideal place to raise a foal either, so I was kind of stuck in the mud at the time,’’ she sighed leaned a bit more into my embrace.

“But, without even having to ask, both of them actually offered to give me support to help me get through with the pregnancy,’’ Daffi said and a small smile spread across her lips. “Well, they weren’t that specific on what they’d do, but I wasn’t really in the position to turn any help down or anything, so I accepted it,’’ she shrugged.

“And I guess that in the end, that turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,’’ she admitted and smiled towards me. “So for the following months, I got a bit of an economical support from them so I wouldn’t have to wear myself out at work as much.’’

“Cloud also came over to my apartment to help me out with chores, cook food and whatnot, which really helped to relieve a lot of the stress I went through back then.’’ she told, then leaned back a bit and smiled happily towards the ceiling.

“And well, after that I guess the months just floated by. After a while I decided to move over to their apartment instead. It was mainly because it was a lot closer to the kindergarten I was working at, but living on the third floor wasn’t really the dream in my situation.’’

“But they were there and helped me out, and despite being in a rather rough situation at the time, I was quite happy with my life,’’ she went on with a happy smile on her lips. “And as the months passed by they really started to feel like a family to me.’’ she admitted with a light shrug.

“My belly grew in slightly size for each day that passed, and eventually I guess it was just time for the foal to come.’’ she said and turned her gaze towards me. “And I tell you, you don’t know what pain is until you have given birth to a foal yourself, and the painkillers the hospital gives you barely offers helps at all.’’ she said and gave me a firm look.

I bit my bottom lip. “Yeah, so I’ve heard.’’ I smiled timidly towards the amber mare, feeling a faint blush spread across my cheeks.

“But trust me,’’ Daffi said and smiled meekly towards me. “As soon as you lay your eyes on the little foal for the first time, it’ll be worth every second.’’ she assured and gave my cheek a quick nuzzle.

I smiled warmly towards the mare. “Heh, I’m sure it is.’’ I said softly and gave her nose a gentle nuzzle in return.

“Good,’’ Daffodil smiled back approvingly. “Well, anyways,’’ she said, then leaned her chin against my shoulder and pulled me slightly closer. “Fortunately enough, we managed to get to the hospital in time and get a good room, and after the rather—painful process, I finally got to hold two beautiful twins in my forelegs,’’ she sighed happily for herself and smiled.

“And I think that’s most of it,’’ she shrugged. “After both Silvy and Buttercup came into our lives, it just brought us closer together as a family, because they were our fillies. So as the moths passed and the fillies grew, I guess the love we had for each other just grew with them as well.’’ she told, then lifted her head from my shoulder and smiled lovingly towards me.

“And well, I guess that’s how we found each other,’’ Daffi shrugged. “I may have met them a very long time ago, but it just took a crazy adventure for me actually to find them.’’ she finished and planted a quick peck on my snout.

I gave my marefriend a loving smile in return and. “Well, that is quite a story,’’ I admitted and leaned in for a quick nuzzle. “Must be something you tell your grandfoals one day, right?’’ I asked her with a smug smile.

Daffi giggled quietly in response. “Yeah, it sure is.’’ she agreed and then closed her eyes as she pulled me into a gentle kiss. A faint taste of honey and daffodils met my senses and I felt her lips brush gently against my own, and for just a brief moment I felt a hoof running gently through my mane before she finally pulled away from the kiss. “And, it was quite a ride as well.’’ she smiled wryly towards me and gave the tip of my nose a quick peck.

I felt a deep blush spread across my muzzle as I gazed into my marefriend’s beautiful, emerald-green eyes and then smiled timidly towards her as my ears fell flat on my head. “Yeah, I could tell,’’ I commented. “So, what should we do now then?’’ I asked her timidly and swung my hindlegs back and forth over the edge of the couch.

Daffodil shrugged. “Well, maybe we could just lie down and do nothing for a bit?’’ she suggested and gave me a wry smile. “Doesn’t that sound nice?’’ she asked and tilted her head to the side slightly.

I felt my cheeks grow slightly warmer and smiled timidly towards the beautiful, amber mare in front of me. “Yeah, it does.’’ I and gave her a small nod.

“Good,’’ Daffi smiled and leaned in for a quick kiss. “Though, if you don’t mind, could I suggest a slightly more comfortable position?’’ she asked and smiled smugly towards me.

I looked ponderingly at her. “Sure, I guess,’’ I shrugged and raised an eyebrow. “But what did you hav—eep!’’ I shrieked in surprise and quickly shut my eyes as Daffodil pushed me backwards, causing me to fall backwards and land on the soft seat cushion with the amber mare on top of me.

A moment later, I carefully opened my eyes and found myself lying muzzle to muzzle with my marefriend, who was currently smiling smugly towards me with her forehooves placed right by the side of my shoulders.

“So, feeling comfortable down there?’’ Daffi asked happily and leaned in for a quick nuzzle.

I blew away a few maroon strands of hair from my eyes with a huff. “Yeah, just a bit—’’ I wiggled around slightly. “Uncomfortable by my neck,’’ I replied, then scooted backwards a bit and leaned my head against the hoofrest. “Ah, that’s better.’’ I sighed in satisfaction and smile warmly towards the amber mare.

Daffodil smiled back lovingly, then lay down and leaned her chin against my chest. “Good,’’ she murmured quietly and then tightened her embrace around me slightly as she nuzzled into the crimson fur on my chest. “Buttercup was right, actually is your fur really is soft.’’ she commented.

I felt my cheeks warm up slightly. “Th-thanks.’’ I stuttered, smiling timidly as I hugged my warm marefriend and then pulled her body slightly closer.

Daffi raised her head and smiled warmly towards me. “Aww… you’re welcome, sweetie,’’ she cooed and gave me a quick peck on my nose. “Smells really nice too.’’ she added with a quick wink before burying her muzzle into my chest and inhaled a deep amount of air. “Yeah, like really nice.’’ she sighed, then turned her head sideways so that her cheek was pressed against my chest instead and poked her tongue out in a silly manner.

I felt my cheeks grow significantly warmer as my ears fell flat on top of my head. “A-again, th-thank you.’’ I stuttered slightly and lowered my gaze slightly in embarrassment as a nervous smile spread across my lips along with a blush.

I heard Daffi snicker quietly. “And once again sweetie, you’re welcome.’’ she said lovingly as she leaned in for a gentle nuzzle and gave my snout a quick lick.

I glanced up at the mare and questioningly raised an eyebrow, ignoring the fact that my blush was most likely shining brightly through my crimson-red coat as I looked at the mare whose muzzle was only inches from my own.

Daffi pouted slightly. “I went a bit too far there, didn’t I?’’ she asked and bit her bottom lip as a faint blush spread across her cheeks.

I looked at her for a few moments before shaking my head gently. “No, it’s alright,’’ I assured and offered her a faint smile. “Just—not really used to getting those kinds of compliments, at least not like this.’’

Daffi let go of a breath. “Alright, thanks, I’ll try to tone it down a little,’’ she promised, giving me a grateful smile as she once lied down and rested her cheek against my chest. “Though, I have to admit that you’re really cute when you’re blushing,’’ she said and gave me a goofy smile as she poked her tongue out slightly.

I sighed tiredly and rolled my eyes. “Alright, thank you,’’ I said, ignoring the furious blush on my cheeks and gave her a faint smile in return. “Now be a good pony-plushe and keep quiet.’’ I commanded and hugged my warm marefriend closer.

Daffodil sighed softly as she snuggled up slightly closer to my muzzle. “Got it.’’ she whispered softly before gently nuzzling me under my chin and tightened the embrace slightly.

I smiled warmly at the sight in front of me. Wow, my parente are *never** going to believe me when I tell them about this.* I thought amusedly for myself, then started to slowly run my forehoof through her soft, dandelion-yellow mane and then down along her back in gentle motions.

In response, Daffi moaned quietly and snuggled up slightly closer. “Mmhhmmm, that feels nice,’’ she cooed quietly as she nuzzled my chin gently. “Please, don’t stop.’’ she murmured quietly.

“Don’t worry, I won’t.’’ I whispered in response and smiled warmly at the adorable, amber mare who was currently snuggled up on my chest. Heh, I probably wouldn’t have believed myself either. I thought and smiled amusedly as I continued to caress both her mane and back with my forehoof.

Well… right now, I honestly don’t think I would’ve wanted it any other way. I thought happily, then let out a soft sigh as I closed my eyes, leaned my head back against the hoofrest and continued to caress my marefriend’s mane and back as I relaxed in her embrace.

I simply lay there for a couple of moments, enjoying the comfortable warmth radiating from my marefriend as I held her in my embrace. Any other way. thought with a soft sigh before slowly opening my eyes, then blinked a few times to get them adjusted to the light and found Cloud’s hot-pink muzzle only inches away from my own.

“So, you two are enjoying yourselves, I see?’’ Cloud asked with a small smile on his lips before lowering his head slightly to plant a soft kiss on my lips.

“Yeah, we are,’’ I replied as I happily returned the smile. “Right, sweetie?’’ I asked and gave Daffodil’s mane a quick ruffle.

“Yes, very much so, mind you.’’ the amber mare murmured in response and tightened the embrace slightly.

“Well, that’s good,’’ Cloud chuckled lightly and gave my mane a gentle stroke with a forehoof. “Unfortunately though, I need Ruby here to come with to sing that lullaby that we mentioned earlier for the foals.’’ he told and smiled apologetically.

I sighed. “Alright, just give me a minute,’’ I said and offered him a faint smile before looking down at the mare on my chest. “Sorry sweetie, but I think we’ve run out of time for now.’’ I said and I gave her mane a final stroke before I gave her forehead a gentle kiss.

“But I don’t want to.’’ Daffi objected and tightened the embrace.

“Sorry honey, but I don’t think the foals can wait for that long,’’ Cloud’s voice came apologetically behind me. “And come on now, you’ll get to listen to her too, isn’t that nice?’’

Daffodil sighed tiredly. “Alright, fine,’’ she muttered and then slowly rose up over me before jumping down on the wooden-floor. “So, happy now?’’ she asked.

“Yes, very,’’ Cloud’s voice came from behind me, then he came into view as he walked up to Daffi and gave her a quick kiss on her lips. “But now,’’ he pulled back and smiled lovingly towards her. “I think we’ve got three foals waiting quite idly for their lullaby.’’ he said softly and pressed his forehead against hers.

“I know,’’ Daffi whispered softly in response. “So, Ruby,’’ she pulled back and turned her gaze towards me. “Are you coming, we don’t want to keep the foals waiting, right?’’ she asked and smiled warmly towards me.

I gave her a loving smile in return and pushed myself into a sitting position with the help of my forehooves. “Yeah, I’m ready.’’ I smiled towards them before jumping down from the couch onto the wooden-floor.

“Good,’’ Daffodil smiled and then turned her head back towards Cloud. “So, will you and Bolt be joining us then?’’ she asked and leaned in for a quick nuzzle.

Cloud smiled. “Yes, of course,’’ he replied and gave Daffi cheek a quick nuzzle in return. “I’ll just have to get Bolt out of bed first, but I don’t think that’ll take more than a minute or so.’’

“Alright, we’ll be waiting for you then,’’ Daffi said and gave the hot-pink stallion a quick peck on his cheek before turning her gaze towards me. “So, you coming then?’’ she asked as she motioned her head towards the door in the right-end corner of the room.

I nodded. “Yeah, just lead the way.’’ I replied and smiled warmly towards my marefriend.

Smiling, Daffodil turned around and quickly headed of towards the door which leads to the bedrooms.

I followed suit, only stopping to give Cloud a quick nuzzle as I passed by before I followed the amber mare out of the living-room towards the bedrooms. As we made our way through the small hallway, I caught a quick glance of a few of the paintings which hung on the white walls, assumingly made by the three foals. And admittedly, they had done a pretty good job for their age.

Soon enough, we seemed to have reached our destination as Daffodil stopped by a familiar door and then turned her head towards me. “Alright, just stay here for a moment while I light their night-lamp, we don’t want you running into one of the beds now, do we?’’ she smiled towards me.

I scratched the back of my head whilst shaking it gently. “No, that’d probably be quite painful.’’ I admitted and gave her a timid smile in return.

“Yeah, it probably would.’’ Daffodil agreed and then gently pushed it open before she walked into dark the room. She walked across the room and stopped by a small table in between two beds, one simple bed and another two-story.

“Mom, is that you?’’ Star’s voice came from the bed to the right and a small figure sat up in the bed.

“Yes, it’s me,’’ Daffi replied softly and then lit a small lamp on the, which cast its dim light around the dark room and made it at a little bit easier to see in the quite dark room.

“Is Ruby with you?’’ Star then asked as he covered his eyes with a forehoof to cover his eyes from the light radiating from the small, purple-shaded lamp.

Daffodil giggled softly. “Yes, she is,’’ she replied and gave him a kiss on his forehead. “Just didn’t want her to trip in the dark.’’ she said softly, then turned her gaze towards me and gave me a warm smile as she motioned me to enter the room.

I gave my marefriend a small smile in return, then entered the now dimly lit room and started making my way towards the two beds by the end of the room. However, about halfway there I felt something go against my forehoof and I tripped.

“Gahh!’’ I cried out in panic as I fell forward, instinctively shut my eyes and mentally prepared myself for the impact right before I hit the surprisingly soft floor with a dull thud. Then a few moments later, I could hear the familiar sound of Daffodil laughing quietly for herself.

“Hey, you alright down there?’’ she asked me with an amused but yet gentle tone, then a moment later crouched down next to me, blocking most of the light radiating from the lamp which caused the red tint that I could see to darken slightly.

I opened my eyes, then used my forehoof remove the forelock which currently covered my eyes and looked up towards my smiling marefriend. “Yeah,’’ I replied shortly and gave her a small smile in return. “And if you don’t mind me asking, why’d you even bother lighting that lamp? Seemingly, it didn’t quite do its job that well.’’ I commented and raised an eyebrow.

Daffodil bit her bottom lip as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. “Heh, maybe I should’ve warned you about the carpet too, it does tend to get a bit in the way sometimes as it blends in with the floor,’’ she said apologetically and scratched the back of her head. “So, yeah, sorry about that.’’ she smiled timidly and offered me a forehoof.

I grabbed the offered forehoof and let her pull me up on my hooves. “Thanks,’’ I said shortly and gave her a small smile in return. “And it’s alright, I guess I’ll just have to keep that in mind in the future.’’ I assured her and shrugged.

“Ruby,’’ Buttercup’s voice spoke to my upper left. “Will you sing for us soon?’’ the little filly asked excitedly.

I looked up to my right and found Buttercup sitting up in her bed whilst looking down at me with an happy smile across her lips.

I smiled warmly towards the little filly. “Yeah, we’re just waiti—’’ I was then cut off as I heard somepony behind me clear their throat.

“Alright, we’re here now.’’ A voice which was quite similar to Cloud’s spoke from somewhere behind me.

I turned around towards the source of the voice, finding both Cloud and Bolt standing by the door smiling towards us.

“So, we didn’t keep you all waiting, right?’’ Cloud asked hesitantly looked towards Daffi with a slight worried pout on his lips.

“No, not at all,’’ Daffodil assured him. “Your timing was actually pretty good this time.’’ she told him with an amused tone.

Cloud rolled his eyes in response. “I’m glad,’’ he said before turning his head towards Bolt. “So, what do you say then, prepared to hear your crush sing yet another time?’’ he asked his coltfriend amusedly.

Bolt gave him a small smile as a faint blush appeared on his cheeks. “As ready as always.’’ he replied as he leaned against the doorframe and then turned his head towards us.

“Well, that’s great to hear,’’ Bolt said as his smiled widened slightly. “Alright, Ruby, feel free to start whenever you’re ready then.’’ he encouraged as he turned his head towards me and gave me a warm smile.

I took a deep breath and gazed between the three foals, who all simply lay down in their beds with their head leaned against their pillows as they smiled hopefully towards me. I gave them a quick smile in return and then looked down towards my forehooves.

Alright, let’s see if you remember this now, Ruby. I thought for myself and took a moment to remember the old lullaby. Alright, here we go. I thought and took a final deep breath before I began to sing the lullaby in a soothing hum.

“Rest now sweet darling for the night has arrived, along with its beauty on Luna’s night-sky.’’

“Sleep now my darling for now time has come, to drift off to slumber under Luna’s midnight-sun.’’

“So please now my darling rest your eyes, and embrace the sleep as Luna’s moon now high rise.’’

“So sleep now my darling and have the sweetest of dreams, and rest through Luna’s night for tomorrow is soon here.’’

When I had uttered the final word of the lullaby, I smiled gently for myself as I raised my head, looked up at my two coltfriends in front of me and was met with two warm smiles. I then turned my gaze towards her and found my marefriend smiling towards me as well.

“So,’’ I stared and let my ears fall flat on my head as I scratched the back of my head. “What did you all think?’’ I asked and gazed around the ponies in the dimly lit room.

“Well, it was really nice,’’ Daffodil smiled warmly towards me as she leaned in and gave me a quick nuzzle. “So,’’ she raised her head slightly. “Are you three happy with her performance as well?’’ she asked with a soft tone and gazed between the foals.

Silvy yawned tiredly as she stretched her forehooves. “Yeah, it was really nice,’’ she said with a soft tone, then hugged her pillow as she leaned her cheek against it as a drowsy smile spread across her lips. “I’d really like to hear it again sometime.’’ she sighed softly as she snuggled up under her covers.

Cloud chuckled gently. “Yeah, I’ll have to agree with them, it was really nice,’’ he said and smiled lovingly towards me, then wrapped his foreleg around Bolt’s shoulder and pulled him closer. “Don’t you think so too, sweetie?’’ he asked and gave his coltfriend a kiss on his cheek.

A faint blush spread across the silver-grey unicorn’s cheeks and he nodded slowly. “Yes, I enjoyed it as well.’’ he admitted and smiled timidly towards me as he leaned into his coltfriends embrace.

I gave him a soft smile in return and felt my muzzle warm up slightly. “Thank you everypony, I’m happy to hear that.’’ I said as I lowered my gaze slightly and gently brushed my forehoof against the beige carpet. Wow, that carpet really does blend in with the floor, no wonder I tripped. I thought and pouted at the beige carpet beneath my forehooves.

I then heard somepony clear their throat by the door, and looked up towards the source.

“So, little ones,’’ Cloud spoke as he smiled warmly towards us. “Are you three finally ready to sleep now?’’ he asked with a soft tone.

“Yes, I am.’’ Buttercup yawned and the little filly wiggled around in her bed slightly as she made herself more comfortable beneath the covers.

“Yeah, me t—’’ Silvy started, but was cut off by a quiet snore which echoed through the room.

Buttercup snickered quietly. “Heh, looks like Star is ready to sleep too, don’t you think so sis?’’ she asked with an amused tone.

“Yeah, apparently he is.’’ Silvy agreed and muffled a giggle by putting her little forehooves over her muzzle.

“I guess the last bit of energy escaped him at least, and he went out like a light,’’ Cloud chuckled, then walked up to the bed and gently pulled the covers over the colt by using his teeth. “Well, I guess it’s time for us to leave now,’’ he started and turned his gaze towards the two-story bed. “So, I trust that you two will be asleep if I happened to check on you later?’’ he asked with a slightly lower tone and smiled towards his daughters.

Silvy yawned. “Yeah, don’t worry daddy, we will,’’ she sighed softly and wiggled around under her covers. “Goodnight.’’ she murmured quietly as she buried her muzzle into her pillow.

“Yeah, goodnight.’’ Buttercup mumbled tiredly and let out a tired yawn as well.

“Goodnight to you too, sweeties,’’ Cloud said softly with a meek smile on his lips as he turned off the lamp on the table. “See you tomorrow.’’ he added, then turned his head towards me and Daffi and motioned us to follow with his head before walking off towards the door.

With a small smile on my lips, I followed the hot-pink pegasus across the dark room towards the door, where I could see Bolt waiting for us whilst he was leaned against the doorframe. Then when all of us finally were out of the room, Bolt used his magic to put the door on ajar.

“So, do you think we’ll need to check on them?’’ Bolt whispered and nodded towards the door.

Cloud shrugged. “Nah, I don’t think so, but I’ll probably check on them later anyways, just in case.’’ he smiled faintly in response. “So, are anypony up for heading back to the living-room?’’ he asked as he looked back and forth between us.

Daffodil let out a soft yawn. “Sure, that’d be nice,’’ she replied with a drowsy smile. “Though, I’ll probably hit the hay pretty soon, watching the foals all by yourself is quite tiring, but still fun nonetheless.’’ she added and laughed tiredly for herself.

“Heh, I can’t really blame you there,’’ Cloud chuckled lightly with a warm smile on his lips. “I assume that not having me around to do the chores for you added onto that, correct?’’ he asked and gave her cheek a quick nuzzle.

“Eh, they weren’t that bad actually, just a little extra tiring with the foals roaming around the house,’’ Daffodil shrugged and offered him a small smile. “But perhaps I haven’t thanked the pony who does them for me nearly every day enough,’’ she added as she leaned in and gave her coltfriend a quick kiss. “It’s really nice to not have to think about.’’

Cloud smiled lovingly in response. “Don’t worry, your gratitude alone is enough for me,’’ he assured her with a soft tone. “Anyways—I’ll just head back to the living-room now.’’ he said, then turned around and trotted off towards the living-room, soon followed by Daffodil.

“Well, after you.’’ Bolt smiled towards me and took a step to the side to give me a bit more space in the narrow hall.

“Thank you.’’ I smiled back and gave him a quick, appreciative nod before I followed my two special someponies towards the living-room with my third one right behind me.

As we then quietly made our way through the narrow hallway, I once again took a short moment to look at the hoof-drawn paintings decorating the white walls. Heh, I guess we’ve all drawn that at least once before. I thought amusedly and smiled for myself as I passed by a painting of where the sun was just about to set in the far out horizon by a beach.

Not giving the painting too much of a thought, I continued to follow the amber mare ahead of me, and soon enough we arrived at the living-room. And seeing as Daffodil decided to take a seat next to Cloud in the couch a little further away, I decided to take a seat in the one slightly closer.

I took a quick leap and jumped over the hoofrest before landing not too gracefully on the soft seat-cushion. Soon after, I was joined by a silver-grey unicorn who instead of jumping decided to trot around the couch before climbing up and taking a seat right beside to me.

“So, Ruby,’’ Cloud spoke. “What time do you think you’ll get up tomorrow morning?’’ he asked and leaned back against the back rest. “The alarm-clock will probably wake you up, but if you’d like to get more rest you can always try to stay in bed to sleep in.’’

I shrugged. “I don’t know,’’ I admitted and gently leaned my head against Bolt’s shoulder. “Maybe I’ll just see how I feel tomorrow, because I can’t really answer that right now, honestly.’’

“Well, if you would happen to get up early I could prepare some extra coffee for you whilst I’m making the breakfast.’’ Cloud suggested with a soft smile on his lips.

I gave my coltfriend a wry smile in return. “Well, that coffee does sound quite appealing,’’ I admitted and giggled softly for myself. “So, I guess I’ll try to get up in time for that at least.’’ I said with a light shrug.

“Alright, I’ll make sure to prepare some extra coffee for you tomorrow morning then,’’ he assured and then wrapped his foreleg around Daffi’s shoulder before pulling the amber mare closer to himself. “So, is there anything special you’d like to get tomorrow?’’ he asked and gave her cheek a quick kiss.

Daffi’s cheeks reddened slightly and a small smile crept up onto her lips. “Well, I guess a cup of Rooibos tea would be quite nice.’’ she admitted with a light shrug.

“Alright, I’ll make sure to have a cup of Rooibos tea prepared for you tomorrow morning.’’ Cloud assured and gave her cheek a quick nuzzle.

Daffodil sighed and leaned her cheek against his shoulder. “Good, thank you.’’ she said softly and gave his chin a quick peck in return.

“No problem, dear,’’ Cloud said as planted a quick kiss by her ear and then turned his gaze towards me and Bolt. “So, is there anything I special I could make for my beloved coltfriend?’’ he asked with a small smile on his lips.

Bolt yawned. “Nah, I think the usual coffee with a tomato and cheese sandwich will do just fine.’’ he replied as he gently lay his right foreleg around my shoulder and pulled me into a gentle side-hug.

“Good, I’ll keep that in mind then,’’ Cloud assured with a quick nod. “Hey, perhaps you’d like a few as well, Ruby? They are quiet nice.’’ he suggested as he turned his attention towards me.

“Um… yeah, I guess I wouldn’t mind.’’ I replied and gave my coltfriend a small smile.

“Great, I will make some extras for you tomorrow then,’’ Cloud smiled back, then yawned tiredly and gave a quick shake of his head. “So, who’ll be picking up the foals from school tomorrow?’’ he asked and looked back and forth between us all.

Bolt sighed. “I’d be happy to, but unfortunately my shift tomorrow will, and for maybe—two more weeks? Will be a bit longer sine we’re running low on time with our current project, so I don’t think I can make it in time,’’ he said apologetically in response. “And I’m leaving the foals at school too, so, yeah.’’ he then added shortly.

“Eh, it’s alright,’’ Cloud assured and smiled toward Bolt. “And you Daff—’’

“Nope,’’ Daffodil cut him off. “I have three classes doing tests, so I won’t be coming home for a while tomorrow until I’ve gone through at least ten of them, which will take a long time.’’ she stated firmly.

Cloud bit his bottom lip. “Well, if that’s the case I guess I’m the only one left.’’ he said and scrunched his lips slightly.

“Hey, it’s not that bad,’’ Daffodil said with a comforting tone as she patted his back with her forehoof. “Besides, you could bring Ruby with,’’ she gestured towards me. “Tomorrow, isn’t that nice?’’ she asked and gave him a quick peck on his cheek.

Cloud turned his gaze towards his marefriend and smiled faintly towards her. “Yeah, I guess,’’ he admitted with a soft sigh and then looking up at me. “So, what do you say Ruby, would you mind tagging along?’’ he asked with a small smile on his lips.

“Um… yeah, I guess I could come with,’’ I replied deliberately and offered the hot-pink pegasus a faint smile. “About what time would we be leaving then?’’

Cloud pouted slightly. “Well, we will be picking them up at the afterschool by around three thirty PM,’’ he started and ponderingly tapped his chin with a forehoof. “So, I assume we’d probably have to leave a little bit before three to make sure we’ll arrive there at a good time.’’ he suggested and smiled meekly towards me.

I gave him a soft smile in return. “Alright, that sounds pretty good to me, I suppose.’’ I shrugged in response and leaned a bit more weight onto my warm coltfriend.

Cloud’s lips curled into a wide smile. “Thank you, I’m looking forward to it.’’

“Eh, don’t mention it.’’ I smiled back. I’ll probably need that walk anyways. I thought for myself as leaned a bit more weight onto the warm unicorn beside me with a soft sigh. And it’d be nice to have some company for once as well.

“Well, anyways,’’ Cloud spoke. “Daffi, didn’t you mention that you’d have a bunch of tests to go through after tomorrow?’’ he asked curiously as he turned his gaze towards her.

Daffodil sighed in response. “Yes and please do not remind me of that, sweetie.’’ she murmured quietly.

“Is it really that bad?’’ Cloud asked with a hint of amusement in his tone and raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, it is,’’ Daffodil stated firmly in response. “And if I’m lucky, I’ll only have to spend fifteen minutes on each test and there are over fifty of them, plus a big pile of assignments that I too have to be corrected,’’ “So yes, it is that bad.’’ she said firmly and nuzzle his chin.

Cloud chuckled lightly. “Wow,’’ he said bluntly with a dumbfounded tone. “I have to admit that it was a lot of more work than I had originally expected.’’ he said as he planted a quick kiss on the tip of her nose.

“Well dear,’’ Daffi sighed. “It’s my job, and most of the time I do love it.’’ she smiled towards him and leaned in for a quick nuzzle.

Cloud nuzzled her back and then returned the smile. “Yeah, so I’ve heard. Maybe I cou—’’

“Cloud,’’ Daffodil cut him off firmly. “For the last time, you’re not allowed by both me and the school agency to look through my, or anypony else’s students tests and whatnot.’’ she told him with a firm, but yet tired tone.

Cloud pouted. “But—then why’d you let me help you with a ton of math tests?’’ he asked and raised an eyebrow towards her.

Daffodil shook her head gently. “First of all Cloud, that was years ago,’’ she started smiled gently towards him. “Secondly, back then I had more than twice as much work on my hooves as I’ll have now, and those were math tests for third graders, this is history for eight graders,’’ she informed and gave him a peck on his snout. “There’s a difference there.’’

Cloud sighed. “Alright, fine,’’ he said with a roll of his eyes. “I just—wanted to get some extra time with my marefriend you know, is that too much to ask for?’’ he asked and smiled a small, wry smile on his lips.

Daffodil snickered quietly. “No, it’s not,’’ she smiled towards him. “But the way you choose to achieve this isn’t really the best one, dear,’’ she informed him before leaning in for a quick kiss. “However, I still think it’s nice to know that you care.’’ she then sighed before once again resting her cheek against his shoulder.

With a smile, Cloud once again wrapped his foreleg around her shoulder and pulled her closer. “Eh, don’t mention it sweetie,’’ he said softly and planted a quick kiss by the base of her ear, which caused it to twitch slightly. “Though, if it is so much hard work, why don’t you go ahead and hit the hay early tonight?’’ he suggested and hugged her closer. “You’ve had quite a long day, after all.’’

Daffi yawned softly. “I don’t know,’’ she shrugged in response. “You know, you guys have been gone since yesterday, and because I’ll be buried in work for a while now I just thought it’d be nice to spend some extra time with you while I can.’’

“Well then, how about this,’’ Cloud started and nuzzled her cheek. “Tomorrow, try to get at least a bit of the work done before you come home. And as a reward, I’ll see if I can’t arrange a little mini-spa for you for when you get home tomorrow, does that sound good to you?’’ he suggested with a gentle smile on his lips.

“Hm… I don’t know dear,’’ Daffodil hummed quietly for herself as a smug smile spread across her lips. “There only be the two of us,’’ she said and quickly nuzzle his chin. “And it has been ages since I had a bubble-bath as well.’’ she added a moment later.

Cloud rolled his eyes. “If that’s case, I wouldn’t be surprised Ruby over there,’’ he nodded towards me. “Would like to join in as well, I’m sure she’d enjoy the treatment.’’

Daffi turned her attention towards me with a tired, yet warm smile spread across her lips. “So, what do you say, Ruby?’’ she asked. “He’s pretty good at noticing and getting those itchy spots on your back.’’ she added with a wink.

I blinked a few times before focusing my gaze on the amber mare across the table. Well, I guess I wouldn’t mind. I thought to myself as I gave her a drowsy smile in return. “That’d be nice.’’ I replied with a light shrug. And I have to admit, a bubble-bath sounds quite promising.

“In that case, I guess I’ll have to take your offer, dear.’’ Daffi said and gave Cloud’s chin a quick peck.

Cloud chuckled softly. “Great, then I do hope you’ll fulfill your part of the deal and finally hit the hay?’’ he smiled and gave Daffodil’s cheek a quick kiss in return. “Because if you don’t the deal’s off.’’

Daffodil yawned tiredly as rubbed her eyes with her forehooves for a short moment. “Alright, goodnight then everypony, I guess I’ll see you all tomorrow.’’ she said drowsily as she with little grace jumped down from the couch onto the wooden-floor and then began to trot toward the door where we came from earlier.

“Goodnight.’’ Bolt and Cloud said in unison with faint smile on their lips.

Um… “Yeah, sweet dreams.’’ I said before letting out a soft yawn as I gave the soft and warm unicorn supporting me a light squeeze.

Daffi stopped by the doorframe, then turned her head around and smiled a smug, yet tired smile towards us. “Thanks.’’ she said drowsily before she quickly disappeared into the narrow hallway.

“You’re welcome, sweetie,’’ Cloud called out after her, getting a quiet snicker in response as the sound of Daffodil’s hoofsteps slowly faded away deeper into the house. He let out a heavy sigh as he leaned back in the couch with a pondering expression plastered over his muzzle.

“So, Bolt,’’ Cloud started and turned his head towards us. “You don’t happen to know where Star’s animal book is that he borrowed from the library about three weeks ago?’’ he asked with a soft tone, breaking the short-lived silence in the dimly lit room. “I just thought that Ruby and I maybe could just go and return them while we’re out there so it won’t be late.’’ he explained with a hopeful smile on his lips.

“Um… I’m not sure really, perhaps Daffi put it in our room on the nightstand before they had their pillow-war?’’ Bolt suggested with a shrug. “Otherwise it’s probably in the bookshelf in our bedroom, or hiding somewhere inside their room, so you might have to look for it.’’

“I see,’’ Cloud bit his bottom lip. “In that case, I hope it’s not the latter then.’’ he chuckled quietly for himself as he gently shook his head.

Another chuckle echoed through the room as Bolt joined in. “Yeah, that’d be annoying.’’ he said amusedly.

“Yes, quite so,’’ Cloud agreed with a small smile on his lips. “So, Ruby, how’re you holding up?’’ he then asked with a soft tone. “You seem a bit tired over there.’’

I yawned. “A little bit, maybe,’’ I shrugged before I stretched my forelegs and let out a satisfied sigh as I heard the muscles in my body pop. “How so?’’ I asked and then once again embraced the warm unicorn by my side.

“Well,’’ Cloud started and offered me a small smile. “Well, first of all, you’re yawning,’’ he replied with a light shrug. “Secondly, you’re pretty much using our coltfriend as a pillow right now.’’

I rolled my eyes. “So? I’ve had a long day so of course I’m tired,’’ I exclaimed. “And it’s not my fault that he’s so warm and cozy to hug,’’ I rationalized as I tightened my grip around the warm pony-pillow beside me. “He’s like a giant, warm teddy-bear.’’

In response, Cloud chuckled amusedly and shook his head gently. “Yeah, I guess he can be quite a cozy pony sometimes,’’ he admitted and rolled his eyes. “Anyhow, if you feel tired after having a long day, don’t you think it’s time to go to bed, Ruby?’’ he asked with a soft tone and smiled gently towards me.

I shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe?’’ I yawned drowsily and then rubbed my eyes with my free forehoof. “It still feels like it’s a little bit early, though.’’ I said and sighed softly as I closed my eyes and nuzzled Bolt’s shoulder. I then felt Bolt’s body rise itself for a short moment before sinking down again as he sighed.

“C’mon Ruby, you’re pretty much half asleep as it is, do you really think it’s too early to go to bed then?’’ Bolt questioned with a slightly skeptic tone.

“Um, I don’t know,’’ I said ponderingly and rubbed my cheek against my pony-pillow’s warm shoulder. “I’m used to staying up for longer, so I guess it does,’’ I sighed softly before allowing myself to relax slightly in the embrace of my beloved coltfriend and pony-pillow. “Don’t you think?’’ I asked and looked up at him.

“Ruby,’’ Bolt spoke. “From my experience, there’s a big difference from staying up late and spend the day by yourself compared to spending it with other ponies,’’ he informed and gave me a small smile. “Why else do you think Daffodil, who’s working as a teacher went to bed?’’ he asked and nodded towards where Daffi exited the room minutes ago.

I bit my bottom lip. “I—see,’’ I said scrunched my lips together. Well, in that case I guess I should probably go to sleep. I thought slightly irritably for myself. “So, time for bed, then?’’

“Heh, yeah,’’ Cloud chuckled lightly and scratched the back of his head. “So, would you like me to show you the way, or will you find your way there yourself?’’ he asked with a soft tone.

“Um…’’ I tapped my chin ponderingly with a forehoof. “I guess it’d be easier if somepony showed me the way.’’ I replied and gave the hot-pink pegasus a meek smile.

Cloud gave a quick nod in response as a small, yet loving smile spread across his lips. “Aright just follow me and I’ll show the way right away, then.’’ he said, straightening himself before he climbed down from the couch and then began make his way towards the narrow hallway.

“Goodnight, Bolt.’’ I smiled warmly towards him before leaning in for a quick kiss.

“Sweet dreams, Ruby,’’ Bolt smiled warmly in response and gave me a quick nuzzle in return. “See you tomorrow.’’

“Well, not if I’m awake.’’ I smiled smugly, then jumped down on the floor and landed with a hollow thud before I quickly caught up with Cloud who already was halfway through the narrow hallway. We then sneaked past by the door to the foals bedroom, where their quiet snores could be heard from somewhere within the room and soon stopped by a white door.

Grabbing the handle and giving it a twist, Cloud gently pushed the door open before peeking inside the dark room. A moment later he took a step back and turned his gaze towards me. “Alright, I don’t think she’s asleep quite yet, but please try not to make too much sound anyways, just in case.’’ he whispered quietly with a loving smile on his lips.

“I’ll do my best.’’ I promised with a short nod and gave him a warm smile in return.

“Thanks,’’ Cloud whispered and planted a soft kiss on my snout. “Goodnight dear.’’

“Goodnight,’’ I whispered back and gave him a quick peck on his cheek. “And would you mind keeping the door open for me? I’d rather not go and trip on something again, you know?’’

Cloud shook his head in response. “No, I don’t mind at all.’’ he smiled warmly as he shook his head gently, and then took a small step to the side.

“Thanks.’’ I whispered to him and gave him a quick nuzzle before I entered into the dark room. Well inside, I quietly made my way towards a large bed, with a small lump hiding beneath its grey covers located in the far left end of the room.

Fortunately, I manage to not trip on something this time as I approached the comfy looking bed. Well, if she’s asleep I hope I won’t wake her wh—. My thoughts were interrupted as I head a silent moan coming from the bed as Daffi sat up and turned her head towards me with a drowsy look on her muzzle.

“Why, hello there.’’ Daffi whispered and a small, drowsy smile spread across her lips.

Well, so much for not waking her. “Hello.’’ I whispered back and happily returned the smile.

“So, time for sleep I assume?’’ Daffi asked and then rubbed her left eye with her forehoof, smiling drowsily towards me.

I scratched the back of my head. “Yeah, so it seems,’’ I whispered back softly and offered the mare a faint smile.

Daffi snickered quietly. “Alright, get over here then,’’ she smiled, then lifted the covers for me and kept them in the air. “And hurry up before it gets cold.’’ she urged and motioned me towards her with her other forehoof.

I gave her a small smile and a quick nod in reply, then gently climbed up onto the large bed and snuggled up against Daffodil under the covers. As I then felt the covers envelop my body, I heard a silent ‘click’ coming from somewhere behind me as Cloud shut the door.

“So,’’ Daffi started and I felt a warm pair of forehooves wrap themselves around my shoulders and pull me into a warm hug. “Feeling comfortable?’’ she asked as she gave my mane a gentle stroke.

A small smile spread across my lips and I sighed happily. “Yes,’’ I replied simply and rested my cheek against her chest. “Are you?’’ I added and turned my gaze up towards her.

“Yes, quite so actually.’’ Daffodil whispered softly, smiling lovingly as she grabbed me by my shoulders and pulled me closer.

“I’m glad,’’ I whispered quietly, then wrapped my right foreleg around her shoulder and sighed happily as I rested my cheek against her chest, hearing the dull but yet soothing sound of her heartbeat through her chest. “So, we’ll just sleep now, then?’’ I whispered quietly.

“Well, there isn’t really anything else we can do.’’ Daffodil whispered back and I felt her give my mane yet another stroke.

I giggled softly. “I suppose so.’’ I admitted and the both of us shared a short laugh about it.

“Anyways, goodnight sweetie,’’ Daffi whispered quietly and I then felt her give my forehead a light kiss. “Sweet dreams.’’ she whispered quietly into my ear before giving my mane yet another stroke.

I smiled back and nuzzled deeper into the soft fur, which carried a soothing scent of daffodils and honey. Mmhhh, this is nice. I thought for myself as a happy smile spread across my lips. “Sweet dreams.’’ I mumbled back, though my voice was slightly muffled by Daffodil’s fur.

Heh, I wouldn’t mind sleeping like this in the future. I thought, focusing on the soothing sound of Daffodil’s heartbeat and enjoyed the sweet scent of her fur. I wouldn’t mind at all… I thought for myself and sighed happily as I inhaled the sweet scent of her fur. Wouldn’t mind—at all…