Worlds Betwixt

“YOU’RE TOO LATE!” Nightmare Moon laughed gleefully.

“How…” Twilight mumbled quietly.

“It’s too bad. I expected more of a fight.” Nightmare chuckled.

Dash struggled uselessly against the magical bonds that held her and her friends together.

“It’s useless Dash.” AJ sighed quietly.

“No we can st-” Dash was cut off as an unearthly howl echoed from the forest outside, sounding almost too close for comfort. Nightmare’s attention shifted to the howling, a small spark of curiosity lighting inside her. She remained calm, turning back to her prisoners and snickering quietly.

“What the hell was that?” Dash questioned as she glared at Nightmare.

“Oh Rainbow, that is nothing you should be worried about. I’m your problem right now…” Nightmare laughed, slowly approaching Dash with her usual menacing aura filling the room.

“I’m not scared of you.” Dash growled. There was a sudden very loud bang just beneath them. After a few moments it died off and there was a loud scratching. Dash’s confidence faltered for a moment. While Nightmare truly didn’t know the cause of the noise, she couldn’t be happier that it was effecting them.

“You will be.” Nightmare whispered, her magic surrounding Dash’s neck. Dash gulped and stared at Nightmare with a little fear in her eyes.

“Let her go!” Twilight said quickly. Twilight’s mouth was forced shut, a stab of pain hitting her as her teeth ground together. Twilight stared fearfully up at Nightmare.

“Oh Twilight… If you want me to stop, all you have to do is say… please.” Nightmare said sincerely, still holding her mouth shut as she leaned down closer to the purple unicorn. There was another loud bang followed by an even louder cracking as it seemed something incredibly large slammed into the heavy wooden doors just at the bottom of the tower.

“Please let us go!” Pinkie said loudly. Nightmare’s eyes shifted to an angry glare as she stared at Pinkie.

“I wasn’t talking to you.” Nightmare growled, flicking Pinkie into the wall and leaving her unconscious.

The sound of claws colliding with stone echoed from down the large staircase.

Twilight stared pleadingly back up at Nightmare again. Fluttershy started to shake a little more than she already was as she stared at her unconscious friend. Nightmare groaned and shifted her attention to the source of the noise.

“It was fun for the first five minutes.” She shouted.

The tower was filled with an almost dead silence for a few seconds before an even louder and particularly vicious growl echoed from the staircase. Almost immediately after something large started to charge up the stairs. A large jet black furred creature, with a broken chain dangling from its’ front left paw leaped out from the darkness and stared at Nightmare with a hungry gaze. “Oh you’re new.” Nightmare cooed, smiling at the creature. The creature remained silent as it slowly scanned the room. Its’ eyes fell on Pinkie’s unconscious form and it bared its’ long sharp teeth as it slowly approached her. “Mm… You’re quite hungry aren't you?” She hummed. Her magic turned everyone to look at Pinkie as the wolf creature approached the pink earth pony. The wolf sniffed Pinkie and stepped back from her almost seeming put off by the fact she wasn’t conscious. It turned towards the rest of them and bared its’ teeth again. Nightmare’s smile grew. “Oh right, no fun if they’re not squirming.” She said, snapping her fingers. Fluttershy was released from the shackles immediately.

Fluttershy immediately crawled back from the approaching creature. It growled at her and Fluttershy stopped moving altogether. The creature turned to Nightmare. “Oh how easy do you want it?” Nightmare sighed. The creature growled loudly before pushing off the ground and launching itself right at her. Nightmare teleported in a flash of blue light, reappearing on the opposite side of the room. The wolf growled and stared at Nightmare again. “Don’t you growl at me, you’re the one who intruded. The least you could do is act civil.” Nightmare hummed, approaching the creature slowly. Its’ eyes narrowed as it continued to stare at her.

The creature now noticed how big she was and it gave a small shake. It stepped back from her and appeared to slink up. Nightmare stopped and cocked her head curiously. The wolf began to stand up on its’ hind legs. As it rose it quickly matched Nightmare’s height, its’ eyes directly in line with hers. “So you know some tricks, how interesting.” Nightmare smiled, continuing her movement toward him. The creature prepared to lunge at her again.

As Nightmare seemed to be distracted Fluttershy crawled back over to her friends and tried to release them too. Nightmare’s magic sparked to life and the creature was muzzled. The creature charged at Nightmare and attempted to claw her. The rage was clear on its’ face as its’ lips curled back completely revealing its’ teeth again. Two shackles appeared around its’ hands and splayed his limbs out into the air. It struggled against the bindings violently, not even appearing to care that it couldn’t escape them. Nightmare approached it and put a hand up to its’ snout and caressed it. “Oh you poor thing, so angry… so full of hate. How I love it…” Nightmare laughed loudly. The wolf glared at her as its’ hungry gaze returned.

Twilight’s magic kicked to life as she attempted to free herself. Rarity’s magic also worked to free her.

The creature thrashed around as its’ struggling returned. “Unless you want to be spoon fed to this dog, I suggest you be SILENT!” Nightmare’s last word echoed loudly through the chamber as her head snapped to the group.

Everyone froze and stared at Nightmare. The wolf’s hateful glare returned in full as it began to snarl despite the muzzle. Its’ muscles bulged out violently as it thrashed around with even more violence. Her magic now straining slightly to contain it. Nightmare turned back to the wolf and several chains wrapped around it, attaching it to the wall. “Now now, no need to get snippy.” She stated. The wolf struggled even more and began to push against the wall. “Now if you promise to behave, I’ll remove the muzzle.” Nightmare said. The creature snarled again.

Twilight’s magic again sparked to life and she managed to break Applejack and Rainbow Dash free. “Oh you are truly trying to get on my bad side aren’t you.” Nightmare sighed, turning to the group once more.

Dash glanced to AJ and she nodded. Dash’s wings shot out and she got lower as she stared at Nightmare. “That’s better.” Nightmare smiled, oblivious to their undeserved freedom as she turned back to the wolf. “So, anyone have a good name for a pet?” She asked aloud.

The wolf snarled and thrashed around as it attempted to get at Nightmare. Her magic surrounded the wolf and started to crush it. “If you will not behave, you will be disciplined.” She growled in return.

The creature despite the pain it was in still struggled, though it started to weaken. Out of nowhere Dash slammed into Nightmare, completely catching her off guard. Nightmare’s magic dispersed from the wolf and she struggled under Rainbow’s weight. “Insolence!” Nightmare shouted angrily.

Dash was suddenly teleported away from Nightmare as the wolf attempted to leap onto her, its’ claws fully extended and prepared to kill anything it came in contact with. Nightmare’s eyes widened, and in a sudden burst of light she was gone from the room entirely.

The wolf looked around the room in search of its’ current target.

“No one get near it.” Twilight said quietly.

Dash and Applejack backed away, pulling Fluttershy with them.

Rarity teleported Pinkie away from it.

The wolf glanced between them as it appeared to be deciding which of them to take down first. It stared at Fluttershy and bared its’ teeth.

Twilight’s magic created a shield in front of the wolf, blocking him from approaching. The wolf growled and backed away from the bright light. Fluttershy pushed away from Dash and AJ and slowly approached the shield. “Fluttershy wait!” Twilight said fearfully, making the forcefield stronger.

The wolf stared at Fluttershy and approached the forcefield, its’ eyes narrowing as it tried to block out some of the light. Fluttershy kneeled down and stared at it through the shield. “He...hello there.” Fluttershy said to it.

The wolf growled and raised itself up again, it stared down at her and put its’ front paws on the forcefield before stumbling back as a painful shock shot through its’ body. Fluttershy turned back to Twilight quickly. “Turn it off please!” She begged.

“It’ll kill you!” Twilight said. Fluttershy just continued to stare pleadingly at her friend, her lip beginning to quiver. Twilight bit her lip and slowly let the forcefield die down. Fluttershy stood up and slowly started to walk towards the wolf. The wolf growled at her and revealed its’ teeth. Fluttershy paused for a moment before continuing.

“Fluttersh-” Dash cut herself off as the wolf actually started to back away from Fluttershy.

“Please don’t run away.” Fluttershy said softly, stopping and staring at it. The wolf stopped and stared at Fluttershy. “Is it okay if I come a little closer?” She asked quietly. It stared at her and snarled slightly but didn’t make a move to attack her. Fluttershy smiled a little and slowly started to walk towards it, stopping a couple feet in front of the beast. “Hello.” She said softly.

The wolf stared intently at her. Fluttershy held her hand out to it and waited patiently. The creature sniffed her hand and returned to staring at her. Fluttershy moved forward and placed her hand on the side of its’ muzzle. It curled its’ lip and growled quietly, though with a little less viciousness then what anyone had seen so far. “You’re not so mean are you?” Fluttershy smiled wider and wrapped her arms around it, hugging the wolf gently. The wolf just froze and its’ face blanked.

“Wow. I think she broke it.” Dash said before she started to laugh. Fluttershy looked up at it and scratched the top of its’ head. The wolf’s tail wagged slightly and its’ tongue slipped out from the corner of its’ mouth.

“You’re such a nice wolf. Good boy!” Fluttershy giggled, returning to hugging it tightly.

AJ slowly approached the wolf. “Is it okay if my friends say hi?” Fluttershy asked softly.

The wolf stared pleadingly at AJ. She laughed quietly and hugged it too. Dash crossed her arms. “I’m not hugging it.” She said bluntly.

“Why not?” AJ asked. “Are you scared of it still?” She chuckled.

“I’m not scared! I just don’t do hugs.” Dash said, staring intently at the wolf.

The wolf stared back at her with an even more pleading gaze.

Twilight approached the wolf with a little uncertainly before she hugged it too.

“I’m fine with not hugging it.” Rarity said. “It’s so dirty.”

Fluttershy looked at Rarity with almost the same guilty and sad look as the wolf. Rarity grumbled quietly. “Fine.” She sighed as she joined the hug.

Pinkie finally regained consciousness and her eyes widened as she saw the huge wolf. She smiled widely and nearly tackled everyone as she clung to it. The wolf closed its’ eyes and began to accept its’ fate. “I love him!” Fluttershy squeed, pressing her face into its’ chest.

“Yeah it’s cute. But shouldn’t we be worrying about Nightmare Moon?” Dash stated.

“Yeah we should.” Twilight nodded.

The wolf instantly looked out the window out the now silent castle. “What do we do?” Fluttershy asked, looking curiously back at Twilight but still clinging lovingly to the wolf.

“We ca-” Twilight got cut off as the wolf stuck a single clawed finger out.

“What’s it doin?” AJ questioned as she stared intently at the finger.

“I think it’s giving us directions.” Fluttershy suggested.

“But it’s a wolf… That can stand… What is it exactly?” AJ asked as she now stared curiously at the wolf.

“I don’t know, but I think it wants to help us.” Fluttershy said happily.

Twilight stared silently at the wolf for a few moments and it appeared as if she was thinking. “Girls.” She said. Everyone turned to Twilight and stared at her. “I know this is going to sound a little crazy… But I think its’ a werewolf.”

“Oh. What’s that?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“Its’ a transformed pony.” Twilight stated in a matter of fact tone as if she was about to start a lecture.

“Twilight, now is NOT the time for a four hour long lecture. We need to find Nightmare Moon!” Rarity scolded.

“She asked what a werewolf is.” Twilight said defensively.

The wolf simply growled and continued to point.

“Well he’s tryin to help either way lets go after Nightmare!” AJ said firmly.

“Then let’s go!” Rarity said as she headed towards the staircase. Everyone else stood up and ran to the door, but only Fluttershy stopped in the doorway. She turned back to the wolf and stared at him.

“Did you want to come with us?” She asked.

The wolf stared at the open window almost contemplatively for a few moments before it got down onto all fours and slowly followed them.

“I think he’s given up on trying to eat us.” Twilight chuckled. The wolf growled at her and she jumped. He seemed to straighten up and bounded out of the room. Twilight stared blankly at Fluttershy.

“I think you made him mad.” Fluttershy said.

“I just…” Twilight muttered. “I don’t even…” She sighed and walked down the staircase.

“Are you coming Fluttershy?” AJ called up the staircase.

“Coming!” Fluttershy called, quickly hurrying after her friends. The group walked towards the castle and they saw Nightmare standing in front of the elements.

The wolf growled and got down low. “Shh.” Fluttershy said quietly, placing her hand on top of the wolf’s head gently.

“We need to get the elements from her.” Twilight said. The wolf stared calmly at Twilight before stepping away from the group.

“What’s he d-” AJ was cut off as the wolf ran at Nightmare.

“What?” Nightmare mumbled, turning to the wolf. Utter shock washed across her face as her magic lit up, sending it flying. The wolf hit the ground with a loud cracking sound. It remained motionless on the ground.

“Mangy mutt!” Nightmare growled. Her eyes shifted to the entrance to the tower, seeing nobody there. Her attention snapped back to the wolf as she approached it. Fluttershy and the others peeked out again and looked at the elements. The girls bolted for the elements.

The wolf shook its’ head and started to struggle back onto its’ paws. It stared at her, pain clear on his face. “You are a bad dog, and you will be punished like one.” Nightmare stated, a glare sending fear into the wolf and causing him to whimper. He glanced to the girls and he took a shaky and painful step towards Nightmare, despite his fear he still challenged her. Nightmare’s horn glowed once more, as if she was about to cast a spell. She was interrupted by a bright light from behind her, twisting around and going wide eyed. The wolf took its’ only opportunity and charged at her. He was stopped as a bright rainbow slammed through her and right into him. He was thrown back into a wall and laid there motionless again.

“We won!” Twilight cheered as the girls all noticed Nightmare Moon was gone and was replaced by Celestia and an unknown alicorn.

The unknown alicorn looked up at the smiling Celestia and hugged her tightly and started to cry into her neck.

“Shh… Shh it’s alright… You’re fine and that’s what’s important.” Celestia said comfortingly.

The girls walked up to Celestia and the unknown alicorn, Fluttershy’s eyes shifted up to where the wolf was and she watched it stand slowly up and quietly and shakily move towards a fallen wall that lead out into the forest. It collapsed halfway and laid there motionless again. Fluttershy ran over to the wolf and kneeled down beside it. “Oh my goodness… are you okay?” She asked quickly.

The wolf laid there and quietly whimpered in pain. Everyone stared at the wolf and soon approached him too. Fluttershy put a hand on the wolf’s back and shushed him. “Shh… it’ll be okay.” She said soothingly.

“It looks like he might have broken something… and it sounded like it too…” Twilight said quietly. Everyone heard a soft sobbing, turning to see the unknown alicorn was crying.

“It’s alright Luna, you didn’t do this to him.” Celestia said comfortingly. “You had no control…”

“It’s all my fault… I… I shouldn’t have been freed.” Luna shook with more tears. The wolf shakily raised its’ head and licked her arm.

“No.” Celestia said calmly, “It’s one of the greatest things that happened to me. You’re back and I’m going to make sure that you never feel alone again.” She said as she hugged Luna. Luna pressed her face into Celestia’s neck and clung to her sister as if her life depended on it.

The sun’s light started to peek out from over the distant horizon.

The wolf shakily attempted to stand again, this time forcing itself through the pain. It took a few shaky steps and attempted to leave into the forest.

“Wait you can’t go out there you’ll die!” Twilight said quickly. The wolf continued its’ slow march towards the darkness outside. Fluttershy grabbed the wolf tightly and held him still. The wolf collapsed one final time and whimpered pitifully. This time it didn’t sound like pain… but a pleading whimper… almost like it was asking for forgiveness.

“Please, let us help you. Then you can go home.” Fluttershy pleaded quietly, putting a hand to the wolf’s cheek again.

It started to shake as sunlight washed over its’ body, a few small wisps of smoke ran up from its’ body as its’ hair began to recede. Its’ whimpers died off as it began to shrink to a more normal size.

“Oh my god... It is a…” Twilight mumbled to herself.

“Werepony!” Pinkie announced to the entire castle.

The final traces of the wolf vanished and left behind a naked black skinned earth pony stallion, tears running down his face as pain washed over every inch of his body.

Everyone’s eyes were now on the stallion as he laid there silently crying. Fluttershy didn’t move an inch, now hugging the stallion gently. “It’s going to be okay.” She said softly.

AJ slowly approached them and kneeled down beside the stallion too.

“G…” He started to mumble only to start to cough a little.

“We need to get him to the hospital.” Twilight said. He went limp as the pain overcame him and his body forced him to pass out to spare itself. “AJ you and Dash need to carry him.” Twilight said quietly. They nodded and started to lift the stallion up.

The slow and steady beeping of a heart monitor flooded the stallion’s ears as he slowly woke up. At first he felt absolutely nothing, his mind was a hurricane of different emotions, none of which he could grasp onto long enough to decipher.

“He’s awake!” Twilight said quickly. Everyone in the room stood up and approached the bed.

The stallion slowly blinked and tears welled up in his eyes. His head fell limply back and he stared silently at the ceiling as tears slid down his face. “Hey… I saw you crying enough back at the castle.” Fluttershy said tenderly, grabbing his hand and smiling lovingly.

He tried to suck back his tears but failed miserably. “W...wh…” He managed to stammer out.

“What’s your name?” Fluttershy asked.

It took him a while to calm down enough to finally be able to speak. “C… call m… me J…” He said shakily.

“It’s nice to meet you J.” Rarity said as she smiled down at him. “I’m Rarity.

“It’s great to know the name of the man we carried here.” AJ smiled. “I’m Applejack by the way.”

“I’m Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight said.

“I’m Rainbow Dash.” Dash waved.

“Hiya J, I’m Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie waved happily.

“I’m Fluttershy.” Fluttershy smiled widely, squeezing his hand a little more.

“It’s nice to meet you all.” J said with a small smile.

“I hope you know you’re a werepony!” Pinkie whispered loudly.

“Yeah… I know.” He chuckled quietly.

“How exactly did that uh… start?” Twilight asked.

“I was born with it.” J said.

“I thought you had to be bitten to become a werepony.” Dash commented.

J’s eyes widened slightly, “It didn’t bite any of you did it?” He asked quickly.

“Naaaaah…” Pinkie said dismissively.

“It was actually really cute and cuddly.” Fluttershy giggled.

J blinked slowly and a look of disbelief washed over his face. “I… wha?” He mumbled.

“It sort of just stopped trying to kill us after Fluttershy hugged it.” AJ said.

“It’s an ani…” J trailed off and his face slowly blanked. “It’s…” He tried to start again.

“It was pretty calm after Fluttershy tamed it. Or… you, it you…” Twilight babbled.

“We’re separate… and… I thought it hated me just like…” J muttered as he seemed to get lost in thought.

“It even helped us by pointing to where Nightmare Moon was.” AJ said.

“I can’t believe that… at least it couldn’t have been TRYING to help you.” J said. “Though… I guess these injuries prove me wrong…” He mumbled as he stared down at his chest. “I’m… happy it did help…” He sighed and started straightening up. He groaned quietly as he let go of Fluttershy’s hand and began to push himself off to the side of the bed.

“Hey wait!” Fluttershy said quickly, grabbing his arm.

“I don’t like hospitals. I’d rather be at home and in my own bed then in this… cardboard cutout.” J said.

“You can’t walk with two cracked and three bruised ribs and a dislocated ankle.” Dash stated.

“Mm… Didn’t think it was that bad…” He muttered before his eyes fell on the I.V connected to his arm that was feeding painkillers into his system. “And that’s why.” He sighed as he reluctantly fell back into the bed.

“You aren’t leaving this room until the doctor gives you the all clear to walk again.” AJ said.

“I’d still rather be at home… at least there I can rest comfortably.” J grumbled.

“Where do you live?” Twilight asked curiously.

“In town… Not too far from here actually.” J said. “Just got a new place with a little help from my old caretaker.” He chuckled.

“You have a caretaker?” Dash questioned.

“Had.” J corrected. “He taught me everything I know, I had a lot of time on my hands back in the orphanage…” He trailed off.

“You’re an orphan?” Dash asked. “I’m so sorr-”

“Don’t be. It’s not like I even know who my parents are… hell there was a time when I believed I never had any at all.” J said with a quiet laugh. “It’s funny how you can rationalize being left alone like that…”

“Well hey, you can stay with me if you want. Better than being alone right?” Twilight suggested.

“Oh… Um thanks.” J stammered quietly.

“What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t offer!” Twilight smiled.

J shrugged slightly before smiling back. “I don’t know…” He said.

“Twi?” AJ asked curiously.

“What? Is it wrong for me to ask that?” Twilight questioned.

“No.” AJ shook her head. “Just kinda curious as to why yah’d ask… seein as we just met him. Though can’t say I wouldn’t do the same thing.”

“Then why didn’t you?” Dash chuckled, raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms.

“Ah was gonna. It just now came up.” AJ said defensively.

“Mmhm. I’m sure you were.” Rarity said.

“Well why didn’t you offer? You are the element of ‘generosity’.” AJ said as she turned to Rarity.

“Oh please dearie, you could at least show yours by being honest. You weren’t going to.” Rarity huffed. AJ glared silently at Rarity.

“You all can fight… I’m just going to sleep a little more.” J sighed quietly as he laid his head down.

“Yah want me to be honest?” AJ questioned as she continued to glare at Rarity.

“Girls please… This isn’t the time to fight.” Twilight stated.

“I’m damn sure yer a hussie.” AJ stated, her gaze never leaving Rarity. “Yah can’t seem to stay with any stallion fer longer than a week before jumpin to the next one!”

“I may have had my fair share of dates, but at least I don’t drive them away like a stampede of cows! I think you know what I’m talking about Cowgirl!” Rarity laughed quietly.

“They can’t handle anythin that Ah’m used to.” AJ stated.

“In other words, you are used to being alone?” Rarity hummed.

“Ah…” AJ muttered as she glared silently at Rarity.

J had put a pillow over his head to block out the sound and he only pressed it down harder after what he had just heard.

“You two are funny.” Dash chuckled.

“Oh excuse me? You aren’t even in the same league as us Ms. Betterthaneveryoneelse, but some of us have lives. You know, lives that you have to take your head OUT of the clouds to see.” Rarity stated.

“Shut… Up.” J said as he threw the pillow over his head at the wall. “If you’re going to fight take it somewhere else… Or better yet STOP.”

“I win sex!” Pinkie giggled.

“Yes Pinkie… we know that.” Twilight sighed.

“Um… could we maybe…” Fluttershy started.

Dash glared at Rarity as she balled her fists up.

J muttered something quietly and tore the IV from his arm and began to stand up again. “You, sit down.” Twilight stated, her magic forcing J back into the bed.

“I’m not going to sit here and listen to anyone tear their friendship apart of STUPID FUCKING REASONS!” J nearly shouted as he tried to struggle, only succeeding in tiring himself out even more.

“Everyone SHUT UP!” Twilight screamed. Everyone in the room froze, their mouths clamping shut. “YOU ARE GOING TO BEHAVE!” Twilight growled, glaring at Rarity and Applejack.

AJ nodded slowly. Rarity simply looked down at the ground, taking a step back. Twilight’s glare immediately switched to Rainbow. She backed down too and looked over at the wall.

“Good.” Twilight said softly, smiling and sitting next to J. It wasn’t till then did she noticed how tight her magic was holding him.

J was shaking slightly and he refused to look up at anyone. Twilight’s magic immediately released, her own expression going blank as she looked at the floor. The entire room remained silent for another few seconds before J’s barely audible mumbling broke it wide open. “I… if this is what friendship is… th… then being alone was better…”

“Please just… We’re really trying.” Twilight said quickly.

“Yeah! Please don’t hate us.” Fluttershy said pleadingly, her eyes seeming to almost inflate as they grew glossy.

“I don’t hate any of you.” J said shakily. “I… I just…” He mumbled. Fluttershy continued to stare at him, her lip starting to quiver slightly. He shot up and hugged her. Everyone in the room besides J and Fluttershy felt a surge of guilt, looking at each other slowly.

Rarity turned to Applejack. “I’m… I’m sorry dear.” She apologised.

“Ah’m… sorry too… Ah shouldn’t have said what Ah did.” AJ said in the same tone.

“Maybe I got a little carried away.” Dash shrugged, looking back at the two.

“We all did.” AJ nodded.

“I’m sorry if I hurt you.” Twilight said quietly, looking back at J.

“It’s… fine…” J said as he closed his eyes. Fluttershy sniffled softly and hugged J gently. “I’m sorry I made it seem like I hated all of you… I don’t…”

“It’s fine, we were acting immature.” Twilight said with a small smile.

“Well all but two of us.” Dash said as she looked between Pinkie and Fluttershy. Pinkie stared at Rainbow for a solid minute.

“She means you and Fluttershy.” Rarity said.

“Ohhhhhhhh.” Pinkie nodded. Twilight and Applejack just started to laugh.

J chuckled a little and yawned quietly. “I’m… going to actually try to go to bed…” He said as he let go of Fluttershy and laid down.

“How about we leave yah alone for that?” AJ suggested. Fluttershy stared quietly at J, a smile on her face.

“Don’t worry. I promise I’ll be here when all of you come back.” J smiled back up at her.

“We’ll come back soon.” AJ said as she walked slowly from the room. Fluttershy nodded and stood up, her and Rarity exiting shortly after.

Dash walked up to the door, “Twilight you coming?” She asked.

J stared up at her with a small hopeful look. “No, I’ll catch up with you guys later.” Twilight waved them off, glancing back down at J.

“Alright, take your time slowpoke.” Dash chuckled, heading out.

“Thank you for staying… I mean I would have liked for them to stay too but…” J started to ramble.

“I get it.” Twilight reassured with a laugh.

“That’s great.” J sighed in relief. “I…” He trailed off and his cheeks reddened slightly.

“You don’t have to say anything, I understand.” Twilight said softly, grabbing his hand and squeezing it.

He laughed quietly. “Yeah… I guess you do…” He mumbled. He squeezed her hand back and slowly sat up. He stared quietly at her and his eyes watered slightly before he hugged her tightly against his body. “Thank you…” He said quietly.

“Oh… um… Friend hugs. Good!” Twilight choked slightly, not from tightness, but from a surge of embarrassment.

J let go of her and silently stared at her for a few moments. “Sorry if I… um overstepped any boundaries…”

Twilight stood silent for another moment. “You must be tired…” She started.

“Yeah… yeah I am…” He nodded slowly. “Um… I… I guess I’ll see you later with everyone else…”

Twilight took a seat next to J and leaned back into the chair. J stared silently at her for a moment and scooted over in the bed. “I’m… fine here.” Twilight reassured.

“Okay.” J nodded as he laid his head down, his eyes never leaving hers.

“I mean… Unless you want me to.” Twilight said.

“Only if you want to!” He said quickly, “I don’t want to force you to do anything.”

“It’s not forcing if I want to!” Twilight said in an attempt to calm him down.

“H… huh?” J mumbled as he stared wide-eyed at her.

“I… d… I’m…” Twilight stammered, her cheeks burning bright red. J glanced away nervously and remained silent.

“You know I’m really tired.” Twilight started, scratching her neck.

“Well um… that chair can’t be comfortable… and you know there’s… plenty of room here on the bed.” J said, slightly opening his arms.

“Sure…” Twilight nodded, slowly switching over to the bed. He slowly wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer.

“You… um looked cold…” He said quietly.

“You look hot.” Twilight said.

“Um… thanks… I think you are too.” J said quietly. His face blanked slowly as he realized what he had just said. “I mean um… yeah… I mean that.”

“No It’s actually really cool in here.” Twilight smiled.

“Oh… um… I…” J said before he squeezed her close and pressed his face into her neck. Twilight sat there in his arms and relaxed into him entirely. “Twilight.” He said softly, looking up at her. “I… I know this might sound… selfish of me… but…” He started.

“Yeah?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Please don’t leave me.” J begged quietly.

“I’m not… going anywhere.” Twilight said softly, hugging him tightly. He continued to stare up at her in silence. His breathing started to grow a little heavier as his face reddened. Twilight rested his head on her chest. “Just get some sleep okay?” She smiled.

“That’s going to be near impossible with you here.” He smiled back, gently squeezing her again as he nuzzled his face into her body. His eyes slowly started to close. “Twilight…” He started with a small yawn.

“What is it?” She asked.

“I l…” He trailed off and started to snore quietly.

“Good night.” Twilight shook her head, a quiet laugh escaping her mouth.