Love, I Think?

Ace yawned as he started to wake up, as his eyes opened up he saw Maud was still awake and staring at the ceiling. “Um… Morning?”

“Morning.” She replied in the usual bland tone.

“Did you… sleep well?” He asked uncertainly. “Or… at all?”

“I was having a good sleep, then you said ‘morning’.” She added.

“You sleep with your eyes open?” He asked slowly. “Oookay…”

“Some people say it’s creepy. Is it?” She asked, turning to him.

“It’s just a little unnerving… but nothing too bad.” He said. Maud continued to stare at him. “I… um need to take a shower.” He said as he got up from the bed.

“Could you take Boulder with you?” Maud asked. “He gets really dirty, I bathe him daily.”

“Well… I’d venture to think you’d bathe him when you take a shower…” He started.

“Oh, alright.” Maud said, returning her gaze to the ceiling.

“Maud…” Ace said.

“Yes?” Maud raised an eyebrow.

“Maybe… after I’m off we should go out for dinner?” He suggested.

“Sure.” Maud nodded.

“Great! I can’t wait.” Ace smiled as he walked out of the bedroom and into the bathroom. He sighed as he removed his clothing. “Finally…”

“Yeah, it does feel nice to get out of these.” Maud’s voice made his entire body tense up. When he looked, he saw she was taking her shirt off, paying almost no attention to his presence.

“Um… what… exactly are you… doing?” He asked as he quickly looked away from her, his otherwise black face becoming tinged with red.

“I don’t want to get my clothes wet.” Maud answered, clicking her bra off and folding her shirt on the sink.

“Yeah I get that but… I’m going to be taking a shower…” He explained.

“And?” She eyed him curiously.

“I…” He slowly tapered off as he realized there was no winning this. “Just… nevermind…” He sighed as he got into the shower and turned it on. He put his head into his hands and leaned against the wall, “This is just great…” He mumbled quietly. It wasn’t until she stepped in behind him that his heart truly started to pound.

“Pinkie loved taking showers with me, and still does whenever possible.” Maud said, the small smile catching his eye from her usually emotionless demeanor.

“Oh… Um… That’s great.” He said quietly as he smiled awkwardly. “But um…”

“Did you want me to get your back?” She offered.

“S… sure.” He nodded slowly. She grabbed a rag from the side of the tub and started to run it up his back gently. He sighed and relaxed slightly as he started to work on the front of his own body. “Wow… that feels nice…” He complimented.

“Thanks, I work with my hands a lot. I know a lot of techniques.”

“That’s… um good to know.” Ace started, he shot a small glance back and his heart nearly stopped at the sight behind him, though something else was spurred to action by it.

“What’s wrong? Did you want me to go harder?” She asked.

“Nothing’s wrong…” He mumbled quietly. “And this is… fine…” He glanced down for only a moment to confirm what he already knew to be true, he was now raging at full mast.

“Hm.” Maud glanced down at his shaft, staring at it momentarily before increasing the strength in her movements, now massaging his back thoroughly.

“Oh… that feels really good…” Ace said with a pleased sigh. “I really needed something like this…”

“I do have a little sister, I’m used to playing around with her.” Maud joked.

“Well… That’s great to know.” He said, laughing a tiny bit. He looked back at her for a moment with a smile on his face.

“Now, turn around and let me get your front.”

“No… it’s fine I… I can do that.”

“You’re not the one with the rag, now turn around.” Maud re-stated.

Ace chewed on his lip for a few moments before he reluctantly turned around. “Can’t… argue with that…” He grumbled. His still erect mottled black shaft now hung right in plain view of Maud. She seemed absolutely unphased as she started washing his chest. “Thanks…” He said as he looked over at the wall.

“You seem nervous.” Maud pointed out.

“A mare I find really attractive is in the shower with me… yeah. I’m a little nervous.” He nodded. Maud paused her motions, staring silently at him for a moment before continuing. “And I… um…” He started in a low mumble. “Haven’t… been… with anyone for a while…”

“Well, you want to be with me… right?” Maud asked quietly. The shift in tone genuinely surprised him. She sounded slightly anxious, but it was barely noticeable.

“Of course I do.” He said, looking her right in the eyes and gently taking both her hands. Maud’s eyes locked with his momentarily.

“Alright.” She said in her normal voice once more.

Ace smiled and let go of her hands. Maud put her hand on his chest gently. “This is really nice.” He said. With a particularly rough (and surprising to him) push, his back hit the wall, leaving him wide eyed, wondering what happened. Before he could question anything, a rough kiss was forced to his lips. He remained stiff for a single moment before accepting the kiss, his arms tightly wrapping around her and squeezing her against his body. He was again forced against the opposite wall, feeling her tongue make its’ way into his mouth and forcefully taste his interior. He groaned loudly and his eyes slammed shut. She pulled back and but down on his lip, tugging on it and letting it snap back to his gums. He groaned again and looked at her, “Being rough with me…” He started with a small chuckle.

“Shut up.” Maud stated, making a knot form in his stomach. His eyes widened and he stared silently at her. She paused, leaving the two in absolute silence (say, for the shower). “You, stay right here. Don’t move, got it?” She questioned, grabbing his balls with a rock crushing grip. He nodded slowly as he bit down on his lip. Maud stepped out of the shower, snatching a towel and drying herself off. Ace gulped as he watched her. She re-dressed and was about to walk out, stopping in her tracks. Maud walked back over to the shower and slugged him in the jaw, then pulled him into another rough kiss. He groaned and his eyes closed again. She pushed him away and stormed out the bathroom door, slamming it shut behind her so hard that a crack appeared in the wall.

“What… have I… gotten myself… into…” He mumbled quietly, still unable to move.

The door to the cake shop flew open and Maud walked in. Several customers spotted her and smiled, a couple kids rushing over and giddily hopping onto her feet. “Hi Maud!” One of the little fillies giggled.

“Hey, show us how strong you are!” The other colt asked. Maud rolled her eyes and held out an arm. All the kids climbed up onto her arm and were lifted up effortlessly, causing them all to laugh and cheer.

“Well hello Maud!” Mr. Cake smiled, giving her a wave. Maud returned the wave, all the kids hanging on tight and laughing loudly like they were riding a roller coaster.

“Is my sister here?” Maud asked. Mr.Cake nodded and motioned to the stairs. Maud walked past them and to the stairs, tilting her arm downward and watching the kids slide off like a railing.

“Bye!” The kids giggled before scurrying off to their parents. She sighed and walked up the stairs, knocking on Pinkie’s door.

The door was instantly thrown open and a pink mass slammed into Maud, “Yaaaaaaaay! You’re here!” Pinkie giggled loudly as she clung tightly to her sister. Maud walked into Pinkie’s room, dragging her sister with her and onto the bed. “Sooooooo how’d your night go?” Pinkie tilted her head curiously as she smiled up at Maud. “Did you two do anything?”

“We showered.” Maud answered.

“Is that everything you two did?”

“He said words, and I started feeling weird.” Maud added.

“What did he say?” Pinkie asked curiously. Maud leaned close and whispered to Pinkie. A smile beamed on Pinkie’s face.

“Are they some kind of trigger words? I don’t know if I like it.” Maud asked.

“Silly, they aren’t trigger words.” Pinkie giggled.

“Do you think I’m getting sick? I’ve never had those feelings before.” Maud asked.

“Nope, you aren’t sick.” Pinkie shook her head, “You love him silly!”

Maud stared silently at her sister, not seeming to understand.

“Love is when you have butterflies in your stomach trying to burst out into the sunshine whenever you look at someone!” Pinkie hopped happily. Maud narrowed her eyes, starting at her sister. “It’s that feeling when you tell your tongue to make words but it just won’t.”

“That happened earlier, except when I tried to make words, it ended up in his mouth.” Maud nodded slowly.

“How’d yah get it back then? Didn’t he swallow it?” Pinkie asked quizzically.

“I don’t think so.” Maud rolled her eyes. Pinkie tapped her chin as she thought.

“I think we should go see Twilight, maybe she can explain it to you.” Pinkie cheered in a eureka moment.

“Sure.” Maud shrugged.

“You want me to tell you about… love?” Twilight’s puzzled expression seemed to speak for itself.

“Yes.” Maud said, staring intently at Twilight. “I want you to tell me about this ‘love’.”

“Oo! Oo! Tell her about the butterflies!” Pinkie waved her hand in the air rapidly.

“Butterflies…?” Twilight cocked her head.

“Yeah, you know… When you see someone pretty and your stomach goes weeeeeee!” Pinkie spun in circles and giggled. Twilight couldn’t help but laugh at the sight.

“Pinkie, you don’t think there are ACTUAL butterflies in your stomach, do you?” Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“Phht… Of course there are.” Pinkie waved Twilight off.

“Pinkie, there aren’t real butterflies inside you.” Twilight said in a more stern and factual tone.

“Sure, and I guess you’re going to tell me Santa isn’t real either.” Pinkie rolled her eyes. The pink pony leaned in to Maud and whispered, “I know Santa isn’t real, just don’t tell Twilight… or the Tooth Fairy.”

“I won’t.” Maud said.

“The digestive system is closely linked to a person’s thoughts and emotions. Stomach butterflies are associated with the body’s fight-or-flight response. When the brain perceives a potential threat to survival, it increases alertness by raising heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. At the same time, the nervous system stimulates the adrenal glands, which release hormones including adrenaline and cortisol that can turn the body into a tense, sweaty mess. Muscle tension (especially in the stomach) helps keep us alert; perspiration helps cool the body down. The smooth stomach muscles are also extra-sensitive during the fight-or-flight response, and the added sensitivity may be partly to blame for that fluttery sensation.” Twilight completed her lesson, turning to the other two. Pinkie seemed asleep, drool sliding down her cheek and onto the floor. Maud, however, seemed intrigued.

“Hm. That’s very interesting. So it’s just a temporary feeling?” Maud questioned.

“Well, that’s just the fluttery feeling. I haven’t even gotten to the ‘love’ part!” Twilight smiled, turning to her chalkboard.

Maud slowly blinked as she stared at Twilight. “Then go on.” She stated. “I wanted to know about ‘love’ and not just the fluttery feeling.”

Twilight nodded and continued. “The word "love" can have a variety of related but distinct meanings in different contexts. Many other languages use multiple words to express some of the different concepts that in English are denoted as "love"; one example is the plurality of the Greek word of love, which includes agape and eros.”

Pinkie snorted with laughter, covering her mouth. “What?” Twilight questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“I bet you’re ‘agape’ whenever you hang out with Big Mac.” Pinkie giggled loudly.

“Well, we’ve never really gotten to any sexual acts, but I suppose I do love him. He is a friend after all.” Twilight shrugged, obviously not seeing the joke.

The corner of Maud’s mouth turned up for the slightest of moments before she spoke, “Can we just keep going.” She stated.

“Alright, I assume you want to know about love with another pony, so let’s move onto Interpersonal Love.” Twilight said, turning back to the chalkboard. “Interpersonal love refers to love between human beings. It is a much more potent sentiment than a simple liking for another. Unrequited love refers to those feelings of love that are not reciprocated. Interpersonal love is most closely associated with interpersonal relationships. Such love might exist between family members, friends, and couples. There are also a number of psychological disorders related to love, such as erotomania.”

“Erotomania? That must be it!” Maud said.

“Now hold on…” Twilight started, holding her hands up.

Maud stared at Twilight before she rushed out the door. “Yah… nn…” Twilight groaned, rubbing her temples slowly. “Well, at least you’re…” She started, glancing up to see Pinkie was gone as well. “Gone too.” Twilight sighed.

Maud quickly made her way to the bathroom once more, seeing Ace was still in the shower. “I found out what’s wrong with me!” Maud stated almost happily.

“Wh… what… a… are you… talking about…” Ace shivered as the icy cold water of the long forgotten ‘warm’ shower had disappeared.

“I have Erotomania.” Maud stated.

“And… wh… what is that?” He asked.

“I don’t know, but I have it.” Maud said, walking up and turning off the shower. “Get dressed.”

“S… sounds… great…” Ace mumbled as he walked out of the shower and grabbed a towel. He quickly dried himself off and ran into his room. He quickly put on his uniform and glanced towards the clock. “Can still make it in time.” He said as he rushed out his bedroom door and to the front door.

“I’ll be here when you get back.” Maud called.

“Alright!” He said back as he ran out the door.

Ace entered the currently deserted station.

“Hey Ace.” One of the other guards waved, “Capt wanted me to tell you you’re jockeying today.”

“What.” Ace said blandly. “Why the hell am I being put on desk duty?”

“I dunno. Someone has to.” The guard shrugged.

Ace groaned as he walked into the back of the station and into the offices. He sat down at an empty desk and leaned back into the chair. He looked at the small pile of paper work he had to start with.

“Best get to it.” He muttered as he started looking over the papers. After only a moment he dropped it back down onto the pile and looked around the room. “Hey, do we by chance have a dictionary?”

“Yeah I got one!” A mare said.

Ace stood up and was nearly hit in the face by the flying book. “What the hell!?!” He questioned angrily.

“Shoulda said catch sorry!” The mare apologized.

“Mmhm… That’d be helpful next time.” Ace chuckled. He sat back down and started flipping through the dictionary. “Ah, Erotomania, excessive sexual desire, a psychological disorder marked by the delusional belief that one is the object of another person's love or sexual desire.” He paused for a good moment after reading those two definitions. “What.” He mumbled.

“What’s wrong?” One of the other guards asked.

“Well… this mare I’m starting to date thinks she has erotomania.” Ace said.

“And that is…” The stallion continued as he walked over to Ace’s desk.

“This.” Ace said handing him the dictionary and pointing to the definition.

“That’s a dozie.” The guard said bluntly, looking at Ace with a serious look.

“You’re telling me.” Ace muttered.

“So who is it?” The mare behind Ace questioned.

“Damn it Violet!” The stallion groaned.

“Not gonna say.” Ace said with a sigh.

“Come on Acey, you know you want to.” Violet teased.

“I’m sure he would have before you brought it up.” The stallion muttered.

“Oh be quiet Ratchet.” Violet waved him off.

“I wasn’t going to tell you two anyway.” Ace muttered as he begrudgingly got to work on the pile of papers on his desk.

“You’re going to tell use eventually, you aren’t keeping something this big from us.” Violet said.

“Mmhm.” Ace nodded.

“So, we still on for tonight?” Rachet asked.

“Nope, something more important came up.” Ace said.

“Really? What could b-” Rachet was cut off.

“A lot of things.” Violet chuckled.

“Hmph… Fine. I guess we’re gonna do it next week then.” Rachet muttered as he walked away.

“Hope you two enjoy yourselves tonight.” Violet said.

Ace just remained silent and lost in thought. After a few moments he shook his head, “Thanks, I’m sure we will…” He said, his attention once again returning to the pile of papers.

Several hours later:

Ace sighed contently as he stepped out of the station into the crisp evening air. At first he started to walk back towards his house but his thoughts then returned to the thing that had been nagging at him since he read the dictionary. He turned and quickly walked towards the library. When he made it to the front door of the building he pushed it open and walked inside. Ace walked through the shelves of books searching for one that’d sate his curiosity. After another few minutes he found a book on psychology and started flipping through it. He stopped himself on the page describing erotomania and read it quietly to himself, “Erotomania is a type of delusion in which the affected person believes that another person, usually a stranger, high-status or famous person, is in love with them. The illness often occurs during psychosis, especially in patients with schizophrenia, delusional disorder or bipolar mania.” He stopped after reading the second sentence and a few things started to click. “Oh… my…” He mumbled. “That makes sense…” He nodded slowly.

Ace shut the book and put it back up on the shelf before walking out of the library and back home. He pushed open the door to his house and walked back to the bedroom to change out of his uniform. As he entered the room he noticed Maud was laying on the bed staring up at the ceiling. “Hm… Okay then… Guess she won’t be sleeping much tonight then.” He shrugged, turning around and starting to strip the uniform from his body.

“Why is that?” Maud’s voice snapped his eyes open. He turned and saw her eyes were locked on him. “You can keep stripping, I don’t mind.”

“Yeesh… I thought you were asleep.” Ace said, still slightly startled. After another moment he undid the belt on his pants and pushed them down to the ground, though he kept his underwear on. “So… how was your day?” He asked as he started to dress into some more comfortable clothes.

“Boulder and I took a bath, then ate a sandwich.” She said.

“Sounds interesting.” He said uncertainly, “So… um you two do a lot together then don’t you?”

“Yeah, we’re best friends.” Maud added.

“Okay…” Ace nodded slowly as he glanced over at her. “So um… do you still want to go get dinner with me tonight?”

“Sure.” Maud answered, sitting up and staring at him, seeming to size him up as she did so.

“Great!” He said. After a moment he raised an eyebrow. “What… exactly are you doing?”

“Come here.”

“Okay?” He said as he walked over to her and stared down at her. She grabbed his hand and yanked him into her lap. “Um…” He started uncertainly, now staring directly into her eyes.

“These feelings I’ve been having have been getting worse, and have decided…” She started.

He held his breath as he waited for her to continue. His eyes now wide with a bright fire burning behind them. “Y… yeah?” He said shakily.

“It’s all your fault.” She stated.

“What.” He said blankly.

“I hate you.” Maud stated louder, gripping him tighter.

“Nn… Damn… it…” Ace muttered. He let out a muffled yelp as she forced his lips to hers in a rough kiss. His eyes widened again and he stiffened up in complete surprise. She spun him around and shoved him into the bed and onto his back. He stared up at her with a mix of emotions on his face, “What… the hell…” He mumbled uncertainly.

“Stop looking at me like that, I hate it when you do that!” Maud shouted. Ace immediately shut his eyes tightly, starting to shake slightly.

“A-alright!” He said quickly.

“Keep doing it… please?” Maud asked in a more quiet tone.

Now even more confusion filled him as he slowly opened his eyes and looked back up at her. “S… sure… whatever… you want…”

“I don’t know why I’m acting like this, no one has ever made me feel like this.” Maud apologised.

“It’s… it’s fine…” Ace assured her, still shaking a little bit. Maud glanced down at the straddled position she had atop him, her gaze switching back to his eyes.

“So, dinner?”