A Friend Lost to the Past

A Bond Strengthened with Time

"Oh Celestia, I wasn't serious!" Cloud Chaser laughed and patted Zecora on the back which caused the young zebra to flinch slightly.

"Zecora, this is Cloud Chaser. We've worked together for the past... five years I think?" Flitter looked at Cloud Chaser who simply nodded to confirm it.

"Wait your not sisters? But you look so alike." Zecora's face went pink when the pair laughed to each other.

"Everypony always thinks that when they meet us. But no, we're just just good friends."

"Really good friends." Cloud Chaser winked playfully at Flitter to bring out some color from her cheeks. Zecora simply tried to ignore the gesture and nodded with understanding while making her way inside when Cloud Chaser stepped aside.

"So what can I do for you two? I don't know much about foals and this kinds of things."

"We just felt like talking, Zecora's a little nervous and I thought you'd like to be her friend!"

"Well sure! Take a seat wherever you like I'm sure we'll have a swell time!"

Some Time Later...

"... and that's how Cloud Chaser got that scar on her flank!" Zecora and Flitter giggled as Cloud Chaser covered the mentioned mark on her upper thigh.

"Alright laugh it up, but just wait till I tell you-" Cloud Chaser stopped when the doorbell rang.

"Oh I'll get it!" Flitted hurried out with a blush while Cloud Chaser remained seated next to Zecora with an amused smirk.

"What's she so embarrassed about?"

"Oh nothing, maybe I'll tell you another time." Cloud Chaser chuckled as Flitter returned, her face brighter and the blush gone.

"Krooked's here Zecora."

"Oh alright, I'll be right down!" Zecora stood up quickly and went downstairs with a subtle skip in her step.

Krooked took a seat on the couch when Zecora pounced on him for a hug. She giggled as she kissed him on the cheek.

"What was that for Zecora?" Krooked asked with a chuckle.

Zecora leaned in close to his ear so nopony could hear her.

"You were right Krooked! Flitter and Cloud Chaser have been so nice to me all day!" She whispered with a large smile. Krooked simply hugged her back.

"I told you they'd make good friends! But where are-" Krooked was interrupted by giggling coming from the kitchen.

"Aww look at them Cloud! Aren't they just adorable?" The two mares stuck their heads out from behind the door frame and giggled like little school fillies.

"We might have to head back upstairs lest things start to get steamy!" Their giggles turned into full blown laughter when they noticed Zecora's face turn scarlet, Krooked simply smirked and pulled her closer to him.

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea. What do you think Zecora?" He got a reply in the form of a sudden push as Zecora jumped off of him.

"N-no! Just please come in." Zecora tried to fight the blush that continued to grow on her cheeks.

"So what brings you by Krooked?" Flitted asked while taking a seat in a chair beside Cloud Chaser.

"I was Just stopping by to see how Zecora is doing with making friends."

"Did you have any doubts about us becoming friends? Zecora has been wonderful to get to know! She always has interesting stories to tell!" Zecora smiled and sat down next to Krooked once again.

"She's right Krooked, they've both been wonderful! I never knew making friends was so much fun!"

"Well there's plenty of ponies in Ponyville to make more friends with!" Krooked wrapped his foreleg around her neck and pulled her close.

"But before we look for more I was hoping you would come home with me. I have something for you!" Zecora gave him a curious look.

"Go on Zecora! Flitter and I'll see you soon so go hang with your little coltfriend!" Cloud Chaser poked her with a grin.

"Well alright, let's go Krooked!" The couple stood up simultaneously and made their way out the door. They both waved while make their way back to the forest...

Zecora's Home...

"So what was it you wanted to show me?" Zecora tried to look over Krooked's shoulder when he opened a box that must have arrived with his things. He leaned in closer to block her view.

"It's something I found while on tour. I was browsing through a market in St. Equinas when this I notice this little old lady that sat behind the counter of one of the smaller stalls. She had a lot of random things for sale but when I laid eyes on this I just had to get it for you!" At that Krooked turned around and held out a necklace.

It had a simple design, small wooden beads hung on a thin leather string with a large wooden pendant. The pendant had a symbol etched into the front that resembled Zecora's Cutie Mark but had the form of a moon instead of a sun.

Zecora's eyes sparkled as she took the necklace into her hooves. The polished trinket glistened in the light as Krooked proceeded to put it on her.

"This is beautiful Krooked! It means so much that you thought of me enough to get this!" She gave him a hug once it was around her neck.

"I always thought about you... and I still do. Every time I went into a city I searched for something that I could give you as a gift. There were so many beautiful pieces that I knew would look wonderful on you but this necklace just reminded me so much of you that I just had to get it!"

He smiled and gave Zecora a peck on the cheek. She returned it with a deeper kiss instead.

"It makes me happy to hear that... I don't suppose you have anything going on in town do you?" Zecora smirked and began leading Krooked through the house to the bedroom.

"Not that I know of. But I've never seen such a naughty look on your face." He chuckled and fell onto the bed with Zecora as she returned to her timid nature.

Their lips connected as Krooked pulled the covers over them both while enjoying a loving embrace...

A/N: No mature stuff this time around! I'm trying to move away from basing this story on sex and more on developing a cleaner story. I might have one more romance scene but if you're wanting something like that you'll have to tell me! I love suggestions!