Since You Came Along

After finishing their walk home from Carousel Boutique, Cherish Heart and Kevin made their way inside her house. Kevin closed and locked the door, before hanging his jacket up beside hers. Cherish walked over to the coffee table and set down her bag.

He strolled over, gleeful from the smile that still clung to her face as she gave him another loving hug. “Thank you again for the shirt, Kevin.”

“Any time, Cherish.” He sighed, placing an arm around her. “Say, would you like to chill for a little, maybe cuddle on the couch, unless you’d prefer the bed?”

She shook her head. “No, the couch is fine, sweetie. Why don’t we do like before?”

Kevin nodded as he took a seat on the sofa, and like before removed his shoes, pushing them out of the way. He laid back on the throw pillows and looked up as he waited for her to join him. Cherish sat down and then fell back against him. “I’ve got you.” He smiled, draping an arm around her back. Kevin ran his hand along her soft fur, staring thoughtfully into her blue eyes. “That was a very nice outing,” he mused, moving to fluff her hair with his loving touch.

Cherish leaned into his hand, elated from his tender ministrations. “It really was. Ohh.” She shivered. “Brrr, I’m still a little cold though.” Cherish leaned close to him, laying partly beside him on the roomy piece of furniture.

Kevin placed both his arms around her and pulled her closer. “There, how’s this?”

“Mmm, better. You’re still nice and warm.” She ran her hoof along his chest, part of her wishing he wasn’t still wearing his shirt. She felt something warm and cottony drop onto her back. “Huh?” She looked back and then to Kevin.”

“Just covering us up with this afghan.” He smiled again, spreading out the warm crocheted cover. “There, this’ll make us nice and warm.”

She closed her eyes and nodded. “Yep.” Then Cherish let out a small yawn. “Oh my.”

Kevin resumed stroking her mane. “Even your yawns are adorable.”

“Oh, Kevin.” She giggled, then she leaned front, rubbing her nose to his.

He placed his hands around her neck and moved to give her a loving kiss. “Mmm.”

Cherish closed her eyes, resting her forelegs on his shoulders as she pressed her lips against his.

Their kiss ended and she gingerly nuzzled his cheek. “So sweet,” she spoke softly, then she yawned again, laying against him.

Kevin held her close and made sure the afghan was secure, then he figured there was no harm in resting his eyes for a moment, as they warmed up.

* * * * * *

Kevin’s eyes slowly opened as he glanced around. The living room light was still on and he sighed quietly, turning to see Cherish Heart gazing back at him. She reached out and brushed a stray lock of his hair out of his face. “Welcome back.”

He chuckled self-consciously. “I didn’t think I was going to fall asleep.”

She shook her head. “Neither did I. Oh, but it was just so inviting, laying with you under this colorful afghan.”

Kevin nodded, brushing his fingertips along her furry cheek. “Yeah, it was very comfortable. Oh, have you been awake for a while?”

“No,” she replied, shaking her head again. “I woke up, uh, about five minutes ago and was just watching you sleep.”

Kevin smiled, then looked over at the clock. “Oh, we were only out for a little over ninety minutes.”

“Yep. It’s only a little after ten.” Cherish ran her hoof along his chest again, her eyes shining with even more fondness than before.

He took a deep breath, then glanced around the surroundings, before gazing into her eyes, his fingers finding her mane again. Kevin’s smile grew as he placed his other arm around her and just appreciated having her so close.

Cherish, closed her eyes for a few seconds, relishing his touch, then she looked at him. “Something on your mind? You seem almost lost in thought.”

Kevin laughed, tugging on one of her brown locks. “I was just thinking about us. Remembering the time we met. You remember it well, don’t you, sweetheart?”

Cherish Heart smiled warmly, rubbing his chest again. “You know I do, my love.”

“In some ways, it seems like only yesterday.” Kevin mused.

She closed her eyes and nodded, then cast out a gentle sigh. “I know.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ponyville, a little over 3 ½ months ago…

It was a rather hot Wednesday afternoon in August. Kevin had ventured out to the Food Griffon, the name Filthy Rich gave to his growing chain of grocery stores that he had in several of the major towns and cities across Equestria. Ponyville’s was one of the first and was often a popular venue for shoppers.

Kevin just needed a few odds and ends and even though it was a very hot afternoon, he figured it just made sense to stop by on his way home from work. As he made his way through the fairly quiet store, he had caught the sounds of a colt conversing with his mom. The two seemed to be getting along quite well, although, every so often, for good or for bad, the human would hear the mother call out, “Button!” He could only conclude that was her son’s name. Aside from bugging her for a treat here or a piece of candy there, Kevin found their conversing quite enjoyable. He even had the chance to pass them, but he didn’t really look at them much and they didn’t really notice him.

After getting the last of his provisions, Kevin made his way to the register. Keeping in mind it was a very hot day, he figured a nice cold drink was in order. As he stopped to check the contents of the cooler near the cashier, he caught the last of Button and his mother conversing as they left the store.

“Mom, can I play “Invasion of the Ursa” before we head home?” The colt asked, then he added, “Please?”

“All right, Button. You may, but not too long. Phew. It’s hot outside, and I’d like to get home before the ice cream melts. And mommy is feeling a little tired.”

“Okay, thanks mom.”

Kevin chuckled. The mom seemed really thoughtful, while Button was just eager to play his game.

Returning to the drink cooler, Kevin decided a nice cold lemonade would really hit the spot. He placed it with the rest of his items as he walked over to the cashier. “Hello.”

“Good afternoon, sir.” A young mare greeted him as she began ringing up his items.

“It’s a hot one today.” Kevin said; placing a hand on his bit pouch, getting ready to pay once his order was rung up.

The cashier rang in a few more items then looked up at him with her sparkly green eyes. “I heard it was going to be toasty outside.” She sighed, then smiled. “Makes me glad it’s cool in here and that I won’t be leaving till the sun starts losing its punch.”

Kevin chuckled again. “Yeah, it’s not going to be fun when I step back outside.”

The mare smiled at him as she finished bagging his order, which only consumed a single bag. “Here, I trust you wanted this left out?” She slid his lemonade over to him.

“Yes, thank you.” He took care of paying for his items, and then Kevin grabbed his bag and left the cashier.

Stepping outside, he felt a wall of heat roll over his face. He let out a tired breath in response to the strong warmth that made his body break out into an instant sweat. “Oh man,” he muttered to himself, gripping his bag securely. As he left the shop, he passed Button and his mom. The colt was still playing away on his game, oddly, unaffected from the heat. Kevin looked to his mother, who looked like she’d have rather been anywhere than waiting on her son to play a video game. She glanced Kevin’s way for a moment, then turned back to her son.

Kevin made for a tall shady oak tree that was at the end of the Food Griffon’s sidewalk. He stopped under the tree’s cool leafy shadow and popped the top on his beverage. “Ahh,” Kevin sighed inviting a few sips of the chilly lemonade into his mouth. He swallowed it and enjoyed the cooling sensation that seeped out along his warm innards.

He wasn’t standing too far from the store’s entrance, where Button and his mom were. “Button, sweetie, are you done yet? You have plenty of games at home?” Kevin continued glancing over their way and couldn’t help but feel annoyed for her as Button continued to play.

The colt turned to his mom and said, “But I don’t have this game. And please, mom, just give me two more bits. All I need is one more continue, then I can save the villagers.”

She sighed, but as Kevin came to learn in a short time, his mother did just as he expected and kindly gave him the last two bits he needed. “Here you are. Then we’re heading home.”

“Thanks, mom.” He placed the coins into the arcade game and resumed clicking on the keys and tugging on the small joystick. “Yay!! I did it! I stopped the Ursa Minor! Now the citizens are safe!” He cheered, throwing his forelegs up in the air triumphantly.

His mother smiled. “Good, can we please go now?”

Button nodded. “Yep. Thanks again, mom.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie. Now lets get these things home.” She placed a hoof across her forehead. “It’s really warm today, and…”

“You okay, mom?” Button asked, finally paying her attention.

She nodded. “Yes, I’m okay. Mommy is just a little tired. That’s all. Probably just the heat.”

The mare had on a pair of saddled bags, each one held a handled grocery bag and she picked up and carried a third in her mouth.

Kevin took another sip of his lemonade as they started heading in his direction. He contemplated heading out himself, but just as he finished putting the cap back on his drink, he heard what he could only conclude was the sound of a falling grocery bag, which was followed by a soft thud.

Kevin turned their way and saw that Button’s mom had partially fallen, dropping the bag she had clasped in her mouth. Concern gripped the human as he walked over to them. “Are you all right?”

The earth pony brushed a hoof along her forehead, which seemed to be perspiring. “Ooh, I think so. What happened?”

“Mom, you fell!” Button spoke in a frightened voice.

“Did I pass out?” She wondered.

“I’m not sure,” Kevin replied. “I was just putting the lid on my drink when I heard something drop and a light thud.”

She remained there for a moment. Kevin stooped down. “You look a bit flushed. And here, let me help you with that.” He carefully put the items back into the bag. “Here, come over to the shade. Get out of the direct heat.”

Button’s mom stood up and made her way over to the tree, followed by her son. Kevin held up his drink, unscrewing the cap. “This is still cold. Could you use a drink? Uh.” He turned the lip of the bottle. “I didn’t drink off this side.”

“Thank you, that’s very kind. I am thirsty,” she replied, taking a decent sip from his lemonade.

Kevin reached into his pocket and fished out a few bits. He turned to the brown colt. “Hey, you’re name’s Button, right?”

He nodded. “Yeah.”

“I’m Kevin. Button, could you do me a favor, please? Take this.” He handed him the money. “Go back into the store and get your mom a bottle of cold water from one of the registers.”

“Okay.” Button turned to his mom. “Hang in there, mom. I’ll be right back.” The colt turned to Kevin. “You’ll stay with her, right?”

Kevin nodded. “I won’t move a muscle.”

“Okay.” Button took off for the store making haste.

Kevin turned to his mom. “Did you want some more?”

She nodded, taking another sip. “You sure we’re not any trouble.”

Kevin smiled and shook his head. “Nah. I just got off work, so I have plenty of time. Besides, I’m a little worried about you right now.”

“But, you don’t even know me,” she replied, wiping the back of her foreleg across her face.

The human shrugged his shoulders. “Yes, well, call it the atmosphere of Ponyville. By the way, I’m Kevin.”

“Ch-Cherish Heart,” she said a little weakly.

“Mom!” Called Button as he came running from the store. “Here’s your water.”

“Thank you, sweetie.” She took the water and after popping the top, she started downing it. In a matter of seconds she had drank half the bottle. “Ahh, that’s better.” Cherish Heart spoke.

“Good. Is your place far from here?” Kevin asked, looking around at the nearby houses.

Cherish shook her head. “No, it’s only a few blocks away.” She pointed.

“Okay. We should get you home and here.” Kevin took the two bags from her saddlebags. “I’ll carry these for you. Button, can you get the other one?”

“Uh-huh.” He gripped the bag in his mouth and managed a smile.

“Lead on,” Kevin urged to her, making sure not to forget his own bag.

Cherish Heart stood up, a little wobbly at first, then she started walking. “Okay, this way.”

“Easy now.” Kevin called after her still voicing concern.

* * * * * *

Cherish Heart led them back to her house. Once inside, she took a seat on the couch, while Kevin took her groceries into the kitchen. Button followed him and gave him the other bag. Kevin set them all on the green dining room table. “Okay. I heard you mention ice cream while I was at the register, do you have any other cold items?”

She thought for a moment then called back, “Yes. There’s the milk, butter and some cheese.”

“All right, got it.” Kevin got to work putting away all of her perishable goods, then went back to the living room to check on her. Cherish Heart still seemed out of sorts. “I can’t help but still feel a little concerned about you.”

She managed a smile. “That’s nice of you, but I’ll be all right.”

“Yeah,” Kevin said reluctantly. “But, I’d feel a lot better if you went to Ponyville Urgent Care for a check-up. Just to make sure it’s nothing serious.”

Her face softened and her blue eyes glistened, mirroring his concern. “You really are worried about me. But, why?”

Kevin shook his head. “I don’t like it when anyone is suffering, and call me crazy, but it just feels like it’d be irresponsible if I left you now.” He wasn’t really sure if that was it or if there was something more, all he knew is he just couldn’t shake the idea of what would happen if he left her. Then, he added, “If I can do something to help, I’d like to.”

She smiled and nodded. “All right. I suppose a check up wouldn’t hurt.”

* * * * * *

Following another short walk in the heat, the three of them arrived at Ponyville Urgent Care. Kevin made sure Cherish Heart took a seat, then he went ahead and checked her in and took a clipboard with some forms back with him. He asked her a few questions as he filled out the forms on her behalf. She seemed better, but still wasn’t back to one hundred percent.

Button on the other hand wasted no time and found the children’s play area. There, he pushed around a little toy train and kept making trains sounds. As Kevin filled out the forms, he glanced over periodically at Button, smiling to himself. After he finished the paperwork, they waited until her name was called.

“Cherish Heart,” announced Nurse Tender Heart.

She rose to her hooves. Kevin looked up at her. “Did you want me to come back with you? I can wait out here if you pre…”

Cherish Heart shook her head. “No, I don’t mind if you come back. Oh, please get Button.”

Kevin nodded as he went to get her son. Then, the two of them joined her as the nurse led her back to one of the rooms.

Time went slowly after the nurse took Cherish Heart’s vitals. Then, after sharing some light conversation, mostly about Ponyville and the weather, the doctor finally came in. He looked her over and ordered some tests, just to make sure everything was okay.

A good hour passed before Nurse Tender Heart stepped back into the room. The blue earth pony smiled. “Okay, your test results are back.”

“What did you discover?” she asked eager to hear the results.

“You are a very lucky mare. It looks like you just had a mild case of heat exhaustion. It’s a good thing this fellow got you some fluids right away. You only seem to be suffering from dehydration, so it would still be good to keep drinking plenty of water. Your blood sugar was a little low as well. Have you eaten much today?” The nurse inquired.

Cherish Heart shook her head. “No, not really. I didn’t eat much of a breakfast and didn’t really have a lot at lunch either. I wasn’t very hungry.”

“I see. Well, you should also eat something. And be sure to stay out of the heat.” The nurse explained.

“Sure, I will. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now just go see the receptionist out front and they’ll get you checked out.” Nurse Tender Heart passed her a sheet with her information and one that also had some heat safety tips.

Cherish Heart nodded as she stood up and left the room, followed by Kevin and Button.

After checking out of the clinic, the three of them gathered under the shade of a nearby tree. She lowered her head a little, then turned to Kevin. “Thank you, for all of your help.”

He waved a dismissing hand. “Hey, don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re going to be all right.”

She smiled, then she replied, “I know it’s not much, but could I treat you to dinner?”

Kevin looked over at Button; he was playing with a paper condor he made from one of the blank forms he got at the clinic. He then turned his eyes back to Cherish Heart. “I’d like to, but you should probably head home. I’m sure you’re husband will be worried when he finds out where you’ve been and what happened to you.”

“Oh,” Cherish replied. Her ears drooped as she turned her head away and then looked back. “But I don’t have a husband anymore.”

“Huh?” Kevin looked at her curiously.

She nodded sadly. “Yes, I’m a widow. Button’s father passed away a few years ago.”

Kevin’s heart sank as he lowered his head. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s all right.” The best reply Cherish Heart could think of, and she decided it best not to linger on the subject. “Now, I was thinking of going to Hay Burger. It’s one of Button’s favorites. Would that be all right with you?” She asked. “If you’d still like to join us for dinner.”

He nodded and smiled. “Sure, but if you like I know a place that makes a great pizza.”

“Awww,” Button whined. “I want to go to Hay Burger. Their Foal Fun Meals are currently featuring “Final Lunacy IV” figures. I’m hoping I can get a Luna Nexus figure.”

Kevin chuckled happily and saw the look on Button’s face. “All right. Hay Burger will be fine then.”

“Yay!” Button Cheered and then he started chanting, “Luna Nexus, Luna Nexus, Luna Nexus!”

Cherish Heart smiled as they set off for dinner. “So, what kind of burger do you like, Cherish?”

She giggled as she turned and said, “The Hay Burger Deluxe with cheese.”

“Mmm, I haven’t had one of those for a while. Do you like them with potato fries?” She turned and nodded as they drew nearer to their destination.

Kevin took a deep breath. “Mmm, we must be getting close, the air smells like fries.”

Cherish just closed her eyes and smiled as Hay Burger came into sight. The three of them made their way to the front door and stepped inside out of the heat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ponyville, present day…

Cherish rested her head on Kevin’s shoulder. “I remember that day so well. You were so worried about me, even though you barely knew me.”

Kevin smiled, resting his cheek against her mane. “Yes well, there was and still is something amazing about you, Cherish. At the time I just hated the idea of something bad happening to you. Regardless of how well I knew you.”

She sighed, pawing his chest again. “Who would have guessed we’d end up hitting it off from there.”

He chuckled, playing with another of her silky locks. “Well, it helped that we enjoyed the same kind of Hay Burger foods. And we found we had other things in common as well.”

She nodded, slowly running her hoof across his shirt. “I know. We’re both chocoholics, love peanut butter. And I didn’t think I’d find someone that shared my love of sunsets.”

“Yes well, they can have some very vibrant colors. A canvas in the sky,” he mused.

“That’s a really profound way of putting it.” She brushed his stubble again. “Hmm. You’re going to need to shave soon.”

Kevin ran his hand over his chin. “Yeah.” He laughed. “I guess I am.”

“So, what would you like to do now?” Cherish laid her head on his chest and sighed.

He shook his head. “It doesn’t really matter.” His fingers traipsed through her mane. “I’m just really enjoying our time alone together.”

“Me too,” she replied, rubbing her cheek against his chest. Then she closed her eyes. “Say, I have an idea. But we’ll have to go upstairs.”

“All right.” Kevin smiled as they both sat up and made their way to the steps.

* * * * * *

It may have been retro, but Cherish Heart dug out Button’s father’s old video game machine. And while it featured a very simple version of “Pong”, she and Kevin found a fun game they could play around it.

The two sat on her bedroom floor as they played. The little gray square bounced back across the two rectangular paddles, passing over the simple gray line of a net, amid the ebony field. “I’m leading. You’re not going to get the better of me this time!” Kevin remarked.

“Oh?” Cherish grinned meeting every one of his returns as her hoof clicked on her paddle slider.

He shifted his slider. “Yep. I’m in the lead. And… Yes!” The dark gray ball sailed out of reach of Cherish’s paddle, bringing up the “Game Over” screen. “That’s another win for me!” Kevin grinned. “That makes it…”

Cherish turned to their little score paper as she added another hash under his name. She counted the tallies, and smiled. “Okay, that makes the score 14 to 12.”

He nodded with a grin. “Good. I’m leading by two now.” Kevin smiled proudly. “I believe you owe me some kisses.” He snickered running his hand on her shoulder.

She closed her eyes and blushed a little. “You’re right. I do.” Cherish slid over to Kevin and placed her hooves on his shoulders. Then, leaning in, she started kissing him.

Kevin counted to himself as she kissed him again and again. He figured she’d stop at seven, per the rules they added to spice up their game. However, she made it to seven and kept kissing him. Kevin blinked as the count had reached 13, then she gave him a rather lengthy kiss before she stopped.

“Wow. I thought we agreed to one kiss for every two wins.” Kevin looked at her, intrigue in his eyes.

Cherish giggled. “Yes, well. I thought I’d change things up a little. A kiss a point makes more sense, don’t you think?”

He stared at her half-eyed, placing his hand back on her shoulder. “It does. And you know. That means I owe you six kisses.” Kevin chuckled, moving to embrace her.

“Yes, you do.” She smiled, giving him a dreamy stare.

Kevin proceeded to kiss her five times, each kiss a little longer than the last, until he reached the sixth. Then, he left his lips linger, letting them wrestle just a little harder to her own. Cherish moaned softly, she could taste his passion as their kiss deepened. She dug her hooves into his shoulders, conveying her approval as she happily kept their lips and their tongues bonded for a while longer.

Their mouths parted, while a delicate string of saliva tried to keep them together, before it finally broke. The dreamy look remained on Cherish’s face, only now, Kevin gave her one of his own as they remained in each other’s embrace.

“There.” Kevin chuckled. “I hope that makes up for all the kisses I didn’t give you before.”

She ran her hoof along his cheek. “Oh yes, in spades.” Cherish looked over at the game machine. “Well, we should finish our game?”

He stared at her swaying his head back and forth. “What game?”

She laughed at him. “That one, silly.”

Kevin followed her gaze. “Oh, yeah. I guess we should see if we can wrap things up.” He chuckled again.

“Of course.” They made their way over to the machine. “Well?”

Kevin looked at her. Their last kiss left him feeling less like playing “Pong” and more like playing her. He sighed, then looked at her. “Do we really have to?”

She nodded, laughing under her breath. “Yes, but come on, it’ll be fun. I promise.” Cherish winked at him.

He sucked in his upper lip and made a sloppy smile. “All right.”

They faced the game machine and Kevin clicked it on. “Okay. Game on!” Their paddles moved as the ball started its random path across the screen. At first the two hit the ball back and forth, neither one missing a mark. Then, Cherish slid her paddle controller up and a sly smile blossomed on her face. The ball went out of bounds and ended their last game.

“There, that’s game point. You win.”

Kevin blinked at her. “But you just threw the match!”

She nodded. “I know, but would you rather this go on forever?” Cherish leaned her head his way, her eyes partially closing. “Or would you like our evening to move on?”

He chuckled, seeing as she made a good point. “You’re right. Our match should have ended at 11 points.”

“See?” Cherish remarked, switching the game machine off. “I’ll go put this back in Button’s room.”

Kevin nodded as he stood up. “All right. I trust we’re going to get ready for bed?” He grinned suggestively.

Cherish giggled at his silly expression. “Yes. So, why don’t you go downstairs and turn off the lights. I’ll brush my teeth and oh, when you get back up here. I’ll have a little surprise for you.”

Kevin’s face lit up. “Really? What are you planning?”

“Well, go downstairs and then you can find out.” She smiled as she picked up the machine.

“All right. Oh, and I’ll check the doors, make sure the front and back ones are locked.”

She nodded as she left the bedroom, carrying the video game machine in her mouth. Kevin followed behind her and made his way downstairs. He checked the door locks and then turned off any of the lights that were still on.

He trucked back upstairs, now that things had been secured. Kevin scratched his underarm as he caught the sound of Cherish spitting into the bathroom sink. “The house is secured.” He called out.

“Good. Come on in.” She called to him.

Kevin walked over and stepped into the bathroom. “All right, what’s my sup…whoa!” He gasped.

Cherish moved away from the sink and turned to face him, lightly fluffing her mane. “Well, what do you think?”

“Is that one of my…” Kevin could hardly believe his eyes. Cherish Heart appeared to be wearing one of his white T-shirts. It fit her surprisingly well, and stopped just shy of her cutie mark. “Shirts. Wow, it looks so good on you.”

She giggled, sauntering over to him. “It is one of your shirts. From all the times that you’ve spent the night, you left some of your clothing here. I didn’t mind washing it, but I wondered what you might think of me wearing this.”

Kevin nodded, still eyeing her up. “Oh yeah.” He snickered. “It doesn’t quite cover your cutie mark.”

Cherish waved a hoof, blushing a little. “Yes well, it’s not a robe or a gown. Oh, and check here on the counter. I have a little something for you.”

He examined the area around the sink. “Huh? More of my clothing?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “Clean jeans for tomorrow with a sweat shirt, oh and a pair of socks, and then, for tonight, a clean T-shirt for you and some underwear. So I’ll leave you to change and brush your teeth, sweetie.”

Kevin chuckled as he started removing his long sleeves. “Okay. Oh, should I toss these?”

Cherish nodded again. “Yep, into the hamper will be fine. I’ll be waiting.” She spoke in a singsong voice.

Kevin took care of changing, although, with what they were planning to do next, he had to wonder if there really was a need for undergarments. He shrugged his shoulders as he finished changing. Then, Kevin brushed his teeth and finished up.

He strolled into the bedroom, clad in his fresh whites, bearing his mare a loving smile. “Okay, all set.”

She walked up to him very slowly, leaving each fore and hind leg lightly stretch out with each step as she drew closer to him, lightly batting her eyes.

Kevin shivered, the sight of her doing that in his T-shirt, made him tingle all over. “Mmm, you look so beautiful in that shirt.” He reached out and ran his hand along the shorter side of her mane.

Cherish blushed, turning her head away. Then, she looked at him, a seductive smile adding to her rosy cheeks. “I’m glad you like it.”

“I do and is that…” He sniffed a few times and then took in a long deep breath through his nose. “Ahh, your perfume. You just sprayed some, didn’t you?” Kevin asked gleefully.

She nodded, giggling softly. “Yep, Floral Delight, I know you love it.” It was no secret that Kevin loved the perfume she wore, which was a wonderful blend of lavender and peach blossom.

He took another whiff of her. “Mmm, yes, I do. It’s part of your scent.” Kevin turned his hand and brushed her heavenly locks.

“Oh, do you still think your shirt is too short on me?” She asked flexing her hips.

He glanced back at her, Cherish’s cutie mark pretty well exposed – not even a quarter of it met the tail of the shirt. “Well, maybe we should look into getting you some white panties or something. That would add to the fun.”

Cherish ran her hoof along his chest, wrinkling the fabric of his own shirt. “It might, but wouldn’t they just get in the way and need taken off?”

Kevin laughed, continuing to fondle her hair. “I can think of some fun things they might add. But, you’re probably right. At least this way I have easy access to you.” He reached out and pulled her close.

Cherish welcomed his sudden advance as she filled with intrigue. Then, she smiled at him and ran a hoof through his muddy brown hair. “Are you going to keep me in suspense, my love?”

He smiled seductively, running the back of his hand along her cheek. “No, I was just savoring the moment. Oh, but there is one thing, well two things I’d like to take care of first.” Kevin let go of her and stepped toward her flank, a brief grin on his face. He lifted her tail, holding it in his hands. Cherish shivered as she looked back at him, her eyes full of wonder. Kevin deftly slid the hair tie off her tail, then left if fall gracefully along her rump and hind legs.

Cherish nearly whimpered, wishing he had done more, but she suspected he was going somewhere with this. Kevin returned to her face, a loving smile on his lips. Anticipation brewed in her eyes as he clasped the restrained portion of her mane. Kevin teased the red tie off, unbinding her tresses and letting her silky hair flutter down, splashing against her supple neck.

She inhaled softly. Her desire continued to grow, and now that her hair was free of its restraints, so was she. Cherish stood on her hind legs and snagged his shoulders. She looked him in the eye, partially closing hers. “Are you teasing me on purpose?”

Kevin looked right back at her and shook his head. “No my love.” He placed his hands around her neck and pulled her into a loving kiss. Cherish left her eyes fall shut as she pressed her lips back against his, stoking the fires of her passions even more. She moaned softly, sliding her hoof up his shirt, there she caressed his lightly matted hair. Kevin felt her touch resonate from his chest all the way down to his loins, filling him with even more desire for her. His grip tightened on her, before he left a hand slid up her shirt, allowing him to savor her incredibly soft fur. Kevin pulled Cherish closer, almost hoping that somehow their hungering sexes would brush and add to their pleasure.

The kiss continued a while longer as they started moving closer to the bed. They bumped against the overhanging blanket on her side. Kevin removed his hand and let it join his other in embracing her. Cherish mimicked his action and happily fell onto the mattress with him.

Their lips parted, allowing them each a chance to catch their breath. Kevin ran his hand along her cheek, then let it roam down the entire side of her body, halting at her cutie mark. Cherish closed her eyes and sighed, then she stared at him, and unending longing in her eyes. “Kevin.” She brushed his cheek.

“Cherish.” Kevin swept her mane. The lovers locked into another kiss and gradually sat up. He stretched out his legs and left them parted, while she straddled her hind legs and let them rest above his. She went to breach his shirt again, only this time, Kevin stopped her forelegs, just long enough to remove his shirt and let gravity drag it to rest on the floor. He sighed, breathing through his nose as she resumed swirling her hooves on his chest. Kevin felt his excitement manifest as his manhood awoke, pushing against its cottony prison.

Kevin left his hands move down Cherish’s shoulders, until they found her flanks. He rubbed her cutie marks for a short time as he felt her touch tease nearer to his hungering loins. He smiled as he let his fingers tiptoe down to the waiting folds of her hungry marehood. His digits brushed against her slit and there was more than a suggestion of moisture dripping out. Kevin glanced down at her curvy crescent, while his fingers patrolled its fleshy surface. “Oh, Kevin, that feels so good.” Cherish moaned pleasantly from his soothing touch.

Cherish glanced down at him, feeling his touch begin to escalate around her. She didn’t want things to become too one-sided, so she moved her hooves down to the elastic of his underwear. There she pulled on the stretchy fabric and allowed his masculinity to stand free. Kevin halted his actions, while her eyes soaked in a lengthy stare at his firm spire. She grazed her hoof along the sensitive skin, filling him with anticipatory chills. Then, she smiled at him as she left her hoof bump into the base of his tower.

“Mmm, Cherish. More.” He sighed.

She smiled lovingly as she ran her hoof up the smooth underside of his length, leaving her hoof linger at his summit, where she lightly massaged him, before she resumed caressing him in long tender strokes. Kevin twitched a little and moaned quietly. Cherish giggled playfully. “Oh, you like that. Good.” She continued returning the favor just as she let out a shivering gasp. “Ohh.”

Kevin rubbed against her protruding button, before he gave it a firm but delicate squeeze. Cherish braced herself against him, and made sure to continue moving her other hoof. She felt even more pleasure as he inserted two of his fingers into her, and reveled as her desire coated them with her arousal.

Cherish let her head roll around as his loving digits continued to massage her from within. She squeaked out a short moan as Kevin gave her button another short pinch. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth a moment, before she plowed her lips into his, eager to share another passionate kiss. Cherish pulled him close with her free foreleg as she kept the other tending to his manhood. Her marehood throbbed all over in time with her beating heart as Kevin’s loving assault continued. A fiery warmth spread out across her back as things continued to escalate.

Kevin caressed her mane with his free hand as they kept touching each other, while sharing a series of short and long kisses. His manhood tingled and burned as she kept tenderly running her hoof along him. Kevin nearly felt ready to burst. But a few loving moans allowed him to keep himself in check as he moved to embrace his mare. Cherish saw the look in his eyes and nodded as she placed both hooves on his shoulders. She moved closer to him and this time, as they both moaned and sighed, she brushed her wet mount along his solid staff. Cherish smiled, her eyes gleaming with affection as she started gently rubbing herself against him.

He held her tighter, longing to merge with her even more. Kevin shared another deep kiss with her, before gazing deep into her eyes again. Cherish nodded as her movements slowed. She stopped as his fingers grazed the sides of her flower. He gave her button another squeeze, making Cherish shiver blissfully as he parted her petals. She gripped Kevin’s shoulders tightly as she moaned into his ear. He slid inside her with just the right force and she locked her walls around him, closing her eyes as she felt their bond grow even stronger. Cherish pulled him close as she hugged him from both inside and out. “Mmm, Kevin,” she sighed.

“Ooh, Cherish.” He brushed her mane then coaxed her onto her back. Her head sank into her pillow as he started moving on her, thrusting in and out, forming a heavenly rhythm. She reached up and locked her hooves onto his shoulders, leaning up to kiss him.

Cherish moaned as their loving union continued. She gave him all the pleasure she could muster and rolled her shoulders in response to the heightening levels of ecstasy he brought her.

Minutes passed and from within the heat of her burning love and desire, she moved to sit up, urging Kevin to return to their previous position. He saw the look on her face and happily followed her lead. Now, sitting on his lap, Cherish nuzzled his cheek as she enjoyed that they were still connected. She began bucking her hips, alternating her tender squeezes with his loving thrusts as they continue burning with more than mere desire. She knew it was his loving embrace that allowed her to know each time they made love that it was more than just a simple physical emotion. Cherish pulled him closer as they both neared the gates of heaven. Her breath began to shorten and her moans became more frequent. Kevin sighed heavily again and again as he felt on the verge of melting.

Cherish added more speed to her motions and then finally, she knew their love was culminating. She gripped him tightly as she let out a long and very pleasant moan. She whimpered and squealed a little as she moaned a few more times. Kevin rocked his hips in time with hers as he felt his body tense up. He gripped her tightly, just as he lost all restraint. Kevin broke inside her, and moaned with unending delight, as she spurted not once but three times against him. Cherish let out another loving moan and gave him a firm squeeze. Kevin jerked and cast another five solid blasts of his unending love into her.

Kevin held Cherish tight, pulling her back as they fell onto the bed, his head crashing into the soft pillows. The lovers laid there for several minutes, breathing heavily as their bodies came down from their emotional high. Kevin looked up at Cherish, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand. “Cherish,” he huffed gazing up at her fondly.

“Yes? What is it, Kevin?” She ran her hoof through his short brown locks.

“R-riddle me this?” He asked still catching his breath. Kevin glanced over at the alarm clock. “It’s almost midnight. Which means, we just r-rocked each other’s world about six hours ago.”

She turned to check the time and nodded. “Yeah, so?”

He took another lengthy breath, fondling her mane. “Then, why did I want you just as much now…if not more than I did after dinner?” Kevin let his head sink back as he closed his eyes.

“Well, as you said before we made love in the recliner. It had been four days since we had a chance to do this.” She blushed and shook her head. “It was a crazy week.”

He nodded, then resumed running his fingers through her silky hair. Cherish leaned against his hand, then really smiled as he brought his cheek to nuzzle against hers. “Oh, Cherish. My sweet mare.” Kevin sighed staring up into her eyes.

Love continued to sparkle in her eyes and on her face as she patted his shoulder. “Kevin. My loving human.”

Kevin clasped her hoof in his hand. “Did you ever think it would feel normal to be with someone that wasn’t the same species as you?”

Cherish rubbed her cheek along his closed hand. “In the beginning it seemed differed, at first. But as we grew closer and our love formed.” She shook her head. “No, it didn’t. I look into your eyes.” Cherish whimpered a little. “I don’t see an alien or someone so different. No, I see a lover…my lover.”

He wrapped his arms around her, kneading his fingers into her fur. “That’s how it was for me. Especially with you.”

“Kevin. Close your eyes,” she spoke softly.

Kevin nodded, closing his eyes and sighing deeply. “Okay.”

She moved his hand close to her chest. “Do you feel that? My heart beating?”

He felt a steady series of gentle pushes against his hand. “I do.” He nodded.

Cherish moved a little, letting her head come to rest on his chest. “I’m glad. Hmm, I can feel your heart beating.”

“Cherish.”

She looked up; there was a slight faltering in his speech. “Kevin?”

Cherish appeared blurry as his eyes filled with tears. “Awww,” Cherish saw a lone tear trail down from his glassy eyes. “You’re crying.” It warmed her heart as she felt her own eyes tear up.

“Maybe it’s the emotional high. But, I just know I’m glad I found you.” Kevin pulled her closer.

“Oh, Kevin. I’m glad you found me too.” She placed her hooves around him and could feel a warm tear escape her eyes and run down her face. “It’s times like these that I wish you never had to leave or go back to your house.”

She nuzzled him again, while Kevin pulled her close, smiling up at her and burning her image into his mind as he kept stroking her mane. “Well, this may be a crazy thought. But, have you ever thought about us living together? Maybe I could move it, if that’s not too wild of an idea for you?”

Cherish Heart blinked for a moment, then laid her head back onto his chest, brushing her hoof along his side. “Hmm, live together…yes. Why don’t we? Then you can stay here every single night.”

Kevin rested his head against hers. “I know I’d really enjoy it.” He chuckled self-consciously. “I’ve gotten spoiled having you by my side most nights. It’s really lonely when I sleep at my place and you aren’t with me.”

She nuzzled him again. “I know how you feel. Those nights can be very long as well.”

“Well, they don’t have to be anymore. Oh, here’s another thought.” Kevin remarked.

“What’s that?”

“Why don’t we do a trial move-in. I’ll just get some essential things from my place and we’ll give it say a month and see how it goes. What do you think?” Kevin ran his hand along the back of her mane.

Cherish bobbed her head a little giving everything he said some though, then she smiled. “Okay, that sounds like a great idea. But I have a feeling things will be fine.”

Kevin nodded. “Yeah. You really bring out the best in me.”

Her smile grew, but suddenly dropped off. “Awww.”

“What is it, honey?” Kevin kept his arms around her.

She looked back toward her cutie mark and then looked at him. “I wanted to give you another loving squeeze or two, you know. But, it’s not.” Cherish looked at him a little sadly.

“Oh,” Kevin laughed. “Yes well.” He touched her cheek. “You satisfied me, just as you always have. And when I have a very satisfying climax, he tends to lose his punch.”

Her cheeks turned red. “You wanted to make me blush again, didn’t you?” Cherish giggled.

“Well, you look so cute when you do, and what I said is true.” Kevin kissed her, lightly nipping at her lip as he pulled back. “I hope I’m satisfactory for you.”

She kissed him back, then rubbed her nose to his. “More than satisfactory. You’re always so attentive.”

Kevin laughed leaning his head back. “I try to be.”

Cherish shook her head and smiled. “I love you, Kevin.”

He smiled back, tending to her mane again. “I love you, Cherish.”

Cherish shivered. “Ooh, I was still very warm a minute ago. I must have cooled off.”

“Why don’t we get under the covers.”

“Okay.” Cherish moved off of him and they both left the bed, long enough to turn down the covers.

Then, Kevin and Cherish laid back down, while he pulled the sheets and blankets over them. The two cuddled close under the covers. “How’s that, warmer?”

She nodded as she reached to turn off the nightstand light. “Much, thank you, sweetie.”

“Cherish.” Kevin yawned, pulling her close again.

“Kevin.” Cherish giggled playfully, and placed her hooves against him, laying her head very near his. She yawned and adjusted against him.

The two of them shared one last kiss, then remained close as the excitement of the day finally left them to rest. Sleep soon feel upon them and the room grew silent, aside from the sound of their collective breathing and the occasional hum of the furnace.