Under Construction

After not being able to sleep and having to get up at 5:15 for work, I came downstairs at 3:00 in the morning and just started writing. After a groggy day in work, I came home and read it over and... kinda liked it. just tossing it up and seeing if it sticks. Let me know what you all think, bronys and pegasisters. enjoy!

***************************************************************************************************************************

Prologue: Easy to Love

I adjusted the guitar case on my back and checked my watch again. 9:38, a.m. She probably wouldn’t make it, even with the long break between her classes. That’s a shame; I would have liked to give her one more kiss before I left. The bus would be coming any minute, if they wanted to keep the 9:45 departure time. I sighed, looking down at the large suitcase containing 3 extra shirts and pairs of jeans, 3 pairs of socks and underwear, an extra pair of sneakers and some random jewelry I liked. I looked over the small messenger bag, covered with band patches and holding my laptop and other electronic gear and plugs. I removed the guitar case from my back and opened it up, examining the candy-red Kramer Pariah electric. They’d have amps and hook-ups at the venue, for sure. To think, I almost gave up ever playing it again. Just another aspect of my life I can credit to her.

Looking around the bus depot, I could see some of the other people waiting were getting nervous, checking their watches and phones, going up to the ticket window to complain. I, however, was in no hurry. I took this short time to tune my instrument a bit, listening carefully for variations in the tones as I gently plucked the strings. I was so into the task at hand, I didn’t even notice almost all of my fellow passengers had already filed out to the bus that just pulled into the terminal. The slamming of the large glass door broke me from my self-induced trance, causing me to quickly close the guitar case and grab my bags. By the time I made it outside, the luggage compartment beneath the vehicle was almost full to capacity. I was lucky just to find a spot for my suitcase and guitar. I’d hang on to my messenger bag in my seat, though. I had to keep myself occupied somehow on the ride.

“BOSTON, MASS TO WASHINGTON, D.C.! NOW BOARDING AT BAY 4! PASSENGERS, HAVE YOUR TICKETS READY!” The gruff woman over the loudspeaker finally announced, fashionably late. Thanks a lot, lady. I found myself last in the line of passengers, all of them just anxious to board so they could sleep the rest of the morning away in transit. Just as the line dyed down to me and two others, I heard the distinctive whoosh of air and clopping of hooves on the sidewalk behind me, followed by a slight breeze. I smiled, not even turning around to meet the cause of the noise and wind, purposely trying to act as if I were upset.

“You’re late.” I said, trying to sound cold.

“I know... I’m sorry, Jer.” she said in response, genuinely sounding sad. It was cute, and I could imagine the adorable, yet distinctively upset look on her face. Still, I tried to continue my act.

“Oh, that’s alright. I just see how much you’re going to miss me when I’m gone, that’s all.” Cold. So damn cold!

“I’m sorry, Jer-bear. Maybe I can make it up to you the night you come back...” I suddenly felt soft feathers gently sweeping down my arm, sending a rush right into my heart. Damn it, she always knows just what to do to drive me crazy. And at just the right times, too. I took a breath and turned, looking straight into her beautiful, forest-green eyes. I tried my hardest to keep a stern, annoyed look on my face, but her soft smile and bouncy mane dissolved that away. My scowl was replaced by a goofy grin in a matter of seconds, and I found myself with arms wrapped around her as she stood on her hind legs, the two of us in a tight embrace.

“I’m gonna miss you, Jer-bear, you know that?” she said, a hint of sadness in her voice. “Be sure to call me when you get there, and don’t drink too much with the guys, alright?” I patted her on the back, noticing the familiar fragrance of rain water in her mane. If anybody ever figured out how to bottle that scent as a perfume, they’d make a fortune.

“I won’t baby, I promise. Are you absolutely sure you can’t come with me? I could leave tomorrow if you have to make any arrangements...” I offered, once again. She released her hold, once again dropping to all fours. She fluttered her wings, drawing them back to her body as she sighed.

“No... I’d love to, you know I would, but finals are just around the corner. I really need to put all my spare time into studying. I’m sorry... I know I’m no fun.” she pouted, looking down. I put my hand under her chin, raising her view to meet mine as I leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss.

“I understand, babe. Seriously, I want you to be ready for your exams. And you’re plenty fun.” I gave her a naughty grin as I whispered in her ear. “Like when we play ‘Ponyride’ together...” She gave me a playful swat with her hoof, a blush spreading across her face.

“SHHH! Keep that quiet! We’re in public!” I laughed at her embarrassment, leaning down and pulling her into a hug once again.

“I’m gonna miss you for the next two days, love.” I said, enjoying the feeling of my special somepony leaning into me. “I’ll call as often as I can. Just concentrate on studying, and I’ll see you soon, ok?” She sighed once again, nodding into my shoulder. “I love you, Autumn.”

“Alright, Jer-bear. I love you, too.” she said before parting. The words resonating in my heart, even after hearing them so many times before. Giving me one last smile, she spread her wings and, with a single powerful thrust, launched herself into the air, quickly heading in the direction of our apartment.

“Coming, lover-boy?” the bus driver asked with a grin. I couldn’t help my face getting a little flushed as I handed him my ticket and entered the vehicle. The bus was only about half-full, the passengers scattered all over the cabin, seemingly sitting wherever they felt like instead of minding their assigned seats. I found this to be the case with my seat too, an elderly couple sitting where I was heading. I passed by them without giving them a second glance and moved to the back of the bus, choosing to relax across the wide seats for the entire trip.

I sat down and placed my bag next to me against the wall under the window. Taking out my phone, I opened up the browser and called up my favorite fiction website, ready to go into seclusion for the rest of the trip. However, my attention was slowly drawn up by a feeling of eyes upon me. Looking to my right, I noticed a man in what I assumed to be his mid-thirties, staring at me. I ignored him for the moment, guessing he’d turn away after seeing I’d notice him. However, he continued staring, a blank look on his face as he gave me the once-over. ‘Oh, that’s just great.’ I thought. ‘Here we go. Time for some ‘brony’ bashing.’ Sure enough, he shifted in his seat, turning towards me like ha had something to say.

“So... that’s your girlfriend back there, huh?” I motherfuckin’ knew it! This guy is gonna say some asinine shit and I’m gonna have to shove his head up his ass and I’m gonna get kicked off the bus. I might as well answer him and get it over with...

“Yeah, that’s my girl. And?” I added, trying to leave my mood neutral and see exactly where this was going. The man reached around to his back pocket, the gesture making me nervous, at least inwardly. He pulled out his wallet, opening it and fishing through some random papers and credit cards until he found his target. He pulled out a small, folded photo of himself, his arm wrapped around the shoulder of a green-coated earth pony with a red mane, head turned and kissing him on the cheek. I raised an eyebrow, a smile forming as I leaned closer, examining the photo.

“Hey, you a ‘brony’ too, guy?” I asked, a hint of relief in my voice. He smiled, folding the photo and placing it back in his wallet.

“Yeah, that’s my Rosebud. Been together for almost a year, now.” He put his wallet back in his pocket, sighing as he sank into his seat a little deeper. “I’m David, by the way. You been with your mare long, buddy?” With a wave of relief washing over me, I leaned back, relaxing as well, the possible crisis from a moment ago a fading memory.

“Jeremy.” I said, offering my hand to the gentleman. He took it in a firm grip, shaking it slightly. “Ya know,” I started again. “at first, I thought you were gonna rip into me for not having a human girlfriend or something.” He nodded, the look on his face telling me he knew EXACTLY what I was talking about.

“Oh no, buddy. I’ve gotten that enough times to know people who feel that way have absolutely no idea what they’re talking about. So, how long you two been together?” he asked.

“Me and Autumn have been together almost two years, this September.” I answered, the words instantly making me smile. It’s one thing to know a fact or truth in your heart or mind, but saying it out loud somehow always seems to make it more real. David sighed, looking out the window as the bus cranked into gear and started pulling away. He checked his watch, nodding as he verified the departure was right on time.

“9:45... Just ten hours, and I’ll be back with her again.” His voice had a hint of longing to it, making it clear he was more than ready to see his love again. “I came here on business, helping to set up the software in a new warehouse my company just built. Been here more than a week. I’d be home already, if I didn’t have claustrophobia. I just can’t breath in an airplane.” he shared, giving up the information willingly. I figured I could do the same.

“I’m right along with ya, brony. I’m going to meet with my band for a benefit concert down in D.C. They’re already there, but I’m afraid of airplanes, so I’m forced to drive there.” I chuckled quietly, David turning back towards me again. “Sorry, sorry... Flying, I’m OK with. Autumn took me up a few times. She actually cured me of my flying phobia. Seems I can go up as high and as fast as I want, so long as I’m in the open air. So, she cured me of just over half my fear.” My traveling companion laughed, nodding again.

“These crazy ponies. They’re pretty easy to love, huh?” he asked in an almost reminiscing tone. I patted him on the shoulder in agreement, looking past him and out his window. The bus had hit the open road already, clearing the tall buildings of the city. Through the mid-morning sky, off in the distance I could see about half a dozen specks moving through the sky. Pegasi ponies. At least two wore the flashing lights, indicating they were traffic reporters, on-duty police or visiting Royal Guardspony. I wondered, which one was my Autumn Rain? Was she home by now? Would she be alright with me gone for a few days? In a way, I was glad she couldn’t come with me. She had finals soon, and needed to study. A PhD in psychology doesn’t come easy. But more than that, her being here gave me a reason to come home, again. It wasn’t long ago I didn’t even have that. Look at me. I just saw here not fifteen minutes ago, and I already miss her like crazy.

“Yeah, they’re real easy to love. All you gotta do is just... let them in.”

**************************************************************************************************************************

Feel free to comment, like and whatever else your little hearts desire, guys. I'll give it a week or so and see if you're diggin' it or not. till then, T.T.F.N., Ta-Ta for now!