To Be Herd

Air Raid sat alone in the subway car. She and Thespian went in different directions from the stop near Thespian’s parent’s place. She would rather have been driving but seeing the state of the traffic at this time of night, she was glad to save the time on the subway. She was so looking forward to Sunday. To the point that she almost missed her stop to change trains. Fortunately, some ponies jostled her to get off at the stop. Seemed this was the station to get to Stallion Island.

She settled down to resume her racing fantasy after she boarded the train home. The train came to a stop and a voice interrupted her. “Excuse me,” said a stallion, “Are you a friend of Mapper?”

‘And we cross the line,’ thought Air Raid as she finished her fantasy. She looked at the stallion, and blushed, “Yes, I am. Do you know her?”

The stallion stood to get off at the La Colt Park station along with Air Raid. “My name is Creamsicle. I work at the ice cream shop just north of here. You’re dressed a lot like how she and Serenity like to dress.”

Air Raid only knew from Wildfire just how outlandish Mapper and Serenity were. Chances were this stallion was feeding her a line, but she thought it would be a laugh to play along. “Hey, Mr. Creamsicle, do you like?” She followed the stallion off the train.

Creamsicle laughed, “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. Of course, only Serenity wore panties. I’m working tomorrow, so if you stop by dressed like that, I’ll give you a free cone.”

Air Raid smiled. If everything went right tomorrow, she wouldn’t have time for an ice cream, but if not. “You have a deal, Mr. Creamsicle. Have a chocolate one ready, and I’ll give you a show.”

“I’ll prepare it when you walk in the door.” Creamsicle exited the station and turned to the left. He noticed that Air Raid followed him. ‘I hope I didn’t lead her on,’ he thought. His wife was nothing like Thespian. “You, um, you’re not living with them?”

Air Raid had to think about that as she walked, ‘Them.’ Then she realized it was about their earlier chat. “Oh, no, I’m staying “with Mr. Caffeinated and Ms. Thespian right now.”

“Oh, pardon my assumption,” said Creamsicle. “If I may escort you home then?” Air Raid nodded and he trotted off at the mare’s pace. “Last week was quite the show in the shop with five of them all dressed up.”

Air Raid followed alongside to see if he really did know the way. “Five? Mapper, Serenity, and who else?” She could only guess it would be Wildfire and her marefriends.

“Airmail and Tempest,” said the stallion, “and a new mare to the group named Wildfire. It’s kinda funny, she’s blind, but they had her wearing a blindfold.”

Air Raid realized that he was heading directly for Caffeinated’s place. She looked around at some of the familiar landmarks. It was a beautiful night, “Do you like the stars?” she asked.

Creamsicle snickered, “It’s one of the reasons to live so far out from the city.”

“They are beautiful,” said Air Raid, “Do you know ‘Paint the Sky with Stars?” When the stallion nodded, Air Raid continued, “I could recite it for you.” Again, the stallion nodded, and Air Raid recited the poem she had memorized long ago. It was from a time when she and Wildfire were still together. Her eyes glistened when she finished.

“That was a beautiful telling,” said Creamsicle. “It’s done every Midwinter’s Night in La Colt Park. You should sign up to do the reading. He stopped at the front gate for Caffeinated’s place and produced a key card. With a swipe and the push of a few buttons the gate opened. “Fare thee well, Madam Air Raid.”

Air Raid smiled. The key card showed that he truly did know the herd. “Thank you for the escort. I’ll have to take you up on that free cone tomorrow.”

The stallion returned the smile. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you. I do the ice cream delivery for their gaming night tomorrow.” That said the stallion trotted off.

Air Raid trotted up to the front door. ‘The best thing I’ve ever done was moving here.’ She used her own key card to open the door and the foyer lights came on when she entered. She never noticed that the lights were on motion detectors. From the library she heard music playing, and after wiping her hooves trotted off to that location. Caffeinated was laying on a pad reading a book while smooth jazz came from the speakers.

The zebra let out a whistle when Air Raid entered. “That is the mirror image of Thespy. Turn for me.” He watched Air Raid do a slow three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn. “From Coco’s shop?”

“Yes sir,” responded Air Raid, “The point was to mirror Ms. Thespian. We’re going to be serving sisters tomorrow.”

“Put your forehooves together,” Caffeinated said, while not a command, the mare quickly responded. “Now touch your left rear hoof to your left forehoof.” Again, Air Raid complied, but he could tell she wasn’t very steady. “Okay, now touch your right rear hoof to right forehoof and your left rear hoof.” Air Raid move the hoof in, but quickly moved it back before she fell over. Caffeinated wasn’t expecting her to do that but she did try. He knew Thespian could stand with all hooves touching for hours.

“Sorry sir,” Air Raid said after her failure to follow the command.

Caffeinated set his book down and stood up, “Raid, it’s just us. You don’t need to do the sir bit while in training.” He saw she was keeping three hooves together, but she wobbled while doing so. “Stand normally, and I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.” With that said, Caffeinated left the room.

Air Raid moved all four hooves to a far more comfortable position. Since he left his book on the pad, she looked to see the cover. A stallion and mare were kissing, ‘The Earl’s Convenient Wife. I would never have guessed he was in to romance books.’ She quickly straightened up when she heard the stallion’s return accompanied by the sound of chains.

Caffeinated dropped the chains and cuffs he was carrying in his mouth on the floor next to Air Raid. “Are you comfortable standing like that?”

“Yeah, I am,” responded Air Raid. “Nice book by the way.”

“Finding love in all the wrong places,” commented the stallion. He put a ring in the middle of where she was standing and then attached cuffs to all of her legs. “I’m going to pull your hooves to the center, so please don’t resist me.” He measured the chains to where she stood and them removed a couple of links. Caffeinated then attached the shortened chain to the D ring on the cuffs and to the middle ring. He repeated that with the other three hooves. “That’s one link shorter than you did yesterday. Now walk around me please.” He sat on the floor to watch Air Raid move around him.

Air Raid moved around the zebra. She went slow, and it wasn’t that more difficult than it was in the bedroom. She managed to not stumble as she completed her circuit around Caffeinated. “I bet Darkie can do better than this.”

“I’m sure she will be too thirsty to even try tomorrow,” said Caffeinated with a smile. “The locks will come apart if forced, but a slight tug won’t break them. I left my bookmark on a table near the game room door. Would you get that for me, please?” He opened his romance book to where he had left off.

“Of course, Mr. Caffy.” Air Raid left the library for the stairs in her hobbled gate. ‘You can do this.’ Halfway down the stairs she stumbled and two of the locks opened. “Cock!” She finished the journey with a half hop, half step. She set the bookmark next to the zebra.

“Not bad for a first try.” Caffeinated refastened the locks. “I’ll leave them at this length. I left my coffee cup on my bedroom dresser. Would you get that for me please?”

Air Raid nodded as she didn’t trust her voice. Once again, she hobbled to the stairs and stared up. “Woot!” Once she made it to the top, she fetched the coffee cup in the bedroom the cup had ‘Prisoner to Stripes’ on it and Air Raid giggled. Buoyed by her success she went back down the steps didn’t break any of the locks. With the cup in her mouth, Air Raid set it next to the stallion. “Your cup sir.”

Caffeinated looked at the cup and then at Air Raid, “Too easy?”

Air Raid smiled, “I reckon I could go a bit shorter, Mr. Caffy.”

Caffeinated snickered, “Cocky is good. Lift your wings please.” The mare gave him a questioning look but did as she was told. Caffeinated took a belt from behind him and wrapped it around Air Raid’s barrel. The belt had a wide pad on her back. He then took a tray that was leaned up against a bookshelf and put it on the pad. The sound of Velcro meeting Velcro could be heard. “That’s your serving tray.” He put his cup on the tray. “My cup is empty, and that makes me sad. You’ll find fresh made coffee in the kitchen.”

Air Raid made her way to the kitchen and took the cup from the tray. She filled it to a half inch from the top with coffee and carefully set it back on the tray. Air Raid was proud of herself to make it back to the library without spilling any. “I have your coffee, sir.” Caffeinated didn’t look up from his book but did tap the floor next to him. ‘How am I going to get this to the floor?’ Air Raid was no quitter though. She slowly lowered herself down and used her wings against the floor to steady herself. She took the cup handle in her mouth and set the cup where the zebra tapped. “Ta da!”

Caffeinated laughed, “Challenge accepted.” He shortened the chains by one link. “Maybe you’ll make it to Thespy’s level someday.”

Air Raid wobbled just a bit as she regained her new balance. “I bet you have hers real short.”

“I clip the cuffs together,” said Caffeinated with a wide smile.

“Blimey!” Air Raid couldn’t imagine that. She couldn’t stand with her hooves together unclipped. “I doubt I’ll ever get that good. As long as I impress a stripy mare tomorrow, I’ll be a happy pony.”

“Practice is good,” stated the zebra. “There is an embroidered pillow with a purple rose in the mare’s room. I could use that to lean against.”

“Alrighty, Mr. Caffy.” Air Raid was doing well with the shortened length of chain till she got to the last step. She missed the step and hopped off the stairs to stick the landing. She didn’t break any locks, but she felt a twinge in her left forehoof. “Balls! By Luna’s sainted tits that hurt.” She stood there for a moment flexing her injured hoof. Just seemed to be a minor sprain she could walk off. If she could walk. With renewed determination she entered the mare’s room to retrieve the pillow. Once she reached the top of the steps, she was really winded. ‘This is stupid.’ Once her breath was back, she hobbled into the library and dropped the pillow next to Caffeinated.

“Thank you,” said the zebra. He put the pillow behind himself. “Your walk sounded a bit funny on the hardwood floor.”

“I’m fine,” said Air Raid too quickly, “Just stumbled is all.”

Caffeinated noted all the locks were still intact. “Nice recovery then.” He emptied his coffee cup. “Some water would be nice. My favorite orange cup is in my bedroom’s bathroom. Please fill it there at the tap and bring it to me.”

“Thank you, orange cup, water, got it.” Air Raid made her way to the stairs again favoring her left forehoof. She stopped for a breather at the top, but all the locks were still intact. She used a wing to hold the cup under the tap and placed it on her tray. At the top of the steps she just looked down them. ‘I know busy work when I see it. Still, he must have set all this up before I got here.’ She thought of Wildfire’s favorite saying. ‘Nothing to it but do it.’ She made her way down the steps as carefully as she could, but water still sloshed out of the cup. She used a wing to set it next to the zebra. “Here’s what’s left of your water, sir.”

Caffeinated took the cup and drank it down. “There is a towel in the kitchen. Clean up your tray and return to me.”

“Yes sir.” Air Raid made her way to the kitchen and quickly cleaned up the tray. She returned to the library. ‘I feel like the whole pack has lapped me.’ She felt a lot less confident in herself when she got back. “You now have a clean tray, Mr. Caffy.”

“Good,” said Caffeinated. “Rest here, beside me.” Air Raid was happy to do that. It was a relief to get her weight off her hooves and sighed. “Not ready to quit yet?”

“I don’t quit until the checkered flag drops,” Air Raid said with pride.

Caffeinated shook his head, “Tell me, where the finish line is in this race? Do you need to be better than my wife?”

“I dunno.” Air Raid sighed again, “No, ‘cause I know I won’t, I just hate failing.”

The zebra smiled, “Quitting is failing. Knowing your limits is working with in them. Too easy?”

“As easy as a hairpin in the third turn,” muttered Air Raid.

“I’m sure that should mean something, and it doesn’t sound easy at all,” said Caffeinated. “How about a hoof massage before you start up your errands again?”

“You’ll see for yourself in Saturday’s race. The third turn is right before the grandstands,” Air Raid responded. “And a hoof massage would be lovely, thank you.”

“Spin around so I can get to them.” Air Raid spun per Caffeinated’s command. “Wiggle the injured one.” He watched her wiggle the left forehoof. He used his mouth and hooves to determine it was just a minor sprain. Once he worked that hoof, he moved on to give attention to the other three. Air Raid was putty in his hooves. Once finished he stated, “You can just rest here until you’re ready for your next task.”

“I’m ready now sir,” Air Raid quickly responded.

Caffeinated did a poor impression of puppy dog eyes, “The sadness of my empty coffee cup weighs upon my soul.”

Air Raid snorted at both the words and face the zebra was making. “One soul restoring coffee coming up!” She took the empty cup in her mouth and stood up. The hoof massage did wonders, and she didn’t even feel a twinge in her forehoof. She filled the cup and put it on her tray, but on the way out of the kitchen she bumped against the door frame. “Bugger me to Tartarus!” She tried to save the cup from falling of the tray with a wing but was too late. The cup hit the floor and spilled its contents on the way down. “Fuck, fuck, fuck!” The hot coffee spilled down her sides and over the floor.

She broke all four locks in her temper. Air Raid stood there in the spill with her eyes closed. ‘Why am I doing this again?’ she questioned herself, ‘For the mare, yes for the mare.’ She heard hoof steps and opened her eyes to see Caffeinated enter the kitchen. “I’m sorry, I’ll clean it up.”

“My coffee cup is safe,” said Caffeinated. “Are you?” Air Raid looked at her side where the coffee spilled. He moved to her side and started lapping up the coffee. The outfit had protected her from the worse of the heat. “Can’t let this good coffee go to waste. You know, you could have gotten a cup for yourself.”

Together they cleaned up the spill. “Thank you,” said Air Raid. I’ll get that cup of coffee for you.” Caffeinated nodded and returned to the library. Air Raid refilled the cup and paid more attention to where she was going this time. “One fresh, and un-spilled coffee, sir.”

Caffeinated shortened each chain by a link as he refastened all four locks. He took a sip of his coffee and returned to his book. “Oh! I left the stereo remote in the gaming room, just inside the door. Please fetch that for me.”

Air Raid looked down at her shortened chain, “Downstairs?”

Caffeinated smiled, “Ah, good, so the tour was useful.”

“Okay.” Air Raid turned but she could tell right away that her balance was off. She got to the top of the stairs and looked down. ‘This is dumb. Thespian does it. She’s had practice.’ Air Raid hung her head after arguing with herself and turned around. She shuffled her way back to the library. “I can’t do it.”

Caffeinated nodded and he added a link to each chain. “To know our limit is to know ourselves. Please try again.”

With a grim look on her face, Air Raid shuffled out of the room and to the stairs. On the way she thought how humiliating it was to be treated as a lowly fetcher of things. With her hooves chained, she couldn’t touch herself. ‘Just snap a lock. No, I’m going to do this.’ With renewed determination she safely navigated her way to the bottom of the steps and picked up the remote in the gaming room. Air Raid then slowly made her way up the steps without breaking a lock and entered the library, “Here’s your remote, Mr. Caffy.”

“Thank you.” The zebra pointed the remote at the stereo and changed the music to something tribal. “How are you doing?”

Air Raid smiled, “I think I’ve found my limit with the chains.”

Caffeinated nodded and stood, “Very well, please follow me.” He walked over to the kitchen with Air Raid close behind. The zebra filled eight glasses with water to within a half inch of the top and put them on the tray. “There is a nightstand on each side of each bed upstairs. Please place one cup on each nightstand.”

Air Raid blinked but said nothing as she shuffled off. ‘This is so dumb!’ With a sigh she started climbing the stairs. She could recognize busy work when she saw it. Still, she also recognized that the zebra put a lot of effort into this as he had pre-positioned everything earlier. Air Raid was quite pleased to make it to the top without a spill. In short order, she had a glass on each nightstand and made it down without breaking a lock. She checked the library first and then the kitchen where she found Caffeinated enjoying some coffee.

Caffeinated first looked at the unbroken locks before he turned his attention to the mare. “Any spills?”

“No, sir,” responded Air Raid. “Mission success.”

“Good,” said Caffeinated. “Would you care for some coffee? Inside you this time.”

Air Raid laughed, “Please mate, I believe that is the standard way of doing it.” The zebra nodded towards the machine. She took a cup by the sink and filled it then moved to stand by Caffeinated at the table.

“Tomorrow,” Caffeinated led off, “I expect you to have eight to twelve drinks on your tray, filled or empty, at any given time. All drinks are filled on this floor, and all empties are returned to the kitchen. When you’re on break you can clean the cups.” He sipped his coffee and found Air Raid had nothing to say to that but could tell she was listening intently. “You can work out a cleaning schedule with Thespy so one of you relaxes while the other cleans.”

“Alright, I can do that,” said Air Raid. “I think I’ve found my comfort zone with these chains. Will I have to navigate all three floors?”

“You will,” responded the zebra. “The two computer gaming rooms are upstairs, and the main gaming room is downstairs. This floor has activities and places to relax. You’ll need to check the bedrooms in case somepony is using one for a quiet break from all that’s going on. The Dungeon is not normally used on gaming night, and of course the club rooms can fend for themselves.” He watched Air Raid take all that in and saw the worried look in her eye. “Watch my wife navigate around. She’s a dancer though and knows some tricks I’m sure she will share with you.”

Air Raid calmed down. All the pressure was her doing it to herself, after all. “Alrighty,” she said with a smile. “Just had to remember what you said about limits and remind myself that I’m only competing with me.”

Caffeinated laughed, “You may think that now, but there are two of you serving. I’m guessing that some competition will start between the two of you.”

Air Raid put her nose up in the air, “I may be a stubborn competitive mare, but even I know when I’m beat.” She sipped her coffee with a smile, “That’s not to say I won’t try.”

“It’s the challenge though. Will that be enough to drive you through the night?” asked Caffeinated. Air Raid gave him a sharp nod. “By the end of the night you’ll both be winners.” He gave her a sly look, “Can you share a podium?”

“Yep,” stated Air Raid. “When the other winner is a good friend, I can.”

Caffeinated nodded and continued to drink his coffee. Once Air Raid finished hers, he said, “I fear the water in the cups has grown tepid. Please bring them back to the kitchen, still filled.”

Air Raid rolled her eyes, “Fine.” She put her coffee cup in the sink and shuffled out of the room. She made it to the top of the stairs without breaking a lock. After she collected both cups from the first bedroom, she spilled a bit of the water on the way to the second. ‘This is so dumb.’ Once she reached the bottom of the stairs Air Raid noted there were no more spills after the first one. She shuffled into the kitchen, “Eight glasses collected.”

Caffeinated looked and said, “Thank you. I can tell the importance you place on this task.” He snickered. “Please empty them in the sink and make sure the dishes in there are cleaned. Dry your tray and then you can bring the wine and cake to the TV room.” Caffeinated trotted out of the kitchen without waiting for a reply from Air Raid.

Air Raid followed her instructions to the letter. When the last dish was in the drying rack, she put the wine glasses and small plates of cake on her cleaned tray. She carefully made her way to the TV room where Caffeinated lounged by a small table. “It is a sweet red, but you don’t have to drink it,” Caffeinated led off. “Please put the cake and wine on this table.”

Air Raid bent low and carefully transferred the items from her tray to the table. “That’s impressive, I could use something stronger than coffee, and the carrot cake smells great!”

“I find a sweet red goes well with carrot cake.” Caffeinated smiled, “Thespy does love to bake.”

After sampling both the wine and cake, Air Raid said, “So she told me. At her parents place we had this marvelous dessert called chocolate soup! It was the best thing ever.”

Caffeinated laughed, “One of Lilac’s creations. Thespy will always look up to that mare for making deserts.”

“It was a fun afternoon,” said Air Raid. “Before that we went to a museum and then the park. She did her best to make me blush in the museum.” A blush spread across her face, “She had me posing as some of the statues.”

Caffeinated nodded, “So, it was the Museum of Fine Arts. Sad that they don’t have much of Luna in that museum. Still there are some wonderful things there. Did she point out a painting by Brush Stroke?”

“She did!” answered Air Raid. “I remember when Darkie took me to see an exhibit with his works. Ms. Thespian told me that Dusk was dating him.”

“That is true. Dusky is his colt friend,” said Caffeinated. “You will be serving both of them tomorrow. I believe that Princess Luna and Princess Octavia will also be in attendance.”

“Tomorrow is going to be so awesome! I’ll meet a famous painter. I’m going to find a zebra mare to be with, and you know what will make it even sweeter?” asked Air Raid.

With a straight face Caffeinated answered, “Me dipping my hoof in your coffee?”

Air Raid snorted, “No, silly. I’m going to ask Lady Octavia to race with me!”

The zebra laughed with Air Raid, “You do know her need for speed.”

Air Raid could see herself crossing the finish line with Octavia at her side. That would guarantee her rise to fame. “I do, I do. The real thing is better than any game. With all of you watching and Lady Octavia at my side, there is no way I’m not winning!”

Seeing Air Raid had finished her wine and cake, he stood up, “Well, you should get a reward for all that fine service, so let’s take a walk.”

Her self-induced high faded, “Oh, I was talking to Baron about my pit crew. They are still in Canterlot, and he thought it would be a good idea for them to come here to Manehatten.”

Caffeinated shook his head, “Clever, my little pony, to delay the walk you will not avoid.” Her eye roll made him smile. “I’m sure he pointed you to me to help with that.” Air Raid nodded. “Do you want them near the place you’re moving too?” Again, Air Raid nodded. “How many, and what is their relationship to each other?”

“It’s a family of four. Two brothers, Hoist and Wheeljack, and two sisters, “Ratchet and Sparkplug.” She added, “They get along well with each other.”

“Okay, it would be easiest for them to stay here until I can find them a property. Will a five thousand cubic feet be enough space for everything?” asked Caffeinated.

“Sure, they have a van too,” answered Air Raid.

“Side opening boxcar so won’t be an issue,” stated Caffeinated. “Please do the dishes while I make a few phone calls.” Air Raid duly gathered the dishes to her tray while the zebra trotted upstairs. Once she had everything washed and dried, she looked around the kitchen to put all the dishes away. She waited at the kitchen table for Caffeinated to return.

Caffeinated presently walked into the kitchen. “They can load the freight car stating at eight a.m., and the train will leave at four p.m. I have tickets for four on the eight p.m. train that will arrive at nine am the next day. That will be an hour before the freight train is due in.” Caffeinated noted all the dishes were put away. “Good work on the dishes.” Air Raid had a wide beaming smile at the praise she had earned. “Now the costs. Mapper’s place would sell for four million bits, but she is selling it to you for three and a half. A four bedroom stand alone on the island will run about five and half million bits.”

“My dad said I’d get four and a half for my place in Canterlot. Jackie is renting their place they have now.” Air Raid’s smile faded, “After things started to fall apart with me they decided not to buy.”

Caffeinated knew how a deal could fall apart. His real job was to make sure they didn’t. “I don’t see a problem with floating a five million bit loan to cover moving for you and the crew. You will own both properties, but you can choose to sell or rent the one to the crew.”

“Once we are back up and running, I’m sure Jackie will want to own.” Air Raid giggled, “Of course he’s the one that doesn’t like change. The rest will love it here. Jackie hates it if the wrong breakfast is made on the wrong day.”

“That must be difficult when he made the breakfast,” snickered Caffeinated. “They are a couple hours behind us. Do you want to call them before the walk?”

Air Raid laughed, her as her happy mood returned, “Jackie did that once and blamed Ratchet for distracting him. I got the size, is there a weight limit?”

“Forty thousand tons,” responded Caffeinated.

“I’m pretty sure that’s everything.” Air Raid broke a lock to get to her phone. She made sure the speaker is enabled as she dialed the number.

An excitable young mare answered, “Hi Raid, hi! Ratchet says we’re moving to Manehatten!”

Air Raid saw Caffeinated’s look and covered the mouthpiece. “I talked to them at Baron’s place.” She moved her hoof. “Yeah, that’s right Sparky.”

A stallion’s voice could be heard in the background, but Air Raid couldn’t make out the words. Sparkplug said, “Wheelie wants to know what to bring?”

“Bring the whole workshop if you can. Load up Hoist’s van,” responded Air Raid. “We definitely will need everything for the R8 to be sure.”

“You’re racing your road car?” asked Sparkplug.

“Yup,” was Air Raid’s short response.

Sparkplug was giggling. “Alrighty-o, but it won’t be street legal by the time we’re done. You’re going to need an everyday ride.”

“I know, I know. Just get everything you need here to Manehatten,” said Air Raid.

“Okie, dokie,” said Sparkplug as she hung up the phone.

Air Raid was happy, “That little ball of excitement was Sparkplug.”

Caffeinated had a cat who had all the cream grin plastered on his face, “They plan on driving here?”

“What, no,” said Air Raid. “You got the cargo car and tickets for them on the train.”

“I may be getting old,” said Caffeinated, “But I don’t think you mentioned the train at all just now.”

“Oh, that,” responded Air Raid. “I told Ratchet earlier at Baron’s place they would take a train.”

“Of course you did, and I’m sure you told them the times that I just arranged a few minutes ago, due to your fantastic ability to predict the future,” said Caffeinated with that same smug grin.

Air Raid blushed having been caught out. “Maybe I’ll just call them back with the details.”

“Hey again, Raid,” answered Ratchet.

“I forgot to mention the details to Sparky,” said Air Raid. “You can load the freight train cargo car tomorrow at eight a.m. and it leaves at four p.m.”

Ratchet made sure to write down the details, “Anything else, Chick?”

Air Raid looked to Caffeinated who whispered the details to her. “Yeah, you have tickets for the passenger train that leaves at eight p.m. and gets in at nine a.m. the next day. An hour before the freight train arrives.”

“Got it, Chick, thanks,” said Ratchet.

A few whispered words from Caffeinated had Air Raid continue, “The address you’re setting up at to start is on Stallion Island.” Air Raid made sure they had all the details this time around. “I’m planning on meeting up with you at the freight train. Give me a call if you need any more info.”

“Got it written down, and will do, Chick,” said Ratchet with merriment in her voice.

“Stop calling me Chick,” retorted Air Raid.

“See ya, Chick,” was Ratchet’s last words as she hung up.

Air Raid sighed, “Yeah, I’m excited it is coming together, but the crew can be really annoying at times.”

“Sounds like family,” Caffeinated said from experience. He refastened the lock Air Raid broke to use her phone. “Come along, my pretty young mare, it is time for our walk.” Once they were on the walk, in front of the house he said, “Shall we do a trot, or maybe just a sedate walk?”

“I’m good for a walk,” said Air Raid as she shuffled alongside the orange zebra. After a block he picked up the pace, and she increases her own to match. “Any race is a race.”

Caffeinated took off, but after a few yards he turned around and raced past Air Raid. The zebra turned around again and caught up with her. He could see her wobbling as she tried increase her pace. “Just so you know, if you break a lock you can watch me, but you won’t be able to join in the fun.”

Air Raid realized she was starting to act the fool again and she slowed down to a fast shuffle. “Don’t want to miss out on any fun.”

Caffeinated laughed, “Good to see that wisdom isn’t lost on the young.”

Air Raid was panting a little now. “I’m not all that young, y’know.”

“It appears to me that you’re still in your first century of life,” stated Caffeinated.

“Ha, ha, ha. I’m twenty-nine,” replied Air Raid, “But I guess that makes all of us young.”

Caffeinated nodded, “And now you know the wisdom a married stallion learns.”

Air Raid saw a small commercial area in front of them. “Isn’t this the shop we went to yesterday?”

“It is,” responded Caffeinated, “But I won’t twist your hoof to have any if you’re watching your marish figure.”

“That your job, not mine, to watch my figure,” giggled Air Raid. “There’s always a good time for ice cream.”

“This shop caters to our parties, and I visit often to ensure they stay in business.” Caffeinated led the way through the open door and took the time to greet the others in the shop by name. Several whistled at the sight of his maid and offer him compliments on her pretty attire. “Hello Lemonade, a chocolate and coffee mix for me in a cup please, and my pretty maid may have something too.”

“A caramel and chocolate mix for me, please Lemonade.” Air Raid said to place her order.

“Go get us a table, and I’ll bring over the ice cream.” Caffeinated waited for Lemonade to prepare the two orders and then brought them over to where Air Raid was sitting. When Air Raid reached for the spoon with a wing, he knocked it away. “Look around you and see how we are to eat this ice cream.”

Air Raid’s eyes narrowed when her wing was knocked aside. The urge to explode was dampened by her earlier talk with Baron. She recalled the anger management sessions and started her breathing exercises. Little did she know that Caffeinated was quite familiar with those exercises from watching Tempest. Once she had her anger under control, Air Raid looked around and saw ponies feeding ice cream either by spoon or mouth. She looked down at her cup and said, “May I have some ice cream please?”

Caffeinated took the spoon in his mouth and scooped up some ice cream from the cup. Once it was in her mouth, Air Raid closed on the spoon, but the zebra didn’t let go. She let the spoon slide out of her mouth while she savored the ice cream. Caffeinated placed the spoon in his own cup before he looked up at the pegasus. Air Raid took the spoon with some ice cream from Caffeinated’s cup and put it in the zebra’s mouth. He closed down and she pulled out the spoon to place it back in her own cup. “Not so hard.”

“Eating ice cream isn’t meant to be hard.” Caffeinated smirked and repeated the procedure, only this time his lips brushed against Air Raid’s. Her blush made him smile.

‘He tried to kiss me,’ she thought, and didn’t do a very good job at it. She took up the spoon from his cup a bit closer to the bowl and brought it up to Caffienated’s mouth. She let the full-blown kiss linger before she retrieved the spoon and placed it in her own cup.

“You kiss rather well, lots of practice?” He scooped up some of Air Raid’s ice cream.

“I’ve had some, but not with many stallions,” she replied as she opened her mouth. This time the zebra gave her a real kiss. As she swallowed the ice cream she looked around and saw most were doing it this way. One pegasus and unicorn weren’t bothering with the spoon. Her wings began to rise, and she didn’t care. “This seems to be rather common.”

Caffeinated nodded, “Some more platonic than others. Like that pair just using their mouth.”

“Even that pair of unicorns are using their mouth to hold the spoon instead of magic.” She looked at Caffeinated, “And I wasn’t being platonic.”

Caffeinated smiled, “True, but then I may have started it.” He opened his mouth for another scoop. Air Raid promptly dug up another scoop and placed it in Caffeinated’s mouth. The zebra closed on the spoon, pressing his lips once more against hers.

Air Raid returned the pressure. Her blush was in full heat and her sings flared wide. She pull back with the spoon as she squeezed her thighs together. Air Raid stuck the spoon back in her cup. “Stupid wings,” she said as she wiggled on the seating pad. The mare giggled, “You’re a pretty good kisser.”

“I kissed a mare and I liked it,” sang Caffeinated. He took the spoon and a scoop of ice cream up to Air Raid’s waiting mouth. Once in she moved forward to finish the kiss. She took longer than necessary to suck off the ice cream. When she did pull back, Caffeinated dropped the spoon in his cup. “I think if you keep practicing, you’ll make your mare proud.”

Air Raid squirmed on her seat, “If I keep this up, I’ll make you proud.” She scooped up some more ice cream and fed it to Caffeinated. The zebra flicked his tongue to lick off the spoon but splattered a little on Air Raid’s nose. He made quick work of the spoon and before Air Raid could draw away, he licked the ice cream off her nose. The lime green pegasus dropped the spoon in her cup and shivered as her wings flared. “Damn it. I don’t get it. I like mares and you’re not one.”

“I call it sensuality. It’s not about what is under your tail, but what the other brings to your mind.”

“You’re bringing a lot of things to my mind,” giggled Air Raid.

Caffeinated chuckled, “Are you happier today than this day last week?”

With some difficulty, Air Raid got her wings back under control as a genuine smile crossed her face, “Yes, yes I am, really. I can’t remember the last time I was this hopeful, excited, or optimistic for the future.”

“It’s your future,” said Caffeinated. “And it’s your efforts that will make it. Sometimes good things do happen to good ponies.”

Air Raid tapped her forehoof on the table, “I guess you’re right. Still, it helps when those good ponies have good friends that look out for, and help them.”

“Even if they have no reason to do so?” Caffeinated scooped up some ice cream.

Air Raid kissed the ice cream off the spoon, “You don’t need a reason when you’re friends, helping is the right thing to do.”

Before Air Raid could give him another scoop he leaned across the table and whispered in her ear, “Tempest has taught me how to preen.” Caffeinated was pleased to see Air Raid lose control of her wings once again.

Air Raid scooped up some more of Caffeinated’s ice cream and after he chastely removed the treat, she dropped the spoon in her cup. “R-really?”

The zebra saw there was only one scoop left in each cup. “She actually taught me two ways to preen. The way a brother would preen a sister, and the more intimate method of preening.”

That was too much for Air Raid as her wings sprung back out harder than before. “So, the dull way and fun way, huh?”

Caffeinated shrugged, “That is one way to look at it, but I’d say friendly and intimate are good descriptions.” He looked her in the eye, “Do you need preening, Air Raid?”

She could feel the moisture under herself and squeaked, “So much!”

“Now?”

Air Raid looked around, “Now? As in here?”

“Yes, but this is a family place, and you may be a bit too noisy for it.” He pointed at a wing, “But you do look ready for it. There’s a lake near here. It’s as far as the house, but in the opposite direction. The beach is a couple of miles away.”

“I’d definitely be too noisy,” nodded Air Raid. “The lake sounds like fun though.”

“The lake is near the house that you’ll be buying.” He looked down at his cup. “Just need to finish our dessert and we can go.” Air Raid was quick to scoop up the last of the ice cream in Caffeinated’s cup and present it to him. He slurped it off and she dropped the spoon in her cup. The zebra returned the favor and once her spoon was clean, she stood up. “I hope you’ll be able to make it out the door.” He stacked the cups and took them to the trash.

Air Raid looked at the double wide doors, “I’ll make it.” She followed the zebra out onto the sidewalk.

Caffeinated laughed, “I do hope I’ve not made it harder for any mare my aunt might bring.”

Air Raid rubbed her hind legs together, “No, not at all… I still love mares, but… I’m just really fighting the urge to jump you right now.”

Caffeinated folded his legs underneath himself. “Break the locks and put the ring and chains in my saddlebag. Then climb up on my back.”

“Here?” The zebra nodded so she broke the locks and did as he asked. She climbed up on his back, “Now what?”

Caffeinated stood up, “Hold on tight and try not to slide off my now very wet back.” He could feel Air Raid’s eye roll. “Close your eyes and extend your wings.”

“I’ll try my best,” she laughed. Close her eyes? What was the zebra planning that she’d need to do that? If he wanted to hurt her, that would have happened anytime he had her alone. “Sure.” She closed her eyes and unfurled her wings. Air Raid felt him start to walk. The sound of hooves on cement increased as Caffeinated moved to a trot and then a canter. Soon he was in full gallop

The stallion leaned into the turns and she could feel her wing tips brush the grass. Air Raid felt him jump up onto something wooden and then sail through the air as the wind rushed under her wings. Pavement gave way to grass as he continued to leap off objects. She heard gravel crunch under the hooves and back to grass. As soon as he slowed down, she heard the splashing of water. His chest heaved like a bellows underneath her. She opened her eyes as he slowed to a walk, in water up to his knees.

She hugged Caffeinated tight as he cooled down. “Wow, just wow. It felt like I was really flying.” She blinks back the tears. “You let me fly. Really fly.”

His breathing back under control, Caffeinated moved back to the shore. “Thespy loves it when I do that with her. I may have gotten some leaves and twigs in your wings, so now is a good time for me to prove my preening abilities.” He knelt on the grass.

Air Raid hugged him again before she climbed off his back. “You let me fly.”

“Did you have fun?” He asked as he moved to inspect her right wing.

She wiped away the happy tears, “Oh, yeah. That was amazing.” Air Raid made sure her wings were fully extended. “I can’t tell you how awesome that was.”

“Good,” commented the zebra. “Now let me tend to those wings in a manner not used between siblings.”

“Oh, please do.” Air Raid closed her eyes again as she felt him move to her side. He started with the tertiary feathers. She could feel his lips and tongue run around her feathers. He heard one of the pin feathers cracked open. As his lips smoothed out the barbs, she fluttered her feathers to give him deeper access. She felt the tug of a feather that no longer had a blood supply. His tail wrapped around hers and a hoof was gently massaging the wing joint to her barrel. “Caffy, ahhhh, that’s… That’s sooooo good!”

Caffeinated moved on to the secondaries and he enjoyed the moans of the mare he was preening. When he moved to the primaries, he had to stop the joint massage, but kept his tail wrapped around Air Raid’s tail. His lips nibbled and tongue smoothed. Just enough teeth to keep the tension in the feathers as he preened. He noted Air Raid’s weight shifted and saw her raise a forehoof to her own marehood. He nipped at a leading bone on the wing, “None of that my dear maid, or I’ll move this back into the lake.”

Air Raid let out a frustrated moan but returned her hoof to the grass. “Please, you’re driving me crazy,” she said with a whimper.

“That is the point of this.” Finished with the right wing, Caffeinated moved behind Air Raid to get to the other wing. Along the way he moved his muzzle under her tail with a nuzzle and a lick. He loved putting Air Raid on the toes of her hooves as she let out an adorable squeak. “I think you might be enjoying this.” He wrapped his tail around hers again as he started on the tertiaries of the left wing.

Air Raid was panting, “I’m… enjoying it a lot!” He again massaged the joint to the barrel. She desperately want to touch herself, but kept all hooves on the grass. When he moved to the secondaries she said, “C-Caffy.” Another moan interrupted her speech. “When you’re done… rut me? Please?”

Caffeinated remained silent until he moved to the Primaries. “At home, after you’ve thought about it on the way back.” He did though put some extra effort into the preen of the primaries.

“Oh, come on!” Air Raid shivered needily, “Really?”

He paused in the preen, “My rules Raid,” he said firmly but not unkindly. He had started it, after all. “You can always safe word your way out if you wish?”

“No!” she said quickly. “No, I’m fine. Oh, you can c-carry on, please.”

Once he was finished, Caffeinated moved around the mare and nuzzled under her tail. He got a lovely ‘eep’ from Air Raid. The stallion moved to the front and kissed her and she kissed back. “Well that was a good cool down.” Caffeinated crouched down. “Climb aboard and spread your wings. I’ll try to get you home without undoing all the good work I just did.”

Air Raid leaned forward and whispered in the zebra’s ear, “I love you so much for this.” Wings spread and eyes closed she felt the stallion quickly move from a walk to a trot and to a full gallop. She held on tight as he made use of a few benches to get some air. The thundering of hooves on the pavement became the thundering of the night sky in her mind. Far too soon it was over as Caffeinated slowed to a walk. Air Raid’s tears of joy wet the zebra’s neck. “That was better than driving with the roof down.”

Caffeinated used the key card on the gate. “You’ll have to take me driving with the roof down for me to be the judge of that.”

“Anytime, anywhere,” responded Air Raid. “Just point me in a direction and we’ll be there.”

“I can play navi-guesser. Maybe Fillydelphia and back. We can pick up some lunch.” Caffeinated opened the front door. “Have you thought about what you asked me earlier?”

Air Raid put a wing on the zebra’s back. “I have, a lot.” She looked at Caffeinated who looked back at her. “And yes, I’d like you to rut me, please.”

Caffeinated moved into the house with Air Raid at his side. “I don’t know if you caught it the first night with Darkie. I won’t have intercourse with any pony unless Thespian is present. It’s ten thirty now, and I don’t expect her back till after midnight. Snuggling though is fine.”

Air Raid sighed, as needy as she was, she was more than happy to abide by the zebra’s house rules. “I remember, and I did catch it. I’m more than happy to wait and snuggle.”

Caffeinated stopped in the central area of the main floor. “Snuggling is always good, and I could treat you like a mare would,” he said with a wink. “Would you care for anything before snuggling? Drinks, food, bath?”

“I guess living in a herd has taught you a thing or two on how mares deal with mares,” Air Raid giggled. “A bath would be nice and something to drink with it.”

“To my room then.” They walked up stairs side by side. “I’ll get the bath ready, and you can investigate the mini-bar there.” He pointed to a cabinet and move off to the bathroom. “I like my scotch neat.”

“On it!” Air Raid opened both doors and found some liquor and wine on one side and a small refrigerator on the other. In that she found a Stable Hopper for herself and poured a double for Caffeinated.” With no tray she used her wings to carry the drinks into the bathroom. The smell of cinnamon came out of the room. It was lit by candles and bubbles filled the tub. “This is rather romantic.”

“No one has ever complained about my hospitality,” said Caffeinated, determined that they never would. He took his drink from her wing with a hoof. “Never had wings to carry things. Earth ponies do have good balance to carry on their back. You did rather well with the tray.”

Air Raid took a sip of her beer. “Without the tray I wasn’t going to try to carry anything on my back. Thank you for… Thank you.” Caffeinated knocked back the scotch and set the glass on the counter. He got into the tub and motioned for Air Raid to take a spot in front of him. “Move forward so I can get behind you,” said Air Raid. “With all you’ve done for me today, I should clean you first.” The zebra slid forward and she got into the back of the tub. She looked over the well defined muscles and placed her nose in his orange and black mane. She could smell the sweat from his run, but also a faint woodsy scent. Air Raid looked over the choice of shampoos and saw Lavender, Forest, Heather, and Lowland. She selected the Forest one.

“Good choice,” said Caffeinated. “Let me know when to move or turn around.” He relaxed as she went to work on his mane. “The foals love to ride my back when I gallop. Did Dusk ever take you flying?”

“No,” responded Air Raid. “Wily took me flying a couple of times.” She moved down to the zebra’s broad back.

“You can ask him tomorrow then. Airy says he’s a strong, fast flyer.” Caffeinated chuckled, “And Requiem found herself a new flying buddy with Luna.”

“I know he’s fast. Scary fast. Lean forward.” After Caffeinated did so she went to work on his flanks and lower back. “I thought you said Requiem was an earth pony.”

“She is, just likes to free fall from twenty thousand feet.” Caffeinated let that sink in as Air Raid paused in her scrubbing. When she started up again he asked, “How did the racing suit fitting go?”

Air Raid couldn’t imagine jumping off at cloud at that height no matter who would catch her. “I’m going to stick to racing on the ground. The fitting went very well and I met a nice mare named Magnolia who kindly helped me out with a wingboner.” She patted Caffeinated on the ass. “Now turn around so I can get your front.” After he turned around she looked down and the zebra was still in his sheath. ‘Time to do something about that.’ She started washing his face.

Once she moved down to his chest he said, “Seems to be a common occurrence for you.” Air Raid’s blush warmed the room. He saw where she was glancing but the zebra was in full control of his libido.

Air Raid started working on each foreleg. “Oh, and what’s that? Me getting wingboners or Magnolia helping out with them?”

“I’ll go with wingboners for you. Does make them easier to preen.” Air Raid was so easy to tease. “I’m sure I’ve met Magnolia, but I tend to zone out when shopping with Thespy. Coco is a good mare in my book, and what I like most about her is none of her staff have to do anything they don’t want to do.”

Air Raid finished with the zebra’s legs and moved to his lower belly, sheath, and testicles. “She wanted to, and I definitely wanted her to.” Her ministrations were not having the desired effect. “You are in control of your body.”

“Ah, you want to wash my penis, I can help with that.” Caffeinated unsheathed himself and she washed him with no fuss. “You took care of my non mare bits well. Now it’s my turn. I may as well start with your front. Please select the shampoo you’d like for me to use.” Air Raid picked out the Heather one. Caffeinated started with her face and them moved down to her chest. “Tell me about your first race.”

“Okay, that takes me back a few years,” said Air Raid. “It was a go-kart rally cross, and I was fifteen. A five-lap race half tarmac and half dirt track. It was so much fun!”

Caffeinated moved to her legs, “Not what I was thinking. How did it go?”

“I was in second place going into the last lap. This jerk in front of me was blocking and third place was catching up. Those two were friends and the one in front was trying to let the other win. I wasn’t going to have it!” Air Raid punched a forehoof in the air. “I faked him out on the last turn and slingshot around him for the win. He wound up in third as his friend passed him too.” She blushed and put her hoof back down. “Sorry, so what were you thinking?”

Caffeinated professionally washed Air Raid’s teats and mare bits. “Turn around.” Once the mare’s back was to him, he started on her mane. “I was thinking foal scouts. Pinewood derby. Any race would have done, even a hoof race, but your story was nice.”

Air Raid laughed, “I thought you meant my first pro race. I did do a few soapbox derbies back in the day. The cobblestone streets in Canterlot made them exciting.”

“Fun times to be sure.” Caffeinated moved to her back. “How did the visit with Thespy’s parents go?”

Air Raid made a happy sigh and with a smile said, “I thought they were nice. Ms. Snowfall, I believe Ms. Thespian calls a snoop, but a well-meaning snoop, was very pleasant to talk with. I like Mr. Baron too; he was straight on point.”

Caffeinated nodded, “I think she’s more of a busybody, but does mean well. She doesn’t gossip, nor hesitate to give advice. As for Baron, it took some time, but we get along well now.”

“I liked them both,” said Air Raid. “Ms. Thespian kept telling her mum to not ask about me, but I didn’t mind.”

Caffeinated finished up with Air Raid’s tail. “My wife can be a mother hen, and just as protective. Time to get dry and then to grooming.” He twisted around and flipped open the drain. “Now stand up and keep your wings spread. I have a fur dryer.”

Air Raid stood up, “We’ve been talking about me. What about you? You have foals, right?”

Caffeinated waited for the tub to drain. “I do, two of them.” His voice lowered to a whisper, “My colt is the oldest and one of those zebras with no stripes.” His voice returned to normal. “He lives in Baltimare My filly is two years younger and hardheaded. She is a sky-blue zebra living in the Crystal Empire of all places. A zebra surrounded by ice and snow!”

“Sounds awesome,” said Air Raid. I’ve always wanted to see the Crystal Empire. How can you bear the shame of a stripeless zebra?”

“Seems a lot of ponies in Equestria bear the shame well.” The tub drained, Caffeinated flipped on the fur dryer. Warm air jets surrounded the two ponies. “My colt, Knight, will be here tomorrow with his wife and two foals. My daughter, Brazilian, is married and has two foals also. She doesn’t visit but thinks I should visit her!”

“You have to see her? How unfair!” Air Raid giggled, “We could drive up and visit her tomorrow.”

Caffeinated rubbed his chin, “Sounds like a plan. We have to be back by five p.m.”

Air Raid waved a hoof, “We will, don’t worry about it.”

He leaned forward and whispered in the mare’s ear, “I believe you.”

“I won’t let you down!” Air Raid closed her eyes, “Wily wanted a foal with me. With my disability, I couldn’t let that happen. I was scared to pass it on.”

Caffeinated lifted Air Raid’s chin and she opened her eyes. “Wily still wants that foal, and now she will be getting it. Tomorrow we vote her into the greater herd.”

“That’s nice,” said Air Raid genuinely, “I heard she was getting married.”

“Believe me when I say I was surprised. Airy has been leading the mini herd of mares for over twenty years. Even when Mapper married Serenity, Airmail and Tempest didn’t think of marriage.” Caffeinated shook his head. “And now after just a couple of weeks she agreed to marry Wildfire.”

“That’s nice. I’m happy for her, I really am. I hope they are very happy together.” Air Raid put on her determined face. “I look forward to impressing my new mare the same way!”

“Time will tell about their happiness, as for you.” Caffeinated cleared his throat. “I tell you true, this is what you do. Yourself you be, and then she’ll see. What is inside you do not hide, but in her you confide. The mare will then know, and with you she will go. For Darkie goes the same, if a stallion she will claim.” He switched off the fur dryer with dramatic flair.

Air Raid snorted with laughter. “I knew you zebras all rhymed! Be myself, I get it Doctor Stripes. And Darkie will be herself, or one of herselves,” She shrugged her shoulders, “Maybe all of them. She does seem to be more stable since we came here to Manehatten.”

“True, and that you’re willing to let her go. Independence does mean a lot to a pony.” Caffeinated smiled, “Are you going to freak out when I send her into the kitchen to make a snack?”

“No… No… I won’t, I promise. If the Doctor says it’s okay, it’s okay, right?” Air Raid said.

“Yes, but we have to trust. It’s good that you won’t freak out.” Caffeinated nuzzled Air Raid. “Even if she accidently cuts herself with a knife like she did earlier?”

“Gah!” Air Raid squeezed her eyes shut. “I… I might have to leave the room, but I’ll try not to freak out. It’s hard, you know?” She opened her eyes. “Just… Seeing Darkie with a knife.” She took a calming breath. “Baby steps for me.”

“Then she may want you to watch for her own confidence.” Caffeinated looked at the clock in the bathroom. “It depends on how long Recital kept Darkie before she is home, but I do expect Thespy will be home soon.”

“I can brush your mane,” Air Raid said, “And I still have questions, like how you and Thespian met.”

“We can do that on the bed,” said Caffeinated as he exited the bathroom. “There is a complete set of grooming supplies in the nightstand.” Air Raid nodded and followed. The zebra glanced at the clock. “It is an interesting story how me and Thespian got together.” He climbed up onto the bed and took out the grooming brushes.

Air Raid climbed onto the bed and laid down next to Caffeinated. “It would be nice to know how her show went. How Darkie enjoyed her show too, for that matter.”

“I’m sure Thespy’s show went well. She’s a perfectionist. If Darkstar likes song and dance, she’ll enjoy Showmares.

Air Raid also chose to start with Caffeinated’s mane. “Darkie does like dancing, and I guess we’re all perfectionists in our own field. Your mane looks different laid down.”

“I use a product to give it that straight up Mohawk look, Caffeinated responded. “I take care of it before work. As for me, I’m rather laid back. Thespy likes to poke about my business with a purpose, and I pretend I’m a simple barista in a downtown coffee shop.” Caffeinated laughed, “I’d go crazy stuck behind a desk pushing a pencil all day.”

“I’m the same, only with internal combustion engines.” Caffeinated move to long slow strokes along her back, so Air Raid did the same on the zebra. “Can you believe Thespian said she’d buy me an electric car?”

Caffeinated tilted his head, “That seems odd, why would she offer you that?”

“We were talking about what we’d do if we were in charge of everything,” said Air Raid. “I told her that she was in charge, she should give me free gas at every service station. Thespian countered with she’d get me an electric car.”

“That’s my wife!” laughed Caffeinated. “Free gas for every electric car.”

“I’ve never driven an electric car.” Air Raid shrugged, “But if somepony could convince me there was a good one, I might give it a try.”

“You’ve seen our speedster in the garage?”

Air Raid snorted, “I think my Audi is passing it parked. What’s that thing’s zero to sixty anyways?”

“You best hold on and have your seat belt fastened,” stated Caffeinated. “About seven seconds, and tops out at eighty-five miles per hour. Can even go two hundred miles on a single charge and only takes four hours to recharge!”

Air Raid stared at him open mouthed, “What? What even is the point of that?” She fell back on the bed laughing, “You even said that with a straight face. Really though that seems so useless.”

“Eh, it’s one hundred and eight five miles to Baltimare. Visit my son for four hours, and then another one hundred and eight five back home,” the zebra said as he stared down at Air Raid.

“Okay, so you do have a point,” said Air Raid. “But seven seconds is an eternity. My unicorn crew can work miracles so maybe they can work one on the colt.”

Caffeinated imitated one of Thespian’s better eye rolls. “Getting to sixty downtown is an eternity plus one. The colt is fine as it is, and you’ll have lots of chances to find out since you’ll need a ride after they work on your Audi.”

“Ouch, rub it in, why don’t you,” muttered Air Raid. “On a different subject. You and Ms. Thespian?

“Ah, that goes back a bit. Before Luna’s return. She was a drama major at Manehatten U. and I was a business major. I loved the arts and went by the student theater one day. It was her singing. I fell in love before I ever saw her by the sound of her voice.” Caffeinated smiled, “We both kept our backgrounds under wraps and started dating each other. The love between us grew.”

“That’s so sweet,” Air Raid said with her forehooves on her cheeks. “But you said you and Mr. Baron didn’t get along at first.”

“I’m a zebra and so he thought I was after his family’s money’” Caffeinated smirked. “My family has money too, not as much as Baron, but we are well off. Still, Baron made Thespy chose family or me. She chose me and I’m grateful for it. Later Baron realized he was an idiot, and now we’re thick as thieves.”

“My mom is a lot like that. Always wanting what is best for me, even if it is something I don’t’ want.” Air Raid sighed, “I guess all parents are like that.”

Thespian’s voice called out from down below, “Caffy, where are you hiding?”

Caffeinated’s voice dropped to a whisper, “Oh no, the wife is home and here we are in bed together!”

“We could jump out the window,” the pegasus played along, “Get in my car and be gone in a flash.”

Hoofsteps could be heard on the stairs, “Too late. Say something and I’ll hide.” Caffeinated pulled Air Raid’s lime green wing over his head and shoulders which was all it covered.

“Hey Ms. Thespian, I totally have no idea where your husband is,” Air Raid called out, proving she was not an actress at all.

Thespian walked into the room and looked at the pair on the bed. It was like a yak trying to hide behind a tiny boulder. Her grandfoals could do a better job of hiding. She decided this warranted eye roll number two. “Silly colt, was he home when you got back?”

“You’re so busted.” Air Raid folder her wing back to her side, revealing a sheepishly smiling zebra. “Yeah, he was waiting to put me through my paces.”

“I did make you smile,” Caffeinated said. “With that mirror outfit, I wanted to see if she would be any good at assisting you in serving.”

“I’m going to be great!” Air Raid blushed, “Well not Ms. Thespian great, but good enough for my mare. So, did your play go well?”

Caffeinated laughed, “Yeah, how was the doghouse?”

For Thespian, that comment only deserved a raised eyebrow. “I’m in the play, Dogs, which is why Caffy calls it that. Play went well and dinner was nice. No leftovers for you stripey. Darkstar isn’t back yet?”

“Not yet,” said Air Raid. “She messaged me she was going to see Showmares.”

“Ah, that must be Requiem’s idea of therapy. Well, if she went backstage then Recital may explain the delay.” Thespian noticed a certain odor about the two. “You both smell nice. I positively reek next to you.”

“Would you like your back scrubbed?” asked Caffeinated.

“I’d love it.” Thespian stripped off her clothes as she headed for the bathroom.

Air Raid followed Caffeinated off the bed, “Would you like me to help?”

Thespian looked over her shoulder, “That would be nice.” In the bathroom she opted for a shower. “Use the lavender for me, please. Don’t want Caffy to have to guess which heather ear to nibble in the night.” That got a laugh from them both. “What did you do to get dirty? Something in the bedroom?”

“Mr. Caffy took me flying!” Air Raid announced happily.

Thespian let the pair do all the work as she stood in the shower. “Oh, to the beach? I love the beach.”

“It was a short jaunt to the lake and back,” responded Caffeinated. “With a stop for ice cream, of course.”

Air Raid’s smile brightened, “The ice cream was nice but riding on his back with my wings extended was amazing!”

Thespian wasn’t surprised by the ice cream. If she went anywhere near that shop a stop for ice cream was required. It was practically the law! “I love to ride my stallion like that. If it wasn’t for the sound of the hooves, you’d think you were flying.”

Air Raid went back to scrubbing Thespian. “I was convinced I was. Moving here has made for the happiest days of my life.”

Once Thespian was clean and dry the three returned to the bed. “You both may brush me and I’ll… Hmmm, it looks like you’ve already been preened, Raid.”

“Twice,” said Caffeinated. “They were a bird’s nest so before and after the flying lesson.”

“Flightless bird’s nest,” muttered Air Raid, not quite under her breath.

“Even an ostrich enjoys a good preen, dear.” Thespian was pleased to see that Air Raid looked suitably abashed by her comment. “You survived my parents quite well. My father does enjoy teasing a pretty mare.” Thespian started preening even if it wasn’t really needed.

“Thanks?” Air Raid giggled, “They were nice, and your mom is a lot nicer than mine.”

Thespian decided to interrupt the downward spiral before it could even start, “My mom can be like that, but Caffy’s mom is an angel.”

Air Raid let thoughts of her mother drift away. “Really, and what part of your coffee empire is she?”

“Production,” stated Caffeinated. “Her and my father moved back to the old country to oversee the fields, and that’s my mom’s real talent.”

“When our daughter moved out of the city may have had something to do with that,” added Thespian. “They have semi-retired, or at least my father-in-law has.”

“Do you see them much?” asked Air Raid.

Thespian added a nip to her preen. “We went over to celebrate New Year’s about a year and a half ago.” She got a laugh out of Air Raid for the nip. “Even then it was so hot I thought I was going to melt into a pile of blue fur.”

“It is perfect coffee weather though,” added Caffeinated. He had finished brushing Thespian’s tail, so he started to braid it.

Thespian’s nibbling had Air Raid giggling. “I don’t mind the hot weather, and I’m such a lucky mare to have three preens in one day.”

Thespian picked her head up from the wing. “Oh goody, I’ve just been teasing, but now.” She shot a hoof up in the air and with her best theatrical voice, “The teasing will be doubled!” She ignored Caffeinated’s poor attempt at an eye roll and went back in passing through sensual to erotic preening. As Air Raid’s wings spread and stiffened, she knew she was doing it right.

He finished braiding Thespian’s tail and moved to brush Air Raid’s tail. “Where have I seen that wing maneuver before?” Before either mare could respond, “Oh, yes, on every pegasus I’ve seen Tempest preen. My wife has learned well.”

The only thing Air Raid could do to respond was playfully swish her tail, but a light tug from Caffeinated stopped that. “I’ll have to get a Tempest preen to compare.”

From deep within the wing, Thespian announced, “Challenge accepted.” The little moans from Air Raid were music to her ears.

Caffeinated moved to braiding Air Raid’s blue tail. “Competition in the herd is frequent and friendly. With pegasi in the herd we all learn to preen, oh I can do horn maintenance too. I wonder if Darkie would like some?”

Thespian had moved to the juncture of the pegasus’s wing and body and she licked along the deep ugly scar she found there. She could feel Air Raid’s body tense up under her, but she didn’t stop licking, only she did flick her ears. Caffeinated noticed and picked up the brush to tap Air Raid’s ass with the non-business side. It was enough to snap Air Raid out of her dark thoughts and relax, though her wings stayed stiff. “Sorry Ms. Thespian, it’s just…” Air Raid took a breath as the mare licked the scar again. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had anypony, even myself, pay attention to that area.”

Thespian licked again, “This?” Air Raid nodded, “In a herd no part of you will be neglected. No part of you will be used to shame. Life is what it is, and our scars remind us of our successes and follies.”

“Wily was the last one to lick them,” said Air Raid in a low voice. “You must have seen them too Mr. Caffeinated.”

“Yes,” the zebra replied, “But I have my own. If you really want to talk scars, talk with Airmail. As for you, you can share what you want with us.”

Another moan came from Air Raid’s throat as Thespian stopped licking and went back to erotic preening. “I was seven, and I found out from this doctor in Canterlot I would never fly. I thought I had disappointed both my mom and dad. A pegasus that would never fly. I decided to cut them off. I didn’t know there would be so much blood, like, I wasn’t trying to end it or anything like that.”

Thespian smiled, “It’s a good thing you’re with us, or I couldn’t do this,” She made a noisy and slobbery nibble on the wing joint and enjoyed Air Raid squirm. Caffeinated had finished with the tail and moved forward to start braiding Air Raid’s mane. “This is turning into a slumber party. I need to move on to the other wing anyway.” She circled the pegasus and went straight to erotic preening.

Air Raid stiffened briefly as an orgasm passed through her. “Oh, you’re really good at this.”

“I should be, I practice a lot on Caffy’s harem,” Thespian said to which Caffeinated snorted. “Before he can, the harem is mixed tribes and sex. Not that either of us seem to mind that.” She giggled, “And he would also say it’s a herd, but that’s just semantics.”

“I don’t remember slumber parties being like this,” said Air Raid. “My first was at Spring’s house, and there was nothing erotic in that one.”

Caffeinated snickered, “Slumber party with benefits.”

“Having cloud pillows might help,” added Thespian. “How old were you then, Raid?”

“I was twelve at the time,” Air Raid said. “We did all the party games and talked about colts. I wasn’t sure which way I leaned then.”

“That was the age when I first started diddling with myself,” commented Thespian.

“Yeah, if I thought of sex at twelve, I’d still have my grandmare’s hoof print on my ass,” added Caffeinated.

Thespian laughed, “She made us sleep in separate rooms before we got married! I grew up sleeping in one room with my siblings and parents. Zebras are a bunch of prudes.” She got a proper raspberry from her husband.

“I had my own room, then I was an only child,” Air Raid said. “My dad forgot to clear his browser history one time and that taught me all about sex. Spring wasn’t even interested in experimenting though.”

Thespian finished the second wing and leaned against Air Raid, “I see you only tried to cut that one wing.”

“I passed out pretty quick from the pain and red isn’t really my color,” responded Air Raid.

“Wisdom at such a young age.” Thespian nuzzled a wing joint, “Do I need more lessons?”

“Oh nopes, not at all, judging by my wings and my crotch you’ve done a proper job of it.”

“Really?” Thespian moved along Air Raids body till she could nuzzle under the pegasus’s tail. “Caffy, I’m afraid we may have to change the sheets.”

“A small price to pay,” he said as he finished the braid along Air Raid’s mane. “Now you’re the second most pretty mare in the room.”

Thespian laughed. “Don’t let him braid your feathers. It’s a bad idea.”

“I’m not used to all this ‘pretty’,” muttered Air Raid. “I really don’t do anything to make myself pretty.”

“The tomcoltish look works for some mares, but let’s call this look photogenic for when you’re on the victory platform.” Caffeinated settled down along Air Raid’s side.

Thespian continued to nuzzle and lick below Air Raid’s tail and between her legs. “It will keep your mane out of your eyes too, if you drive with the top down.”

Caffeinated nudged Air Raid to look in the mirror and she had a good view of her mane and raised tail. “I… I like it. It’s girly.” She let loose a moan as Thespian’s tongue probed between nether lips. “This could be fun.” She could feel both Thespian and Caffeinated nod. “Um, can we have some fun?”

“Sure, we can,” said a way too chipper Caffeinated. “Would you like to play a board game, or maybe some cards?” He smiled as Thespian giggled under the tail, and it broadened when Air Raid groaned.

‘Is there a tease me sign on my back?’ Air Raid thought with a pout. “No, I mean, can we have sex, here on this bed, the three of us.”

“Oh, that kind of fun!” exclaimed Caffeinated. “That does sound like fun, doesn’t it love?”

Thespian came up for air, “Yes, it does! Would you like a bit more control this time Raid?”

“Oh, no. Just like last time is great. I’m all yours.” She squeaked when the couple gave her a deep kiss at each end. Air Raid felt Caffeinated leave the bed but didn’t bother to track him. Her eyes stayed closed as Thespian added a hoof to the mix under her tail and between her hind legs. She lifted her ass to give the mare freer access when she felt Caffeinated return. Air Raid opened her eyes and saw the zebra had a blindfold in his mouth and hoofcuffs carried against his chest.

Thespian moved to the side opposite her husband. “Please center yourself on the bed, belly down, and move your legs towards the corners as best you can.”

“Alrighty.” Air Raid scooted to the center of the bed and spread her legs. She watched Caffeinated toss a couple of cuffs and leads to Thespian. He fastened the Velcro cuffs around her fetlocks and used the lead to connect to the cuff D-Ring and to what she guessed was another ring under the bed. Once all four cuffs and leads were attached the couple tightened them until she couldn’t move a leg. The last thing Caffeinated did was uses his lips and hooves to put the blindfold on her. She shivered at the loss of her site. It was like Thespian said earlier, ‘This is Wildfire’s life’.

Both got off the bed, and Air Raid heard their voices fade as they left the room. She moved her head and flicked her ears to pick up any noise, but there was only silence. “I’m okay,” she said softly as she worked to keep her panic under control. The silence was broken by laughter downstairs. They must have been loud on purpose. Air Raid still struggled a little, but to no avail. “Guys?” The panic stated to take hold. ‘They wouldn’t abandon you,’ she thought. ‘It will be okay. Calm down and wait. Just mind games.’

Air Raid quickly lost track of time. She imagined running the track in her Audi to take her mind off being tied down to a bed. Finally, the soft hoof steps on the carpet alerted her to their return. She felt one climb onto the bed at her front. To light to be Caffeinated, so it had to be Thespian. She wanted to confirm this but remained silent. ‘I’m safe.’ A heavier pony moved onto the bed behind her.

The one to her front moved towards her and she could feel the hind legs go over her forelegs. Air Raid’s nose told her it was a mare. She stuck out her tongue ready to taste said mare once she was close enough. She could keep silent no longer when something cold was shoved into her tail hole. The other two laughed when she squealed loudly.

“I’ve never seen a hole slam shut so quickly!” said Caffeinated.

The smile could be heard in Thespian’s voice. “Lift your head and keep it up.” Air Raid did so and the sound of squirty cream could be heard. “Oh, my that is cold too.” The smell of chocolate followed that. “You may feast, my pet.”

Air Raid wasted no time as she dived into the creamy chocolaty treat. She felt Caffeinated’s hoof play with her slit but was enjoying herself too much to pay it any attention. Then a large warm tongue shoved a very cold ice cube into that slit and Air Raid squealed again into Thespian’s snatch.

The zebra started to edge the toe of his hoof into Air Raid. She may had played hide the hoof with Wildfire, but he’d never get his into that tunnel. Caffeinated slid his other hoof under the mare to play with her teats. Air Raid found a hidden prize in Thespian. She had preloaded some maraschino cherries and Air Raid found the first one. As a reward, Thespian squirted a bit of chocolate onto the pegasus’s nose.

Air Raid was in heaven. Being played at one end and playing at the other end. She slurped the chocolate and ate her second cherry. She did tense at first when Caffeinated probed her with a hoof, but relaxed quickly. She knew he would never hurt her.

Darkstar walked up to the gate along the sidewalk. ‘Go me! Made it from the theater to here without a panic attack.’ She used the key card to open the gate and the same with the front door of the house. Darkstar wiped her hooves and called out, “Hello? I’m home!”

“I think Darkie has made it back,” said Thespian. She put a hoof on Air Raid’s head to make sure she didn’t go anywhere.

Caffeinated pulled out his hoof and gave it a lick. “I’m on it.” He climbed off the bed and headed out the door. From the top of the stairs, he called out, “We’re up in my bedroom, Darkie.”

“Okay, I’m coming.” She trotted to the bottom of the steps and saw Caffeinated at the top. She climbed the stairs, “Are you having fun?”

“I can’t complain,” Caffeinated led the way back into the bedroom.

Darkstar saw Air Raid tied to the bed, and muzzle deep in Thespian. “I see you’re having a lot of fun.”

Thespian looked over at the unicorn, “How was your evening?”

Darkstar walked around the bed as she looked Air Raid over. The mess of cream and chocolate around her muzzle. “It went very well. We enjoyed the show and Recital was lovely to talk to.” She noticed the bowl of ice cubes and took one in her magic to push it under Air Raid’s tail. The squeal from the pegasus as it entered her back door was what she wanted to hear. “Lots of fun!”

“She is a hot mare,” said Caffeinated. “The ice cubes don’t stand a chance against her.” Darkstar giggled. “Would you like a drink, Darkie?”

“Please, a beer would be nice,” she answered. Caffeinated opened the mini fridge. “Oh, a Stable Hopper please.” The zebra hoofed it to her, and she opened it with her magic and took a long drink. “Seeing her like this does bring back some happier memories.”

“Would you like to join in on the fun?” Thespian asked.

“We’d love to! Just let us get undressed.” Darkstar used her magic to remove the dress and she started to undo the corset.

“You can leave the rest on, if you please,” said Caffeinated.

Darkstar looked herself over, “I think we just might.” She smiled at Caffeinated, “Like socks and a corset, do you?”

“Socks run a close second to tails,” commented Thespian.

Darkstar blinked and took another look at the scene before her. She just now noticed that both Thespian and Air Raid’s tail and mane had been braided. “So, we see. Maybe you can make me all girly like Raid?” Air Raid’s blush burned in her ears, which made Darkstar laugh.

“I’d be honored to do so.” Caffeinated patted a spot on the bed next to Air Raid. “Climb on up and I’ll start on your mane.” Darkstar lounged against Air Raid’s barrel and Caffeinated duly started on her mane.

Darkstar had a good view of Air Raid lapping away at Thespian’s crotch. Thespian still had a hoof on Air Raid’s head to keep her in place. Periodically she would add a bit more chocolate to the mix for Air Raid to lap away. Even though she was into stallions, it was still hot to watch the two mares going at it. Darkstar turned her attention to the wing she was lounging against and saw that it was in pristine condition. She trailed a hoof along the feathers, “Some pony has been getting a lot of attention today.”

Air Raid moved to say something, only to have Thespian push down to keep her in place. “She has been busy today, so she earned the many preens she has received.”

“She has been a fairly good mare,” added Caffeinated. “I think she is just teasing, but we sort of put her in a bind,” the stallion snickered.

Darkstar nodded, “It’s almost enough to make us jealous.”

Caffeinated finished with the mane and move down to start on the tail. “No need to be jealous. The mirror is behind you, but there is a hoof mirror on the dresser.”

The white unicorn looked over her shoulder, but she didn’t have a good view with the wall mirror. Darkstar levitated over the hoof mirror to examine her grey mane. It was a tight braid just like the other two mares were wearing. “You’re really good at this, Caffy.” She set the mirror down on the bed near the headboard and looked back over her shoulder. Air Raid’s tail was flagged high so she took another ice cube from the bowl and pushed it under the tail to see what hole it would wind up in.

Caffeinated paused in his tail braiding to use a hoof and earn an assist as the ice cube entered Air Raid’s slit. The ice had Air Raid suck Thespian’s clitoris hard and a loud ‘Yes’ from Thespian. “Would you like some tribe specific attention like Raid had for her wings?”

Darkstar had a faraway look. ‘Will he break our horn like the last stallion?’ ‘What? No, he isn’t one of them.’ ‘Still a stallion, and we just got our horn back.’ ‘Live for once!’ Darkstar took a deep breath, “Okay.”

Air Raid tried to pull back to say something, but Thespian was having none of it. Caffeinated did see his wife’s ear flicks. “Are you sure, Darkie?” asked Caffeinated, sensing the mare’s inner argument. “Has any pony tended to your horn since it was healed?”

Darkstar took another deep breath, “Well, no, but I used to enjoy it.” She turned to look Caffeinated in the eye. “I trust you. Could you please tend to my horn?” ‘We did it!’

Caffeinated finished braiding Darkstar’s tail. “I’d be happy to. I’ve learned all that Serenity can teach me.” He moved forward and had one forehoof on the far side of Air Raid for support but was still draped over Darkstar. “Let me know if I’m too heavy.” He did a slow lick from base to tip. The mare under him squirmed as he continued to lick her horn. He made sure no part of her horn was left untouched.

Caffeinated noticed his wife had her head back and eyes closed. He could tell she was close. The stallion moved his mouth to Darkstar’s ear and whispered, “Ice cube to Thespian’s nipple.” He moved back and closed his mouth around the base of the horn and slowly dragged his teeth upwards.

She lit her horn and concentrated hard to move an ice cube to the right nipple. She rubbed it against the nipple and Thespian’s reaction was instant. The blue grey mare shouted and bucked her hips upward to drive Air Raid’s muzzle into her snatch. When Caffeinated reached the tip of her horn Darkstar lost all concentration and the ice cube fell from her grip and slid down Air Raid’s nose.

Caffeinated saw his wife’s eyes were now wide open. He stuck out his tongue at her and then deep throated Darkstar’s sparking horn.

At first, Thespian was annoyed at the interruption of her pleasure and mirrored sticking out her tongue at her husband. She watched him deep throat the horn and knew from experience with Mapper and Serenity the inherent danger of such action. She acknowledged him with an ear flick and leaned back enjoying Air Raid’s work. She didn’t close her eyes.

‘He’s doing it!’ ‘He is’ Darkstar lost all track of her surroundings. Caffeinated’s tongue, teeth, and lips were driving her to ever higher plateaus. ‘I’m cumming!’ ‘I’m cumming’ ‘We’re cumming!’ ‘We are!’

Curiously, Thespian watched the light show glowing in her husband’s mouth. His cheeks lit up and sparks leaked downward. When Darkstar’s eyes rolled to the back of her head she flicked her ears, and Caffeinated came off the horn. A fountain of light and sparks splashed harmlessly up and over the ceiling.

Darkstar was completely exhausted and would have fallen over if it weren’t for Caffeinated holding her. Even as she slumped sparks still shot form her horn. She felt Caffeinated’s tongue lick at her spent horn. “Enough. St-stop please.”

Thespian removed her hoof from Air Raid’s head. “Well done my pet.” She watched the pegasus lift her head and she removed the blindfold followed by a blown kiss.

Air Raid blinks as she goes from darkness to the room’s lights. “That was proper awesome!” She looks back at her friend, “Are you doing alright, Darkie?”

“Yes,” Darkstar panted in agreement, “It was proper awesome.”

Thespian backed away and turned around to go nose to nose with Air Raid. “You need a bit of clean up.” Air Raid giggled. “Quite the light show you put on Darkie. You are sure you’re alright?”

“Yes, now my horn has stopped pretending to be a sparkler.” Darkstar smiled, “It has been a long time since I’ve had that feeling.”

“Good,” said Thespian. “There’s an apple pie on the counter in the kitchen.” She shook the can of whipped cream. “I saved enough cream. Could you bring us up four slices, please?”

“I can do that,” said Darkstar. Caffeinated got off the bed and helped Darkstar to stand on the floor. “I’m good, back in a moment.” She trotted out of the room.

“It was good of you to save some cream,” said Caffeinated as he got back on the bed.

Thespian licked Air Raid’s muzzle. “I would have saved some cherries, but his one popped them all.”

Air Raid laughed, “It was my pleasure, too.”

Thespian moved to the side opposite Caffeinated, and they removed the leads, but left the cuffs on. “I hope you don’t mind me turning my attention to Darkie?” asked Caffeinated.

Air Raid shook her head, “I had fun, and she had fun. I know I asked you to rut me earlier, but I think this was the best of all worlds.”

“I’m sure I can find a strap-on if you still need a rutting,” Thespian offered.

“I’m good,” responded Air Raid with a shake of her head, “All the attention Mr. Caffeinated gave me earlier had me worked up. Both of you relieved that nicely.”

Darkstar entered the room. Her magic held a tray holding four desert plates and a slice of pie on each. “I’m back and I have pie!” The tray wobbled a bit, but she put it on the bed without a spill.

“Thank you, Darkie,” Caffeinated said. “Did you enjoy your kitchen privileges?”

“Yes! It’s really cool being allowed back in the kitchen.” Darkstar hugged each of them. “Thank you for trusting me.”

“Who wants whipped cream?” Before her husband could say anything she added, “On their pie, that is.” All three of them said ‘me’ at the same time so she emptied the can over the four slices. “Not that you have to of course, but you’re both welcome to spend the night here.”

“Welllllll,” said Air Raid as she took her plate, “Going to my room means walking.”

Darkstar took her plate and used her best bratty whine, added, “It’s too far, I don’t wanna.”

Caffeinated smiled at their antics. “Well then, I guess we could squeeze you in on this big bed, being the lone stallion and all.”

“Pfft,” snorted Thespian, “Don’t worry if you make a mess with the pie as the ‘lone stallion’ will be changing the sheets.”

“That’s all right then,” said Darkstar as she took a big bite of her pie.

Air Raid giggled, “As if Darkie would miss her mouth with that pie.” Darkstar lightly swatted her ass for the sassy comment.

“That may be so, but I don’t want chocolate syrup in my mane when I wake up,” commented Thespian as she ate her pie.

“I heard all about Raid’s visit to Thespy’s parents,” said Caffeinated between bites. “How was Showmares?”

“It was great! We sung along with the songs, had a wonderful time. Recital was proper nice after when we chatted, and…” ‘Given up on the I word?’ “And…” ‘What, no, we, I…’ “And I told her everything.” Darkstar looked at the other three and saw nothing but support. “Thank you, but Requiem said it may be some time before we.” She giggled, “Before I will say I. Still I got a dance audition Saturday out of the deal.”

Air Raid wasn’t sure what to say. The Darkstar in front of her was a mix of brazen and timid. She really hoped this move to Manehatten would be for the better for both of them, “That’s a good thing, right?”

Thespian wrapped Darkstar in a hug, “Did she tell you what those are like?”

Darkstar returned the hug, “Yeah, apples to the press.” Thespian nodded and let her go. “She did, but it’s dancing and dancing is what I like doing.”

“What about the Times job that Airmail got for you?” asked Air Raid.

“We don’t know,” responded Darkstar. “I didn’t make Las Pegasus, and we really want to go for this. Don’t want Airy to be pissed though.”

“As in stalk you in a dark alley and slit your throat pissed?” Thespian punched the zebra hard in the shoulder to which Caffeinated chuckled. “I doubt Airy’s reputation as lead political editor is dependent on someone working the theater section of the paper.”

Darkstar thought about that but didn’t want anyone to be upset with her. “I mean, she doesn’t go around offering jobs to anypony she meets, does she?”

First, “said Thespian,” not every pony she meets has a reporter background, and more importantly, a friend of the herd. Besides, I don’t think you interviewed for the job yet.” Darkstar shook her head. “Well then, you need to follow your heart, dear.” She hugged her husband, “It got me the walking striped carpet, and a lifelong career in the theater.”

“You’re right. I know getting in as a dancer is hard, but it is performing, and that is what I’m really good at,” stated Darkstar. “Thank you, Ms. Thespy, Raid.” She leaned over and gave the zebra a kiss.

“Totally worth it,” said Caffeinated.

“Go for it, Darkie, I know you’re going to be the best!” added Air Raid.

In true dramatic form Thespian raised a hoof to her forehead, “Oh my, should I be in fear of my job?”

Darkstar giggled, “Nah, we aren’t an actress.”

Thespian wiped the hoof across her forehead, “Oh good, I’m far too young for retirement.” Caffeinated snickered even when Thespian looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

Darkstar added, “Even if we were, we don’t think we’d be a threat.”

“Hah!” said Caffeinated. “All of them are threats. Why Thespy makes so many friends. So, they will let her at least lurk just off stage.”

Thespian blew the zebra a loud raspberry. “It has been some time since I played a lead role, but I’m okay with that. I still have my place and will always have my memories.”

“I get what you mean, Ms. Thespian,” said Air Raid. “There is always a younger, braver, racer coming up to challenge you.”

Darkstar yawned, “I’m going to ace that audition on Saturday.”

“Okay, ladies,” announced Caffeinated. “You go clean off the food play so I can change the sheets. Then we can be off to a snuggle fest of sleep.