Ghost woke up the next morning at his usual time of five. Dash was still sleeping like a brick and snoring so Ghost knew he could get up without her being overly bothered by it. He started doing what he normally does every morning, exercise for an hour. Nothing extreme, just push ups and sit ups and some jumping jacks. After this he went off and showered to clean off the sweat. Now it was 6:30, time to cook up breakfast. Though something did pop into his mind as he gently walked past the sleeping pegasus, when did she wake up? She was capable of being lazy and sleeping in late. But since she is working with the Wonderbolts now, is she on a sleep routine? He was going to find out regardless.

Ghost didn't have much in his kitchen when it came to food. Yogurt, eggs, bread, bacon (hay of course) and butter. Looks like something rather simple today. Ghost was a jack of all trades, he could fix just about anything, could fight, intelligent, and a half decent cook. So despite being left with a small option he knew he could whip up something. He followed one of his personal rules of cooking, everything is better when made in cast iron and had the eggs and bacon sizzling in no time. He decided to do some buttered toast but give it a little bath time in egg yokes for extra flavor. This he knew would need trial and error with seasoning, which luckily salt and pepper was available. Shortly after he finally got the egg soaked toast right Dash came in groggily. The smell and sound of food was enough to wake her up and draw her to the kitchen. For her she was up an hour earlier than normal. "Good morning, breakfast will be done in a minute. Have a seat." Ghost said chirpily as he flipped the eggs over for the last bit of their session. He liked them over-easy with a pinch of seasoning. So it was super quick to make since the yoke was still mostly in tact when it was done.

"Good morning." Dash replied with a yawn. She didn't realize she just replied to Ghost. Then she did. This wasn't her place. And that is Ghost making breakfast. Then she remembered it all. The dinner, the cuddling. Then sleep. She just slept with Ghost. It was a beautiful sleep, but this was going to be hard to explain and she never thought this far last night. Typical Dash always going in head first and not thinking it through all the way to end. But she honestly didn't care when she refocused and saw Ghost again. She then remembered that whatever happened after she left the door, he would be caught up in as well. Any rumors, questions, assumptions, it wasn't just Dash but her and Ghost. He had to be drug down with her in those rumors. Made her feel a little better, since she knew that he was convincing in more than one way. Also his reputation around town from years before would resurface and assist the issues. He wasn't like other stallions. He didn't play around. Though, others may think Dash played him. Which was going to be hard to counter given her past. But she held by her stance from last night, she wanted to pursue him. Besides nothing probably will result from her being at his house. No one even saw them last night together after the restaurant. Dash took a seat before she would forget to do and just be staring blankly at Ghost's fridge. It was quite clean, but not worth staring at.

At this time Ghost served up the plates for the two of them. Just enough for both of them and a little leftover in case one of them wanted seconds. Dash looked at the food curiously, never had eggs made like that before. The bacon looked too good to be made by hand. The toast looked good, so she started with that. She did not know it was bathed in egg till the explosion of flavor hit her mouth. She had no clue Ghost was this capable of making food. She wolfed down the rest of the toast and started on the bacon. Everything about was done just right. Cooked the right amount of time, right amount of seasoning, right amount of grease left in it. The egg was the same, that explosion of flavor when the yoke burst and ran onto the plate to be used like a syrup. Ghost in the meantime was eating like it was a normal meal, though, to him, it was quite average. Dash went and grabbed up the seconds that were left and consumed them too.

"How did you make this? This was the best thing I ever had." Dash was very impressed with his skills. Something simple, yet flavorful. He could have a job preparing this and it would run other places out of business. Though she figured Ghost heard this before from others. Though she meant it. It was very delicious.

"With practice and experimentation. Just like any skill." Ghost shrugs, it was how he got to be good at preparing foods. "Though I do appreciate the compliments. Especially hearing them coming from you." He figured she would be the biggest critic to please when it came to food. Her genuine response to his cooking was appreciated. She may have fibbed to him to make feel better even if his cooking sucked. Her loyalty driving her to that. But she wouldn't have cleaned the plate and got seconds if she didn't like it.

Dash blushed with the last comment. She didn't expect him to take extra pride from her compliments, though how could she blame him. They both confessed feelings for each other last night. So it makes perfect sense. Though, still, it made her feel special that he wanted to please her and wants her praise. Though she simply pecked his cheek. Oh she forgot how soft he was to the touch. "I really hope you didn't have any plans today." She said softly, hoping for a no. Which she was quite confident in getting just that.

Ghost was a little caught off guard with the kiss. Though he smiled as a result of her being affectionate with him. "No, why?" He knew full well why, just wanted to hear her say it to him. He was happy she was being quite more open with him than before. Before she was too used to having that front up and when she took it down, she was scared that she was going to get hurt. Did she get hurt before during his time away? Not physically, but emotionally buy a previous lover? Betray her trust in some form or fashion? He didn't care too much. Her past wasn't his issue. Her present and future however, he still had influence on. He wasn't about to give her reason to doubt him.

"I, uh, well. I want to be with you more. I didn't quite get to enjoy you as much last night as I would have liked." Not something Dash was used to feeling, soft. Though she was comfortable with being soft for Ghost. She liked him, a lot. The more she was honest and open with him, the easier it was to accept her softness, because Ghost made her feel in ways that she didn't feel before and none was a vulnerable softness. She felt soft now, but Ghost was her shell. She could put herself in him and he would be her shield. She wanted to do just that again. Also cuddle, cuddle that soft stud.

"That can be done." Ghost smiled, spending more time with Dash was a bonus. Not like he had anything to do immediately anyway. Getting a house was the only thing, but he had two months to track one down, and even then no rush since he didn't need to move out by then. With that he got up and did the dishes right fast and both he and Dash went to the sofa once again. Where Dash immediately laid on him without hesitation. Snuggling into him before sighing happily.

Dash was never happier, feeling the warmth of Ghost once again as well as his softness. Let the troubles come, she wasn't going to let this go. None of her previous loves compared to this, which she was a bit ashamed to admit. Some of those colts really tried to be her perfect stallion and never were. Ghost wasn't even doing anything special other than letting her lay on his body. Before she knew it though, she was clung to him, but she didn't want to let go either. Nothing was going to ruin this moment. Nothing at all. But she did want to dive deeper into Ghost's head as he probably did want to do with her. Snuggling was only half of what she wanted to do and it could get boring. "What made you come home?" She asked softly. He still was in his prime, he could have gave another five years easily.

"The work was starting to turn stale. It was no longer a career anymore. The stress, the politics. It was overworking me. Plus, I wanted to settle down and start a family before I got to be too old to fully enjoy that too." Ghost replied quite softly. Mostly due to the fact speaking loudly wasn't necessary. He did start really look at her when he got to the family part. This made her blush deeply. He was thinking that she could be the one that settles with him and has a family with him. Though her processing that, she could see it. She kind of really liked the idea of being his mare. "Where do you see yourself in the next few years?" What was this, a job interview? That question Ghost popped on Dash was the best thought provoker he had for her. The best one that could lead to others.

Dash really thought about his question. She was happy where she was as a weather mare and Wonderbolt. But where did she want to be in a few years? She couldn't stop thinking of being in a family. Finally settling down with the right stallion and them both raising their own. Anything more? Any other careers? Nothing really came to mind. Just being a part of her own family was all she could think of. "I want to have my own family." She replied softly. She never thought she would utter the words in her lifetime. Yet here she was, admitting she wanted to slow down her life and do something normal, yet unnatural to her personality of being stunts, glory and fast. All that would be on the back burner.

Ghost smiled softly as she replied. She wanted something very reasonable, though very hard to get right. Creating a family takes a lot of time, love and energy. He knew she was capable of the love needed and had the energy. Though her time would shrink a ton. Less time being the thrill seeker she is now. Not that she wasn't aware of that already. Though thinking back to the fact she has dated before and admitted to wanting a family. "Ever think any of your previous dates would be the one that you would sail away with?" He was genuinely curious if she ever thought she found the right one before. Obviously she didn't, still single up to this point, though that was probably about to change. His status too. Though he didn't care, be back two days and get asked out by Dash. Nothing wrong with that at all. Well, there are probably other stallions that would disagree with Ghost's stance on that matter.

"Two times. Both serious dates. One ended up cheating on me at the end. The other, we started to realize that we weren't going to be compatible long term. So we dissolved. What about you? Did you ever think you found the one?" Dash was sort of hoping he didn't have as many close calls as she did. It was her competitive side, though part of her jealousy for him. The healthy kind. She knew other mares were with him. But how many got to experience him the way she is experiencing him? She didn't like admitting that she wasn't alone in this. But she may very well get what other mares never got. That made her feel a bit better. Though she figured Ghost would admit the same about her.

"Three times. Though one, as much as I hate to admit, was a mission relationship. She was quite heart broken over it. So, two real relationships that didn't involve a fake name and lying. Before you ask, we did reconnect later and ended up being friends." If not for that mission, he would be tied with Dash. But wow, he actually never really thought about that. Twice, he almost thought he found the right mare for him. Twice they invested in him only to be let down in the end. Though he was happy that they all ended on a positive note. Unlike Dash where she was betrayed. That had to really suck, you trusted, invested, exposed yourself to only find out it was being thrown away for another. That kind of emotion he couldn't comprehend fully. He would have never wished it on anyone he some caring for. Though he noticed how Dash was with him. Genuinely happy just to be with him. He couldn't picture any other mare looking like this with him. Happy, yes, but there was just something the way he saw Dash that said that she was experiencing something different. He then realized he felt differently around her than other dates. He was happier with Dash. Odd. What made Dash so vastly different from the others? He couldn't think of anything that would have done it other than it was the fact it was Dash. Not like all the celebrity stuff attached to her name. It was everything else. Her emotions, personality, body. The last bit was a bit dirty to think about. Did she feel the same? Was he that much different from all other stallions that he alone was able to create this spark that raised everything? "How different am I from the other stallions of your past?" He asked softly.

Oh she dreaded this. One thing to feel it, how to describe it. Plus why did he have to ask her? It made her blush. Another deep confession from her was in order. "Simply, you are vastly different. Leagues different." It wasn't hard to vocalize this part, nor was any of it going to be at this point. It was the words that were going to be the trouble. "I just, feel different when I think of what I feel now when compared to my previous dates. A more intense fire if you will." That was the best she could think of to describe this. Did he feel the same and that is why he asked? Did no other mare spark this in him until now? This gave her a new wave of excitement. She could give something that no one else could give Ghost when it came to how they thought and felt around each other. "You?" She looked up to him to see his reaction as she asked softly. Though she couldn't help but increase her grip on him. She really hoped for a similar answer so she could thoroughly enjoy this moment.

Ghost was smiling, he knew she tried to describe the feeling as best she could word. Though couldn't agree more with the delivery of it. Seeing how she was now staring up at him. Those crimson eyes penetrating him, pleading with him to say what she desperately wants to know. "Just as you described it. I feel the same." Before anything else could happen Dash's eyes gleamed with pure happiness and she dove in for a kiss. It took Ghost a split second to react, but he kissed back. Neither made any changes to it, they were too busy enjoying each other to turn up the heat. Though all too often, some good things were never meant to last as long as intended.

There was a knock on the door. "Rainbow you in there?" It was the legend, the purple, the newly crowned princess, Twilight. Dash and Ghost broke the kiss and stared at each other in confusion. As well as disappointment. Their perfect moment was ruined. Though to Dash's dismay there was murmuring from the others as well. The whole gang was at the door. Ghost decided to make light of the situation for Dash. "No rainbows here! Rainbows only happen outside after a good rain." Dash smiled softly at his retort, but this wasn't good for her. All the assumptions and rumors that will spill now. Not just on her, but on Ghost. But she couldn't hide from this forever.

"How did they know I was here? Also, why are they looking for me? I haven't even done anything to warrant them to be concerned." Dash whispered, though totally freaked out. What her friends going to say finding out she's been all cuddly and soft with a stallion? Sure they would be supportive long term. But it may take them a while to warm up to the idea of her finding a stallion she thought was worth dating. Though her panic didn't last long when Ghost started to rub her back gently. It was soothing. She got her breath and heart back into control then smiled at Ghost. They were in this together, and Ghost's quick action reminded her of that.

"We know she is in there. Her magical energy is radiating from this room. She missed the weekly meeting." Of course, every week Twi and friends would have a quick discussion if nothing pressing was going on. Dash couldn't believe she forgot that it was today. She buried her face in her hooves for a moment. She was so caught up with Ghost, that it never occurred to her that this would happen. Also, of course Twilight could use magical aurora as a tracker. Whatever that was. Dash was not very curious in the terminology as Twi always was. Though even if she was to try and sneak off, Twi would tell.

"I hope you are ready to face whatever comes after this." Dash whispered softly to Ghost. Hoping he knew exactly what would happen once the world knew that Dash spent the night in a stallions house. Even though Ghost lived in an apartment. Dash was surprised when she felt Ghost wrap his hooves around her and hold her. He knew, he knew full well and was ready to face the bull for her, and with her.

Still trying to make light of the situation to help ease Dash, Ghost whispered in her ear, "Is my mane messy? I want to look my prettiest for the camera." It worked, Dash smiled and shook her head before kissing his cheek.

"Thank you." She whispered. Dash was a lot calmer now. Thanks to Ghost being fearless and brave, for her, not for himself. She admired him for it. Everything he was doing at this point was for her. She felt him hold her again, she really wished he didn't. Then she remembered they were in this together, and the way she was being held, it was a protective hold. She blushed as she comprehended this. This hold wasn't for the fact her friends would see. It was for what was going to come after. Those rumors, judgments, all the negativity that she was going to get for this. He was shielding her from them, right here, right now. She snuggled into Ghost and closed her eyes, taking this in one last time.

That's when she heard what she didn't want to hear, "Come in." With that her world changed yet again. Though Ghost was there for her. Which she really wanted right now. Ghost was fully aware with what was going to happen. Dash had a reputation. One subject to a lot of negativity if she strayed from it. He was going to be subject to a part of this as well. Though he didn't care. He never cared what others thought of him. He made a point for those close to him. Strangers, well, let them think what they want. He wasn't trying to impress them. He felt Dash get a bit tense when the door swung open. She had to face the fire now. She sat up reluctantly and smiled a little. "Hey guys..." She said softly.

All the gang was there, including Starlight. All were jaw dropped at what they saw. Dash snuggled up in the embrace of a stallion. Rarity, of course, fainted onto her couch. To which Ghost tilted his head curiously. No horn glow, so no regular magic, yet how did she get that to appear out of nowhere, and could he keep it? It had to be a large bit comfier than the cheap loveseat he had currently. Flutters was not very willing to stay, her shyness and the awkwardness of the situation were too much for her personality and character. Applejack was just shocked. Never thought of all the mares, Rainbow Dash would be like this around a stallion. Pinkie was off spitting words too fast comprehend. Something about readers? Twilight was just had questions. Some to Ghost, some to Dash. Spike was probably the first to notice that Ghost was a rival for Big Mac and wanted to do nothing to do with that if he was to get upset. Nope. Starlight was a bit jealous that she didn't get to introduce herself first. She kind of thought he was cute. She wouldn't hide that.

"This is Ghost. We have known each other since grade school. He just got back to town yesterday. So we've...uh...been hanging out since." Dash was blushing heavily, no matter she worded that, they were going to think the complete other direction. They are going to think her and Ghost soiled the sheets. Dash was very tense. She wanted to just turn and bury herself back into Ghost and try to forget this. But she knew he could only do so much. She took a deep breath which helped a bit.

"Pleasure to meet you all. As Dash has already mentioned, I'm Ghost and we've been friends for many years. I am now a retired veteran who just got back from serving out of country. Me and Dash were catching up on old times and missed times." Ghost quickly stepped in once Dash was done, reinforcing her point of being old friends catching up. Also using his out of country veteran status to send their thoughts to that instead of the all the dirty tricks they could have been up too. It did work somewhat.

Rarity was first to speak, she woke up after a few moments as she usually does, so she heard what Dash said as well as Ghost. "I could see why Dash would want to be around you, both of you behaving like ruffians and brutes." Did, did she just insult Ghost and Dash or was that meant to be a compliment? That was the problem with the way Rarity phrased some of her sentences. Ghost was going to stick with no comment for now.

The rest, figured that if they have been friends for that long, it would make sense why Dash would be softer around him and not trying to beat him at a wrestling match. Ghost being a veteran would explain the muscle tone. This peaked Twilight's curiosity well beyond healthy. A military veteran, right here in Ponyville? Oh the questions, the research, the tests. Starlight spoke next, "Wait, how were you guys grade school friends if Rainbow grew up in Cloudsdale?" She remembered this from her trip into the past, funny enough. The one time her evil was actually trying to be helpful.

"While, it would be more interesting to say that I started off as a pegasus that turned into an unicorn. That was not the case. Reality, I attended the Ponyville school and well, Dash would visit the town with her friends on the weekends, or if there was a game between schools. Since we both were into sports and competition at the time, we ended up becoming friends." Ghost replied. Keeping it interesting with the species change part in it. It got a few giggles. Most seemed to be satisfied with this answer. Pinkie was still on about something random, something about the word count being four thousand, one hundred, fifty nine. Whatever that means. She may have gone off the rails.

Though Applejack now had her own question, "How many times ya lose ta Dash?" Ghost didn't know she rocked a southern accident. Though Dash blushed a bit at that question. Of course she would ask, those two have butted heads so many times in random challenges.

"Oh, I neva cared if Aye won or lost. Aye was just happy ta hav'n fun wit mah friends." Ghost's take on the southern accent was spot on, and everyone was quite impressed with how he was able to just do it like it was nothing. Though it would seem only Dash really paid attention to what he said immediately. He never admitted to winning or losing to her, nor was going too. This was due to the fact that he did beat Dash in several sports she was passionate in, no matter how hard she tried. Her blush subsided with this. The next one to notice was AJ. She sort of knew that there was a secret there, but wasn't going to push it.

After a few more minutes of trivia questions, the group of friends left after bringing Dash up to speed on the meeting. When they left Dash snuggled herself back into Ghost. She had stress and tension she wanted to lose and knew he was the fastest way to relieve it. "Thank you for having my back during that. I can't say there were many stallions that would have put themselves in the spotlight repeatedly like you did." She remembered all the times he was there for her when problems would arise. It was his best quality to her.

Ghost started to rub her back gently again and whispered to her "You're welcome." He really wanted the best for her, if he had to put himself under fire to keep her safe, in this case, mentally, worth it. Every single time. If he got scared from it, so be it. Just another one to add to the collection. He could feel her start to melt again as she let go of the troubles of what just happened.

Dash thought about it some more. Everything he has done for her, and what has he gotten out of it? He's taken punches, verbal lashings. Now what else was he going to have to endure for her? She wanted to really show him how much she was appreciating him. She wanted to wait on giving up her body. Too many times she has done that, plus, she wanted the right mood and ease into it. Kissing just wasn't enough to her. He deserved more. Then she finally decided on it. She did have something she would be willing to give him that would be intimate for the two of them. Though now she was blushing deeply as she had to convince herself to go through with this plan.

Author's Note

I know, it was left open ended. Going to have to wait till the next chapter to see what she has come up with. I stated this on my Daring Do fic, but not here. If you have criticism for my work. I would like to hear it. My writing can only get better right?