Dash had decided what to give Ghost as a true thanks for being there for her. Past, present and future. Something she could live with giving for right now and feel bad about it later, like she has done in the past. She blushed a bit as she started to turn thoughts into actions. She wrapped her hooves around Ghost and pulled him down on top of her. Nothing wrong with a sneak peak and a little show right? She knew Ghost well enough to not abuse any power she could give him. He followed the rules to his best ability. Though he wasn't quite sure what she was doing, so time to set the rules and let him play the game she had for him. She went and whispered into his ear, "I'm giving you a thank you gift. Part of my body. You can kiss anything, can do anything, except mess with my snatch. It's off limits for now." After that she laid back exposing her entire underside to him. She could already feel herself getting hot at the sensation of him pleasing her. Though she already drilled herself that she was not going let him have anything more, despite that her body would be begging for it.

Ghost blushed when he was told what he was allowed to do. Dash was giving him most of her body to enjoy. He slowly eyed her body, all splayed out for his viewing pleasure. All he saw was his to play with. Though we wasn't really interested in doing anything special, he knew a few tricks and spells that would send Dash to the moon and back a few times. But he wanted to keep it personal, simple, passionate. First thing he did was kiss her right on the mouth. Dash kissed back, both blushing deeply as they held their kiss. It meant a lot to her that his first action was to kiss her. Keeping it personal and passionate between them.

Ghost then moved slowly to her neck. His soft kisses sent shivers down her spine and made her moan. He was such a romantic, and she was loving it. His kisses were passionate, slow and long. It made her ache with anticipation in other areas and made her mind swim on what it was going to feel like when he got to those parts. Though she really went swimming when she felt him kiss the base of her neck. It was so tender and sensual there. She gasped and moaned deeply. She blushed hard too, she felt like she was Rarity more so than herself. This would be Rarity's fantasy. Though her thoughts came back to herself when Ghost kissed her chest. It was strong, powerful, yet soft. To Dash, it was also more sensitive than she thought it would be. She was elated when Ghost hung around to make sure she could bask in the pleasure for a while. Moaning and blushing. Her body was now super hot and really wanted to be taken to the next level. But she was going to deny those feelings. Though one thing she couldn't control, wing boner. She blushed harder when she realized she was at full span and refused to follow her commands to go back against her back. Ghost didn't seem to mind them too much, which made her blush a little less. Though her thoughts on that went away when he kissed her stomach. She grabbed a pillow to try and keep her moans from getting louder. It worked somewhat. Not as quiet as she would have liked to be. Though if she feeling this good now, she could imagine what happened when he went between her hind legs to her teets. She underestimated this big time. She thought he would make her feel good, like a little, then maybe test her limits right at the end. He isn't even trying and has her panting, gasping and moaning like he was about to stuff her.

Then she felt him enter her most sensitive region. He was so close to her teets now, and she bit the pillow to hold back her moan. She could feel herself winking and her body started to build up pleasure. She was going to soak his couch before this was over and done with. She had to fight the urge to wrap her hind legs around his head. Mostly because she probably would hurt him with how hard she would squeeze him. Then she felt him kiss her nipples and almost inhaled the pillow completely. She was so tender and his kiss was way too much for her. Her building pleasure hit the peak. She started to shiver and her hind leg started to kick a few times as she shot out spurts of juices from her winking thatch. It was desperately trying to find something to milk and pull on, but there was nothing and it was tormenting her body to not have that. Ghost luckily for her stopped when she climaxed, letting her ride out her pleasure without him making her ride it out longer. When she finally says to him being able to do more than kiss, then he won't hold back. But for now, he was. Once she calmed down she felt him resume. She felt a sudden intense pleasure on her teet, one that was different from when he was kissing. It wasn't a kiss, it was a constant pressure, pulling on her sensitive nipple. He was sucking on her, and it was glorious. Then came the tongue, rubbing against her sensitive and tender nipple, caressing it within his mouth. He was pushing her to her limit again. She wished her body would reward him for his actions, but never did. His efforts, fruitless. She never lactated. She felt ashamed that she couldn't do it for him. But it seemed to not bother him any as he kept kissing her body. Now working back up, slowly. Working in gentle love bites and nips that sent her into two more climaxes before he was back up to her head. She was panting hard, she was fatigued after going through that, and blushing hard. He made her feel so good and he seemed to have enjoyed it himself. Then they kissed one last time, deeply and passionately. Dash clung to him during this. She really wanted him, but was doing everything she could to hold off till later in their relationship.

Ghost flopped onto his back and Dash snuggled into him and nuzzled her face into his neck. She sighed happily and fell asleep on him. No snoring this time, but she was so adorable in this state. Ghost couldn't blame her for taking a nap two hours after she woke up. She did exert a lot of energy in that time. Mostly in letting him please her. Still couldn't believe she let him do that. Just the way she did it, she may not admit this, but she could be very romantic when she wanted to be. He also admired her ability to restrain herself. He was partially waiting for her to tell him to take her all the way. But nope, she held strong to the end.

After about thirty minutes Dash awoke again, though she felt something on her back. She blushed, Ghost was rubbing her back and it felt really good. She tried to think of a quick jab to throw at him, but she found herself just enjoying the rub more. "You are way too nice, Ghost." She said, softly. Ghost's only reply was a kiss to her head. Only proving her point more. But again, she couldn't complain. Though she knew one thing. She nor Ghost could hide out in his apartment forever. They were going to have to go outside and face the music.

"Ready to find out what is waiting for us?" She said softly, sitting up. Ghost nodded in reply as they both got up. Ghost had to get some new stuff for the apartment. It was pretty bland and empty. Not sure what Dash had scheduled, but maybe, if he had a few moments, he would go searching up the market for houses, figure out what the pricing was for them, anyway. They reached the door of the apartment building, Dash was extremely nervous, but then she felt Ghost pull her against his side. They were in this together, and had her in a position that was going to expose him first.

They opened the door and nothing. Except for Scootaloo. She appeared to have had several emotions racing at once right now. Apparently she must have found out Dash was hanging out with a stallion. Though Ghost didn't really know who she was, at first. "Who are you?" He asked curiously. Dash was still hiding behind him, not sure who was there either, but didn't want to be seen just yet.

"I should be asking you that." She rang out, who was this stallion that could just waltz in and take Rainbow Dash? She had a life of daredevil stunts and adventure to live, no time for getting cute with stallions.

"Excuse me? I don't quite follow. Did I forget to pay the delivery guy again? So forgetful." Ghost retorted. He didn't follow Scoots at all, but his nature just had to make comeback out of it.

"You took my world away from me! You took Rainbow Dash for yourself!" She was angry now. How dare he try to be smart with her. Who was this stallion anyway? He didn't appear to be special at all. He was a....blank flank...? A grown stallion with no cutie mark? There was such a thing? Now Scoots really wanted to know who this guy was.

Before Dash could react, Ghost did, "Oh, you must be Scootaloo. I've heard many good things about you." Ghost walked to her, she didn't show any signs she wanted him to stay away, mostly because she so curious about what was going on now at this point. "You remind me so much of Dash back in our youth. Feisty, wild, and a huge daredevil. My name is Ghost, pleasure to finally meet you." Ghost sat in front of her. Smiling. Dash meanwhile was kind of surprised, Ghost had grabbed Scoots attention completely and she didn't even look at him with hate anymore. If he could impress Scoots and she not be mad at him, he had bonus points rolling in his favor.

"Wait, you grew up with Dash?" Scoots never heard of anyone outside of Fluttershy who grew up with Dash. She reminded this stallion of Dash back in school? Wow. He also was pretty spot on with their personality traits. Scootaloo was very passionate about several things, the most important was her friends. Was he a friend of Dash?

"Yep. We hung out together all the time. Usually on the weekends, because we grew up in different towns. Only reason you never got to see or hear of me before today, was because I was out of country serving the military. Seeing the world, fighting bad guys everywhere." Ghost really hyped up this last part. Making it sound almost like a Daring Do story.

"Wow, really? You fought bad guys in exotic places!?" Scoots was no longer upset at Dash or Ghost for being together. This stallion was so awesome. A soldier who got to travel and fight bad guys? She was impressed.

"Yeah. Though it sounds more exciting than it really is. Fighting isn't all that fun, honestly." Ghost shrugged. He didn't want to hype her on the wrong aspects of the stories. Dash meanwhile came and sat next to Ghost. He knew exactly what to say to get her attention off of him stealing her away in no time. Though for Scoots it was easy, she was so much like Dash, all it took was a good transition to the adventure and action and she would be hooked.

"Well, uh, yeah, I guess you are right. It's no fun. But, how come you never got your mark?" She gestured to his flank. Dash was really curious on what his answer was going to be, she didn't know why he didn't earn it, honestly.

"Ah, it bothered it at first, not knowing what my life was going to be. But then I accepted the fact it just wasn't going to come to me. Then I came up with this little saying for those who try to use it against me. 'The fact I lack a cutie mark should scare you. As you don't know exactly what I am capable of.' I have scared off several bullies back in high school with that remark. But to actually answer the question, I have no clue why it never showed up. I just come to prefer it the way it is." Ghost smiled a little. He came to terms with that a long time ago, and it is great inspiration to those that don't know yet either.

Dash and Scoots were shocked. Sound words coming from him. Even if you weren't a fighter, naturally, that saying could help with bullies that picked on blank flanks. Plus he likes lacking his mark. Which at this point in his life, makes his saying all the scarier. "Wow." Was all Scoots could say and Dash didn't have anything to reply with. They both respected him more.

"But, I really need to go and do some shopping. My new place is quite empty." Ghost commented and stood up. "It was a real pleasure to meet you Scootaloo. Hope to see you around town." Dash stood as well to travel with Ghost. She probably was going to be spending more time at his place, so she wanted to have a few things she would like there.

"Bye guys!" Though she ran up and whispered to Ghost, "She really likes you, don't blow it." Ghost was surprised, apparently she noticed something about Dash that spoke to her. So she was going to go along with it and hope for the best?

"I'm doing my best." He whispered back to her. He then saw her run up to Dash and whisper to her. Dash blushed and shot a quick glance to him before reverting attention back to Dash. She whispered back and then Scoots went about her day. Dash was still blushing as she got next to Ghost again.

"What did she say to you?" Ghost asked softly. Obviously Scoots was wanting this to work, either for her own gain or because she genuinely wanted Dash to be happy? Dash held the answer to that. Based on the reaction, it took Dash by surprise as well and it was something about the long term relationship.

"She wants us to get married. Partly because of how me and you act, second she really would like a father like you in her life." Admitting this was hard for Dash. Scoots was already thinking way down the road and their relationship just begun, well, officially. Secondly, the fact that Scoots likes him that much spoke volumes about Ghost. He would make an excellent father, and that was the part that made her blush the longest. Just picturing him raising her foals. Both of them together, being the best parents they could be. Dash had to stop herself, she started to feel warm down south and didn't want to have that. She leaned up against Ghost's side. Proud to be with him now. Scootaloo was the biggest critic and the fact Ghost won her over, made her no longer worry about the rest of the world.

Sure enough though, as they were walking through town together, others were pointing out that Dash and Ghost were walking together, like a couple. Her all leaned up against him, and him holding her weight. There were some jealous looks, both from stallions and mares alike. Stallions realizing their dreams of being with Dash are gone. Mares wishing it was them pressed up against a stallion like that. Ghost was well built, strong muscles, pride in his step, so dreamy for the other mares. It wouldn't be hard to see why he would go out with Rainbow Dash. If she had an interest in a stallion, that stallion would have a hard time staying away from her. Ghost went about his shopping, getting ingredients, furniture, and books. Though, Dash couldn't complain too hard, he did buy the entire series of Daring Do. Maybe she could impress him with something. "Do you where she lives?" Dash whispered in his ear, she was trying to impress him. But he smiled, he was going to have a little fun with her. He goes and gets a map and points to the exact mark her address is. She snorted in frustration. How did he know? Well, time for question two, "Did you know I am..." Before she finished he slid two books from the series in front of her. Both mentioned her by name in them. She stomped her hooves this time. "Not fair!"

Ghost kissed her cheek, "Sorry. But I will admit, you are the reason I got into the books to begin with. When I saw you on the cover, I just had to read it. Because there, right there, on the cover, was my best friend. I just had to know what you did, to earn a spot in the story." Okay, she was no longer mad. The kiss and apology alone was enough to calm her down. But the fact she got him into the series by being in it? Even better.

"But how did you know where she lived?" Nothing he said, did explain how he was able to know where her house was. It took Twilight some digging to get that information herself.

"We had a run in about the time the first book about you came out. I was chasing a bandit king, she was chasing the artifacts they had. She volunteered the address to me when I mentioned that I knew you personally. She said I was charming." He grinned at the last part, he couldn't help it. Dash was about to slug him in the shoulder, but he spoke again, "She said, that you were lucky to have a friend like me."

"What made her say that?" Dash was genuinely curious on what she saw in Ghost, or heard about Ghost that she'd say something like that. Her favorite adventurer telling Ghost that Dash was lucky to have him. What was it?

"She was curious on where I learned to fight, I admitted I first started learning when I was in school, bailing you out of the ones you couldn't win. All throughout school whenever bullies tried to back you into a corner, I would be there, to take the punches with you. That was when she said that." Oh the memories flooding back, all the times Dash would get picked on growing up, fighting back against those bullies and while Ghost wasn't at all of those fights. He was in the ones that mattered to Dash the most.

Dash remembered one where she was left defenseless and actually experienced true fear for her life. It was high school, she and her team were done playing in Ponyville. Cloudsdale lost that day, not a big deal though, it happened. She was in the locker room when some colts entered. They started saying about all the "fun" they were going to have with her. She tried to fight them, but lost and they broke her wing. That alone was almost too much pain to handle. She had no fight now. That was when Ghost entered the room. He heard the breaking of her wing and came to investigate. She remembers being in so much pain when she tried to call to him, it was barely above a whisper. When he saw they broke her wing, that was it. He turned into something different. To protect Dash and himself, mostly Dash who was helpless now. For her broken wing, he intentionally broke one of their legs. He taught them a lesson, he put fear into them. He then carried her to the hospital to get treated for her injuries. Even then, he stayed by her side the whole time. Being there for her. Her injuries were minimal and she was out in a few days. But until her parents arrived, Ghost refused to leave her alone. She was always grateful for that, he kept her calm when she would have been freaking out. He also saved her from much worse. Those colts probably would have broken a few more bones before abusing her body like it was a cheap toy.

"Anyway, let's get finished up. I'm ready for lunch." Ghost commented as he was finished getting the last of the book he wanted. He had approximately thirty odd some books. Not as many as Twilight, but she ran a library. Dash realized she was hungry too. Stomach growling, and all. She walked with Ghost over to a little cafe where they got some sandwiches and then sat and ate. Dash relived some other memories she had with Ghost. Holy crap he was one of her most loyal friends. She took him for granted back in the day. Though she was stubborn and hot headed, and it got her into more trouble than would like to admit, it also got Ghost into trouble as well. They both turned out alright. Though she feels like she was the one that opened the door for Ghost to join the military. If it wasn't for her, maybe he would have actually found his true calling? What was she thinking, he would have ended up joining anyway. He was built for it.

After lunch, they headed back to his apartment and spent the next few hours setting everything up. New furniture, putting away the groceries, organizing his books on the shelf. Dash thought she was going to dislike that, knowing Twilight, but nope, Ghost was simple, just organize by the title in alphabetical order. Then Ghost grabbed the first Daring Do book of the series, "I actually was never able to read through the entire series from start to finish. Surprisingly enough, this is the first time I actually have all the books in my possession. Her books are hard to find in other countries."

Dash beamed, she knew what was happening next. They were going to be reading her favorite series together. Since that was the first book he went for, she knew he was looking for something to do with her that they both could enjoy. She practically was dragging him to the couch with the rest of the books of the series, which was eight at this point. Ghost was just chuckling, Dash's over eagerness and excitement to share something with her new boyfriend was adorable and cute.

Ghost sat on the couch and Dash plopped herself on his lap and snuggled herself into him. Once she was comfortable she closed her eyes and had him to read out loud. Which he did. Dash was just so happy during this time. Her head against his strong yet soft chest, his warmth keeping her comfortable and since he didn't need his hooves to hold the book, the way she was held in his hooves, she felt protected and wanted. His voice was soothing to her, he had this sense of power in his voice that could grab and hold attention, but didn't demand it. It was capable of booming, but also be soft. It conveyed emotion. He did a better job at painting the picture of each scene in the book than she could do reading it herself. Just the way he could find that right emotion instead of going monotone with it. Each scene vividly painted in her mind. It was almost like Ghost was narrating a movie to her. Before she knew it, he finished the first book and began reading the second one. Once again, she could perfectly see each scene in her mind thanks to Ghost. Then Ghost found her soft spot while rubbing her. Between her third and fourth ribs on each side. She gasped and her wings flung out. She urged him to keep rubbing and too keep reading. Blushing deeply at the sudden pleasure that she just felt. Her muscle right there was tense and when Ghost started rubbing on it, well, he started to relax it.

Ghost kept on reading as Dash retracted her wings. He made through three books before it was time to eat dinner. Dash didn't want to get up, she was comfy and lazy. But after some persistence from Ghost she allowed him to make some food. This time it was baked potatoes, with mac and cheese and a small autumn salad. This time Dash was expecting a five star meal and not the average just follow the recipe meal she expected. Either her taste buds lied or the food lived up to the expectations she had on them. As it tasted sensational. She may have a valid excuse to actually come over outside of just seeing Ghost. Come for the food, stay for the cuddles.

"Ghost, I've been thinking, and I have been wondering, what motivated you to stand and fight when I got into trouble?" She could not figure this out for the life of her. She was grateful, she thanked him for it with one of the best experiences she ever had. But, why? He didn't have too. Yet he did.

"You are my best friend. You were my first true friend. The first one I could trust with anything. You stood by me when no one else did. Everyone else just picked on me or mocked me. Others stabbed me in the back if I thought I could trust them. Not you, you were there when I needed a friend. I learned to pick myself up from you. To stand for what I believed in, I got from you. The least I could have done, was be by your side when it was your turn to need a friend." Dash never knew how much of an influence she had on Ghost. No wonder he would jump in for Dash. It spoke volumes about his loyalty though. She was a friend to him, so in return, he did everything he could for her. Sink or swim he was there.

Dash hugged him tightly, "I never knew." She whispered, "I never knew how much of an impact I had on you." Ghost hugged back. Embracing her as she embraced him. Dash meanwhile was just thinking back. All those times Ghost confided in her, was because he had no one else. She taught him to stand up and fight back. All those fights, he was just returning the favor for her. Dash thought she owed him a lot, but she now realizes, to him, he owes her a lot more than just that. She then whispered again, "You know, you were an idiot for getting into some of those fights."

"Well, guess who I got that from?" Ghost retorted. Dash playfully hit his side for that. "But, tell me, no matter how stupid the fight was, would you have jumped in for me?" Ghost asked back to her. She never thought about it. Dash spent a lot of time asking why he did it, but never if she would do it. It was something she really thought about, but her gut kept telling her the answer, no matter how much her mind drifted on it. "Yes, I would have." She whispered to him.

"The same reason you would do it for me, was the same reason I did it for you. I wasn't about to watch my best friend get hurt without whoever it was having to go through me." Ghost was extremely loyal, the unbreakable loyalty. It would bend, but not break. Only the one that he trusted with his loyalty could break it. Dash admired that in him, something she knew she probably taught him as well. To see it, was this how her friends thought of her? Does her friends see her loyalty the same way she sees it in Ghost?

Dash dove in to extract another kiss out of him. Though a quick one. She and Ghost went back to the couch where once again, Dash was laid up against Ghost. Though unlike just a little earlier, she was fully clung to him. Both front and hind hooves wrapped around him. She whispered in his ear, softly, "I love you." He could feel her relax a little after saying that, as if she was anxious to admit it. Did he love her? Deep down, did he love her?

"Love you too, Dash." He whispered back to her. No other mare has ever made Ghost happier than Dash makes him. He found that deep inside, he loved her, not just in a friendship way like he thought he did, no, it was more than that. He wanted to be with her every second, to make her happy, to protect her, to care for her. He desired it deep down. All the more so when saw that sparkle in her eyes when she heard him admit his feelings to her. He thought she was going to kiss him, but instead she decided to really show her adorable and romantic side, she gently nibbled on his ear, before passionately kissing his neck. Getting a chuckle before she heard him groan in pleasure from her kisses. This made her continue on a bit, hearing his oral reward for her work. Her kisses were so soft and pleasant to feel against his neck. Ghost returned the favor and started to kiss her neck again. Now they both were moaning as they made the other feel good. Dash pressing herself into Ghost as much as she could. Though this was short lived as Dash and Ghost knew if they kept it up they do something they would regret later. Dash then made herself comfy against her lover as Ghost picked up the book and resumed reading till it was time to sleep. To which Ghost and Dash both laid in bed, snuggling and holding each other before falling into a peaceful sleep.

Author's Note

Woo, another chapter in the books. Hope you guys like how it turned out.