Candlelight

Harmonic rested his eyes on the living room couch. It was one of those content days where he felt balanced and calm. He heard soft steps gradually approach him. He fixated his soft gaze upon the face of his beloved. A warm smile crossed his features.

"Hey..."

"Hey..."

"How are they...?"

Atmospheric sat next to him.

"They're asleep. They always look so peaceful..."

"I missed you."

"I was only gone for a few minutes."

"That's a few minutes too long."

Harmonic sat up and nuzzled his wife.

"I can't believe we brought them into this world."

"I know what you mean."

"I was wondering if..."

"Hm?"

"Can we have a little date night tonight?"

"Yeah. What'd you have in mind?"

"I was thinking cuddling up with a scary movie and some popcorn."

"I can order us some food."

"Sounds good. I'll go get everything ready."

Harmonic gently pushed her back down.

"Uh-uh, baby girl. You leave the work to me. You've done enough for one day."

"It's okay. I want to."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. That was really sweet, though."

Atmospheric kissed her husband on the cheek. She strolled to the kitchen.

The movie the couple chose for the evening was the original Chainsaw Massacre. Harmonic kept his foreleg around his significant other, and she enjoyed his warmth in return.

"I never took you for the horror movie type. Even now it feels surreal."

"I think it makes me feel better when I realize bad people aren't really this strong. No matter how intimidating they are, they can always be stopped by conventional means."

"Very true."

"Once you realize how vulnerable someone is, it changes your perspective."

"I guess it does, doesn't it?"

"Can I ask you something...?"

"Of course."

"You'd never hurt me...Right...?"

Harmonic's expression transformed into one of kindness and sympathy.

"No - never. Are you worried I would?"

"No, it's just...Sometimes your behavior feels really erratic. It feels like I don't have a complete sense of who you are."

"That's understandable. I don't have a full sense of who I am either, but I do know that I'm a guy who has a family so perfect it brings him to tears. I never thought I could be as happy as I've become, but you proved me wrong. I'd never want anything to happen to you guys."

"Then maybe...It's not that there isn't a sense of self, but it's being redefined."

"Exactly. I couldn't agree more."

"I'm sorry if I upset you..."

"Look at me: using the information you're given and forming your own beliefs is what you're supposed to do as your own person. Seeing my faults and realizing what I have to lose is the only way I'll change. If I have to rebuild myself to endure pain so you don't have to, so be it."

"You'd really go that far...?"

"Even if it took losing you to find that strength."

"Don't worry: I'm not going anywhere."

Atmospheric squeezed Harmonic in a tight embrace.

"Kiss me," she spoke.

The two caressed each other's lips in a heavenly sensation. Harmonic broke the kiss and stood up.

"Where are you going."

"I'll be back."

The stallion traversed the narrow hallway behind the living room. He halted momentarily when he passed by the room their children were now sleeping soundly in, then continued on. When he reached the bedroom he shared with Atmospheric, he pulled a box from underneath the frame. The inside contained an arrangement of glass-covered candles. He carried them back to where his better half was waiting.

"What are you doing, you weirdo?"

"Patience."

Harmonic placed the candles around the couch. He lit them one by one. He knelt down in front of Atmospheric and kissed her hoof.

"Will you have me as your consort?"

Taken aback, but not altogether displeased, she nodded.

"I shall."

Harmonic trailed up to the mare's neck. Her soft, sweet scent drove him mad with passion. The feeling of his mouth against her body summoned a well of emotion from within her as well. She grabbed the remote and turned the TV off, leaving only a glistening, shadowy dimness. Harmonic unzipped her jacket, partially lifting the bottom of her shirt.

"Eager, are we?"

"Sorry. Want me to slow down?"

"If you don't mind."

"Just makes it all the more worthwhile."

"You can put a positive spin on anything, can't you?"

"Look who's talking."

"Point taken."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Nice to know I have an attractive personality."

"You do."

"No foolin'?"

"No foolin'."

"Okay, but if I find out you're lying, you'll be getting a not-so-attractive slap."

"I'm willing to take a lie detector test and be cross-examined."

"I believe you."

"Good."

Atmospheric lied down, trusting Harmonic to take control. Harmonic removed his jacket and shirt, exposing a silver cross. Atmospheric's name was engraved into it.

"Do you remember that Christmas?"

"How could I forget? It was our first."

"I was always afraid you would take it off and forget about me."

"Not a chance in hell."

"How is it every time I think something will go wrong, you can always stop it and set it on the right track?"

"I made a promise to myself a long time ago. I told myself if I ever found love, I'd do whatever it took to become a superhero, so I would never let them down. It just so happened you came along and forced me to turn my words into actions."

"It really was all for me..."

"It was for you before I even knew you. I just didn't know it yet."

Atmospheric removed the remaining strip of clothing from her torso. Her own cross almost seemed to reflect the light between her and Harmonic. Harmonic pulled a blanket from the back of the couch and draped it over them.

"Do you think we'll always be like this," Atmospheric questioned in an uncertain manner.

"Only time will tell, but I have faith."

"As do I."

"May I...?"

"Please, make love to me."

Savoring their time together, the heartfelt warriors indulged their desires, with only the flames of the candlelight to guide their way...