Author's Note

I just had two facets of my personality debate about rom-coms. Okay, then.

Merciful Autumn

Harmonic and Atmospheric passionately embraced each other's lips as they rested upon their bed, bundled in the warmth of their seasonal clothing. Since the beginning of the month, temperatures had been rapidly dropping. The world outside slowed to a standstill. Travel became rare, and the beverages of summer had been gradually replaced by cocoa. As the couple continued their affectionate onslaught, their breaths spilled their desire for one another into the surrounding vibrations of the air. Harmonic broke the kiss only to caress his wife's hoof in a similar fashion. Atmospheric ran her hoof through his mane. He found comfort and enjoyment in the sensation her action brought him.

"God, you're beautiful," he spoke softly.

"You're not so bad yourself."

"Glad you think so."

"Do you think we'll see any snow this year?"

"Maybe. Better be careful if we do, though. You might get lost in it," the stallion joked, referring to Atmospheric's white shade of fur.

"Ha ha. Very funny. You come up with that yourself?"

"I actually can't remember where I heard it."

"So you admit to being a comedy thief?"

"Guilty as charged."

"Well, since you confessed, I guess prison won't be necessary."

"Oh, no!"

Harmonic burst out laughing. Atmospheric giggled along with him.

"I'm glad you're laughing for a change," she told her husband, "You're always so stoic. I can never tell what's going on in that teeny tiny brain of yours."

"Did you just call me stupid?"

"Yeah. What are you gonna' do about it?"

"Hmmm. Let me think."

"Didn't we just establish that's not your strong suit?"

"You underestimate my power."

"Sure I do."

"Is this national roast your spouse day?"

"I don't know. I'll have to check the calendar."

"That makes sense."

"Totally."

"...Thank you."

"Hm?"

"For making me laugh. You were right. I really needed it."

"No problem."

"Do you think the kids'll be okay? It's starting to get pretty nippy."

"I put some extra blankets on their beds earlier, plus we have the heaters if it gets too bad."

"Good, good."

"You're a good father, looking out for them and everything."

"You're an amazing mother. You make it look effortless."

"You mean it?"

"Absolutely."

"I wish I could connect more with them on a personal level, like you do."

"Give it time. A way will show itself sooner or later."

"Then I'll wait for it."

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

Harmonic stroked his wife's mane. She smiled sweetly.

"Wanna' see what it's like outside?"

"Sure."

The mare followed her husband from their room to the porch. She nearly shivered.

"Winter's gonna' be rough this year."

"Yeah."

"We should probably stay inside as much as possible at this point."

"Do you think we'll be able to take them trick or treating?"

"I hope so. I really want them to get out and have fun, you know?"

Atmospheric nodded. Harmonic placed his forehead against hers.

"I'll take care of them: I promise."

The two shared a tender, more gentle kiss than before. It reminded Atmospheric of their first almost six years ago. She remembered the snow, and the strength she saw in Harmonic's eyes. Not once had those feelings left her since then.

"Let's go back."

The couple snuggled under the blankets. Melodic death metal music played at a low volume as they enjoyed the tranquil serenity of each other's company.

"I'm a little cold," Atmospheric spoke.

Harmonic removed his jacket. He placed it around his wife and held her tighter than before.

"Better?"

"Mhm."

"Not gonna' lie - you look like a burnt burrito."

"So do you."

"Can't argue there."

"You're such a dork."

"So I'm told."

"Do you want to...You know...?"

"Not tonight. I just want to stay like this for a while."

"Yeah. That sounds nice."

For a while, Atmospheric rested her eyes. Later during the night, her stomach began to growl.

"I'm kind of hungry. What have we got to eat?"

"What are you in the mood for?"

"Preferably something warm."

"I can heat up some chicken."

"Would you mind?"

"Not at all."

Harmonic let go of his spouse and rolled off the bed. He went to the kitchen and extracted some leftover chicken from the freezer. He preheated the oven and retrieved a baking sheet. He waited ten minutes before putting the sheet in and returning to the room.

"It'll be ready soon."

"Thanks, babe. I appreciate it."

"I live to serve: no pun intended."

"Wanna' watch a movie?"

"I have one you might like. Have you ever heard of french kiss?"

"I don't think so."

"It's one of my mom's favorites. I think you'll get a kick out of it."

"Your mom really played a big role in your life, didn't she?"

"Yeah. She did. She still does."

"I think it's really sweet how you guys take care of each other."

"We've been through a lot. We had to stick together to make it where we are now."

"I'm grateful you had a positive role model."

"Believe me - so am I. Anyway, I'll get the movie ready."

"We're overdue for a dose of rom-com hilarity."

"At this point, I think it's safe to say they're a prerequisite for all relationships."

"Not necessarily. They're just goofy fun with a hopeful message. I think people take them way too seriously. They're not intended to be realistic or psychologically complex. Those kind of depictions are found more in obscure, underground romance that appeals to a specific niche demographic. The same reasoning applies to tragedy just as much as comedy. When you look at Romeo and Juliet from an analytical standpoint, it looks a lot different than when you approach it as entertainment."

"That's an excellent argument. I have no counter for it."

"Once again, you have been outwitted by yours truly."

"I admit defeat."

Harmonic and Atmospheric watched the movie on Harmonic's computer. As he predicted, she enjoyed it thoroughly. When it was over, Harmonic put the laptop away and lied back down.

"I guess we should probably get some sleep."

"That was really good. I'll have to ask your mom for some other recommendations."

"She's got plenty."

"You're tired. Get some rest."

"Will I see you when I wake up?"

"Forever and always, even if you don't know it."

"Goodnight..."

"Goodnight..."