Author's Note

Clop starts right away so skip until you see the words CLOP OVER if you don’t like that kinda stuff

22 Wonderbolt Worries (CLOP)

An early morning in Ponyville holds all of the normal characteristics you’d expect. Derpy delivering the mail, Twilight opening up the library with a cup of coffee, Pinkie sweating heavily over me while she bounces on my dick. Ah yes normalcy, sweet sweet normalcy.

Using my chest for balance she bounced hard against my hips leaving a wet smack with each landing. God she felt great. Peering at her from where I lay is an exhilarating sight worthy of skipped heartbeat. Her sweaty matted fur. Her messy curly mane. The euphoric expression coming from her face. It was easy to tell she was in ecstasy. With a pause she leant onto my chest moaning loudly. Her body quivered for several moments coming to a exhausted halt. Letting out a held breath she goes limp.

“Ooo… hmpf… you’re wonderful”

I kiss her forehead leaving a sweaty taste when I pull away, “Not as wonderful… as you”

Taking some time to recover she remains gripped around me in more than one way. “I can’t… believe… you can keep going!”

“It hasn’t even been 10 minutes”

“Hehe… you’re silly” she pulls her face up to show her slightly exposed tongue drooling.

“Pinkie you might be hot as fuck right now but, let’s keep the drool down” I boop her nose with a smile.

“Oh oops! Sorry… so are you ready for round two?”

“I should be asking you that”

“I’m a big mare” she positions herself back up to a sitting position, moving her hips around while I still remained inside. “I can handle anything you got”

“Is that a challenge?” She nods biting her bottom lip. It was exactly what she wanted.

Deciding to blow her mind I start bouncing her on my own without her assistance. Startled she falls forward some and closes her eyes.

“EEEP!”

Grabbing her ass with both hands I continue to slam my mare until she can’t even hold a thought. This position wasn’t good enough though for me to really get going so I lean forward and pin her close to me. Sitting on my lap I pull her head into mine with a kiss, thrusting deep inside her without mercy. She has to pull away to moan unable to hold back her overwhelmed emotions.

“Uuhhh ooohhhh shiiiiiit” her eyes stay closed and her face almost looks like she’s in pain.

Her use of a swear wouldn’t enough to distract me from pounding away until I have to pause for a breather. We lay down in a spooning position and I rub her back while checking out the angle. It was a great view from behind.

Not stopping completely I slow my pace way down to check on my little Pinkie. “How was that?”

“Ughhhh… it feels like you’re going to poke right through me!”

“I thought… you were a big mare”

“And.. I thought… we were mating!”

I flinch, “Ew, don’t use that word. What are we animals?” Technically yes but still felt weird.

“Lovemaking?”

“That’s too long”

She pushed back into me matching each stroke, “Mmpf… you’re too long”

“You’re too small”

“Hold me close… I want to feel together for a little bit”

I oblige wrapping her in my arms, “What’s it feel like with me… ya know”

Her little wet marehood grips me tight, working back and forth a few times before she answers smugly, “Hm kinda like there’s a penis inside me”

I reward her behavior with another heavy thrust drawing a gasp.

“*gasp* ohhhh I was joking! I was joking…”

Grabbing her ass I spread it to the side to admire some more, “Uh huh… damn your ass is thick”

“Where do you think.. uuhh… all the sweets go.. mhmm.. silly?”

I chuckle, continuing to speed up my pace for another fuckening.

“Wait!”

“What?”

She slowly pulls me out and turns to meet my gaze, “What if we tried… something kinky?”

“Kinky? Like what?”

Her face already flushed grows a few more shades darker as she looks away. Batting my hard cock lightly she bashfully keeps her focus down, “Maybe… like… put it in my butt?”

“Huh? You want to do anal?”

“A nail?”

“Name for butt sex”

“Isn’t all sex butt sex?”

“… it’s what you call it when somepony puts it in a anus”

“Can we do that then?”

“Why would you want to? Isn’t it supposed to hurt or something?”

She shrugs, “I don’t know, I just thought that I had this hole back there and was curious what it would feel like”

“Well are you clean? Like when’s the last time you ate or something? There’s no way I’m going back there if-“

“Actually… I kinda prepared to ask you already today” her face couldn’t get any redder.

“Wait you were planning to ask me before we even started?”

“Look a mare has her questions alright! Sometimes there’s only one way to answer them…” she spins herself back around. “And that’s by figuring them out herself”

Grinding her ass against me, my little friend remains vigil as ever, ready for the mission. I can’t help but, stare at her poofy ponut. It was strangely inviting.

“I don’t know…”

She takes my dick in her hoof and lines me up so that the tip rests pressed against her back door. “Try for me once and if it’s not fun we never do it again. Fair?”

Feeling her warm entrance against me and the horny still burning brightly inside myself I give a shrug and begin the journey inward. Slowly I push yet the resistance remained strong.

“Pinkie I need something to lube me in”

“Shoot! I didn’t think of that! What if you used spit?”

“That’s sticky! Not slippery!”

“Oh hehe, well I don’t kn- actually check my saddle bag real quick. Actually I’ll check it hold on”

She rushes over to the corner of the room leaving me naked and cold with my cock out. “This is kind of a mood killer pinks”

Throwing objects aside she digs deeper into the bag, “Yeah until we get started… HA! Here it is!”

Placing the bottle in her mouth she hops back atop the bed and begins pouring some sort of lube she carries around for unknown reasons all over my dick and seemingly without care as well. She ends up pouring most of the bottle on my lower half and the bed sheets as well.

“Jeez Pinkie!”

She flips back around pointing her rump to me, “Now hurry up and poke me!”

This felt so strange and sudden, I couldn’t help but question what brought on the idea. What actually brought on the idea.

“Pinkie why do you really want to do this? I don’t get it. Is the way we were doing it before not good enough?”

“Huh?” She looks back to me between her legs. “Why all the questions? Just hurry up and rut me…. please” she shyly whispers the last part.

“Pinkie!”

“Ugh, a fetish? Is that a good enough excuse mister?” I wasn’t getting anywhere.

“Alright but…” I push against her firm entrance struggling to still make progress. “If it’s too much tell me”

“Ooohh of c-course” grunting she takes most of my length until I’m hit with a wall. I must’ve fit at least 90% of my dick in her.

The feeling was strange. Pleasuring like normal sex however, this was oddly pressured. Every part of my cock was squeezed in an intense pressure, any sudden movements cause me to be squeezed. It felt like she could hold me in here if she wanted to.

“Wow… you’re really tight… like I don’t know if this is gonna work”

Grunting she positions her upper half down to relax still keeping her ass up to the air. “Give me… ugh… a little bit”

Don’t get me wrong it felt great but, too much of a good thing can become bad. This was one of those circumstances. Not only did it feel way too tight to move, if I did the electricity it would send down my shaft was overwhelming. There’s no way I would last that long. Taking both my hands I spread her some to give myself some relief.

“Ooo try… try pulling out now”

Doing as she asked I pull back just as slow as I entered until just the tip remained inside. The pressure alone became noticeable by the color coming back to my dick. I push back in, her legs shaking at the feeling. Before I fully renter she falls to her stomach unable to use her legs. I lean down over her pushing myself deeper than before.

“Uuhhh this is too much”

“Should I stop?”

“Keep going..”

All she needed to say. Back and forth my slicked shaft worked inside her. Each pullback bringing some of her anus with me, as if it couldn’t part seeing me go. Our pace didn’t speed up much over time, only the ease at which I could move had lessened. I started to feel the buildup within me. I wasn’t going to last much longer this way. Pinkies constant moans and grunts didn’t make things any easier.

“I’m.. EEP!” She tensed around me causing a pause in my strokes. We have to take a few seconds while she rides off her climax until I start again, this time picking up pace.

“Are you… okay?” She nods unable to speak. “I’m going to… finish soon”

I continued to push deep inside her with each thrust until the tense feeling whelming up within my cock reached a breaking point. Grunting I push as deep as I can go shooting load after load inside with my steel hardened cock. My hands have to rest on the bed around her to keep myself from falling over. Tingles ran up and down my body leaving legs and arms useless. I fall over beside pulling out of her fiery hole in the same motion. I hadn’t even realized how hot she felt until I was exposed bare. We quickly cuddled together and I held Pinkie close with a kiss.

CLOP OVER

Her tired smile was all I needed to see. Closing her eyes she rested against me taking a nap and I followed suit. Post sex exhaustion made it rather easy to pass out and I wouldn’t wake back up until it was nearly midday. Drawing a look to the curtains it was reassuring to know me and Pinkie hadn’t thrown a whole day away for some morning fun time. I turned back to her and played with her curly mane. It was so easy to wrap it around my finger into little knots, pulling them back to watch fling back into disordered place. Everything about her was a mess at this point. Taking a sniff, everything about the room was a mess too!

“I gotta wash these sheets…”

“Mmm I’ll… do it later”

“No I got it this time love”

She doesn’t open her eyes but I can still see the question built upon her face, “Don’t you have an appointment with Pleasant?”

My therapist, Pleasant Thoughts. Trust me I know how stupid the name is.

“Shit you’re right. What time is it?”

“I don’t know… nap time?” She yawns flipping over to cuddle her backside into me. “You should just stay home this time. Send him a letter using that nifty little thing you got from princess Luna”

“I can’t skip an appointment Pinkie otherwise Twilights gonna beat me up”

“No she won’t”

“Yes too!”

“Meh. Then take it like a mare”

“You wouldn’t protect me?”

“… Twilight can be scary”

Gathering my strength I make my way over to the bathroom to enjoy a shower. Yes you read that right, a fucking shower. Using some of the cash I get from the princesses for the whole making me a ticking time bomb, I went out and purchased a shower. Well, not exactly. I first had to find a place with ponies skilled in plumbing and then explain what I want. Apparently showers are a thing more common with finically secure individuals and the price I paid goes along with that notion. Staring at it from where I stand now I almost want to shed a tear in joy.

“Oh my sweet baby how I’ve missed you” I hop in adjusting the water and enjoy the hot spray bouncing off my sticky body. I could practically feel the yuck wash off.

Enjoying my steamy new treat, I start to think back on the whole living in Canterlot idea. Sure it was safer and exactly what I complained about on our last adventure but, leaving behind everypony felt like something I didn’t have the strength to do. Even if it was for a few months could I last that long without Pinkie? Had I become too dependent on her? The thought alone gave me shivers. Dependency breeds poor relationships and I was all too familiar with that statement.

Not taking long, I dry off and head back into the bedroom to dress up for the day while Pinkie rolls around in bed behind me. Her groans make it clear she’s pretty much done for the day.

“Sorry Pinkie but, it was your idea”

“Ugh… worth it”

“Heh, I hope you feel better before I get back and if you don’t just tell me how I can help, okay?” She nods with a grumble and rolls back over under the blankets. “Oh and take a shower. I gotta wash those sheets when I get back”

“I said I’d get them!”

“Eh I feel kinda bad now though”

“Okay then you can do them”

“Didn’t take much to convince you…”

“Joey my butt hurts and I’m tired”

“All you had to say” I leave her to her suffering and lace up my shoes.

Heading out the door I take a glance at the clock to see it wasn’t that late in the day at all, only 2 o’clock. Thankfully my therapist reserved his workdays for patients to arrive at any time during his hours. Almost like a walk-in appointment only you actually have to schedule it. Sounds weird right? That’s cause he’s the best therapist around, thank Twilight. She was very insistent to princess Celestia that I receive only the best care if I were to take her suggestion, so when I did I was assigned to this stallion specifically. Currently working out of Canterlot, he still meets with special clients in some of his offices around Equestria. Talk about big time. When I learned all about this guy it was a little reassuring given it was my first experience going to therapy however, at the same time I felt spoiled. Why did I deserve such treatment? Just because my relationships? It never sat well with me.

With a few knocks on his office door I can faintly hear him yell to come in. Coffee, a very strong scent of it each time we meet. If I didn’t know any better I’d say the man lives off the shit. He was a brown stallion like the color of his drink, the color in his office and color of his mane. Separating him from most ponies he did sport a small goatee along with large square framed glasses.

“Take a seat, how’s your day been?”

Slouching into the leather seat it strains against my weight, “Today? Great so far but, I’ll keep the reason why to myself”

He chuckles some and spins his chair back to grab a notepad. Think stereotypical therapist office, bam you’re here with me. Two leather couches, a office chair and desk. Some files and paperwork scattered around. Even a little shameless plug of his books on the nearby shelf. Oh and don’t forget the singular potted plant in the corner of the room next to a floor level window making up the background of the room. Peering around him you could see town hall and the top of Twilights library.

“Coffee?” He offers while pouring himself another cup.

“No no no, no thank you. I don’t do coffee”

“I think you said that last time” he places a few cubes of sugar and stirs his drink before coming back to his seat. “So let’s start off with you telling me what’s happened since we last met”

“Uh okay. First um… did I tell you about the whole Crystal Empire thing?”

“Yes very much so. Remember we discussed how you should be more willing to trust the ponies closest to you. It’s clear they wish the best for you so why not recuperate their efforts by taking their advice”

“Oh yea we did talk about that…” I scratch my beard thinking about our last conversation. “Did I mention the princess Luna thing?”

Tilting his head in interest he readjust the glasses on his face, “No I don’t believe so. Would you mind explaining to me what happened?”

“Luna confronted Pinkie and I after the whole Crystal Empire thing and she suggested I stay with her at the castle for sometime until my ‘issue’ is at least, better taken care of”

Although my therapist was considered an outsider to me and the others, it was still necessary he learned of my condition. It would be impossible for us to make any sort of improvement with such a hurdle in the way so he was sworn to secrecy by the crown. I continued on.

“I know it’s probably the smart thing to do but, I gotta be honest, I’m kinda worried about not being with Pinkie for such a long period of time. Do you think I’m too dependent on her?”

“Dependency certainly can be a bad thing in certain circumstances. Do tell me, how long have you and miss Pie been courting one another?”

“Um, not crazy long. A few months now”

“Hm…” he pauses giving himself a little caffeine boost. “What exactly do you worry about? Is it whether or not you could handle the attention you might have in the castle or…?”

I shake my head, “No, I don’t think the attention from a few royal ponies would be the worst issue…” I shuffle some embarrassed to say the reason.

“Mr. Marshall? Are you uncomfortable with saying it out loud or do you not know? Separation anxiety?”

“I.. ugh, I’m… scared” he looks to me to continue. “What if I have a panic attack and Pinkies not there to calm me down? What if I’ve gotten too used to having her around and suddenly not having her right there will make me depressed? I really love her doc and it feels like she’s been there every time things get bad. I’ve never been able to really explain my depression well either but, it’s kinda like in waves only sometimes I can barely keep my head above water”

“It seems this is more of a worry constructed by yourself rather than an actual issue” he takes another swig. “You’re able to function without her correct?”

“Yea”

“You’ve dealt with your issues alone before correct?”

“Actually I just recently calmed myself down from a panic attack the other day”

“Really?” He smiles happy of my progress. “Did you follow the steps we went over to handling these flares?”

“Um… not exactly. Matter of fact, handled it pretty poorly but, I did get over it alone”

“Meh, perfection is overrated, I’m glad to hear you got over it with your own power”

“Thanks” I rub the back of my neck not really sure how to handle the praise.

“It sounds like you’ve been improving rather quickly and this dependency worry? I’d chop it up to more of a recency bias. It’s a fresh blooming relationship you’re in! There’s bound to be desires and issues with being apart. Oh such a burning passion young lovers hold…” he seem to drift away.

“Doc?”

“Oh, yes” he adjusts his glasses. “I wouldn’t worry much about that however, you might require some sort of coping method for when she cannot be there for you. Normally I would suggest a type of reliever, maybe a stress ball or a nice distraction technique but, in your advanced case it would seem we are not ready for that step yet. Therefore, I suggest we find a replacement to fall back on. Would princess Luna be willing to assist us in that manner? It did seem during our talks you two were rather close”

“I mean she’d defiantly help…”

More like take advantage to coddle me

“Splendid!”

“So that’s it? I should go just because Luna could help me during my panic attacks? The whole reason I might have them is because Pinkies not there!”

“I never suggested wether you should go or not Mr. Marshall. I was only answering your previous question. This is your decision after all” I lean back into my seat leaving him to speak. “Now is there anything else that happened recently you feel is important to mention?”

“There was the whole Pinkie incident”

“I did hear murmurs in Canterlot about that. Figured it was your marefriend. What I would do to peek into that mind of hers… truly a therapists dream”

“Do you want me to bring her along next time?”

“No no! This is your reserved time and I wouldn’t want any potential distraction from that. However-“ he reaches back onto his table to grab a card. “-you could give her my card and see if she would be interested in meeting with me on her own time”

“I think I’d prefer if she just came with me”

Pulling the card back he flips it back onto his desk, “If you’d rather do that then that’s fine. It’s your time”

“Maybe next time. Anyways, I freaked out when I saw all of those Pinkies. I thought she might be hurt or something and there was no easy way to tell them apart”

“This is related to that panic attack you spoke of earlier yes?”

“Yeah… she really worries me sometimes and I’m not sure how to handle it. I probably worry too much”

“That I would agree on” With a clunk he places his empty mug back next to the coffee maker behind him. “Has this always been a recurring issue for you? Worrying too much?”

“Before Equestria? No. When I think about it, it really started when I got this collar” I brush my hand over it to see if it’s still there.

“It is unfortunate you have to wear that. Did the princesses not have some other way to protect you?” His curiosity seems to peek through.

“Apparently it has to be a collar cause magic comes from the brain so it keeps it from pouring out of me”

“Oh silly me, I forgot about that. Not a unicorn” he points to his hornless head. “Makes it easy to forget certain things about magic”

“Totally understand. Never had magic back where I came from so..”

“Ah yes, it’s always strange to me that I’m speaking with an actual living alien. Given that you never speak about your past it always slips my mind”

“I don’t like talking about my life before”

“Maybe some of the problems you have now can be attributed to your previous life. Would you mind-“

“Yes, I would mind” I reply rather snappish.

Retracting himself back some he readjusts, “*Ahem* So back to the collar. Do you think wearing it is some sort of repressed trigger?”

“I don’t know, maybe. You’re the therapist here”

“Mr. Marshall there’s no need to get so defensive”

“I’m not being defensive” his claim stirs a frustration building inside of me. I didn’t like even thinking about Earth. This wasn’t the first time he asked about it either.

“Let me take a step back an apologize for protruding. Now how about we move on to a different subject shall we?”

Truthfully I was a little too fired up now and I didn’t like being in his office anymore. Felt crammed, unnerved.

“Actually could we call it today? I’m sorry for being an ass but, I don’t think I want to continue right now”

“Okay then I’ll have to move the next activity I wanted to do to our next meeting. I was hoping to get to it too”

“What is it?”

“We’d go over the responses you gave me on our first meeting on how you felt and I’d ask you the same questions again. It’s a nice exercise to see if anything’s changed with your perspective”

“Let’s just save it for next week. Sorry for having you come all this way for such a short timeframe. I just don’t have the energy today to do this”

“That’s fine” sitting up from his seat he walks me to the door. “If anything happens or you need to get a hold of me you know my address” I walk past him out the door, stopped by his voice. “Also! If you do take up princess Luna’s offer, do tell me so that I don’t relocate to Ponyville our next scheduled meeting. It is an awfully long train ride”

“Will do” I give a thumbs up without turning around.

“And Joey!” I spin around for a second. “Remember our techniques! First stop what we’re doing, then-“

“Take a few deep breaths, yes I know, I know” I wave him off and start walking toward Ponyville’s small park.

Thinking about what transpired I really did feel bad for making him come all this way for such a short session. A normal one would be around 30 minutes to an hour yet today’s wasn’t even 10. I’m sure he doesn’t mind that much either way. Still gets paid and it’s less time listening to me.

I needed a breather. Taking a moment to enjoy the gentle breeze and warm weather I sit at a nearby bench to take it all in. Inhale… exhale…

Equestria is always so colorful. It almost hurts my eyes to look around. Colorful is also a good word to describe the environment surrounding me as well. Vibrant flowers and flowing grass make things even more peaceful then just the silence. If I didn’t know any better I’d think I was trapped in a kids drawing. Placing my arm around the bench I didn’t realize the pony sitting beside me until I brushed their mane. It was Derpy.

“Hi Joey!” Her friendly smile and wild stare made her greeting all the more cute.

“Hey Derpy, aren’t you supposed to be delivering mail right now?”

Blushing, she scratches the back of her head, “Hehe, yeah I made an oopsie. They told me to take the rest of the week off. Guess they finally got sick of me huh?” Her expression sours.

“Hey hey hey, why are you beating yourself up? You’re a wonderful mailmare!”

She shrugs, “If breaking mailboxes is what makes a mailmare good, then I’m the best one ever…”

“You never broke mine”

“Yes, yes I did…” burying her face into her hooves she sulks back into the bench.

“Oh yeah… you did break it that one time didn’t you” she doesn’t bother to look up. Hesitantly I raise my hand above her head unsure if it would be okay to comfort her. Our relationship was somewhere between friends and acquaintances leaving me in this murky ground of ‘is physical contact cool’? I didn’t want to be a creep but, I did know ponies are more touchy then people.

I build the confidence not willing to see her suffering alone anymore and gently hug her with one arm. She tenses for a second but, relaxes into my touch soon after. Keeping my focus to the park around us I continue to hug her until she has calmed down. Her soft breathing and light pouts of frustration are the only noise to break our silence.

“Do you really think I’m a good mailmare?”

“Of course I do! I wouldn’t want anypony else”

“… thank you. Even if you don’t mean it I needed to hear that today” she wipes a few tears brimming in her eyes.

Oh she’s going to break my heart!

“Derpy I really mean it. You’re one of the first ponies to come around to me when everypony hated me. I mean there’s still ponies who dislike me but, you treated me like a pers-, a pony from the beginning. You don’t know how much that helped me”

Lifting her face up her eyes are still a little shiny from fresh tears brewing, “Joey…” her lips tremble.

She slams me with a hug holding on much tighter than I’d like. That plus the fact I don’t know her all that well makes the contact a little too much.

“Derpy could you maybe…”

“Oh!” She pulls away bashful of her actions. “Sorry hehe”

“Your fine…”

We sit there in silence while my mind drifts back to the previous question. Should I go with Luna? My therapist gave me a lot to think about, making it seem like most of my worry was made up however, I think he was just trying to calm me down.

“You okay?” The bubble mare beside me asks.

I wonder what that cutie mark is for

“Not really. Hey can I ask you a question?”

“Sure why not!”

“What’s something you love?”

“Hm… I really love muffins. Would that work?”

“Could you live without them for your entire life?”

“A life without muffins?! That sounds horrible!”

Chuckling I ruffle her mane causing her eyes to spin around her head, “What if there was a way to fix your eyes but, you have to go without muffins for like… 3 or 4 months. It wouldn’t be a guarantee though that your eyes get fixed”

“I don’t know. I don’t like getting bullied for my eyes but, at the same time there what make me special. I don’t know if it would be worth it to not eat muffins for that long though”

“I guess that was a bad comparison. What if you had to wear a collar instead. You had to wear a collar until you spent a few months away from home for a chance at not having to wear it”

She blushes, “Wearing a collar would be kind of embarrassing…” she notices my collar a few seconds later. “I mean for me at least!”

“Heh, no offense taken Derpy. Just wanted to hear your opinion”

“Well if I could avoid wearing a collar I think I’d take that chance. Do I get muffins still at the other place?”

“Once a month tops”

“Once a-?! I guess I would…” she looks back to the collar around my neck. “Does your question have something to do with your collar?”

I stand up and get ready to walk back home, “Sorry but, I can’t really tell you. Thank you though for answering my question… I’ll buy you some muffins next time we run into each other”

“Really?!”

“Course, why would I lie?”

“I don’t know Joey but, I’ll do my best to run into you as soon as possible!”

“Alright easy now, no need to get so excited. It’ll happen eventually so let nature take its course”

“Alllright but, I’ll be expecting some muffins”

“You have my word” I give a playful bow and make my way back home through the park.

Glancing to my side I notice a familiar sight. A small clearing hidden amongst some bushes. It’s even in sight of where the Nightmare Night…costume party…was. Letting my brain catch up, my heart nearly drops out my chest. A cold sweat breaks over me and I hurry away from the spot as soon as possible. That night starts to flash back through my mind. Every event leading to that moment. My trip back home goes by in a blur, I don’t even remember any of it. Hurrying to the bathroom I splash myself with cold water trying to catch my breath. Placing my hand to my chest I didn’t notice I was panicking so bad. I could feel my heartbeat up to my ears.

“Joey? Are you home?” I hear Pinkie groan from the bedroom.

“Uh… yes I’m in the bathroom” my voice cracks a little.

“Okay… I cleaned the sheets already if you want to come over here and cuddle me”

Wiping the water from my face I meet my own gaze admiring the scar running along my face. It’s been a long journey since then and I was stronger now. There’s no need to worry about a pony that’s already dead. With a few deep breathes I feel ready enough to approach Pinkie.

Entering the bedroom she remains sprawled out under the covers, her body face down, rump toward the air. “You look tired”

“Pinkie needs to recharge”

I crawl under the covers and place her head onto my chest, “Here’s a fresh Joey to charge you up”

Greedily she pulls herself into my neck and lower chin, brushing her face against me. As if she needed to struggle to get the warmth out of me she continued to squeeze tighter.

Her scent wasn’t the normal cotton candy, a pleasant soapy smell instead. Must’ve showered. It would also explain her coat being so soft as well. Almost cloud like.

I kiss her forehead, “Was I too rough this morning?”

Giggling she boops my nose with her own, “Nothing a strong mare like myself couldn’t handle!”

“Then why are you laying on your stomach?”

“Cause sometimes you have to let your tummy sleep too!”

“So if I slept on my side what would get to sleep?”

“Your hip silly! Or maybe your leg… depends I guess” she seems to really give it thought.

“Whatever helps you keep your pride”

“I’m telling the truth!”

“Uh huh”

“Grrrr I’ll bite!”

“You will do no such thing”

“Wow, you sound like princess Luna”

“And you sound like a mare in denial. Admit it, I’m too much to handle”

“Pfft, ha! Good one Joey” she closes her eyes resting back onto my chest. “I’ll be sure to be careful”

“Heh, you really won’t let me have this will you?”

“This? This… dance?” Yawning she starts to drift off leaving me stuck under her sleeping form. Guess I’m here now for the foreseeable future.

*poof*

A letter falls from the ceiling above laced in green smoke. Spikes trademark green magic is a clear indication of the origin so I don’t even bother to read the outside before ripping into it. Peeling away the pointless stamp, I go over the contents inside with the one free hand I have.

‘You and Pinkie need to come to the library as soon as you can’
-Twilight

Huh, that’s rather uninformative. I wonder if she’s in trouble or something

Glancing to the exhausted Pinkie atop me, I brush the mane covering her face to the side to better admire her beauty. A small smile was drawn across her muzzle. Her gentle expression soothing my anxieties away. She was perfect, deserving the best I could provide and nothing less. I couldn’t wake her. If what Twilight needed us for was important then she’d send another letter.

*poof*

“Fuck”

Groggily rubbing her eyes Pinkie remained piggybacked over my shoulders, half asleep.

“Do I *yawn* really have to be there?”

“I don’t know, Twilight said so. If I had the option to let you sleep I would but, Twilight doesn’t usually mess around. Honestly she’s more likely to be overcautious… which means maybe you aren’t needed”

“Eh… already… halfway” she falls asleep again.

“Adorable”

Passing by several houses, ponies stare on slightly confused, some giggling. To see such a strange sight sure would be entertaining. Piggyback rides weren’t a common occurrence. Hell, the only other time I gave one was with Rarity’s younger sister. At least the only other time I could remember.

Once Twi’s home came into view the small group gathered outside made it clear Pinkie was indeed needed. Everyone of the girls were there including Spike. Dash for whatever reason seemed the most excited, spinning in circles with a square shaped object in her hoof. Approaching she breaks into a big smile.

“Hey Pinkie! You remember what today is?”

She mumbles over my shoulder, “Hmmm it’s… holy cowpoopola! It’s the day you get your Wonderbolt letter!” She shoots off me full of sudden energy.

“So much for needed a recharge…”

“Yep! It sure is and guess what this is?” She holds the square shaped object revealing its a letter.

“It’s your super duper special congratulatory letter from the Wonderbolts saying your welcomed into the Wonderbolts as a WONDERBOLT!”

“Ha! Not exactly” she starts ripping into it as she speaks. “It’s more like an acceptance into… tryouts” a frown fills her face. “I didn’t get in”

The girls sulk around me while I tilt my head in confusion. Isn’t she like the fastest flyer in Equestria or some shit? The Rainbow Dash?

“Let me see that I don’t believe you” I motion for her to give it.

“Just kidding! Wow you guys are so gullible”

“I never- “

Pinkie takes this moment to tackle Dash with enough force to send them both spiraling down the road before pulling her into a hug. Dash takes it like a champ and laughs it off… until Pinkie keeps snuggling.

“O-okay Pinkie, I think that’s enough… Pinkie. I really need to get going”

“Okay! I’m done!”

With a leap she bolts off into the air stopping to give us a wave goodbye. “Remember to enjoy the moment!” Twilight shouts.

“AND DON’T FORGET TO WRITE!” I have to cover my ears at Pinkie’s random loudspeaker.

“Jesus Pinkie!”

“What? What if she forgot?” The girls laugh it off while I hold a grumpy face. I never liked loud noises, specially not right next to my ears.

“Since we’re all here. Who wants to do something together?”

“Sorry Twi, I gotta get back to the farm. We got a whole heap of deliveries that just sprouted up the other day. Not sure why but, I don’t like workin from behind so, see ya soon”

“See ya Aj. Do the rest of you-“ she turns to see me picking up a limp Pinkie off the ground.

“She really didn’t have the energy for this. I’m kind of amazed she lasted as long as she did”

“Ooookay, Rarity? Fluttershy?”

That’s our cue to leave. I carry my beloved pony all the way back home only this time holding her like a baby. If she wasn’t out before, now she might as well be dead. I could even play with her face without her waking.

“Blah blah blah, I’m Piiinkie Pie. Cutest mare in Pontville, champion squirrel wrestler” I made last part up, playing with her lips to make her pretend speak.

Messing with her in such a vulnerable state was rather fun yet I had a job to do. Entering our room, I tuck her back under the covers and leave to let her rest.

Maybe I should head back to Twilights and see what they are up to

And so my plan was set. I head back unscathed, the only obstacle being the awkward wave hello to the same ponies I’ve passed for the third time today. Beside that, it’s fascinating to me to how I could be gone for so little a time and miss so much. Waking into the living quarters the sight unfolding in front of me is beyond strange. Twilight, Flutters, and Rarity all huddled around a small dragon wearing a dress with makeup on. A male dragon. It was Spike.

“Yoo what the fuck did I miss?”

Covering himself best he can, Spike turns away running towards Twilights room. “AAHHHHH”

His terrified screech pulls a chuckle from me, “Allllright, nice to know you all just ruined his life”

“Joey! What are you doing here?” Twi seems fired up strangely enough. “I thought you and Pinkie went home?”

“I dropped her off and I wasn’t that tired so I thought I’d come back”

“You ruined our dress up day!”

“Twilight dear please calm down, we never did tell him about this before”

“About what? You three have done this before?!”

“Actually I’ve never really done this before…” Flutters shrinks down at the attention until she too rushes off to Twilights bedroom.

“… what the fuck is going on”

Rarity takes initiative stepping forward with a bowl of gemstones, “You see, Spike is a wonderful pony and is willing to help me with my filly sized clothing so long as I provide the payment” she hands me the bowl. “I could use Sweetie but, she makes such a fuss!”

“And I always help out!” Twi shouts from behind.

“Yeah but why? I’d assume Rarity can do this on her own”

“Yeah but, how often do I get to see Spike all dressed up like that. It’s adorable!”

“This feels wrong” I scratch my head legitimately confused.

“He did agree I’ll have you know. This isn’t something we’ve forced upon him and at the price of a few gemstones? Oh my cute little Spikey can be so ador- helpful!” She corrects herself under my disapproving gaze.

“This is weird… but, I guess I’ll drop it” standing by the door still I point backwards with a thumb. “If y’all want to continue I can just leave”

“No, there’s no point now” the purple mare throws a Spike sized yellow dress to the side.

“You can start again it’s not-“

“You already ruined it! Let’s just do something else and we can have dragon dress up day another day”

“You have a name for it? How many times have you done this?”

“Joey enough with the questions! Sit down!”

“Yes ma’am!”

And so I ruined dragon dress up day. Instead me and the girls (including now freshly cleaned up Spike) sat around and drank in honor of our friend Dash achieving her dreams. Most the girls enjoyed their disgusting wine while I drank some of AppleJacks spiked cider. I didn’t feel like drinking too much given the time of day and I did need to check on my little mare when I got back home. She’s probably unconscious right now.

“It really is cool that Dash is already living out her dream as a Wonderbolt. I can’t believe she did it so quickly”

“Spike she isn’t a Wonderbolt yet, she’s been accepted for their tryouts. She still has to prove she’s capable of being one of their reserves and then one day a member of the squad. She really has outdone us all when you think about it”

“I wouldn’t say that. Spike saved a whole city, that’s pretty tough to beat”

“I mean as for achieving our dreams. Dash’s biggest desire was to be a Wonderbolt and now it’s almost reality!”

“If you put it that way then yeah I guess you’re right” I swirl my drink some deep in thought. “Twilight, what’s your biggest dream?”

Smiling she places a hoof to her chest, “My dream is to be the greatest mage to ever live! Ever since I was a little filly, I always admired StarSwirl the bearded and wanted to be just like him. I know it’s not a reasonable goal but, I know if I set my sights high enough I can be happy with where I land”

“Shoot for the moon and if you miss, you’ll land with the stars”

“That’s lovely. Where did you hear that?” Flutters asks from beside me.

“Beats me. Sounds pretty cool though am I right?”

“Why I’m sure princess Luna would’ve admired that more than any of us. You should say that to her next time you two meet. You two do keep in touch right?”

“We try to. Mostly it’s in my dreams but, I think Luna doesn’t appreciate that as much…” my brain goes back to my discussion with Pleasant.

I should probably stay with Luna for those few months. It’s the least I could do after all she’s helped me with

Twilight bumps my arm, “You okay?”

“Huh? Oh… I’m alright”

“You sure?” I worm under her worried stare.

“I’m fine, really I am. Just thinking about this decision I gotta make”

“Decision? Oh, I know what you’re talking about. Have you made up your mind yet or still thinking about it?”

“Made up his mind about what?” Rarity asks putting down her drink.

Spike joins in as well questioning my behavior, “Yeah about what?”

The added attention makes me start to blush in discomfort, “I uh..”

A gentle tug on my arm stops me, “If you don’t want to tell us that’s okay. We’ll understand” Shy gives me a reassuring smile.

It’s enough to calm me back down, “Thank you Shy… but, I should tell you all anyway” chugging the cider til it’s last drop I slam it down with authority. “I’m staying with the princesses for the next few months”

Aghast, Rarity struggles to put together any words. Twilight is caught off guard as well for a moment blinking silently to herself. Fluttershy meanwhile passed out and was being held by a confused Spike.

“W-what?! Why are you doing that? Is Pinkie coming with you?” He asked occasionally peeking to see if Shy’s okay.

“No, we figured she can’t be far away from the elements so we will have to settle for seeing each other a few times during my stay”

“A few- how long are you staying there?”

“Maybe three or four months. Depends on whether or not Luna finds a better way to keep me safe”

“Is Pinkie okay with this?”

Twilight buts in, “Spike Pinkies one of the elements of harmony. She knows her importance to Equestria comes first even if that’s not what she wants”

“There’s no way Twilight! Pinkies way too crazy to go through with this!”

“I don’t think you’re giving her enough credit Spike”

“And she’s not crazy” I remark from behind.

“I don’t… this is all so sudden!”

“Yes, yes it is dearie but, I think I’m beginning to understand. Princess Luna must have felt Joeys life has been in danger much too often under our supervision and has determined he needs a way to protect himself if we can’t be there” Twilight solemnly nods alongside her.

“That pretty much sums it up and don’t worry Spike. Pinkie and I both hate the idea but, it’s for the best. She wants me to be safe and I don’t want her to worry so we both decided this is the best option. At least she did already, I just decided like 2 minutes ago”

Fanning the awakening Fluttershy, Spike angrily frowns at me, “Then shouldn’t you be with Pinkie right now? You two should be spending as much time together as possible!”

“Shit… you’re right! I gotta go girls, sorry Fluttershy!” I rush out the door and start my run home leaving the others to collect their thoughts.

“W-wha… what happened?” Fluttershy stirs.

“I’ll tell you in a bit when your feeling better”

Reaching the top of the hill just before my house I’m shocked at the sight in front of my house. A drowsy Pinkie waiting by the mailbox.

“Pinkie!” I shout startling her awake. “What are you doing? Why are you not sleeping?”

“I can’t leave the mailbox Joey! What if Dash writes me a letter and I take too long to respond to it? What if because I take too long she forgets about us all together! Let’s face it, she’s probably already forgot about us…”

“Pinkie you’re panicking for no reason. There’s no way Dash forgot about us and there’s no way she would’ve already wrote us a letter. She just left today! Not even like 3 or 4 hours ago!”

“Either way I can’t miss out when she sends me a letter!”

“Yes you can young mare” I scoop her up into my arms against her will causing a little scuffle.

“Wait! No! What if she forgets to send a letter! I should send her one now before that happens!” She struggles over my shoulder to escape while I take us both into the house.

Shutting and locking the door I take Pinkie back to the bedroom and tuck her back into bed. Giving her best pouty face she crosses her hooves upset.

“You can’t keep me here forever! Soon as you fall asleep there’s no stopping me from going back to that mailbox”

“Uh huh” I stroke her soft mane til she begins to collapse from her exhaustion.

Fighting the urge to sleep she keeps blinking rapidly and shaking her head every few minutes but, my continued love fueled assault drains whatever energy she has left. With a slow lean she falls against me fast asleep. I’m not exactly tired myself but, I know she’ll sleep better if I stay with her so I wrap her up and close my eyes for a nap.

By the time I’ve realized I’d fallen asleep I turn my attention to my side to see Pinkie still cuddling close. Her cute resting expression is enough to make my heart leap. I can only thank god she wasn’t outside again.

The gentle rise and fall of her chest matching my own in rhythmic harmony partnered with the quiet stillness outside makes it easy to relax again. Only the buzzing, howls, and hoots of the night animals disrupt our peace. It’s even a little chilly in my house, enough to make me slip under the covers. Stripping down I snuggle up to Pinkie to share our warmth together. Her sleeping face contorts into a little smile. It doesn’t last long though. Twisting and turning she starts to mutter in her sleep.

“Dashie…. Dash”

I hug her into my chest running my hand down her back, “Shhhh”

She stops her struggle and starts to stir, “Hmm? Where’s Dash?” She can’t even open her eyes beyond a squint.

“She’s having fun at tryouts”

“Did she send a letter yet?”

“Nope. She’s probably busy fitting in right now. I’m sure she’ll send something soon”

“Could you watch for the mailmare for me?”

“Of course I can”

“Mkay” she closes her eyes and settles back down into the bed against me. Her grip around my side tight. Smacking her lips she snuggles her face deep into my chest.

“Pinkie?”

“Hm?”

“I love you”

“Love you more”

“Hehe, yea okay”

“Nope, not okay. It’s true”

“Sure”

“I’ll prove it”

“How are you gonna do that?”

She runs a hoof down my stomach toward my waist stopping just before anything intimate. I stop her with a hug.

“Hold on there partner, you still need to recover from last time. Plus I actually wanted to tell you something”

“That’s cute but it can wait til after we’re done-“

*bonk* I give a light karate chop top her skull.

“Easy perv queen, this is serious” Rubbing her head she stares on listening, “I decided I’ll stay with Luna for a little while until she figures something out. However, I don’t want to stay there for too long so let’s come to an agreement on how long I should stay”

“Oh… o-okay. Um… what about 3 months?”

“I was kinda hoping you’d say something like a month”

“I’d prefer you never left at all but, I know it’s for your safety and that’s enough for me. We can’t only give princess Luna a month as well. I’m not an expert of magic but, I think she’ll need longer then that”

“I’ll except 3 months, that’s fine” Staring into her worried eyes it becomes more evident how poorly Pinkies going to handle this. “Pinkie are you sure you’ll be fine with this? I mean Dash hasn’t even been gone a full day yet and you’ve been acting ridiculous”

Shame comes over her once she realizes her fault. How could she expect me not to worry after what happened today? The last thing she needed was to make me panic at the thought of leaving her.

“I’m sorry. I… I’ll be better. I promise I’ll be better when you leave”

“I know you can pretend to be okay Pinkie but, should I ask somepony to stay with you while I’m gone? I’m sure it’s been a while since you’ve lived alone”

“Actually… I’ve never lived alone before” she twiddles her hooves nervously. “I don’t know how I’d handle it to be honest hehe”

I place my hand around her cheek and guide her face into mine with a kiss, “You can handle anything Pinkie, I know how strong you are”

“I’m not really that strong…”

“You are. Who’s the pony that runs around worrying about everypony when nopony else does? Who never frowns around her friends, specially when they need a smile? And who left home on their own to find their own place in the world? You did Pinkie. You did all those difficult things and you still do them today. You’re wonderful Pinkie. You’re smart, funny, charismatic, beautiful, helpful, empathetic. Every day I wake up, I can’t help but wonder what I did to deserve you. You’re the best person I’ve ever met”

By the end of my little rant she can’t suppress a smile, hugging me close with a tear running down her face.

“I’m not that great” her voice cracks with each word.

“I know, you’re even better”

Embarrassed, she has to hide her crying face into my stomach. “I-I…”

The floodgates burst and she becomes a bawling mess, squeezing tight in my embrace for comfort. I massage her back left with nothing much I can do to relieve her stress. She needed to cry this one out. Left with my own thoughts my mind drifted back to before Equestria. Back when I was with my ex. Several nights ending just like this, her crying in my arms. There was nothing I could do but, feel responsible all the while. At least this time I knew Pinkie would be okay after her cry. The memories build a wave of depression over me, a time I never wished to remember, to go back to. Time had run it’s course and my experiences built the man I was today. I didn’t need to reflect on painful memories to know this.

After a few minutes Pinkies heavy sobs turned to sniffles, still holding tightly to my body, as tight she did when she started. I move her mane from her face and place my forehead against hers.

“Do you want me to ask Rainbow to stay with you when she gets back?” Shrugging shes still worked up unwilling to really give me an answer. “That’s okay, it’s not like I’m leaving tomorrow”

“… I-I’m sorry” she croaks.

“No, there’s nothing to be sorry about love” we snuggle some more and I leave her head to rest near my neck.

I hold her with one arm and with my head nuzzled into her mane. It’s a lot of hair and sorta tough to breathe but, her soapy cotton candy smell makes things easy enough.

Again however, I wasn’t really tired and wasting a whole day like this felt discouraging. I wouldn’t leave her side no matter what though, even if I felt like I was indulging myself in a nonproductive manner. It was an annoying tick of mine yet, it did help me get up out of bed even in my worst of depressions.

Settling for the nonproductive plan, I close my eyes again enjoying Pinkies warm company. Oh how I’ve changed from when I arrived here. I can remember when I freaked out if a pony did so little as touch me.

“I kinda like all this cuddling”

“Good, stay that way”

“I think I will”

“*sniff* good”

Ruffling her messy mane I give a loud smooch on the head, “I remember when I was a little boy I used to always ask my dad for a pony”

“Really? Wait there was ponies back on Earth?”

I chuckle, “I didn’t really ask him that but, yes there was. They weren’t sentient though. Like smaller horses”

“Woah, easy there with the language!”

“What? Horse?”

“Hey! What did I just say?! You can’t go around saying that out loud” a smile starts to grow across her face.

“Surely you ponies have met horses before no?”

“Oh my! I mean I can’t say I haven’t met a ‘horse’ before but, I wouldn’t go around saying that”

Grinning I hold myself from bursting for as long as I can until we both break into a fit of laughter. “I think somepony already told me that words bad before truthfully”

“Yeah it was probably me!”

“Eh, probably”

The next few days went uneventful as we mainly went about our daily lives. One thing did stuck out however. A distinct lack of letters from Rainbow. Enough that Pinkie started to worry again taking us to where we are now huddled around a disturbed pink mare checking the same mailbox over and over again.

Applejack is the first to step up, “Uh hey there sugar cube. Um… don’t ya think that Dash might be too busy to write us letters? I’m sure she’s fine an all-“

“What if she’s not! There’s only one explanation for her not writing to us already. She’s already forgotten our names!” her body sinks to a depressed flat form on the ground.

“There’s actual several but, that doesn’t really matter to you huh?” I walk over lifting her chin off the ground. The rest of the girls approach as well behind me.

“You know Pinkie you could always write Dash a letter”

“I already did Twilight, several of them but, then I realized she might not recognize who sent it so I stuffed them all away” her strange logic leaves the rest of us scratching our heads until she pops up in excitement. “OH I HAVE AN IDEA! What if we all go and cheer on Dash during her tryouts! I’m sure she’ll love the surprise… assuming she remembers us still”

“That’s a great idea Pinkie! What do you say girls? A little trip to the Wonderbolt training grounds? We could even scrounge up a little care package for her”

“Sounds splendid”

“Good fer me”

“Sounds fun”

“I’ll come too!”

“I guess but, where exactly are the Wonderbolt training grounds?”

“Oh, they’re up on a cloud platform halfway between here and Cloudsdale” nonchalant in her delivery.

“On a cloud? Like in the air? How are we supposed to get up there? It’s not like a can grow a pair of wings”

“Oooo ooo we can use a hot air balloon! I’ve always wanted an excuse to ride in one!”

Twilight lifts her snout all pompous, “Just so happens a certain pony among us has authority to use princess Celestia’s private hot air balloon”

“First off, can’t anyone use it? It’s a hot air balloon it’s not like it needs keys to start and secondly there’s 7 of us. There’s no way we could all fit”

Fast forward us to the front of a large hot air balloon, the girls and Spike all hop in eager to take off. It’s purple, like Twilights coat and looks rather stiff compared to anything I’ve seen before from Earth. It kinda looks like a cartoon.

“There’s no way I’m getting on that thing”

“Is it because you’re afraid of heights?”

“No it’s because it looks tacky. Yes it’s because I’m afraid of heights! Plus look at what’s going on. Doesn’t this scream disaster waiting ahead? I’m no Nostradamus but, every time we’ve done anything risky as a group something goes wrong”

“Risky? There’s never been a recorded hot air balloon death in Equestrian history! Plus if something goes wrong I’m sure Fluttershy can catch you while Rarity and myself use our magic to stop the rest of us from falling”

I turn to Flutters, “Can you lift me? Try right now”

Slightly embarrassed at being put on the spot, she floats her way over to me and scoops her hooves beneath both my arms. With a strain and a pull she barely lifts me a foot before having to drop me, completely gassed.

“See? She can lift you”

“What?!? For like a second!”

“Um to be honest I don’t think I could stop him if he was um…. falling”

“Flutters know her own body more than anypony and she says she can’t”

“Joey would you stop being such a baby and get on the hot air balloon!” Pinkies shout catches us all off guard.

I shuffle in fear of her wrath onto the ballon and sit down on the floor. I couldn’t possibly handle looking over the edge. Speaking of fear, the balloon started to take flight lifting slowly into the air. I close my eyes and start my breathing rituals before I even start getting panicky. Taking notice Pinkie sits beside me and holds my hand.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be fine”

“Just tell me when it’s over”

“Don’t you want to see what it looks like above the clouds?”

“I’ve ridden in a plane before thank you very much. I know what it looks like”

“Maybe back on Earth but here? Cmon I’ll tell you when to look”

“Yeah just let me think about it after I swallow down this urge to puke”

Giggling she stays with me throughout the ascent. Eventually we reach a peak, the feeling of gravity lessons on my body letting me know we’ve stopped. The airs cold and thin, a strange feeling to experience for a first time. To describe it best, imagine each inhale feels like there’s not much air in… well the air. You have to breath harder just to get enough. My lungs even burn a little from the effort.

“Wow! Joey you have to look! It’s amazing!”

“It is quite the sight, you should at least admire the view”

“I reckon you’ll never get another opportunity like this in some time partner”

“Enough with the peer pressure I’ll look!”

Lifting myself slowly off the ground I peek with my hands along the basket side over the edge at the vast distance before me. Clouds as far as the eye could see and then, the sun beaming brightly against us. It’s much hotter against my skin this high up. Looking even higher up I can see there’s still some clouds above us and looking below, oh Jesus why did I look down!

“Oh fuck that’s enough!”

“I’m so proud of you! You conquered your fear and looked!”

“I didn’t conquer shit! That was terrifying! Oh my fucking lord we gotta land this thing”

“Calm down, we’re almost there” Twilight almost sounds annoyed by my behavior. It’s not like I’m Fluttershy passing out all the time!

Sitting down I refuse to look again the rest of the trip until we reach our intended destination.

“Here it is!” Twilight shouts. The rest of the girls lean over the one side in excitement.

Strangely enough the ballon doesn’t tip any from the shift in weight. Must be magic. Everything is because of magic. The great minds of humankind would hate it here, every mystery chalked up as another factor of magic. What a lack of surprise.

“ITS A TWISTER!” Aj yells confirming my previous hypothesis. It’s not even surprising at this point.

Something always goes wrong…

Praying to god for forgiveness, the rest of the girls buckle down and hold on the edges of the basket. “Hold on girls!”

Caught directly in its path, we’re spun violently in the air until the straps holding the balloon together snap. We plummet fast and the screams of the girls around me quickly fade away as I descend much faster then anypony else. Taking this moment to at least enjoy my final seconds, I scan over the horizon below me and across the land. Colorful and vibrant, there isn’t a part of Equestria not touched with a skilled art brush of beauty. This was a view to die for. I close my eyes letting the wind pull against my face without resistance. I’d fully accepted death at this point, there wasn’t much I could do. Seconds continued to pass and I gulped in anticipation. What came after death? Was there really a heaven? Was this really the time to start doubting my faith? I can’t die!

“AHHHHHHH”

As sudden as my belief in the afterlife came into question, I’m yanked back against gravity until I can feel the wind die down around me. With a peek I see two blue hooves holding me up by my arms.

“Holy shit dude, you’re like super heavy!”

Dash had saved me, and not a moment too soon. I had to have been around 100 feet up from the ground below. Too shocked to respond I wait for her to place me down, my legs fall beneath me. My heart thumps away, adrenaline at an all time high. Another near death experience only this time I was sure it was over. Finally my mind collects itself enough to remember the others with me.

“Where’s everypony else?! Where’s Pinkie?!”

“Hey calm down dude, look up”

Way above still hundreds of feet in the sky, several specks made their way down toward us. Growing in size I couldn’t make out much but, Dash’s answer could only mean it’s the rest of the girls.

“Who caught all of them if you’re here?”

“Just some cool new friends I’ve made” she still completely calm over the scenario. Guess that comes with the fact she’s the one flying and not falling.

“Dash, you saved my fucking life”

“Eh, it was nothing”

“Nothing?! I would be flat as a pancake if you didn’t catch me!”

“Yeah but anypony would’ve saved their friend if they saw them falling like that. The only impressive thing I did was lift your heavy ass”

She’s so chill about the whole thing and I can’t figure out why. Whether it’s because I’ve almost died several times before or because she’s a natural born hero, it’s kinda pisses me off.

“I’m being serious, I don’t know how to thank you. Literally, I have no idea”

“Well you can thank me by telling everypony you meet from now on that Rainbow Dash is the best flyer in Equestria. How about that?”

“There’s gotta be something else I could do”

Blushing lightly she rubs her other foreleg embarrassed, “Really it wasn’t that big a deal, why are you making it such a one”

“Cause I don’t want to die!”

I don’t want to die…

A small step but a meaningful one. I didn’t want to die. I was okay with the constant struggle life brings. A change from the normally dark perspective, where I wouldn’t actively seek death yet welcome it if it should take me. Now it was something I wished to avoid all together. A complete change of pace.

“Hello? Equestria to Joey?” A blue hoof waved in front my face.

“Sorry, kinda blacked out there for a bit”

“Are you okay? You did fall a really long way really fast. Maybe you hoomans aren’t good with the change in elevation?”

“Since when did you become a expert in elevations?”

“Since I was born a Pegasus!”

“Fair point”

The rest of the girls get dropped off alongside us still seemingly in a state of shock. Pinkie goes to run over to me but, her overwhelmed body disagrees making her fall straight onto her face, skidding for a few feet.

A collective ‘ooo’ is hear around and Pinkie raises a hoof to say she’s good. I turn back to Dash.

“I owe you, I really do”

“It’s fi-“

“No! I have to pay you back or I’ll never forgive myself”

“Ugh, so stubborn! Fine, just make it a surprise at least. I like surprises”

Smiling I shake her hoof, “Deal”

The group collects ourselves and Dash even has a little spat with the supposed captain of the Wonderbolts but, in the end it appears she’s got the position still. The little fiery mare said something about Rainbow showing the true character of what a Wonderbolt should be and that we all could learn a thing or two. I don’t know more than that, I’ll leave this friendship report to Dash.

Making our way back home I stay oddly silent, no annoying quips or stupid jokes. I can’t help but, remember what I said earlier. I didn’t want to die. It even brought a smile to my face.

“What’s got you all happy? Normally you’d be all grumpy about another one of Twilights plans going haywire by now”

“Pinkie this was your idea”

“Was it? Maybe you’re getting me mixed up with another pink pony. Aloe? Are you thinking of the spa mare?”

“I don’t know who that is but, I think I realized something today. Something important”

“What’s that?”

Twilight was still nearby, dangerous territory to start speaking about self growth and experiences.

“I’ll tell you later, I don’t feel like writing a whole friendship report on it”

“Okie dokie but, I’ll hold you to it!”

We don’t talk again for sometime, almost all the way back to Ponyville before I break the silence. “Hey, since I’m going to be gone for a while… maybe we should finally go and see a movie together and then maybe tomorrow we go out to eat? Or maybe some other fun thing you come up with?”

“Just cause you’re leaving soon doesn’t mean we need to rush around to have fun. I have fun with you no matter what we do! And it’s not like I’m never going to see you again”

“Yeah but… I still feel like we should at least enjoy the time before I go”

“And we will enjoy it” her smile grows real wide letting me know something cheesy is coming, “Cause we have each other” She leans into me as we walk, resting her head against my hip.

“So cheesy”

“You love my cheese!”

Shutting my mouth I don’t bother to argue. She’s right, no matter what we do there’ll be fun to be had… and I do love her cheese.