Heart of the Herd

The dim light and rowdy conversation of the bar was a far cry from the tablecloths and fancy wine of the restaurant that Lost Way and Crashing Thunder had just left. For Canterlot this sort of establishment was a rarity, as most of the richer and hoity-toity esque ponies would never be caught dead in an establishment like this. Still, it clearly managed to find a way to survive despite being a far cry away from the busiest sections of town. It seemed that many ponies were willing to make the trek just as Lost Way and Crashing Thunder had just to have a chance to let their manes down and relax.

“I can’t remember the last time I ate at a place like this,” Crashing Thunder said with a half-chuckle and half sigh as he let his weight sink into the thinly cushioned booth tucked in the back end of the bar.

“I dunno, when’s the last time you and I both had a night off where we didn’t go on one of those blind dates?” Lost Way asked.

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” Crash said with a groan before closing his eyes. “I think if I see another fancy salad or waiter with a finely groomed mustache I might puke.”

Their time at the restaurant had mostly been a disaster, but that was the sort of thing Crash expected after so many failed first dates. Looking back on it, despite it being an emotional roller coaster for both him and his best friend it had still ended better than any other date he had through the service. He looked up to Lost Way, who was staring out into the crowd of the bar. Crash reminded himself yet again that this was really happening, and that he was really on a proper date with his best friend.

Lost Way looked back, and for the brief moment their eyes met Crash suddenly felt like the zebra was able to read his mind. He looked away and felt himself grow sheepish.

“Something wrong?” Lost asked.

“N-Nothing,” Crashing Thunder said. “Just… This is really weird.”

Crashing Thunder felt a twinge of shame build up in his belly. He felt himself panic, and his mind began to scramble for a way to reword his thoughts.

“W-Wait, I didn’t mean…”

“It’s okay,” Lost Way said before reaching out his hooves and grabbing Crash’s own. “I get what you mean.”

Crash looked up and saw the comfort and understanding in Lost Way’s eyes. It was the sort of look he had never gotten from any mares on a date before.

“Sorry,” Crash said sheepishly. “I know you so well already. I’m not really sure what we’re even supposed to talk about right now.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Lost Way said with a chuckle as he gave Crash’s hooves a reassuring squeeze. “I’m in the same boat. There’s no pressure for the rest of the night, alright? Let’s just see how this goes.”

Crash let out a little chuckle and gave a shake of his head.

“How do you always do that?” Crash asked.

“Do what?”

“Help pull me outta my own head,” Crash said before looking up to stare in Lost Way’s bright pink eyes. “You’re the only one whose ever been able to do that.”

“Guess I must be special,” Lost Way said with a teasing giggle.

It was right at that moment that the unicorn who had taken their order some thirty-minutes before had come back holding a massive tray with her magic. She was so different from the uppity waiters at the restaurant from before, and looked way more down to earth with her cheap but fashionable eyeshadow and red glasses.

“Heres your food, hons,” She said in a sweet voice as she set down several plates one by one. Burgers and fries and sides of hay bacon. “Just call me if you need anything!”

Both Crash and Lost thanked the mare, and as she left they stared down at the massive amount of food.

“I think we went overboard,” Crashing Thunder said.

“The hell we did,” Lost Way said before picking up a hoof full of fries and shoving them in his mouth. His eyes rolled back in his head before he let out a cry of pleasure and sunk down into his hoof. “Mmmm… soooo goooood.”

Crashing Thunder felt a smile begin to split on his face as he stared at his friend. Nothing in the world felt better than to see Lost Way look so happy and relaxed after the mess Crash had caused at the restaurant. He was already back to his usual carefree and relaxed self. Crash hadn’t realized just how badly he treasured that in Lost Way until it had been him who ruined it.

After Lost Way swallowed his stuffed mouth full of fries he blinked and looked at Crash.

“What’s wrong?” Lost Way asked before running the back of his foreleg across his mouth. “Something on my face?”

“No,” Crash said with a chuckle. “It’s nothing.”

“Well, dig in, dummy!” Lost Way said. “I’m hungry enough to eat both our plates if you aren’t careful.”

Crashing Thunder took Lost Way’s advice and picked up his massive burger with both hooves. As soon as the food hit his tongue and he instantly understood why Lost had sounded so pleased upon his own first bite. It was messy, greasy, and dripping with sauces. It was the sort of food Crash would never eat on a first date due to knowing he looked like such a slob eating it. As he pulled the burger from his lips he could already tell his mouth was drenched in ketchup and mustard.

“Heh, I didn’t mean eat that fast,” Lost Way said before handing Crash a set of napkins.

Crash couldn’t stop himself from smiling as he took the napkins and cleaned himself up.

“Remember that restaurant we used to go to when we were teens?” Crash asked. “What was it… the uh, Salty Stallion?”

“Ooooh my gosh,” Lost Way said before rolling his eyes and letting out a lustful moan at the memory. “They had the best freaking fries. We used to just order a giant basket after school and eat that till we felt sick.”

“Remember when my parents got really mad that one time cause we were so stuffed from it that we couldn’t even touch their dinner?” Crash asked.

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” Lost Way said. “Your mom looked like she wanted to kill me when she found out it was my idea. It sucked, cause her cooking was great. I would have eaten it if I didn’t think I was gonna explode.”

“She knew you were always the one to talk me into doing stuff like that,” Crash said before chuckling. “She used to say you were the best and worst thing to ever happen to me.”

“Seriously?” Lost Way said.

“She said you helped give me a bit of a backbone,” Crash said. “I didn’t let anypony just walk all over me while you were around. But I also did a lot more stupid stuff cause you talked me into it.”

“Hey, I resent that,” Lost Way said. “Don’t tell me you didn’t have fun skipping school and spending all day at the arcade.”

“I was too much of a nervous wreck to even have fun that day,” Crash said before shaking his head. “You always knew how to have fun when you were causing trouble.”

“Hey, I wasn’t a troublemaker!” Lost said. “Your parents LOVED me!”

“Yeah, they did,” Crash said with a chuckle, and then found himself trailing off. A thought crossed his mind that forced him to frown, and suddenly a pit in his belly began to form. He set down his burger and stared at it, suddenly not feeling as hungry as he had a moment before.

“What’s wrong?” Lost Way asked.

“Nothing,” Crash said before shaking his head.

“Crash,” Lost Way began.

“I don’t wanna ruin the mood,” Crash said. “We were just having fun.”

“Oh c’mon,” Lost said before rolling his eyes. “I think I’m used to whatever kind of roller coaster tonight is to handle it.”

Crash sighed loudly.

“I was just thinking about my folks,” Crash said. “How they’d feel about this right here. Me being on a date with a stallion.”

It wasn’t a pleasant thought to consider. This entire night had been such a topsy turvy experience of emotion that he hadn’t even stopped to consider how this might affect his life outside of Lost Way’s friendship.

“The other guards, too,” Crash added. “Just… everypony in general. They all think I only like mares.”

“I thought you only liked mares until earlier tonight,” Lost Way said.

“Mmm…” Crash looked down.

“Look,” Lost Way said in his usual encouraging voice. “Your folks were great when I came out. None of the guards give me a hard time either. If anything they’ll be a bit confused for a week or two and then everypony will just accept it.”

“I guess so,” Crash said, knowing he didn’t sound very convinced. “This is all just a lot to take in tonight, I guess. A lot is changing really fast.”

“In a bad way?” Lost Way questioned.

Crash looked up. The look in Lost Way’s eyes was nervous, but still trying his best to be supportive. It was clear to Crash that his own feelings weren’t the only ones on the line tonight. For once he had to get out of his head and think about how his best friend felt.

“No,” Crash said. “I want to try this. I want to try… us…”

Crash raised one of his hooves and ran it through his mane as he glanced away. He could feel himself blush, and was suddenly glad for the dim lighting of the bar.

“The more I think about you and I being together the more… real it feels,” Crash said. “I’m so comfortable sitting here with you in a way I’ve never felt with a mare. It’s like… It’s like it’s everything that I’ve been looking for but I was too thick to notice it was standing right in front of me all my life.”

Crash shut his eyes. He felt unbelievably sappy right now.

“I-I don’t know what I’m saying,” Crash said. “Ignore me, please.”

“No way,” Lost Way piped up in a sudden voice. He leaned forward and grabbed one of Crash’s hooves. “That was… That was really sweet, Crash.”

Crash dared to crack open his eyes and look up. He felt his heart practically skip a beat when he saw Lost Way’s eyes. They were so tender and warm, and instantly any nerves Crash felt began to wash away.

“I… I never realized how pretty you were for a stallion,” Crash said without really thinking.

Lost Way’s eyes widened, and soon enough his cheeks matched the pink stripes on his face.

“W-Wait, I mean… handsome? Er… I-I dunno…”

“I didn’t realize you could be such a charmer,” Lost Way said. “Here you had me convinced you were a walking trainwreck on dates.”

“Sh-Shut up,” Crash said before looking down. “Shouldn’t you be laughing at me? I just said something so sappy a romance novel would laugh at it.”

Lost Way giggled, and then much to Crash’s surprise the zebra slipped out from his side of the booth. Crash stared wide eyed as Lost Way came over to him, and slid into his booth. The large pegasus felt frozen as he was suddenly pinned by the zebra’s body, and felt arms wrap around him.

“I like sappy,” Lost Way said as he planted his chin against Crash’s chest and stared upward. “Since we’re going there, though. Pretty much as soon as you hit puberty I thought you were beyond attractive.”

“C-C’mon,” Crashing Thunder whined as he glanced away. He had never felt so directly flirted with before. He wasn’t sure if it was the booze or the entire night itself which had prompted the two to get so close so fast, but he was beginning to realize there would soon be no turning back.

“I mean it,” Lost Way said. “I mean, I never thought about it seriously cause you were my best friend. But I’d be lying if I didn’t catch myself staring once or twice when my hormones were nuts as a kid.”

“You’re tryin’ to make me blush,” Crash complained.

“Hehe, maybe,” Lost Way said. “Do you want me to stop?”

Crash felt his chest tighten. Dammit. Lost had gotten him trapped in a corner now.

“N-No…” Crash muttered.

“Heh, I never realized just how adorable you got when you’re all flustered like this,” Lost Way said as he put his hoof right at the center of Crash’s chest. “It’s nice, though. Normally the stallions who I hook up with are way too proud to show a side like that.”

“I never thought of my anxiety as adorable,” Crash said under his breath.

“It’s not that, silly,” Lost Way giggled. “Just… You’re clearly not used to being flirted with. It’s like you’re begging me to tease you.”

“Are you like this with all your dates?” Crash said.

“Why, am I being too much?” Lost Way asked.

“No,” Crash said, softly but with assurance. “Just… It’s a side of you I’ve only heard about. Not really seen.”

“Well, I can’t remember the last time you acted so shy around ME of all ponies,” Lost Way said. “If I’m coming on too strong you’ll tell me though, right? The last thing I want is to go too fast.”

“I-I will,” Crash said, though knew his shaky voice only gave away his nerves. For a moment he shut his eyes, and when he opened them he forced his forelegs to make the move to wrap around Lost Way’s body and bring him close. Lost Way let out a quiet gasp, clearly surprised by the forwardness of his friend.

“Oh, wow,” Lost Way said.

Crash glanced down, and noticed it was Lost Way blushing now.

“Heh, I thought I was the easy one to tease?” Crash said.

“I-I was just surprised, is all,” Lost Way said as he gingerly laid his head down against Crashing Thunder’s chest. “I didn’t take you as the type to make a move like that.”

“I’m feeling a bit braver than normal tonight, believe it or not,” Crash said. “It helps that you showed… interest.”

“Interest?” Lost Way said with a snort. “Is that what we’re gonna call flirting?”

“You know what I mean,” Crash said before giving Lost Way’s body a light squeeze. “I just… I know I’m not the best when it comes to dates. With you it’s easier but… I-I still feel like I gotta push myself to make sure I get the message across.”

“Oh?” Lost Way asked. “And what message is that?”

Crash glanced away, and felt Lost raise his head from his chest to stare up at him.

“That I’m having a really good time,” Crash said. “And… And I wanna see where the rest of tonight goes.”

Lost Way giggled, and instantly Crashing Thunder felt his face get warmer.

“D-Don’t laugh…” Crash muttered softly.

“No, no, it’s not at you,” Lost Way promised as he pushed himself up off of Crashing Thunder’s chest. “Just… I can’t remember the last time a stallion treated me like this. You’re sweet and kind and clearly don’t only care about bringing me to bed.”

Lost Way glanced up, and briefly the two stallion’s eyes met. For a moment Crash felt his chest tighten, and he realized again just how lost he was able to get in this zebra’s gaze.

What took him out of the gaze however was when Lost Way began to move in. The zebra shut his eyes and perked out his lips. For a brief moment, Crash felt himself panic. Instinctively he raised up his hooves and pulled his head away.

“Nnngh!” Crash let out a noise before he could even think, and felt his head hit the back of the booth in his attempt to yank himself away.

“S-Sorry, sorry!” Lost Way said quickly. He backed away from Crashing Thunder quick, and moved himself to the edge of the booth seat until he was practically ready to fall over. “That was too sudden. I shouldn’t have done that.”

To hear Lost Way stammer in the same tone of panic that Crashing Thunder felt inside of him instantly made the pegasi snap to his senses.

“No, Lost, I-I didn’t… I don’t know why I did that!”

Crash felt his chest tighten. He panicked, and instantly memories of date after date ending in disappointment and disaster flashed through his eyes. His body had reacted before his mind had a chance to process what was happening. He looked up, and felt all the comfort and joy the date had brought up until this point wash away.

“I’m sorry,” Crash said, trying desperately to keep his voice steady.

“No, no, it’s fine,” Lost Way said. The zebra looked like he was fighting to regain his composure, though it was clear to Crash by the look in his friends eyes that he had been hurt.

“I didn’t not want it,” Crash said. “I just… I panicked.”

“It’s okay, Crash,” Lost Way said. “Too sudden. I got it.”

“I didn’t ruin the date, did I?” Crash asked. He wished he could hide the fear in his voice.

“No way,” Lost Way said. “I wouldn’t want to do anything to make you uncomfortable.”

Crash gave a nod of his head. He wished he was better at keeping his emotions under control, but even with Lost’s words of reassurance there was a tiny voice in his head berating him for doing something so stupid.

“Ugh,” Crash groaned as he planted his face in his hooves. “Why do I do this every time?”

Lost Way scooted forward silently, so silent in fact that Crash jumped when a hoof placed itself on top of his own and pulled it down from his face. He looked up to see Lost smiling.

“Tell you what,” Lost way said. “You can make it up to me later. When you’re ready, I mean.”

Crash felt his chest tighten. He looked down at the hoof Lost had gripped and took it as an opportunity to squeeze it himself. He frowned, but knew that deep down Lost Way wasn’t upset with him. The only one upset at Crash was himself. He gave a slight nod of his head.

“Good,” Lost said with a giggle before leaning forward and planting a light kiss right on Crash’s cheek. This time Crash didn’t recoil, but instead sat there feeling his heart begin to pick up speed. It thumped against his ribs to the point he was almost sure Lost Way would hear it.

“Okay, I think I’ve done enough overwhelming you with my AMAZING flirting ability for now,” Lost Way said with a feigned weary sigh as he pulled back and slipped out of the side of the booth only to return to his own seat at the opposite end of the table. “I don’t want to short circuit your brain or anything.”

“Wow, so modest,” Crash said with a roll of his eyes as he reached up his hoof and touched the spot where Lost had just kissed. He could feel his nerves calm down already, and the relaxed atmosphere of the date was resuming. “I’d call your flirting more cheesy than amazing.”

“I’m offended,” Lost Way said with a shocked expression. “After I basically THREW myself at you!”

“Sorry, I meant trashy,” Crash corrected himself.

“If this were a glass of wine,” Lost said as he picked up his mug of cider. “I’d have half a mind to throw it at you for that.”

“What, is cider not dramatic enough?”

“It’s not CLASSY enough to throw,” Lost Way said. “I’ll just look like a drunkard trying to start a bar fight if I do it here.”

“Oh, like you’re the height of class,” Crash said.

“Pfft, you’re one to talk.”

Both stallions halted their fake bickering to take a moment to giggle. There was almost no memory of the panic Crash had just felt left inside of him.

“C’mon,” Lost Way said. “The only thing worse than that hoity-toity restaurant crap is amazing greasy food that you let get cold. Let’s eat.”

———————————————————————————————

As soon as Lost Way stepped out of the bar he felt a chilling gust of wind hit his body like a knife. Even the alcohol coursing through his veins which had made him feel awfully warm in the well heated bar wasn’t enough to change the fact that his zebra fur just wasn’t made for colder climates. His scarf whipped behind him and tugged against his neck in an attempt to free itself. As the wind passed and Lost was able to crack open his eyes, he found himself staring wide eyed at the streets.

“Wow,” Lost Way said. “Did it snow that much?”

The streets which were only damp by the time they arrived at the restaurant were now beginning to look awfully white with a thin layer of powdery snow clinging to the ground. The grass was beginning to look frosty and crystalized while the dirt was beginning to be hidden entirely by a thin sheet.

“Guess so,” Crashing Thunder said as he took a step forward next to Lost Way. He let out a sigh, and with it came a cloudy breath which quickly dissipated. “We were in there for a long time.”

Lost Way had to agree. Even after the two stallions had finished their food they had continued to sit and talk for what felt like hours. It reminded Lost Way far too much of when they were still teenagers and spent their hours after school goofing around avoiding homework just so they could hang out. Only now, the only thing the two were avoiding was the eventuality of having to go back to their little home.

“Hey, are you feeling all that tired?” Lost Way asked before glancing over to Crash.

“No, why?”

“Cause I don’t really wanna go home yet,” Lost Way said. “I kind of want this date to go on a bit more.”

Crash looked momentarily surprised by Lost Way’s forwardness, but soon cracked a sheepish smile before glancing away. Lost Way couldn’t help but giggle at just how bad Crash was at hiding his enjoyment.

“A-Alright,” Crash said. “What do you wanna do?”

“Hmm, I dunno,” Lost Way said. “Let’s just walk around some, okay? It hasn’t snowed like this all year. Let’s just enjoy it.”

That seemed like a good enough plan for Crash to nod his head in agreement. Lost Way playfully bumped his body against Crash’s side before moving forward and giving a nod of his head for Crash to follow. Soon enough the two were walking side by side down the snowy streets. They didn’t need to talk for it to not feel awkward, as the comfort of each other’s company was more than enough.

Lost Way glanced up to the sky. He couldn’t see many of the stars with it being so cloudy, but Luna’s moon was trying its best to poke itself out from behind the clouds and shine its light down onto them. It was late enough where most of the shops and businesses lining the streets had already turned their lights off and flipped their open signs to closed. The only light the two had aside from the moon was the occasional streetlight which illuminated their path.

“Are you… having fun?” Crashing Thunder asked eventually.

“Heh, what kinda question is that?” Lost Way asked.

“I-I dunno,” Crash said. “I just wanna make sure. I’m not… a boring date, am I?”

“You worry too much,” Lost Way said playfully. “I’m having a great time, Crash. How about you?”

“That’s good…” Crash said with a nod. “I am too. A really great time, actually.”

“You sound surprised.”

“Well, I guess I kinda am,” Crash said. “This whole night has been surprising. Feels like my whole world’s being spun around, y’know?”

“I get what you mean,” Lost Way said as he glanced down to the snow-covered pathway. “I know I’m the one who pushed for us to make this a real date and all, but I seriously never considered the idea until I saw that curtain open back at the restaurant.”

Lost Way could feel Crashing Thunder’s eyes bore into him with a long stare. It was Lost Way’s turn to feel a little sheepish. He bit the inside of his cheek as he considered his next words carefully.

“Hey, Crash?” Lost Way asked. “You said you never considered starting a herd with a stallion, right?”

“I did,” Crash said with a wary tone of voice, as if he too was suddenly nervous about the direction Lost was going to take this topic.

“Is that because you’d never do it with a stallion?” Lost Way asked.

“Lost…”

“N-Nevermind,” Lost Way spat out. “That’s way too serious to think about right now… we’re just having fun.”

Lost Way unconsciously began to pick up his pace until he was well in front of Crash. His face was burning, and he began to wonder to himself as to why he had asked such a silly question out of the blue. It wasn’t until he felt a hoof grab at his foreleg that he stopped and looked back.

“Look,” Crashing Thunder said in as serious and honest of a tone as he could muster. “Whatever I thought before tonight doesn’t matter anymore. Clearly things don’t always go the way we want them to. That doesn’t mean what ends up happening is gonna be worse. It could be way, way better and we just don’t realize it.”

Lost Way could feel Crash’s hoof squeeze his own. The look in the pegasi’s big blue eyes was genuine in a way Lost recognized all too well. He knew his best friend enough to know when he was lying, or trying to force himself to feel some way. This was neither of those things.

It wasn’t until Lost actually looked up and away from Crash that he realized they had left the outskirts of Canterlot entirely. His eyes widened as he looked around.

“When did we come to the park?” Lost asked out loud.

Lost looked back to the street. What little nightlife remained was in the distant, and the two were standing under a dimly lit lamppost in what in comparison felt like the wilderness.

Crash began to chuckle.

“You just now realized?” Crash asked. “How deep in thought were you?”

Lost pulled away from Crash’s grip and looked out at the trees and hills of the park. He couldn’t remember the last time he had come to this park, but he did remember it well enough for it to suddenly bring up a wave of nostalgia that washed over him.

“We used to sled down that hill in the winter,” Lost Way said as he looked over towards a particularly tall hill. “Remember?”

“Course I remember,” Crash said. “I was TERRIFIED.”

“You were a baby,” Lost poked fun back.

“I weighed twice your size and you ALWAYS wanted to ride together,” Crash said back with a half-serious glare at his friend as he walked up beside him. “We might as well have been going faster than the Wonderbolts down that hill.”

“Even though you always whined it was me who ended up breaking my hoof when we had that accident,” Lost Way said before a grin split across his face. “Even though I was the one hurt you started bawling.”

“H-Hey,” Crash said in a defensive tone. “I was just a colt! My best friend was hurt what was I supposed to do?”

“Not let your recently handicapped best friend comfort you instead of running for help, for starters,” Lost Way said before looking back at Crash with a playful grin. “You big crybaby.”

“Mmm,” Crash looked embarrassed as he glanced away. “I was a really big crybaby back then…”

“Oh, come on,” Lost Way giggled. “You were strong where it mattered. I for one LIKE a guy who is in touch with his feelings.”

“I don’t cry that much anymore,” Crash said in a vain attempt to defend himself. His eyes were turned away from Lost now, and it was clear even without seeing his cheeks that he was fighting the urge to blush.

“Heh, you’ll always be my crybaby hero,” Lost Way said as he approached Crash and tapped his hoof right on the end of the pegasi’s nose. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget the look on those bullies faces when we were kids and you were sobbing and screaming at them cause they pushed me down and I brushed up my legs.”

“Y-You still remember that?” Crash asked. “I hardly remember what I said… I just remember being angry and upset.”

“I don’t think they’ve ever seen a crying stallion look so angry before or since,” Lost way giggled in reply. “Of course I remember it.”

“Is all you remember about us as kids embarrassing?” Crash asked sheepishly as he drug his hoof through the freshly powdered snow.

“Hmmm, not really,” Lost Way said. “I just like making you get all flustered by bringing up that sort of stuff.”

“Jeez, you’re mean,” Crash said.

“Hey, don’t look so cute when I make you all flustered then maybe I’ll stop,” Lost Way said with a giggle before turning away.

In the heat of the moment, Lost way made a flirtatious move. As soon as he turned away he flicked his tail up and brushed it against the underside of Crash’s chin. He could see Crash’s eyes widen as his body tensed up. Lost giggled to himself as he walked forward, making sure to sway his hips and keep his tail lifted so his behind was visible. It was a move he had done countless times on other stallions to flirt with them. He smiled to himself, and resisted the urge to look over his shoulder as he could only imagine the sort of look Crash had on his face.

That satisfaction and flirtation didn’t last very long, as Lost Way was reminded very quickly that he wasn’t dealing with the usual stallion on his dates but instead his best friend. Suddenly something soft yet freezing planted itself right on his exposed butt, and he let out a yelp of fear as he jumped forward. The sound he made was so high-pitched he was surprised his voice could even force it out. He looked behind, and noticed bits of snow sticking to his flank. He looked up to see Crash grinning with a mischievous look.

“Did… Did you just throw a snowball at my ASS?” Lost Way asked.

“What?” Crash said. “Don’t look so cute when I do it then maybe I wouldn’t have!”

“Oh you piece of…” Lost Way started before turning around. He was suddenly filled with a swell of energy as he raked his hoof through the ground and picked up a large clump of loose snow. Crash’s eyes widened, and the cocky look on his face soon was replaced with panic as Lost Way reddied his own snowball.

“Hey, wait a…!”

Lost Way lobbed the snowball with all his might. Crash could only wince and try in vain to lift up his wing to block the attack. The snow splattered against his feathers, and exploded in a satisfying burst of white powder.

“No fair!” Lost snapped. “You STILL cheat using your wings as shields! You haven’t changed at all since we were kids!”

“It ain’t cheating!” Crash said as he uncovered his face, but quickly looked panicked as Lost readied up another ball of snow. The large pegasus let out a yelp of panic before skittering back.

“Hey, hey, Lost! We can talk about this!”

“Not until I lob this one right at your big fat face!” Lost Way shouted back as he began to chase Crash. “Get back here!”

Suddenly the freezing air nor the chilly winds seemed to matter all that much to Lost Way. He felt a burst of energy much like when he was still a colt. He couldn’t remember the last time him and Crash had done something so childish yet so fun. He threw the snowball as hard as he could and watched as Crash was unable to react in time. This snowball landed right against his neck. Crash gasped as the cool icy snow soaked into his fur. He looked to Lost with a vengeance in his eyes.

“Alright, you asked for it!” Crash shouted.

“Eee!” Lost couldn’t help but let out a shree cry of both delight and fear as he watched Crashing Thunder begin to gather up more snow of his own and form it into a ball. He sprinted away to bide his time and jumped over the back of a bench for a quick form of cover before hastily trying to get his own weapons made. One of Crash’s snowballs hit the wooden beams of the back of the bench, and debris of snow splattered and hit Lost in the face.

“Whose using shields now?” Crash shouted.

“This is cover, dummy!” Lost Way said. “You should get some, or else…!”

Lost Way stood up with a snowball in hoof and lobbed it in Crash’s direction. Much to his surprise Crash managed to not only jump out of the way, but performed an over dramatic tactical roll right through the snow. It was one of the means in which Royal Guards were taught to defend themselves from bursts of magical attacks from enemies.

“Did you just roll through the snow to avoid more snow?” Lost Way asked while holding back his laughter.

What Lost Way hadn’t expected was for Crashing Thunder to have a snowball stealthily concealed in one of his wings. He gracefully flicked his left wing right at Lost. The last thing Lost saw was a blur of white before his face was assaulted by the ball of snow. He let out a gasp, and stumbled backward. He was momentarily blinded, and tried in vain to wipe the watery wetness from his eyes. He heard the sound of violent thumping approaching, and just when he had managed to clear a bit of snow from his eyes he caught a glimpse of Crash charging straight at him.

Lost Way only had the opportunity to let out a shriek of feigned fear before he was tackled, and forced onto the frozen ground with all the weight of Crashing Thunder pushing him down. Suddenly the Zebra was on his back lying in the snow with Crashing Thunder laying on top of him, pinning him down.

“I win,” Crash said with a cocky expression before sticking out his tongue.

“I don’t think you win a snowball fight by tackling your enemy, dummy,” Lost Way said back.

Both stallions started giggling. Lost Way realized he was actually pretty winded, and was struggling to catch his breath with Crash on top of him. The mix of freezing ice on his back and the warm, soft comfort of Crash’s body on his front was such a strange combination that he both hated and didn’t want to end. He looked up into Crashing Thunder’s eyes, and realized that the pegasi has stopped giggling and was instead staring intently at him.

“Cras—?”

Before Lost Way could even finish saying his friends name he was interrupted by Crash forcing his face forward. Lost felt his eyes shoot wide open as his best friend’s lips pressed against his own. It was a sudden and forceful kiss, the kind that Lost could tell that Crash made with the fear that if he didn’t act on his impulses that very moment he would chicken out. Crash seemed so tense and nervous at first, moreso pressing his face against Lost’s. It wasn’t until Lost Way shut his own eyes and lifted up his hooves to plant them on Crash’s cheeks that the pegasi began to relax. Lost Way took control of the kiss, and pressed more firmly into his best friend. He lifted his forelegs until he was able to wrap them all the way around Crash’s head. The more Crash relaxed the more satisfying and sensual the kiss became. Lost Way found himself feeling light headed by the time they finally parted.

For a moment the two laid there without speaking, just staring into each other’s eyes. Eventually it was Crash who broke the silence.

“Was that… Was that good?” Crash asked.

Lost Way couldn’t stop himself from cracking up. The earnestness in Crashing Thunder’s voice when he asked that was just so adorable. His belly felt like butterflies were soaring inside, and his head was still light. The fact that he had just kissed his best friend weighed on his mind, but the fact that he had enjoyed it so much made him feel elated.

“What’s so funny?” Crash asked, and began to blush.

“You’re really cute, Crash,” Lost Way said before grabbing Crash’s face once more and pulling him into another kiss.

Crash seemed surprised by this sudden move, but didn’t fight it as he had done back at the bar. Instead he allowed Lost to take control. This kiss wasn’t as forceful nor as nervous, partially because Crash was allowing it to happen to himself. When they parted this time it was him who was giggling.

“So… That’s a yes on it being good?” Crash asked.

“Big yes,” Lost Way said. “But, uh… This is really sweet and all but do you mind getting up? I’m really freaking cold.”

“O-Oh, right!” Crash said before scrambling to get up off of Lost Way’s body. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Lost Way said with a giggle, and then looked to see Crash was extending a hoof to help him up. Lost Way took it, but let out a gasp when he was suddenly yanked upward and pulled right into Crashing Thunder’s arms. Suddenly big and fluffy pegasus wings wrapped themselves around his body, holding him tight against Crash’s body like a tight blanket. Lost suddenly didn’t feel that cold anymore, especially on his face.

“Better?” Crash asked.

“Y-Yeah…” Lost Way said. “Wow, you’re smoother than I gave you credit for.”

“Huh?” Crash asked. “I was just trying to warm you up…”

Lost snorted at that. It was so earnest and accidentally romantic that it seemed so much like Crash. He was already on the high from their kisses, and now he was being held in a warm and fluffy embrace. He giggled as he hugged Crash back.

“Wanna go home?” Crash asked. “You’re awfully cold.”

“Mmm, a little longer,” Lost Way said, not wanting this wonderful date to end. “Can we just sit a bit and talk? Then we can go home.”

“You really wanna freeze to death,” Crash said before looking over at the bench which Lost had just been taking shelter behind. He momentarily left Lost and wiped off what little snow had stuck to the wooden seating and back with his wings before nodding for Lost to come forward.

Lost giggled as he approached. Crash was the first to sit down on the bench, and he extended his arms and his wings. He seemed to care more about Lost Way’s warmth and comfort more than the idea of cuddling him, which was adorable to the chilled zebra. Lost Way didn’t argue, and sat on the bench and rested his body up against Crashing Thunder’s own. The wings wrapped around him again. It felt even better than before.

“Warming up?” Crash asked.

“Yeeessss,” Lost Way groaned with comfort as he nuzzled up closer to Crash. “You’re like my own personal heater.”

“How romantic,” Crash said, and then giggled. His breath ran down Lost Way’s ear and made a shiver run up his spine.

“Y’know, most guys on the first date when I let them get this close to me have alternate schemes in mind as to why,” Lost Way teased. “You wouldn’t happen to be trying to seduce me, would you, Crash?”

“I figured I did a pretty good job of that already when you leapt into my arms when I offered,” Crash said, starting to get an edge on teasing Lost Way back.

“Smooth,” Lost said before rolling his eyes.

Lost Way smiled to himself as he settled his head against Crashing Thunder’s chest. He shut his eyes, and for a moment just listened to the sound of his best friend’s heart. It seemed a bit faster paced than usual, which told Lost that despite Crash managing to keep composure he was certainly excited to be cuddling up with the zebra.

“Hey… Crash?” Lost Way asked after a long period of silence. He cracked open his eyes, and stared out into the wintery night before them.

“Yeah?” Crash replied.

“What do you think’s gonna happen with us?” Lost asked. “After tonight, I mean.”

That question momentarily made Crash tense up. However it didn’t seem to be out of panic, as he relaxed again rather quickly. Crash rested his chin on top of Lost Way’s forehead, and began to run one of his hooves up and down Lost Way’s back.

“I dunno,” Crash said. “That’s a bit of a weighted question, don’t you think?”

“Sorry,” Lost Way said. “I didn’t mean to get so serious.”

“No, no, it’s fine,” Crash said, and tightened his hug on Lost Way. “I’ve been wondering that too.”

“You know I love you,” Lost Way said as he pushed himself up a bit off of Crash’s chest so that he could sit up and look the pegasi eye to eye. “But… I’m not in love with you I think. Not yet, at least.”

“N-Not yet?” Crash asked.

“I just mean… I had so much fun tonight,” Lost said with a giggle. “I can’t remember the last time me and a date had a snowball fight and ate greasy bar food, that’s for sure. Plus with you I feel way more comfortable than I’ve ever felt with a stallion I don’t know. I’m not sure if that’s just because you’re my best friend, or…”

Lost Way trailed off.

“I feel the same,” Crash said, and took one of Lost Way’s hooves and held it up close to his chest right over his beating heart. “It doesn’t matter what comes from tonight, you know I’ll always love you regardless.”

“Agreed,” Lost Way said with a nod of his head.

“But I still really want to see where this goes, I think,” Crash said. “That kiss we just had was something else. I didn’t think kissing you would ever feel so natural, Lost. As soon as I went for it it was like everything just clicked and I wasn’t scared of the idea anymore.”

Crash averted his eyes briefly out of embarrassment.

“I’m still new to all of this,” Crash continued. “Having a great first date, kissing a stallion… It’s scary but exciting. I kind of feel like I’m plunging into the deep end of a pool or something.”

Lost Way pulled his hoof away from Crash’s own, and lifted it up to touch the pegasus on his cheek. Crash looked to him with wide eyes.

“I don’t want things to end after tonight,” Lost Way said. “I don’t know where things are gonna go, or if we’ll work out long term, but I really want to give it a real try. There’s just…”

“Just…?” Crash asked. A glimmer of worry was in his eyes.

“I know how much you want a herd,” Lost Way said, and let his hoof fall from Crashing Thunder’s cheek. “I don’t know if I’m ready to jump into all of that so suddenly. I-I don’t even know if what I feel for you is just infatuation or something bigger. If I end up ruining that for you because things don’t work out between us I couldn’t forgive myself. Even if you could forgive me, I know how much you want that.”

Lost Way glanced away. It had been a concern that had been weighing on his mind the entire night, but it wasn’t until Lost Way realized just how amazing that kiss had been that it had come to the forefront of his mind.

“Hurting you like that… I couldn’t live with myself if I did that,” Lost Way said.

Crash’s eyes lingered on Lost Way. It began to feel like drills boring into the zebra. He felt uncomfortable more than the chilly wind could ever make him feel. His chest ached, and he had to resist the urge to bite down on his tongue.

“Lost,” Crash began, and placed both of his hooves on either one of Lost Way’s shoulders. “I would never force you into all of that if you weren’t ready. I’ve always wanted a herd someday, yeah, but right now the only one I care about is you.”

“I don’t want that for you, though,” Lost Way said. “What if I’m never ready? I can’t steal something like that.”

“Look at me,” Crash said, and squeezed Lost Way’s shoulders.

The zebra looked up. Crash looked serious, more than he had the entire night. His eyes were shimmering blue and despite all his worries Lost Way couldn’t help but realize just how beautiful they were.

“If we’re going to try and take this seriously after tonight,” Crash said. “Then I want to give everything I have to this. I don’t want to not see where this’ll lead us because you’re scared you’ll dash some dreams of mine. I… I have a bit of an offer.”

“An offer?” Lost Way asked. “What do you mean?”

“I want you to be my lead stallion,” Crash said. “The lead stallion of OUR herd.”

Lost Way felt his eyes widen.

“Crash… That’s what you’ve always wanted.”

Crashing Thunder shook his head.

“No, it isn’t,” Crash said. “What I’ve always wanted is a big herd where every creature loves each other equally. If somepony in my herd isn’t able to do that, then it’s not fair to them. If you’re the lead then it’ll be up to you to decide if and when you’re ready for more ponies or gryphons or dragons or whatever will join us.”

“But… But I don’t know how long it’ll be before I’m ready…” Lost said. He felt his chest tighten more.

“I don’t care,” Crash said. “We can take as long as you need before you decide. If you’re never ready and just want to stay exclusive until we’re old and wrinkly then I don’t care either. If you’re my lead, then you decide. I’ll be happy with whatever you choose… Assuming this works out between us.”

Lost Way felt his eyes sting. He felt like Crash was trying so, so hard to make him happy. He had never had a stallion, or anypony, care so selflessly for him in the past.

“Then… if I accept,” Lost Way said. “Can we wait until I know for sure this thing we’re doing is real? Until I can say I love you and I mean it in THAT way? Same for you?”

“Of course,” Crash said with a nod and a comforting smile. “Until we know for certain this is real between us. Even if that happens I promise I won’t be angry if you don’t want to add more to the herd.”

“I… I don’t know what to say,” Lost Way said, and felt his eyes sting worse. He lifted a hoof and wiped at the unspilled tears that were brimming.

“You could say yes,” Crash said. “I-If you want, I mean.”

Lost Way gave a chuckle behind his brimming tears. He sniffled, and nodded his head.

“O-Okay,” Lost said. “Then yes. I-I’ll be the lead stallion.”

The embrace that Crashing Thunder forced upon the zebra was more tight and more warm than any of the hugs the two had ever shared in the past. It was full of the love they had always had for one another, but this time there was the lingering possibility of something more. Already their love was beginning to go through a metamorphosis, and it was clear that regardless of how they ended up when all was said and done that it would change after tonight. Lost shut his eyes, and fought back tears of happiness at the trust that Crash was giving him.

“You’re so sappy,” Lost said, all muffled with his face deeply buried in the fluffy fur on Crash’s chest.

“I know,” Crash said.

“Maybe that’s why I like you so damn much,” Lost continued. “Your big dumb sappy heart.”

“Y’know, this is the second time I made you cry tonight,” Crashing Thunder said. “Maybe you shouldn’t date a stallion who makes you cry so easily.”

“Hehe, I think it’s worth it,” Lost Way said as he pulled away from Crash and wiped at his eyes one last time. “So… Does this mean we’re making this official? You and I are gonna be dating?”

“I-I guess so,” Crash said, looking sheepish.

“Man, it’s gonna be so weird to call you my boyfriend,” Lost Way said before shaking his head.

“How do you think I feel?” Crash asked. “Before tonight I never even THOUGHT about having a boyfriend!”

“Fair enough,” Lost Way giggled before looking up into Crash’s eyes. He touched the pegasi’s cheek and smiled. “But right now I really couldn’t think of somepony else I’d want to call my boyfriend.”

Lost Way took in a breath before moving forward, and planted his lips up against Crashing Thunder’s own. This time Crash didn’t pull away, but instead moved his head forward to meet Lost Way’s halfway. As their lips met Lost Way couldn’t stop himself from grinning. He raised his hooves and placed them on Crash’s neck, pulling himself closer until the two were embracing once more.

Once they parted, Crash’s forelegs were wrapped around Lost Way once more.

“I could get used to that,” Crash said. “I-I hope I’m not a bad kisser or anything.”

“For what it’s worth, you’re not half bad for a guy who's never kissed a stallion before,” Lost Way said. “But you could use some work…”

“Really?” Crash asked, sounding just a hint nervous.

“Don’t worry,” Lost Way teased. “I’ll make sure you get plenty of practice soon enough.”

Crash rolled his eyes.

“I shoulda known you were gonna head that way,” Crash said.

Lost smiled, and moved his head forward to lightly bump their noses together and nuzzle quickly. Once they pulled away the two looked in each other’s eyes for some time just admiring one another. The longer Lost Way stared, the more it began to feel real that the stallion sitting in front of him was his boyfriend. His best friend was his boyfriend.

“Okay,” Lost Way said with a long sigh. “I think I’m finally done freezing. I feel like my nuts are gonna fall off if I stay out here much longer.”

“Gross,” Crash said before smiling back at the zebra. “But yeah, I can’t keep cuddling you in my wings forever y’know.”

“Aww, and they’re so comfy,” Lost Way said with a feigned tone of disappointment. “Meanie.”

Once the two stallions had pulled themselves off the bench Lost Way gave a good stretch to his legs. Another gust of wind came, and he shuddered once more. He was prepared to endure the cool breeze without complaint as it had been him who insisted on staying out. However, he was surprised when he felt Crash’s body press up against his side. One of the pegasi’s wings draped over his body and tucked against him, embracing him in a blanket of feathers that shielded just enough from the breeze to keep the zebra from shivering.

“Y-You don’t have to do that,” Lost Way said, surprised by just how embarrassed he felt at having Crash be so close to him.

“What kind of boyfriend would I be if I let you walk home all cold?” Crash asked. “Just cause we didn’t eat at a fancy restaurant for our first date doesn’t mean I’m not a little bit chivalrous.”

“A little bit,” Lost Way said, and allowed himself to lean up against Crashing Thunder’s warm body. He shut his eyes and let out a long sigh. “You’re such a dork about it, though.”

“I know,” Crash said before leaning down and nuzzling his muzzle against one of Lost Way’s ears. “Better get used to it.”

“I think I’ve had a lifetime of getting used to your dorkiness,” Lost Way said. “I know what I’m getting into.”

Crash chuckled, and his warm breath tickled Lost Way’s ear.

“Ready to go home?” Crash asked.

Lost Way took a moment to savor the moment. The cool air, the warmth of his best friend, and the fact that they had just taken the first step into something serious. It was something that would change not only their relationship, but their whole lives. He took just one moment to savor it, as he felt that this moment would be something he would cherish for years to come.

“Yeah,” Lost Way said. “Let’s go home.”