“Do you believe in twin flames? Like uh-,.. that every living being has their twin soul and one day they are bound to reunite.” I asked.

However, the hobo I was asking, sitting in front of the fire next to me, wasn’t even conscious.

“...Yeah, me neither.” I answered to myself.

***

I didn’t sleep well that night, I kept waking up and rolling around and I eventually got up a lot sooner than I usually would. It was already light outside and I couldn't go back to sleep

My back still somewhat hurt a bit from carrying my mistress yesterday but I didn’t care that much about it. Most of all, I needed to know whether she was okay, so, the very first thing I did that morning was that I slowly opened the door to Miss Lemon’s bedroom to check on her.

I found her laying on the bed, seemingly sleeping. She probably wouldn’t have even noticed me but as I was closing the door again, the hinges creaked, causing her to open her eyes.

”Anon…” The mare exhaled, adjusting herself up to see me better.

“Yes, mistress?” I froze in attention and anticipation.

”Come here please.” She sat up in her bed.

On her command, I walked inside the bedroom to her, kneeling down to be at the same height.

”I wanted to thank you…” My mistress smiled, pausing to fondly touch my shoulder with her white hoof “...And I’d like to ask you... if you can still remember me the way I was before yesterday evening.”

“I-...Of course mistress, why wouldn’t I?” I gave her a confused look.

”I just wanted to make sure…” She touched me again, somewhat reassuringly. “Now, can I ask one last thing of you today?”

“Of course, anything.”

”Would you make some kind of breakfast for me? Anything will do…”

“I’ll be right on it!” I smiled as I stood up.

...Her hoof that slid down from my shoulder, touched my leg before I walked away and as I closed the door, I was given a strange, faint smile. I wanted Miss Lemon to feel better after yesterday, so I didn’t pay that much attention to a possible meaning behind the gentle gesture. I simply ran to the kitchen, already thinking about what could be the best breakfast I’d be able to make with my limited cooking skills:

Surely it couldn’t be anything better than she’d make herself but I still wanted it to be as good as possible when I had a chance to repay her for once.

In less than 20 minutes, I had a plate with some delicious looking toasted sandwiches and a kettle with peppermint tea. Then I went right to the bedroom door of my mistress so I could serve it to her but I found it was locked from the inside.

“Ms. Lemon..? I brought you the breakfast you asked for…” I knocked, “...Mistress?”

As much as I expected some kind of answer, there was just silence.

My heart started beating in a sudden feeling I couldn’t explain. I knew something was going on, something bad. It creeped me out, as if someone was squishing my guts from the inside. “MISS LEMON!!” I kept banging on the door but the only thing I heard was a clock ticking on the other side of the wall. The situation combined with fear for her safety, made me do something unthinkable to me any other tim; I laid the breakfast on the ground, mustered all my strength and I kicked in the door.

It took a few tries but then the opening mechanism broke, the door flew open and then I saw it: A white mare with a golden mane, the foam pouring out of her mouth and some pills laying next to her, as well as a goodbye letter scribbled nearby.

“MISS LEMON!!! NO!!” I yelled, running up to her and shaking with her body to get some kind of response yet it was almost like shaking with a corpse… but she wasn’t a corpse, I knew she was still alive. I knew it, I just did.

Her chest was still softly moving with each of her shallow breaths too, there was still time to save her. I even knew just how. I shoved two of my fingers up her mouth and tickled her throat to induce gag reflex, just the same way I had to do to myself a few times, back in my junkie days.

And it worked.

First I heard a loud “Hrrk!” and the next second there was vomit running down my hand. I didn’t really care about getting dirty though, I had to quickly adjust Miss Lemon so that she wouldn’t choke while I was using my clean hand to keep her golden mane out of the way and keeping her steady.

As all the poison started leaving her stomach, the mare even opened her eyes, trying to see what was happening. I saw she was crying... I knew well how hard it is to hold back tears while you’re throwing up but I also knew that those were tears of a different kind.

I saw such immeasurable guilt and sadness in that look she gave me. As if she’d prefer to die than to be seen like this but I had to stay to make sure she’d live. I felt horrible about all of that, but I couldn’t lose her.

…

When the whole content of Miss Lemon’s stomach was on Mr. Scribble’s blanket, I picked her body up and brought her into the bathtub.

Then I had to leave her alone for a little while because I needed to open the windows in the bedroom and get rid of the ruined blanket so that it wouldn’t soak through, destroying the whole bed. In less than a minute I was back though, to make sure the mare wouldn’t attempt to drown herself or finish the job some other way.

I found her almost lifelessly laying in pretty much the same position in which I left her but she was steadily breathing. That was the most important thing for me.

First I rinsed her fur from all the stains and then gave her white coat a good soapy scrub overall to make sure she won’t smell afterwards.

I knew well that my mistress was conscious all through the process but she kept her eyes closed because she couldn’t look, didn’t want to see me... I understood that completely because I’ve been in a similar situation before. I just never thought that I’d see it from this angle as well…

...

It took a little while of scrubbing to clean the white coat but at last, Miss Lemon was completely clean. I dried her with a towel and brought her back to the bed, getting rid of all the sheets, even the clean ones and I replaced them with fresh ones. There I tucked the pony in because she was starting to shiver, laid the breakfast that I made earlier on a bed table, sat in the chair next to her,.. and waited.

I think I waited for a few hours, it could have been 2 just as well as it could have been 4. I never left, besides quickly running off to the toilet and back once. I wouldn’t allow myself to leave if it wasn't an utter necessity because I had to watch over my mistress to make sure she won’t do anything foolish again. Out of paranoia, I occasionally checked her breathing to make sure she was still alive because it was taking such a long time; I was afraid whether she’d ever wake up.

Until finally, she moved:

At first it was just a twitch of her eyelid before both of them slowly opened. As soon as I noticed, I brought my chair closer and leaned in, hoping-… I wasn’t sure what exactly I hoped for, maybe just for her to smile but I knew that was a naive wish.

When those yellow and hazel eyes registered me, she sighed tiredly:

“You should have let me die. It would have saved us both a lot of trouble… And a door replacement. They were worth more than me anyway.”

“There is no possible way I’d let you do such a thing, Ms. Lemon.” I stepped closer. “I’m sorry about the door but I’d burn this house down if it stood in my way to save you.”

“You don't understand Anon.” The mare rolled away from my gaze. I heard her voice breaking a little as she spoke. “For a short while, I let myself believe that I got over the accident. That maybe it could even help me become somepony better than who I was but it didn't. I'm not even good enough for my own husband. Nothing but a burden to everypony. A world would be a better place without me.”

“Excuse me for this, mistress...” I grabbed her shoulder to make her look at me. A gesture I’d never dare do in the past but I did not care anymore. “...but don't you EVER say things like that again." Her face was surprised by my assertiveness but she didn’t try to fight back in any way. "You're not a burden, you hear me?! You're a miracle worker! You heal souls and create beautiful music! And if your husband can't see it, then it's not your fault! I wish he too could see the amazing being that you are. I wish you could see it yourself…” I deflated and fell down on my knees, now at the same height with her. My hand was still laying on her shoulder though, as if I was scared to let go, that she might disappear. “...Because all those ponies at the concert could see it. And if that means anything, I see it. And if you ever fail to love yourself for that, I always will.”

“Gosh, Anon.” Ms. Lemon’s eyes started to water. “...Why would you care so much about this crippled old horse?”

“Because you saved me! You gave me a purpose, something to live for. I wish I could give you something like that as well but I just don’t have that power. I really, really wish I had but I don’t.” I hung my head and let go of her shoulder in defeat. It felt as if nothing I could say would be able to help her.

In the silence that followed after, I could almost hear my own echoing in my head ‘I don’t have that power.’ However, after a while, her voice disrupted the silence as well as the voice in my mind.

“...You do, Anon, if only I wasn’t so extremely selfish and actually acknowledged it.” She sounded as defeated as me but something was different. I raised my head up to look at her as she continued. “I’m so sorry I tried to take my life without much regard to what would happen to you after that. That was so very uncaring from me.”

I kind of wanted to say: “No, it’s okay.” but as much as I was willing to help her feel better, she was right. So I just slightly opened my mouth but didn’t say anything.

Seeing my reaction, she continued: “...Anon, do you think I could be selfish a little bit more and ask you to stay here with me a while longer?”

“Of course, I’ll stay here as long as you like.” I eagerly brought my chair closer towards her bed but she stopped me.

“No Anon, I mean here.” Ms Lemon gently touched the mattress next to her.

“I-in my master’s bed?” I stuttered. It was one of the places that felt like absolute taboo, even after everything that happened.

“Yes, who cares anymore? Please, I just… I’d like somepony or-... someone to hold me.” She looked a little embarrassed. “It’s not an order, just a request.”

“Gladly.” I smiled, happy that there was something I could do for her. However, I was extremely awkward while laying on the bed next to the mare and even more awkward while wrapping my arms around her fragile looking body. Regardless of that, she fondly cuddled up to me and buried her head underneath my chin.

Even though I did carry her the whole way from Greenwood yesterday, this was something a little different. When I allowed myself to relax a bit as well, it was actually really nice and peaceful; Yesterday's drama was not.

Ms. Lemon was really warm now, compared to how cold she was when I was laying her down in bed before. I still had my shirt and shorts on but her mane, all clean and dry since the bath, felt so silky soft on my skin where it touched. It felt almost like a sin.

I could hear her very gently breathe and felt her chest moving against mine, as well as the steady rhythm of her heart. With it, it became easy to loosen up my stiffened body.

The mare was otherwise quiet and soon I could tell she dozed off, so I allowed myself to relax even further and fall asleep alongside her.

***

When I woke up, we were still in a very similar position, shifting only ever so slightly. It must have been afternoon already, at least 3 o clock, I judged. I didn’t dare to move though, in order to not disturb the mare. Her ruffled up mane was everywhere in my face now but I didn’t mind. On the contrary, her fruity scent was so enticing I buried my nose into her golden hair a little bit further.

It was strange, in a way. I had always looked up to her as a motherly figure but when she was laying there like that in my arms, it was suddenly different. It made me wish I could cuddle her soft cheeks and kiss her cute snoot like lovers do. Something like that was always unthinkable though, not only she was my master but she was also married.

I wondered if they’d attempt to fix the marriage after what happened or if it was already lost. Sure it did seem that way, since she tried to take her own life, but I knew that things often tend to return to where they were. Nonetheless, I felt it was not my place to be considering such things anyway. Surely, she would be looking for another stallion to replace Mr. Scribble and not someone that has to wear a collar inside fancy restaurants in order to not disturb other ponies.

Then she suddenly moved in my arms and I was yanked out of my thought processes. I hoped that it wouldn’t be awkward when she comes to. That she’ll remember it was her own wish for me to be there. To my relief, the first thing she uttered, without moving her head away from my chest was: “...Thank you Anon for staying.”

“My pleasure, mistress.” I very gently started letting go, presuming she’d want me gone now. Her hoof stopped me though:

“A few more minutes, please?” Her hazel eye pleadingly opened underneath all that hair.

“Of course.” I put the hand back where it was, happy to be able to enjoy the moment a little longer.

“You aren’t obliged to obey me though, you know that right?” The mare murmured.

“I know, you said that mistress.” I reassured her. “I’m happy to stay.”

“Always so courteous.” She grinned without moving. “One day you’ll make some humaness very happy.”

“What do you mean?” What she said threw me off a little.

“Well, I can’t expect to keep you forever. As much as I enjoy your company and service, I know I can’t usurp your life like that. One day I’ll set you free.”

“I am not sure if I’d want that, however. I don’t even know where to go or what I’d do.” My voice probably sounded panicky.

“Right now you don’t know.” Her hooves partly let go, just enough so that she could look at me with both eyes opened. “But I reckon that will change one day.”

“I don’t think so…”

“Well, if not, then I can probably get you a mate somewhere on the market.” She cuddled back up to my chest a little. Somehow, what she said hurt me because even though I knew it was a fool's hope, it ruled out the chance of ever being that special someone for her. “...What’s wrong?” Ms. Lemon asked me eventually, somehow sensing my prevailing, even discomfort. Be it because of my lack of an answer or my heart gaining a more chaotic rhythm.

“Nothing, I just-...Nothing at all.” I had to swallow what my mouth so desperately wanted to say.

It made the mare open her eyes and adjust herself to be able to see into my own. “Anon, didn’t actually start thinking of this old mare, didn’t you?” She said with a very concerned voice.

I must have been easy to read to her, my red cheeks probably didn’t help it at the moment. So, I decided to admit it, while making a bit of distance between us, in case she’d want me gone from the bed immediately. “I’m so sorry, mistress. I just let my mind wander and I must have let it wander too far... I’m sorry.”

“Oh Anon…” Something shortly lit up behind her eyes but then her head hung down in disappointment. “...You’d actually want that?”

“I-...I never actually dared to even consider such a thing before just now. I always thought of you as if you were my mother.” I started, speaking the truth but using as cautious words as possible. “However, I always thought that Mr, Scribble was extremely lucky to have you.”

“No Anon, I mean ‘this’.” She sat up and pointed at herself. “Look at me, I’m an old hag without legs who tried to kill herself this early morning. I’m not even your species.” To make a point, she put away her blanket to reveal the two stumps. “...Why would you even want such a thing?”

That was when I definitely realised that she wasn’t as upset about me longing for her, as much as she was upset about feeling unworthy of being longed for in the first place. The lack of love she was receiving from her own husband the whole time must have made her feel that way about herself. So, when I actually found myself in this position of “power” I decided to tell her everything. I moved a little closer and gently touched her face. She still had dark circles underneath her eyes and she was slightly twitching from sudden nervosity. It didn’t make her any less desirable to me though. I moved even closer and glanced into her yellow and amber eyes:

“...Because even if you can’t see it yourself, to me, you’re the most gorgeous and breathtaking of all beings. I couldn’t care less about your species, age or missing appendages. Because I love the way you smile, the way you talk, the way you play piano, the way you stubbornly refuse my help and the way you show your kindness. I love everything about you because I love you.” I felt my own eyes water just a little, in relief of getting those words off my chest, regardless of consequences. “You’re perfect, just the way you are and don’t you dare to think otherwise because of someone who couldn’t see it. And if you can’t believe me, then believe this:”

And I pressed my lips against hers, a second unthinkable thing I did that day.

The second I kissed her, she opened her eyes wide and completely froze like a statue as if she was still shocked that I actually meant everything that I said. She did not push me away though; Instead she blissfully closed her eyes while kissing me back and her body went almost limp with relief that seemed equal to mine. I had to wrap my arms around the mare to keep her from falling.

For that moment, all the guilt, all the unworthiness, the differences and doubt went away. There was nothing else besides the most intense “now”. There was no one and nothing to judge either, just our two naked souls who finally found a real understanding. As if our whole lives led up to this moment and I couldn’t be happier to bask in this wonderful feeling.

A few seconds later, as if her head stopped spinning, she eagerly sprang up towards me, embracing my body back while her kisses became more urgent, hungrier.

I wasn’t a good kisser, having almost a complete lack of practice, but she didn’t mind that. She was patient and considerate, taking the lead at the start by being the first to gently probe her tongue into my mouth to show me how, while giving me enough time and space to do the same to her.

In a way, it was kind of similar to the way she was teaching me to play piano. The same kind of attitude. This was even better than piano though. Definitely sweeter and also a little bit sour.

Some people say that ‘heroin is better than sex’ but I already felt like merely kissing her was better than all the drugs I ever had. It was everything: My hand in her mane, gently scratching behind her cute ear; her hot breath in my lungs; her fragile shoulder underneath my other palm; the fluff on her chest against my own; the ecstasy in my head, knowing that this was all real and I was sober. The best, most sincere moment of life so far and it was about to get even better. Not before taking a slight respite though.

When we both instinctively let go to look at each other and have a little break, we couldn’t really help but to giggle like two children who just discovered something new and wonderful together.

Eventually, Lemon reached to softly touch my face as if she wanted to try whether I was really there. Then her eyes connected with mine and she had to giggle once more. “Who would have thought I was digging for silver while sitting on a golden treasure this whole time.”

I didn’t really have anything clever to say, I had already spent my share of wisdom that day and my vision was full of stars. I must have looked like an idiot but she didn’t mind.

We embraced each other once again, only bumping nose against nose this time while staring into each other’s eyes for a while before actually going for another kiss. Like salivating at your favorite meal that’s laying right in front of you. Only to finally dig in when your stomach starts to rumble. And dig in we did.

From her lemon-y fresh breath, infinitely deep eyes and silky smooth mane ticking my skin, I could no longer wait to taste her velvet lips once again. At some point though, I began longing for even more…

“Mistress,..I-” I exhaled at some point as I pressed my lips against her neck.

”Please don’t call me that...” She breathed deeply, stroking my hair, “Don’t ever call me that way again, Anon…”

“I won’t.” I smiled, my face buried in the fluffy fur on her chest. A promise I intended to keep.

To me, Miss Lemon was always adorable but she was not for touching. Looking into her eyes used to be like gazing into an open fire on a cold winter’s night. She was my refuge from the cold, yet I always feared she’d burn me if I got too close. Just being next to her and loving her platonically was enough for someone like me back then. Suddenly I could love her sensually as well and I cherished every second of it. The mare ravished me like nothing and no one before. So much that I dared to descend even lower down, kissing and touching her body while listening to her gentle moans of pleasure. I wanted to make this mare feel even more special… By the time I had my face somewhere on her underbelly, making my way even lower, she must have realized my intentions, huffing:

”Wait Anon, that’s-!”

But she didn’t finish her sentence because I was already there. Almost like a hungry dog, with sloppy eagerness, I started lapping on her delicate parts that smelled and tasted of citrus… I wasn’t completely sure why I needed to do it but it brought her so much bliss I didn’t even try to question myself. Pleasing her was just as satisfying to me as being able to taste her. The dainty mare was squirming in pleasure, holding onto a nearby pillow and making the most delighted of noises.

At some point I felt her hooves on my head, stroking my hair and literally shivering as if she was resisting the urge to push my face in, yet her touch remained as gentle and loving as if she was playing her piano.

I knew there had to be some kind of peak to the pleasure I was able to give her and soon enough I reached it too. It was when her whole body tensed up as if there was electricity going through her and then she cried one of her longest and most feminine moans. The next second I had a mouthful of something sticky… I had honestly no idea that mares ejaculate and I certainly didn’t guess it would be this much. I couldn’t possibly catch all of it.

Lemon’s sweetly sour juice was pouring down my chin, onto the freshly changed sheets, as I kept lapping at her until the very last drop and until the tensed up body of the white mare started easing up, melting down like a hot lava.

When I was sure it was over, I wiped my face with the sheets and climbed on top of her to see those pretty eyes again.

”My,..” Lemon exhaled, wrapping her still slightly shaky hooves around me. “Never in my life have I experienced anything like this, Anon.”

“Me neither…” I laid next to her, hugging her back as I bumped her snoot with my nose “...I love you.”

”Please, take me then.” She whispered into my ear, kissing my face. “I wanna be yours and yours only…”

...Without too much hesitation, I kissed her back. This time slowly and full of desire. Because there was nothing that I’d desire more than to fulfill her most sincere wish.

I laid her on her back, fondling her chest and belly before I’d take it any further. Then I slowly traced my hands down her curves, all the way to her fruity thighs, which would have progressed into strong and elegant calves. At least with any other mare… Lemon’s body ended there, with merely two stumps, like reminders of her old wounds. It didn’t matter to me however, in my head she was perfect, even if incomplete. To show it, I kissed the scars that she hated so much, lovingly caressing her body with the same if not greater fondness before I’d get to the main course...

Needles to say, I was already so excited that it felt as if my erection should burst through my pants any second. Lemon was faster though. She eagerly pulled the piece of clothing down from my waist, even tore in the process. None of us cared.

Finally free, my phallus plopped down onto the abdomen of that sweet citrus pony, my tip reaching all the way to the button in the middle of her belly. In the yellow and hazel eyes I could see a mixture of surprise and growing arousal.

“Please, do it, I need you.” Lemon wailed desperately; and I did just what she asked. Adjusting myself in front of her puffy vulva, I started sliding my manhood in.

...I had no idea just how warm it would feel inside of the mare. Warm and slippery. Her muscles gave in so easily as if her own body was inviting me in, wanting me to go as far as I could get. It wasn’t possible to go all the way in without any resistance at all though. By the end, when a little bulge started to appear on her belly, I felt I was definitely pushing against something. It made my beautiful lover slightly clench her face muscles in more intense pleasure but we didn’t break eye contact. I needed to see those different colored irises and her impossibly black pupils the whole time. They meant the world to me at that moment.

It felt as if we were going together through some kind of sacred ritual, opening something new and far more beautiful than we both ever experienced before… yet the rite itself wasn’t supposed to be very long because with my inexperience, I had almost no stamina to keep up with so much pleasure.

Very soon I realized that the next few pumps will be the final ones too. At first I was worried that I'd let Lemon down with my underperformance but from looking into her eyes, I could tell that we were able to share the rising excitement evenly enough to actually climax together. Back then I didn’t know that mares are actually far quicker to please than human women and in combination with her excitement, it was even faster.

I longed for nothing more and nothing less than to let go, together, and enjoy the moment like one, complete being. It was so delightful to be losing in her eyes, forgetting who I was… and then it happened:

A moment in which the time stood still for both of us. The ritual was done, there was nothing more to do. As if we were spending a lifetime somewhere outside of our bodies where spacetime doesn’t exist, as well as the boundaries between “me” and “you”.

It was only “us”.

…

Just as quickly as it all rose from seeming nothingness, the same fast it all disappeared and we were back right where we were; yet the sweet memory remained.

Exhausted, I caved down next to Lemon, nuzzling her pony snoot. We were both smiling.

”Thank you, Anon…” She then softly touched my face “Thank you so much, for everything.”

“The feeling is very mutual, sweetheart...” I touched her back. I knew that “mistress” won’t do anymore.

...

After that, there was silence but not the awkward kind. We smiled at each other, occasionally reaching with a hand or hoof for a touch.

“So, it seems that we’ve sealed the deal, does it not?” Lemon grinned.

“It seems that way… Happy now that you got to live after all?” I booped her snoot.

“Most definitely, lover boy.” She chuckled, playfully trying to bite at my finger. Never before have I seen her act so casual and nonchalant around anyone. Acting so… young. “It seems that all bad was good for something in the end.”

“The end? I hope this is just a start.” I teased her again.

“Of course.”The two legged mare climbed on top of me with almost a childish grin. Then her smile faded a little as she bit her lip. “Although, I’m just a little bit worried about how other ponies will treat you… You saw what happened at the restaurant.”

“Lemon.” I made myself say instead of the typical word, while adjusting myself a little to see better at her. “If you need me to hide “us” in public, it’s okay.”

“I don’t!” The mare stopped me with her hoof on my chest. “I am in no way ashamed about my love towards you. On the contrary, I’m finding it beautiful...” As she continued, the hoof began somewhat nervously tapping away at me, as if my body had keys on it. “However, as deeply as I wish for other ponies to accept you as an equal to them, I fear it won’t be entirely possible.” Her voice trailed off.

“I couldn’t care less how others see me.” I reassured her, grabbing the nervous hoof to kiss it. “Your high opinion is more than I could ask for.”

It made her smile grow back a little but underneath it, I sensed that it was still partly troubling her. After all, she carried a strong sense of justice inside of her heart but I knew very well that some things can’t be helped. Not by mere two small individuals in a big world. Regardless of that, I felt incredibly blessed in life.

Lemon watched me, as if trying to decipher whether I wasn’t just trying to make her feel better but then I suddenly reached out to her: “Aw, come here! I love you.” I laughed as I pressed her closer to me while she wriggled and laughed with me in my arms in a pretended resist. “We'll be okay.”

…

After we’ve calmed down enough to be just laying there again, the moment of peace got eventually interrupted by our common rumblings of stomachs. After all, none of us had eaten anything that day. Luckily, there was still the breakfast which I made for her in the morning, so we shared it halfsies before heading towards the kitchen together to make some actual food.

“These sandwiches weren’t half bad, Anon.” Lemon remarked on the way and laughed softly. “I might make you make breakfast more often.”

“How will you do that now that I’m not supposed to obey you?” I laughed back.

“I’ll think of a way.” She winked her eyes at me.

…

After we cooked something for both of us to eat for dinner, there was still some work to do: We had to change the sheets again, take a shower; at least I needed one, and dispose of the ruined blanket. It wasn’t a lot of work but it kept us busy for a while longer. By the time we were done with everything, just sitting on the porch and watching the sun go down, we noticed a stallion’s figure emerging from the forest. Even from the other side of the meadow it wasn’t hard to guess who it might be. It was Mr. Scribble…

Instead of going inside, which was my initial reaction, we sat on the porch, waiting for him to come closer. I held Lemon’s hoof tightly, hoping she and him won’t get into an argument, ruining the good mood she had. I was even prepared to get involved if anything should happen but the mare I was ready to defend just softly stroked my hand and smiled at me, to make me let go. From that gesture I had enough confidence in her to stay sitting as the stallion approached. Then Lemon straightened herself up in her seat and casually greeted the stallion, waving:

”Hey Papyrus.”

”Lemon I-” he started, but he was interrupted:

”First of all: You don’t have to say anything. It’s okay.”

”...Really?” Papyrus hesitantly straightened himself from the defensive position. He was surely expecting another round of what he had received the last time.

”Yes.” Lemon smiled sweetly, “In the end, you might have done me a service. I wish you and Ink the best possible future. I hope she’ll keep you happier than I could have.”

”You actually mean it?… After yesterday?” The stallion couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His expression couldn’t possibly give it away any further.

”I failed to realize that each of us went too far in a different direction a long time ago... If it wasn’t for what you did, I would have been foolishly looking for happiness in places where there isn’t. At least not for me. I found it elsewhere...” The mare smiled at me. I smiled back.

”So, you and that human..? By Celestia, that’s-”

“Wonderful, actually.” Lemon simpered while cutting the stallion off once again. “I just wanted you to know that I don’t hold any kind of ill will against you anymore. That’s all.”

Papyrus stood there motionlessly for a second or two, while his face shortly displayed several emotions, one after another. From disgust and anger, through confusion and eventually, he smiled very softly:

”...I am actually both glad and relieved to hear that.” He gave me the most acknowledging look I ever received from him. Then his eyes turned back to Lemon “I may have lost my way towards loving you but I never wanted to hurt you. For that I’m sorry and I wish he can give you what I could not.”

”I… think I understand all that now.” The mare momentarily glanced at the sky, “...But the divorce will still be a necessity.”

”I figured that by now. ...I presume you’ll want to keep the house.” He straightened himself up to look a little more official.

”Actually, no… You can have it.” She finally looked back at him “As beautiful of a place it is here, too many of my memories are bound to it. Good ones, as well as the bad ones.”

”That’s rather surprising… Nonetheless, I am fine with it because I still like it here.” Papyrus mostly regained his tall posture by now.

”I know.” Lemon smiled.

”...However, you have my word that I won’t force you out, until you find yourself a place to stay of your own.” He put his hoof on his chest. “I wouldn’t want us to become enemies.”

”Me neither, the world doesn’t need any more useless conflicts.” She nodded “...And by the way, we made some dinner just before you came, if you’re hungry, there’s still some left.”

”That’s okay actually, but I appreciate it from you.” Papyrus glanced at his ex-wife and after a short hesitation, at me as well: “...both of you.” He added, “....I think I’ll be going now…”

Then he left, with a peaceful expression on his face, looking somewhat healthier than ever, he was even whistling himself some kind of tune; as if a big stone fell from his chest, one that he’s been carrying even before I even met him.

I glanced at Lemon and she also appeared even more beautiful than I remembered her, even through most of her bright moments. She slouched back down in her seat and sighed in relief as I kissed her mane.

There weren’t any more words to be said for now.

We quietly watched the stallion go and when he disappeared in the forest, I stood up, offering my mare a hand:

“Shall we?” I asked.

She took it and smiled.

***

Author's Note

A part of this chapter got heavily reworked to make it flow better.
Someone pointed out to me that it all happened too quickly and while I didn't have the energy to try to make it better back then, I never forgot. After I re-reading it now, I had to admit the critique was justified, so I got back to it. Also, I realised that I made Anon sound just a little too pathetic, so I tried to fix that as well.
I don't know if there will ever be any new readers but I'm quite happy with the results and it was a lot of fun to re visit this.