Author's Note

Cookie Crumbles(Betty Bouffant) and Hondo Flanks(Magnum) are already existing characters in the MLP show. She and Hondo are the parents of Rarity and Sweetie Belle The reason why you don't see their (Cookie and Hondo's) tags is becasue the search bar doesn't have them.

Meeting a new friend

Cookie Crumbles sighed and took another sip from her drink. This was probably her third drink but she didn't care for this right now. She was sitting at the bar which was outside the hotel and was next to the swimming pool. And while the other mares and stallions were having fun she was just sitting there, drinking. It was obvious that something bothered the mare. She was so into into her thoughts that she didn't even notice the bartender who was constantly passing around just so he can throw a glance at her opened cleavege which gave a good look at her big breasts. Unfortinatley her thoughts were sudeenly interrupted by a deep but smooth voice.

"Sorry to disturb you. But is this seat taken?"

Cookie turned around and saw the one who asked her this. It was a tall and muscular male zebra with short grey mane, some facial hair and he was wearing a simple white shirt and brown shorts. Becasue he was so jacked up the shirt couldn't hide his well built body and big muscles. It took her some time before she answered, "Oh... No, it isn't. Feel free to sit."

The zebra smiled and sat down next to her. He then ordered a drink too. Cookie Crumbles tried to get back to her thoughts but this stranger was distracting her. Not only that but he was also looking at her, seemingly liking what he was looking at.

"Striped Fist."

Cookie Crumbles turned her head towards the zebra and looked at him with a questioning look. She then saw his extended hand and said,"Oh... Cookie Crumbles. Betty for the friends. Nice to meet you" she smiled.

Striped Fist took her hand and shook it gently. After that he asked her, "Why a beautiful mare like you sits here all alone?"

Cookie sighed and took another sip from her drink. She then answered him. " Well... This was supposed to be a romantic vacation for me and my husband. You know.. Some time for us away from the kids. But now.. I am not even sure how to describe it." she chuckled. This sudden confession was unexpected but understandable seeing how she was probably a bit drunk. This also made the zebra stallion to look at her hand and see the wedding ring on her finger, understanding what she meant. And the ring was rather impressive, having a small diamond on it which led the zebra to the conclusion that this mare and her husband were somewhat wealthy.

He then took a sip from his drink and said," While I know that you can't aways be around your partner I think that in this case your husband should show a bit more appreciation towards a beauty like you."

This made the mare to smile and she felt how her cheeks turn red. It has been a while she heard another male compliment her. She then decided to continue the topic." I guess. But if I have to be honest I feel that the spark has faded away. It is like there isn't any passion left in us." This was followed by a moment of silence which was soon interrupted by Cookie. "Sorry. I know this might be weird for you and don't feel obligated to continue this topic if you don't want to. "

Striped Fist looked at her and said cheer fully, "It's okay, mrs. I actually like this type of conversations. It shows me that you, for some reason, trust me enough to tell me all of this. And for an old guy like me it means a lot."

An old guy? Cookie wondered for a bit before she decided to ask him. "I know this is personal information but how old are you exactly?"

He looked forward and said, "Forty-three ." As the stallion saw the look of surprise on the mare's face after this information he asked her. "Something wrong?"

"No, no... It is just that.. You don't look like you are.. You look much younger"

The zebra then laughed and said, "Why, thank you. I want to ask you the same question but my mom told me that it is rude to ask a lady for her age."

Cookie Crumbles chuckled and then said, "Well... I guess that it is only fair if I also reveal my age. I am... Forty-one ."

Striped Fist had similar reaction but unlike her he simply said, "Well.. You seem far younger than this. Let me guess... Some kind of special lotion? Or you are one of those who try to stay all positive and don't get angry in order to not get any wrinkles?"

Cookie scratched the back of her head and said, "Well... I just try to live a healthy life, that's all. I exercise often, i try to follow some kind of diet. Nothing too special."

"That's nice. Besides you know what the equines are saying. An equine is as young as he/she feels to be."

"Yes, yes. But Um... I would like if we stop this topic here. I feel it got unnecessary long."

The zebra agreed and said, "Very well. Then what topic you suggest we disscus?' He then looked at her.

Cookie Crumbles thought for a little bit before saying." So.. This might sound a little bit specist and i am sorry if it is but this is the first time I meet a zebra with such... "

"Pony-like name?"

Cookie was suprised by this correct guess and continued. "Yes. From what I know usually the zebras have these exotic sounding names."

Striped Fist let out a small chuckle and said, "Yes. And in my case the actual name I have or atleast the one my mom used to call me is Askari."

"What does it mean?"

"Soldier. And the story behind it is so weird yet funny. You see... When i was small, probably around three or four years old I would sometimes get a stick from the backyard and put a pot, which I usually got from the kitchen on my head and would march around the house. It is... Pretty emberrassing. " He letted out another small chuckle, feeling so emberrased.

Cookie Crumbles couldn't help but smile at this funny and cute story. She then asked," Then why they didn't officially named you that? "

Striped Fist's smile dissapeared before he said," Well.. My father was on the opinion that if you want to be accepted in this society you must have more" normal" name. So he decided to name me Striped Fist. But to be honest i never really liked that name. But i get him. The times were diffrent and I know he made this to protect me. Even if it was in this strange, weird way."

The mare looked at him and said,trying to be supportive," I am sorry to her that.. " She wanted to say something else but didn't know what.

The zebra then said,"No need for this. It's not like you were the one who made the society speciest and all. Sorry.. I got carried away."

Cookie smiled and placed her hand on his. "It's alright. I like such topics becasue it shows me that you trust me. For some reason."

This made Striped to laugh and after that he responded. "Hehe... You are funny. I like you." he then looked her in the eyes and smiled.

But after the mare looked at her watch she said,"Sorry, but I have to go. Hondo is probably wondering where I am."

The zebra noded and replied. "Alright. But i hope that we would be able to talk again."

"Yes, of course."

"Very well. My room number is 304. Feel free to come and talk or ask me if you need help for anything."

Cookie smiled and said, "I will make sure to remember this. Goodbye for now, Askari. It was pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure was all mine, Betty. See you another time."

With this they both separated. Striped Fist then ordered another drink. He then smiled and said to himself. "This is goind to be a fun vacation."