Reinventing Trixie

A rare author's note from me. Remember that "mature" rating? That "sex" tag? That warning in the summary? Well, here's where they're earned. If you don't want to see a fairly graphic depiction of sexual relations between a male human and a female magical pony, then quit reading when you see the -M- sign. If that's what you're here for, though... well, you know what to look for!

--

“Honestly, Donovan. I'll freely admit that, even as a unicorn, sometimes I envy you humans and your hands. But I certainly don't covet the back problems your species seems to end up with so often!”

You manage a chuckle through the sharp pain shooting up your back. “Evolutionary tradeoff,” you tell her, not quite able to keep from clenching your teeth.

“Indeed.” She gets you to sit down on the couch. “Wait here. I'll get you some ibuprofen.” She heads towards the bathroom for a moment, to come back levitating two small white pills and a cup full of water; she gives both to you, and you manage to take the medication despite the pain simply raising your arm causes. “Seriously, though, Donovan, I hope that muscle isn't torn. It looked like you did a number to it.”

“It doesn't seem like it.” You attempt to test your range of motion. “No... feels more like it's just really badly pulled.”

“Okay. I was getting ready to get you to the hospital.” She lets out an obvious sigh of relief. “Donovan, I'm finding your propensity towards getting injured around me to be a little concerning!”

You can't help but laugh. “Oh, I was hurting myself in stupid ways for years before we met,” you tell her. “Broken arm from falling off my bike when I was thirteen, dislocated shoulder from taking a spill in a parking lot after an unexpected ice storm about six years ago... lost two teeth when I was eight and decided that my blanket would do well enough as a superhero cape to let me fly from the second-story window. I think there's still an impression of my face in the backyard lawn.”

She covers her mouth with a hoof in an unsuccessful attempt to stifle a laugh. “Goodness. I don't feel quite so bad now.” She looks you over for a moment, considering. “Maybe I can do something to help you out here.”

“Hm?” You raise an eyebrow at her. “What do you mean?”

“Healing magic is far from my strong suit, but traveling alone means I've had to learn a couple of spells in that school. I can at least accelerate your natural healing and relieve some of the pain. Between that and the ibuprofen, you should be feeling better in a bit.” She pauses for a moment. “And maybe a good massage will help things along as well.”

“Massage?” Of course; you forgot that ponies are just as talented at bodywork as humans. It's a funny fact that cross-species popularity in the field is high- ponies adore the feel of fingers, but humans with sore backs and limbs love firm hooves against their muscles. You've never given it a try. “I'd really appreciate it, if you don't mind,” you tell her.

“I'd be glad to. Let's get that shirt off of you, and have you lay down on your bed so I have room to work.” Her magic is nimble enough to unbutton your shirt and ease it off of you, and she levitates it along as she heads with you to your bedroom, laying the garment across your dresser as you carefully flop face-first onto your mattress. “Okay, now relax,” she tells you. “I know this spell is safe for use on humans, but it'll be a lot more effective if you hold still.”

You feel her hop onto the bed next to you, and the bright glow from her horn reflects off of the headboard. After a moment, a strange sensation spreads across your bare back, as though she's spilled warm tea on you. Then, incredibly, you feel the warmth sink beneath your skin, little pins-and-needles sensations springing up where it touches your pulled muscle. You can't help but let out a sigh of relief as you feel it begin to work on the tightness in your back, letting the muscles relax bit by bit. “How is that?” she asks.

“Can't even begin to describe it,” you murmur, knowing but not caring that you have the goofiest look of bliss on your face. You hear her chuckle. “Never had magic used directly on you before?” she wonders.

“Only that unicorn technician at the hospital, but that examination spell was passive.”

“Ahh. It takes a little getting used to, I know.” Eventually, the sensation fades. “So how is your back feeling now?”

“Infinitely better.”

“Excellent. And now....” You expect to feel the semi-flat surface of her hoof on your back, but instead there's a yielding force that takes you a moment to recognize as her arcanokinetic field. You manage to look over your shoulder and see that she's encased her own front hooves in her magic. “I'm no professional,” she admits with a smile. “I want to go a little easier on you than I might be able to with just my hooves.”

“I appreciate it.” You settle back down, and her magic-shod hooves press gently into your back. You're not an expert in receiving massages, but it certainly feels like Trixie knows what she's doing; she gently kneads and rubs at the sore points in your back, working at the muscles, and the sharp spikes of pain are immediately followed by blessed relief as the muscle fibers relax.

Though it feels like forever, you know Trixie's only been at this for a couple of minutes when you hear her voice. “Donovan?”

“Hmm?”

“There's... something I've been meaning to ask you for a while.”

“I don't think it's possible for me to be in a better mood than this for answering questions. Shoot.”

“Well, that's encouraging.” You hear a chuckle. “I... um. Donovan, when we first agreed to this living arrangement, I was... expecting difficulties.”

“What kind, exactly?”

“Erm... well.” Her gentle massaging tapers off for a moment. “I had the expectation that... you being a young, able-bodied and certainly not unattractive man living alone, I would have to be careful not to interrupt... visitations.”

The way she says that last word makes you realize that she's not talking about Aunt Florence and Uncle Mike coming down from Seattle for a week. “...visitations,” you echo, just to be absolutely sure you and she are on the same subject.

“Err... yes.” You can almost feel her blushing. “I'd been worried for some time that I was, maybe... um. Being a wet blanket?”

You have to laugh, even though you can sense the confusion it causes her. “Trixie, no, that's not how it's been at all,” you tell her. “Let's just say... when you and I met, I was struggling with my career and my self-esteem, and I don't like pursuing... visitations... from that mindset. And after that... well, when did either of us have time?” You chuckle.

“Ahhh.” Her ministrations resume, and you let your head fall back down onto the pillow. “I find that both relieving and somewhat reassuring.”

“How do- oof- you mean?” She's just hit a particularly tight spot, and you feel her lighten the pressure, stroking gently along the “grain” of the muscle.

“Well, for one, the last thing I would want to do is be a wet blanket on the personal life of a handsome young man. And for another, it speaks well of your character that you don't simply... um... 'indulge' to make yourself feel better.”

“Not my style.” You chuckle. “Not that I'm adverse to a night with someone who strikes me a certain way, but... I'd rather there be some sort of meaning to it.”

“Something of a rare one you are, for man or stallion.” She laughs quietly. “Don't get me wrong... I understand that males have desires, and there's nothing wrong that.”

“I've heard ponies are a little more open about that sort of thing. Which is why I sort of wondered at the start of it all if maybe I might be accidentally cramping your style.”

“Mmh.” She goes quiet for a moment. “If I may be frank?”

“I'd be upset if you weren't.”

“The supremely self-confident superstar I pretended to be couldn't find any stallions who lived up to her exacting standards. The emotional wreck that I actually was couldn't risk rejection. So... let's just say 'fat chance', and 'it's been a while'.”

“Oof.” You'd probably give her a gentle pat or a hug if you weren't prone. “Conditions have changed, though. I'd say you have your pick of just about any stallion who catches your fancy.”

“Perhaps.” Her movements slow again, and she's quiet for a moment. “But... I think I would prefer to choose somepony whom I know cares for me, not just the Great and Powerful Trixie.” Another moment of silence from her, then: “Someone who has been there for me even in the difficult times.”

You feel her lean forward, and then the gentle touch of her lips between your shoulder blades. You can't help but shiver at the sensation. “Trixie...?” you murmur.

“Donovan, I....” She kneads at the small of your back. “Perhaps I have a confession to make. Back at the birthday party... do you remember that I was gone for a little while? Off to 'powder my nose', as they say.”

“I do, yeah. I actually had a strange conversation while you were gone... I never did remember to tell you about it.”

“You did as well? What happened?”

You're a little surprised by the 'as well' part, but you relay to her the discussion you and Gilda had at the party. “How bizarre,” Trixie comments, still guiding her hooves along your back. “Because the reason that I'd taken so long was due to me stopping to have a conversation with Twilight Sparkle about a very similar subject. Are you familiar with her friend Fluttershy?”

“Butter-yellow pegasus, sweetest pony in the world, lives up to the second half of her name with a vengeance? I got to talk to her a bit at the party... after she stopped hiding behind her mane.”

Trixie giggles. “That is her, certainly. It turns out that she's in a cross-species relationship as well... with a human.”

“Huh.” Well, it's not exactly some rare thing, you understand; free-flowing visitation between worlds- up to a point- and commingling between a number of intelligent species would eventually lead to this. If Gilda and Rainbow Dash are any indication, this sort of thing happened in Equestria long before the Discovery. It's still something of a touchy subject amongst humans, though. “Why'd she bring that up?”

“She wanted to warn me of some of the difficulties of cross-species relationships, believe it or not. Apparently, Fluttershy and her boyfriend- a young man named Antonio, according to Twilight, who hadn't been able to make it to the party- have seen some issues crop up, and as Twilight believed you and I were in a relationship as well, she wanted to give me advice.”

“What did you tell her in response? As to us being in a relationship, that is.”

“I... wasn't sure what to tell her, to be honest. We aren't just business partners or co-stars in the act... we really haven't been in a while. I....” She falls silent for a moment. “I've never made a secret that I care for you, Donovan, but sometimes I shock myself with just how much I do so.”

You're quiet for a moment, not sure what to say, but you feel a need to respond somehow before she misconstrues your silence. “I've... been feeling the same way about you, to be honest. I just... it's been difficult to wrap my head around, let alone talk about.”

“I understand how you feel, Donovan.” Slowly, she moves away from your back so that she can sit down on the bed next to you; you roll over so that you can look at her, and see an expression of worry that no doubt mirrors your own. “I think... we should settle where we stand. One thing I detest is uncertainty.”

“I think you're right.” Carefully- your back definitely hurts much less than before, but it's not completely healed, and you'd rather not undo all of Trixie's work by being careless- you bring yourself to sit up against the headboard; Trixie hesitates in joining you for a moment before you signal her to do so. “Let's talk, Trixie.”

She nods slowly, letting out a soft sigh. “Donovan, there's no doubt in my mind that if you hadn't come into my life, I'd now be washing dishes and waiting tables in some run-down old diner back in Equestria. But beyond that... I'd still be the old Trixie, wrapped up in my conceits and fears. You saved me from that, too, and I don't know that I can ever truly repay you for that.”

“You don't have to,” you reply.

“I know, but....” She goes quiet for a moment, looking down at her hooves. “It's not that I consider it some kind of debt to pay off. It's more... reciprocity that I'm after. I want to be the sort of pony who deserves what you've given me, Donovan.”

“What confuses me is that you don't think you already are.” You gently rub her neck. “Seriously, even if I hadn't been getting desperate for gainful employment when you called... you're the one who got me onto the stage instead of behind it. I never would've known how fun it is to perform if not for you. At best, I'd still be an assistant stunt coordinator, watching from behind the scenes and asking for autographs. Now? Now I'm the one giving them. All because of a certain blue mare.” You tap her nose.

She smiles, crinkling her nose a little. “You had the talent. I just managed to get you to express it.”

“A miracle in itself. Seriously. I can call Princess Celestia right now, get her to evaluate it. Don't think she wouldn't agree with me!” You make as if to reach for the phone on the bedstand, and she practically clambers over you, laughing, to stop you. “Okay, okay!” she giggles, half-sprawled across your chest, forelegs reaching out to grab your arm. “Good Goddesses, I have half a mind to believe you actually would!”

“Never doubt my determination to win silly arguments.” You settle back down, scooting your way down the bed a bit so you can lay flat and not have to stretch your back. This has the effect of bringing Trixie's face a little closer to yours, leaving her barrel pressed against your chest and her hindlegs tucked up next to your side. You reflexively put your arm over her, letting your hand rest against the base of her neck; she lets out a soft sigh and closes her eyes for a moment, obviously pleased. “Donovan, I....” she begins, but trails off.

You open your mouth to ask her what she wants to say, but likewise find yourself tongue-tied. Her eyes- those amazingly expressive magenta eyes- are locked onto yours, quivering just a little, seeming to gaze deep into your soul as she begins to pull herself forward, slowly . It takes you a moment to realize that you're leaning forward as well, as much as you can from your position.

You half-expect some interruption to make itself known like every other time you've found yourself in this situation, your mind coming up with ever more convoluted possibilities- from a simple phone call, to Filly Scouts ringing the doorbell, to meteorites crashing through the roof. The touch of warmth against your lips brings that train of thought to a crashing halt, and you wrap both of your arms around Trixie as you share a gentle, tender kiss with her. The sensation is even better than you could have imagined... she's so warm, so soft, and you just want to melt into her gentle embrace and never leave.

The kiss lasts for what seems to be forever before you both break it, and you and she both blurt out a single sentence at the same time.

“I love you.”

It'd be physically impossible for your eyes to get as wide as hers, but that doesn't stop them from trying. You can feel her trembling against you, and the press of hide to skin means that her racing heart almost seems to be inside your chest. “D- Donovan....” she half-whispers. “Do... do you mean that?

It takes you a moment to find your voice and get it out of your suddenly-dry mouth. “As much as you do,” you tell her.

It seems like the instant you finish talking, she's wrapped herself around you, crying softly. “Donovan, I haven't heard that said to me in a very long time,” she sniffles. “And to hear you say it... it's... Donovan, I....” She simply breaks down right there in your arms, her tears dripping onto your bare chest, and you hug her tightly against you.

It takes her a couple of minutes to collect herself. “Well... I feel a little foalish now,” she admits, rubbing at her eyes with a foreleg. “I'm sorry, Donovan. I just was a little overwhelmed.”

“Nothing to apologize for.” You place a gentle kiss on her forehead, right by her horn, careful not to jab yourself on it. “This is... yeah, I guess 'a little overwhelming' is a good way to put it.” You run your palm up and down her neck, getting her to close her eyes and lean into the gentle rubbing.

“Let us... just go slow, then. This is something I am willing to explore carefully.” She nestles her head against your chest, leaving a soft kiss against it. “No rush,” you reply, gently running your fingers through her mane. “I'm in no hurry. This is new territory for me, but I think I like the scenery... and who I'm seeing it with.”

“Mmmh. I like how you put that.” She smiles up at you for a moment before her expression becomes thoughtful. “And... I have an idea for you.”

“What's that?”

“Well, if Gilda is upset over other griffons' reactions to her relationship with Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy and Antonio have seen the problems that a pony-human relationship can have... then perhaps a triple date might be in order? An exchange of advice and a little camaraderie for those in a unique situation.”

You think that over. It certainly can't hurt- you've met three of the four principals in her proposal, even if only for a short while, and it'll be a nice way of going out for a little socializing without any sort of pressure. Any sort of advice you could get for what a human-pony relationship might entail would be icing on the cake. “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea,” you tell her.

“Excellent!” She smiles as she slowly gets to her hooves and hops off the bed. “Now you stay here and rest that back, while I get my laptop and send Twilight an Email to coordinate this.”

You're happy enough to do so, gazing up at the ceiling as you hear her hooffalls fade out through the bedroom door. You're still in a bit of shock; you certainly hadn't expected this to be the outcome when you wrenched your back earlier. But you also feel a warm contentment spread through you as you think about what just happened. That Trixie- that sweet, beautiful, brilliant mare- not only understands your feelings, but shares them... it makes you happier than you could have ever expected.

But then again, you muse, life has a way of surprising you. And surprises like this are definitely the best ones.

(-)

“And then... he bit my rump.”

You stare incredulously at Rainbow Dash. “Okay, I don't even need to be a pony to know that that little ploy can't have had the effect he wanted.”

“You're a smarter pony than he was!” The cyan pegasus gives you a grin. “Yeah, I guess he thought it was going to be a real turn-on.” She pauses a moment to have another bite of her sandwich and a swig of soda. “And, okay, maybe it might have been under other circumstances- but not at a party, and seriously not when I'm already waiting for an excuse to buck him right in the mouth. Which, I'm not entirely proud to say, I ended up doing.”

“Well, I certainly won't say he didn't have it coming!” Trixie raises her mug towards Dash.

“Ha! You know it, Trix. But still... time and place, y'know? Sometimes it's not worth it to start a scene, especially during what's supposed to be a special night for one of my friends. I had to do a little overtime schmoozing to calm things down after that.” Dash puts her glass back down and settles into her chair again. “No offense to you guys,” she says, giving you and Antonio apologetic glances, “but sometimes males are dense.”

“No offense taken! Sometimes we are.” Antonio chuckles, glancing over at you for affirmation, which you give him with a nod. “Though really, that overgrown colt was pushing the limits. There's thinking with the wrong part of your anatomy, and then there's just sending your brain home early.”

“Ha! Universal truth there, man.” Gilda grins at the human. “Not just your side of the gender divide either. I've known some girls who just had their brains located in the hind end.”

Fluttershy gazes down at her plate for a moment. “I'm so sorry I ended up introducing you two, Rainbow. I had no idea Cloudwing would be so... so....”

“Scat-brained? That's what Rarity calls him, and hay, for once I totally agree with her.” Dash smiles. “But hey, no fault of yours, 'Shy. That little episode took all of us by surprise. I mean, I'd been dating him for two months and I had no idea he'd pull that sort of thing. He was doing a good job of hiding the crazy.”

Fluttershy looks set to continue apologizing, but Antonio gently pats her side, and she gives him a slight smile. “I... guess you're right, Dash. Some ponies have hidden depths... and some have hidden shallows.”

As everyone else in the enclosed booth laughs at the pun, you take a moment to look over the yellow pegasus and her boyfriend. Now, on the surface, Antonio Garza is the kind of guy you have a little trouble getting along with- extroverted almost to the point of ridiculousness, seemingly always in command of whatever conversation or event is happening around him. But you've seen that, at least around Fluttershy, he reins that in... and in turn she seems to come out of her shell more around him. It's one of those yin-yang relationships that makes the differences between you and Trixie pale in comparison.

You take notice of Gilda as she spears another slice of salmon on a fork. She looks relaxed and content; it's easy to see that this get-together has had a good effect on her, and you can't help but feel a little proud that you helped with that. A pity that it was simple ignornace that kept this from happening sooner... no one in their circle of friends was really aware of both of these relationships and their difficulties; you're absolutely sure they would've done something to help otherwise. “So hey, whatever did happen to Cloudbrain, anyway?” she asks once the laughter has settled down.

Dash finishes off her second sandwich; you've heard about pegasus metabolism, but she can pack it in with the best of them. The amount of energy she must burn off to keep that athletic figure must be considerable. “Last I heard, he was shacking up with Diamond Tiara,” she says. “The two couldn't be more deserving of each other.”

“Diamond Tiara?” Trixie repeats.

“Stuck-up overgrown filly with a chip on both shoulders.” Dash scowls. “And not somepony you and Donovan want to run across unless you want an earful of speciesist crud spewed at you.”

“Ugh. Don't get me started on her.” An uncharacteristic frown crosses Antonio's face. “Look- Don, Trix, I try to get along with everybody. Don't have a problem with anyone who don't have a problem with me, you know?” Fluttershy smiles at him as he talks, rubbing his arm with a hoof. “Tiara's got a problem with anyone who isn't just like her. Not just on the 'if you're not a pony you're a beast' front, but if you're not in her tax bracket or social circles, you might as well be a toad in her eyes.”

“I... I don't like to say bad things about others.” Fluttershy nudges a cherry tomato around her plate with a fork. “But Diamond Tiara has been an insufferable bully ever since she was a filly. She even managed to drive away the one pony who tried to be her friend, Silver Spoon. At least that mare outgrew her bully ways.”

“Yeah, I have a hard time believing that Spoonie was ever friends with that harpie. She's a total sweetheart now, almost as much as 'Shy here.” Antonio rubs Fluttershy's cheek, eliciting a warm smile from the pegasus.

You raise your hand. “Tony, do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Not at all, man, shoot.”

“You know Trixie and I are still new to the whole cross-species relationship thing. We both also live on Earth. Any advice you can give on dealing with peoples' reactions?”

“Ooooh, man... that's a tough one, Don. After 'Shy and I got together, I moved off Earth here to Ponyville partly to avoid that sort of thing. It can be rough, I've gotta warn you on that.”

“Is it really that bad?” Gilda asks. “I mean, some of my family moved to Denver, so I've been Earth-side plenty of times to visit, and I never got any sort of noise from the locals for being a griffon... I guess I was hoping that the acceptance went the full distance.”

“It really depends on where you go, Gilly. When I lived in Texas, there were some places that practically celebrated having other species around- I mean, the city manager of Plano married a minotaur; the town had a huge parade and everything. But there were other towns that really took an unkind eye towards it.”

“Just a sad facet of human nature, I guess,” you say with a sigh.

“Nuh-uh.” Dash puts both forehooves on the table and looks directly at you. “Just a sad facet of nature, period. I could tell you about some ponies in Canterlot- never mind different species or same sex; they'd give the stink-eye to anypony who even kissed a unicorn but wasn't one themselves. Dumbflank racism and speciesism isn't a human specialty.”

“Yeah, lemme tell stories about the flak I get from other griffons for having a pony as a lairmate.” Gilda's eyes lower to the table as a scowl crosses her beak. “Doesn't matter she's a Bearer, doesn't matter she's the fastest flier in Equestria. She's a pony? I must be slumming it.”

“I'm very sorry to hear that, Gilda.” Trixie's voice is low and sympathetic. “But I don't care if that sort of thing happens to me a thousand times over. Donovan's company is far too dear to me to shun it just for the sake of the foalish prejudices of others.”

You can't help but reach over and stroke her mane at that, giving her a gentle smile. The others at the table are smiling as well. “You, mare, have got the right idea,” Dash declares.

“I couldn't agree more.” Fluttershy is practically beaming. “It's wonderful that you feel that way, Trixie.”

“Heh. Yeah. You know what?” Gilda raises her head again. “You're right, Trix. A thousand freakin' percent right. What'm I doing, letting them tell me I can't be happy? Who the heck are they, and why am I giving them that power? Stuff those lame-o neigh-sayers. They can go along with their beaks up their butts all they want; I got everything I need right here.” She pulls Dash closer to her, getting a surprised laugh out of the pegasus. “Whoa, G!” she exclaims. “I thought you didn't go for public displays of affection.”

“Stuff that, too.” The griffon musses the pony's rainbow mane, getting more laughs from her. You can't help but smile- it looks like this get-together has really had a good effect on Gilda. “I mean, especially here,” she continues, gesturing towards you and the others at the table. “These guys? They understand. I know they're not going to give you and me noise, Dashie, because they 'get' us.” Her beak turns up in a wide grin. “And seriously, that is an awesome thing.”

“You know we can't be the only ones,” Antonio pipes up. “I mean, seriously. I know Ponyville's a small town, but we've got a lot of different people here. And you guys are living in Cali, right?” He looks up at you, and you nod. “Yeah, if there's no other cross-species couples in California of all places, I'll eat Angel Bunny's alfalfa pellets for a week.”

Fluttershy giggles at that. “You know, man, I have no idea how it is you and that rabbit get along so well,” Dash says. “I didn't think he'd like anyone.”

“Eh. It was rough at first, but we came to an understanding. He realized I wasn't going to go away no matter how many droppings he left in my shoes, and I realized he was just trying to protect 'Shy. Wouldn't say we're buddies, but we don't get on each others' backs anymore. It's a good arrangement.”

“How did you and Fluttershy meet, anyway?” Trixie asks.

“Animal adoption event. I was a volunteer for a rescue group out of Houston, and 'Shy here is a spokesmare for the ASPCA. She dropped by to promote a major event we were running, and a pregnant cat we had up for adoption started giving birth right there. She and I both ended up helping the cat through it. We ended up with five kittens and the start of a relationship.”

“You should have seen him with the kittens,” Fluttershy says. “Antonio can't resist baby animals. He just dissolves into goo-goo speak.” She lowers her voice and attempts to mimic her boyfriend's accent. “ 'There you go, little fuzzball, go to Mama and she'll clean you right up.' ”

“Great, there goes my man cred.” Antonio throws his hands up in mock exasperation as everyone else laughs. “Naaaah, not really. Real men care. I'm not afraid to show it.”

“And he wonders why I adore him.” The pegasus leans over and nuzzles his cheek, getting an affectionate kiss in return. “But what he was saying before is right. There's no way we're the only three couples around who aren't same-species. And if we go around hiding how it is we live, we'll be denying ourselves a chance to meet others like us, to give them support and get it in return. I mean... imagine if Gilda and Twilight hadn't talked to Donovan and Trixie- we might never have known about each other! This conversation would never have happened!”

Gilda nods and smiles. “You're talkin' a lot of truth there, Flutters. It's not gonna be easy, but hey- it's totally worth it.” She grins. “Besides, any chance to toss sand in the eyes of those neigh-sayers is a prize in itself, huh?”

Eventually all of the food is gone- including two helpings of chocolate mousse for Dash; where does she put all that food?- and the lunch triple-date comes to a close; Antonio and Fluttershy have to head out to help with some physical therapy for animals hurt in a freak Everfree-born thunderstorm that crossed Whitetail Woods two weeks ago. Gilda and Dash are heading towards the door when the pegasus stops. “Hey, G?” she says, glancing back at you and Trixie. “Why don't you go ahead; I'll be right out. Wanna talk to these guys a bit.”

“Sure thing.” The griffon heads for the exit, and the Bearer of the Element of Loyalty turns towards you and your marefriend with the biggest smile on her face. “Guys, seriously... thank you,” she says. “This get-together was an awesome idea. Gilda's been upset for, like, forever about how other griffons have been acting towards her for being with me. I can't tell you how much I've wanted to break her out of it, but... seriously, me and words are not the best of pals, y'know? I never was very good at asking my friends for help, either. My solution would've been to buck each and every one of those ignorant griffons right in their stupid beaks, but that wouldn't really have solved anything.” She grins. “But I guess now she really understands that she and I aren't the only ones around, that we've got friends who understand and have our backs. It really means a lot to her, I can tell, and I'll never be able to thank you guys enough for making this happen.”

“Dash, it was the least I could do after what happened the first time I visited here,” Trixie replies.

The pegasus walks up to her and puts a hoof on her shoulder. “Trix, please do me a favor. Never, ever say that again.” Dash's rose-colored eyes look directly into Trixie's magenta ones. “That Trixie isn't this Trixie. This Trixie is a mare I'm glad I can call a friend.”

The unicorn breaks out into a grateful smile. “Thank you, Dash.”

Dash nods before glancing over at you. “Oh, and also... don't forget how lucky you are that you found a guy like this one,” she continues, giving you a wink.

“Every minute I'm with him, I understand just how fortunate I truly am.” Trixie leans against you lightly, and you gently rub her ear.

“Good.” A wide grin crosses Dash's face. “Donovan, man... if I ever even think that you're starting to feel down about your species again, I'm gonna come kick your rump, because you're a perfect example of how cool humans can be.”

“And if she's not available, I can deliver quite the impact to that area myself!” Trixie's horn flares as she gives you a serious look.

“Okay, okay!” You laugh, holding up your hands. “No more species-based self-recrimination, I promise.”

“That better mean you're not gonna think that humans are basically bad.” Dash prods your leg with a hoof.

“It does.” Trixie giggles. “Don't worry, Rainbow. I'll be sure to keep him in line.”

“Good!” She gives a satisfied nod before grinning again. “You two are a great couple. I hope you realize that.”

Your arm goes around Trixie's neck, and you gently pull her close against you. “I know I do.”

-M-

“Popcorn! Gitchyer popcorn here!” You call out in your best ballpark-vendor's voice. Trixie giggles as she raises a hoof. “Over here! Popcorn!” she replies.

You raise the bowl you'd prepared for her, and she levitates it out of your hand. “Tulip flakes and movie-theater butter? Mmm, you know how to treat a mare.” She winks.

“I pull out all the stops for you.” You give her a cheesy grin as you sit down next to her on the sofa. “What's on the movie queue tonight?”

“Something I've been meaning to watch for a while. It's a modernized retelling of a classic pony fable, but with a mixed-species cast. My mother used to tell me this story at bedtime, and I want to see what it's like here.”

“Sounds interesting. Let's start it up, then!” You use the multimedia remote to dim the lights and start the DVR.

The movie that plays out before you starts off fairly slowly as a coming-of-age story, but quickly speeds up into a rollicking adventure across several areas both inside and beyond the borders of the Equestrian nation. To Trixie's amusement, the part of the wise, all-knowing unicorn who'd guided the two young lovers all along the way was being played by a human- as the only magical creature in the entire production. “I can't imagine that Stardust the Insightful was meant to be a sassy young woman in a star-spangled baseball cap,” she chortles. “But, somehow... it works!”

The two young ponies' adventure brought them across no small number of notable characters, including a pair of just-lifemated griffons, a grumpy talking phoenix, a Diamond Dog with a love for dancing, a zebra family with a sick foal, and even a dragon- played by an actual, real dragon, not a CGI stand-in. “That must be Watercrest,” you realize. “I'd read about a dragon who'd gone into showbusiness. He's got a really good singing voice.”

“Oh, there's no doubt of that! He should start a recording career; he's got the range for it.”

You notice something as the movie goes on. Trixie assumed her typical leaning-against-you position at the beginning, but as you've been watching the film, she's done something a little unusual- she's maneuvered herself into a sort of human-like sitting position, with her hindlegs tucked up and the popcorn bowl on the couch just past them, and her head gently resting against your shoulder. You put your arm around her to hold her close and give her support, and she gives you a thankful smile in return, snuggling up against you. You can't help but note that it really feels nice to have her close this way.

You're so engrossed in the movie and being close to Trixie that it takes you a little while to notice something else- her forehoof gently rubbing against your leg. Not in a usual, friendly-gesture sort of way, either... the toe of her hoof is trailing circles along your thigh, alternating with stroking back and forth with the sole. Does she know what that's doing to you?

Something inside you wants to find out. The hand you've had on her shoulder begins to move lower, fingertips tracing over her side, feeling the beat of her heart through her barrel; it's speeding up even now. So is yours, for that matter, and there's no doubt that Trixie- with one of her sensitive ears pressed up right against you- can tell.

You feel torn. Trixie is giving you what seems to be some pretty strong signals here, but there's also the fact that she's a pony, and you don't know enough about their ways of courtship to be sure- nor is it likely she knows a whole lot about how humans go about it. You even worry for a moment that she might be going into heat, before you remember that she gets counter-cyclical medications delivered by mail-order. You're concerned- well, “irrationally afraid” is more like it- that you might misjudge her intentions and embarrass yourself and her. Not that you think she'd run off or something if that happened, but....

Her hoof is lightly rubbing against your inner thigh, now, in slow circles, and you're suddenly having a really hard time justifying your hesitation. Apparently your hand has not been sharing your reservations, because it's now gently pressed against Trixie's flank, fingertips lightly kneading the soft coat that covers her hide. In fact, so far as you can tell from this angle, you're probably stroking her cutie mark.

It may not have been intentional, but it's certainly having an effect on her. Her breathing is unsteady, and she's giving off something between a twitch and a shiver seemingly every time your fingers move. She's also leaning in against you even more than earlier, her entire side pressed against yours.

You can't take the torture anymore. Trixie is giving you nearly every indication you can think of for desiring intimacy; you need to know if that's what she really wants. You slowly turn your head, giving up the thin pretense you were maintaining of watching the movie, and instead look towards her.

She's just finished turning her head to look at you. Her eyes are dilated, her ears pointed right at you, her lip quivering, her face visibly flushed even through her coat. She opens her mouth as if she wants to say something, though nothing but her quickened breath comes out.

Instinct takes the reins, different species be damned. You let your free hand move to the back of Trixie's neck, gently pulling her towards you, and she melts into your embrace as you lock your lips against hers. Not one of the gentle, friendly kisses you've shared since you and she decided to become a couple, but a deep, tender one; your tongue dances with hers, and you're gifted with the altogether new flavor of tulip flakes along with popcorn butter. You both have to gasp for breath after you break the kiss. “Donovan....” she murmurs.

“Trixie, are you... is this....” Your nervous stammering isn't being helped by blood fleeing your brain to head for other, more southward regions.

Her horn flares, and you see the remote levitate off of the coffee table; after a moment, the DVR pauses, and the television shuts off. “I think... there's something else I'd like to see right now,” she whispers into your ear.

Well, there's the definitive answer you were waiting for. You leave both mostly-finished bowls of popcorn on the table, then bodily pick up Trixie in your arms as you stand and carry her upside-down towards the bedroom. She laughs softly, playfully kicking her legs up. “I can walk! Honest! You've seen me do it!”

“Maybe, but if you're walking then I can't do this.” Carefully, you bring her closer to your face and plant a gentle line of kisses along her barrel, from neck to belly. Her playful squirming turns into a gentle shiver. “Oooohh-kayyyy, I do see the benefit in this mode of travel,” she giggles.

You're able to carry her into the bedroom without difficulties- she's svelte for a unicorn; you've dropped a bit of weight yourself since you started appearing on-stage with her, thanks to the rigors of performing- and lower her onto your bed, where she reclines for a moment, gazing up at you. “Dear sir, you are entirely overdressed for this occasion,” she teases you.

You start to tug your shirt free, but she raises a hoof. “No, let me,” she says, dropping her playful tone to something much more sultry. She licks her lips as her horn begins to glow dimly; you feel her magic take hold of your shirt, and slowly drag it upwards. You raise your arms so that she can pull it off of you. “You know,” she says quietly, “after the Discovery, when I first saw pictures of humans, my first thought was 'what's with all of them always wearing clothes?'. Then the educational pamphlets came out, and the diagrams pretty much explained it.” She chuckles. “But I never thought the chance to take the clothing off of one would feel so... alluring.”

“Honestly, you ponies sometimes seem a little odd when it comes to clothes.” You feel her working at your belt buckle. “You can walk around stark naked, or as dressed-up as any human... but the act of changing between the two is a private thing?”

“I suppose it must seem strange from a human perspective. It dates back to well before the rise of the Princesses, when ponies often had to carry our possessions with us and spend days traveling. To remove or put on all sorts of clothing, protective gear, saddlebags, so on... it was no easy task for any non-unicorn, and even for us it was time-consuming and required concentration. That feeling of vulnerability led to us only feeling comfortable doing so when those we could trust deeply were near.” She smiles. “Lift one of your legs for me, my dear.”

You do so, and she's quick to untie your shoe and remove it and your sock. “And so that led to it being a show of intimacy... like being nude with someone is for us?” you ask, as you lift your other leg for her to repeat the process.

“Essentially, yes. Even more so when somepony we care for lets us do that for them.” She smiles, letting her eyes wander over your body for a moment as she slowly- much more slowly than necessary- draws your jeans down. You step out of them, now clad only in your underwear, which is not doing much of a job of hiding your state of arousal. “That's another thing I found strange about you humans,” Trixie says, seemingly spellbound by the sight. “The men, anyway.”

“What?”

“No sheath.” It looks like she almost has to force herself to look away from your groin. “Just... out there for all the world to see. You'd see stallions wearing pants everywhere if they had to put up with that, I'd wager.” She smiles, beckoning you towards her with a hoof. “Join me, if you would. This last task I would prefer to finish in a more personal manner.”

You lie down on your back next to her, and she wastes no time in hooking a fetlock underneath the waistband of your underwear and pulling downwards. In only a few seconds, she's exposed you to the cool air of the room- as well as her curious gaze- and you can't help but shiver; there you are, completely naked before Trixie. She uses her magic to throw your last garment over towards the hamper without ever breaking her gaze from your manhood. “It's interesting,” she says quietly, before flaring her nostrils. “And... and your scent is... doing things to me,” she continues, blushing fiercely as her tail flags a little behind her.

You're honestly surprised. “It is?”

“You humans pump out pheromones like it's going out of style, my dear Donovan. Especially when aroused. With your more limited sense of smell, it's probably a necessity... but to compatible species with better noses, it's almost overwhelming.”

You chuckle. “Sorry.”

“No no no. I don't mean that in a bad way, Donovan, believe me.” She smiles at you earnestly, scooting up along the bed to lie next to you. Her hoof brushes against your length, and you can't help but shiver. “I don't mean 'overpowering'... I mean 'irresistible'.” She nuzzles your stomach, breathing in your scent again, and her tail twitches. “Now that's not to say that all a human has to do is strip down to land himself a mare, but when that mare is already interested... well.” She slides down along your stomach and nestles her muzzle in the thatch of hair above your length, taking a deep breath. “It certainly adds to the arousal.”

Some part of your brain that somehow hasn't drowned in hormones yet is shouting something, and by some miracle it actually prompts you to stop her with a gentle hand on her neck. “Hang on a moment, Trixie,” you say quietly. “I just... need to ask something before we go on.”

She gazes at you with a smile. “Of course. But... can it be a quick question?” She gives a little shiver that quickens your pulse even more.

“What... brought this on? I'm just wondering... did you plan it?”

She shakes her head slightly. “No. I honestly just intended to watch a movie with you. But... being there, so close to you, I... I started feeling like maybe it was time to... to go further with our relationship.” She blushes just a little. “I was so busy trying to rationalize it to myself that it took me five minutes to realize I was unconsciously rubbing your leg with my hoof.” She fixes those beautiful eyes onto yours. “And... are you sure you're all right with this, Donovan? Can... can you accept this pony as a lover as well as a friend?”

You don't answer with words. Instead, you gently press your hand on her rump, just above the base of her tail; you hear her draw in a sharp breath at the contact, and her tail flags again, more forcefully than before. She's actually trembling beneath your fingers, every touch making her twitch. It's surprising, because you essentially have no real idea what you're doing; you know almost nothing beyond the basics of pony anatomy, with no knowledge of what they do for things like foreplay.

But you can learn. And right now, you want- you ache- to make this mare as happy as you possibly can. So, with a slow and deliberate movement, you slide your hand beneath the blue-white hairs of her tail, which she immediately lifts for you, letting you feel the warmth of her body underneath- and your palm rubs lightly against soft skin unprotected by fur, tinged with wetness and seeming almost hot to your touch. Trixie shivers again and lets out a quiet sound like a combination of gasp and moan. “Can I...?” you ask her, your throat feeling tight.

Once more she looks into your eyes, and a loving smile crosses her lips. “You... are welcome to all of me, Donovan.”

Well, if there was some lonely molecule in your body that still wasn't sure whether or not to proceed, that had to convince it. Slowly, your index finger traces a few gentle circles around the edges of her marehood, picking up the wetness of her arousal- and spreading her scent into the room, tickling your nostrils with something that smells partly equine, partly like a grassy field, and partly like... paprika? Ponies never cease to amaze you.

You gaze deeply into her eyes as you slip your slickened finger into her. Her eyes half-close and a soft moan escapes her lips as the full length of your digit sinks into her; her entire body is quivering, and her tail twitches slightly with every movement of your finger inside her. “Donovan,” she half-whispers, her breath warm and quick on your skin. “It's... been so long since I've been touched like this....”

Your free hand goes to stroke her mane, and she leans into your gentle caresses. “Are you enjoying it?” you ask her.

“Immensely.” She gently places a hoof on your stomach. “I would attend to you as well,” she tells you with a smile, breaking her gaze away from your eyes to look back down at your groin. Your manhood is at full attention, throbbing in time with your heartbeat, and Trixie hardly hesitates for a moment before leaning over to nuzzle it gently. The feeling of her soft coat and warm breath against your sensitive flesh makes you shiver, and you involuntarily let out a soft moan. Seemingly emboldened by your response, Trixie gently lays her forelegs across your body, pulls herself up a little more, and then- to your intense surprise- drags her tongue along the entirety of your length. Your surprised gasp brings a pleased smile to her lips. “Do you like that?” she murmurs.

Again, you decide actions are better than words; you gently slip your free hand under Trixie's belly and lift. After a moment, she understands your intent, and helps you to move her rear until she's astride you in the classic sixty-nine position. Her tail is raised high, giving you full view of her sex; it looks much more like a woman's than a horse's, though her bared skin there is the same color as her coat. Its edges seem to grasp at your fingertips hungrily, and you slide them in and out a few times, drawing out a soft groan from your lover.

You're so intent on what you're doing that you almost don't notice as she leans back a little and arches her neck. You definitely do notice, though, when her mouth slides down onto your shaft.

You knew that ponies have very dexterous mouths- with two-thirds of the species unable to manipulate things to any fine degree otherwise, it would be a necessity- but you'd never really thought about how that might translate to something like performing oral sex. Turns out it makes them amazing at it. Trixie's tongue, lips, even teeth work together as she bobs her head up and down slowly, making a little humming sound in her throat as she does.

Well, you simply can't let this go without response. You feel as much as hear her make a quiet sound of disappointment as you draw your fingers out of her- but that sound stops when you gently pull downwards on her haunches to bring her closer to you, and press your mouth against the slickened opening of her marehood. She pauses in her movements and lets out a muffled squeal as your tongue delves into her; her taste is difficult to describe- very different from a human woman's, but not at all unpleasant, and you're quite eager to lap as much of it up as you can as you lick at her inner reaches. She rocks back and forth, gently pressing herself against you as you pleasure her, and moaning deeply against your flesh as she returns the favor with gusto.

It's not nearly as long as you'd like before your body begins to tell you that climax is approaching- it's been a while for you, not to mention the sheer eroticism of the moment and Trixie's skill at pleasing you. With an act of will, you pull your mouth away from her. “Trixie....” you pant.

She immediately stops moving her head, holding you completely in her mouth for a moment, lightly working her tongue over your length before she slowly and reluctantly pulls away, finally releasing you from her mouth with a soft pop. “Close?” she asks.

“Y... yeah. How did you...?”

“I'm... really not sure how I knew. I just... did.” Slowly, on trembling legs, she moves herself around to lie against you face-to-face; her eyes look deeply into yours as she wraps her forelegs around your chest. “Goddesses, Donovan... I don't think I could ask for a better lover than you,” she murmurs. “Why did we wait so long to do this?”

“I don't know.” You stroke her chin gently. “But you're worth waiting for.”

She leans forward to give you a tender kiss; both of you moan into the other's lips as she rubs her slickened sex against yours. “As are you,” she tells you once she breaks the kiss. “And now... it is time for us to consummate our partnership in the truest sense of the word.”

With that, she raises her hindquarters up and edges backwards until she brushes up against your tip, then aligns herself- and with one smooth motion, impales herself on your length to the base.

Trixie lets out something akin to a drawn-out squeak combined with a moan, and you groan right along with her. She's so warm inside, tight yet yielding like a velvet glove, and wet enough to where she's literally dripping on you moments after penetration. You feel her shiver against you as you hold her tightly against you, giving yourself and her a little time to get used to the sensations. “Donovan,” she whispers. “This... this just feels... so right....” She carefully nestles her muzzle under your chin for a moment, careful not to poke you with her horn, and places a soft kiss against your throat. “I love you so much, Donovan.”

“I love you too.” You place one hand on the back of her neck, stroking it gently- and use your other hand to hold her rump in place as you begin to slowly take her from beneath, raising your hips to meet her with slow, smooth motions. “Oh sweet Goddesses...!” she groans, closing her eyes tightly and bracing herself against you as she begins to move with you. “Ohhhhh, Donovan, please tell me this feels as good to you!”

“Oh, God, believe me, it does....” You're not in the least bit lying. Her warmth and weight against your body, the softness of her coat against your skin, are wonderfully comforting, and the feel of her depths clutching at your length each time it enters her is exquisite. It's a wonder you haven't hit your climax yet, and only an effort of will is keeping it from approaching- you want to bring Trixie to hers first.

It doesn't take long. She's practically bouncing herself against you now, her hindquarters slapping against your hips, her fetlocks hooked against your shoulders for leverage and soft whimpers of pleasure coming from her throat. You feel her begin to speed up even more, gasping out loud and gazing at you with wide eyes, as her body begins to tremble; after a moment, her inner muscles squeeze against you, and she presses herself against you, letting out a soft whine. You feel a new wave of wetness drip onto your groin. “Good?” you ask her with a grin, gently rubbing one of her ears.

“...'good'?” She looks at you with a half-dazed, dreamy expression. “Donovan, you don't know how long it's been since that's happened at all, let alone so... so oh-my-Celestia, tie-me-down-so-I-don't-float-off wonderful.” She leans down to plant another deep kiss on your lips, which you return eagerly. “And now, my sweet human,” she says, with a sly grin spreading across her face, “...it's your turn.”

And before you can even speak, she's off to the races, taking you as hard and fast as she can, and it's all you can do to hold on for the ride. Every movement she makes seems calculated to bring you to your peak, and all the willpower in the world isn't going to help you hold out for too much longer. “...getting close?” she pants into your ear, not letting up for a moment.

“Y- yeah....”

“Good.” Her grip on your shoulders tightens just a little. “I want that... I want to feel it within me. Make me yours, Donovan...!”

The pleading sound in her voice and loving gaze she fixes on you obliterate the last of your willpower. You bring one of your hands down on her rump to hold her in place, pressing yourself against her firmly, and let out a deep groan as your climax strikes; you can feel her milking you for your seed, and she lets out soft moans inbetween panting for breath as she closes her eyes for a moment, resting her head on your chest.

Finally, your orgasm subsides, leaving you and your lover catching your breath and basking in the afterglow. “Mmmmmm....” Trixie murmurs into your ear. “That... was exquisite....”

You gently kiss her neck. “I would've liked to last a little longer for you.”

“Shh.” She covers your mouth with a hoof. “It's been a while for both of us. That sort of thing happens.” Her hoof lifts up after a moment to let her plant a light kiss on your lips. “Besides,” she continues with a sly smile, “we'll have other times.”

You grin, lightly squeezing her flank and getting a giggle out of her. “Mmm. 'Another time' would be right now if I wasn't so tired,” you tell her.

As if to mark her agreement, a wide yawn escapes her muzzle. “...goodness!” she chuckles. “Agreed. Perhaps it is time for bed for all good ponies and humans, hm?”

“Definitely time for bed.” You give her one more kiss before letting her climb off of you. “...my bed. Where I'd like you to spend every night from now on.”

She lets out a cute sound of joy. “I've... wanted that for a while,” she admits, hopping off the bed for a moment so that you can pull the blanket down, then quickly sliding under it with you. “I sleep so much better in your arms.”

“I would've let you if you asked.”

“I was worried that you'd think I was being too forward.” She chuckles. “I suppose that's not a concern now, though!”

You turn off the light and snuggle up with her under the covers; she drapes one foreleg over your chest and one hindleg over your waist, pressing the length of her body against yours and letting out a soft murmur of contentment. “Trixie,” you tell her, “from here on out... there's no such thing as 'too forward' between us. Anything you want or need, just tell me. I'll always listen.”

You can't see her smile, but you know she's doing it, somehow. “I will if you will.”

“Deal.” You share one more soft kiss in the darkness. “I love you, Trixie.”

“I love you too, Donovan.” She rests her head on your chest. “And I don't expect I'll ever tire of telling you that.”

And there you lay, feeling sleep creeping upon you, lying in your bed with this utterly wonderful, beautiful mare in your arms- your friend, your partner, your lover. You'll never know how you got so lucky as to end up with her in your life, and you find yourself thinking back to the day you met her on that lonely path by the river in Equestria. You spend a moment trying to imagine what your life would be like if you'd never followed the sound of her sobs, if you'd simply walked on by... but after a moment, you realize that you don't even want to think about it. Whatever could have happened would have a very, very hard time comparing to the life you're leading now.

As you finally succumb to sleep, one last thought crosses your mind.

I have Trixie. How could I not be okay with that?