My Past Is Complicated

I settled into the bed of the room Twilight was graciously loaning us and smiled at the ceiling.

“You seem happy,” Mom noted. “I like that.” She was curled up on her own bed, studying her own tail and hooves.

“I miss Equestria,” I admitted. “It’s just so simple here compared to home. Back there, we have constant noise. The sirens of the police cars and ambulances and fire trucks responding to people who need help, the occasional cat fight, the people in the street, the constant hum of cars in the background we are so used to. Here it’s just quiet. None of that is here.”

“I did notice how quiet it was here. How bare it is here,” Mom agreed. “Crazy how far advanced our world is compared to yours.”

“Have you ever uhm thought staying here permanently?” Derpy asked worriedly as Moms expression changed to fear. Derpy was laying in her own bed next to mine, looking at her wings curiously.

“No. I love it here and this is always my home. I came from here yes, but home is back through the portal. With you. With Mom. My friends,” I answered and both of them had relieved faces.

“Thank God,” Mom muttered. “I thought I would lose you.” I rolled my eyes and quickly teleported away to sit next to her. She recoiled in surprise at my sudden movement and Derpy’s eyes widened. I quickly nuzzled my Mom eagerly and pressed my cheek against hers.

“You never will,” I announced firmly. “You saved my life.”

“What did you just do? The face thing?” Mom asked curiously.

“In this world, nuzzling is a sign of affection between two ponies. It’s a sign of trust and love. Partners do it and so did family,” I explained. Mom gave a nod as she slowly nuzzled me back.

“Did I do it right?” She asked hesitantly. I gave a laugh and nodded.

“You did perfect.”

“You don’t have cat fights here?” Derpy asked.

“Oh we do. It’s just not as common because most ponies have them as pets and train them,” I paused before adding. “Except Opalescence. That cat is evil. Almost as bad as Angel.”

“Rarity and Fluttershys pets, right?” Derpy asked.

“Yup. Stuff of nightmares. Don’t trust Angel at all. He has evil thoughts behind those beady little eyes of his,” I shivered.

“As fascinating as this is, I’m going to sleep. How do you turn the light out?” Mom asked me. I shut the light off with my magic.

“Like that.” Derpy let out an eep as soon as the light went out.

“Must be nice to have magic,” Mom grumbled as I used my magic to pull her blanket over her before I teleported back to my own bed under the covers.

“It is,” I chuckled. “Goodnight you two.”

“Goodnight Sunset,” they replied in unison.

I groaned quietly as I woke up, the sun being blocked by the blinds. I was laying on my stomach on the bed. I could vaguely fell something heavy on top of me and it wasn’t the blanket. It was ticklish and light. And it had fur for some reason. I rolled my head to the side and my eyes widened at the sight of Derpy’s face next to mine. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing softly. I slowly rolled onto my side and realized her wing was wrapped around me.

“Good morning,” Mom whispered. I glanced over at her smiling with a book. “How are you?”

“Decent and you?” I asked as I laid perfectly still. A pegasus’ wings were sensitive. I didn’t want to move wrong and potentially break one of Derpy’s wings. That would be awful. Not to mention painful as hell.

“Good,” Mom chuckled. “You got a sleeping buddy I see.”

“Uh I guess so. When did she get in my bed?” I asked as I looked back at Derpy.

“I have no idea. I know Derpy isn’t a huge fan of the dark so she probably got in bed with the closest person. Which is you because you’re right next to her,” Mom replied. I had no idea Derpy hated the dark. If I had know that, I’d have kept a small light on.

“Interesting. I can’t move,” I smiled. “Don’t want to accidentally break her wing.”

“Why don’t you do your teleporting thing from last night?” Mom asked as she read her book. She had surprisingly good control over her hooves. I didn’t expect her to get the hang of them so well.

“I don’t wanna risk accidentally singing her wing. If she ever decides to fly, a singed wing is very dangerous.” The last thing I wanted to do was do something that would inadvertently lead to her death. I’d never forgive myself for that. The door swung open and we stared at in with startled expressions.

“Hey guys!” Lyra trotted in with a grin. Her eyes instantly went wide when she saw me and Derpy. She gave me a mischievous grin and I groaned. I knew her well enough to not trust that look. “Don’t you two look just adorable.”

“Shut up,” I teased with a bright red face. “She’s only in my bed because she got nervous.” Lyra maintained her grin as she got closer.

“If you say so,” she purred with a wink as she gently poked Derpy with a hoof. “Hey there Derp.”

“Hmm?” Derpy mumbled as she slowly opened her eyes. They shot wide open as she saw my face next to hers and she flew into the air, slamming her head against the ceiling. “Ow!”

“Are you okay?” Lyra asked worriedly. For all her teasing, she knew when to be serious and worried about her friends. One of the good things I loved about being friends with her. That and the dirty jokes were hilarious.

“Yes. I’m so sorry Sunset. I should have asked first before getting in bed with you. I just uh don’t like the dark,” Derpy rubbed the back of her head sheepishly as her wings flapped, keeping her aloft. I don’t think she even knew she was doing it.

“It’s alright Derpy. I don’t really like the dark either. If it helps you, you can sleep with me anytime,” I smiled at her.

“Are you sure?” She hesitantly asked. I rolled my eyes and nodded.

“Now are you coming down to ground level?” I asked. “I have a lot to show you guys.” Derpy looked around before realizing where she was. A big grin spread across her face as she forced her wings to stop flapping. Her eyes widened as she started falling and I quickly caught her in my magic before she hit the ground. She gave me a sheepish smile.

“Thanks.”