The war hero's shadow

The trip through the store went smoother than Cecil could have imagined. Of course he knew what he wanted already with the attention of Flurry throwing in her own things to eat as snacks. She grabbed her shower items and once again Cecil was shocked but this time at the numerous different shampoos and soaps this mare grabbed along with the different bathroom tools. In his eyes, it looked like she was moving in until she waved him off by saying this was considered a travel pack to her.

“I have mercy on your shower shelves.”

Again Flurry giggled but it was more of a laugh.

“Oh I don't have built in shelves, I practically have a waterproof bookcase in my shower. One must take care of the skin, undercoat, top coat, main, tail, and hooves. It's quite the job to keep this fur soft and shining.”

Cecil just shook his head in bewilderment.

“My soap and toothbrush are all I need.”

Flurry rolled her eyes mumbling the word ‘Stallions.’ To which the cashier giggled and nodded in agreement. Cecil and Flurry had a little argument on who would pay for what. The plan before had been they pay separately but once they got to the front of the line Cecil's gentleman side came out and he insisted he pay for it while Flurry suggest she pay for her own things or let her pay for half of it since she would be eating as well. Finally Cecil's stubborn side won out when he tossed the owed bits on the counter. Flurry glared at him with a stiff upper lip as he helped bag. She let it go for now because she already had plans to get him back once they were gone.

Getting back to his apartment she helped him put things away and when she realized how much of her shower supplies would consume his shower she put the essentials in the shower and the rest under his sink out of the way. While she tried not to think about the germs under the sink getting on her shampoo it bothered her but she had to remind herself this was not her home. After the items were put away Cecil flopped on his bed and Flurry was about to jump in the shower when his doorbell rang. Sighing Cecil got up and it was his bed frame being delivered. He was happy it was there but at the same time wished he could have had just a little longer of a breather. Flurry helped him set it up, mostly passing him the basic tools he had on hand. Once that was finished and the bed was moved into the master bedroom Flurry decided to take her shower.

She had taken so long in the shower that Cecil had gotten some of his procrastinated homework done, made a small snack, cleaned the dishes, vacuumed, and put away his clean clothes in the closet. When Flurry stepped out it was like a door to a sauna had opened. Steam rolled out into the halls giving her a silhouette appearance. The steam cleared and she was standing in the doorway with her main and tail wrapped in towels. For the most part she was only a little damp but the impressive part was when she walked by Cecil and her fresh vanilla scent seeped their way into his nose. He followed her to the kitchen where she sat down and started brushing her main first.

“Wow, you smell amazing.”

She giggled and smiled warmly back at him.

“Thank you but the real trick is keeping the smell up all day.”

Cecil chuckled as he sat down. She happened to notice things looked a little cleaner. Of course, with nothing in the apartment, everything looked barren and clean but the subtle marks on the carpet where a vacuum had gone over it or the fresh wetness in the sink and dirty dishes put away gave her tell tell signs he had tried to make it better either for her or because she had taken that long. Either way she was happy to see it.

“So now I understand why you asked if I even used soap that day. Compared to you it's like I stepped in got wet and stepped right back out.”

She nodded and grunted a little as she fought with a knot.

“Yes...I had actually thought you did just that until I smelled the bland soap on you, which by the way you need something more boisterous for soap. I am not saying the soap you use now is bad it's just...well it's bland and boring.”

Cecil crossed his arms and gave her an arched eyebrow.

“It does the job and that's all I need it to.”

Flurry rolled her eyes and smiled. She knew she had this argument in the bag as she finally got that one knot out.

“It does indeed do the job, but the point is to observe how you followed me into the kitchen and then immediately commented on how I smell. The scent may not have been exciting but it was alluring. That is the difference between regular soap and ones with fragrance.”

Cecil thought about it and she did have a point it was nice to smell her in a noncreepy way.

“So you want me to start using fragrance soaps, so when you sniff me it smells good.”

“Disregarding your creepy wording, yes, I would like you to smell nice and not like well a bathroom.”

He shrugged and put new soaps at the top of his list. While they would be more costly at least they wouldn't be like shampoo that seemed to last half as long. After Flurry dried off and spent another hour getting her main and tail ready she was finally ready to go. When she stepped out of the bathroom again, she was met with Cecil spinning a bit on the table out of boredom.

“You know, if i did not straighten my main and tail it would look like lightning had struck me. Believe me it's worth the wait compared to the alternative.”

“I feel like there is a better way considering we have magic in this world.”

Flurry rolled her eyes as she made her way to the door.

“Magic can not solve all our problems, Cecil. Now come on let's go out and have some fun.”

The two young adults left the apartment and headed down to the city park. The walk was fairly long but eventually they made it and it was like a wonderland. Most of the trees were evergreen, but the ones like oak or birch had turned into their beautiful gold and orange colors painting a scene across the green grass and blue clear sky. The open area was a relief to Cecil since the city felt confined and restricted. The rolling hills and still lake water reminded him of home but the best part had to be the peace and quiet that surrounded this place. Ponies played or rested in scattered spots. Flurry and Cecil walked around the paved area for a few laps before the wind started to pick up. Cecil still didn't have his duster back from Baron and the cold sharp winds were cutting through his long sleeve like a hot knife to butter. The two traveled over to a thick oak tree and sat down with the tree breaking the wind. It wasn't completely efficient but it was tolerable.

Cecil had his back against the tree hugging himself trying to stay warm. Flurry felt bad for him and kindly scooted closer to him. When she finally got close enough she used her magic to pinch his bottom. He shot forward a little and it gave her just enough time and space to wrap a wing around him. He blushed heavily as he tried to hide under the blanket of pink feathers.

“Th-thank you, Flurry.” He quietly said as he scooted closer to her.

Flurry hid her blush behind her main. It was adorable and nice to see him soften around her and see he wasn't completely invincible as he figuratively and literally leaned on her. Her smile was bright as she looked out at the others playing. The quiet spot the two were at was a good time for her to really think about what was going on. She was on a date with him and while neither wanted to admit it was way too fast to be doing this both of them were too stubborn to back out. In a way Flurry was happy for this to happen considering most potential bachelors were pompous lords who seemed to preoccupied with their own career to care about her other then the status boost they would get.

Cecil was completely different and the same in many ways. He was the epitome of what a young Stallion should be. A loose canon, ambitious, a gentlecolt, smart, adventurous, and carefree. He was so much more than that. Cecil could hold intellectual conversations with the best of them or on the opposite spectrum be a child at heart. He showered her in kindness but the best part was he mostly saw Flurry as a equal. That had to be one of the big main reasons she liked being around him. He truly saw her as a friend and not a figurehead. Regardless there was a attraction between the two and for Flurry it was deeper. It may not have been love in a romantic sense but she definitely had her eyes on him, maybe it was a developing crush? Either way Flurry was just happy to have him around and in moments like these it made her wonder to the future. What would her special somepony be like or who would he be?

She had lost track of time when she finally felt him move a little. Looking down Cecil was fast asleep on her shoulder with her wing tightly wrapped around him. He looked peaceful and finally she could take in how much stress he was really under. Between his job, school, and social life, he must have been running on fumes that night he ate dinner with her family. Carefully she used her hoof to brush some of his bangs out of his eyes smiling down on him. She had to admire his drive, considering he was here on scholarships. He was doing better than most adults and part of that she had to give credit to his father. He must have been a strict parent but he taught Cecil how to survive and overcome problems.

Letting her anger go for the moment she looked out and saw other couples resting against trees like they were. Mares gazing into their lovers eyes while their significant other stared back at them like they were the most treasured thing on the planet. She didnt know why but her vision became blurry as her cheeks became colder. Moving slowly her hoof rubbed her cheek and she was crying. She had no idea why but all of a sudden it happened and it wasn't stopping. To make matters worse Cecil was waking up and to try and coax him back into slumber she hummed a lullaby her mother would sing. The soothing voice and soft melody seemed to work as his breathing slowed back down. She breathed a sigh of relief, she didn't need him to see her like this, at least not yet anyway. A few more minutes pass and she finally had her crying under control. Rubbing her cheeks to remove the evidence just as Cecil woke up and this time for good.

“Hey...How long have I been asleep?” He asked with a yawn and stretch.

Flurry smiled as she took her wing back.

“About thirty minutes if I had to guess, maybe a little longer. Honestly, I lost track of the time myself.”

He gave a small chuckle and stood up as he cracked his neck.

“So what do you say we head to dinner and maybe catch a movie?”

She seemed surprised but couldn't say no to that.

“A dinner and a movie? Arnt we being ambitious about the date, I just hope you're not waiting on a kiss or anything like that?”

She teased but depending on how it went she might be willing to let one of her kisses go to his cheek as a thank you.

“No nothing like that.” He grinned as he looked down at her “Though maybe a nice round of coco after the movie would be nice.”

She smiled and stood up stretching herself out.

“That sounds amazing as is, but I will hold you to the coco as the ending. Now is there anything we need to do before dinner?”

She asked already thinking about the cold night air. Cecil would need his jacket or he would be walking around like a popsicle again and she needed to inform her parents. As she thought Cecil suggested his duster. Flurry agreed and the two headed for the school. Since it was still light out Flurry could freely walk the halls of the boy's dormitory. Finding Baron's room was practically a cakewalk since he paid extra to get the first floor. Knocking on the door a few times aroused a groan and the bitter tone of a grumbling Baron. When he answered the door he was more shocked to see Flurry Heart there.

“My what a surprise this is to see you here princess, oh and old chap do wait while I retrieve your coat.”

Cecil nodded and before Flurry could say anything Baron closed the door. When he opened it Cecil's coat went flying right at him in a angry wave of levitation. Thankfully with one arm he managed to catch the coat like it weighed no more then a sheet of paper. Baron looked to Flurry with a displeased face and she nearly mirrored him for a different reason. Baron had lugged that heavy coat around all day and Flurry had it on all the way to her home.

“Cecil just how strong are you?”

Baron asked as he leaned against his door. Cecil smiled as he slipped his duster on letting out a sigh as the heat wrapped around his body.

“I use to arm wrestle for money in my dads bar when things were slow. Not many could make me work to win and even fewer actually beat me. Apple Jack's brother big Mac was probably the one to beat me the most but thats like comparing a adult to a child. On top of that I frequented the Apple family farm for jobs on a weekly basis and me and my buddies would wrestle around in the mud once in a blue moon.”

Baron stood silent for a moment before smiling and shaking his head. Cecil was a mystery to him and that was fine. So far he had been a great friend and while trouble seemed to follow him around like a bad habit he was always positive about the situation and seemed to know a way out. Every pony in the school had already talked about how Cecil saved Shimmer's coltfriend from expulsion. Cecil would still have a little ways to go but so far he was making lasting impressions on every pony.

“You are a mad lad Cecil and I love it. So where are you two headed off to?”

Cecil grinned and Flurry got bashful as she started drawing circles in the ground with her hoof.

“We’re going on a date.”

Baron’s eyes threatened to bust out of his head when Cecil told him that. Cecil of course had to laugh a little and calm his friend down.

“Easy Baron, it's nothing like your thinking. It's just us going out to eat dinner catch a movie and sip on coco. Nothing is going to happen.”

Baron huffed at Cecil as he levitated his own teacup over.

“Cecil if that's not the definition of a romantic date I don't know what is. If nothing does happen I will eat my homework.”

“Should I bring you back ketchup and mustard for tomorrow or will plain be enough?”

Baron rolled his eyes as he looked at Flurry.

“My princess, please keep this animal in line. Foust knows what kind of trouble he will get you into if left to his own devices.”

Flurry giggled as she walked up to hug Baron. He happily hugged her back with a soft chuckle.

“I know he's a hoof full but I promise to keep him on a leash and sorry for bothering you I'm sure you were deep in your studies before we interrupted.”

Baron let go of the hug. He took a sip of his tea and glanced back at his study desk. Shrugging his shoulders as he looked back at them.

“I think I might take a page from your book and take the night off. Get a fresh start on it in the morning and all that good stuff.”

Cecil gave him a thumbs up and held his fist out. Baron smiled and bumped his hoof against the fist.

“I’ll see you later then. Take it easy and try to enjoy the night off.”

“Will do Cecil and you better keep your manners in mind. The princess is not one of your backwater mares.”

Cecil laughed as he started walking away tipping his hat to Baron

“Oh I know but she’s not exactly your high roller brown noser either Baron.”

The two males shared another laugh as Flurry shook her head. The comments were mean and crude but it was all in good fun. She had learned early on from spying on her father in the barracks males put filters on when around mares. It was appreciated for the show of respect but it was also nice to see and hear how they really talked to each other once in a while. After they said goodbyes Cecil and Flurry went to her home. She told her parents what plans they had made and while Shinning was a bit weary, mostly because his precious daughter was going on a date, he was a little more relaxed that it was Cecil. So far he proved he was trustworthy and could handle himself in delicate situations. They both knew Cecil had the skill to severely hurt that Stallion but all that would have done is cause a major backlash on Cecil's part. Alex’s son was more patient and thought things through more. He could be conniving but Shinning honestly believed Cecil thought far ahead enough when the situation arose he was going to save both his and the stallion's hide.

The two were finally free of their chains and headed to a nice restaurant. Nothing special like a five star dining hall but a local place young adults could afford and still experience some of the luxuries of fine dining. Nearly every pony bowed to the princess or tried to get her attention all while Cecil stepped back enough for her to handle the attention. Once seated Cecil flipped the menu over and smiled at her.

“Wanna try some of the wine?”

This caught her attention. While she was old enough to drink something about a princess of love consuming alcohol had never seemed right.

“I did not take you for a finer things in life kind of stallion?”

Cecil chuckled as he skimmed over the wine.

“Usually I'm not but considering this is probably the only date I will have time for and one special mare sitting across me, i figured why not spoil ourselves a little and celebrate the moment.”

She hummed at the thought before smiling

“So long as you get the Terrazas red wine I will drink.”

Cecil smiled accepting her challenge. The waiter came and they each ordered with Cecil asking for the wine. The waiter took their menus and came back shortly after with two glasses and the bottle. He poured the glasses and set the bottle at the end of the table. Cecil picked up the glass swirling it around before holding it to the middle for a toast. Flurry mirrored his actions and their glasses clinked softly.

“What are we toasting to if I may ask?”

“Our friendship, and the amazing time I've had knowing you.”

Flurry smiled brightly at that and the two each took a sip. Once her glass was down she decided it was a good time to tease him.

“Hey Cecil, I have to know what makes me special, and please don't say because I'm a princess. I know you better then that even if you are teasing me.”

Cecil leaned back in his seat rubbing his chin. He had to think about that because he honestly did say it just because she was a princess.

“For one, you’ve been an amazing friend to me, and two I think you're really special because wherever you go you bring smiles to pony's faces. There's not been one time where a pony didn't smile when they saw you, especially mine. You are humble and don't see yourself above any pony else. What makes you so special is you are one of a kind, you are you and I couldn't have asked to meet a better pony than you.”

Flurry felt her heart melting. Yes, it was a little cheesy but she wasn't going to complain, he was being honest with her and to hear how he feels made her heart do back flips knowing she made him smile every time they met.

“And I have another question and then I'm done with them. What would you do if I had a crush on you? Of course, we are talking hypothetically.”

Cecil looked at his wine taking a minute to think about this. He knew this hypothetical question was either a real question in disguise or fueling her untamable curiosity. As he pounded the question Flurry kept a warm smile and neutral eyes patiently waiting for him to answer. She was calm and collected on the outside but on the inside, she was beating herself up the longer he stayed silent. She shouldn't have been so blunt and she should have been more cryptic in her prodding. It pained her but words can't be taken back so now she had to sit with her well practiced poker face and wait for his answer.

"This is all hypothetical correct? Anything I say won't be held against me?"

Cecil asked as Flurry Heart nodded

"Yes."

Cecil paused for a moment longer and then took a large gulp of his wine with a smile. His grin seemed to widen as the gears in his head spun faster and faster. Finally, he leaned forward with all the confidence a man in his shoes could have.

"Let me have that kiss right now and you'll have your answer."

Flurry Heart was appalled and intrigued at the same time. She would have never expected him to be so forthcoming or use her kiss as leverage to feed her curiosity. Then it hit her like a sack of bricks once she stopped herself. He just told her the answer to the question now he was testing her. While she could still outright deny him and play to his gentlecolt habits he would remember this. She could outright tell him she saw through his ploy but then the question would be turned on her. If she didn't do anything then she would be denying her own confused feelings.

"Instead of a kiss how about one honest answer from me."

Cecil smiled he likes this game of theirs.

"Okay princess, what feelings do you have for me?"

Had Flurry been drinking something she would have spit it out. Now she had a much bigger problem. Now he was asking the real questions and Flurry didn't have a proper response. It was too early to decide how she truly felt about him. Yes they only reconnected a few days ago but already in those few days they talked to each other as much as they could and had a deep connection but what he was asking was something impossible for her to say.

"I'm in turmoil with those emotions. Cecil, it's only been three days, and while we already have a strong connection I just can't honestly answer you."

He seemed a little defeated but quickly recovered with a warm smile.

"Good answer I was worried you had one of those love at first sight."

She laughed nervously as she brought her glass to her lips trying to hide her nervous look.

"Yeah heh no that would be totally weird and way too cheesy for my taste."

Cecil sipped his wine some more. Before anything could be said the food arrived and Cecil's stomach growled in anger and gluttony. He gave a sheepish grin as Flurry covered her mouth trying to stop the giggle threatening to burst out. Cecil rubbed his stomach and picked up a fork.

"Seems my belly is telling us both to shut up and eat."

He might have been joking but he was starving to the point when the food was laid down in front of him he attacked it like a alley cat in Manehatten. He only stopped when he caught a glimpse of Flurry giving him a questioning look. Swallowing his food and taking a sip of his wine he gave her a sheepish smile.

"That might have been a little uncouth of me?"

Flurry smiled as she swallowed her own small bite of food.

"It was a little bit, but you are the only one I've ever seen eat that fast in my life. I thought the sandwich was devoured quickly because you missed breakfast and lunch."

Cecil took another bite of food, this time it was more reasonable. He chewed and swallowed.

"It's a habit I picked up from my father. He would always eat his food fast and everyone would always ask him if he tasted it."

Cecil crossed his arms giving Flurry a mean glare, trying to be his father.

"Tasting is for people who want to enjoy their food, I am hungry."

Flurry couldn't stop the giggles as she watched Cecil imitate his father. It was cute and funny but his words did confuse her. They made sense but why would anyone want to live like that.

"Your father sounds like he lived by logical choices a little to much."

Cecil had to hold a snicker back when she said that. She had no idea how much truth was in that statement. Cecil knew his father did the best he could with what he had. Alex was a military man through and through so of course he was going to raise Cecil exactly like that.

"And something tells me your father raised you in a similar manner?"

Flurry put a hoof to her chest and held her head high. Her father wasn't as strict as Alex but he did have his moments where Flurry had been grateful her mother was there.

"Papa keeps his drill Sargent, as I call it, hidden well. Yes, there have been times that he let it out but usually, he's a carefree spirit."

Cecil nodded as he finished his food and poured his second glass of wine. The wine was a good choice considering he didn't like most wines. As he stacked his utensils Flurry looked at him again with a curious look. She had never seen some pony stack their plate. Catching her look he smiled and got ready to explain.

"Old habits die hard. I used to work in dad's bar so stacking plates was part of the job. Trust me your waiter will be grateful if all the plates are stacked up."

She raised her eyebrow. Work like this had never crossed her mind. She only understood that their plates were gathered and taken away if it was a large meal but for small meals like this she didn't really know how they were taken away. Hearing that the pony that brought the food also took the used plates away made her feel a little guilty and snobbish.

"I never realized that. I just thought they vanished."

Cecil felt a quick flash of anger rush through him but he quickly pulled it back. He had to remind himself she grew up as a elite child and never had a job in her life. She has been eating in finer restaurants her whole life and most of the hidden rules to fine dining dictate that you just push the empty plates to the edge. She didn't realize that some pony had to carry all that then wash them and finally put them back on the cook line.

"Well the more you know I guess. But hey don't beat yourself up over it. Most ponies don't really know what goes on behind the kitchen doors."

Flurry smiled and used her magic to stack their plates and other used cutlery. After she was done she took another sip of her wine enjoying the taste a little before swallowing. Her glass was nearly gone when she sat it down while Cecil was on his second already.

"Does that not affect you?"

She asked pointing to the wine glass. Cecil had to chuckle a little and took a small sip before clearing his throat.

"I'm used to a lot stronger. Dad wasn't perfect and working in a bar I got to sample the product a little earlier then I should have."

Flurry nodded as she took a bigger sip making her glass a quarter full. She had honestly never been drunk and seeing how her father was in the morning after a night with his friends she didn't plan to be. Instead she was happily content with a little small buzz.

"Seems you were a little troublemaker. What is being drunk like?"

Cecil grinned as he thought about it.

"It's like nothing else. There are stages like buzzed, drunk, and wasted. Buzzed is where most want to stay drunk is usually good at a party while wasted is not fun at all. Wasted is like you are constantly sick as the world spins and you have no control over your actions."

"That sounds terrible, but what about the hangover and the dragging?"

"Oh that's just normal but usually it can be avoided if you drink a lot of water and eat a big meal beforehand."

He said it so casually which honestly showed Flurry how much experience he really had with drinking. It was odd that she always thought of ponies who consumed alcohol as pot bellied with minimal care to their hygiene. That was a mean thought and accusation, but without any experience she could only trust the information she gathered which was usually from her father. As she thought about this the waiter set the bill down at the table and as Cecil was pulling out his wallet Flurry snatched it from his hand with her magic.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

He asked in a slightly aggravated tone.

"I'm paying the bill obviously. Since you paid for the food at the apartment I'm returning the favor and before you whine like a Colt we can split the bill for the movie."

Cecil tried to argue but already she had her name signed on the bill with the bits in the server's hooves. He sighed and finished his wine in one go. Flurry rolled her eyes as she took another sip trying to enjoy her wine. Looking at it she sighed and downed the rest of her glass as well. It made her cough a little as the bitter taste attacked her throat but she handled it well. Cecil sat across from her with a smug look on his face watching her cough. Again she rolled her eyes swatting his arm with a wing. Cecil smiled at her and the two got up and headed to the movie theater. On the way they talked about what was playing and what would be good to watch.

Arriving at the theater Cecil was slightly impressed with how inconspicuous it was. The whole building was a single level and no bigger than a small convenient store. Inside it looked like a small theater with snacks and popcorn to the left a ticket booth in front and bathrooms to the right. They discussed one last time on what they should pick and Flurry convinced Cecil to watch a horror flick. Against his better judgment, he went with her and as promised they paid equally.

After drinks and a medium popcorn, they made their way to the seats which happened to be underground. Flurry explained because of the size a movie theater takes up the council decided to build it underground. After her quick explanation the movie started rolling and so did the fun. At first, Cecil tried to be brave but after one jump scare his hand was gripping her hoof and by the twenty minute mark he had his hat pulled over his eyes. Flurry would have laughed at him but she was too caught up in his hand/hoof holding. She had a blush and was grateful for the dark room. Of course, watching him pull his hat over his eyes was adorable but she could see he was miserable and truly afraid.

Sighing at the waste of money she got up pulling his hand. Cecil was a little confused but she motioned for him to follow. He did and they walked out. Once outside she gave him a apologetic look.

"I'm sorry Cecil, I really didn't believe you were afraid considering I've seen you take literal punches."

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously smiling at her.

"Heh sorry, but I did try to warn you. So hey as a way to make it up to you why don't we go to my place and get that coco you wanted?"

She hummed as her hoof tightened a little around his hand.

"Only if you promise to give me as many marshmallows as I want?"

He chuckled and nodded. The two made it back to Cecil's apartment where he got to work boiling the water. The strong burning smell of the electric oven filled the air and soon the sound of a screaming metal teapot filled the ears. Cecil poured the water in the brown powder filled cups giving the whole room a sweet chocolate smell. As requested he put extra marshmallows in Flurry’s cup before walking them over to her. She smiled and took the cup out of his hands.

Flurry had convinced him to sit in the bed with her and enjoy the comfort. He was a little uneasy but after the quick tease she gave him and promise nothing would happen he tenderly crawled into bed with her. The two sat apart on the bed sipping the drinks but the moment was still awkward until Flurry scooted over laying her head on his shoulder. He wanted to protest but she had the most beautiful smile on her face. Cecil thought it would be criminal to interrupt that warm relaxed smile on her face so he let it be. He found that her cuddling was a relaxing time for him. Cecil slowly put his arm around her shoulder and while it was noticed Flurry said nothing about it.

She cuddled closer and used her magic to pull the comforter up and over the two. It was a small way of her saying she enjoyed this moment as much as he did. Time was an illusion to the two of them as they laid there cuddling. It was harmonious enough for Cecil to start drifting off into sleep and more then once Flurry had to use her magic to grab his drink. She giggled and readjusted herself so Cecil was laying on his pillow. Carefully stroking her hoof through his hair softly singing to him. The moment felt like a dream as Cecil fought to stay awake, like a child fighting to savor every waking second.