The war hero's shadow

Cecil didn't know when he fell asleep but he did recognize the rude alarm clock blasting in his ear. He groaned and rolled over silencing the annoying demon. He stretched with a loud yawn when he heard another groan beside him. The new sound scared him so bad he rolled out of the bed into the floor with a Yelp. Flurry groaned again as she yawned and raised her head looking around with half open eyes. She crawled over to Cecil's side of the bed and looked down at him with a tired smile.

"Do you always make this much racket in the morning?"

"What are you still doing here?! Your father is going to kill me!"

Cecil responded in a blind panic. Flurry pulled a pillow under her head to rest on and hug while she looked at him with her tired eyes.

"Not to worry." She said pointing with her wing to his desk. "I sent a letter to him last night asking if it was okay. He wasn't thrilled and wanted to come pick me up but I told him no."

Cecil arched an eyebrow at her as he slowly stood up rubbing his head

"And that was the end of the conversation?"

He asked in a little bewilderment.

Flurry laughed as she buried her face in her pillow.

"Oh I'm so grounded when I get home. Mother was the only reason he did not break your door down and honestly why are stallions so protective of daughters? Us mares can handle ourselves just fine."

Cecil smirked at that. He knew exactly why fathers were so protective. They were teenagers once too and if they didn't care they wouldn't worry though she had a point. By eighteen most ponies were on their own by now.

"Well anyway, I'll get dressed for work and get some breakfast going. Does cereal sound okay to you?"

She giggled and rolled back over to her spot. The covers pulled back over her as she snuggled in the heat.

"Cecil it's Saturday, you do not have work. Come now get in bed and snuggle me, we still have a few hours before we need to leave."

Cecil was a little nervous. He had chased after mares before but never had one spend an entire night with him. He had not intended to fall asleep last night but her songs and gentle caressing was hypnotic. Carefully he got back in the bed and under the covers. When he didn't get close Flurry grunted and moved her body to his. Her back pressed against his stomach and her magic forced his arm over her shoulder where her hooves wrapped around his hand. It was slightly awkward for Cecil but he couldn't move even if he wanted to.

Relaxing as best as he could in the situation he slowly went back to sleep. When he woke up the morning rays of the sun were barely shining through the window. He grumbled and tried to ignore the annoying celestial rays but he was up. Looking over Flurry had turned so she was facing him. She was at peace with her mouth slightly open and body gently rising and falling with every breath. He wanted to let her sleep like this just a little longer but they had to get up or her father was going to have both their heads.

He woke her up as best he could without being rude, a much better approach then footsteps stomping up the stairs and slamming the door open followed by time to get your ass out of bed. once Flurry was awake the two laid there making a game plan before finally getting out of bed. Cecil got the bathroom first since he would be in and out in ten minutes. Once he was out he made them breakfast or really he left the apartment and stopped at his usual breakfast spot before work. He made it back with two gravy and biscuits and a side of hay bacon.

The two are after her shower and then he waited some more as she straightened her hair. Flurry kept her main straight which was a odd contrast to her normally curly main. She pulled her main back into a ponytail. The two stepped outside and Flurry took to the skies trying to carry Cecil. Turns out he was too heavy for her so she used her levitation. When they landed it wasn't at the front gate but on the main balcony where an aggravated Shining armor and smiling Cadence were waiting.

Shining was the first to speak.

"Answers. Now!"

His assertive tone was making Cecil shake in his legs but Flurry stepped forward.

"Papa please it wasn't Cecil's fault or idea. He was tired and after Coco we sat in the bed since he has no other furniture. I was tired as well…"

"And I could have gotten you last night. You directly disobeyed me and you are lucky I trust Cecil as much as I do or young lady your mother and I would have dragged you out of that apartment."

Cadance took over by placing a hoof on Shining's shoulder.

"What your father is trying to say is we were worried. We appreciate you telling us but we both agree you are both a little young to be sleeping over like colts and fillies."

Her mother shot Flurry a quick look that neither male could see before it vanished. Whatever it was Flurry's confidence drastically vanished as she back peddled to Cecil. Shining had taken note of Cecil's bearing. While he wasn't yelling Cecil had kept constant eye contact and neutral frown. His father had probably drilled that into him. The shaky leg was a giveaway to his nervousness, but otherwise, Cecil looked like a model soldier.

"I-I understand mother."

Cadance smiled and turned to Shining.

"Talk to her once you calm down. I will escort Cecil home."

He gave her a concerned look but she kissed his cheek and returned with a confident smile. She walked to Cecil with her warm smile and gentle eyes as Flurry went to her father. Her head hung low but Cecil never got to see anymore as pink feathers swooped around him. Cadence had wrapped her wing around his shoulder to guide him out. He followed without resistance and a pit formed in his stomach. Once they were away Cecil had the courage to speak up.

"Ma'am I feel guilty."

He started. Cadance stayed quiet as she looked down at him with encouraging eyes.

"You left the princess in my care and I disappointed you. I should have stayed awake and taken her home."

Cadence giggled which caught Cecil off guard. He was expecting to be yelled at or worse.

"By all means she is a adult and so are you. Am I wrong in assuming your father, well had the talk?"

He nodded his head with a small blush peppering his cheeks at her question but ultimately Cadence was relieved.

"Then Cecil as a parent hearing my daughter slept with you immediately shot panic through my heart but reading the letter she sent made it clear that you are a gentle kind soul who wouldn't take advantage of her."

Cadence stopped and looked down at him with a knowing smile.

"But I'm sure your guilt isn't from making us worry?"

He rubbed the back of his neck in a nervous tic.

"Now it is, but it's more for Flurry. I didn't want her to be in trouble…"

Cadence put her wing tip on Cecil's lips quieting him.

"She is not in trouble for spending the night per say. She is more in trouble for abusing you. At your age and I mean this with no offense but you aren't the smartest. Flurry is more developed and more cunning. Think back to how she run her hoof through your hair or scooted close to you without asking. She had already planned hours ahead that she was going to stay the night even days. Think about how she bought all the shampoo."

Cecil began to let his mind turn and think back. At first he had just assumed she was getting all that stuff for when they went to his house after school or to get ready for a night out on the fly. He never expected her to get that for a morning shower or the food she had picked out. She had stuff picked out for breakfast lunch and dinner. She had tricked him and he was feeling guilty for it.

"If she put that much work into it then why did she do it all? What was the reason?"

Cadence giggled some more

"If you haven't figured it out by now Cecil then I suggest you hurry."

"If you're saying she likes me more than a friend that idea was shot out of the sky. At dinner last night we talked about that and she told me she couldn't answer me."

Cadence arched her eyebrow as they started to walk again.

"Did you tell her how you feel?"

"I answered the question with a question."

Cadence hummed for a second as she walked on. When they got to the door both of them had been silent until She finally spoke up.

"Cecil, Flurry is going to be grounded for a week maybe more. She won't be attending classes or going out and don't worry, her teachers will come to the castle. I want you to take this time away from her and really think about how you feel and consider everything she has done and what you have done."

Cecil nodded and looked to Cadence one more time.

"Just please tell her, I'm not mad."

After that Cecil tipped his hat and walked away. Cadence stood there long enough to watch him walk away. From her experience with him he was nothing short of a wonderful man. He wasn't tainted with violence like his father and that golden forgiving heart of his proved it. Turning around she made her way back to Flurry Hearts room angrier then ever. How dare her own daughter take advantage of both her parents and Cecil's kindness. While the intention was wholesome the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Opening her daughter's room she found it dark with a lump on her bed covered in pillows and covers. The lump was silently crying and nearly all of Cadance's anger vanished. She walked up to Flurry's bed and sat on the edge.

"I know as a young girl, especially at your age, you want to experience different things and have your own adventures. You want to live for the moment and cross things off your bucket list all while trying to find that amazing prince to sweep you off your hooves, but useing others so you can gain something is not the way to accomplish that. I was furious that you, my daughter, would be so shallow and I still am peeved at your actions."

She sighed and rubbed the lump of pillows before standing up.

"Take as much time as you like to cry today and tonight, but tomorrow you will be in a maid outfit cleaning this castle. I am still mad but I understand and Cecil he told me to tell you he isn't mad."

With the lecture over Flurry heard the soft click of her door shutting and it was like her own heart shut off. She knew she had messed up and she had asked herself if it was worth it. Sometimes it was yes and other times it was no but knowing Cecil wasn't mad did lighten things up a little. For now she was going to take her mother's advice and cry. Crying hurt but it felt good afterward.

Flurry cried all day sulking in her room skipping lunch and dinner until finally sleep came and she was out. In the morning her mother once again opened the door and woke her up in the normal soft motherly voice. Flurry woke up rubbing her eyes and smiled seeing the warm smile of her mother or so she thought. The warm smile had been forged by her sleepy state and blurry eyes. Terror filled Flurry when she realized that smile was smug and in her levitation was a maid outfit with a complimentary feather duster. She pleaded but Cadance got her in the outfit and sent her downstairs with the other maids as their meeting was taking place.

Shocked faces were all around until Cadence explained this was punishment and she had temporarily lost princess privileges. The head mare was already informed of the situation and was under strict orders not to hold her back from duty. Flurry cleaned that castle top to bottom, scrubbing bathrooms, mopping floors, dusting furniture, and taking out the garbage. More than once she nearly lost her lunch at two of those things. By the end of it, her outfit was filthy as was her coat. Compared to the others who never seemed to attract a speck of dust. When her day was done she got out of her outfit and showered. Flopping on her bed she had never felt so tired in her life and had to wonder how Cecil kept up with a job, school, and his time with her. Just doing this job was enough to mentally exhaust her.

The days cycled and after a week Flurry Was allowed to attend the school again. The first thing she did was hunt Cecil down but she couldn't find him in the morning which wasn't unusual. She tried to catch him at lunch but just missed him walking away with Baron into the bathroom. Finally, she waited until the last class. She had this class with her and when he came in she smiled brightly. He saw her and smiled back at her. Flurry felt her heart explode and her stomach fill with butterflies.

During her week she had thought about him constantly to the point it was maddening. She had practiced her apology speech to him and many other things she wanted to say but now that he was here all that work and memorizing went down the drain. She sat back in her seat and watched as the other mares and stallions talked to him. It was strange just a week ago hardly any pony wanted to even be seen walking down the halls with him now they were trying to get his attention any way they could. Flurry leaned over to a mare tapping her on the shoulder.

"Hey, why is Cecil so popular?"

"Where have you been? In the week you have been gone he's been included with Barons elite when they played hoof ball and was really good. He's helped nearly all of us in this class pass yesterday's test, and turns out he's a really cool stallion to talk to."

Flurry sat back nervously biting her lip. In a week without her, Cecil had become popular with the whole school from how this mare talked. It worried her that maybe Cecil had forgotten her but at the end of class that all went away when he sat down next to her smiling brightly at her and then he pulled her into a hug.

She was shocked but quickly hugged him back tighter. The two stayed like that for a moment and broke apart. Cecil leaned back in his chair pulling his hat off his bag and properly setting it on his head. She had to shake her head a little bit but that was his signature look or at least the look she knew him for.

"So did you make a prison break or serve your sentence?"

"I paid my dues. Oh, it was awful and I have a newfound respect for all the work you put in. I was a maid for a day and I have never been that tired in my life."

Cecil's laughter gradually got louder as she told her little story until she finished. When she was done she was already in a fit of giggles knowing how silly she must have sounded.

"I am afraid to ask what?"

"Work one day and it beats you. Sorry, I just find that funny when I know I shouldn't laugh."

Flurry lightly punched him in the arm but she knew it was funny.

"Shall we leave then or would you rather keep laughing in an empty school."

Cecil rubbed his chin and smirked at her as he put his feet up on the desk and leaned back. He pulled his hat down putting his hands behind his head.

"I don't know I think these chairs are rather comfortable."

Flurry rolled her eyes and used her magic to lift him out of his chair and carry him out along with his things.

"Hey, this is cheating!"

Flurry kept walking with her head held high like Cecil was some sort of prize.

"Are you ready to leave?"

He chuckled a little. The fact she was willing to do this was funny in its own way and secretly it was a little scary at how defenseless he really was to an alicorn or really just a unicorn. She let him down and he got his balance back.

The two left the school heading to a local bookstore. Cecil wanted to pick up something to read other then his school books. Afterward, they made it to the park and relaxed enjoying their new books in peace. Flurry ended up laying her head in Cecil's lap while she read but other than that she didn't do anything else.

The two went on similar dates like before or just went to the park to relax while the grass was still green. As much as they could Flurry and Cecil were together and most of what happened had been forgotten about. One day Flurry caught Cecil when he was off and asked if he wanted to go to a party with her. He agreed and later after sunset she came by and the two were off. Cecil had been to a few parties mostly around campfires but nothing prepared him for this.

The first thing to see was hundreds of screaming and jumping ponies with red solo cups in hoof. Loud pop music screamed in his ears playing something that caught Cecil even more off guard.

"Are they saying put your ass up in the air?"

Flurry nodded as she started jumping up and down.

"This is where all the new music is and where all the cool ponies go."

Like clockwork when the main corpus came on all the mares put their flanks in the air including Flurry. Cecil seemed to reel back as his senses were breaking down. The next song made it worse as they all started dancing closer and closer until he was shoulder to shoulder. Claustrophobia started setting in as his eyes danced around the room. Smoke was filling the room as a song about smoking came on. After the second song, Cecil made a break for the bar. Flurry was hot on his heels worried he wasn't liking it.

"Cecil, are you okay?"

He nodded as he pounded two shots down.

"Yeah just, a little overwhelmed by the crowd. Not used to city parties."

She giggled and stood next to him.

"Take your time, we are here to have fun."

He nodded and poured back two more before stepping out and they went back to the dancing crowd or rather only the mares were shaking their flanks in front of the stallions who seemed to move slightly as they stared.

They stepped out and he tried to dance to the music until he saw Flurry doing the same as the other mares. It was a buzz kill. Sure he was probably the luckiest soul alive to have that as a view but it disturbed him. Finally, after his awkward three minutes, a real song came on. Energy flowed through him just like the other patrons. They jumped and moved their bodies enjoying the music. This trend went on for a while, enough that Cecil was starting to sweat. Once he got accustomed to the close distance with ponies he was fine mostly.

The lights, dark room, and fog mixed with the crazy erotic dancing still threw him into unbalance. It was okay for a while until a song called the bad touch came on. He had to leave the dance floor. Once again he was at the bar with Flurry. She could tell he was uncomfortable but he was taking it with a grain of salt. She appreciated his willingness to bear through it but at the expense of his own discomfort made her feel bad until a familiar voice talked next to them.

"Cecil and Flurry! By Joe you old chap what are you doing in a place such as this?"

"Baron!? I could ask you the same."

Cecil said and of course, Baron flicked his hair back as two mares came out of the shadows wrapping their arms over his neck.

"Just seeing the local populace and I must say it is quite alluring."

The mares giggled kissing his cheek. Flurry rolled her eyes while Cecil smirked.

"Flurry asked me to come here."

"Is that so….ladies if you do not mind my friend Cecil needs some company. Ok chap if you do not mind I would like to speak with the princess."

Cecil shrugged as he pulled up another shot. Baron guided Flurry away from the bar and sat her in a chair.

"Are you insane?"

He hissed through his teeth.

"What's your problem Baron? I thought you of all ponies would be happy to see him getting out."

Baron shook his head as his frown deepened and his eyes leveled with her own.

"you don't get it. While I am happy he is here Cecil is from the sticks where the biggest party he has been to is a bonfire with maybe twenty or so attendees."

Flurry took a second before she realized what she had done. This would be like riding a train and suddenly you were on a roller coaster. Cecil would be confused and lost to the social norms. No wonder he seemed so awkward and uncomfortable. She prodded her brain on what to do next but the only thing she could think of was to leave.

"Help me then I don't know how to handle this other then leave."

"Fallow me to my private table above the dance floor and I will handle everything."

She nodded and when they came back they were shocked to see Cecil and a large stallion pounding shots with a crowd cheering them on from behind. The Stallion was already getting red in the face while Cecil was calm. To either side of them were at least fifteen empty shot glasses. Cecil pushed his forward and the bartender poured his drink. Cecil leaned his head back and settle glass on his lip balancing it before jerking his head back. The glass did a flip and he caught it with his lips downing the contents. The crowd went wild with cheers as the two mares Baron had were now rubbing on Cecil.

Cecil grinned at the stallion who looked back at his drink. He bit his lip and hung his head pushing the glass over to Cecil. Cecil cheered as the stallion paid for all the shots. The crowd seemed to enjoy his enthusiasm and cheered with him. To add more to his show he jumped up on the bar grabbing two bottles. He tossed, spinned, and juggled those bottles in the air without spilling a drop all to a dance of the song. The crowd ate it up watching his show and even the DJ turned the song off to put on a better suited one.

Shots came on and Cecil was tossing bottles left and right. He jumped down with the bartender and fluidly lined glasses up on the counter and mixed twelve drinks. He finished the shots and poured the twelve in one go. The ponies up front eagerly grabbed them and clinked glasses before downing them. More shouting and cheering erupted when they turned throwing their hooves in the air as a testimony to how delicious they were. Like a wildfire with the music and Cecil's dancing, all ponies made their way to the bar.

"I-I don't believe it…" Baron started as he started at Cecil in astonishment. "I have been to the biggest cities and the most famous bars of all. Never have I seen a bartender this coordinated or crowd pleasing."

Flurry rubbed her temples as she tried to process how Cecil was this good.

"He seemed so tense and awkward but put him behind the bar and he's a completely different person."

Baron shook his head and leaned back watching the show. Cecil was a monster behind the bar and halfway through the party, the bartender had to shut down. He was shaking Cecil's hand vigorously as Baron and Flurry came up. Beside Cecil were the two mares who winked at Baron.
Once the bartender was gone Cecil turned seeing the both of them standing there. He grinned nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

"Okay, so I might have gotten a little buzzed and lost in the moment."

"Wait, you are telling me you were slightly buzzed?"

Baron asked in minor shock.

"Yeah, I mean I can do those tricks drunk but not with that many bottles."

Flurry and Baron both looked at each other in shock then back to Cecil. He truly didn't understand how amazing his talent was.

"Cecil if college doesn't work out let me know. I have contacts with some of the finest bars around Equestria. Just name the place and you have a job."

Cecil was a little okay a lot taken back from Baron's proposal. He knew he was good but to be accepted into the private bars where all the upper class go was a wild thought.

"I appreciate the offer but I think Ill stay here and finish."

Baron smiled "Suit yourself but the offer still stands." He looked to the mares and smiled "Ladies shall we be going?"

The mares smiled and went to Baron but not before brushing their tails against Cecil's cheek. That infuriated Flurry but she kept her cool especially seeing Cecil look at them with distaste. Finally, his attention was back on her.

"Well that happened. Hope Baron is smart and dumps those mares they smell worse than cow shit."

Flurry felt her eyes bulge. They were beautiful mares and he had the audacity to say that.

"Cecil that's not nice at all."

The human only shrugged as he crossed his arms with a uncaring expression.

"I've seen their type before. They ain't looking for a relationship. Their looking for a one night stand and I hate to tell Baron but it's going to be a corncob down a hallway for him if he makes it that far."

Flurry was about to ask his meaning until it clicked and her face was beaming red. Her coat wasn't going to save her this time and when Cecil finally realized what he said it was to late.

"Sorry….my filter is coming off being here."

"No no, it's fine I just...I have never heard that phrase or some pony talk about mares like that."

He chuckled as he started walking to the door.

"I try to keep that side locked away around you for that reason. You don't need to hear bar talk yet."

Flurry walked next to him as they made it to her home. She could only wonder what else this bar talk included. She was slightly embarrassed by it but another part made it sound fun. The two made it back to the castle talking about the party. Cecil had expressed how he didn't really enjoy dirty dancing. That made her feel way more embarrassed than the comment since she had shaken her flanks in his face. Though he never said he didn't enjoy it, he just said it made him uncomfortable. Getting inside they found Cadence and Shining in their living room and Flurry let the cat out of the bag.

"Mother, papa Cecil has an amazing talent he needs to show you."

Cecil rubbed the back of his neck laughing nervously as he felt the stares of Cadance and Shining.

Flurry set out two liquor bottles and a shot glass. Shining raised his eyebrow while Cadence wondered where this was going. Cecil spun the bottle in a simple motion in his hand but that wasn't good enough for Flurry. With a sigh, Cecil slowly got his rhythm and made the bottles dance as much as his own body was moving. At the end of the small show Cadence and Shining clapped. After which small talk about how he learned to do those tricks came into conversation. Before long it was time for Cecil to go home but as he stepped outside nearly a foot of snow was on the ground.

The parents and Flurry insisted he stay the night fearing the snowfall would turn into a blizzard but Cecil brushed them off and started his way home. By the time he was halfway to his apartment two feet of snow was on the ground as the wind threatened to blow him away. The snowfall was so big even the normal street lights were blocked out. Howling wind burned at his ears while his feet threatened to freeze from frostbite. Had he not had this life saving coat he would have been found in the fall after the snow melted. He tried to move another foot but something was holding him. Looking back he saw a white arm on his own and then a pony with ski goggles and a thick winter coat wearing a scarf.

"Let's get back to the castle!"

Shining shouted as he offered Cecil a scarf. He gladly took it and wrapped it around his face and neck. The two of them slowly made their way back to the castle, a trip that should have taken no more then ten minutes took nearly thirty. The snow was up to Cecil's waist and the wind was getting stronger. By this point they were digging their way to the castle. Shining kept the wind off of Cecil as he carried Shining on his back when the Snow got to deep for even him to walk through. It was life or death but Cecil never gave up the only sign he gave was a grunt or angry push to get through the building snow. finally reaching the castle doors the two pushed them open and tumbled inside as the howling winds tried to force the doors open. Thankfully the guards closed the doors.

Cecil and Shining laid on the floor taking in deep breaths. Rushing to Shinings side was Cadance worried sick about her husband. Flurry was at Cecil's side with the same worried look. The two mares helped them into the living room by the fire. They forced the coats off them and wrapped their bodies in warm blankets before leaving to quickly make hot soup.

"You know that was really dumb?"

Shining started and Cecil had to chuckle.

"Which part? Where I left or you coming to save me?"

This time Shining had to chuckle.

"Both I guess but somepony had to save you."

The two shared in a soft laugh before sighing as the heat soothed their frozen bones.

"Thank you. I really didn't know what I was going to do if I stayed out longer."

Shining put a hoof on Cecil's back.

"Cecil I know we had a rocky start but you are honestly going above and beyond what Cadance and I expected when we first heard you were coming. I owe your father a lot but don't consider this me repaying your father. This is my genuine appreciation for you being in my family's life."

Cecil smiled and went to hug Shining but he stopped him.

"Whoa whoa whoa I said I appreciate you but we aren't that close."

Cecil blushed and leaned away as the awkward feeling set in but Shining pulled him close in a hug.

"I'm just messing with you."

Cecil chuckled a little but he hugged him back and quickly let him go.

"So I have to ask before Flurry gets back. If it's okay with you I would like for her to come with me to Ponyville and stay with my family."

Shining let out a breath of air he didn't know he was holding.

"Foust I thought you were going to ask for her hoof in marriage."

Cecil felt his own eyes bug out his skull

"What!? Nonononono even if we have been dating this whole time that would be way to early."

Shining chuckled as he looked into the fire

"True but the timing would have been perfect. Anyway, I'll have to talk with your father to make sure proper sleeping arrangements are made and get his blessing of course."

Cecil nodded. His dad had already cleared everything. Flurry would have her own room while Cecil would have his. It would be a long shot but the idea of having Flurry stay with him and experience the small town life would be a fun experience at the very least give Cecil a breath of that crisp country air. Their short moment of bonding was interrupted when the Mares came back in with steaming bowls of soup.

"Cecil, are you crazy? What were you thinking?"

Flurry asked with a worried look. Cecil smiled as he took the bowl of soup. Both mares sat beside the stallion and man rubbing a tender hoof over their backs. Flurry was of course still waiting on an answer as Cecil blew on his spoon.

"That I could beat the snow fall but I guess my luck ran out."

Flurry shook her head and lightly smacked the back of his head.

"You're a goofball."

The two shared in a soft laugh as the parents smiled warmly at the sight. As Shining had expressed before comparing Cecil to his father was like apples to oranges. When Alex had appeared in the world for the first time he was filled with anger, resentful to the princesses, and always looking for a fight. Cecil was patient, full of life, and tries to avoid violence as much as possible. Shining knew Cecil made Alex proud and it made him wonder if Flurry and Cecil would make a couple. Of all the souls in the world Cecil would be in Shinings top five to give his daughter away to.