The war hero's shadow

Flurry was still blushing bright and only had enough nerve left to nod her head vigorously. Cecil shook his head with a smile of his own at Flurry's new embarrassment. The two left the carousel boutique as Cecil tried to think of a new place to eat. There was a fine restaurant called the golden oat. It would be something he could see Flurry eating at but if she wanted just a snack then a local hey burger joint would be more convenient. He was deep in thought when he felt Magic wrap around his midsection stopping him in his tracks. Coming back to reality Cecil looked around to see what the sudden stop had been for.His answer quickly came when he saw an Orange stallion with Shaggy alburn hair that threatened to cover his eyes and a pitchfork for a cutie mark.

This particular Stallion had been one of Cecils old Highschool buddies. Cecil could feel the memories he had with this individual just brewing in his brain as the Stallion grinned a big goofy grin at Cecil. He turned holding his hoof out. Cecil took it and the two pulled each other close bumping chests.

“How you doing you crazy son of a bitch?” Cecil asked with his own big goofy grin. The stallion laughed as he pulled away setting his hoof down still not seeing that the princess was standing right there.

“Working like a borrowed mule, I just got today off after nearly six straight days.” He lightly punched Cecil in the arm tilting his head a little. “Hows that fancy college life treating you, hope you haven't been raising to much hell?”

Cecil laughed loudly as he turned to Flurry with a proud smile. “Well Haymaker this here is Flurry Heart and she is my marefriend.”

Haymaker couldn't contain his laughs as he shook his head “Sweet Celestia Cecil, I always knew you were a ladies man but ill be damned if I ever thought you could woo a Princess.” He took a small bow for the Princess. “You got your hooves full with this one Princess, Id watch him, trouble has a way of finding him even when hes just minding his business.”

Flurry giggled as she rolled her eyes “Oh don't I know. You should hear some of the things Cecil has gotten involved in. Why I remember when he first arrived he was balancing a full time job with his school and nearly ran himself into a early grave.”

Haymaker looked at Cecil again barely able to contain his chuckles “I always knew you were a hard worker but a full time job and School, Cecil I don't see how you do it.”

Cecil shrugged as he put an arm around Flurry pulling her close. She hummed softly as she nuzzled against him.

“Well you know my dad, You can rest when you die and all that bullshit. Speaking of parents. Hows your old man doing?”

Haymakers stance changed as a grim look came over his face. He pawed at the ground for a second And Cecil was begging to regret asking about the subject before Haymaker sighed.

“Cecil I know you ain't been in town for a while and the only one you talked to is your dad. But my old man passed at the beginning of winter. He had a heart attack in his sleep and by the time we got him to the hospital he had done passed on. Its been rough but me and ma manage.”

Cecil and Flurry both felt bad for him but instead of crying Cecil put a hand on Haymakers shoulder giving him a warm smile.

“Sorry for bringing up a hard subject, and thank you for understanding my ignorance. If there's anything and I mean anything you need from me do not hesitate to ask. You know I have your back.”

Haymaker smiled bitterly as he nodded to Cecil. The mood was a bit darker and Flurry was amazed at how well Cecil could handle himself in such a tender moment. She had always seen him in fights or fighting with his own problems but seeing how he handled one he considered a close friend was wonderful. Before the moment could get any worse Cecil spoke up again.

“Well we were actually on our way to get food, want to come and grab a quick snack before we head out?”

Haymaker smiled once again as he focused on the suggestion. “Hell yeah brother, you know im always willing to eat free food.”

Cecil laughed nudging Haymaker in the shoulder “Then what are we waiting on fatass, lets go eat.”

Flurry nearly stepped back in shock. Cecil had just gotten done apologizing and seeing how tender the stallion was and now he was calling him a fatass but the boys were laughing and carrying on like that moment had never happened. If something like that had happened to Flurry she would have thought about it all day and more then likely tried to go home and lay in her bed with all the lights off. The two didn't seem to notice as Haymaker smacked his belly with a big grin.

“I am a fatass damn it, I put to much money into this thing to ever lose the weight.”

He chuckled as he smacked the side of his stomach.

The boys laughed throwing mean comments right after the other. It was a strange feeling but Flurry knew they were only teasing the comments just made her uncomfortable. She refused to say anything about and instead they made it to a place called Recco’s. A small hay burger joint that really didn't have much in the way for a menu but it would do for a small snack or lunch break unlike the restaurant Cecil, Barron, and herself frequent back in the Crystal Empire. For the most part Flurry was only paying half a mind to the conversation since it was mostly about modern politics, a subject she was all to familiar with but something caught her ears attention.

“Yeah you remember when Shovel got that blowy on the schools back steps by Black Kettle.”

“Shiit how could I forget Cecil, poor ol boy had the biggest smile on his face, but who could forget the legend himself when you decided to try and get with a teacher.”

“I was failing the class and I did say i would do anything to make it better.” He said the last part in his flirtatious voice causing the two young men to laugh and Flurry to get a little involved.

“”You were willing to sleep with a teacher just to get a better grade? Cecil my word how brash and crude of you to toy with a ladies heart like that.”

Haymaker chuckled softly as he took a bite of his hay fry. “You think thats bad. Cecil met a gal he was trying to date at a bonfire and later that night she tried to sneak him in her father's home.”

Before Haymaker could finish Cecil was already sighing and continued the story. “What he didn't tell you is the father and mother were both unicorns. So while I was busy putting the moves on her she liked to moan loudly and finally her father opened the door to see a naked me ontop of his daughter. I swear he nearly burned his own home down when he casted that fireball.”

Flurry laughed and tried to imagine how the poor mare must have been feeling. Flurry would have been a mix of scared and angry at her father if he busted open her door like that but then again if they ever did something like this then she wanted it to be special and away from her parents. Part of the reason she was excited to come to Ponyville was so Cecil and her could try some things. She figured he would be to nervous in the kingdom but here on his own stomping grounds he could be relaxed and not worry about her father or mother.

“That sounds dreadful but Cecil dear if we ever do something like that please don't run. Just let me handle everything or let mother handle things.”

Cecil looked nervous as she spoke about that. It was one thing talking about his past relationships with a old friend it was another to talk about what he and Flurry would do together. Haymaker gave a confused look at Cecil.

“My guy can we talk a little in private?”

Cecil nodded and the two walked away with Flurry holding a knowing smile on her face. It was fairly obvious as to what they would be talking about and she was more then likely going to be the main point of this conversation. Just from the short stories of Cecil she was fairly certain he was a ladies stallion during his time in high school and knowing he hadn't touched an inch of her was going to be a shock to most of his friends. It made her giggle on the inside but she was glad they had waited even though his block headedness nearly cost them both a healthy relationship she was glad all they did was hug and kiss for now, but she had been planning this moment for months ever since she decided he was going to be hers. First was to start slow. Sneak into his room and make sure he knew she was there, then ‘accidentally’ tease him over two days while they slept together or walked around. Drive him crazy and finally he would make the moves and their bond would be sealed. She knew she should wait for marriage and had she been with any other stallion she would have. Flurry found the idea of fornication before marriage disgusting but she could find and exception with Cecil. He was wild in his youth with no real mother to teach him how to be a gentlecolt surrounded by what she could assume were soldiers and booze plus his own father. There was a lot of forgiveness she could give but her main reason was a simple one. She had the strongest feeling that her and Cecil were going to be together forever. She might have the title as his marefriend but in her mind they were engaged and just needed to have the wedding. Her daydreaming was abruptly halted when she saw the angry look on Cecil as he stepped away from Haymaker. The best she could get out of her lip reading was the conversation had started out friendly but Cecil was not going to do any of that with her. It concerned her a little bit. Did Cecil not find her as attractive as she thought he did or was he simply angry with his friend for trying to poke his nose in a place it didn't belong. Flurry didn't know but her mind was racing at Cecils repulsed reaction.

Cecil and Haymaker sat back down quickly getting over the small argument and changing the subject to the time when they had a wrestling match. The moment went on like this but eventually, Haymaker said his goodbyes claiming that he had errands to run. After saying goodbye Cecil suggested they head back to the bar. Flurry leaned up giving him a kiss on the lips. The two separated with smiles plastered on their faces like they had just won the lottery. Making their way to the bar Flurry was in for a treat. When they had left the bar was empty with a few circling ponies desperate to come in and now it was packed and business was in full swing. Nearly all the patrons knew Cecil on some type of personal level including a old rival.

Shovel Point had grown into a massive pony with huge muscles. His main was cut short while his chin was peppered with a five o clock shadow. He had some light scars but nothing that wasn't to noticeable. When he saw Cecil he stepped down from his bar stool and at his standing his head was even with Cecil's own eyes. Flurry was in shock and awe at the mighty Stallion but that didn't last long when Cecil nudged her with a cheeky smile.

“I know he's hot but he does have a marefriend.”

Flurry blushed brightly and swatted Cecil with her wing.

“Th-that was not what I was thinking about.”

The two guys shared a light chuckle at Flurry’s expense before Cecil asked if they could take a table. The three found a empty table fairly easily. After getting seated Cecil grabbed their drinks. Another margarita for Flurry and a double shot of whiskey for Cecil while Shovel Point sipped on a scotch. The three shared in one sip enjoying the taste of their poison before Shovel Point smiled at Cecil.

“Feels like it's been forever old friend.”

Cecil waved him off as he put an arm behind Flurry’s neck. “It does, but it could always be worse.” He said giving Flurry a glace with a knowing smile.

Shovel point took note of this and smiled warmly at the two of them. “It's good to see there is at least one mare in this world that can tame him.”

Flurry smiled as she cuddled into Cecil's chest throwing one of her forelegs over his stomach “I wouldn't go as far to say I tamed him, but its more like he eventually learned I was right all the time.”

Cecil rolled his eyes as he booped her nose “As much as I hate to say it she is as usual right.”

“How did you to end up meeting, While Cecil is a outgoing person, in school and work he normally keeps his head down and theres….that rep that follows you.”

At the mention of Alex's shadow Flurry and Cecil got somber but quickly pushed it behind them and told their epic tale of how they meet all the way up to the point when they kissed. The entire time Shovel Point was enthralled and captivated by each word. Hearing that his friend was having a lifetime experience was warming to hear, He was a little jealous that Cecil had managed to escape the mundane life of Ponyville but at the same time Cecil was always adventurous and when he wanted something he was going to work hs ass off until he managed to obtain it.

“That was one hell of a tale. Almost makes me want to try my hand at college and become an engineer.”

Cecil leaned forward with a smile “The only one stopping you is yourself.”

Shovel point smirked “Think so?” He reached in his saddle bag and pulled out a picture of his wife and baby daughter. “Had that one three months after you left. On top of that me and Black kettle just finished building our house. Funds aren't the best right now for any college dream.”

Cecil smiled brightly at the picture. He never expected Shovle Point to be a father or a husband but here he was proof in the picture. “Well hell, colored me impressed. She's beautiful Point. You’ve done good for yourself and are really making a name. I give it a couple years and you’ll be running that place as foreman.”

“Thank you Cecil, it's been about damning though. I work from sun up to sun down five days a week and the two days I get off the wife wants me to spend time with little Aquiras….Im just to damn tired I barely feel like a pony on my days off throw a screaming filly and pissed off wife on top of that….”

Flurry reached over the table with her wing to lightly touch his hoof. “Nothing in this world is more troublesome then raising a filly. Even my parents with all the help offered by maids still decided to raise me by themselves and it nearly killed them. Find somepony any pony to take her for a day and you and your wife leave the house. It doesn't have to be a day trip it can be at the park or the icecream shop. Just someplace where it can only be you two.”

Shovel Point listened closely to what the princess had to say after all her mother was the princess of love. He rubbed his chin a little mulling over the idea she had. It could be a perfect idea to save both their sanities but at the same time could they find someone to foul sit even for a few hours. Smiling brightly he gave her a nod of thanks.

“I will try it, after all nothing risked nothing gained.” HE chuckled grasping his glass of scotch and tipping it back.

“Speaking of that..” Flurry started “What's it like being married?”

Cecil looked a little uncomfortable at the question but Shovel Point quickly waved a hoof to calm him down. “Aint nothing else like it in the world. Sure we argue and stress but at the end of each day we lay in bed tired as all can be and slowly roll over to look each other in the eyes and say we love each other. That little moment among others like…when she makes me my lunch while i take my shower and get ready or when I get home from work and shes busy finishing up dinner I wash and fold the clothes. Its truly a give and take and for all the trouble it is I wouldn't trade it for the world.”

Flurry Heart was practically melting at his words. This was the ideal Stallion to have in her eyes that didn't mean Cecil was any less.

“That's so adorable and sweet to say. If I were your wife I would be gushing with happy feelings after hearing something like that.”

Shovel Point rubbed the back of his neck in a nervous manner “Really, It sounds kinda cheesy.”

Cecil winked at him “Trust me girls eat that kind of stuff up. It's just the right amount of cheese they like.” Flurry confirmed this with a small nod of her own.

Shovel Point chuckled a little bit but a big smile grew on his lips happy that his old friend and ew marefriend were able to cheer him up a bit and give him some good advice. He looked at the clock on the wall and sighed downing his drink in one go.

“Its been fun Cecil…Princess, but I promised the wife id be home at a timely manner and we are about to pass the red zone.”

The two chuckled as they watched Shovel Point get up “IF it's all the same to you id like to see you again.”

Shovel Point laughed as he tossed the owed bits on the table. “Hell if I ever get a day off come find me.”

“Don't tempt me you know I’ll kidnap you.”

Shovel Point pounded on his chest with a cheeky smirk “You just try, I ain't the colt that beat on you in school no more.”

Cecil laughed “And I ain't the scrawny little human neither. I done whooped your ass once I can do it again big fella.”

The two shared in a laugh one more time before Shovel Point waved and headed for the door finally he was gone and it was time for Flurry's curious side to have some questions answered.

“Okay what in the world were you two talking about?”

Cecil chuckled as he took a sip of his drink savoring the taste for once. “Well my precious Fluury, That was my elementary and middle school bully. He along with Fast Skies and Yarn Heart use to use me as their personal punching bag. At first it scared me but eventually, I say some time near our last year of middle school it became less about bullying and more about who was the toughest. We joined the wrestling team freshman year really bonding. That's the very short version of it.”

Flurry followed along and that was interesting. Befriending your bullies was a strange outcome but if anyone could do it Cecil was at the front of that line.

“I would like to go upstairs please.” She said with a small yawn. Her wings stretching out with the yawn giving everyone a glimps of her beautiful and radiant wings.

Cecil was among the ones who decided to watch the show before he smiled and headed upstairs with her. In her room the cuddled together staring out the window watching the sun go down. The fading sun touching the distant Canterlot city, outlining all of its features in a black silhouette only added to the magical sight of the oranges and yellows flowing across the land. The sight was so beautiful neither spoke as they watched until finally the sun vanished behind the mountains and the moon rose just shortly after as Twilight painted the sky with a brilliant starry masterpiece. Flurry cuddled closer to Cecil gently closing her eyes as she listened to his heartbeat While Cecil rubbed her back enjoying her body heat and comforting weight.

“Cecil….do you plan on marrying me someday?”

Flurry asked in an innocent and curious voice. The question didn't catch Cecil off guard to much considering they had spoken to Shovel Point and his marriage.

“Someday I do. Though I would have liked the opportunity to propose.”

Flurry giggled like a little filly as she looked up into his eyes kissing the bottom of his chin.

“I never asked when I just simply asked would you?” She took a pause before kissing his chin again. “I love you.” She softly said.

Cecil looked down at her kissing her lips. “I love you to but still knowing you are going to be marrying me someday defeats the surprise of an engagement ring.”

Flurry rolled over so she straddled him. Her wings slowly spread out to their full width before curving inward to cup his cheeks. “Cecil Steel, you clueless man. I love you with everything my heart has to offer. I just….please dont be cross with me….I have no doubt in your heart the love you have for me is on par with the love I have for you. I just want to hear the words you want to marry me someday.”

She ran a hoof through his hair smiling at him like he was her most precious treasure “I can't live without you.”

She wanted to tell him she was worried that this was all a dream, that he would grow tired of her or the glow of their relationship would falter. She had a million negative thoughts in her head that she wanted to voice but she was scared to let them out. She didn't want to give Cecil worry but how long could she keep these thoughts inside her. As if he could read her mind he gently reached a hand up cupping her cheek and rubbing against her soft fur.

“Flurry you mean the world to me and I promise that I'm not going anywhere. You said yes to me when I was skeptical about losing you but now that I'm here I'm not going anywhere.” He leaned up kissing her on the lips as his strong arms wrapped around her pulling her close. “You'd have to be the one to send me away.”

His words made her tear up and hug him back tightly. She didn't audibly cry but the tears still stained on his shirt. Every sniff of his scent eased her that much more while his strong arms slowly melted away her anxiety. She could have rested in that position forever but eventually, he laid back down and she rested her head on his chest. Cecil ran his fingers through her hair and as much as she wanted to keep staring at his face with all her admiration her eyes slowly closed relaxing at his touch. The two laid there for hours eventually falling asleep in each other's arms when Alex came to check on them after closing the bar down. Opening the door he found the two fast asleep and Cecil still clothed. He was relieved that they hadn't done anything but just before he was to leave Flurry woke up and waved at him. Alex just closed his eyes and shut the door.

Thinking she did something wrong she carefully got out of bed and left the room. She caught a glimpse of him going downstairs and followed. Just turning the corner she saw the man staring at her just a step away from the bottom. His eyes glaring holes in her while his stern jaw made him look like he was mad at her.

“What.” Is all he asked but it came out more like an order.

Standing a little straighter Flurry bit her lower lip trying to formulate the words “C-can we talk?”

her nerves were practically shot being alone in Alex's presence but she had some things to say and talk about if he would have her company. Thankfully he nodded and headed to the bar. The bar itself had closed at three like it always did. The chairs were stacked on the freshly whipped tables, all the glasses cleaned and put away for the next days use, all the lights but the actual bar lights turned off. It was a earie sight being in a restaurant but Flurry pushed it aside as she took a seat next to Alex.

“Do you like me?”

His answer was fast and crisp as he pulled a cigarette out. “If I didn't I would have told you.”

“Then why do you always look at me like I did something wrong?”

“When you have been through what I have, you always have this look.”

Flurry looked at the bar just wondering what she could say next. Her hoof ran circles in the wood but an idea came to mind.

“Would you like to have the day with Cecil tomorrow?”

“I would like to have the week, but he has his head up your ass.”

That comment hit Flurry square in the heart. She didn't even think about Alex and how he must be dealing with this. Shining Armor only had to be without Flurry for a week while Alex had been waiting nearly five months to see his son for a week only for him to be spending the majority of the time with her.

“I…..I'm sorry.”

“Sorry doesn't fix a broken plate.” He said blowing a cloud of smoke

“We both want to spend time with Cecil. I want to know more about him and…”

Alex cut her off with just a simple hand to her face. “We aren't going to make some schedule like divorced parents. He's a grown ass man. If he wants to see me then he will.”

That comment set a fire in Flurry and for once during this entire trip she felt the courage to talk back to Alex instead of tip toeing around on eggshells.

“Do you even know what Cecil really wants from you? He wants you to be affectionate, He has no doubt in his mind that you love him but that's just not enough. He wants you to show affection to him. Shut down the bar for a few days and just ask him to spend time with you. Im not at all saying you coddle him like he's a foul but show effort you want to be with him instead of assuming that just because he's his own man he will seek you out.” Flurry growled a little in frustration “Cecil has only ever talked about you in one of two ways. Either you are a nightmare parent or you are his saving angle when he needed your help and trust me the nightmare version comes up more then the angle.”

Alex narrowed his eyes at the wall and suddenly all of her confidence left her body when his head slowly turned to meet her eyes for the first time. Those eyes she thought she had seen the worst when he was talking to Cecil but now those hardened eyes were focused on her and they were furious. She was finally able to understand why Cecil had never talked back to Alex he had a look in his eyes that demanded attention and obedience.

“Is that true? Was I that hard on him that he can only talk about the bad times?”

Flurry nodded and Alex finally blinked taking in a deep breath of air. The sigh that came after was like a locomotive releasing all of its steam at once. He looked back at his glass pausing for a moment.

“When you and Cecil wake up send him my way in the morning.”

Flurry nodded as she got down from her bar stool and watched as Alex poured himself a drink sitting quietly in thought. Maybe what she said got to him. She didn't want to risk her luck and quietly made her way back to her room cuddling up next to Cecil. The whole thing kept replaying in her mind as she couldn't get the image of that look that killer look out of her head. She thought she could at least sympathize with Cecil's pain for his father but she was wrong so hopelessly wrong.

Flurry was up and down all night long with small nightmares of the talk but eventually she did find a few hours of sleep. When she woke up Cecil wasn't beside her and the sun was already in shining brightly in the room. By the position she would have guessed it to be around nine or ten in the morning. Hoping everything was alright she made her way down the stairs cautiously only to find it empty. Curious she heard muffled voices and peaked her head out of a window overlooking the porch. She saw Cecil and Alex sitting in rocking chairs with Carmellia and Rockwell all drinking coffee just watching the day pass along. It wasn't what she would have considered a fun time but Cecil had a warm smile on his face while Alex had a much softer look. She wished they could have stayed like that forever but she needed to go to Rarity’s and look over those sketches.

Walking out the door she smiled to everyone. “I'm heading to Rarity’s.” Cecil was about to get up but she quickly flew over to him gently pressing a wing into his chest to sit him down. “It will be fine besides you wouldn't find our conversation engaging.”

“Are you sure?” He asked a little confused since they did everything together so far.

“I am positive unless you want to talk about how pretty the colors are or what lace pattern looks good on different dresses or…”

Cecil held his hands up in surrender “Okay okay I give. You win.”

Flurry giggled leaning in to kiss his lips. “Thought so, ill be back when we finish. Honestly, I don't know what time but it shouldn't be more then maybe three hours so around noon.”

“I will have lunch ready. Can I expect you to be here?” Alex asked in his normal flat tone of voice. Flurry smiled at him giving him a nod and then she was off. Stepping off the porch she spread her wings and took flight. Lazily gliding above the town she took in the wonders the morning sun offered. Smiling she flapped her wings heading straight up pushing them as hard as she could before bursting through the clouds. The cloud dust slowly falling off her body as the sun reflected off her brilliant fur. She was a sight for any to see but her attention was to Cloudsdale in all its glimmering glory. Puffy clouds like cotton candy rolled like the hills of Ponyville while the city buzzed with pegasus in the morning rush. It was so beautiful and gave Flurry the idea to visit with Rainbow Dash to explore one day during the week but for now she closed her eyes and let her body fall back through the hole. Wind rushing past her ears while her stomach slightly rolled at the sinking feeling. When she couldn't stand it any longer she twisted opening her eyes and spreading her wings wide again to zoom off.

Her tail had a small streak thanks to her speed but it was short lived as she slowed down gliding to Rarity’s home. Landing in front of the door she knocked lightly and the White unicorn mare quickly answered with a smirk. “Seems someone went flying today.”

Flurry was confused but Rarity pulled out a mirror for Flurry to see for herself. Flurry giggled along with Rarity as a small blush peppered her cheeks. She had bits of cloud stuck in her main and tail. A quick pat down and everything was back to normal. Rarity let her in and the two sat down for a proper tea session.

“I came up with three sketches last night that I think Cecil will like, but then again this is Cecil and like any stallion stuffy clothes are not their style.”

Flurry looked over each drawing with careful gaze and scrutiny as she listened to Rarity “I have a plan in mind to get him to wear it. His stubbornness is also his weakness.”

“Oh do tell. I love a good drama.”

Flurry set the drawings down taking a sip of tea “Well we both know he hates to wear the clothes so I won't push him to wear them if he does go however it would be a shame if what he originally wore happened upon a happy accident of wine or tomato juice or all his clothes in the barracks happened to vanish for a mass cleaning.”

Rarity was positively clapping her hooves at the plan. “Oh that is devious, but I don't see how it's going to play into his stubbornness.”

Flurry smiled as she sipped her tea once more “That of course is plan b but plan a is nagging. I've been around Cecil long enough I know what buttons to push to get him moving in the direction I want. Fluff up that ego a little, flirt with him while he tries it on, Little stuff that stays in his mind to digest later once he decides he going to wear the suit nothing in this world will stop him.”

Rarity smiled warmly as she held her teacup out to toast. “Cleaver girl indeed, Cecil should be careful not to get on your bad side.”

Flurry put a hoof to her chest tilting her head slightly as she fluttered her eyes “Meee? Im just a sweet little innocent princess.”

The two shared in a laugh as Rarity refilled the teacups

“Goodness, darling I haven't laughed like this in some time. It's refreshing to have something new come through those doors again. I remember when Twilight er Princess Twilight was still just a unicorn. It seemed like we had adventure after adventure learning true values of friendship and learning more about each other each day.”

Flurry smiled warmly at Rarity's story, it was easy to see in the old mare's eyes that she missed going on adventures but all her friends were busy with their lives and she had a major business to run.

“It's almost a shame, Cecil has no idea how lucky he is to have you make his clothes.” Flurry said trying to change the subject. It worked as Rarity giggled waving her off a little.

“It's honestly refreshing. Cecil looks at me like a friend instead of Rarity the greatest fashion designer. He's the only client I still work with because of that, he is humble, and even if he doesn't like what I make he still smiles and wears the clothes proudly. You are right though, he really has no idea the significance that those three diamonds mean.”

Flurry giggled a little more hearing this. It was sweet to hear Cecil was always well Cecil a goofy fun loving carefree stallion.

“I plan to keep it that way for you too but I can't speak for everypony at the party. I have a feeling Prince Baron will say something about it.”

Rarity rolled her eyes “Well i suppose the cat had to leave the bag at some point.”

Flurry nodded as she finished the tea. The girls talked more gossip and a little about the suits refining the design Flurry picked as she talked about the dress she had picked out for the ball. Rarity took notes and once business was taken care of the girls just sat and talked some more like they could never run out of things to talk about finally she caught the cloak and smiled standing up.

“Rarity I have enjoyed this conversation greatly but I did promise I would be back by lunch.”

Rarity stood up as her magic started gathering the tea cups and kettle.

“Of course, it has been marvelous talking with you and if you ever want to stop by and talk some more simply knock on my door.”

Flurry smiled warmly at the offer and pulled Rarity into a tight hug. “You're the best Rarity!”

Rarity rolled her eyes a little as she hugged the princess back with her own tight hug “I don't know about the best but I do manage.”

The girls shared in one more laugh before Flurry waved goodbye and flew straight back to the bar where Everyone was still sitting outside in rocking chairs. They never even moved and still never talked. It was strange but thankfully when she landed Alex got up and following behind him was Carmillia. Cecil smiled at Flurry “We were just waiting on you before we started lunch.”

“If I had known that I would have come back sooner.” she teased walking up to the rocking chair to take a seat in between Cecil and Rockwell

Rockwell laughed as he downed the last of his coffee. “We would have been fine, Lord knows Alex can do without a meal or two, now that bottomless pit you call a coltfriend his stomach has been growling for the past hour.”

Flurry tried not to laugh but it came out in a roll of sing song harmony “Don't I know. He's just like my father. They could eat us out of house and home, if me and my mother let them raid the kitchen.”

Rockwell slapped his knee in laughter while Cecil just smiled as a small blush appeared on his face “You hear that Cecil me boy, even the princess thinks your a fatass.”

Cecil grinned as he got up to refill his drink “Better then an oldass Rockwell.”

“O is that true, I hate to say it but this old timer can still bend you over his knee.”

“I’ll be gentle and try to keep you from breaking a hip.”

The two laughed hysterically at the insults for a second before Rockwell slapped Cecil on the back “Go on and get the lady a drink Cecil. No reason for her to hear this kind of foul mouth language.”

Once Cecil was inside Flurry arched an eyebrow at him “I honestly never understood the banter between stallions. It seems mean the way you talk to each other even though I know your joking.”

Rockwell smirked as he got comfortable in his rocking chair “Well You know how girls like to compliment each other like say your eyes are so beautiful, or I love the way you did your main today?” Flurry nodded following along “Boys are just the same except we use insults. If we didn't give each other hell it would mean something is wrong or we didn't like you. Males from any breed are naturally drawn to conflict and want to be known as a alpha so this type of banter is just a way to….stroke the ego by letting the other know they are an equal….Hell I don't know but what I do know is it's fun.”

Camellia came out with a fresh cup for Rockwell. She rested her head on his shoulder while her free claw rubbed his head

“It's just boys being boys Princess, nothing more nothing less, and if you hang around this crowd a little to long you two will catch the shit.”

Flurry got a nervous look about her “I have never been spoken to like that before and I definitely have never spoken to anyone like that before either.”

Carmilla smiled as she kissed the side of Rockwell's cheek and returned to her normal rocking chair

“You’ll learn. In this family, you have to have thick skin. We are like a pack of wolves we kick you while your down.”

Flurry was getting really nervous as she thought about last night with her talk with Alex. Was he so accustomed to not showing emotion because he saw it as a sign of weakness that he inadvertently never showed Cecil emotion out of habit? Then again Alex for almost his entire life on Equestria was a soldier and from what Shining had told Flurry about war its that emotions get you killed.

“I guess….you will just have to….pull me down then you….old….bird.” She tried to make the insult but her voice steadily got higher in octaves and started cracking the longer she tried to force the sentence out. Carmilla and Rockwell gave her a stern look and Flurry panicked for a second squirming in her chair before the two of them laughed some more.

“A little lacking on the delivery but a solid comeback never the less.” Carmilla stated as she turned to go back in. She stopped at the door giving Flurry a sweet smile.

“Oh, and we are having Caesar salad, apple fritters, steak, and hay fries.”

“Thats perfect Carmilla, do you need help in the kitchen?” Flurry asked still surprised at how calm she was around the meat.

Carmilla was a bit apprehensive at first and then she shrugged “If you have the stomach for it.” She said walking into the bar and then to the kitchen.

Flurry followed suit just as Cecil was making his way back with a glass of lemonade. “I’ll be in the kitchen helping Carmilla. I want to see how meat is actually cooked.”

Cecil sucked his lips in still nervous about her seeing something like that, but he had to remind himself she wasn't a porcelain doll and she could make decisions for herself. “Alright but if its gets to bad for you dont feel ashamed if you need to leave.”

Flurry smacked his butt with a hoof giving him a confidant smile “Don't you worry, I know my limits.” Cecil smirked and shrugged heading back out front to sit with Rockwell.