The moment Louis got home, Sandra hurried to him. "Glad to see you, but we had a visitor, and spraying for them won't help."

Louis paused at the door. "Oh boy, which one?"

"Jacob, the one that gave me the hat." Sandra gestured to her hat-less head. "It's gone. He took it back. I think he also stole one of your shirts, the purple one."

Louis snorted. "I could easily buy a replacement. I assume you weren't hurt or anything?"

She shook her head quickly. "All intact, but that was creepy! He was just there suddenly, spouting his usual cryptic things at me. Is that a mage thing? Jay didn't do it as often, but she could."

Louis shrugged back. "Mages are all over the place, I think. What's important is that you're safe." He leaned over and kissed her. "So, shall we cook up something tasty?"

She nodded eagerly, leaning against him and nuzzling into his chest with an exhale of contentment. "Good idea, just, sorry." She detached to stand on her own. "I think part of me was kinda hoping we were done with all of that, here. Him appearing out of nowhere really rattled me."

Louis gently stroked along her back. "It's fine. We're going to be fine, you know why?" Sandra shook her head slowly. He grinned at her. "Because we have each other."

"Aw." She went in for a peck on his cheek with a giggle. "That was stupid, but just what I needed to hear."

"Come on, let's make some food, then maybe play a game or something. Just chill out for the night." He led her into the kitchen, where he started to get out ingredients.

"You know." She looked pensive a moment. "I haven't played a game I wasn't in the middle of streaming in a while." She laughed. "Let's do it. What'cha making, by the way?"

He waved at the ingredients. "I was thinking steak and veggies. How does that sound?"

She smiled. "Sounds delicious." She slipped in beside him and got to reaching. "And like something I can help with. I'll handle those veggies."

Louis smiled over at her. "It's nice to have you here. Not just to help, but... it feels more lived in when you're around." He shrugged at that, a little embarrassed by how silly it sounded. "I had a lot less reasons to have a chat when I was alone." He got a pan going. "I like it."

She smiled and hugged him gently. "I'm glad." She pecked his cheek. "You're pretty great."

He smirked as he started up the meat. "Pretty great, eh?"

She snorted softly. "Were you hoping for a 'Very amazingly great'? I'll taste what you make before considering that upgrade." She wagged her finger at him lightly.

Louis laughed. "Challenge accepted!" He grinned and patted her on the shoulder. "I'll make you something delicious. You'll see."

Sandra nodded and turned to focus on her veggies.

Soon enough, they both had a plate with each other's work adorning them and they went as a happy couple to the living room.

They chatted and ate, taking turns feeding each other, and Sandra actually broke down in giggles. "Okay. You get that upgrade." She leaned against Louis with a softer giggle. "That was delicious." Her worries felt much further away, allowing herself to play the evening away, snuggled against her new partner.

***

The next day, she did a stream for her fans and made progress in the game she was playing with them. She checked chat and smiled. "Oh, it's nice to see you here again!" The screen name was familiar: Equestriagirl111. "Yeah. I'm getting along pretty well with my new partner. We have a real nice little domestic situation."

The chat flooded with new questions, and some repeats. "Yes. Yes, he's cute." She giggled lightly. "What do I like about him? Oh geez, that's going to get me swarmed by curious Herdmates." She pressed into the game, at least until the next time she died. "He's supportive. He laughs at my jokes. He has some of his own, and he's just always there for me. Um, not that I'm super needy or anything, and I try to be right back there for him, but it's one of his better qualities."

She giggled and pushed through to the next section of the game, leaping from one rooftop to another in-game.

The chatbox flooded with comments about her being a good friend. Sandra gave a light shrug. "I try to be a good streaming pal to all of you, but that's a different kind of friend than the one you have to go to sleep with and wake up with without getting annoyed."

She hopped in game, jumping across the rooftops, only to miss and fall to her death. She burst into laughter at the ridiculousness of it.

"That feels like a sign. It's time for me to get out a little bit. I'll see all you lovely herdmates later, alright?" She waved at the screen and ended the stream. She was just turning away when she heard a knock at the door.

Sandra went to check it out, but nobody was there. She looked down to see a single letter laying on the floor, having been pushed under the doorway. Brow raised, she crouched down to snag it. "Who left you here?" She turned it about in her hands, looking for an address. She froze, seeing the name on the front: Sandra.

The letter itself was thickly folded paper. She opened it up and began to read:

 My Dearest Filly,

 It's been too long.

She backed up and closed the door gently, as if the world might notice if she reacted too strongly. When it was closed, and locked, she continued the letter.

 I'm sure by this point you don't even remember me! I know it's been such a long time since we've last seen one another. Years of time, and yet, you were always in my heart. My sweet little filly, you must have grown so big by now.

Her eyes scanned across the words, taking them in with disbelief. She felt as if someone had punched her in the gut. Whoever had sent that letter knew her pretty well. Dearest filly? Only one person came to mind that called her that.

 That's right! It's your big sis. I'm writing to let you know I'll be back in town soon. I can't wait to see you again. I'm sure you'll be thrilled.

"How did you even know where I was?!" she blurt out to nothing, as if the letter could answer her. Her heart sped up, hammering against her ribs as she read on.

 I'm looking forward to meeting all your friends. I know how excited you'll be to see me! We'll have such a wonderful time together.

There, finally. There was a phone number. Sandra dialed it quickly into her cell. "Sis?" she asked when the phone picked up. It could have been anyone.

The voice on the other end laughed softly. "Sandra, don't you recognize your big sis anymore?"

She sighed in relief. "How on Earth did you find me? I've moved, twice. I didn't really send updates on the whole thing, and you just send a letter anyway."

"Friendship gift." She couldn't see it, but she could imagine her sister wriggling fingers. "So long as you're my friend, I know my messages will reach you. You learn any new gifts?"

Sandra leaned against the wall. "I'm a mage now."

"Oooh!" There were some noises she couldn't identify. "You have to tell me how that works! It sounds amazing. But first, since we're talking, give me your address so I can get over there the moment I touch down."

She laughed nervously. "I hope you'll like it here."

***

Just as Sandra promised, she was at the door to greet her sister the moment she arrived. They hugged each other tightly and exchanged all the pleasantries one would expect. Her sister looked Sandra over. "You've changed. Grown up a little. What have you been up to, little sister of mine?"

Sandra grinned and shrugged lightly. "Oh, just... living life. It's pretty great." She stepped back to gesture towards the place. "And this is home for me."

Her sister stepped in with a smile. Sandra took the chance to give her sister an exam. Unlike her own slender build, her sister was fuller, heavier, and a little taller, with a face framed by dark, curly locks. As the older sister, she always felt she had to take care of Sandra. She had a warm smile, though she had a tendency to push others around, whether they wanted her to or not.

It was always with the best intentions. As friends went, she was a good one. It was just that she had a way of stepping on toes, even with Sandra. She could already tell this was going to be an interesting stay for her, at the very least.

Sandra watched her sister look the place over. It was always the little things, putting her bag down without asking where, for one. "One thing, this place belongs to my boyfriend—"

"You have one of those?!" Her attention was fully on Sandra. "I demand every detail. Names, species, likes, dislikes. How much he likes you."

Sandra laughed and gestured down the hall. "Well, his name is Louis. Pony, loyalty. He's very kind and caring. I think he likes me a lot, and I like him right back. If you want to see what he looks like, just check my stream." She kept walking and led her sister into the living room.

Her sister chuckled softly. "Stream? You got fancier after I left. What aren't you telling Susan?"

Sandra pointed at the computer. "I'm a streamer, as one of my jobs. I play games, watch movies and otherwise hang out with Internet strangers. It's pretty fun. I have friends all over the world."

Susan whistled softly. "Sounds like some party. Maybe you can introduce me to a couple? Could use more people to spend my time off with."

Sandra gently pushed Susan. "You don't 'hang out' with them like that. I'm more of a celebrity to them. Inviting them to hang out with me, for real, or my sister, would be kinda strange."

Susan rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm not that scary. I bet they'll understand. So, what else is there to do around here?"

Sandra huffed out and shrugged gently. "I was thinking of heading out into the woods, dance with the wolves. I have some business unfinished with them."

Susan tensed. "By 'wolves' do you mean the sort that can become murder machines or somewhat surly people?"

Sandra patted her gently on the shoulder. "It's fine. I got this, sis."

"Sandy," she warned. "They're dangerous. There's a reason we don't talk about them like we're talking about the weather."

Sandra nodded quickly. "I know, I know." She danced back, then fell to her hooves as Raspberry. "I'm just being friendly with them. Sometimes that's all a thing needs, someone to talk to."

Susan stared at her. "...You know, you look pretty good as a pony." Her lips tugged in a smile.

Raspberry beamed. "Thanks! Louis said that too."

Susan laughed and reached out to stroke along that mane. "He got good taste." She paused, then asked. "You said he was a loyalty? Lucky. Last one I had wasn't so loyal." She frowned with the memory of it.

Raspberry tilted her head lightly to one side. "I thought you left your ex?"

Susan smiled awkwardly. "Yeah, that was part of the reason. Just... keep an eye on him."

Raspberry shook her head. "You said it yourself, he's a loyalty, and I knew him for ages before we tried being a couple. He's no playboy." She tapped a hoof on the ground. "Well? Come on, let your tail show."

Susan sighed, then transformed into a fluffy pony. She was a few inches taller than Raspberry, though a bit heavier. She had a dark brown coat, similar to her hair color, and a slightly curled, darker brown mane with a single white streak running through the middle. "Soft Smile, reporting for duty."

Raspberry nodded. "Alright! Let's go introduce you to my new friends!" She danced around Soft Smile. "You came for a little adventure, right? No? Well, too bad. Let's have fun!" She danced out the door and darted down the hall, leaving Soft to catch up.

She trotted in place impatiently, watching Soft Smile walk at her own pace, shaking herself off. "I wanted some company, but Louis is working. Lucky me, you're here to fill in that duty." She turned and reached the door, rising up to be Sandra anew. "Let's not go outside like that though. Don't need those questions."

Soft rolled her eyes. "You're the one who made me transform in the first place." She waited for Sandra to open the door. "You know, since I'm your big sister—" Sandra groaned at that. "I should get more say in what we do today." She became Susan anew. "So, let's have some fun. I've never been to this city before, so show me around. What's there to do?"

Sandra shrugged lightly. "Well, you could try a job." That got her a stern look. "Well, are you planning on visiting a little while, or am I getting a new roomie?" Susan avoided her gaze and gave no answer. Sandra sighed and shook her head. "Alright, you're staying here. You'll need something to pay your way. I'm not going to carry your weight."

Susan folded her arms. "Was that a joke? I know I'm a little heavy, but that was a low blow, sis." She looked away with an annoyed expression.

Sandra huffed and lightly nudged her arm. "You know I love you. Come on, let's just head out there and you'll see it for yourself." She led the way to her own car and soon was in the driver's seat with Susan beside her. "Welcome to my home away from home, also where I make deliveries for some extra cash whenever I need it. It's a handy lifehack."

Susan snorted at her phrasing. "Sounds like you've gotten a lot done since you left home." Her gaze wandered out the window. "So, what's this place about?" She gestured at the suburban neighborhood they were in. "Looks peaceful enough. What are you doing for fun?"

Sandra drove through the streets, peering at her sister. "I'm a gamer, remember? So I play games. I also hang out with friends sometimes. Today, I wanted to visit those wolves. So, seriously, coming with me or not?"

Susan tilted her head, thinking. "You don't need me over your shoulder, right? How about you introduce them to me later, when we're all free and collected. I'd love to meet your new friends, but it sounds like you want some time to talk."

Sandra swatted at her sister. "I think I can manage a 'Hey, here's my sister' in the discussion. It's just a hello. You wouldn't be in the way."

"I would." Susan shrugged. "Look, I know you got this. If you really want to introduce us right away, we'll do it. You're in charge for once!"

Sandra pulled into a parking lot and turned off her car, leaning back. "Huh." Had that been the first time she had gotten control? Rather than doubting it, she slid free of the car and waited for Susan before locking it up. "It's a good little trot from here. Last time, I even got some good gallops in." She beamed at her sister. "You're going to love it."

Susan followed after Sandra as she took off down the path. "I'm sure I will." Her tone had an edge of concern, but she didn't say anything further as they traveled through the forest. "So, where are these wolves? Have you met their leader yet?"

Sandra shrugged lightly. "We just ran into each other last time." She turned to Susan and smiled. "Think of it like a little adventure." She fell to being Raspberry. "May as well be clear they're meeting a pair of ponies."

Soft Smiled nodded and became such. "You're a very trusting filly. I'm proud of you." She nuzzled along Raspberry's neck, getting an annoyed squeal from her sister.

Raspberry hugged Soft a brief moment before trotting ahead. "Let's stretch out these legs. This trail is great for it, and if we go a little further, the wolves tend to hang out." She showed off with a few leaping bounds. "Come on! I know you got this in you."

Soft huffed as she caught up. "I'm not as, hmmph, used to running." As heavyset as a pony as she was as a human, she huffed to keep up with Raspberry. "You really love this forest, huh?"

Raspberry slowed to a walk, taking a calming breath. "It feels like it has a kind of magic to it, different from what the book talks about, but still there."

"Stop," came a new, but familiar, voice. The two ponies paused, glancing between each other.

"That's one of the wolves!" Raspberry explained in a whisper. "I think I met his pack last time I was here."

"Not one step further." A man emerged from behind a tree, his eyes sharp and cold. "You're on our lands, intruders. Turn back. We don't want to have to hurt you."

Raspberry took one more step. Soft Smiled reached out, but missed as her sister moved closer. "Hello. I met you all last time. We won't go past the marked trees, promise. We come in peace."

"Good." He stepped up, his eyes locked onto Soft Smile. "What is this, a pony convoy? You're making a lot of noise out here."

Soft nodded slowly. "Yeah, it's just me and my sis here." She shied back half a step. "If we're in the way..."

He waved her off. "We're out here for patrols, that's all. You're not in our way yet." His gaze lingered on them as he let out a brief whistle. Another man emerged from behind some trees.

Raspberry sat and waved a hoof at them both. "Nice to meet you two. I don't recognize either of you, but I guess it'd be more strange if I had met you all just that one time. I'm Raspberry, that's Soft Smile."

The newcomer, the man who responded to that whistle, tilted his head at the two ponies before him. "I see. Well, I'm sure you have your reasons to be here, though this is a strange way to meet people."

Raspberry inclined her head. "Going to their home and saying hi? Sounds pretty traditional to me. How else do you meet your neighbors?" She turned to face him, tilting her head side to side as she inspected him. "So, what're you doing today?"

"We're hunting," said the original wolf. "So please leave."

Raspberry pouted at that. "Don't brush us off so quickly. You don't mind a friendly face, do you?" She glanced up at Soft Smiled, who was looking between the two. "I promise I'm not here to make trouble for you. We just wanted to meet some wolves, and you're both pretty nice."

One of them laughed lightly. The other, who seemed more familiar with them both, looked at Raspberry with an almost wistful smile. "You are something special, aren't you?"

She shrugged lightly and gave a playful swish of her tail. "If it's special to want to be friendly, guilty." She raised a hoof to her chin. "Why don't you show your tails too?"

Soft Smiled reached over and nudged her sister. "Are you sure we should be asking that? It's not very polite."

Raspberry rolled her eyes. "It's fine. We already look like this."

"Your sister is smart. Besides, wolves don't talk. I would say ponies shouldn't either, but you've already proven that thought incorrect." That same wolf from before took a few steps closer. He reached down and ruffled Raspberry's mane lightly, then turned and vanished into the trees.

"Wait!" she called out after him. "I wasn't done yet."

Another of them snorted at her call. "He's continuing his patrol. He's like that." He stepped closer and kneeled down in front of Raspberry. "You really just want to be friends?"

She smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Yep!"

He laughed and patted her head lightly. "If you were anyone else, I'd call you a fool for wanting that." Taking advantage of her relaxed pose, he ruffled her cheeks and stroked over her neck. "I never had the chance to look over a horse this close before."

Raspberry laughed softly. "It's nice, isn't it?"

Soft Smiled sighed softly. "Raspberry..."

The man nodded. "Yes, I agree with your friend there." He gave her one last pat before standing up straight again, looking to the path ahead. "You picked a bad day for this. I'd love to play, but we have business. Being late is not an option."

Raspberry waved at him. "Then go! Have fun!" She beamed at him. "I can't wait to see you again. I'm sure your friends will love it too."

The man glanced at his retreating companion, who gave him an unimpressed look. "See you next time." He fell to four wolven paws and darted off into the forest after the others. Soon, the two ponies were entirely alone.

Raspberry turned to Susan. "See, we're both fine. They're a little busy, which is a shame, but I don't feel bad at least getting to say hi."

Soft smiled slowly nodded along with her, looking off in the distance. "You really are lucky. What's next? Want to meet the vampires?"

Raspberry nudged her gently. "I'm not rushing to say hi to those." She shivered at the thought. "But the wolves are fun." She trotted past Soft, heading right back the way they had originally come. "I'm hoping, if I visit enough, they'll get used to me."

Soft smiled laughed softly. "They might, but you still need to keep your guard up, sis. For all you know, they could just be pretending to like you. It's easy to turn a pony into a meal for a whole pack."

Raspberry stuck out her tongue at that mental image. "They wouldn't! Oh, but that's a good idea. Next time, I'll bring some snacks for them. What do wolves like to eat?"

Soft smiled gave her an odd look. "Sis, you can't bribe them into liking you. If they accept you as friends, you don't need to bring food. In fact, if they do, you should invite them over and cook for them."

Raspberry paused to clop her hooves together. "Oh! That's a really good idea. Invite them for a little outdoor cooking? I bet they'd be down for that." She nudged Soft Smiled affectionately. "Alright, you can be in charge now. What's next?"

Soft Smile snorted softly. "I'm tired from that walk, and you know I need more calories when I change like that. I vote you show me where you like to get a bite to eat and we fill our human faces."

Raspberry tilted her head, ears perked. "Good point! I'm starving too. Let's go!" She took the lead towards her car, turning back every now and then to see her sister catching up. "You seem to be doing well," she called out.

Soft smiled gave a noncommittal shrug as she caught up. "I'll be glad to be back in the car." She rose up to be Susan as she reached for the handle, just to pause. "Right, unlock it first." She hopped in the moment she heard the lock click.

Sandra settled in behind the wheel and glanced over. "So... what're you hungry for? I have a few ideas, but thought you should choose."

Susan leaned back with a huff and closed her eyes. "Whatever you want is fine."

"You sure? That's a big gesture of trust." Sandra got her car humming and pulled free of the parking lot. "You've become more trusting of your little sis, huh? So, tell me what really happened, and what brought you here. It's obviously not just a random urge. Something wrong?"

Author's Note

Did you know she has a sister? But why is she here, exactly? Did 4k to make up for missing some updates last month, oops.

Join the special community of folks who like my stories and/or get your own here at atreon!

Don't want to do an ongoing thing? You could

Join my discord to chat!