Author's Note

I've done what I can to contain the breach. If my accounts get nuked, I guess we know why. Least it came at a good time for the story. This is where things stop being edgy and the real plot begins. Hopefully someone stuck around this long.

Chrysanthemum

Twilight and Spike took their leave, bidding Rainbow adieu until their next their next meeting.

"We should probably head home," Noah acknowledged sadly, "Ma'll worry if we're gone too long."

"We're still on for dinner, right?"

"Of course! Wouldn't have it any other way."

"Tell me something. You can be honest. Do you think less of me?"

"Why would I?"

"You saw what happened in there. I was a total mess. That's not something most people would wanna be around."

"It's okay to be sad. I get it. I told you before - I've been there too. Sometimes having a shoulder to cry on is the only thing that helps."

"Have you ever felt like this before?"

"A couple times. We had a few family friends pass away when we were younger. I was sick during one of their services, but I had to go because it was the last chance I had to see 'em. It was probably one of the worst days of my life."

"How'd you get through it?"

"I slept. I had to fight off the fever before I could fight the demons. You get through it one battle at a time."

"How long will those battles last?"

"You may not like the answer."

"The rest of my life..."

For the next week, Rainbow stayed home alone working, training, and recording. During her downtime, she would engage in leisurely activities. It made such a difference having others to share those experiences with. All she could think about was how much she missed everyone, but she tried to put her feelings aside. Noah's well-being was just as important as hers, and she wanted him to be in good spirits too. Perhaps if he was happy, she could be too...

Finally, the big night came. Rainbow showered, brushing her teeth and picking out a modest dress with a white button-up coat. She considered applying makeup, but decided against it, preferring the look of her natural features. She packed a small case with contingencies, waiting by the door in her driveway. Noah arrived soon after, having borrowed Nathan's van for the evening. It was freshly-cleaned as expected. He led Rainbow into the passenger seat.

"Your carriage, madam."

"Why thank you, kind sir."

Rainbow stepped in, Noah joining her after. They talked for a moment, savoring the occasion.

"Ya know, I've never really done this before," Rainbow admitted, "I only dated a few stallions during my heyday. They were good guys, but they didn't know much about romantic gestures."

"I learned a lot from observation. I was debating whether I should tell you or not, but I want to be honest. You're the first mare I've ever been with."

"You mean...You've never dated anyone before...!?"

"Shocking, right? I only know what I know because of Nathan. He was the ladies' man of the family. All I had to do was see what he did right, and more importantly, what he did wrong. I just kind of picked up on the signs from there."

"I take it you were too busy studying and working to think about finding a partner?"

"How'd you guess?"

"You and Twilight have a lot in common."

"Right. Makes sense."

Rainbow reached over, comforting Noah's hoof with her own.

"Hey. Don't worry. You don't need to impress me. All I'm looking for right now is company and friendly conversation. There's a whole future ahead we know nothing about. Who knows what could happen between now and then?"

Noah smiled. The warmth in Rainbow's voice soothed his anxiety in a way he'd never felt before.

"I think I can manage that."

Rainbow smiled back. In truth, she was seeking something more, but that was for another time - another place.

Noah drove the pair to a restaurant called Eilimar's - a dinery which specialized in eastern cuisine. The attendant showed them to their table, where a bouquet of flowers awaited their arrival. They ordered a bottle of red wine and an appetizer to set the mood.

"This is really sweet," Rainbow acknowledged, "I appreciate you going out of your way for me. I guess we both have experiences we need to brush up on."

"Not at all. I was more than happy to help."

"Do you remember when you took me to you guys' place?"

"Of course. Why?"

"To be honest, I heard you and Nathan talking."

"Oh...About that...I'm-"

"Don't apologize. I was there because I wanted to be. Nathan saw right through me that day."

"I don't quite follow."

"I wanted to see you, doofus. That shred of sympathy had me coming back for more like a lovesick puppy. The same way he saw through me, I saw through you."

"I'm that easy to read, huh...?"

"I didn't know whether it was real or just something to butter me up, but now I know. You really care, don't you...?"

"I...Well..."

"It's okay. You don't have to tell me. The look on your face is a dead giveaway."

"Sorry...It's just...This is all so sudden, ya know? You're the first mare I've ever encountered who challenged me to think my life over, and I guess...I guess I respected that. Your boldness as well. It takes a lot of courage to admit you need help. The way you were so open with me...Something told me I had to be there...Even if it was just as a friend..."

"I had the same feeling. I think we were both lonely and needed someone to help us find our way again. The loss of your loved ones cut deeper than you showed. It scraped you to the bone. You never told anyone besides me, did you?"

"No. I didn't."

"I feel it - that connection. It's the kind of thing that only comes along once in a lifetime. I want to build something with you, but we have to do it right. If we rush things and don't learn each other's flaws, it'll be doomed from the outset. We have to take our time, and that's my biggest weakness. I've always been impatient."

"I know what you mean. I can be the same way."

"Then that's the first thing we have to work on. We have time, so we should use it wisely, and I think I know where to start."

"Where?"

"You've been following along with whatever I wanted. I need to know about you - your likes, your dislikes, your fears, your dreams: all that sentimental crap."

"Well, to be honest, there's not much about my life I'd change. I like the person I am. Maybe there's room for growth, but I don't know where yet. Sometimes though, I feel like life is passing me by. I'm not sure what do or if I can do anything. Those years at school passed by so fast. It's all a blur to me now."

"I think you've been lost in sadness without realizing it. People you love dying leaves an indelible scar that never truly heals. It's how you apply those lessons that makes the difference."

"You mean cherishing the ones who are still here, right? I do - more than anything."

"But you're afraid to form new connections. You're protecting yourself from pain by cutting off all avenues of entry. It might work in the short term, but starving yourself of meaningful relationships creates a vicious cycle of despair. You can only break out of your own choosing. I didn't learn that until I met you in the park. Sometimes, the most powerful lessons aren't spoken out loud."

"I think you're right. I spent so much time wallowing I couldn't see what was in front of me. I need to change that if I want to care about others more effectively."

"Now you get it."

The waiter brought the couple their food. They continued to discuss their strengths and weaknesses over a pleasant meal, stopping after the first bottle of wine. They planned ahead to maintain cognizance in the face of decision-making, preferring to remain level-headed during the following course of events. Once Rainbow was back home Noah led her to the door, ready to say goodbye until dawn.

"Thanks for talking with me. I think I understand myself a little better now."

"Me, too. You helped me see clearer than I have in a long time. I wish we could be reckless like we used to, but it would only end badly now."

"Then for now, I'll return the favor."

Noah approached Rainbow, pecking her cheek the same way she'd done the week prior. Her face turned hot, changing in hue to reflect her emotions. It was almost miraculous what one conversation could do when both parties were willing to listen.

"Good night. Sweet dreams."

Noah turned to walk away, stopping as a tug held him in place.

"Hold on there, big guy. You can't just leave without a proper goodnight kiss."

The mare pulled her lover in, pressing her lips against his. She only pulled away before crossing the threshold. They had to be mindful, much as the notion repulsed them.

"Take this home and give it a listen. I think you'll like it."

"What is it?"

"It's a demo I recorded waiting for you."

Noah made out what he could in the dark. The cover depicted a literal interpretation of split personalities. The title read Butterfly Kisses and Yearbook Stickers.

"I wrote it about our time at school leading up to now. With how much things have changed, I thought it best to reflect on what led us here."

"Thanks. I'll pop it in when I get home."

"Be careful. Call me in the morning, okay?"

"I will. Good night."

Rainbow released the stallion, watching intently as he strolled back to the car. As he drove away, a drizzle began to fall. Rainbow stood in place, cleansing herself in heaven's blessing of her newfound purpose.

"Sleep well, Noah..."