Solar Eclipse

After Nerlz woke up, he heard the shuffling and creaking of the bed across from him. He turned around and saw the stallion of his dreams, looking a bit ruffled but still as handsome as ever. Nerlz quickly sat up, stretching his limbs with a yawn.

"What time is it?" he asked.

Sunburst, already awake, glanced at the clock. "It's around 8 AM, on a Sunday. It's a free day for both of us."

Nerlz was about to ask if Sunburst wanted to do anything. "Hey Sunburst, wanna g—"

But Sunburst interrupted him. "Nerlz, do you have any plans today?"

Huffing in mild annoyance at being cut off, Nerlz shook his head. "No, I don't have any plans. I'm not even sure when I'll get my exam results back," he replied, a hint of frustration in his voice.

Sunburst either didn't notice or chose to ignore the frustration. "Sounds great! Want to get ready so we can go do something?" Sunburst asked with a smile.

Nerlz groaned, laying his head back against the pillow. "I don't wanna go anywhere. I just woke up," he muttered, getting cozy again.

Sunburst watched him, thinking about how adorable Nerlz looked. "Alright, you can relax for now," Sunburst said with a slight chuckle, "but as soon as I'm done showering, you're next. Got it?"

His tone was surprisingly firm, catching Nerlz off guard. Flustered, Nerlz squirmed under the covers. "Yes, I understand! Just go do what you need to do," he mumbled, turning his face toward the wall.

Sunburst laughed softly at the shorter stallion's antics and headed to the restroom for a shower. As the water ran, Nerlz couldn't help but think about how much he enjoyed being told what to do by the tall, handsome stallion. The thought made him blush even more.

Sunburst, meanwhile, was reflecting on how much Nerlz reminded him of himself when he first became a shut-in at the Crystal Empire. But when Nerlz pouted or got shy, it was utterly adorable.

By the time Sunburst finished his shower and dried off, he walked out to see Nerlz still nuzzling the pillow, flustered. Nerlz's ears flicked when he heard Sunburst approach, and he quickly sat up, face reddening even more at being caught like that. Without saying a word, he slipped into the restroom to take his turn.

Sunburst chuckled again, his heart warming at the sight of the shy little stallion. He went to his closet, pulled out a robe, and grabbed his glasses from the desk. As he settled on his bed, leaning against the wall, he waited for Nerlz to finish up.

After a while, Nerlz emerged from the restroom, eyes half-closed and a faint blush still on his cheeks. He timidly grabbed the supplies he used for his mane but, instead of his spray bottle, he picked up two bows. Sitting across from Sunburst, Nerlz brushed his mane carefully, tying one bow near his ear to keep his bangs out of his face. His mane lay softly along his shoulder, and he tied the second bow at the base of his tail before brushing it to make it neat.

Once finished, Nerlz got up to make his bed, grabbing his scarf and leg warmers, and tying the scarf around his neck. He glanced at himself in the mirror before turning to Sunburst, who had been staring at him for a while, cheeks faintly glowing red.

"I'm ready. Just need to grab my glasses, and we can go," Nerlz said quickly, floating his glasses onto his snout.

Sunburst smiled, collected his bits, and tapped Nerlz on the shoulder. "Ready to go?" he asked.

Nerlz nodded, and they both headed for the door. After locking it, they made their way to the entrance of the building. By the time they were outside, it was around 11 AM.

Sunburst turned to Nerlz, who was looking around curiously. "Nerlz?" he asked, drawing the black stallion's attention.

"Hmm?"

"Have you ever heard of Hay Burger?" Sunburst asked.

Nerlz shook his head. "No, first time hearing about it."

Sunburst explained. "It's the only fast-food restaurant in this village. Wanna try it?"

Nerlz's stomach growled in response, making him grin sheepishly.

Sunburst chuckled. "I guess someone's hungry."

The two trotted in comfortable silence toward Hay Burger. When they arrived, the pleasant smell of fried food hit them, making Nerlz's mouth water. He let Sunburst order for him while he found a booth. Once they had their food—hay burgers, fries, and fizzy drinks—they started eating.

As they chatted, Sunburst decided to be bold. "Are you dating anyone?" he asked suddenly.

Nerlz, in the middle of sipping his drink, choked a little. "No, I'm not. What about you, Sunburst?"

Sunburst responded quickly. "Not right now. My marefriend broke up with me about two years ago, and I haven't dated since."

Nerlz felt a pang of disappointment, wondering if Sunburst was straight. But he pushed forward. "If we're being bold, are you only interested in mares?" he asked, cheeks tinged with blush.

Sunburst hesitated. "I've only dated mares, but... I've thought about dating a stallion once in a while." He noticed how conflicted Nerlz looked and quickly added, "I'd still date a stallion if I had feelings for him."

Nerlz nodded but didn't say much, changing the topic instead. "So, what's it like being a principal? Is it different from other schools?"

Sunburst launched into an explanation, using fancy vocabulary to make his job sound unique, which made Nerlz chuckle.

"So... it's not really that different from any other principal job, is it?" he teased.

Sunburst's expression was priceless, and they both laughed.

"What about hobbies?" Sunburst asked.

Nerlz perked up. "It's kind of basic but I love to write and take care of plants. I also enjoy reading and teaching kids."

"That's not basic at all," Sunburst assured him. "We all have hobbies that make us happy. The important thing is that they bring you joy."

Nerlz smiled, feeling a little more at ease. They finished their meal in silence, but when Nerlz reached for his bits, he realized he didn't have them. Panic washed over his face.

"How the hay am I gonna pay for this?" he thought.

Sunburst, noticing his expression, asked, "What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?"

Nerlz blushed, looking at him sheepishly. "I forgot my bits in your room... Can you cover for me? I'll pay you back when we get back," he said, looking like a tomato.

Sunburst laughed. "Don't worry about it! I already paid upfront. My treat."

Nerlz tried to protest. "No, no! I can't let that happen. I'll pay you back."

But Sunburst waved him off. "Even if you had your bits, I would've still paid. I brought you here, so it's only fair. Besides, you treated me to dessert yesterday."

"The desserts were free, though..." Nerlz muttered, but Sunburst dismissed it with a grin.

As they left the restaurant, Nerlz asked, "Where are we going next?"

"We're heading to the library. We can pick up some books and then head back to the room to read."

Nerlz liked the sound of that and hummed in agreement. They walked in comfortable silence, listening to the hustle and bustle of the village. Before long, they arrived at the School of Friendship, where the doors were wide open, signaling it was already 1 PM.

Sunburst gently nudged Nerlz, who had stopped to admire the building. Startled, Nerlz let out a small peep but quickly followed Sunburst inside. They passed the monotone receptionist and headed toward the library. When they arrived at the double doors, adorned with Princess Twilight Sparkle's cutie mark, Sunburst opened them quietly.

Nerlz gawked at the massive library, with its purple accents, towering shelves, and ladders. He couldn't contain his excitement, bouncing in place.

Sunburst chuckled. "Let's find some books. We'll meet at the table with Trixie."

Nerlz nodded and headed to the non-fiction section, quickly finding the next part of the Daring Do series. He clapped his hooves together in excitement, using his magic to grab the book. As he turned around, Sunburst appeared behind him, causing him to yelp in surprise, earning several shushes from nearby ponies. Blushing, Nerlz glared at Sunburst, who only grinned in return.

They made their way to the counter where Trixie was reading.

"What can the Great and Powerful Trixie do for you two?" she asked dramatically.

Sunburst handed over his library card. "I'd like to borrow these two books."

Trixie took a moment to check if Sunburst had any overdue books. "You're all set, Sunburst. Anything else?"

Nerlz, feeling flustered, stammered, "I'd like to borrow this book, please."

Trixie nodded. "Enjoy your books. The Great and Powerful Trixie must get back to reading now," she said with a flourish, waving them away.

Sunburst smiled, rolling his eyes at Trixie's usual theatrics as they exited the library.

When they returned to Sunburst's dorm, the two stallions sat down on their beds. Sunburst let out a contented sigh. "Let's start reading," he said softly, pulling out his book.

Nerlz nodded, mirroring Sunburst's actions. They read for hours, enjoying the peaceful silence. After a while, Nerlz leaned back against his pillow, glancing over at Sunburst, who had fallen asleep with his book in his lap. Smiling softly, Nerlz closed his book, got up to cover Sunburst with a blanket, and gently kissed his forehead.

"Sweet dreams," Nerlz whispered before turning off the light and climbing into his own bed.

After Nerlz whispered "Sweet dreams" and turned off the light, he climbed back into his own bed. The room was cloaked in a soft, calming darkness, only the faint moonlight streaming through the window casting a gentle glow on the two stallions.

Nerlz pulled his blanket up to his chin and glanced at Sunburst, who was now peacefully asleep under the blanket he had draped over him. He could just make out the outline of Sunburst's face in the dim light, and his heart gave a small flutter. He couldn't help but smile softly to himself. The sight of Sunburst sleeping so peacefully, his glasses set neatly on the bedside table and his book still open in his lap, made Nerlz's chest swell with warmth.

As he lay there, he thought about how different his life had become in such a short time. Just a few weeks ago, he had been nervous and unsure about moving to Ponyville, leaving his old life behind to start anew. He had worried about fitting in, about doing well at his new job, and most of all, about feeling alone in a new place. But Sunburst had changed all of that.

Nerlz shifted slightly, turning on his side to face the sleeping stallion. He admired the way the moonlight highlighted the contours of Sunburst's face, his soft, gentle features that always seemed so kind and welcoming. A sense of gratitude washed over him, and he felt his eyes growing heavy with emotion.

He thought back to their day together—the way Sunburst had been so understanding and patient, not pushing him to do anything he didn't want to, and always making sure he felt comfortable. And at the Hay Burger, how he'd been so considerate, paying for the meal without a second thought when Nerlz had forgotten his bits. It was a simple gesture, but it had meant so much to him. Nerlz knew then that this was more than just a crush. There was something deeper growing in his heart, something that made him want to be near Sunburst all the time, to see him smile, to make him laugh, and to feel the warmth of his presence.

Nerlz's cheeks heated up as he remembered Sunburst's admission about being open to dating a stallion. His heart had skipped a beat when he'd heard those words, and now, thinking back on it, he couldn't help but feel a small glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for them—if he was brave enough to reach out and take it.

He sighed softly, his eyes fluttering closed as he imagined what it would be like to be with Sunburst, not just as friends or roommates, but something more. He imagined sharing quiet mornings together, maybe even stealing a kiss as they woke up side by side. He imagined reading together like they did tonight, but with his head resting against Sunburst's shoulder, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his breathing as they shared their favorite stories.

But more than anything, Nerlz realized, he just wanted to be someone Sunburst could lean on, someone who could make him as happy as he made him. Sunburst had helped him feel at home in this new place, and Nerlz wanted to do the same for him. He wanted to be there for him, through the good days and the bad, to support him in his work, his studies, and all his dreams.

His thoughts drifted back to the moments they shared at the library. The way Sunburst had grinned mischievously when he startled him, and how they'd laughed together at Trixie's antics. It felt so easy and natural, as if they had known each other for much longer than they had. He could feel the connection between them growing stronger every day, and it filled him with a sense of contentment he hadn't felt in a long time.

Nerlz let out a quiet yawn, feeling the weight of sleep pulling him closer. He glanced at Sunburst one last time, his heart swelling with affection as he whispered softly, "Thank you, Sunburst, for everything." He let his eyes close, letting his mind drift back to the warmth and comfort he felt in Sunburst's presence.

As he lay there, the soft sounds of Sunburst's breathing filling the room, Nerlz felt a deep sense of peace settle over him. He knew that whatever happened, he would always cherish these moments they shared, and he would hold onto the hope that maybe, one day, they could be more than just friends.

With that final thought, Nerlz let himself be carried off into a peaceful sleep, a small smile lingering on his lips as he dreamed of the stallion who had already become so special to him.