Between Rivalry and Romance

Fluttershy's cottage

John's POV

The warmth of my soft bed envelopes my body as I lay on my back, I can feel the soft breeze from the cracked open window to my right move over my face and arms. Today is the first day of the school year and, more importantly, my senior year at Canterlot High. I grab the phone that sits on my nightstand and unplug it before bringing it to my face, the clock reads 05:29. I sit up and rub my eyes before letting off a long and deep yawn, I then stand to my feet and stretch out my arms, my joints giving off pops and cracks. The wooden floor is cold to the touch yet somehow inviting, I walk to my wardrobe and grab a set of clothes for the day before heading to the washroom for a shower.

I glance at myself in the mirror; my hair is short and brown, eyes are a deep hazel, white skin with a mild tan and acne. I can't grow facial hair to save my life without it coming in patching an awkward. I grab my razor and give my face a clean shave, being careful not to cut myself. Although not careful enough apparently, I flinch slightly as I cut myself while doing an upstroke along my jawline.

"Dammnit," I curse to myself.

I clean off my razor and hop into the shower, hot water running down my back and occasionally stinging the fresh cut on my face. I pain through it though and start washing my hair and body. My body is in decent shape, I'm not ripped by any means but I do carry a mostly stocky build. After thoroughly cleaning myself and rinsing off I step out of the shower and begin to dry off. The cut on my face has healed already but the steam in the air mildly irritates my face. After drying off I rub some tea tree oil-infused lotion on my face, put on my red flannel shirt and blue jeans, and make my way downstairs for breakfast. As I round the corner I can see Mom has already made breakfast for me and herself; waffles, fruit, orange juice, the works.

"Good morning honey," I hear my mom say, she's already sitting at the table plate in front of her.

"Morning mom, wow, this breakfast looks amazing," I say with a smile on my face.

She giggles. "No need to thank me. The Angel bunny here did most of the work," she says, gesturing to him sitting on the counter, occupied by some lettuce. His fur is mostly grey, and he is a little slow when eating. Mom gives a worried look before returning to her food.

"Everything alright Mom?" I ask while making myself a plate.

"Yeah, it's just that Angel Bunny is getting old, he's lived longer than most rabbits, and I'm just not sure how much longer he has," she says looking down at her food, a hint of sadness on her face.

I nod in understanding, "I have noticed over the last few years that he's become slower and less active. He does have the best care though, and I'm sure he's enjoyed the majority of the life he's had, the best we can do is to keep supporting and caring for him,"

Mom nods, "You're right dear, thanks for always seeing things on the bright side,"

The rest of breakfast consisted of us talking about the day ahead, she was going to take an inventory of animal food on hand before making a trip to the store to maintain a surplus, and she also mentioned doing some volunteer work at the local animal shelter. The train to Canterlot would be leaving at 0700 which means I have . . . .

"I've gotta go, mom, the train leaves in 15 minutes," I say standing up and grabbing an apple. I make my way to the door and slide on my square-tipped boots, I then stand and throw my backpack over my shoulder.

She nods following me to the door, "Have a great first-day honey, remember the last train from Canterlot leaves at 6 pm, try not to miss it please," she says hugging me.

I hug back remembering how much of a pain it had been missing the return train on my first day last year, "I won't miss it Mom, I promise,"

She giggles before waving me off, I wave back before making my way to the train station, apple in hand. It's not a far walk down the dirt path before it turns into stone. The morning air is cool and sharp, I take bites of my apple as I make my way through Ponyville. A few of the townsfolk have already started their days, some setting up shop and others heading to work. Some wave while others say 'hello' I return their greetings waving back and greeting them. As I approach the train platform I can see a few students also waiting for the train as well as a couple of my friends. I slip past them as I make my way to the ticket booth to purchase my school train pass; 40 Bits for a one-year free ride between Canterlot and Ponyville, as opposed to the usual 5 Bits per round trip.

"Good morning sir," I say to the ticket master.

"Good morning John, one school train pass I presume?"

I nod before I show him my school I.D. and hand him the Bits, he nods as I put away my school I.D. He takes my Bits and hands me a golden ticket made of a similar material as an Equestria thousand Bit bill (similar to the $100 bill, only with Celestia on it) instead of Celestia on the ticket was an un-named pony with a saddle-bag full of books boarding a train. I smirk as I make my way to a bench, I then notice Princess Twilight sitting by herself using her magic to hold her phone and a stylus, tapping away on what I presume to be some notes, or maybe that silly game with balloons and monkeys I saw her playing one time. I finish my apple and toss the core into a nearby trashcan before approaching her.

She looks up and smiles once she sees me, "John, glad to see you,"

"Hey Twilight," I say as I hug her, she moves her hooves over my shoulders and pulls me close. Fun fact, Twilight is 5'11", and only a few ponies are at a comfortable height to make eye contact normally. After we separate we both sit on the bench next to one another.

"Going to Canterlot I presume?" I ask setting my bag down next to me.

"Yep, I'll be speaking to your high school's senior class about getting out in the world and sharing the magic of friendship," she says with a smile.

"Sounds fun, I can't wait to hear a lecture from the best teacher I know,"

She blushes and gives me a playful shove accompanied by a giggle, "Oh stop it John, you're too sweet,"

I sigh before sitting back and waiting for the train with my aunt, we share small talk about technology and how innovative Equestria has become. Soon the train arrives and I follow Twilight into the royal car in the front. Since I'm the only human in Equestria, I'm technically a representative of the human race, which technically makes me royalty (at least that's how Celestia and Luna explained it to me) allowing me to ride in the royal car with other Royals. As we enter, I notice Flurry Heart and a couple of crystal guards. Flurry sees me and smiles before trotting to me and hugging me.

"Johnny! It's felt like forever since I last saw you,"

I nod, "Yeah, we haven't seen each other since the end of last school year, how was your summer?"

"Oh, it was fantastic! My parents took me to Saddle Arabia for my birthday, it was so much fun!"

I flash a smile as we sit next to one another, "That does sound fun, I've always wanted to go,"

"So how're you and Pumpkin Cake doing?" she asks.

Pumpkin and I had been dating for about a few months, we started around the end of school, mid to late April. I'm on good terms with her parents, we're the same age, but the only issue was I found she had been cheating on me with Starburst, the daughter of Flash Sentry and Princess Twilight Sparkle. I'm on good terms with Starburst though, as soon as she found out I was dating Pumpkin she came to me in confidence and apologized profusely. We both broke up with Pumpkin and things have been kinda awkward, to say the least.

I sigh before saying, "She, cheated on me with Starburst and I broke up with her a few weeks ago,"

"Awe, John, I'm so sorry to hear that,"

She then gives me a long-needed hug, I hug her back and nuzzle her as she nuzzles back. After a bit, we separate as I notice Flurry is a little groggy. "Not much sleep last night?" I ask.

She nods before asking, "Yeah, I think I'm gonna try to catch some Z's before we get to school,"

I nod as she lies against the window, "Get some rest if you need anything I'm here for you,"

She nods and smiles before falling asleep slowly, I take my headphones out and plug them into my phone the C-Phone 6 by Carrot, and start trying to find music to listen to. Once I find something interesting to listen to I open up the news app on my phone. Surprisingly, outside of most of the villains the Mane 6 fight, Equestria is a very uneventful place. Most ponies get along with one another and most crimes are minor, even the worst offenses aren't close to assault or murder. The occasional thefts are a majority of the crimes committed. That being said, a majority of the news reported in Equestria involves the weather and new technological advances.

Half an Hour Later

I gaze out the window to see we're finally getting into Canterlot, I give Flurry a nudge which quickly wakes her up.

"Are we there?" She asks to which I nod. She uses her magic to levitate her school bag onto the bench in front of us before pulling her hairbrush out of it. She starts to straighten out her mane for the day, I can hear some of the knots coming out as she works her mane with the brush. I meanwhile roll up my headphones and shove them into my backpack, the train slowly comes to a stop as we reach the platform for Canterlot High. Flurry, Twilight, and I stand before heading for the door of the carriage.

As we get off the train, Flurry is greeted by her colt-friend, Comet Whistle. Comet Whistle is what you'd describe as a jock, he's about 5'8 built like a brick wall, and a badass at hockey, I'll give him that. But he's a complete asshole to those who aren't Unicorns or Alicorns, and he's especially racist to non-ponies, like me.'

"Hey there babe, how's things?" Comet asks putting a forehoof around her, she seems slightly uncomfortable but still hugs back.

"G-Good, hanging in there,"

I walk towards Comet holding my hand out for a hand hoof shake, stupidly, and say, "Hey there Comet, how was your summer?"

Comet scoffs at this and says, "As if I would ever shake hooves with a thing like you, come on Babe let's get out of here,"

Being called a thing doesn't sting as much as it used to, regardless this does leave a stern expression on my face. He then leads Flurry away, a sad expression on her face.

From behind I can hear Twilight getting off the train "-quill, check! Parchment paper, che-" she stops and notices the still stern look on my face, "Is something wrong John?"

I sigh before saying, "Just Comet being Comet, being a self-righteous racist asshole,"

Twilight is taken aback by my language before saying, "John, you know you're not supposed to use that kind of language,"

"Right, but Comet is allowed to be racist and call me a thing?" I question directing my gaze at her.

"John it do- wait, he called you a thing?"

I nod before we start walking to the school, "Almost every time I see him, it's not just me though,"

"What else has he said?" Twilight asks. I sigh before stopping her and whispering in her ear, after hearing what I had to say she folds her ears to her head, "That is so horrible, how can somepony so nice be so . . . insensitive!" she says confused

"I've seen it myself Twilight, ever wonder why our school hockey team only has unicorns, he's the captain,"

Twilight taps a hoof while thinking, she then says "I'm gonna have a talk with your counselor later and get this sorted out, just try to avoid him and I straighten this out for you,"

I nod before hugging Twilight who hugs me back, we say our goodbyes and I make my way inside and to the front office. On my way, I take a look around and am encouraged by how far Equestria has come with its technology over this past decade. When I was five the computer had gone from being merely a government-only resource to being public and in 95% of Equestrian homes. We've since gotten a networking system called the internet that interlinks everyponies computers, laptops, and smartphones. The real tech revolution began here in Canterlot (This stories version of Silicon Valley) with the start-up of the companies such as Carrot (Apple), Ponybook (Facebook), and Goggle (Google).

As I look around I see ponies on their respective devices; whether it be a phone, tablet, or some other gaming device. I take out my phone and check the time, '7:40'. Awesome, another twenty minutes until class starts. Probably should get my schedule so I know where I'm going. After going to the front desk and telling the older mare my name, she gives me my schedule, this is what it looks like . . .

1st: Government/Economics: Mrs. Lincoln: 8:00 - 9:00

2nd: Health: Mrs. Redheart: 9:05 - 10:05

3rd: Calculus: Mr. Roots: 10:10 - 11:10

4th: Study Hall: Mrs. Hooves: 11:15 - 12:00

Lunch: 12:00 - 1:00

5th: Equestrian Literature: Miss. Poe: 1:05 - 2:05

6th: Mechanics / Engineering: Mr. Socket: 2:10 - 3:10

'Different bell schedule? Odd . . .' I think as I take a picture of it with my phone before sliding it into my bag. I then make my way to the commons area; it's sort of a place where students hang out, talk and have breakfast before class; and sit at my table with the friends I normally hang out with. (From left to right) Pound cake, Starburst, Flash Prism, Cotton Candy, and . . . Button Mash and Scootaloo?

"Button Mash? Scootaloo? I thought you two graduated last year." I say in surprise.

"Well John," says Scootaloo, "Not everypony is as smart as you, we still needed three classes to graduate, so they held us back,"

"That sucks to hear, and I imagine you two are still dating,"

Scootaloo nods before pulling Button into a violent kiss, which he accepts as he pulls her on top of him. This turns quickly into them groping one another and . . touching each other in places.

"G-Guys, we're at school," says Cotton Candy, "You're going to get in trouble, not to mention how indecent it is to do that at school,"

Scootaloo replies, "And? So what? John, you don't mind right?"

"I-"

"Hey John," I hear from my left. I turn to see Flurry Heart, a smile on her face, "Can I sit with you and your friends?"

"Of course, here," I scoot over, "You can sit right here,"

She smiles and sits next, "So what're we talking about?"

Scootaloo replies, "I just asked John if he minded my colt-friend and I making out in front of everypony else,"

"Well, honestly, I don't think it matters. As long as you two truly love each other, the bond you two share will only grow stronger until you two either break up or stay until death. Simple things such as kissing, holding each other close, and reminding each other of how much you love one another only reinforce and add to the bond you two share with one another. So no, I think it's perfectly natural what you two are doing, although you could tone it down a tad,"

I soon heard a few mares nearby and at our table utter a few awes and smiles along with a few squees, even some of the stallions seemed impressed at what I had to say.

"Awe, John, you're just the sweetest thing ever," says Flurry.

"Yeah John, where have you been holding that all this time?" asks Scootaloo.

"Just a life lesson my mother taught me when I was young,' I say.

Just then, Comet Whistle came from behind Flurry Heart and hugged her before asking, "Hey babe, what're you doing hanging out with these losers?"

Flurry sighs before replying, "Comet, they are not losers, they are my friends,"

"Yeah, whatever, and why are you hanging out with this ape?"

I stand in self-defense and say, "I'm not an ape!"

He then shoves me to the group, and a shared gasp is heard through the commons, I look at Flurry to see her in shock, I then stand back up and ask, "Why did you shove me?"

"Because I can, what're you gonna do about it?" Comet says bumping his chest into mine.

I glare down at him, I notice in my peripheral vision a small crowd has formed. From behind Comet, I can see two more jock-like unicorns approaching. "This ape becoming a problem Comet?" One of them asks.

"Nothing I can't handle alone guys, he's not that tough," Comet says tapping a hoof on my chest.

"You're lucky your mare-friend is her otherwise I would kick your flank up and down these commons," I said gritting my teeth

He snorts before saying, "Oh yeah? And what makes you think you could take me? Flurry here could just use her alicorn magic to wipe you off of Equus itself!"

"And why should she protect you, you treat her like shit every chance you get!"

A silence falls among the commons, all eyes on us.

"T-That's not true, I treat my mare with gr-"

"STOP!" yells Flurry at Comet.

"Excuse me, did you just inter-"

"Yes, I did interrupt you!" Yells Flurry as she stands between me and Comet, she then continues, "I've had enough of the way you treat me and my friends! "Hey babe, buy stuff for me," "Hey babe, I can't take you out on our first anniversary, I have plans with my friends," "Hey babe, buy me lunch," when's the last time you held my things for me, bought me lunch, or didn't get pissed off when I couldn't hang out with you!? What happened to the Comet I knew when we first met?"

"The old Comet was a pussy,"

"The old Comet was sweet, loving, and tender to me and I loved him!"

There is a moment of silence, Flurry has some tears running down her cheeks.

"When you meet my parents at dinner, I knew you were acting fake, that pissed me off! Lying to me is one thing, but lying to my family and loved ones, not to mention most of the school! But you know what, you won't have to lie anymore."

"And why's that?"

"Because I'm breaking up with you!"

There's another gasp shared about the commons, she then runs out of sight crying the whole way. Comet scoffs before saying, "Her loss,"

"Are you that dense!?" I yell.

"What is it with you and interrupting me you stupid ape?!"

Button Mash stands and says, "Maybe if you weren't so stuck-up and racist he wouldn't have to!"

"Don't make me kick your ass nerd!" Comet says taking a fighting stance, behind him his two friends take a similar stance.

"You really wanna go there," I say raising my fists, before anything can happen we're interrupted by Principle Harshwhinny and Princess Twilight getting between Comet and I.

"Enough you two!" Principal Harshwinny shouts, "Both of you in my office now!"

I put my fists down and comply, we're both led to the office by the Principal and Princess as the rest of the room begins to calm down. Harshwhinny takes the lead and flanks herself with Comet while Twilight flanks herself with me.

As we get closer to the office we've slowly backed off from Harshwhinny and Comet, Twilight says with a glare," I told you to avoid him and that I would sort things out, what the hay happened?"

I sigh, "He approached my friend group and started insulting us, what was I supposed to do, back down and take it?"

Twilight stops us and gives me a nervous look before saying, "Look John, getting you into the equestrian school system was hard enough being that you're the only human here, I just don't want your actions here to make things harder for you in the future. Your actions have greater consequences on your future, more than anyone else here,"

I sigh dropping my shoulders, "I know, I just can't stand to see others get bullied with nopony to help them,"

"That's very honorable of you John, but you need to think about yourself this year, this will be your most important year of high school. I can convince Harshwhinny to go easy on you but you're on your own after this," Twilight says.

I nod understanding, "I'll try to be more careful, thank you,"

"Don't mention it," She smiles before leading me to the office.

Lunchtime - Canterlot Commons

After grabbing my tray of food I make my way back to my friend group at the same table from the morning. I sit next to Button and bump into him on purpose to startle him, he jumps in place and faces me with a look of surprise and yelps.

"Jesus John, you scared the Tartarus out of me!" He shouts before calming down

I laugh, "Sorry bro, had to make sure you're hot on your hooves is all,"

He chuckles before asking, "What happened after you were hauled off by the Principal?"

Cotton Candy says, "Yeah John, the principal did not look happy when she got between you two,"

"I was given a firm talking too about being kind to others and that I need to talk things out rather than resort to violence," I say digging into my food.

Button rolls his eyes, "And what happened to Comet,"

I chuckle and gesture to the jock's table, there he is joking and laughing with his friends, his forehoof already around some other mare. "He's captain of the hockey team, what do you think happened?"

"A slap on the hoof," Button says flatly.,

"A slap on the hoof," I say before taking another bite while nodding.

"Sorry, I'm late everypony," a familiar voice says, I turn to see Flurry Heart sitting to my left with a food tray in her magical grasp.

"Hey there Flurry, you doing alright?" I asked placing a hand on her shoulder.

She nods, "Yeah, I didn't realize how trapped I was in that relationship until I was out of it, I thought I loved him but I was just putting on a show for everypony that we were the perfect couple, guess I was fooling myself too," she sighs sadly.

I rub her back as she takes a bite, "It's gonna be ok Flurry, it'll get better with time,"

She sighs, "It seems he's already over it," she says rolling her eyes while gesturing over the Comet who is now making out with the same mare from earlier, I roll my eyes as well before continuing with my food. The table was mostly silent, I managed to finish my food early and throw my trash away before returning to the table.

"Oh, John? Could you take a look at this for me and tell me if I'm doing this right," Starburst asks before levitating a paper over to me. I run my eyes down the paper and see that it appears to be calculations for a mortgage.

"Jeez, you guys are already getting homework?"

Half of the table nods, Starburst asks, "You took financial literacy last year right?" I nod looking over the page more, she continues, "Well I've done the math a few times but most of everypony else in my class is getting a different result when it comes to the monthly payment, am I doing something wrong."

I squint at the paper and pull my calculator out, the monthly does seem too high for the APR and overall cost of the house, why is...

"Ahh here you go," I say having figured it out, "You forgot to factor in the down payment on the mortgage itself," I say handing the paper back over. Confused she levitates her calculator out of her back and runs some numbers, I can see the gears in her head turning as it starts to make sense. She then smiles having figured it out, "I can't believe I missed that, thank you, John, you're a lifesaver,"

"Anytime, what're friends for," I say smiling

"Dang John, how is it that you never skipped a grade or two?" Pound Cake asks glancing at Starburst's paper and taking notes of his own.

I shrug before saying, "I'm just lazy, Twilight says if I had put more effort into school I could have been in college by now,"

Scootaloo interjects, "Didn't your score like a 30-something on your ACT last year?"

"34 actually," I say proudly.

"And yet you still hang out with us?" Button questions.

I look around the table at my friends, I nod before saying, "You all have been my friends for our entire career at school, yeah it probably would be better for my education to surround myself with the likes of the nerd table, but you guys get me y'know?"

I pause and breathe a moment, "Regardless of my education, our friendship is what's most important to me. Whether it be here in school or in voice chat at home, I value our interactions higher than anything else in this world,"

A collective silence is shared, all eyes on me. Button brings me into a bro hug before saying, "Quite it with the emotions man, you know I don't like feeling things,"

The table shares a laugh, and I say with a chuckle "I know, just like to get under your fur sometimes bro,"

He laughs as we let go of each other, everypony at the table seems to be in a good mood, I sigh as the bell rings for the next period. As I stand Flurry sets a hoof on my hand and looks at me.

"You ok?" I ask.

She nods, "That was just very sweet of you to say, I know I haven't been part of your friend group long but, I'm glad to be a part of it,"

I smile, "Me too Flurry," I help her up before waving goodbye to the table as I leave for my next class. The halls aren't too packed as most ponies are still throwing their trash away, I take this advantage and head towards my next class.

As the day progressed, the tension from the morning’s confrontation still lingered in John's mind. He tried to shake it off, focusing on his classes, but every time he spotted Comet Whistle out of the corner of his eye, that smug expression sent a wave of irritation through him.

After lunch, John made his way to his Mechanics/Engineering class, only to find that Comet was in the same class. Great. He sighed and took a seat near the front, hoping to avoid another confrontation, but that hope was short-lived as Comet slid into the seat behind him.

"Didn't know apes could do engineering," Comet sneered just loud enough for John to hear.

John clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay calm. "Didn't know jackasses were allowed to talk in this class," he shot back without turning around.

A few students snickered, and Comet huffed but didn’t respond. For now, at least.

Mr. Socket, their instructor, strode into the room, adjusting his tool belt. "Alright, class, today we’re going to be working on engine components. You'll be disassembling and reassembling a basic motor. Pair up, and let’s get to it."

John quickly grabbed his toolbox, hoping to partner with someone other than Comet, but before he could move, Comet plopped down beside him, a smug grin on his face. "Looks like we're stuck together, ape. Try not to break anything."

John exhaled sharply, forcing a smile. "I should be saying that to you. Wouldn't want you to embarrass yourself."

They got to work, with John taking the lead in carefully removing parts of the motor while Comet fumbled through, occasionally grumbling under his breath. At one point, Comet dropped a wrench, which clattered loudly to the floor, earning a few chuckles from their classmates.

"Need me to hold your hoof, Comet?" John teased, smirking.

Comet scowled. "Shut up and pass me the socket wrench."

John took his time, deliberately holding the wrench just out of reach before finally handing it over. Comet snatched it, muttering a curse under his breath. The rest of the class passed with little more than glares exchanged between them, but John knew this wasn’t over.

After class, John packed his things quickly, wanting to avoid any more encounters, but Comet was already leaning against the doorframe as he tried to leave.

"You're lucky Twilight and Harshwhinny got in the way earlier," Comet said, blocking his path. "Next time, there won’t be any teachers to save you."

John sighed, adjusting the strap of his backpack. "You talk a big game, Comet. But at the end of the day, you're just an insecure little colt throwing tantrums because your marefriend saw through your bullshit."

Comet’s eye twitched, but before he could respond, a familiar voice called out. "John!"

Flurry Heart trotted up with a bright smile, completely ignoring Comet as she looped a hoof around John's arm. "I’ve been looking for you! Walk with me?"

John smirked at Comet before turning his attention to Flurry. "Of course, Princess."

Flurry giggled at the nickname, giving his arm a playful squeeze before leading him away. He could feel Comet’s glare burning into the back of his head, but right now, he didn’t care.

As they strolled through the hallway, Flurry glanced up at him. "You okay? I saw you talking with Comet."

John sighed. "He's just trying to get under my skin. I’m not gonna let him win."

Flurry gave him an approving nod before nudging him with her shoulder. "I like that about you. You’re strong, even when things get tough. It’s... attractive."

John raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Am I winning you over, Princess?"

Flurry giggled, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "Maaaybe."

John chuckled, enjoying the playful back-and-forth. "Well, let me know when I do. I’ll take you on a proper date."

She hummed in thought. "What if I told you you're already close?"

John smirked. "Then I guess I'll have to step up my game."

Flurry leaned against him slightly as they walked, a content smile on her face. "I wouldn’t mind that."

John felt a warmth in his chest that had nothing to do with the school’s temperature. For the first time all day, he didn’t think about Comet or the confrontation. Instead, all he could focus on was the beautiful alicorn beside him and the way her eyes sparkled when she looked at him.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, John gathered his things and made his way toward the train station. The walk was peaceful, and the cool evening air helped to clear his mind. He arrived just as the train pulled in, stepped aboard, and found a seat near the window.

Just as he settled in, Flurry Heart slipped into the seat beside him, smiling. "Mind if I join you?"

John grinned. "Not at all."

The train began to move, the rhythmic clatter of the tracks filling the space between them. Flurry rested her head on John's shoulder, sighing contentedly. "Today was... eventful."

John chuckled. "Yeah, you could say that. But at least it ended on a good note."

She nodded, closing her eyes for a moment. "Thanks for being there, John."

He looked down at her, feeling that warmth again. "Anytime, Flurry."

The train continued its journey, carrying them home as the sun dipped below the horizon.