I wanna hold you till the break of dawn
Hear the crickets sing a riverside love song
Hey baby, all we got is all night
C'mon now, we're runnin' out of moonlight

The day went smoothly enough. I woke up to the smell of breakfast and coffee. Best way to start the day, honestly. Rarity kicked me out pretty quick afterwards. Something about an order needing to be filled and me being a distraction.

"Well, what are your plans for this evenin', darlin'? I kinda wanted to talk to ya about somethin'." She smiled slyly at my query.

"Open at the moment. Why don't you just tell me now?"

"Ehhh... The setting. It's just not... magical enough." She laughed and walked into the design room.

"Well, you just come and fetch me later, darling. I shall be waiting," she said blowing a kiss over her shoulder. I reached out and made a catching motion.

"I'm gonna save this for later. Might need it, ya know?" She rolled her eyes at that.

"Okay, loverboy. Stay out of trouble!"

"Auf wiedersehen, meine Schöne."

I met up with Cross and Arrow later that day. Of course, I had to brief them on the newest developments.

"Well boys, the princesses have been clued in. The elements know basic details, but not the whole story. They already know the things we want them to, so do your best to avoid answering questions as much as possible."

"Do we need to still worry about being inconspicuous?"

"As much as possible, but don't worry if your charge is aware of your presence. Unless asked otherwise, you're to be as close as necessary. Feel free to introduce yourselves and hang around, but don't be obvious about your roles and don't interfere in their daily activities."

"Have our responsibilities changed at all?"

"No. Your charges remain priority. As soon as we're done here, find them and stay with them."

"Were the princesses angry at all?"

"At myself and Captain Armor, specifically, but they trust our actions and decisions. Anything else?" Arrow looked up.

"Yeah, where do foals come from?" I rolled my eyes in reply.

"I'll tell you when you're older. Anything that ain't smart-assed?"

"No sir," they chorused.

"Good. Stay on top of things. Might get somethin' soon."

The two snapped salutes and started to take off when Cross looked at me with a grin.

"So, John... Are we to understand that Rarity is now under nightly surveillance by yourself?"

"Need-to-know basis, chico... And you don't need to know." He laughed and shook his head.

"That's what I like to hear, boss!"

I laughed and started for Sweet Apple Acres. God knows I needed to head that way and visit the family anyways.

"Well AJ, I don't know what to tell ya. I just don't need the work anymore."

I stood outside of the Apple family's farmhouse at the Acres. All of the siblings stood on the front porch wearing frowns.

"Why? I mean, don't ya wanna help?" Applebloom asked sadly.

"I really do sweetheart, but I've gotta do some important work for the princesses. It has to do with keepin' everyone safe in Ponyville. I'm sorry Applebloom, but don't you want everyone to be happy here?" She nodded slowly, still looking glum. AJ and Mac nodded in acceptance.

"Well, what about just one more day?" I smiled and nodded.

"I'm sure I could spare the afternoon."

Not two hours later, I was back out in the field with Big Mac like nothing happened. He hit the next tree with a resounding thud and apples showered to the ground around us. We spent the day talking... At least I was. Mac was content to nod along, smile, and offer up his standard 'eeyup's

"I tell you what, Mac. Big city might not be for everyone, but sometimes I miss it. Don't get me wrong, I love the country. I love the quiet and the relaxed feel. It'll always be home, but the city is just... Excitin'. See, you're shakin' yer head, but you've gotta be there. Live it for a few years."

"Nnnnope."

"Las Pegasus was wild. Non-stop action if you wanted it. Only bad thing about it I guess was me gettin' robbed." Mac looked up in alarm.

"Really?" he said, the slightest amount of concern tinged his voice.

"Don't worry about it. I handled the problem. Just had to deal with a couple o' fish is all. Anyways, like I was sayin', I miss it, but I don't think I'm gonna head back that ways for a long time. I miss y'all too much." Mac smiled a little at that.

"Eeyup."

"And now, everything with Rarity is gettin' patched up. Y'all been so good to me... I don't know what to say 'bout it other than thanks." Mac just smiled and shook his head. "Yeah yeah, you're right. Nothin' really needs to be said. I got it."

He smiled and we worked for the rest of the afternoon, stopping only when the sun was nearing the end of its descent to the horizon. Once we made it back to the house, I waved goodbye to the family and started to walk down the path to the gate when Applebloom spoke up.

"So, can I ask 'im, sis? Please? Can I ask 'im, now?"

"Now, Applebloom, you heard him this mornin'. He's really busy, remember?" Turning on my heel and walking back to the porch, I knelt down in front of the littlest Apple and smiled.

"Well, what did you wanna ask me, hun?"

"Well, Applejack and Mac are really busy with the apples, Rarity never wants ta go, so I wanted ta ask you... if you could take us campin'? Sweetie and Scoots really had fun last time and we all wanna go again! You DO go campin' don't you?"

"Of course I do," I said with a laugh. "And I'd really like to take y'all, but you'd better ask your sister if it's okay first." She looked up at AJ with a grin wider than the Rio Grande. I could have sworn I saw a small halo appear over her head. Rolling her eyes and nodding, Applejack acquiesced.

"Alright... But missy, you'd best mind yer behavior or Granny's gonna tan yer hide!" The bouncing began and didn't stop for as long as I was in sight. Shaking my head at the little filly and her joyous celebration, I managed to focus on my next and hopefully last event of the day.

Rarity was probably either busy as hell still, or waiting patiently for me to show up for our little unofficial date. My mind raced at what might happen tonight. Hell, what was I gonna do? What COULD I do? I pondered this and many other questions as I lit a cigarette and started the walk back to town, slowly enjoying what little time I had to get everything together.

Rarity.

God, I hope you'll know how I feel, tonight.

And I hope this wouldn't be a terrible time.

I knocked on the door to the boutique and waited patiently for an answer. In the meantime, I was having an inner conflict with myself.

Alright John, this ain't any different from anything else you do... Just grab a hold of your balls and be you. Yeah, except she's not a random slut you met at a bar and used for a night, you've never tried getting a girl with a bit of class in your life. You'll fuck this up sure as shit. Bullshit. I might not have the longest list of worthwhile lovers, but this is different. Well, fuckin' do it then. Actions talk, bullshit walks.

I knocked again.

It's gonna fuckin' happen, chief. This one is special. I ain't gonna screw this up. Do it, then. Prove me wrong, but you've done nothin' but love and leave. Why change now? Cause now I WANT to. Now, I have a reas-

Finally, Rarity opened the door. She looked disheveled; like she had been working since the moment I left this morning and didn't stop for anything.

"John? What are you doing?" she said, looking over her reading glasses at me. My mind went completely blank. "What is that in your hand?" Well, OBVIOUSLY she was referencing the flowers I picked up before heading over. Maybe the picnic basket I made up.

"What? Oh, you mean this stuff? Well, these here flowers are for you, my lovely lady and this here picnic basket is full of all sorts of nice things I thought you would like after a hard day's work." She moaned in anguish at that.

"I'm not even finished yet... It's almost halfway done, but the deadline is in TWO DAYS! I'll NEVER finish on time."

"Oh sure you will, darlin'. You just need to stop for a second and enjoy yourself. C'mon and relax for a bit." She bit her lip as she weighed her options.

"Oh, fine. Come on in then. Let us see what you've brought." I shook my head.

"No, ma'am. You find a vase for these here tulips and come with me. I'm gettin' you outta this house tonight." She looked annoyed for a brief second before she sighed in resignation.

"Fine then. Wait here and I'll be out in a minute."

"I've got all the time in the world, gorgeous." With a nod, she took the flowers from me and disappeared into the house.

Jesus John, she looks like hell. You sure it's a good time to drop something like this on her? Of course it's not. Everything's just gonna end up smellin' like heartbreak, alcohol and regrets. Nah.. She needs this. Besides, if it's not goin' well, I'll call it off and just try to get her to enjoy the evening.

A few minutes later and she emerged from her home. Her mane was all fixed up and she wore a light scarf around her neck.

"Alright, Mr. Marshall. Where, pray tell are we going?" I gave her my devious grin and offered my arm.

"Well, Miss Rarity, if you'll allow me to escort you, I have an amazing spot picked out just fer us."

We walked out into the dusk hoof in arm, casually chatting back and forth about whatever came up. Y'all guys know what this means when you're dealing with an overworked female, I'm sure. She spoke mostly about her customer base and the orders she had to fill while I listened and interjected when I could.

"Not to be a braggart, but my styles and clothing lines have become somewhat of a commodity in many circles to be sure. Even then, you would believe that as professionals that understand deadlines and having to fit them into schedules they could at LEAST give me some kind of advanced notice."

"Don't you say something about it to them when they order?" I asked calmly.

"Of COURSE not. Especially not those that are repeat customers and certainly not any that could bring me further into the spotlight. If I imposed restrictions on when and how long it would take, I could lose business. Worst of all, I might miss my grand entrance into the world of high fashion as a serious designer. I would be ruined if I missed an opportunity to make that leap and become a household name across Equestria!"

We continued to meander closer towards the edge of town and eventually into the woods outside of Ponyville. Rarity looked at the sky with concern before stopping and turning to me.

"Are we really going into the forest at this time of night? Couldn't we just have done this at my home?"

I laughed and pulled her close.

"Honey, if I wanted to just sit in a kitchen and talk about nothin', we could have done it at MY house. I keep tellin' ya, I've got somethin' special planned. Besides, ain't nothin' gonna hurt you while I'm around. Least not without a helluva fight." She nodded reluctantly and let me steer her down a small path into the trees. The sun finally fell past the horizon after we got under the tree cover. It was dark and spooky, but it wasn't like we were wandering around the Everfree. I figured out that one quick before I planned the little trip. This patch of the forest was safe as houses.

"Joooooohn," Rarity whined slightly. "I don't feel like getting my hooves dirty tonight, please can we just go back?" I shook my head and grinned as we got closer to the destination.

"Nooo, ma'am. In fact, this is where you don't get to look. Here." I turned towards her and lightly tied a small blindfold around her head. "Trust me, okay? You're gonna love this." That was the straw that broke the camel's back right there. She didn't resist, but she could barely hide her frustration anymore.

"John! I am TIRED of playing this game with you, I'm TIRED of walking around on a mere whim, and I'm TIRED because I'M... JUST TIRED! I demand that you explain yourself immediately!" I blocked out the rest of her tirade as I guided her off the path and into some light brush. It was a matter of seconds before we were exactly where I wanted to be. Rarity continued to voice her disapproval of the situation.

"I mean REALLY! Just out of absolutely nowhere, you decide that I need a break and we walk ALL THE WAY OUT HERE just to wander around a forest because you THINK I will enjoy it?! Do you even KNOW ME?! THIS simply will NOT do if you intend to-" At that moment I lifted the blindfold and stood next to her, smiling.

We stood together at the edge of a small clearing. The glen was lit by a magnificent moon and too many stars to count at once. A brook trickled nearby as the near silence gave way to a chorus of crickets playing our own personal symphony. Rarity was awestruck.

"John... This is... This is beautiful!"

"I knew you'd like it," I said with a grin. After a moment of enjoying her reaction, I set down the picnic basket and unfurled the small blanket on the soft grass. She sat gracefully as I knelt over the basket, rummaging for a bottle opener. With a pop, the bottle of wine was opened and set aside to breathe. Just a few minutes later and two glasses were carefully filled. I chose my spot close to the object of my attention and took a small sip from my glass.

"Well, madamoiselle? Is this sight good enough for your divine gaze?" With a sip, she looked towards me with a blush.

"It is indeed something to inspire awe. What made you want to bring me out here?"

"I thought it would be nice is all. Wanted to get you away from work for a bit. Spend some time with my favorite lady." I said with a shrug. "I'm glad you like it. From what everybody else was sayin', I was almost scared you would have cried about a chipped hoof or something."

She huffed and took a small sip of the wine.

"Well, the company and comfort has much to do with my levels of pleasure. Although, I can't say any stallion has ever thought to do something like this before."

I laughed and took another sip of the wine. I didn't have anything to say to that. Lots of things to think about, but not say. Jesus, John... What are you doing? Just hurry up and tell her before the dazzle wears off. C'mon, really? Remember, yank your balls out of the cage you threw 'em in and make a fuckin' move! Yeah, yeah. I leaned sideways to bring myself closer to her and my heart jumped a little in my chest. Goddamn, John... You're in love, ain'tcha?

"John?"

Her voice broke me out of my little internal dialogue and I turned to answer her. Her face wore a nervous expression. I could tell something was coming, but my mind didn't anticipate her next move quick enough. Quickly leaning in, she pressed her lips to mine, eliminating the distance between us in a flash. She held herself there for a few seconds, her eyes screwed shut as she kissed me. Finally leaning back, she opened her eyes and blushed. The look on my face must have been priceless. As soon as her mouth touched mine, my heart leapt in my chest again and my mind stopped working. I sat there with a blank expression on my face while I tried to collect my thoughts. Damn, she beat you to the punch, huh?

As things started to swim back into focus, I could feel her looking at me. Gauging my thoughts. Reading my reaction. I looked back up at the sky. In my periphery, I saw the corners of her mouth start to droop and her brow furrow.

"I... I'm terribly sorry.. That was rather forward of me... I... I'll just-"

She started to stand in mid-sentence, but I placed my hand on her shoulder and she froze in place. Slowly, I pulled my arm back and patted the spot next to me. Come on and sit back down darlin... I might not be able to say it right now, but that's what I want. We stayed there in silence for a minute. Staring up at Luna's night and realizing the cliche situation for what it was, I finally broke the stifling quiet. I didn't know what to say or how to say it anymore, so I just started.

"Honestly speakin', I had a little bit of an ulterior motive for this... And I was kinda anglin' for that result. I've been wanting to kiss you like that for a long time, but I just haven't had the courage or the opportunity to do it. I keep screwin' up and gettin' torn further from you. You have no idea how much I just wanna be right here with you for as long as I can. Even if it's just for a second, it would be worth more than all the gold in Equestria. You know what I'm sayin'?"

She was quiet. I turned to look at her; my heart once again leapt into my throat as her big, bright sapphire eyes came into focus at the center of my vision. There she was. The mare I had fallen in love with. She was the same mare that shamed me, and then got involved with another man. The lady I longed for.

Our gazes locked for a few seconds. She leaned back in, her eyes half closed. Her warm muzzle got closer and closer before she closed the gap completely again and kissed me. Not a rushed excited kiss like the first one. This was more than that. I could feel passion and fire. Tenderness and desire. I felt her warm breath as she exhaled through her nose and that was it. My mind was gone again. Boom. Gone. Completely. At that point, it didn't even matter that she was a pony and I was a human. She had personality. She had feelings. She had a soul.

And she was a helluva kisser.

She started to break the kiss and pull away, but I couldn't just let it stop there. It had been so long since I felt like this... well.. at all. No romance. No love. No desire. This feeling was more than just basic primal urges and male behavior. I put my hand gently behind her head and pulled her back in close, desperate for this moment to last even just a few seconds longer. This elicited a muffled yelp from her throat, (I guess she wasn't expecting me to do that..) and I grinned slightly through the lip-lock. After what felt like an eternity of bliss, it was my turn to break the kiss. I leaned my forehead against her's. Eyes closed, we panted softly in the night, catching our breath.

"When you left, I knew I made a terrible mistake. You are different from all of the other stallions I have ever met. It's not just because of the way you look either. You're a decent man, John Marshall. I went to Canterlot with the girls and that Silver character from before. He was horrid. Under the style and glamour he was just another jerk. A gilded weed. I spent the day telling myself and Twilight all of the things he was doing wrong and everything you would have done differently. I missed you. And regretted ever making you feel the way you did."

I was stunned. Everything she had was just laid out on the table.

"Rarity... I was hesitant at first. I was new to this place. I was new to everything and everything was new to me. You were new to me. This," I said gesturing around "is new to me. I didn't think that feelings for you were possible. I didn't even think it was right at first. But I knew it was real the night of the ball. I knew it was more real than anythin' I'd ever known when I left town. I knew what I started to feel for you was true when drinkin' a bottle of whisky didn't push you from my mind. All it did was make me miss you a hundred times more."

She smiled and kissed me lightly.

"You really should learn to control yourself." I smiled.

" 'Those who restrain desire do so because theirs is weak enough to be restrained.' " She wrapped her hooves around my head in reply and kissed me harder than before. Passion. Lust. My hands and her hooves explored as much of each other as we dared. I couldn't think of anything at the moment.

Only her smell.

Her taste.

Her touch.

Her warmth.

Eventually, we stopped to catch a breath once again.

"Is that a John Marshall original quote, sir?" I grinned.

"Nah, but it's a pretty smooth line, darlin'. Just roll with it." I leaned back in and kissed her again before laying back on the ground and relaxing.

With a heavy sigh, she shifted closer and laid her head on my chest, gazing at the heavens with me. The night sky above us was scattered with more stars than I have ever seen. I silently thanked Luna for making it so beautiful.

"Just so breathtaking..." She said looking up.

After a moment's pause, I replied.

"Yes. Yes you are."

Author's Note

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKturN4Beyg#t=33