Ever Growing Friendship

Written By: Cloudline Dasher

Edited By: Bytestorm

Chapter 19: A Mare's Approval

Glancing down to his hands, Trace ran his fingers over the deed to his house. All he really needed to do was head to Mayor Mare’s office and fill out the paperwork to place his home up for sale. At least that was the general information that Twilight had provided to him. Twilight mentioned that she didn't have the specifics of the town’s rules on hoof, but just to ask Mayor Mare, and she would help him along. Upon entering the office, a blast of cool air from the AC unit hit, almost having the papers fly from his hands. Clenching tighter, he crumpled them slightly in attempts of preventing them flying off. Once at the front desk, a tan mare glanced up to him, “How may I help you, Trace?”

Which he wasn't all that surprised, he was the only human in town. It would be hard to not notice a strange specie roaming the streets. Simply clearing his voice, he handed over the paper work, “I would like to sell my house.”

The mare seemed a little confused, glancing up to the tall human, “You're not leaving are you?” For some reason she had disappointment in her voice, but then he realized upon several occasions he had fixed things around her house. Even though Trace had a hard time keeping track with all the faces, it seemed some like this mare tended to vividly remember him, “I'm just moving in with a mare, and see no use having the house any longer.”

Her expression softened in relief, grinning as she pointed to the mayor’s office, “Go on in, she'll help you with everything you'll need.”

Nodding, Trace grabbed his papers, stepping into the office. At first the Mayor didn't notice, but as the door clicked closed behind him, she looked up, “Morning, Trace. How are you?”

Stepping up to her desk, Trace placed the papers down in front of her, “I would like to sell my house, I am currently moving in with somepony.”

“Oh?” She grins, inching a little closer, “Let me guess, Fluttershy's cottage?”

Trace blinked in surprise, and nods, “Y-yeah, how did you know?”

“It's no secret, I keep an eye on all the inhabitants of my small town.” Mayor Mare ended in a giggle, pushing the paperwork back toward him, “Anyway, the town attorney is in charge with deeds. Just head on over to the other room.”

Glancing over, Trace noticed a second door, and nodded to Mayor Mare, “Thanks, I'll let you know how it goes.” He playfully chuckled, earning a giggle from the mayor.

Upon entering, Trace's gaze was immediately met with a stern looking mare. Her mane done up, with gray streaking through it. Looking more like it was from her job, rather than old age. What color she had left in her mane was a faded red, while her coat was a tainted orange. A pair of glasses rested on her nose, but she pulled them off as she looked up to him. She didn't even bother with a smile as she motioned him forward.

Stepping closer, he could see past her desk just far enough to see the unicorns cutiemark was a parchment, with the word document on it, “I would like to sell my house please.”

“Permission of sell form?” The mare raised an eyebrow, waiting patiently for him to hoof it over.

“Uh... sorry miss...” the tall human paused, looking to the name plate on the desk, “Miss Page Streamer, where do I get a permission to sell form?”

A sigh escaped the mare as she pulled the glasses from her face, “Your lead mare, or the mare that is in charge like a mother or a guardian comes to the court house and receives the form. Upon that time, you return that form in person with her present, and then you can sell her house.”

“Her house?” Trace asked, “But it's my house.”

“Stallions cannot own houses. In Ponyville, as soon as you have a lead mare in your life, she is legally responsible for your well being, safety, and property. That is the law.”

For a moment Trace just looked to her blankly, running her words through his mind. A tinge of red blurred his vision, but he managed to contain it. He took a deep sigh, calming himself down, “Okay... so... I just need her here in person, correct?”

“That is correct.” The mare stated, nodding to him as she placed her glasses back on her snout.

Giving a forced smile, Trace nodded, recollecting his papers, “Thank you, I'll just go do that then.”

“Very well...” Page Streamer nodded, motioning him to leave. As he was leaving, Trace, in his frustration, failed to notice the dark look that the mare was giving him.

Once back in the mayor’s office, Mayor Mare looked to him, “How did it go?”

Accidentally letting a sour look get through, Trace calmly asked, “How do I get laws repealed?”

Raising her brow in confusion, Mayor Mare looked to him curiously, “You just fill out a form, and then the law is therefore brought to a town wide vote. If the vote is for eliminating the law, it is then sent to Canterlot where a council will determine whether it is worthy of the Princess's time. Then the Princess's will decide if it should be disbanded. Why? What's wrong?”

“Apparently I'm not allowed to have a say in ownership of my own house if I have a mare in my life.” Trace fumed, gazing down at the floor in frustration.

Looking to the other room, Mayor Mare lowered her voice, “How about you go ask Twilight? She is the Princess's student after all. She could possibly send a letter and skip all this mess.”

Trace's face brightened and grinned, “Sure! I'll do that!”

“However, you may want to also do the form to repeal the law. So you can come at it with two angles.” Mayor Mare smiled, pulling a form from her desk.

Gently pulling the form from her hooves, Trace nodded, “Thank you!”

~~Apparentlythisisaline~~

Upon receiving Trace's next letter, Lyra couldn't help but feel for him. She didn't even know those laws still existed, but heard rumors of towns still trying desperately to keep genders separated, with Mares as the dominant choice makers. Princess Celestia was trying to correct this, but being a ruler of such a vast land, she couldn't possibly keep track of every towns separate rules. Not to mention if it never passes the town vote, or the pony council in Canterlot, it is never brought to Celestia's attention, and that's how some outdated laws fall through the cracks. Lyra furrowed her brow in anger, the letter levitating in her golden magic and following her from the room. Trotting down several hotel rooms down, she knocked rather harshly on the oak door, “Melodic Whistle!”

The door levitated open, showing a milky pink stallion. Wearing a gray sleek vest, with an untied bowtie. His cutie mark a silver musical note, swirling around a sheet of music. Melodic Whistle looked to the minty green unicorn with confusion, but quickly smiled and chuckled, “What ever can I do for you my musical lyrist?”

“You know how we sometimes play for a certain causes?” Lyra stated in a serious tone.

He just blinked for a moment, nodding, “Yeah, was there a specific cause you wanted to stand up for?”

“Absolutely!” Lyra grinned widely, hoofing over the letter.

Melodic scanned over the letter, not quite following what Lyra wanted, “I don't understand?”

“Trace cannot sell his house because he is male. I want to dedicate a performance to raising gender equality. Stallions shouldn't have to be shackled to a mare, they should be able to make their own decisions!” Lyra tried to control her volume, but as she spoke, her anger would fester and it would raise louder and louder.

However, her facial features softened as she noticed a small reddened hue on Melodic's cheeks. He averted his gaze for a moment, before clearing his voice and collecting himself, “I would be honored to stand up for stallion rights. However, we would need to pick a gig, and then run it by them first. We wouldn't want to dedicate a cause at a gig, only for the owners to get agitated and ban us from ever playing there again. Did you happen to have a gig in mind?”

Looking down at the ground for a moment, Lyra's eyes scanned the floor as if searching. A small grin formed on her face as she said, “Canterlot Hall.”

Blinking once again, Melodic Whistle frowned, “I'm sorry, but that one would be up to Celestia and Luna themselves. With Celestia being the one to set the laws in place trying to rid Equestria of slavery of stallions, I doubt they would protest, but...”

“Please...” Lyra frowned, her eyes shimmering and her pupils widening, her lower lip raising over the top in a pout.

Glancing away for a moment, Melodic Whistle shuffled his gaze, trying to look away. Melodic ultimately sighed as his will power melted away, “Well... okay... I will send a letter to them, but I highly doubt they will even get it. I too am a stallion you know, and just because I have worked my tail off to put together the Royal Euphony, I am still considered lower. There are still those that dismiss me as soon as they look at me.”

It was Lyra's turn to blink in confusion, “You've been discriminated against too?”

A sigh escaped the pink stallion, rubbing the nape of his neck and ruffling his prismatic silver mane, “Look, just don't tell the others okay... I've worked hard to be respected for who and what I am. As your manager, it is my job to keep up appearances and stand my ground. I can go ahead and tell you this, as soon as everypony finds out we are dedicating a gig to gender equality, they are going to think it is because the Royal Euphony is managed by a stallion that got discriminated against one too many times.”

Melodic Whistle yelped as he was suddenly hugged. Lyra throwing her hooves around her manager’s neck, “Thank you Melodic, I always thought you were some hard ass that just wanted us to be successful. I don't look down to you because you're male, if anything, I look up to you for always looking out for us.”

Slowly pulling away, Lyra noticed Melodic's gaze lower for a moment. His eyes slightly glossing over, but he quickly cleared his throat, rubbing his eyes, “Thanks, um... I'll go write that letter now...” without saying anything else, Melodic stepped back, closing the door, trying to hide his face.

Right at that moment, Lyra couldn't help the respect that had just rapidly built for her manager. She grinned softly as she turned away from the door.

Upon closing the door, Melodic let out a frustrated breath, “Why am I getting so worked up? A mare looks up to you, so what?”

Walking over to his vanity dresser, he grunted in disapproval at what he saw. His eyes were slightly puffed and glossed over. Stepping over to his suit case, he slowly pulled a black book from his belongings. He quickly flipped to the very first page, showing a picture of a regal looking white unicorn, with his hoof snugly wrapped around Melodic's shoulder. The stallion’s mane was a dark hazy blue, and his cutie mark was that of a piano.

He just frowned, thinking back, 'why didn't we just walk away?'

Nightmares of that night still haunted him vividly over the past few years. Streaker was very assertive, and refused to let a mare boss him around. Leading the way in many gender equality laws and groups being formed. A mare had attacked, on the brink of trying to force Streaker from continuing with his goals of gender equality. It had been going on for a long time, mares having their way with stallions with any sort of power, or a chip on their shoulder, until they step down. Though the ones that refuse to step down, are made to disappear. With Streaker, it was the latter. After that day, Melodic Whistle swore never to back down. His hopes of finding him stayed strong, but he would avenge him by doing the one thing those mares were trying to prevent; stallions being equal with mares.

~~Apparentlythisisaline~~

Trace skidded to a halt in front of the library, not bothering to knock on the door before entering. Inside he saw Twilight speaking with another mare; Liquid Daze or something like that. Even though he was eager to speak with Twilight, he minded his manners, waiting for the conversation to end. Suddenly, Twilight glanced over and a small smile formed on her face, clearly telling him that she would be right with him. Trace tried to prevent a sigh, his patients starting to thin, and his mind starting to wander. He blinked suddenly as the mare walked over with Spike, trying to find a book in particular.

“How may I help you today, Trace? Need help with the homework I gave you?” Twilight asked, her smile still there, but she seemed a little frazzled. Probably another one of her late night study sessions.

“I actually just need to talk to you. There is a law that needs to be repealed, and I was hoping that you could send a letter straight to Celestia. I hope you don't think I'm using you, but this is kind of important.” Trace awkwardly chuckled, forcing a small grin.

Twilight's eyes went wide for a moment, confusion hitting her, “Does this have something to do with selling your house, Trace?”

“Actually, yes. How did you know?”

The purple mare just giggled as she replied, “I'm just very intuitive. However, I don't mind writing to Celestia. May I ask exactly what the law stated?”

“Page Streamer didn't state it word for word, but apparently I'm not allowed to sell my house without my lead mare's approval, in person.” Trace glanced over, feeling a pair of eyes on him, noticing the unicorn from earlier glancing his way, giving him a rather curious glare.

Dismissing the mare for the moment, his attention turned back to Twilight, “I thought laws like those were supposed to be overturned.”

“Mayor Mare says that the procedure in getting rid of laws need a town vote. She thought that maybe you could speak with Celestia and maybe skip the middle man... er, pony, and you could possibly fix the procedure with getting rid of outdated laws.”

Nodding, Twilight gave a sincere smile, “Of course, laws like these need to be repealed. I really thought Equestria was starting to truly become gender equal.”

Trace just chuckled, agreeing, “It's the same back in my world. People are so used to a certain way, with their beliefs and opinions that they refuse to let females have equal rights as males have.”

“Equal rights as males?” Liquid Daze blurted out, interrupting their conversation, but as Trace and Twilight looked her way, she averted her gaze, a small blush on her face, “Sorry, I just can't believe a world where males are dominant.”

Getting a tad bit agitated, Trace frowned, “And I never imagined I would end up in a world where a male would have to have permission from a mare to sell his own property.” He eyed the blue mare, watching her red mane stand up in agitation.

“Humph!” Liquid Daze flared up, snapping her red tail in the air and walking over for the door, “I guess stallions are flighty no matter the world they come from.”

Tinges of red flared in front of Trace's gaze, holding his breath in hopes of lasting long enough until she left the library. The door slammed closed after the unicorn mare named Liquid Daze, allowing Trace to forcefully let his breath loose, “Can you believe her?!”

Taking a few steps back, Twilight just nervously chuckled. Surprised at how angry Trace looked. Thinking back, it was probably the first time she had ever seen him angry. She frowned as Trace continued, his sharp canines revealing themselves as he spoke, “Now I know how my mom felt, she would always rant about men saying how emotional women are whenever she tried to speak her mind about woman’s rights.” Trace let out a low growl, making Twilight step farther back, colliding with Spike whom was carrying a few books, knocking them to the floor.

With the sudden sound of books colliding with the wooden flooring, Trace blinked, instantly calming as he looked at Twilight's expression. His anger immediately vanishing as he turned to concern, “Twilight, you okay?”

“Uh... hehe... yeah... Sorry, don't think I've ever seen you angry before...” Twilight admitted truthfully, knowing him far too well to think he would truly hurt her, but for some reason, seeing those white pearly teeth of his, sent shivers down her spine.

Rubbing his neck apologetically, Trace let out a sigh, “I'm sorry Twilight.., I really didn't mean to snap. I just hate it when people, or ponies, hold others down. It was what I was raised with, equal rights and all...”

Trying to laugh the awkwardness away, Twilight gave a somewhat sincere grin, “A-anyway, I'll write that letter, and I'll let you know when she replies.”

“Thanks Twi, I really apprecia--” Trace stated as he took a step toward Twilight, but halted when she instinctively took a step away from him. Clearing his voice, he just merely states, “Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow... then...”

Averting her eyes, Twilight couldn't help but kick herself for acting scared of him all of a sudden. He didn't mean her any harm, if anything she felt honored that he was comfortable enough to be able to let his emotions out to her. However, that didn't stop her sudden concern, only being able to picture those pointy teeth, “Goodbye Trace, don't... don't forget to finish your homework and let me know if you need help.”

Deciding to just let it be for the moment, Trace nodded knowingly to her, walking toward the door. He couldn't prevent himself from glancing back once more, concern marking his face as his eyes locked with Twilight's. Without another word, Trace pulled the door closed, heading toward his home on the edge of town. If nothing else, he could at least get some more stuff packed up, and maybe get that homework done that Twilight had given him. It would also allow him to work off some of his frustrations.

~~Apparentlythisisaline~~

Canterlot Castle:

The whole castle was busy, preparing for the Canterlot Hall performance months ahead. Since it was at night, Celestia thought it best to ease Luna into helping her lead the land by putting her in full power over the performance. Hoping to get her more comfortable with the populace, and hopefully earning her love that she so dearly deserved. She had just set the sun, giving off one of her famous multi orange hued horizons. Signaling she was off to bed for the night, at least until she had to wake up to bring the dawn.

Once in her room, a swirl of green smoke appeared, revealing two letters. Carrying the two in her magic, she approached a desk, where lay drawings, hobbies, and a rather old diary. Glancing over to the door, lay a stack of letters, one in particular being a letter from Melodic Whistle. Levitating the stack toward her, she discarded the rest into a drawer for tomorrow. Too tired to read all of them, deciding to focus on the letter from Melodic Whistle, most likely concerning the Royal Euphony's performance at Canterlot Hall, and the letters Twilight had sent. Opening the one from Melodic first, she began to read to herself,

'Dear Princess Celestia,

Normally I wouldn't request something of this nature from a performance hired by the Princess's themselves. However, seeing as my lyrist Lyra Heartstrings is mated to an Element of Harmony, I found it necessary to at least attempt to tend to her request. I expect that you know of Trace Lawrence, due to the Immigrant Act of New Species into Equestria that was founded ten years ago? As such, he has come to a sort of problem in Ponyville. Apparently due to the presence of outdated laws, stallions still have to have permission from a mare too--'

Celestia blinked at the paper, reading that last sentence a few more times, “I cannot believe this. Ponyville, of all places... those laws should have been repealed already.”

Being alone in her room, Celestia didn't bother hiding a small inelegant frown as she continued to read, 'sell property. I expect they are submitting the paperwork to repeal the law as we speak, but as per Lyra's wish, we humbly request that we dedicate the Canterlot Hall performance to gender equality. Thank you for your time your highness, and expect a performance well played at Canterlot Hall.

The Royal Euphony's Manager,

Melodic Whistle'

Glancing over to the other two letters, Celestia pulled over the first letter Twilight sent, opening it and holding it to the candle that was lit on her desk,

'Dear Princess Celestia,

Trace came by and brought to my attention that apparently some sexist laws still exist. Both Trace and myself wish for them to be repealed, and I personally would like to call a review of the procedure that’s in place with voiding outdated law.-

A small reddened hue formed on Celestia's face, knowing just who created that procedure. She had to admit, though, that even with a thousand years, she still had trouble creating law and procedures for Equestria, let alone each individual town. That was always Luna’s duty. “Maybe I should return that to her…” she mused. It was hard enough keeping the economy balanced, and making sure Canterlot wasn't either corrupted, or overfilled with ponies wanting to be near the Princess's or somehow famous. Forcing her embarrassment away, Celestia silently vowed never to reveal that she was actually the one that created that procedure, and simply continued to read, 'The second letter that accompanies this one is my personalized procedures, and believe would ease the process in ridding the land of laws like these. Keeping the matter of public choice by voting, without the option of discriminating against any gender, race, specie or the like.

As for the law on hoof, or as it concerns Trace, on hand. I request you repeal this law, and I will be searching the town hall tomorrow for any others like it.

Your Faithful Student,

Twilight Sparkle'

After finishing the letter, Celestia quickly wrote Twilight back letting her know she would look in to it, but at the moment being swamped with business in Canterlot and the Royal Euphony. After the letter was sent, she quickly took up Melodic Whistle's letter into her magic, deciding it far too important to just wait until tomorrow. With a puff of her magic, the letter disappeared into a swirl of purple, and escaped under her door. A yawn finally escaped her, glancing at the soft bedding that cooed her name. Whispering for her to lay down her head, just where she had for most of her reign.

~~Apparentlythisisaline~~

Letting out a small bit of frustration through a steady long breath, Trace focused on getting home. However, when he reached his door, it creaked open, “Hmm, I guess I left it unlocked.”

Venturing into the home, Trace plopped down on the sofa in the middle of the room, facing the fire place. Groaning and letting his body rest. Leaning forward, Trace placed his right elbow on his knee, bringing his hand up to his face and trying to rub the frustrations away, 'Is this really bothering me that much? I mean... you always thought your mom was nuts because she always went wild when she couldn't do something because of her gender.'

“Ugh...” Trace grunted, leaning back on the sofa, his arms falling limply to either side as his head softly leaned back against the rear of the seat.

A jolt of fear shot through his body as a pair of hooves ran over his shoulders from behind the sofa. His eyes shooting open, about to jump up, but instantly relaxed when he heard a familiar and comforting voice, “Trace, what's wrong? You seem tense.”

Relaxing once more, letting his head fall back to its place on the back of the sofa, he softly gazed up to his yellow pegasi, “Just... I've had a pretty rough day...”

Taking to the air, Fluttershy flew over the couch, turning to face Trace. She spread her hind legs as she straddled her human’s lap, “Want to talk about it?”

“Well, for one, I'm not allowed to sell my home without a mare’s permission.” Trace let out a sigh, pushing against the couch to sit up, his eyes meeting with Fluttershy's. His hands finding their way up to either of her cutie marks.

The yellow mare let out a comforting coo at his touch, before refocusing her attention, “I-I can't believe that! If... if you want I can come with you and give permission?”

“No, it has to be the lead mare apparently.” Trace frowned, running his hands up Fluttershy's sides. His left hand stopping at her midsection, but his right taking her hoof into his palm.

She looked as if she started pouting, but gave him a soft disbelieving look, “I wasn't aware those laws existed anymore.”

“Twilight said the same thing. She is sending a letter to Celestia to get the law thrown out.”

A small grin formed as Fluttershy let out a giggle, “I'm sure Celestia will fix this.”

Averting his eyes, Trace let out another sigh, frowning, “There... is something else...”

Nuzzling her nose against her stallion’s cheek, Shy just hummed, “What's wrong, hun?”

“I think I kind of scared Twilight today.”

The yellow mare kept up her nuzzles, as she softly asked, “How? Did you surprise her?”

Falling silent, Trace contemplated his words before speaking, “A mare came in and said some ignorant things, and I kind of flared up. I didn't even mean too, I just... I've grown up around my mom always fighting for woman’s rights, and now with it actually happening to me, it makes me feel... guilty for not taking her more seriously.”

Pulling back, Fluttershy's gaze met with her stallions, a small look of worry, “So... how did you scare Twilight?”

“I'm not sure, but I guess it was because I got so angry. I managed to wait till the mare left, but ended up just bursting once she was gone. I hope Twilight doesn't think I was yelling at her... she didn't do anything...” Trace frowned, trying to replay the memory continually over in his mind. Trying to pin point the exact cause for Twilight's fear.

“Trace, I highly doubt Twilight was afraid of you. You probably just startled her. I mean, even I haven't seen you get truly agitated before. She is the type of pony that prides herself on learning everything she can about any subject. With you being human and from an entirely different world, she probably tried to learn everything about you, including your nature. With you snapping out of the blue like that, knowing her, it probably messed with her mind.”

Wrapping his arms around her torso, Trace pulled his timid mare closer to him, their faces almost touched as he looked her in the eyes, “How'd I ever earn such an insightful mare?”

Looking away, a reddened hue formed on the pegasi's cheeks, hiding her face behind her mane. Trace just grinned, seeing this as the perfect opportunity, “To hide one’s beauty, behind the confines of one’s own mane.”

Snapping her gaze back to Trace, her eyes widened, looking to her stallion in shock. He just smiled, continuing the quote, “How I adore the burning blossom on your cheek. Do not hide from me, yourself, and from which has ensnared my heart.”

With her eyes locked on him, she hadn't realized her wings quickly standing to attention. Trace couldn't help a small chuckle from seeing her reaction, the sheer astonishment on her face as she whispered, “Y-you read it already?”

“For a pony novel, it was really interesting. Couldn't seem to put it down.” Trace chuckled, a firm grin staying in place in the corner of his mouth.

Her features softened, and he could see her bite her lower lip, but when she released, she softly spoke, “What… what did you think about it?”

Clearing his throat, he began revising the book in his head, “Some parts were rather... heated… but that wasn't what drawn me in.”

Returning her gaze back to him, she gave him a rather curious and almost hesitant gaze, “What was it then?”

“It was the characters. I mean, according to the cover art, I pictured it to be about a sappy romance between an uptight pegasus, and a love-struck unicorn. Whoever wrote this was very talented, and reminds me of some of the better works from my world. I can't name any off the top of my head, but it was kind of sad in some places. However, that just made it happier and more romantic in the end.” By the end of talking, a flowery heat had settled in his cheeks. Some of the more intense scenes replaying in his mind.

Shuffling slightly in his lap, Fluttershy managed to scoot her hips closer to his, almost grinding herself down and onto him. Her head moved closer, and Trace could feel her breath just below his right ear, sending a shiver down his side. He expected her to say something, but flinched when a pair of lips connected with his neck. His fingers twinged on her sides in surprise, a small grunt escaping his lips, “Shy, what're you--”

He lost his train of thought as her lips opened on his neck, taking a little of his skin in her teeth before releasing it, never actually biting down. A small moan escaped him as he let out a hot breath, his tan pants becoming awful tight all of a sudden. When she finally pulled away, he looked to her curiously. His neck wet and tingled from the attention his mare had just given. He was about to say something, but that melted away as Shy almost forcefully pushed her lips against his. Her hooves roaming his shoulders and slightly down his arms. Becoming lost in the moment, Trace eagerly returned the kiss. The yellow mare's tongue suddenly pushing in and venturing the brown haired humans’ mouth.

The air around them was starting to heat up as Trace was aroused to no end. They hadn't mated since that time in the spa, and Shy had been reluctant to even try. It was a happy turnabout when she was suddenly lusting over him, attacking him with her mouth. Running his hands up her back, she shivered, her wings flaring out. His hands soon found the base of either wing, messaging the base and the kiss quickly broke apart as a moan escaped her lips. Collapsing at his touch, Shy's head fell next to Trace's on the back of the sofa, whispering in his ear, “Trace, I... feel free to say no, but... I really need you right now... Can... can we?”

She bit her lower lip, her shy nature betraying her lust. Her hips grounding instinctively down onto his for any form of relief.

“Eep!” Fluttershy yelped as Trace's arms tightly hugged her, standing up in one quick motion and taking her with him.

Suddenly, Trace was carrying her up the stairs, her head dangling over his shoulder. She became rather dizzy for a second as she was forced to gaze down the stairs. That was soon ended when her stallion turned the corner, and laid her gently onto her back. Her body ruffling the sheets on the mattress. It was still a rather small bed, only suited for two ponies, but it would have to make due for what was about to happen. She could feel him take hold of her hind legs, and pull her to the side of the bed. Removing his shirt, he tossed it to the side, placing his knee onto the bed and hovering over Shy's small form.

They locked eyes for a moment, before Trace lowered his head, kissing on her chest. Fluttershy let out a steady heated breath, her wings stiffened and glued to the bed in her arousal. She blushed in embarrassment as she felt a wetness drip from her vulva, trickling down over her back entrance, making her shiver. Letting out another low moan, Shy focused on his touches, his lips lowering to her stomach. Once he reached her teats, he pulled one in his lips, using his tongue to flick the tip. She groaned in dissatisfaction as he released them, moving lower.

A red flag went up in her head, her eyes going wide, “Trace no, y-you don't have too... if you don't... don't want too that is...”

Chuckling to himself, he waves off her concern, “It's okay hun, I've done this plenty of times with Lyra.”

“Y-you have?!” Fluttershy gazed down between her hind legs, giving Trace a bewildered gaze.

He just simply shot her a grin and nodded, “It is much tastier that you would expect. Here, let me show you.”

Shy couldn't help but flinch as a finger delicately pierced her folds. Coating themselves in her moist juices. Removing his fingers, he gave it a test lick, purring at its flavor. Pushing it back in again, he made sure to thoroughly coat it, before standing up and hovering back over Shy's body. Grinning at her, he extended his hand in front of her mouth, “Here, try.”

Glancing from his hand, and up to his eyes. She shot him a concerned look, but when he just nodded and chuckled, she moved her head forward hesitantly. She squeaked when the finger touched her lips, but she continued, taking the tip into her mouth. Her eyes shot wide and she blushed, “I-it's sweet?”

“You ponies eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. It is why it is so sweet.” Trace explained.

He was about to pull away, but Shy quickly grabbed his arm in her forehooves, making him stop. He looked to her curiously, but she just shot him a cute adorable expression as she tenderly pulled her hand back to her mouth. Taking his two middle fingers into her maw. Trace felt his member twitch against the fabric of his pants, as the slick tongue encased his fingers. He let out a soft moan as she licked his fingers clean. After she was done, she couldn't help but avert her gaze and blush.

Laughing, he pulled from her grasp, returning to his knees at the side of the bed. His gaze returning to her delicate flower. Licking his lips, he moved forward, feeling her twitch as his lips touched her folds. Arcing her back, Fluttershy's body fell forward a little bit, her rump hanging off the bed. To prevent her from falling, Trace wrapped his arms around her rump, holding her in place. His little pegasi just merely whimpered in delight as his tongue flicked a little nub at the top of her entrance. At first he focused on the little knub, eliciting some rather animalistic moans from the mare. Making her squirm in his grasp. Fluttershy let out a soft coo as his dexterous tongue pushed into her folds. She still found it a little disturbing where her mate was licking, but the pleasure was far too great to stop him.

Trace sighed in frustration, feeling his arousal becoming a little too intense. Removing a hand from her waist, he slipped his hand down between himself and the edge of the bed, unfastening and unzipping his tan pants. Pulling both them and his underwear down around his legs. He took his girth into his palm, massaging its length for a momentary relief. Shy could feel him moan, sending minor vibrations through her entrance, making her twitch. She grew silent as she felt a steady build in her groin. She knew what was coming, and wondered how Trace would react. She didn't like to admit it, but with her more powerful orgasms, she could be quite the squirter. She doubted he would mind, especially since the taste was so good. She decided to remain silent, circling her hips down onto Trace's venturing mouth.

Eyes going wide, Trace instinctively brought his hand back up to Fluttershy, feeling her struggle and squirm on the bed. Barely able to keep his mouth connected to her delicate area. He grunted at the first squirt, feeling it shoot in his mouth and down his throat. Making him slightly cough in surprise. When he pulled back to recover, he flinched as a few steady squirts of clear liquid splashed across his face. Once it was over, Fluttershy lay silently panting, her body flinching with each passing wave of her orgasm.

Pushing his lovely mare back up onto the bed so she wouldn't fall, Trace discarded the rest of his clothes, grabbing his shirt. He went to wipe off the juices, but not before Shy eyed his face, her eyes going wide in embarrassment. She opened her mouth to apologize, but all that left was a small squeak. Trace just chuckled at her adorableness, “It's okay Shy, you just surprised me was all.”

It didn't help her embarrassment much, but it soon started to fade as her eyes steadily glanced over his body. Her arousal was slowly building once more, her wings stiffening and pinning against the bed. Shakily trying to move, Shy forced herself to roll over. Her front end down on the bed, her head resting on her hooves. She glanced back over her shoulder and stiff wings, shaking her rear high in the air. She tried opening her mouth to plead for him to join her on the bed, but all she managed was a hot moist breath, her tongue lolling out with lust. Trace just merely blinked, a small warmth filling his cheeks as he looked her in the eyes. Most of the time she was so incredibly cute, like an innocent little filly, but he had to admit; she was currently giving one of the most erotic come hither looks he had ever seen.

Crawling onto the bed, Trace pulled his mares body to his, flinching as his member touched the small puckered hole of her flower. Being unusually impatient, Shy pushed herself back, both of their mouths darting open in a loud moan as she suddenly engulfed his stallionhood. Her head firmly rested on her hooves, almost drooling onto the bed. Swallowing, before bouncing herself forward and back, trying to get her stallion to thrust. Getting the picture, Trace firmly grabbed her on her cutie marks, pulling and pushing her. Swaying her off of his girth, before back down and shoving himself down deep inside her.

While on his knees, it was a little difficult in this position, especially with his member pointing straight up, so by lifting up one leg, it managed to give him a little more height with his hips. Noticing his strained attempts, Fluttershy spread her legs, her rear lowering to the bed a tad bit more. With the first hard thrust, Shy squeaked when she fell into a laying position. Before she could recover or stand back up, Trace laughed as he pressed his stomach against her back, “Much better!”

“Eep!” Fluttershy yelped suddenly as Trace rapidly thrust himself in, his torso resting against her back, and his hips rapidly pounding against her moist mound. She instantly moaned and thrashed about, Trace's weight keeping her hooves successfully pinned underneath her. With his weight, along with her wings stiffened in arousal, she couldn't move. Her entire body pinned down as her loving stallion had his way with her, and oh how she loved it. Why she felt so hesitant about letting him rut her came to almost a total loss.

Blinking suddenly, Fluttershy's mind turned to the sole reason why she had hesitated; Lyra. Closing her eyes, she felt a tad bit guilty, but for some reason, it just made the situation feel all the better. However, with her arousal, her mind began to wander over to their herd member. Fluttershy warmly groaned out as she pictured Lyra on her back, with her on top of the minty mare, while Trace pounded her from behind. Her arousal flared up farther than she ever thought possible, the vivid picture of Lyra, along with the throbbing iron of meat spreading her tunnel with every shove, “L-Lyra...”

Hearing her softly coo Lyra's name, made Trace also turn his imagination over. Not really minding that Shy was thinking of her while they mated. Deep down, he instantly understood, somehow having a mutual understanding. He could clearly picture her off to the side, just as she had the day at the spa, watching him rut their herd member right in front of her. He could steadily feel his orgasm start to build, for awhile he managed to hold it back, but could soon feel it starting to fester.

“T-Trace!” Fluttershy moaned out loud, “I'm about...”

Upon hearing his name, he just increased his pace, trying desperately to sprint to the finish. His arousal building to sheer unbearable levels. As their orgasms encased their forms, they both yelled out, “Lyra!”

For a moment they could feel themselves merge in ecstasy, feeling as if all three were in the room. However, when they slowly came down from their ecstasy, the realization that Lyra truly wasn't here, and she was still possibly hundreds of miles away, deeply set in. Trace let his body relax, resting on his arms as to prevent himself from crushing Shy. His arms shook with exhaustion, pulling out and dodging Shy's wing as he fell to her side. Using an arm to pull her frame to his chest. Shy rolled onto her side until they were facing one another, they simply gazed into each other's eyes. That mutual understanding silently stating how much the other missed their third. Moving a tad bit closer, Trace wrapped Shy into a warm hug, his head next to hers in hopes of hiding his frown.

“I love you Trace, but... I really miss Lyra...”

“Me too...” Trace sighed, pulling her tightly as he did, “I miss her too.”

Author's Note

Bytestorm and myself done a fair amount of revision on this chapter to prepare for future events. So if something doesn't seem quite right, by all means, point it out. Otherwise, keep calm and flutter on! :D