Ever Growing Friendship

Written By: Thunder-Dasher

Edited By: Bytestorm

Chapter three: A Heated Moment

Trace was the first to wake. His mind was well-rested, as well as rid of the influence of alcohol, and now reflected on the memories of last night. Lyra clearly knew more of him than he had of her. With her still sound asleep, he took a moment to look upon her. Her mouth was partly open, and her eyes could clearly be seen twitching with whatever dream she was apparently having. Her right forehoof was placed on his chest possessively, as if he would vanish if she were not hugging him close. Trace struggled to make out the incoherent murmurs that escaped past Lyra’s pert lips, but they seemed to be nothing more than brief sounds. He brought his hand up, gently using his index finger to remove her mane from her face, and tucking it behind her ear. He placed his hand against her cheek, as a content, happy hum emanated from the source of his attentions. Her eyes slightly cracked, but as soon as she realized she wasn't alone, a sleepy smile spread across her face, “Morning.”

“Good morning Lyra, would you like some breakfast?” He said, motioning to get up. A few aches and pains hit him from being on the floor all night.

Lyra pouted at the sudden gust of cold air. Looking up at the now standing human, “What are you going to make?”

Trace paused long enough to lay another log in the fire, and stoke it back to life. Blowing on it to make the flames slightly larger, he straightened back up and slipped on his shoes, in a desperate attempt to keep his feet warm, “How does… pancakes, sound?”

“I love pancakes!” Lyra said happily, a growling vacancy in her stomach made itself apparent.

Smiling as he left for the kitchen, Trace turned to find Lyra quickly tailing him. She sat at the rather dirty table in disbelief, “Uh... you weren't kidding when you said you haven't been able to tidy up yet.”

Trace grimaced, “Sorry about that... All my efforts have been to fix the roof, plumbing, and windows.”

“No need to explain, but we shouldn't really eat on something so filthy. Do you have a rag or something?”

Nodding, Trace reached under the sink and pulled out a grocery saddle. He pulled out some rags that still had price tags on them, ripped them off and threw the towel to Lyra. He expected her to catch it, but she did nothing more than blink in surprise. The towel draped off her horn, and Trace could barely stifle the laugh that escaped.

“Not funny...” Lyra stated, with a blush across her muzzle, not able to grin herself.

Lyra realized something, she loved hearing his laugh. It had something to it that a pony’s didn't. Maybe it was just him. The cloth, held in her magic, hovered over to the sink and was moistened, before wiping down the table. By that time, Trace had the stove flared to life, and a bowl filled with a mixture of various ingredients. After a matter of minutes, the batter had hit the pan, and the smell of pancakes began filling the room.

“I'm surprised you ponies even eat some of the things we do.” admitted Trace, pulling a spatula from a drawer.

“What do you mean?” Lyra tilted her head in a way that Trace couldn't help but find adorable.

“I mean, ponies from my home were mainly herbivores, but I suppose they would have ate just about anything you fed 'em. Though they normally didn't eat eggs, milk, fish, and things like that.” Trace had his back turned the entire time as he flipped the pancakes one by one. He managed to cook two pancakes at a time, but figured about four total would suffice.

Lyra pondered for a moment, finishing with the now sparkling clean table, “Most ponies in Equestria require the nutrients, and only pegasi eat fish; usually, that is.”

Trace looked over his shoulder to her for a moment, turning back to his pancakes, “I wonder why that is?”

“You mean the fish?”

Trace nodded, “Yeah”

“I guess… it's because they can fly and it's an easy food source? I'm not entirely sure, you might need to ask Twilight if you really want to find out,” Lyra tapped her chin with her hoof.

“You apparently know all my friends names, you have mentioned Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and even Rarity; Are you a friend of theirs?” Trace turned to look at her, curious as to know if they all carried a connection, and if so, why hasn't he heard of her yet.

“Mmm...” Lyra hesitated as she readjusted herself in the chair, “Somewhat... for one, Pinkie Pie is a friend of everypony; you would have to live under a rock in order for her not to befriend you, and even then she might, what with that Pinkie sense of hers. Two, Twilight runs the library; can't really check out a book without seeing the librarian, not to mention the personal student to Princess Celestia. Three, Rarity is the only fashion designer in Ponyville, only way you wouldn't meet her is if you had all your clothes made somewhere else.”

He pondered further, “Fair enough; but now I am curious; what about Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy?”

Looking down in thought, Lyra quickly looked back up, “I know Applejack because every year I wait five hours just to get a jug of her apple cider, plus you can’t buy an apple around here without talking to her or her brother... Rainbow Dash... you can't really look up without seeing a rainbow streaking across the sky. I mean, how can you see so many rainbows and not ask what is happening? Fluttershy... Fluttershy... Isn't... isn't she that shy pegasus on the edge of town? I think I met her once, I was playing my harp to her birds so she could get their pitches right...”

“Huh... I guess you know all my friends, then.” Trace smiled as he turned off the stove and placed a plate of two pancakes in front of her. He sat down his own before pulling syrup from the fridge, and taking a seat in front of Lyra, “Why haven't I met you before now? I mean, since we know all the same ponies?”

A scarlet hue crossed Lyra's face as she poured far too much syrup on her pancakes, “To be honest... I was avoiding you... I wanted to meet you so much that when the time came... I would always freeze up...”
“Then.., why last night?” Trace asked, yet to touch his pancakes before he received an answer.

Lyra's gaze lowered to her food, using the magic encased fork to play with her pancakes, “Not really sure... Alcohol... loneliness... being in a loud place like 'The Slinky Seduction'... I don't know... but...” she locked eyes with him, producing the most tender smile she could, “I am glad I did...”

Trace shot her a grin, “Me too.”

After a good breakfast with Lyra, Trace had to get on with some of his jobs that he had been neglecting. Today, he had to only go to one place, but that one place had several jobs for him. It would take him at least a good portion of the day and probably wouldn't get home until late. As Trace found himself on Applejack's farm, he couldn't see anypony around. He knocked on the door, but to no avail. He was about to check the barn before he heard a loud whistle and a dog running up to greet him.

Applejack was waving from atop a faraway hill. She started towards him at a full blown gallop. Trace was down on one knee, petting Winona as he waited. Applejack was slick with sweat, clearly she had been already hard at work doing something in the fields, “Sorry ‘bout that Trace, ah was helpin' Big Mac gather fallen branches after that hard windstorm last night.”

“No problem AJ, just point me where I need to be, and I can get started,” Smiled Trace as he stood, all the while Winona was jumping up on him, demanding more attention.

Trace just ignored her as AJ walked toward the house saying, “First off, ya know anythin' ‘bout rockin' chairs?”

“Not sure, but I can give it a look anyway,” Trace stated as they entered the house, noticing Granny Smith was sound asleep in said rocking chair.

AJ giggled at the sight. “Guess we can't start on that!” she said, as she rerouted the pair toward the kitchen. “Suppose ya can give the sink a look?” she asked him.

Nodding in reply, Trace followed suit. Applejack sat down next to the sink, her front hooves draped over the open cabinet door as he bent down, pulling out a flashlight from his tool box. Trace held back a sigh after noticing that Applejack was going to watch. He thought to himself, ‘what is up with these ponies watching everything I do, it's like they don't trust I can finish the job alone... then again, Rarity did say she was just watching since she was intrigued at how I did things without magic...’ Trace decided to test if that was the case, “You don't have to watch if you don't want too.”

“Nah, Ah heard from Rarity ‘bout those fingers of yers, ah wanted to see fer mahself! If ya don't mind, that is?”

“I don't mind,” Trace sighed as he mused, what is so interesting about fingers?

Asking Applejack to turn on the water, Trace noticed the location of the leak. After having her turn it off, he took his monkey wrench and undone the joints that held the pipe section between the sink and the trap. He didn't necessarily need to turn all the water off, as long as he didn't turn the sink on, and only messed with the pipes where the water immediately drained out. Instantly, he could tell what the problem was, both rubber gaskets were corroded, literally crumbling in his hand. He scooted back, and rummaged through his toolbox, looking for the right sized gasket. Luckily, he had matches, and prepared to replace them, “When was the last time these were replaced?”

“I'm not entirely sure, Surgarcube.”

“Fifty-three years ago, yer grandpappi installed dem there pipes. Didn't have not one darn problem till now!” A feeble ole Granny Smith stated, as she stepped into the kitchen.

“Have a nice nap, Granny?” asked Applejack. Trace could clearly see the love she held for her grandmother.

This depressed Trace slightly, as he knew that he wouldn't ever see his family again. Not that they would miss him, though. They didn't much care what he did, which led to him partying all the time, and telling lies to make friends. He shook the thoughts from his head before replacing another washer. His knees were aching from being crouched down, so he ended up sitting Indian style, which just moved the stress to his arms and back, since now he had to stretch to reach his work.

“Darn tootin', I was dreamin a fine dream too!”

Trace finished tightening the pipes, and stood up, bringing a welcome relief to his body from being scrunched up. He tested the sink, before repacking his toolbox, “Done here boss!”

Most of his friends would get upset when he called them that, but with Applejack; she didn't seem to care, “Ok, next up that rockin chair!”

“Oh no ya don't!” Granny hollered as she blocked the kitchen door, “Yall aren't touchin’ it!”

“Granny... That chair is squeakin’ sumthin’ fierce... We can barely sleep at night when ya fall asleep in that chair...” Applejack pleaded.

“Don'tcha touch it! Yer grand pappy was the pony that made that chair, I won’t let anythin’ happen to it!” Granny Smith stated, acting like a little filly that didn't get her way.

“Granny...” Applejack seemed defeated and unwilling to attempt this fight again.

“Let me,” Stated Trace; placing his toolbox back down before kneeling in front of Granny Smith, “I promise not to hurt it, sounds like it just needs some lubricant in some joints, nothing more.”

“Ya promise that is all yer gonna do?” Granny Smith's face softened, waiting for a reply.

“I promise, I won’t damage your chair.” Trace replied, placing his hand over his heart.

“Alright... but no funny business!”

Looking over at now bewildered Applejack, Trace gave her a reassuring wink. Applejack sighed in relief that the chair would finally be fixed. ‘Maybe Ah could sleep through the night without the whole house sounding like it was filled with mice.’ She thought to herself with relief, ‘maybe ah can do sumthin nice for him, ah do owe him fer that one after all!’

While she was lost in thought, he reached the chair, he gave it a gentle rock. He noted that it did not squeak all that much when he did this, he put a little extra pressure on the chair, and rocked it again.

*SQUEEEK*

Trace and Applejack cringed at the noise, but Granny Smith didn’t seem all that concerned. “Yeah, it just needs a little lubrication” he said, as he pulled some grease from his toolbox. After a few short moments, the chair was greased and blessedly quiet once more.

“That’s all set! Where too next, boss?” he asked, not even noticing the look the Applejack had earlier.

“This way, Mr. fingers.”

Trace couldn't help but chuckle at the nickname. It wasn't often, but Applejack would call him that whenever he was on the job. He picked up his toolbox and followed her from the house. Big Mac could be seen in the barn, preparing a rope that was attached to a pully up above. A wooden cart lay tied to one end of the rope, the other lay in Big Mac's teeth. Applejack stepped closer and turned, “We need ya to put this wheel on while Big Mac and ah hoist up the cart. Think ya can handle that?”

“Sure thing!” Trace stated, placing a hammer from his box next to him, so he could reach it once the wheel was on.

Applejack stepped next to Big Mac, “Ready?”

“Eeyup!” replied the big red workhorse, getting into a stance to pull the rope.

Applejack grabbed the rope in her teeth and stated through her teeth, “One... Two... Three...”

On three the rope was pulled by the two earth ponies, and Trace struggled to quickly place the wheel on the carts axle. It took him several minutes and most of his endurance to try and aim the hole of the wheel to the axle. Sweat was forming on his forehead. He grabbed the metal pin, and hammered it to nail the pin through the axle; as it held the wheel into place. Trace stepped back and smiled, “All done.”

Applejack and Big Mac let go, clear sweat could be seen forming on either of the ponies brow. Usually they wouldn't have broken a sweat, but that cart was awful heavy, and it was rather musty in the barn from all the hay, as well as the animals that had stayed in there from the night before.

“I'll be in the south field,” Stated Big Mac as he didn't stay to rest.

Trace took a breath as he sat down next to Applejack on a bale of hay, “Shouldn't he take a break too?”

“Nah, it takes far more than a cart to get mah brother down,” Giggled Applejack heartily as she bumped Trace playfully in the arm, “We should be gettin' back ta work too!”

Trace nodded, he was a little disappointed, but didn't argue. He knew she had plenty of things for him to do. Most of the day was filled with dozens of jobs here and there. It was things that Applejack just didn't have time to do, couldn't, or didn't have the money to hire a unicorn to do. Trace's prices were a lot cheaper, but according to Rarity, Twilight, and even Applejack, he was making plenty to feed and clothe himself, and keep up his house; plus a little extra for leisurely pleasures. Which wasn't more than buying some alcohol, or playing cards with whoever was willing to play. Rainbow Dash had gotten fairly skilled at poker, even going so far as to win all his extra bits for the week. She would usually insist that he take them back at the end of the night, but fair was fair.

By the end of the day, both Applejack and Trace were sweating buckets. They sat down under a tree and reveled in the cooling air. Both knew if they stayed and it got too cold, they would get sick, but the soreness and tiredness made them not care enough to get up, at least for a little bit. The two were in the north field collecting some fallen branches after Applejack had offered some extra bits for helping clean the field. With their combined efforts, it only took a couple hours and the fields were spotless again.

While sitting, Trace leaned up against a tree; breathing heavily in an attempt to catch his breath. All of his muscles ached and was glad to be getting some rest. Applejack seemed to be having the same problem, breathing heavy and sweat covering her body. Except for her, her fur seemed to slightly glisten from the salty liquid. Trace crossed his legs, Applejack took it as a good place to rest her head and lay her head on his leg. By now Trace had known that ponies, especially friends, would often cuddle. So, he didn't give it much thought. Trace couldn't see her face because of her hat, but her eyes were open and her mind contemplating, ‘ah wonder what ah can do for him? He has been such a big help, ah feel bits won’t be enough. Maybe...’ Applejack suddenly shuffled and Trace looked down with worry, “You ok AJ?”

He could hear her clear her throat, “N... no... just a little tired.”

If not for the hat, he would have seen a red blush across her face. ‘Ah can't believe ah would think of sumthin’ so foalish... repayin’ him with sex... just ain't right!’ Applejack lifted her head to place her hoof between her chin and Trace's leg. The idea was playing through her mind like wildfire. She didn't think she 'felt' anything for him. It's just all of a sudden a fire was lit in between her legs. ‘Oh shoot... dun tell me it's that time of year... no... it doesn't feel the same... maybe ah'm just horny... gosh darn it! I shouldn't be horny over some creature... that isn't right fer me to say, he's my friend, not a creature... and friends help each other... don't they? AJ... you are actin foalish... ya can't be thinkin’ tis way!’ Applejack squirmed again, her tail swishing back and forth in frustration. This time it got enough of Trace's attention that he asked, “Something is bothering you... what is it?”

Lifting her head out of his lap, Applejack kept her head down so her stetson covered her face. Before she could come up with adequate courage to speak, Trace lightly sniffed, “What... is that smell?”

Applejack froze as she sniffed the air. Trace followed his nose to notice it was coming from Applejack. He had a quizzical expression and starred at her for an answer, “Ah dun suppose ya know what matin season is?”

Trace had remembered back to Twilight's lectures and remembered something on pony mating patterns. It was mainly brought up because he noticed the entire town had the calender marked for an entire week for a holiday. She had mentioned that Ponies usually synchronized their heat cycles when they lived in close enough proximity to one another, so they would take a town wide holiday twice a year for mating season. He didn't think anypony else was acting this way, then again Applejack did live farther away than everypony else, “I think... Twilight told me a little bit about it...”

“Well... Ah might be in heat... You should leave... before ah do anythin ah might regret...” Applejack kept her face covered by her stetson in fear of letting her friend see her in this mess. She was also afraid if she looked up at him, she would end up jumping him. She honestly didn't think she had any 'true' feelings for him; she always got this worked up when she was in heat. She never was around any ponies when she was in heat, so she was a little more vulnerable when a male was actually face to face with her.

The leaves rustled, but Applejack's head remained down. She could hear Trace's worry through his voice, “Is it really that bad for you ponies to be in heat?”

Applejack only nodded, lifting her head up enough to see Trace was sitting on his knees facing her. The smell of sweat and labor drifted toward her. Only thing that kept her sane was the cold wind that chilled her to the bone, “Please go...”

“But...” Trace tried to protest, wishing some way to help.

“GO!” Applejack snapped her head up in a shout, her eyes clenching shut and the tears rolling down her cheeks.

Trace didn't even jump when she snapped. He only nodded as he got up to leave; he only paused a moment to look over his shoulder and say, “I'm sorry I couldn't help, you look like you are in so much pain.”

The tears finally fell from her face, dropping onto the grass and a few leaves that lay at her hooves. It definitely was difficult to be in heat sometimes. That was the main way many ponies ruined friendships. Not realizing they were in, or going into heat and then mating with whoever was around. It wasn't just as simple as they went into heat and went into a crazed lust for anything that walked. No, more often than not, it happened when ponies didn't realize they were in heat, and confused the feeling with being in love. Ultimately ruining friendships when they realized it was only since they were in heat. Once it was over, noticing they only really liked them as friends, and ended up hurting that friendship. For Applejack, her friendship with Trace was too great to risk losing it on the chance it was her heat. The more she sat there though, she was glad she did snap at him. Usually heart ache like this faded any lingering arousal, but it remained. She turned to head back to her house, looking over her shoulder to see Trace once more, but just barely as he became very small the further he went. Applejack couldn't help but worry, "If ah really am in heat... how long till the rest of ponyville is in heat, too?”

__________________________________

Trace returning home:

Looking up at the sky, Trace returned his attention on getting home. His face had taken a sullen mask, from being unable to help his friend. Usually, he would have protested and tried harder to help. He didn't quite understand ponies yet, and all he could really do was to trust that Applejack knew best. His mind started to wander over to Lyra, ‘I wonder if she likes me only cause of her heat? No... she said she felt this way for an entire month now, and as I understand it, ponies heat cycles only last a week.’ Trace froze when a rainbow blur shot across his line of sight. He looked to see where the rainbow had gone, but could not find it. Suddenly, it returned, Rainbow Dash coming into focus as she slid to a halt in front of him, “Hey, Trace! What's up?”

As she got closer, she could tell something was wrong, “Dude, why so down?”

Trace wasn't sure if he should confide in Rainbow Dash. She wasn't quite the one for subtlety, when it came to ponies’ feelings. He decided a lie was in order, “It's just been a long day...”

“AJ been working you to the bone, huh?” Rainbow Dash said with a grin, “Couldn't handle it?”

Trace sighed; he liked Dash, he really did. She was one of the friends he liked the most. To Trace, favoring friends felt wrong, but he just had more in common with Dash. He loved hoofball, watching her moves in the air, even going as far as to help her set up some dangerous contraption. He just wasn't in the mood at the moment. With Trace normally being a smart ass, he would have normally retorted playfully to her, but when it never came; Dash became a little worried, “OK dude... something’s up... normally you would have said something like... 'More than what you could handle' and then we would do some kind of challenge and we would laugh it off... What's wrong?”

“Honestly Dash, I'm not sure if it is appropriate to talk to anyone about it...” admitted the frustrated Trace, hoping she would take the hint.

“You really think I can let it go when you say something like that? Now I'm more curious than ever!” stated a matter of factually cyan pegasus.

“You really want to know?” asked Trace; raising an eyebrow, waiting for her reply.

“Yeah... you can tell me...” Dash said with more fines than Trace was used to hearing from the rainbow pegasus.

“Applejack is in heat, and snapped at me to leave before she done anything she might regret...” Trace said with a frown, not really wanting to continue this conversation, but maybe now he could talk to somepony about it.

“Pfft... is that all?” Rainbow stated as she took to the air, hovering in front of Trace, her face inches in front of his, “You can't take that to heart, heats are rough. As soon as it is over, she will come and apologize. Heck, even I've ended up doing stuff I'm not exactly proud of during my past heat!”

“Really? What happened?” Trace led Rainbow Dash over to a bench and sat down, laying his toolbox next to him.

This seemed to catch Rainbow Dash off guard as a red hue covered her face, “Nothing to go into detail about...”

Trace smiled and decided to get revenge, “Come on Dashie, I told you my secret, now you gotta tell me yours!”

Rainbow Dash cringed at the cutesy name Pinkie had given her. She folded her hooves under her as she sat on the bench next to Trace, “Do... you know the gray mailmare?”

“You mean that clumsy gray pony?” Trace questioned and received a nod from Dash.

“Well... She came by my cloud home one night... forgot to deliver a package... I was three days into my heat and my heat cycle isn't synced up with Ponyville since I live so far up. It wasn't her fault... I've always spent so much time with her and couldn't take it anymore... She managed to get away, but I almost had my way with her...”

“Wow... I'm actually glad human females aren't that way...” admitted Trace; rubbing his head remembering a certain blow-dryer being thrown toward his head.

By this point, Rainbow was really calm and looking up at Trace, “What are the mares like in your world?”

“We don't call it heat, but it's basically the same I suppose... though every woman is different, so I can't speak for all of them. All I know is the one I did get to know well enough to be around when she went into her ‘heat’, well let's just say she got rather... violent...”

Rainbow Dash couldn't help but ask with surprise clear in her throat, “Really? Why violent?”

“Best I can guess is hormones... stress... pain... not entirely sure and I have never made the effort to really find out...” admitted Trace.

Rainbow Dash thought for a moment, but decided to change the subject, “Only one mate, huh?”

Trace jerked his gaze over in shock, “Excuse me?”

“You just said that the 'one you did get close too', so gotta figure you've only had one mate!”

“What's wrong with only being with one person?” Trace asked with a little hurt in his voice, but knew she was only fooling around.

“Nothing, just means you don't know your way around a mare’s body is all!” stated a snickering mare.

“Oh really... So, how many exactly have you mated with missy?” Trace grinned as Rainbow's snickering immediately halted.

Trace grinned in triumph, “Not so many, now, huh?”

Dash didn't retaliate like she normally would. He could see he had hit a tender mark, but she did after all start it. A forced grin formed as she stated, “It's okay, just haven't found that very special somepony, yet.”

“You will find somepony, one day.” Trace gave her a reassuring smile before patting her on the back.

Dash's wings fluttered as a true grin made its way to the surface. She flew from the bench and hovered for a moment, “I... gotta get going; I still have to prepare the skies for winter.”

“OK, I'll see you around!” smiled the repairman as he grabbed his toolbox, continuing his return to his dirty home.

_______________________________________________

‘First things first.’ Trace thought to himself, laying down his toolbox inside the door, kicking off his shoes and headed to the bathroom. ‘Take a shower, and head to Rarity's to see what I need to do to prepare for my date. Wonder how she will react, when she finds out?’ Trace threw off his clothes and entered the bathroom. He deftly turned the water onto a hot setting, though comfortable enough not to scald him. Trace sighed happily as the stresses of the day seemed to wash away, along with the sweat and dirt. His muscles ached with all that he had done today. He only had one big job tomorrow, and then the rest of the day would be to prepare for his date. The job wasn't even really a job. He considered it a job, because it was a lot like having to go to school. He was going to Twilight's to have another 'study session'!

“I hope she doesn't give me any homework...” he muttered to himself before lathering up his hair.

About thirty minutes later he was squeaky clean and ready to go. The sun was already going down, but that didn't bother him. He grabbed a flashlight, and put on a denim jacket; then he was off.

____________________________________________________

At Rarity's boutique:

The sign said, 'closed' but that didn't stop him from knocking; of course she would be closed this late at night. Sure enough, hoofsteps could be heard coming to the door. The door swung open and a smile swept across Rarity's face, “It's so nice to see you, come in darling, come in!”

Trace obeyed, his coat levitating off of him and onto a rack. He sat his flashlight down on a table and followed Rarity into the kitchen. There, she commenced on brewing a couple cups of hot cocoa. She even put mini marshmallows in it for him; each cup had exactly the same amount of liquid, and both had exactly six marshmallows, “Where is Sweetie belle?”

“She's off with mom and dad at the moment. I finally get a moments rest!” Rarity took a sip of her cocoa, sitting down across from Trace at her table, “Was there something you wished to talk about, or is this a pleasure visit?”

“Actually... I wanted to get some advice...” Trace said in a hushed tone and a blush crossed his cheeks.

Trace wasn't a stranger to dating, but he might as well been, since he was in Equestria. He had no clue how to properly act on a date here. For all he knew, he was required to let Lyra pull his chair out for him, and pay for their food. He refocused back on Rarity when she spoke, “About what darling, did you decide you wanted help finding a herd?”

“About that... I met somepony...” Trace was immediately interrupted by Rarity almost choking on her cocoa.

Rarity coughed, forcing herself to swallow before she actually spit any of it out, “When did this happen!?”

“Last night actually... Tomorrow is my date; I wanted to ask you what should I wear and how I should act?” Trace couldn't help the blush that was apparent on his cheeks. He kept his gaze down as his thumbs tracing the rim of his cup of cocoa.

“Do you know where you are going?”

Trace shook his head in response, and she continued, “Guess she is taking the traditional route... that will make it easier.”

“Traditional route?” Trace raised his brow and watched as Rarity's mind seemed to scheme out some kind of master plan.

“Yes darling, many ponies still stay with the traditional style of trying to impress the stallion they are trying to court.”

Trace couldn't help but remain silent and listen, “You shouldn't need to dress up any, since it's your first date. Just make sure you have clean clothes and you smell nice, OH, wait here a moment!”

Taking his first sip of cocoa, Trace smiled as a marshmallow melted in his mouth. His head jerked to the right as Rarity darted back into the room, “Here, smell this!”

Trace grimaced at the potency of the cologne. He tried matching the scent, but it didn't smell anything like he had ever known, “What is it?”

“Trust me, all the someponies wear it! It's bound to be a hit on your first date!” Rarity was practically bouncing with giddiness.

“About that... it's technically our second date...” smiled Trace, hoping she wouldn't react too much.

“My goodness, when was the first date?” exclaimed Rarity, her eyes wide with astonishment.

“I went... back to The Slinky Seduction... and she introduced herself... The night went pretty well and we decided it was a date, since the first date was pretty much the getting to know you process anyway...”

“This changes everything! She's going to want to impress you, she has already decided if she wants to court you or not... she's going to ask you... if you want to be marefriend and coltfriend, oh how romantic!!!” moaned the eccentric unicorn, trying to stay elegantly calm, but her giddiness getting the best of her.

“Oh? Well I don't mind being her coltfriend. So, I should ask this again, should I do anything to prepare for the date, since it's technically the second?” A thin coat of chocolate covered his upper lip, tickling the small stubble of a mustache that had grown from not shaving in a while.

“Hmm, you should probably do that thing where you cut your face fur off, what did you call it; shaving? I think she would like that!” Rarity grinned, captivated by happiness for her friend’s new relationship.

“Okay, but is that all? Back where I grew up, we usually got dressed up, throw on cologne, things like that.”

“Don't worry about it, if she didn't say to do anything, then that means she is probably just taking you out to one of her favorite restaurants. So chances are it isn't fancy, but it would not hurt to be clean, and to smell nice!” Rarity giggled, gracefully placing her cup down without making any implication of sound that it had collided with the table.

Trace laughed as he rubbed the back of his neck, “To be honest, I was expecting you to go crazy and start making various things for the date.”

Rarity couldn't help but snicker at his remark, “Trace darling, I know when dressing up is needed; it is needed for her, but for the stallion it's usually no more than trying to watch her body language.” Rarity blinked as it hit her, a frown showing itself, as she asked, “Trace... You don't know anything of Pony body language... do you?”

Trace shared her frown as he sighed, “No, but I've already explained to her that I may not show the usual signs a stallion would...”

“Even so, you should at least know the signs of a mare, so you can determine what she is feeling, what she is trying to achieve, and reciprocate those feelings if possible. Chances are, she is going to be showing the signs unconsciously even if she knows you won’t understand them.”

Trace frowned, fearful about the difficulty of this date, “O... okay... I'm listening?”

“Traditionally, she will pick you up at your house. Watch her eyes; she will usually keep her eyes locked onto yours in respect. If she averts her eyes, and seems to not be able to look at you, most likely it's just a date and she isn't sure of her feelings about you.” Rarity finished her cocoa, using her magic to levitate it over to the sink, quickly washing it and placing the mug into the drainer.

“I think I can remember that one; it will be pretty useful, humans don't have a set body language, every single person has different body language. So, you just have to keep an open mind and read that person.” Trace scratched his cheek.

Most of the night consisted of Trace making mental notes. Most of it seemed pointless, and after a couple hours, Trace became too frustrated to learn everything Rarity had to teach. Not that he was unthankful for the help, but it was turning into what felt like one of Twilight's study sessions. He finally just told her he would keep what she had already taught in mind, but he would just wing it if he had too. Lyra seemed pretty level headed, and she seemed to understand that he didn't know anything about the nuances of Equestrian society. He wasn't too worried about it.

Author's Note

I hope everypony is enjoying the story, and Thanks Bytestorm, I really do appreciate all of your help. Happy reading everypony!

Special thanks to my editor Bytestorm

Also thanks 'Xenophilia' for inspiring 'Ever Growing Friendship'