Ever Growing Friendship

Written By: Thunder-Dasher

Edited By: Bytestorm

Chapter Seven: Fevered Fur

Trace managed to survive the week with Lyra in her heat. The sex that was ‘demanded’ of him was both a perk and a curse. He also noticed that once he got fully into it, the heat scent seemed to have an effect on him, and energized him for the task of sating his mare. He even managed to have sex several times a day, and not feel utterly exhausted. His wounds were just about fully healed. He could barely tell his back had ever been hurt; however his upper arms were still a faint yellow, where the bruises that Pinkie had made were healing.

He was excited to finally get out of the house; the only bad thing was going back to work. An entire week vacation set back his schedule extensively. He would need to fix Rarity's window for her; that would put a good dent in his wallet, since he still felt it was his fault. Not being pushed through the window; that certainly wasn’t his fault beyond being at the wrong place at the wrong time. He was the one that bought that replacement from, in hindsight, a rather unreliable earth stallion. He promised himself never to do business with that particular pony again. Trace had his tool box in one hand, his other tenderly resting on Lyra's side as they walked.

The entire town seemed packed to the rim with everypony returning back to work from the week long holiday. Trace frowned noticing that as they walked together through town, several ponies were giving him nasty glares. On further inspection, many would look from Lyra, to Trace's hand, and back up to Trace; where their nasty, hateful glare seemed determined to chill him to the bone. Though, there were also many that gave them congratulatory smiles.

They were on their way to Twilight's library, since she had a shelf collapse during the heat and wanted it repaired promptly, not able to tolerate being unable to reorganize her books; which she had planned on doing after everyponies' heat cycles had ended. Trace decided it would be appropriate to make sure everything was okay between the two of them after what had happened last week. Not to mention, he wanted to ask her a few questions about heat cycles, and how species like griffons, or any other species in Equestria, may be affected by ‘The Heat’, as he called it.

Trace knocked on the door, and Lyra looked up at Trace with a sweet smile. Trace's chest filled with warmth, eager to return the happy expression. The door opened to notice Spike looking up at the two, “Hey, Trace, Lyra!”

“You mind if we come in? Twilight wanted me to fix her shelf.”

Spike smiled as he quickly moved away, letting them through, “Yeah, sure thing Trace. Twilight would usually just fix it with magic, but she is so busy trying to catch up on her studies and wanting to organize the library. I swear, she tries WAY too hard to get everything done on time...”

“I hear ya, Spike... wait, where were you the last week anyway?” blinked Trace, realizing he hadn't seen Spike when he had visited Twilight.

“Canterlot” he replied firmly, “Twilight takes her heat pretty bad... Personally I think it's since she has entered adult hood and is still a vir...” Spike was suddenly silenced as a zipper appeared, making a zip sound as his mouth was forced closed.

“SPIKE! How about you run to the market?..” Twilight nervously chuckled, as she eagerly tried to push the small dragon out of the library.

A sigh could be heard coming from Spike, walking the rest of the way to the door on his own, “Okay Twilight... See ya Trace, Lyra.”

“See you later, little guy!” giggled Lyra as Trace just waved.

“Let's get started on that shelf, shall we?” Trace smiled, setting his tool box down and looked to the shelf that lay sprawled on the floor. The books it once held were in neatly stacked in alphabetical order not to far from it.

Twilight seemed to have a small blush on her face, and what could be taken as depression. He knew it was possibly because of what happened the last time he was here, but wasn't entirely positive what to say to her. Trace just sighed as he took a hammer from his toolbox, “Twilight, about... last week...”

When Twilight didn't answer, Trace looked over his shoulder to notice she was looking down at the floor, it was clear she hadn't any words. Lyra, on the other hoof, just watched. In the end, Trace had told her, in detail, what had happened with each of his friends. So, she understood why it was so awkward ever since walking through the door.

“I don't blame you for the way you acted. I forgive you and I would like to laugh it off. Humans do pretty stupid things, even without going into heat. I know, I don't fully understand about pony heat cycles, but I'm not going to let what happened ruin our friendship, Twilight.”

A swallow could be heard from the lavender mare. She raised her head to look at Trace, “I'm still sorry... I hate not being able to control my own actions like that...” she managed to say in little more than a whisper.

“Twilight, if I may say something?” Lyra spoke up, stepping closer to the purple unicorn. Twilight nodded, looking to the kind expression that Lyra had, “I personally know how bad heat cycles can be and believe me, if you knew what everypony else had done, you wouldn't beat yourself up so much for not being able to control yourself. So do us, and you, a favor; forgive yourself. Trace has forgiven each of his friends, so why should you beat yourself up when no pony is upset with you?”

The purple mare's frown softened as she replied, “I don't know...”

“Exactly! Just forgive yourself.” Lyra giggled as she wrapped a hoof around Twilight's shoulder, “Life is too short.”

Trace had yet to start on the shelf, so his full attention was still on Twilight. He gently sat down his hammer before kneeling down on one knee, in front of Twilight, “We have a saying back in my world; ‘We are only human’. It means we aren't perfect, and if anyone truly expects you to be perfect, then they have unrealistic views and they shouldn't be minded.”

A tiny grin could be seen on Twilight's face, she looked in between Lyra and Trace, “Thank you both... I was worried I had scared you away.”

“HA! Can't get rid of me that easily!” Grinned Trace playfully, grabbing his hammer before getting back up.

“H-Hello?” A meek and frail voice called out, the ponies hoof lightly tapping at the now slightly open door.

Trace was the first to smile as he noticed the pink-maned Pegasus, “Hello Fluttershy, how are you feeling?”

She stepped into the library, a blush apparent on her face, and closed the door before too much heat could escape. She scratched lightly at the floor before replying, “I'm fine... Thank you for asking...”

“I don't know if you met her before, but this is Lyra Heartstrings; Lyra, this is Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy glanced to Lyra, keeping half of her face behind her hair, “Y-yes... We have met before... she helped me with my birds...”

Twilight smiled, as she returned to her normal self, “So, what brings you to the library, Fluttershy?”

“It's Angel... He is very sick, and I hoped you had a book on remedies... I've tried everything, but he just won't get better... His sickness is unlike I've ever seen...” Fluttershy's voice increased in volume along with the anxiety and urgency she had.

Trace frowned, a look of sympathy on his face as he once again placed his hammer down on the floor, “Fluttershy, I'm so sorry... How bad is it?”

Tears seemed to be forming in her eyes, but everyone could tell she was holding herself back, “It's terrible, he sleeps all day, and he won’t even touch the special salad with the cherry on top... He's getting thinner too, I called in a specialist, but he won’t be in Ponyville till the day after tomorrow...”

Twilight instantly took charge, her mind going into full tilt, “I will search for a book, but I need to know his exact symptoms. It would also be appropriate to go see Zecora, maybe she could conjure up some sort of herbal remedy. I will send Spike to the Everfree forest after he returns.”

“Fluttershy, please let us know if there is anything Trace or I can do to help...” Said Lyra, as she used her nose to gently nuzzle Fluttershy's neck.

Sniffling and giving a gentle nod, Fluttershy blushed. Twilight guided her to the other side of the library and Trace picked up his hammer once more to tend to the shelf.

After repairing the shelf and finishing several other jobs around town, Lyra and Trace were quietly walking through town, both of them contemplating poor Fluttershy's dilemma; so much so that Trace had totally forgotten to speak with Twilight on whether if Pony heat cycles affected any of the other races. Fluttershy tended to be overly motherly when it came to any of her animals; but Celestia forbid what she would be like when one of them actually died. Angel was her favorite pet, her little bouncing baby bunny.

“Trace?” Lyra's voice called up to Trace, snapping him from his train of thought.

“Yeah?”

“I can't stop thinking about Fluttershy, we should do something for her... try and cheer her up...”

They reached the center of town, where a fountain was placed. Trace sat down on the edge of it, placing his toolbox down next to him. Lyra sat on the ground at his feet, one hoof draping itself on his leg. They looked to one another as Trace started, “Maybe we could go help her with the animals, so she can focus on Angel.”

Lyra paused for a moment, her gaze lowering before looking back up to Trace, “I think that is a great idea! It must be hard enough taking care of your sick pet, and also having to take care of many others at the same time.”

“I have too many jobs today though; tomorrow we will head over and see if we can help.” Trace smiled before running a hand over Lyra's hoof. A few ponies’ glanced over to the two, but didn't stop to really give any specific glare.

Trace moved his hand from her hoof, to the back of her head, “Lyra, can I ask you something?”

“Hmm?” she looked up at him curiously at the sudden change of tone he had in his voice.

“I understand that Equestria is mainly a polygamous society and Rarity told me that either being polygamous or monogamous would entirely be up to me and my mate. I was wondering, since we are together, what were your views on it... What kind of relationship... would you want?”

Lyra's face softened and she looked away for a moment. Trace remained silent; knowing she probably needed a moment to really absorb the question. She spoke relatively softly, “honestly, I've always been the herd type of mare. I won’t force you to take on anypony else, and I can be happy with just the two of us, but I would prefer it if we brought on a third; someday at least...”

“Okay, I just wanted to know. Back in my world we are almost completely monogamous; Polygamy does exist, though it's not smiled upon. Personally, I like the idea of it; if only because I believe that one single person can't fulfill another entirely.” Trace had a distant gaze as he spoke, once he finished he looked down to Lyra, grinning with a faint chuckle, “Sorry... didn't mean to change the subject like that... Especially one as serious as Angel being sick...

“It's okay... but Trace... I will have to leave... in the end of Spring...” Lyra gave a sullen and emotionless expression as she prevented herself from looking directly at Trace.

“I heard... You are in a band...” Trace frowned, not really wanting to accept he would have to do without her for nearly two entire seasons.

“Yes, the Royal Euphony. We have only recently become popular. Right before I joined, they performed at the Grand Galloping Gala. Ever since then, we have been playing all across Equestria. We usually stop for a long vacation near the end of fall.” Lyra's voice seemed shallow and her heart wasn't into telling him, but it was something they needed to face.

Trace's heart ached a little at the prospect of being alone, now that he had somepony, “I think I will be okay, I will severely miss you, but I will survive.”

Sadness struck Lyra, as she thought to herself, 'I don't want him to merely have to survive... I want him happy... I will have to find a third before I leave in the summer...' her thought processes were cut short as Trace suddenly stood up, the hoof that was nestled on his leg falling to her side. He picked up his tool box, “We should go. I have several jobs to get done with...”

A severe hollow feeling was left in Lyra's chest, hearing Trace's emotionless tone. He didn't want to be without her. For Lyra though, if she couldn't be there for him, then she would find somepony that could. She felt like she would be a very bad marefriend if her stallion was left all alone and depressed.

After all the morning, and most of the afternoon, most of his work had been completed. He usually wouldn't allow himself to schedule so many jobs in one day, but everyone was asking for him. After all of those tasks, Trace was relieved when he saw he had only one more; fixing Rarity's window.

~____________________________~

Rarity's Boutique:

Thankfully, Lyra had offered to carry the new window with her magic, making the process of getting it safely to Rarity's home so much easier. This time, however, he visited a reliable source for the window. On his previous jobs throughout the day, he questioned ponies about who they bought their windows from. Many didn't know or just couldn't remember. However, as he was repairing the plumbing in the spa, Aloe and Lotus gave him a business card of a very well-known window maker; aptly named Window Pane. Trace made sure to thoroughly inspect his work before purchasing it from him. He was sure this one would be better. They arrived at Rarity's Boutique and were welcomed by a sorrowful looking Rarity, “Hello Lyra…. Trace...”

“Rarity... I forgive you about the window incident...” Trace desperately just wanted to cut to the chase and put that nasty incident behind them.

Rarity's features picked up, her ears flickering as she blurted out with anxiety in her voice, “But... I pushed you out of a window!”

“If I am to blame anyone, I blame myself for buying a poorly made window. If I had checked it better, that window would have supported that amount of weight, I was even leaning mainly on the windowsill, yet it still managed to break...” a sigh escaped Trace's lungs, He gripped his tool box, ready to get done with the window and call it done.

“Even so, I still feel like I owe you. You weren’t hurt too badly, were you darling?” Rarity had a pitiful look in her eye, hoping she hadn't caused him too much pain.

“Actually, he couldn't lie on his back for... ouch!” Lyra grunted as Trace used his leg to knee her gently, but hard enough to get her to hush.

Lyra's lower lip turned up in a pout as she gave him a pained look. Trace decided to make it up to her later, but kept his attention to Rarity, “No, It's okay, I was just tender for a while.”

Looking accusingly at Trace for any signs of deception, after several seconds, Rarity's features picked up into a smile, “I'm so happy I didn't seriously hurt you, Trace!”

“If you don't mind Rarity, now that that is settled, how about we fix the window?”

“Oh yes, of course. Follow me darlings!” Rarity chimed, prancing as she reached the stairs, heading up to her work room. Trace placed his tool box down, and quickly removed the plastic that covered the window. Luckily, the brackets that were used for the window were still in perfect condition. The main thing would be to remove the brackets again, then removing the window frame that encased the broken glass, and replace it with the new one.

Watching Trace pull out the proper tools, Lyra looked to Rarity as an idea hit her, 'maybe Rarity could be our third? I mean... they are already close friends... so, why not?'

“Rarity, can I speak to you, alone?” questioned Lyra, giving Rarity a faint smile.

Trace looked at the two questioningly, but was too tired to really comment. Rarity’s expression portrayed the same confusion Trace had, but all she did was answer, “Of course, darling.”

Once the two unicorn mares were gone out of his sight, he quickly continued on the window. Lyra and Rarity headed down stairs and into the kitchen. Lyra quickly looked back to make sure Trace wasn't listening in. Rarity followed her gaze, anxiousness kicking in. If anyone knew when somepony was about to reveal some sort of secret, it would be Rarity. She fought to keep her hooves perfectly still, even though they felt light with anticipation.

Keeping her voice low, Lyra started speaking slightly above a whisper, “You and Trace are close, right?”

She didn't know exactly where Lyra was headed with this, but she answered with a nod, “Yes, we are quite close; why do you ask?”

“I-I was wondering if... y-you would like to be in our herd?” Lyra stuttered slightly, scrapping her right forehoof on the floor.

Rarity frowned, not really in anger or anything, but mainly in disappointment for not having any emotions for Trace, “I’m sorry darling, Trace and I are best of friends, but that is all. Even if it looks like there may be something more, it's not romantic; I assure you of that.”

It was Lyra's turn to have confusion hit her, “But... that dance you and he did, at The Slinky Seduction, what was that about then?”

“Like I said darling, he is my best friend. Being a mare of rather traditional values, I took it upon myself to find him companionship. Many know me in those places, and they all know I only dance with the best. I was just trying to up his reputation with the mares so they would like him, and hopefully hit on him.” Rarity didn't keep her voice down like Lyra had, but doubted that Trace would be able to hear them.

“Oh...” Lyra's hopes were crushed a little, her ears flattening against the back of her head and her gaze falling to the floor.

Rarity smiled as she waved a dismissive hoof, “Besides, you have only been with Trace for nearly two weeks; Shouldn't you get to know him better, before bringing a third into the mix?”

“That is the thing though... I am a part of the Royal Euphony, I will have to leave him at the end of spring...”

As soon as Lyra stated that, a click went off in Rarity’s mind; her eyes widening slightly, looking to the other unicorn with understanding, “Oh, I see... You want a third to keep him company while you are gone on tour?”

Lyra's face softened, giving Rarity a faint nod. Rarity grinned before saying, “You should probably just talk to him about this... who knows, He might already have somepony in mind.”

“I will talk to him about it, if I have too. I don't want him worrying too much about it. Hopefully I will get somepony soon, so he can get comfortable around her before I have to leave.”

A giggle came from Rarity, placing a gentle hoof on Lyra's shoulder, “Winter is in a couple days darling, you still have all of winter and all of spring. So, please don't worry yourself too much on the matter. Besides, I have full faith that Trace would wait for you. He seems the type that wouldn't give up easily on love.”

The white mare was rewarded by a soft smile from the minty unicorn, replying, “I am sure he would... I just don't want him unhappy while I am gone.”

“Trace is tough, I wouldn't worry.”

“Worry about what?” He inquired, as his light step carried him into the kitchen, his toolbox held by its handle. His eyes drifted in between the two mares, and curiousness marked his expression.

“H-hey, Trace!” Rarity quickly covered, “Oh nothing, just things about fashion, and her payment on the dress I made her for your date. Mare stuff! Hehe... he...”

“Oh... okay...” Trace wasn't sure he quite believed her, looking at the nervous looks on both the mares faces, “I'm all done, so if that is all, I am going home.”

“Wait, how much do I owe you?” Rarity quickly pranced out of the room, hearing a cash register chime, before she returned with a small bag full of bits.

Trace sighed, rubbing his sore neck, “I fixed your window the first time for payment for the clothes you made me. I am not charging you this time either; it was my fault that it broke, so please, keep your money.”

About ten bits flew from her little brown baggy, and before Trace could react, they were placed directly in his front jean pocket, “There, you need something for your trouble!”

Sighing, Trace quickly sat down his tool box and pulling the bits from his pocket, “I'm sorry... I cannot accept this...” He quickly put the bits on the table, picking up his toolbox and ready to dart for the door if he had too.

“Trace... I can't just let you do this... I'm not an expert, but I am sure it must have set you back a good bit...”

“Even so, it was my mistake. Just accept it as a payment for your clothes...” Trace inched his way toward the kitchen door, trying to get out of there. Lyra just merely watched the two in amusement.

“At least let me do something for you... How about more clothes at least? Maybe, I can make you a nice outfit or something?” Rarity pleaded, stepping closer with each small step Trace made for the door. As Trace placed his hand on the kitchen door knob, Rarity's lip started to quiver over the top one, “Pweeeeaaase… OH! I know! Let me make you a suit...”

Grunting in defeat, Trace rubbed his forehead, sighing, “Fine... Just one suit okay...”

“Excellent! I will need you back here tomorrow!” Rarity beamed happily in utter success.

“That's... no good Rarity...” Trace frowned, Fluttershy immediately coming to mind.

Rarity blinked in confusion, “Are you busy with work tomorrow?”

Trace and Lyra gave each other a look of commiseration, before both looked to Rarity, “Angel is sick... We are going tomorrow to help Fluttershy with her animals and see what we can do for her...”

All of Rarity's features fell to a slightly depressed state. Her ears slightly leaning back and her head lowering a bit; a pained and sympathetic expression engrained on her face. Rarity could only imagine how poor Fluttershy was feeling right now, “Oh, another time then. I will have to make sure to visit sometime soon, to check in on her.”

“Thank you, Rarity. I am sure Fluttershy needs all the support she can get. It may be Angel that is sick, but I'm sure Fluttershy is heartbroken over this.”

Trace motioned for the door, Lyra and Rarity following, as Rarity spoke, “Please, give her my condolences.”

“We will... good bye Rarity.” grinned Trace, trying to be optimistic, but ultimately failing because of fear for Fluttershy and Angel's wellbeing.

“See ya Rarity, I enjoyed our talk.” Lyra gave the same false smile, Trace had, but also failing to make it convincing.

~___________________________________~

Fluttershy's cottage the next day:

Even though Trace ached from all the tasks he had to endure from the day before, they stood by what they had decided; visiting Fluttershy to see if they possibly couldn't lift her spirits, as well as help with the animals. Stepping up to the door, Trace happened to notice that the chickens were pecking about, apparently hungry from not being fed. The bird feeders remained empty and the bowls that usually sat randomly around the cottage were licked clean. Trace knocked on the door, and what would usually be answered by a soft sweet voice, came a sound of a raspy weak voice of somepony that clearly hadn't slept.

“Shy, It's Trace...”

Without another word, the door creaked fully open to show the unkempt pink mane of what looked like Fluttershy. Her eyes contained bags under them and her usual flawless butter colored fur, was frizzed and dirty. Trace and Lyra both shot each other a brief worried look before returning their eyes to Fluttershy as she spoke, “I'm sorry Trace, Lyra; I can't talk right now... Angel isn't feeling any better.”

Trace knelt down to one knee as he tried to give her a grin, “I know Shy, We wanted to know if we could possibly help you today... We could feed your animals and take care of Angel, since you clearly seem to need a nap.”

Fluttershy took a hold of her old self for a moment as she looked between Lyra and Trace, “Y-you really don't have too... I-I can handle it!”

A frown couldn't be helped as Lyra and Trace looked to one another once more; this time Lyra was the one to say something, “Fluttershy... You don't have to do this alone... Your animals aren't fed, you look like you haven't slept for days, and what would you do if you fell asleep when Angel needed you most?”

The pink maned pegasus dropped her gaze down to her hooves, “I-I... wouldn't want... that to happen...”

Picking up where Lyra left off, Trace took Fluttershy's cheek in his hand, making her look up into his eyes, “Don't worry Shy, you go rest, Lyra will take care of Angel and I will go feed your animals.”

A faint blush formed on Fluttershy's face, looking between the two, her eyes glistening, “You don't... know how much this... means to me... thank you!”

“Okay, off to bed.” smiled Lyra as her forehoof guided Fluttershy back in the cottage. She looked back to Trace to see him give her a nod.

Leaving the two alone inside, Trace turned for the chicken coop. It didn't take much looking to notice a shed that lay behind the cottage containing vast amounts of animal provisions. He found the feed corn, threw the fifty pound bag over his shoulder, and headed out for the chicken coop. The chickens all seemed to know what was coming, and flocked around his feet. He pulled the only possession he had on him from his world, a pocket knife, he proceeded to cut a corner off the bag, and tossed corn in random places on the ground. He had used about half the bag, before he folded the now half empty sack over itself, and placed it back in the shed.

After about an hour or so, Trace headed back inside, not bothering to knock. Upon entry, Trace saw a little bed with a small white rabbit, which from previous visits, he knew to be Angel. A gloomy and heartbroken feeling was settling in his chest; he could only imagine how Fluttershy felt over her little bunny’s predicament. An ice pack was draped on Angel’s forehead, his fur matted with sweat and salt. His breaths were short and quick, like he couldn't breathe all the way in, or as though he had run a marathon. Trace looked around the room, not seeing Lyra anywhere. He didn't dare call out to her either, assuming Fluttershy was finally asleep. Kneeling down next to Angel, he ran the back of his hand against the bunny’s forehead; noticing it was dangerously hot.

Trace slowly turned his head when he heard Lyra, “Fluttershy is asleep... how is he?”

“He... is very sick...” as he removed his hand from the little bunny, frowning deeply.

“Do you have any idea what it may be?” Lyra asked even though he probably wouldn't know, but decided that it wouldn't hurt to at least ask.

Worry and confusion could be seen in Trace's expression, his gaze looked distant; He clearly was thinking long and hard before he spoke, “Actually... I think it's the flu... it has a lot of the same symptoms. He seems to be displaying a respiratory flu... Angel looks like he is having trouble breathing and is running a very strong fever.” Trace paused a moment to open Angel's mouth to look in, “and apparently has a sore throat...”

Lyra was just as worried as Trace; she was also surprised that he seemed to know so much about the problem, “How do you know for sure?”

“Humans get the flu; it's one of the more dangerous diseases if not taken care of properly. I don't have the faintest clue how he got a human disease, unless I was somehow a carrier, and brought it here with me...” Trace hoped it wasn't the case; if it was, it meant they had no proper medicines to fight it, and it also meant he was the cause of Angel's condition. There just wasn't any other explanation on how Angel got the flu, that is if it is actually the flu or not. Not to mention, Trace had been in Equestria for almost three months now, and Angel had only just recently become sick.

“Is there a cure?” Lyra didn't know why, but even though she was terrified for the little bunny’s life, she was starting to get hopeful that Trace would have the answer, and then would miraculously cure the little white creature.

“I have a remedy that my family taught me, but it will only take away some of the aches and pains of the flu. It may, give him enough relief for him to fight it on his own. However, it's no guarantee...” Lyra admired the expression Trace had on his face at the moment. Trace had yet to remove his eyes from Angel, and his face was so pained to see the innocent creature like this. It reminded her of why she fell in love with him in the first place.

Lyra took a step back and turned for the door, ready to run from the cottage at any moment, “Tell me what you need!”

For the first time since Lyra came down from Fluttershy's room, he looked over at Lyra with seriousness in his expression and in his voice, “I don't know if you ponies have whiskey but...”

“Yeah, we do, it is made from corn, right?” Lyra tilted her head in the cutest way. Even in this stressed filled environment, she still managed to pull off a smile.

“Yes, I will need a small amount of whiskey, and some hard candy, the flavor doesn't matter, but try to get all of a single flavor.”

Lyra sat on her rump and saluting him with her hoof, “Aye aye captain, anything else?”

“Soups, if you can find something with...” Trace fell silent, realizing they wouldn't have chicken soup, “Well... just get some soup... something with noodles, that way it will be easy to swallow. Make sure to get broth too.”

Nodding, Lyra turned to leave, and used her magic to levitate a saddle bag that Fluttershy had draped over an arm of a couch arm. The bag had three butterflies and smelled of various vegetables, most likely what Fluttershy used for grocery shopping. Lyra paused at the door and looked back to see Trace looking at her, “I love you, Trace.”

Trace returned her affectionate tone with a smile, “I love you too, Lyra.”

“I'll be back!” and with that, the door illuminated with his mare’s minty aura, and closed without even a click.

Turning back to Angel, Trace sighed, pulling the blanket up to bunny’s chin, “I hope this helps, Angel... For your sake and Fluttershy's...”

Author's Note

Bytestorm has really been doing a great job editing and I hope I am making his job easier by making less mistakes :P Anyway, I hope you all are enjoying this story.

Special thanks to my editor Bytestorm.