Ever Growing Friendship

Ever Growing Friendship

Written By: Thunder-Dasher

Edited By: Bytestorm

Chapter Eight: White Surprise

The wind was starting to have that icy chill to it. Lyra could tell the pegasi in Cloudsdale were preparing the land for the conversion from autumn to winter. The only thing she had for warmth was the fabric of the saddlebag that kept lightly bouncing on her back, shooting small gusts underneath, and in doing so, snatching away pieces of her warmth. The cobblestones under her hooves were already like ice, and frost could be seen on some of the windows as she passed through town. She was on her way to Sugarcube corner to pick up hard candies, one of the items Trace had requested for Angel. Why he needed whiskey and hard candies, she was unsure of. Though, she trusted Trace, and was certain he knew what he was doing. Lyra smiled as she galloped through the Sugarcube corner doors, making a bell go off and alerting Mrs. Cake, who called out from the kitchen, “Just a moment, be right with you, dearie!”

Faint aromas of various pastries and other baked goods drifted its way to Lyra's nose, making her deeply inhale and her mouth water. She wasn't hungry, but the smells stirred a previously unfelt apatite. Lyra swallowed as she focused on the task at hand. Stepping up to the cash register to wait for Mrs. Cake or whomever came to serve her first. She just figured that because of everyponies’ estrus cycles, they had to restock their shop. Lyra's thoughts were halted when a pink-maned earth pony bounced from the kitchen, landing behind the counter. Her front hooves planted on the counter, and a bigger than life smile upon her face, “Hey Lyra, I bet you are here to buy pastries for a humongous party, at least I know I would. Mrs. Cake's danishes are always super-duper tasty when fresh! We have been baking ALL morning in preparation for our customers for winter, and you know what is really fantastic in this cold weather? Nice hot and steamy cinnamon buns, you should try it, Lyra. Oh yeah that reminds me! What brings you here? Oh wait I remember now, you are here to throw a big gigantic party aren't you?”

“Hehe...” Lyra nervously swallowed, “N-no... I just need some hard candies...”

“Mmmmm...” Pinkie tapped her chin with her hoof, before she gave Lyra an accusing glare, “Why didn't you buy it from your besty bestest best friend Bon Bon? She owns a candy shop, you know?” Suddenly Pinkie gasped so loudly that it made Lyra jump, “Oh my gosh! You must have totally lost your memory! You have forgotten poor Bon Bon, just like I thought Dashie had forgotten her friends when she was at flight camp... Don't worry Lyra! I have JUST the thing!”

Sweat was forming on Lyra's brow, unsure quite what Pinkie was rambling about; having lost attention half way through, “Pinkie... I haven't forgotten--”

“A large CAKE filled with candies from Bon Bon's shop!” exclaimed the eccentric Pinkie, as a short laugh and a snort escaped her.

Lyra just eyed the cake, utter perplexity on her face; sure enough, the cake was filled with candies that were definitely from Bon Bon's shop. Unable to really see inside the cake, the icing was white and smelled of vanilla. Lyra opened her mouth, closing it briefly before saying, “P-pinkie... why is there a cake with hard candies in it... Wont everypony break their teeth?”

“Silly! That is why we have a sign to go with it!” Pinkie ducked down behind the counter, shuffling a bit before jumping back up, placing a card that was attached to a little stick, into the cake that read, “Beware hard candies; don't bite down!”

The mint unicorn nervously chuckled, taking a step back, “I just need, plain ole hard candies...”

Pinkie laughed almost too loud for comfort, “Why would you want old candies for? Not to mention plain, they need to have flavor, like cherry, or pineapple mi-rang blueberry!”

“P-pineapple m-mi-rang?” Lyra blinked, almost becoming frightened that she wouldn't ever get the hard candies she needed and was cussing herself for not going to Bon Bon's in the first place. Only reason she came here, was to ask Pinkie if she wanted to be in her herd, but PinkiePie was quickly making her decide not to even ask, “P-please Pinkie... I beg you... I just want some cherry hard candies...”

“A-O-K!” the frantic party mare giggled as she reached under the counter, pulling a large bowl of cherry candies, that was wrapped in a foil like paper that looked an awful lot like Bon Bon's cutie mark, “Here ya go silly, you should really have told me right away what you wanted, it would have been SOOOOOooooo much faster!”

Lyra managed to keep up her smile, even as her left eye twitched; but to anypony other than Pinkie, they would have been able to tell she was very uncomfortable at the moment, “I-I will keep that in mind... Thank you, Pinkie...”

Three bits elevated from Lyra's saddlebag and made a clink against the counter. Pinkie ran her hoof over the counter, pulling the yellow pieces of gold toward her, “Will that be all, Lyra?”

“YES!” Lyra blurted out, eyes going wide in terror, “I-I mean yes... t-that is all... hehe...”

“Then, have a fanty-fan-fantastic day!” Pinkie waved, even though Lyra still stood right in front of her.

Giving a rather unconvincing smile and laugh, Lyra waved goodbye and quickly walked for the door. Once outside she sighed in relief.

“Wait Lyra!” Pinkie could be heard bouncing toward the front doors of Sugarcube Corner.

Panicking, Lyra took off to a full gallop, not wanting to be ensnared by Pinkie again. Pinkie poked her head out the front doors, not seeing anypony around, she shrugged her shoulders and spoke to herself, “Hmm, I just wanted to ask how Trace was doing, after what happened last week.”

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The wind whistled as it whisked past Lyra's ears. She kept her head down, and tried to aim her walking toward Sweet Apple Acres. At least with Applejack and Pinkie Pie, she could use the ingredients as an excuse to speak with them about possibly joining her herd. Rainbow Dash and Twilight would have to wait, and she wasn't even going to attempt asking Fluttershy, at least not while Angel was so sick. Lyra grunted, her breath was leaving mist with each exhalation. Her muscles ached, but not from exhaustion; she was chilled to the bone. She had her eyes closed partly, in an attempt to keep the wind away from them. She blinked suddenly, as something light and cold landed on her nose, quickly melting into water, “S-snow? It isn't even winter yet... I wonder why they are making it snow so soon?”

Lyra's attention quickly shifted to the lights in front of her. A small flickering light could be seen coming from the barn. The barn door was sealed closed, but light and slight bits of warmth seeped through the cracks. The minty unicorn shivered, the slight touch of warmth reminding her of just how cold she really was. Being polite, Lyra tapped her hoof on the door, her ears turning forward to try and catch any sounds. Sounds of hooves against dirt reached Lyra's ears. The door creaking open wide enough for an orange head to pop out, “Oh hey sugarcube, can ah help ya with sumthin?”

In a desperate attempt to hide just how cold she was, she forced herself to stop shivering, “H-hi A-apple j-jack, I-I wanted to k-know if you h-had any w-whiskey?”

Applejack gave Lyra a look of confusion, her eyebrow raised, but it quickly turned into a smile, “Well Ah never, ya gonna surprise Trace with a little drunken fun?” She kept speaking before Lyra could answer, “Here, come in and warm yerself up a bit!”

Doing as she was told, Lyra stepped inside and sighed in relief. The cold winds ceasing to cut right through her. She shook as if trying to repel the cold that had gathered in her joints; Lyra still stuttered as she spoke, but not as badly, “Angel is s-sick... and Trace has a home remedy his f-family taught him... Whiskey is one of the ingredients.”

“Ah didn't even hear anythin bout Angel bein sick... How bad is it?” Applejack ran her body up the side of Lyra, hopping to let her take some of her warmth. Lyra smiled, giving Applejack's neck a thankful nuzzle as she replied, “We don't know... Trace thinks it might be a sickness from his world, and Fluttershy has a professional coming, but he won’t be here for a couple days...”

Breaking away from Lyra's side, Applejack went to a corner of the barn, pulling up a rope that was attached to a door on the floor, and disappeared down into the darkness. Clanking of glass jars could be heard. Lyra stepped closer, not seeing anything but the darkness down below. Suddenly, Applejack came back into view, a bottle carried in her mouth of a brown liquid. Applejack kicked the cellar door closed before placing the bottle in Lyra's saddlebag, “Here ya go, Sugarcube. It's on the house, if it's to help Angel get better!”

A smile crept up on Lyra's face, “Thank you, but you sure? I have bits to pay for it.”

“Ah won’t take no for an answer, you will take tis here whiskey to Angel; just give Fluttershy mah regards,” A blush slowly formed on Applejack's face, “and... tell Trace I'm sorry about last time...”

Giggles escaped Lyra and left a happy smile, “Don't worry, Trace has put everything from last week behind him. He even said to me, he regrets not being able to help any of his friends, since they looked so pained.”

Applejack sighed as she shook her head, “Ah swear, that Trace is too nice fer his own good... Ah heard Rarity pushed him outta that window, yet he still offered ta replace it without any bits in return. Ah keep tellin him, if he keeps doin favors fer ponies, he won’t ever get ahead in the world!”

Lyra couldn't help but laugh at Applejack's remark, which quickly made Applejack laugh in return. After the laughing settled, they fell silent and Lyra looked to the barn door, fearing that she would have to go back outside.

“Ya should prolly get going. Especially, if ya have a sick bunny ta get back too.”

Looking back to Applejack, she was reminded about the other reason she had come here. Applejack noticed the apprehension on her face and decided to speak first, “Was there sumthin else, Sugarcube?”

A sigh emanated from Lyra, her head lowering a little, “Applejack, how do you feel about Trace?”

“Hmm...” Applejack tapped her chin briefly, “He is a mighty fine, and hard workin feller. He is alright in mah book, and ah am happy to call him a friend.”

“D-do you think... you could e-ever... be in a herd with him?”

“Sugarcube, are ya askin, what ah think yer askin?” Applejack watched Lyra scratch at the ground, a small nod coming as her reaction, “To be fully honest?” Lyra looked up, meeting Applejack's emerald eyes, watching her speak, “Ah don't think a relationship with Trace would be half bad, Though, Ah'm not sure if ah could or not. Ah've mainly been raised a traditionalist, and mah views have always been, ponies belong with ponies.”

Confusion crossed Lyra's face, tilting her head in wonder, “So.., what if Trace... was a pony?”

A blush quickly crossed Applejack's face, her nose crunching up as the mental picture of what exactly Trace would look like as a pony. Her mind began to wander, 'Trace as a pony? Hmm... ah could picture him as an earth pony... with all the work he does... then again... repair jobs are usually a unicorns job...' In Applejack's mind, the picture of Trace was quickly turning into a unicorn, except a lot bigger and stronger. Before she knew it, she had a picture of a milky brown unicorn that had the body structure of Big Mac. Applejack swallowed when she realized saliva was gathering in her mouth.

“A-Applejack?” asked Lyra, stepping a little closer in worry.

Applejack quickly averted her gaze as she replied, “Ah suppose... if he was a pony... ah would definitely want to be with him... but he's not... so it ain't ever gonna happen!”

“I see...” Lyra's gaze lowered to Applejack's hooves, her ears splaying back against her head in defeat.

“Sugarcube... you just got with him not even two weeks ago, why are ya wantin to find a third so soon? Shouldn't you be tryin' to spend time with him alone, first?”

A small grin managed to push its way into Lyra's features as she replied, “Rarity asked me the same thing... but... I am in the Royal Euphony, I will have to go on tour... and Trace will be left all alone...”

Suddenly, a hoof could be felt draped over Lyra's shoulder, she quickly looked up to see Applejack smiling, “Ah wouldn't be too worried; Trace lived here two months without ya. He can deal without you again, ah'm sure he wouldn't mind waitin for a pony like you.”

“Are you sure you don't want to try being in a herd with Trace? I really think you and him would match up really well!” Lyra smiled, hoping she would give it a shot.

“No can do, Sugarcube. Besides, ah have somepony else ah have mah eye on.” Applejack removed her hoof from around Lyra, and then stepped away from her to lay next to a hay bale.

Lyra followed, but sat a few yards in front of her, “Really? Who is it?”

A crimson hue returned to Applejack's features, becoming reluctant to tell her, “Ah'm not sure... if ah want anypony to know yet...”

“I promise not to tell anypony,”

“Pinkie promise?” Applejack still had her blush, but she glared at Lyra, trying to show how serious she felt about this.

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” Lyra finished with a giggle, closing her eye and gently placing her hoof over it.

Applejack looked from Lyra and down to the ground, trying to build up the courage. Lyra lowered her head to try and meet Applejack's gaze, “It's okay, take your time.”

“Ah... Ah like...” She fell silent, running out of courage before she could finish.

Getting slightly impatient and antsy, Lyra pushed, “Yes?”

“Ah-like-Bon-Bon...” even though it came out in a calm voice, it was rushed. The words expelling from her mouth like she had spit out something scalding.

Lyra blinked, unsure if she had quite heard her right, “Bon Bon?”

“Yeah... she has been... coming by a lot more lately... at first ah just thought everypony was buyin her apple candies... but... lately ah noticed that she looked odd every time she came by... Ah confronted her about it and she admitted she had a crush on me... Now though... every time ah try to tell her ah feel the same... ah just freeze up worse than a mouse in a snake den!”

Both the mares halted their conversation as a knock sounded from the barn door. Lyra looked to Applejack, curious as to why she wasn't getting up. Applejack had her face down and half her face hidden by her stetson. Lyra's mouth turned into a large smile as she blurted out, “Bon Bon is at the door, isn't she?”

At that, Applejack pulled her stetson over her face in embarrassment, “Ah can't do this... go tell her ah'm sick and can't talk at the moment...”

If Applejack had looked up, she would have noticed a devious smirk on Lyra's face. She trotted over the door, “Okay Applejack.”

The tone Lyra said it in, made Applejack shiver, knowing something bad was going to happen. The barn door swung open to a confused Bon Bon, “L-Lyra... why are you here?”

“I was just getting some ingredients.” Lyra smiled as she let Bon Bon in, “Anyway, come in, Applejack has something she wants to say to you!”

“Lyra... NO!!” Applejack pleaded, but it was too late. Lyra was out the door, closing it behind her, leaving her face to face with Bon Bon.

Bon Bon looked at the closed door, and then to Applejack. She was about to say something when, “ACHooo!” sniffling as she tried to keep anything from dripping out of her nose.

“Bon Bon... Ah shouldn't have asked ya to come out here... now yer gonna get sick...” Applejack was feeling quite ashamed right about now. Finally being able to invite somepony she really liked, only to get her sick.

“I am glad you did Applejack... I was starting to think I scared you off... when I admitted I liked you...” Bon Bon had her own blush on her face; she had yet to even look in Applejack's general direction.

Lyra giggled, leaving before she could hear any more of their conversation; hoping that it would all work out for the two of them. They would make a great team, she thought, 'They could always come out with a specific candied apple and split the profits!' Lyra giggled as she shook away the thought.

Lyra shivered, and listened to the whistling from the wind, followed by the many apple tree branches and leaves rustle together. Though, it was soothing, she was starting to become rather cold. Plus, the snow was picking up and even starting to stick to the ground, turning the scenery into a soft white. Focusing, Lyra had one more place to go and this time, she wouldn't have a friend to go see for this particular one. She would just have to hope somepony was open at the market, since it was snowing after all...

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With Trace at Fluttershy's cottage:

The longer Trace stayed with Angel, the more he doubted it was the flu. He kept giving him liquids and kept an eye on his throat. After a few hours of keeping constant fluids in him, the sore throat was gone and the fever was fairly close to breaking. Trace went to pull the blanket up to Angel's chin, when he noticed the blanket was damp with sweat. Deciding it would be harmful to let him lay in a damp bed, he decided to grab him another blanket. He pulled the damp blanket off the little bunny and was about to get up. He took a double take, unsure at what he was seeing; Angel's stomach was pudgy and he had his legs sprawled out with his paw over his tummy. Grunts and tiny little screams came from Angel, his body convulsing like he was trying to expel something from his body. Trace had only seen one other thing like this and putting two and two together, Trace decided; this wasn't the flu.

“A-Angel's... a girl?!” Realization hitting him, just as something seemed to be poking its way from the bunnies neither regions.

Deciding it best not to let Fluttershy sleep through her little pet bunny giving birth, he called up as loud as he could, “FLUTTERSHY... PLEASE COME DOWN HERE!”

No answer came and Trace was starting to panic, he never delivered a baby before, let alone a baby rabbit. A loud yip, which Trace could tell was a scream, escaped the bunnies mouth, before the first little baby came forth. By now, sweat was running down Trace's forehead, his hands shaking nervously. His body felt clammy and cold even though he sat fairly close to the fire place. Trace's voice cracked as he tried calling one more time, “F-Flu-tterSHY!”

Trace jumped up, running to Fluttershy's bathroom and grabbing several towels. Running back and laying a dark green towel flat on the floor, gently picking up the first baby and laying it gently on the towel. The basket had barely enough room for Angel, let alone however many baby's she was possibly going to have and he was too worried to pick Angel up to move her. Trace was ready to run up to get Fluttershy, when suddenly something yellow jolted to his side, “Trace! What happened?”

“ANGEL'S GIVING BIRTH!” said the panicked human, his hands still shaky.

“B-but... Angel is a boy...” At first, confusion was all Fluttershy could comprehend.

Her confusion had to wait, as Trace spoke again, “How could you not know she was a girl?”

Fluttershy blushed, feeling embarrassed; Trace was right, how could she not, “He... she... never acted like the girl bunnies... I could have sworn... it isn't possible... at least... I don't think...” Fluttershy rubbed the back of her neck with her hoof; her mind trying to wrap around the sudden shock.

“Another one’s coming!” Trace's heart was racing, looking to Fluttershy for hopeful guidance.

The shock that had overwhelmed her at first was quickly pushed to the side, her pet care instincts kicking in, “Trace, go get some small rags and some warm water...”

Obeying, Trace quickly jumped up and began running to the bathroom; gathering several rags and dashing for the living room. Tossing the rags next to Fluttershy, he then ran for the kitchen, grabbed a bowl and turned the water on, and waited for the water to turn hot. Trace tapped his foot against the floor in anticipation, waiting for the dang water to warm up. He stuck his hand under and when satisfied, he filled up his bowl, being careful not to spill any as he returned to Fluttershy not quite as fast as he had left, but just as urgent. As soon as he returned, it looked like Angel had two more babies while he was gone. Fluttershy then quickly dabbed a rag in the warm water and began to gently remove the gooey substances from the little babies. While Trace just sat there, watching Fluttershy, he was starting to calm down and when he did, he couldn't believe how calm and collected Fluttershy was being. She had the faintest smile on her face as she cleaned the babies. Trace figured a good bit of it was from relief that Angel was going to be okay, but part of it was happiness of new arrivals in her cottage.

Trace chuckled briefly, grinning, “Fluttershy... you are amazing!”

She must have not expected the compliment, because she quickly averted her eyes and her butter fur turning red, “I... I'm not... I'm just used... to this... A lot of animals are always giving birth, so I have a lot of practice...”

“Even so! I just panicked and here you are, calm as can be! Usually you're the one freaking out!” Trace paused when he caught what he said, “Not... that it's a bad thing... I just meant...”

“I-It's okay, Trace, I know what you meant...” Fluttershy's expression became distant and her hooves slowed as she cleaned the bunnies, “Trace... Thank you for helping me today...”

“It is okay Shy... I was only helping a friend.” Trace gave a heart filled smile, before counting the babies, so far, four; Angel was starting to relax and looked like no more was coming.

Fluttershy frowned, a look of disappointment on her face. Trace took notice and spoke up, “What's wrong, Shy?”

Fluttershy gently stroked Angel's cheek, never looking up to Trace, “Can... I-I tell you a secret...”

Trace was on his knees, crawling a tad bit closer, “Of course Shy, you can tell me anything.”

Everything remained quiet for a few moments. Trace could tell she was building courage, and seeing it was Fluttershy, it might take a while. Surprisingly enough, she spoke without much hesitance, “I-I have a crush on somepony... but... I'm not sure if it would... ever work...”

“Why wouldn't it work?” asked Trace, raising an eyebrow while he patiently waited for the pink-maned mare.

Following Fluttershy's gaze over to the babies, she quietly and calmly spoke, “I have always wanted a foal of my own. He is a different species and...”

She kept her eyes on the baby bunnies, Trace realizing she was most likely saying she had a crush on him, but for the moment, just played along, “You wouldn't be able to have a baby with him, because of the specie difference?”

“Y-Yeah...” Fluttershy's ears drooped back, her face being successfully hidden in her mane.

Trace was a little surprised; Fluttershy was speaking so easily right now. Well.., easy for her at least. Trace's mind immediately wandered to Twilight, “Can't magic fix that, though? I'm sure there is some sort of spell; and I'm positive if there is such a spell, Twilight could learn it.”

As Trace finished, Fluttershy jerked her head up to look at Trace, she had a total look of hope across her expression; Trace was shocked that he could see every bit of her face at the moment as she replied, “You... you really think so?”

“Sure? Why not? Plus, doesn't Equestria have orphanages? Even if you couldn't have his baby, wouldn't adopting be okay, too?” Trace thought about if he was asked the same question, but didn't find an answer before Fluttershy spoke.

“I-I... I don't know... I've... always wanted to have one... of my own...”

The conversation was abruptly ended, as the front door swung open and a gust of chilling wind cutting through the warmth of the cottage. The door illuminated a minty aura before being sealed closed.

“Lyra? Are you okay?” asked Trace, jumping up to check on his marefriend.

Lyra shook, making small bits of snow fall from her body and the saddlebag. Her magic quickly taking out whiskey, a dozen or so cherry hard candies, a couple cans of tomato soup, and a can of fish broth.

“F-fish... broth? Don't think I have ever seen fish broth here before...” admitted Trace, rolling the can in his palm feeling its weight.

“I was surprised too; how is Angel doing?” Said Lyra, full of concern as she elevated the saddle off her and trotted over. Her eyes blinked in confusion when she noticed not one, but now five bunnies lying in a small pile, cuddling for warmth, “What happened?”

Fluttershy smiled happily as she petted Angel's head, making her yawn before she cuddled to her babies, “Turns out Angel was just pregnant all along.”

“S-Shouldn't you have known... Angel was a girl?”

Trace laughed, making Lyra look over to him, “We already went over this, Lyra. She said it's because Angel always acted like a male.”

Lyra giggled as she stepped closer to the babies, “They are so adorable!”

Taking notice to each of the little babies, one was a solid black. Another was a solid white like its mother; the third was mainly white with black spots. The third was surprisingly a brown color with a white spot over its right eye. Lyra took a step back to hover the ingredients over and placed them on the floor in a neat pile, “Trace, if I may; what were these for anyway?”

“It was a family recipe, I would melt down the cherry candies and mix it with a little bit of whiskey. Whiskey is known to sooth sore throats and coughing, after the initial burn of it going down, and the melted hard candy give it flavor, as well as make it thick enough to coat the throat.” Trace grinned.

A smile formed on Lyra's face, “That is so cool!”

Even Fluttershy giggled when Lyra said that, which just made Lyra and Trace laugh all the harder. When everything fell quiet, Trace's mind started to wander to Fluttershy's and his earlier conversation, 'I wonder if she meant me, or if there is another in ponyville she is interested in. I know what I will do! I will go ask Twilight tomorrow if there is a way for ponies to have babies with other species and if there is, I will let Fluttershy know. If there is a way, then maybe she will tell me who her crush is.'

“Hey Trace, what'cha dreaming about over there?” grinned Lyra, watching his face for a reaction.

Trace just merely returned the smile, replying, “Just how sexy you are.” He stuck out his tongue playfully.

Fluttershy blushed at his remark, quickly hiding half her face behind her hair.

“Now look what you've done, you embarrassed poor Fluttershy!” Lyra returned by sticking out her tongue.

“N-no... it's okay... really...” Fluttershy said in a hushed tone, a blush still apparent on her cheeks.

Her reaction just made Lyra and Trace laugh. When the laughter halted, Trace looked to the window to notice just how hard the snow was falling, “I thought snow wasn't scheduled during autumn?”

Both mares looked to the window. and seeing their reaction made Trace worry slightly. Lyra was the first to say something, “They normally don't... They probably had a goof up and started winter early or something... we should get going before it gets too bad.” Lyra got up, motioning for the door.

“You both should stay...” It was surprising how quickly Fluttershy picked up, making Trace's suspicions stronger that the person she was talking about earlier was him.

“Well Trace? I'll leave it up to you.” Lyra smiled lovingly, looking to Trace for a reply.

Trace looked outside, before grinning, “Suppose we should... Wouldn't want to get stuck out there...”

Everypony sat back down, and all of a sudden a faint giggle could be heard coming from Lyra's general direction. She didn't say anything, so Trace decided to ask, “What are you giggling about over there? Something you want to share with the rest of us?”

Lyra looked away with a blush, “It... it just reminded me of the first time I stayed at your house. You had me stay because of the bad wind storm...”

“Geez... I can't believe that was only two weeks ago... It feels like we have been together for a long time already...” grinned Trace, closing his eyes as he reminisced.

“I know what you mean, I feel like we have been together our whole life, but it also feels short at the same time...” Lyra gave a faint chuckle, hoping she was making some sort of sense.

Trace smiled, leaning back on his elbows, his legs lay straight in front of him, “Yeah, same here...”

Looking out of the corner of his eye, Trace noticed Fluttershy was watching with an intense interest, clinging to every word that the two of them spoke.

“What... will you do... if you ever want foals?” Fluttershy aimed her question at Lyra.

Lyra just merely shrugged her shoulders, “I've heard about unicorns using magic to have foals with other species, but I wouldn't care either way. Personally, love is enough for me.”

“R-really?” Fluttershy's eyes widened a bit, the hopeful look returning from Trace's and her earlier conversation, “Unicorns can really do that?”

“I don't know if it is true or not.., but if it is something you are really interested in, you should really check the library.” Lyra had a nonchalant look to her, but Trace guessed it was probably because she was tired from running around all day.

The sun had gone down several hours ago, the windows were coating with snow and ice. Wind could be heard beating against the cottage and the animals outside were most likely in their homes, hiding from the blizzard. Fluttershy didn't seem worried about them, so he didn't give it another thought. Lyra scooted a little closer to Trace, enough that when she did, his hand started to lightly pet her back. He glanced over to see a look on Fluttershy's face, it appeared like envy, mixed with longing, 'now I'm positive... it has to be me she was talking about...' Trace was snapped out of his thoughts as he heard a faint snoring coming from the mint unicorn.

“She must have been tired... I had her running all over Ponyville looking for those ingredients...” stated Trace, looking over to Fluttershy.

“What was she getting ingredients for?” Fluttershy glanced over to Trace for a moment, keeping most of her attention on the bunnies.

“Angel's symptoms were, at first, similar to a sickness back where I'm from, so I sent her out for something I thought would help... good thing Angel went into labor, whiskey would have been a bad thing for her.” Trace grinned, thankful that everything turned out okay.

Fluttershy fell silent, making Trace a little curious as to what could possibly be running through her mind. He decided a little prying was in order, “Shy, can I ask you something?”

“Anything, Trace.” a soft heartwarming smile came from the cute pegasi. Trace couldn't help but laugh quietly to himself, every time a loud enough wind came and hit the house, Fluttershy would cringe and make an adorable little squeak.

“About earlier... It's me you have a crush on, isn't it?”

When no response came, Trace sat up to be able to see easily over Lyra to Fluttershy. She had her face behind her mane, keeping it well hidden from Trace, but when she spoke, it could easily be heard, “Y-yes... T-trace...”

“Then why didn't you just come out and tell me?”

Fluttershy ran her hoof in circles on the wood floor, her tail anxiously twitching behind her, “You might not be able to tell.., but I'm actually rather shy...”

Trace smiled, retorting a sarcastic remark, “I had no idea; I just thought you were quiet!”

Following her gaze down to Lyra, she began to softly speak, “Do... do you t-think... L-Lyra will let me into the herd?”

“Lyra and myself, had talked about the polygamy prospect, she said she wanted a third at least one day, but...” Trace averted his eyes, losing himself for a moment.

“But... you are uncomfortable... with it being so... soon in your relationship with her?” Fluttershy intervened, showing that she understood, but the way her ears splayed back and Trace could barely see one eye looking at him. Her nose pointed slightly down at the floor.

“Yeah. Not even three weeks ago, I wasn't even sure if I could love a pony like that; and now here I am, in a relationship I wouldn't trade for the world. I am also in a world that allows polygamy. Not only that, but not even a month into the relationship, and I have a second mare that has feelings for me...”

“S-sorry...” Fluttershy lowered her face, her ears stayed back.

A small laugh escaped Trace, making Fluttershy look over, “I didn't say it was a bad thing! It's just overwhelming... I don't even know if it will work with Lyra, and I'm already worried about breaking her heart if it doesn't work out...” Now it was Trace's turn to cringe, his smile fading into worry.

“E-every... relationship has doubt, though... and there is always the worry of breaking somepony's heart... T-that was one of the reasons... I am... w-worried of becoming your mate... I'm so shy half the time and can barely speak to anypony... How... can I be a good mate, if I can barely even talk to you?” Fluttershy took a moment after finishing, to look over to the baby bunnies, just to make sure everything was okay.

“That is true about the relationship part, but Fluttershy... you don't seem to be having any problem talking to me... I mean, you still stutter every once and awhile, and half the time you are hiding that pretty face of yours.., but you are talking way more now, than I have seen you with any pony in town.” Trace kept his face serious, wanting to show he meant it and possibly boost her confidence, if he could.

Fluttershy blinked, her head glancing over her shoulder and raising a hoof in surprise. Mainly since he was right, this entire time she had been talking to him, with barely any problem and for her, that was a very, VERY big deal.

Suddenly, a yawn could be heard; Trace hadn’t meant for it to escape, but the harder he fought it, the stronger it became. His eyes watered, and his arms ached from holding himself up to look at Fluttershy. Fluttershy's first giggle of the night escaped her, before she spoke up, “I will get us some blankets.”

Before Fluttershy could get out of sight, Trace spoke up, “Thanks for letting us stay, and tomorrow we will talk to Lyra about you being in our herd.”

Trace didn't get to see much of Fluttershy's blush before she turned back for the stairs, her faint voice replying, “Thank you, Trace, I hope she says yes...”