Chapter 4:
Jealousy and Valor

As I walked my way back to the library, the days events were playing out in my head again; like a broken record repeating the same sound over and over. I had to figure out what was bothering me. It wasn't that I didn't want the attention; I truly welcomed it. It wasn't because the taboo of a relationship with a pony worried me; because it honestly didn't. It was because of the irrational fear I was feeling, worried that somehow I would find a way to take a good opportunity and mess it up.

If my previous dating record had anything to show, it was that I was usually too eager to just jump in headlong at the first sign of interest.

If I was going to make the venture into a relationship, and an inter-species one to boot, I had to make damn sure I wasn't going in blind and to just take my time. In my military experiences, bad intelligence led to bad decisions, and it only got worse from there.

Luckily for me, I just happened to live in a library, and my landlady was a walking vault of endless knowledge. I can only hope she'll be receptive to the idea I thought as I approached the library's front door, letting out a long sigh before turning the knob and entering.

I was greeted with the sight of dozens of books flying around in the air, moving every which way. I had to duck a few times to avoid being concussed by several large, and probably very heavy books. In the center of the madness was Twilight, her horn aglow, focused on her arduous task. Next to her was her assistant Spike, the little dragon tiredly checking off names on a clipboard as Twilight read them aloud, placing the books into open spaces on the shelves.

I cleared my throat to get their attention “Hey Twi, hey Spike!” I called out, causing Twilight to lose her focus, dropping a mountain of books directly onto the baby dragon, eliciting a giggle and chuckle from both her and I. Spike wriggled his way out of the mound, a frustrated look on his face. "Sorry about that Spike." I added, trying to hold back my laughter.

“Ugh. Twilight?” he inquired, visibly defeated “Does this mean I finally get to take a break?”

“Of course,” she answered with a sigh and rolling her eyes “Jason and I need to talk anyways.” she added, looking at me with a piercing stare. I looked back at her in confusion.

“Whatever.” Spike answered with a yawn “I'll be sleeping if you need me; and please hesitate to wake me if you do.” he added with childish sarcasm, Twilight glaring sternly as he ambled upstairs to his bed.

“You said we need to talk?” I asked after Spike had left the room, the both of us sitting down on the couch, moving a few of the books my interruption had scattered.

“Yes.” she answered flatly, a concerned look overtaking her face “It's about all the mare attention you've been receiving lately... There's something about it that's just not sitting well in my mind. I'm a little worried, actually.” she added with pause.

“Worried about what? That I'll get every mare in Equestria pregnant, and cause a scandal?” I asked comically with a sly smile, causing her jaw to drop, her eyes growing wider than I've ever seen them get before.

“P-Pregnant? Y-You mean...you...would...” she stammered, in utter shock at my comment.

“Twi, I was being facetious.” I replied quickly, scratching my head “I'm not one to cause trouble, although it seems to find me very easily... And with my genetic makeup, I highly doubt I could impregnate a mare, even if I tried.” I added with confidence.

“I wouldn't be so sure of that,” she said with an eerie tone of certainty “there are some spells and potions, although very arcane, that could possibly alter genetic material, manipulating it to ones desires. Something along the lines of transmogrification, only grander and much harder to do in this case. Essentially turning you into a pony.” she added with worry, a look of concern coming across her face.

“Look,” I said, taking on a more serious tone “although the whole 'pregnancy' idea is oddly interesting to me, and turning into a pony might be fun, I just need some dating advice. And your thoughts and feelings about inter-species relationships.”

“So, I assume that's what the letter is all about?” she asked curiously, eying the piece of parchment I still held in my hand, her expression and tone relaxing to normal again. "I just don't want anything bad to happen."

“Something along those lines. Fleur sent it, and wants me to join her for dinner tonight in Canterlot, at the 'Galloping Gourmand'. She seems very eager to see me again. And I promise you, I'll do my best to avoid any trouble.” I added, helping to diffuse her apprehensions.

“That would explain why Slipstream hoof-delivered it herself. Maybe she had some influence in the situation.” she said, hoof to her chin in thought, nodding to herself “After all, they are family...”

So, Slipstream probably gushed to Fleur about how 'amazing' and 'intriguing' I am, no doubt in relation to my 'nice guy' personality, in turn causing Fleur to somehow notice the same. Now if I only knew why...

“Do you think there might be some sort of scientific explanation?” I asked in earnest.

“Possibly, but I'd have to run a few...tests.” she answered with hesitation, knowing how I loathed the 'guinea pig' routine. “On the other hoof, it could just be old-fashioned attraction.” she added reassuringly.

“I sure hope so.” I sighed, my self-defeating mindset slowly creeping up to attack, and I immediately shook the encroaching feeling off, focusing on my questions “But for now, how about that dating advice, if you're okay with it? I'm not sure if my culture's customs apply here.”

“Of course!” she beamed with excitement, always ready to divulge her seemingly infinite mass of knowledge “What would you like to know?”

“Well, how about signs of affection or interest for starters?” I inquired “When I walked Fleur home the other night, she nuzzled my cheek before she went inside. I'm not sure if she was just being courteous, or whether it was a sign of interest.”

“She did? That's amazing!” She exclaimed with a smile “And yes, nuzzling is our way of showing interest, affection, and willingness to mate. You must have made quite the impression...”

“Mate?” I asked, shocked at her answer “I just thought she was just thanking me for walking her home.” I added nervously.

“Well, it doesn't always mean that,” she said, trying to ease my stress “I'm willing to bet she was thanking you, but was very forward about it. I honestly think she is somehow attracted to you. I'm not sure why, but I think only time will tell.”

“Well,” I sighed “I'm going to have to agree with you there, I think the only way for me to truly know is to just go with the flow, and see where it leads. Who knows, this might even be a step towards normalcy for me.”

“That's the can-do spirit!” she beamed with a smile.

"And what about gifts?" I asked "Normally on my world, gifts could be considered a good thing, or it could completely ruin a man's chances with a woman; by appearing too needy for attention and affection."

"Well," she responded in thought "I think flowers are usually a good idea; although we ponies eat flowers, so don't be surprised if she devours them when you give them to her." she added with a hearty giggle.

"I'll have to keep that in mind." I said, lightly chuckling myself, picturing the scenario in my mind.

“But what about the whole inter-species relationship part of my problem?” I asked with concern. “I would imagine other ponies might not see it as a good thing.”

“Oh, that? I don't think most ponies will be too concerned, except for a few jealous stallions you might run into. They might be shocked at first, but will eventually accept it for what it is. I've even seen some ponies with dragons and griffons, if you can believe it.”

“Living in a world with sentient talking ponies, I'd believe you if you told me you were the Dali Lama himself.” I said with a chuckle.

“The dah-lee-who?” she asked with confusion.

“Never mind. Human-world things and such.” I replied with a wave of my hand. Glancing at the clock on the wall, I noticed that it was almost six o'clock. Oh shit! I'd better get ready! I thought Don't want to be late for my very important date!

“I think I'd better get ready, it's almost time for me to meet Fleur.” I said “Don't want my first date to go to pot before it's even started.”

“Of course!” she said, smiling “I think one of your new outfits would definitely impress her! Especially since she's a model and all.” she added with mock flair, fluffing her mane with a hoof.

“One can only hope.” I laughed, as I stood up from the couch, gathering my outfits and making my way upstairs to my room.

I laid my outfits on my bed and made the decision in ten...seconds...flat. I chose the dress ensemble; partly because I was heading to a restaurant with 'gourmet' in its name, wanting to look presentable, and because it would be the most logical choice if I wanted to make a good impression for my date with Fleur. Besides, looking my best usually made me feel my best, and I needed my confidence to be in high gear.

Once I was dressed, I did my best to polish the scuffs off my combat boots, and made my way downstairs. Twilight's reaction was all I needed to assure me that everything was going to go my way.

“Oh my,” she uttered with complete awe, eyes wide “Rarity has managed to outdo herself yet again! That outfit looks amazing! I don't see how Fleur or anypony in Canterlot could ignore your debonair style!”

“Thanks Twi,” I said, blushing “I really do appreciate the confidence boost. I think I'm going to need it. I'm so nervous, I'm sweating already.” I added with a hesitant chuckle.

“Not a problem!” she beamed “But if you want this to go well, you should get going! First impressions and all...” she said with pause, narrowing her eyes in thought, hoof to her chin.

“What's on your mind?” I asked, noticing her expression.

“Well, just wondering how you're going to get to Canterlot. I could teleport us, but I'm not sure you'd want me tagging along on your first date...” she said with defeat.

“I have enough bits left for another taxi ride.” I said, rifling through my coin pouch, tallying up the remainder of my meager earnings. “Although I don't think I'll have enough for a return trip.” I added, the reality of my dilemma sinking in.

“Hmm...” she muttered “Well, if all goes well you might not need to come home tonight.” she added, arching her eyebrows in suggestion.

“Twi!” I boasted “Did you hear yourself just now? What you just implied?” I asked with astonishment, surprised at what the normally reserved and sometimes socially-awkward mare had just said.

“Oh relax, I'm not a naive filly. I know all about the birds and the bees. I even have some rather informative books on intimacy—they go into some pretty explicit details...” she added with a slight blush.

All I could manage was a grunt, my eyes wide and my jaw just about on the floor. I hadn't expected her to say that! I thought in total shock, eventually coming back to reality.

“Well, I might peruse them later, if and when the need arises, but for now I think I'll get going, before I lose my chances.” I said as I hurried to the door, waving goodbye on my way out.

Her intimacy comments were in the foreground of my mind as I made my way toward the taxi station, hopeful that Slipstream would be able to shed some more light on my situation.

***

When I approached the taxi station, I noticed Slipstream sitting behind the kiosk, her chin resting on her hoof with a bored and tired look in her half-closed eyes. Her stature and expression changed to an alert state once she caught sight of me.

"Oh, hey Jason!" she exclaimed with a smile "I was wondering if you'd ever show up!" she added in a jokingly chiding tone, flashing a cheeky grin. It seemed as though she had been expecting my arrival...

"Sorry about that, got caught up in a very educational conversation." I said earnestly. "Twilight was giving me the run-down on pony dating and courtship rituals. Surprisingly similar to the culture back on my world." I added matter-of-factually.

"Then you should have no problem!" she remarked "And might I say, for a 'human' you dress up quite nice!" she added, noticing my classy dress outfit. "Fleur will be very impressed!" she added with enthusiasm.

"I can only hope." I said doubtfully.

"You'll do just fine, trust me." she said reassuringly "Fleur was absolutely impressed by your charming, carefree, and nice personality! She wasn't sure if you'd accept her invitation, but I told her not to worry; she needs somepony like you to treat her with dignity and respect!"

"Well I can't disagree with you there." I said "I really do appreciate you going to these lengths for me, but I'm still not sure why she'd want to see me again, when there are plenty of pony stallions that could probably provide better for her." I added in a sullen tone, my low self-esteem fighting for control of my thoughts again.

"You never know until you try!" she boasted, hoping to break me from my self-defeating mindset "Besides, she wouldn't have invited you to dinner if she didn't think you were worth it, and believe me, you are! Most pony stallions don't care about anything other than themselves, rutting, and making foals. You care about her feelings. That much was evident when you walked her home, and helped get her mind off of Fancy Pants."

"You know what, you're right." I said with renewed confidence, as I reached into my pouch for the taxi fare, causing her to look at me with confusion.

"Oh, there's no charge for this trip. It's the least I could do for having you show my cousin what a real stallion is! Although I'm afraid we won't be able to make it on time if I take the carriage with us..." she added with hesitation.

"Wait, then where am I supposed to sit?" I asked in a very worried tone.

"Well, you'll have to ride on my back..." she answered with hesitation, noticing my apprehension.

"Oh boy. Well, do you think you'll be able to handle my weight?" I asked with concern, mainly for her health, but also for my personal safety as well. She pointed a hoof at her taxi cart, and put a 'you've gotta be kidding me' look on her face.

"If I can fly with that big cart, I think I can handle a twiggy human, don't you think?" she asked with a serious tone.

"Fair enough." I conceded "Where do you want me to sit?" I asked, completely unsure. I'd ridden horses before, but they were a lot bigger, and didn't have wings.

"Just sit as far forward of my wings as you can." she said as I reluctantly climbed on her back "And try not to touch them, or..." she began, but was interrupted as my arm grazed one of her wings.

*POMF*

Both her wings immediately sprang out, becoming very rigid.

"...that will happen" she finished, blushing, with an embarrassed look on her face.

"What did I do?" I asked, worried that I had done something wrong.

"That...well..." she began "Your arm grazed my wing, which to pegasi can be very sensitive.

"Sorry." I said, forming my own look of embarrassment. I'll have to file that in my memory bank for future reference. I thought to myself.

"No worries, we'll just have to wait a few moments for the reaction to subside, then we can get going."

A few minutes passed, and her wings returned to their normal flexible state. She instructed me to wrap my arms around her neck in a hugging position, and prepared for liftoff.

"Ready? In 3...2...1!!" she shouted with fervor, flexing her wings and springing up on her legs. For the second time in less than a week, we were airborne, and I was screaming again as we rocketed towards Canterlot; with enough speed to make my eyes water, and causing me to fight to maintain my breathing. She even threw in a few barrel rolls that really got my blood pumping.

***

After a smooth landing in the same cobblestone courtyard as before, I released my grip from Slipstream and slid off her back, my nerves rattled, and body shaking.

"That sure was fun, wasn't it?!" she exclaimed with excitement. "Got us here in record time!"

The only response I could muster was a small 'yes' in a cracked and squeaky voice, my legs feeling like rubber as I fought to keep my balance. Teleportation was looking like a good standard of transportation from now on...

"Well, let's get moving!" she goaded "You wouldn't want to keep Fleur waiting, would you? I'd hate to see her get all sad and emotional again; this is the happiest I've seen her since the other night. You must have some charm, eh stud?" she asked, nudging me playfully on my arm with her hoof.

"I guess so," I replied with a chuckle as she pointed me in the direction of the restaurant, Celestia's sun beginning to slowly set. "I think my 'nice guy' personality is finally getting me somewhere, although I hadn't imagined it would be with a talking pony."

"Just please don't break her heart." she said "I honestly don't think she can handle anymore stress right now." she added with concern.

"Believe me, that's the last thing I'd want to do to somepony as amazing and beautiful as her." I said with confidence. "I suppose I might see you later for the return trip? I asked.

"If things go well, which I think they just might, you won't need to." she said smiling, adding a suggestive wink.

"Heh." I said, blushing "That's the second time I've heard that tonight."

I turned and walked my way towards the restaurant, waving farewell to Slipstream. I saw Fleur standing outside, and was about to wave to her when I saw that she was in a very animated conversation with a very large and buff Earth pony stallion, his cutie mark resembling a large rock. As I got closer, I could hear the conversation.

"...What's a pretty mare like you doing out here all alone?" the stallion asked in a flirtatious tone.

"I'm waiting for my date to arrive." she said flatly, wanting no part of what the stallion was offering.

"Heh. I'll bet he's a nopony compared to me!" the stallion boasted, flexing his muscles in arrogance.

"He's actually a far sight better, to be honest." she said, looking around intently, finally noticing me approaching "And here he is now." she added, walking away from the stallion and approaching me with a smile. The stallion was taken aback by her actions, causing his brow to furrow in frustration.

"I'm so glad you're here," she said as she approached me "I was afraid you wouldn't come." she added with a hint of worry as she came closer to me, nuzzling my cheek again, with me caressing her cheek in return. "That boorish stallion has been getting on my nerves."

"I wouldn't miss this for the world." I replied, staring into her large violet eyes, smiling intently. There was something about her aura that just drew me to her. What it was I couldn't explain, at least not yet anyways. The arrogant stallion was taken aback at what was transpiring in front of him, snorting and voicing his disapproval.

"That's your date?!" he yelled with visible anger "He's not even a pony! What could he possibly have that I don't?" he added with contempt. Several ponies in the outside dining area were staring at us, eyes wide with shock at the events unfolding before them.

I looked at the stallion with narrowed, piercing eyes. I wasn't going to let him berate me in front of all these other ponies; especially Fleur, who was looking at the stallion in the same displeased manner I was. It was time to end this fiasco once and for all. I didn't want a fight, but the situation seemed to be leaning in that direction.

"We're done here." I stated bluntly, turning to look at Fleur, who had a look of worry on her face. "I'd hate to ruin the dinner reservations you set up, but I think we could just go back to your place." I said quietly "I'm sure I can fix us a decent meal. And we won't have to worry about any more arrogant stallions trying to ruin our night." I added as I quickly glanced at him with a dismissive look. "I think it would be a bit less awkward that way. Other ponies are beginning to stare."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea." she said in relief "It would also be more charming too." she added with a smile, causing me to blush brightly.

As we walked away from the restaurant, the arrogant stallion managed to get one last angry word in.

"You haven't seen the last of Rock Solid!" he shouted "Your relationship is an atrocity! I'll be sure to make your life miserable you ugly hairless monkey!" he added, yelling even louder. I gave him the middle finger as Fleur and I walked away. I figured he didn't have any idea of it's implications, but I really didn't care if he did or not, because I was heading home with the most beautiful mare in Equestria.

***

It was a relatively short walk back to her apartment, allowing us to engage in a bit of small talk about the situation that had just transpired.

"I'm really sorry that you had to go through that," she said with a small air of guilt. "I never thought that our budding relationship would cause so much trouble. I just can't seem to place him, though. He looked oddly familiar, like I've seen him before...Maybe he's one of the jerks Slipstream dated years ago back in school..." she mused to herself. "I'll have to ask her about it sometime."

"It's no worry right now," I replied steadily. "In my experiences, I've found it's best to just ignore men...er...stallions like him. If you dwell on it, all it will do is drive you crazy. But I think asking her would be a good idea, especially if he's some kind of deranged lunatic, and we don't know it." I added with concern.

"What if he follows through on his threat?" she asked with her own concern. "I'd hate to see something bad happen to you. You're such a nice..." she trailed off, searching for the proper word.

"Person," I explained. "Although if you're more comfortable with 'stallion', I can live with that. It actually has a nice ring to it, to be honest." I added with a chuckle, trying to ease the tension that had built up.

"Well, I'm still concerned," she said, trying to smile. "What if he resorts to violence? He's an awfully strong pony." she added, visibly concerned for my well-being.

"He may be strong physically," I admitted. "But I've had extensive hand-to-hand combat training, if it comes down to that. Well, I suppose it's hand-to-hoof in my current situation," I mused. "But I'm not one to resort to violence if I can help it. I think I'd much rather outsmart him with my words and wit—which I think would be all too easy, given his ignorant and arrogant demeanor."

"I hope you're right." she said as we approached her apartment, using her magic to open the door. She motioned for me to follow her inside, which allowed me to get a good look at her hindquarters. I stared in awe at her long legs, which ended at her firm, yet rounded flank as she sauntered inside. The immense beauty of her apartment quickly shook me out of my sexual musings.

The interior resembled that of a New York City-style penthouse apartment, complete with polished marble floors, high ceilings supported by large columns, and grand windows that were letting in the last rays of Celestia's sun, casting eerie yet beautiful shadow patterns across the main room, which had a large fireplace on the left. An archway in back led to what I could see as the kitchen and dining area, and a short hallway on the right led to what I assumed to be the bedroom and bathroom. In the middle was a large, plush couch in front of a evenly sized table. Fleur made her way to a wooden cabinet, using her magic to open it's doors, levitating a dark bottle and two crystal wine glasses from within.

"Would you like to partake in some wine? she asked "It's a Manehattan Cabernet, aged about ten years." she added, setting it all down on the table in front of the couch.

"I would love to." I answered with enthusiasm "You must be a mind reader, because Cabernet is my favorite style." I added with pride as she poured us each a generous amount in the glasses. I moved to grab my glass, but she levitated it towards me before I had a chance to. She walked towards me, levitating her own glass in front of her.

"A toast to the beginning of a wonderful journey, with an amazing and honorable stallion" she said smiling, with elegance and class as I took my glass in hand, ceremoniously tapping it against hers.

"Salut. To a bright and adventurous future." I said in the most dashing James Bond voice I could muster. I generously took a short pull from the glass, savoring the woody and surprisingly spicy flavor as it washed across my taste buds. "This is the best Cabernet I've ever tasted, hands down." I admitted easily, setting my now half-full glass back on the table "But if I'm to make us dinner, I want to have my wits about me—I'd hate to embarrass myself by ruining it due to being drunk." I added with a hearty laugh.

"Well, I can understand that," she said with a giggle of her own "There's plenty of ingredients in the icebox, along with some fresh bread on the counter. I'll get a fire going, since it's supposed to get fairly chilly tonight. Not to mention it would do good for the atmosphere of our date." she added with a smile as she made her way over to the fireplace.

I made my way into the kitchen, and opened the icebox to find a large medley of various vegetables and fruits. Perusing the selection, I grinned widely as I selected a good amount of its contents, happy with what I'd found. Now, I was no gourmet chef, but I could whip up a decent meal from scratch that would impress even the most finicky of critics. Knowing that the ponies didn't eat meat—from one of Twilight's many educational sermons—my options were limited to a literal handful of vegetarian recipes I had picked up while traveling abroad back home. Setting everything down on the counter, I got to work.

After almost an hour of prepping and slaving over a hot stove—which Fleur had to start with her magic, much to my embarrassment—dinner was finally finished. I stared at my creations, a smile of pride creeping across my face as I brought the two generously filled platters out to the living area, setting the plates on the table in front of the couch, where she sat with a regal look.

"Ooh, it smells absolutely divine!" she beamed with enthusiasm "What did you manage to create for us?" she asked with intent curiosity.

"Well, for starters, I used some bread, toasted it and made bite-sized bruschetta with and a dash of olive oil. For the main course, I made a basic ratatouille, with , along with some more tomato, basil, garlic, onion, peppers, and squash. I hope it came out okay." I added, crossing my fingers as she levitated a piece of bruschetta, daintily taking a bite. Her eyes went wide, then closed as she lightly moaned with pleasure as I joined her on the over-sized couch, taking a portion of each for myself.

"It's simply...amazing!" she said between bites, lightly nibbling away "I've never tasted anything this good! I'm used to gourmet dining, but this is just so...exquisite!" she added as she poured us more wine, eventually moving to the main course.

"I just did my best with what I had to work with." I said nonchalantly. "I'm no gourmet chef, but I think I did fairly well." I added, a faint hint of pride to my voice. "I'm just glad you like it. That's all that matters to me." I said with sincerity.

"That's one of the reasons I've been drawn to you." she admitted freely, before her tone grew sullen. "After...Fancy Pants betrayed me, I was torn apart. I didn't think I could trust another stallion with my heart; afraid that the next one would just use me and leave me behind. That is, until I heard about you from Slipstream. Although I was hesitant at first, she insisted that you were genuine; honest, caring, and compassionate. Everything a mare could ask for. I'm not sure where or how she heard about you, but I can honestly say, I'm glad she did."

"Well," I said "I wouldn't change the way I am for the world. I was raised to be a respectable person, and that's how I intend to stay. I don't care what anyone else says." I added with conviction.

Just then, a bright flash of light shone through the windows, followed by a large clap of thunder, catching me off guard, causing me to jump slightly.

"Ah Hell," I said with defeat, a puzzled look forming on my face. "I didn't know it was supposed to rain tonight. Now I'm going to get soaked on my way home." I added with a tone of disappointment at the sudden change in weather.

"You know..." she said with pause. "You don't have to go out in this dreadful weather..."

I was slightly shocked; what both Twilight and Slipstream had suggested earlier was actually transpiring, causing the gears in my mind to turn faster than ever. A part of me wondered if either or both of them had something to do with the sudden change in weather. I wasn't disappointed to say the least—getting soaked wasn't really an issue, but the possibility of being struck by lightning wasn't high on my things-to-do list. Besides, I was slowly beginning to fall for Fleur—her human-esque characteristics slowly growing on me. The fact that she was a pony surprisingly wasn't bothering me much anymore, either.

"I suppose you do have a point," I said with a large yawn, finishing the last of my wine. "and besides, I'm in the company of the most wonderful and beautiful mare in Equestria, so it's surely worth it." I added with charm, lightly blushing at my own compliment.

"You're such a gentlecolt," she said with a smile. "And I do believe it's time we turned in for the night, don't you think? I should say we've both had quite a long day." she stated with a yawn of her own, standing up to clean the table of our empty plates and glasses, levitating them as she headed for the kitchen. "The bedroom is on the right down the hallway." she said from across the room, lightly smiling "I'll take care of the dishes, turn off the fire, and meet you there in a moment. Make yourself comfortable." she added as she went about her tasks.

"Uh, okay." I said, still a bit hesitant about intimacy, but I figured she would be just as nervous about it as I was, or at least I hoped. I made my way to the bedroom, and once inside, I was awestruck at the massive size of her four-post bed. It was twice the size of a California King, with dark red sheets and pillows, which I realized were crushed velvet and silk when I touched them. I looked down at my clothes, and had a momentary lapse of thought. At that moment, Fleur lightly trotted in to the bedroom, looking at me with curiosity.

"Are you going to get into bed?" she asked with confusion "I promise I won't bite." she added with a giggle while smiling.

"I'm just a bit hesitant is all," I answered nervously. "I mean, in my culture, this sort of situation usually leads to..." I said, trailing off the last words.

"I don't want to rush anything either." she said, as though she was reading my mind.

"In that case, I think it would be best if I just slept on the couch for tonight. I hope you're not offended, its just a bit soon for me."

"It's no trouble at all," she said with a curt nod. "I'll just get you a blanket and pillow so you won't be cold and uncomfortable." She added, using her magic to levitate them over to me.

I made my way back into the living area, settling myself down into a comfortable lying position on the couch, with Fleur close behind me. I decided to keep my clothes on, even with the blanket, since the large room was fairly chilly, and I wasn't blessed with a warm coat like she had. I laid down and pulled the blanket over me and adjusted the pillow, while she patiently waited for me to get comfortable. As I looked into her eyes, I knew that in time my confidence for intimacy with a talking pony would eventually get stronger. Slow and steady wins the race I thought to myself, as she leaned in and gave me a light kiss on my cheek, taking me completely by surprise.

"Goodnight, and pleasant dreams my valiant stallion..."

"Goodnight." I replied, yawning deeply.

As she turned and made her way to the bedroom, I couldn't help but smile. My new life was slowly beginning on a course towards normal. I let out a contented sigh as I closed my eyes, and was quickly lost to the deepest slumber I'd ever had in years...

Author's Note

Credit to spiderkink for the dinner and storm idea!