The Shadow of a Marine

I awoke to the sound of pouring rain. My alarm clock then proceeded to kick in with the song ‘Rain’ .

I don’t mind, no I don’t mind, I don’t mind the rain

Simple things and subtleties, they always stay the same

I don’t mind, that I don’t mind, no I don’t mind the rain

Like a widow’s heart, we fall apart and never fade away (fade away)

Fade away, as I fade away, away, away

I began to hum along to it as I got into the shower. It may be crap outside, but it’s going to be a great day. Charlie’s verse kicked in just as a I got out of the shower, and I started to sing along to it again.

If I could take it all back

Before the flags were forced to wave at half mast

That was long before my heart became black

There’s no way to make it change or go back

I continued to sing just as I heard a knock downstairs. I went downstairs to find a box at the door, so I brought it in and opened it. A robe? Its my old ceremonial robe that I would wear at  any major gatherings, after the surgery and, after the training... It looked really worn down, as if faded from the years themselves.

Note to self: Take it to Rarity as well as the plans for restoring it, the next chance I got. Well, time to dry off.

I checked todays weather schedule. Supposed to rain today. Nice. It should have begun at 7. Seems like I’ll need it so I got a raincoat. I then proceeded to put my boots on, and walked outside.

Well time to pick Twilight up. I walked over to her house and knocked on the door.

I then heard Twilight yell, “Spike!! Will you get that? I’m busy at the moment.” Spike opened up the door.

He then says, “Twilight, its Shadow! Come in. she’s just upstairs in the shower.” I stepped inside. Just as I was about to take a seat, Twilight stepped out of her bedroom. Dear God, she looked so beautiful.

Twilight said with a little giggle at the end, “How do I look Shadow?”

“You look beautiful!” I said. Twilight giggled in response to that and came over to me.

All she said was, “Let’s go.” Just as we left, I noticed she didn’t have a raincoat, so I took mine off and put it around her.

God she looks so great right now. I got closer to her. She noticed my advance and smiled at it. She then leaned in for a kiss. So I kissed her. Damn that felt great. We went off to Sugarcube Corner, and when arrived I opened the door for her.

We found a suitable table and I said, “I’ll go up to order. What do you want?”

“I’ll take a hot cocoa.” Twilight said.

“I’ll be back in a bit then.” I said, as I walked over to Mrs. Cake’s counter.

Just as I was about to order, Mrs. Cake said, “So who’s the lucky mare that with you?”

I smiled, then replied. “Why do you ask?”

“Well, you came in with a mare beside you and you’re soaked. So who is it?”

“Twilight. May I order?”

“Sure. What’ll  it be, Sir Stallion?” She then proceeded to playfully wink at me, for reasons I still don’t understand.

“Two hot chocolates, please.”

“Sure thing, and don’t try to impress her too much. She does seem to like you, though.  Take my advice: just be yourself.”

I replied, “Thanks for the advice I’ll take it.” I then waited for a few minutes as Mrs. Cake made the drinks. I payed for the drinks and walked back to the table. As I got back to the table I noticed Twilight’s friends gathered around the table talking to her. I picked both cups up again and walked back to the table. I set one of the cups in front of Twilight and kept the other one taking a seat at the table.

Rainbow Dash said, “Ugh. What is he doing here?”

Twilight responded before I could with, “He took me out for a drink today. Thats about it at the moment.” I just smiled at Twilight getting a quick smile in return. I decided to take this opportunity to move in a bit closer. But I got blocked by a very and I mean VERY bouncy Pinkie.

Applejack then said, “Twilight do ya really think its a good idea to have him around? No offence Shadow.”

I said, “None taken I know I have done nothing to gain your trust.”

Twilight then said, “Thank you for telling me I’ll be right out.” She then turned to me and said, “Shadow can we do this tomorrow?”

“No can do tomorrow is my birthday...” I said a little sadly.

Then everypony looked at me and Pinkie said, “Your birthday? YOU’LL NEED A PARTY!”

I laughed a sad laugh and said, “No I’ve gotten used to celebrating alone. Since... I lost my brother.” It’s been a long time since.... Lucky died.... I miss him. But he... I just miss him so much.

Then Twilight looked at me and said, “Hm maybe I can make it up to you then. Meet me at my house tomorrow we can celebrate it without a party just a couple friends gathered to celebrate it!”

I said, “Sure then see ya tomorrow. I’ll be at my house if you girls need anything, and Rarity I need you to fix a robe for me.”

Rarity said, “Just drop it off darling I’ll fix it for you.” I smiled slightly knowing they were warming up to me very slowly and then I finished my drink and walked out. I had to get to Sweet Apple Acres. I had to work today.