Hunter In Equestria: Chapter 13

Pain woke you up again. Sheer, blinding pain. It's as if that's all you were made of at the moment, as if your very being consisted of pure agony. You heard voices around you, but couldn't make anything out. You were too busy screaming once more to actually focus.

 

Then...the pain began to fade.

 

Well, it was a good run, you supposed. Died trying to be a hero, at least.

---

 

A drop of water woke you back up. Then another...and another...

 

What...?

 

"-n! Anon!"

 

You noticed you weren't in excruciating pain anymore, which was either a bad thing...or a very good thing.

 

"Anon! Please, get up! PLEASE! I need you..."

 

"Unnngh..." Was your reply.

 

Your heavy eyelids slowly slid open, and your blurry vision eventually focused. Twilight was on your chest, openly weeping over you.

 

"Calm down Twilight, he'll be alright now."

 

Celestia...

 

"How do you know!?" The unicorn replied hotly, turning to her teacher. She was unaware you were conscious, apparently.

 

"Because..." The alicorn chuckled. "He's awake."

 

"What?!" Twilight turned back, and her eyes widened. "ANON!"

 

Her hooves wrapped around your neck in a tight hug...which cut off your air supply. You tapped her on the back urgently.

 

"T-Twi...! Air...! Need...air!" You gasped as she let go, rubbing the exposed bits of your neck. Your deep breaths were music to your ears, but you were curious as to why you weren't, you know...dead. "How am I alive?"

 

Celestia bowed to you this time, which caused you to arch your eyebrow.

 

"I may have had something to do with that." She replied, standing from the bow after a moment.

 

You gently lifted Twilight off of you and looked at your stomach. Not even a scar. Sitting up and fighting off suddenly getting dizzy, you looked yourself over again. Several other scars were gone, all of them from your time here. The one you got in Ponyville from that orange unicorn, and the one Shining Armor gave you were both gone.

 

You mentally chuckled at the fact that most of your injuries here came from Unicorns, the least physically-adept species.

 

The other scars from your world were still there, however. Either Celestia couldn't do anything about them, or simply chose not to due to lack of effect. You weren't sure either way.

 

"Thank you..." You muttered quietly, slowly standing up. Twilight was there for support, standing on her hind legs to brace you. You smiled at her, and she lowered herself back down when she was sure you were stable. You took a few tentative steps forward, staggering once or twice but eventually getting back into it.

 

You were dizzy from the blood loss, your life-sustaining fluid still staining the Canterlot streets. Blood was hellish to clean from stone, that you knew. The stain might be there a while.

 

"What happened?" You asked, noticing for the first time that the fighting had ended.

 

"Shining Armor and Cadence repelled the Changeling Army and Chrysalis." The sun princess replied. "We were going to restart the ceremony when everypony...and everyONE was ready."

 

You simply nodded, leaning against a wall. Twilight affixed you with a concerned look, but you waved it off and flashed her a cocky grin.

 

"I'm alright. I've been hit much, much harder before." That was a blatant lie, but no one present called you on it. You carefully walked away from the group, not wanting to fall on your face. "Don't we have a wedding to reschedule?" You teased, taking the focus off of you and back to what was actually important.

---

 

The newly-wed couple stood out on the balcony to wild cheers and applauding, streamers and balloons everywhere. Pinkie had outdone herself this time, the entire city was launching streamers and fireworks from every rooftop.

 

Wait, what in the hell is Dash doi-

 

Oh. Dear. Gods.

 

A rainbow colored shock wave split the sky, a deafening boom rattling windows throughout the city a moment later. That was easily the most impressive thing you had ever seen in the sky, and apparently you weren't the only one who thought so.

 

The reception was next, and you sat in the back, watching the others. You weren't much of a dancer, you had two left feet. Then again, having seen Twilight dance once...

 

You would defend almost anything Twi did, but you would never defend her inability to dance. You had two left feet, she had four left hooves. Even mathematically speaking, you were a better dancer.

 

Watching Shining and Cadence take the first dance, you realized again just how much in common there was between here and your home, in reference to customs. It was almost eerie, but you pushed that thought away. You just didn't care at the moment.

 

You relaxed in a chair, Twilight sitting nearby. The night was cool but comfortable, no wind either. Twilight pressed closer to you regardless. You arched an eyebrow at this, and she gave you an innocent smile.

 

"I'm cold!"

 

"Uh huh." Rolling your eyes and smirking at the unicorn's antics, you idly stroked her mane and watched the newlyweds dance. She relaxed, sure it was the real you this time.

---

 

You stood in the crowd as the royal couple got into a wagon for their honeymoon. Cheering along with the rest of the city, you watched as Cadence tossed out the bouquet...and Rarity pushed the other mares aside with an arcane burst, claiming the clutch of flowers with a shout of "MINE!" The others glared at her as a sheepish grin spread across her face.

 

"Hehe...whoops."

 

'Whoops' indeed.

 

It was getting late, but nopony was quite tired yet. Despite the groom and bride being long gone, the city-wide party continued long into the next morning.

 

You and Twilight eventually trudged into a hotel, which Twilight's new Aunt-in-law Celestia was picking the tab up on. Naturally, you both chose the most expensive room as a result. If a Princess was paying for it, might as well sleep like royalty.

 

You had to carry the lavender mare on your shoulder up to your room. Once the cooler air of the hotel hit her, she fell asleep almost on the spot. Feeling a bit drowsy as well, you pushed the door open, locked it behind you, and collapsed onto the bed with Twilight.

 

---

 

"Anon? Hey, wake up."

 

You grunted and swatted away whoever it was that decided to bother you. The pest poked you in the side with a hoof, then jabbed you with a horn. You ignored both, simply rolling over.

 

"Five more minutes..." You slurred, settling back in to sleep. The hoof jabbed you in your back, which tweaked a nerve. "Okay, okay! What?!" You growled, sitting up. Twilight was giving you a wide, cheeky grin, before walking towards the door.

 

"I'm heading out to the city for a bit, want to tag along?"

 

You thought for a moment...then decided against it.

 

"No thanks Twi, I'm still drained from last night." Not a total lie, but you really just wanted to get back to sleep. The unicorn simply rolled her eyes, grin never leaving.

 

"Okay Anon, I'll be back in a little while then." With that, she turned and left, closing and locking the door behind her. Not caring in the slightest, you faceplanted the warm pillow you had been using and passed out again.

---

 

You awoke a few hours later, sun still gleaming through the windows. Twilight wasn't back yet, but you weren't concerned. She was a big girl, she could more than handle herself. If she had done what she said she had (and Twilight was rather modest, so she tried to downplay at every turn), then she could handle anything short of...you, actually.

 

So, stomach growling, you grabbed your bag of bits and went out.

 

You passed by the front desk, keeping your key. Didn't want to turn it in before either of you were ready to leave, though you had a feeling it would be later today or early tomorrow. Your stomach grumbled at you, making you scowl at it.

 

"Alright, alright! I'll put something in you, geez!" You muttered quietly, trying to avoid stares from ponies. That was the last thing you needed, ponies thinking you were crazier than they already thought you were. A quick trek to a perfectly placed restaurant across the street, and you were quickly seated. Apparently this was an 'eccentric' place, serving 'oddities' such as fish and other non-sentient meat products to ponies that had a taste for such things.

 

You had quickly grown uncomfortable with eating things like steak and ham lately, simply due to the fact that eating it implies you were eating a thinking, feeling being. Fish, however, was still in the 'okay to eat' column of your mental diet chart. Chicken...er, Cockatrice, was still good to go as well. Naturally though, it was exceedingly rare, as you often didn't find someone either insane or stupid enough to hunt one...yourself notwithstanding.

 

A few ponies were here, actually eating said fish. The sign wasn't kidding when it said eccentric. Some appeared to be here on a dare or other kind of challenge though, judging from the discomfort in their eyes. The rest were simply enjoying their meals, though again, the place was kinda dead.

 

"What can I get you, sir?" Asked a pink-coated pegasus, smiling broadly at you. You looked the menu over...and then closed it.

 

"Get me the biggest piece of salmon you have, please." Just the thought of it made your stomach growl again. It would be expensive, but damn if it wouldn't be satisfying.

 

The mare's eyes grew as large as dinner plates, but she said nothing. Your statement also drew a few curious looks from other ponies, but they quickly went back to their own meals.

 

"O-okay, and anything to drink?"

 

"Just water, thank you."

 

"Alright! Your food will be ready in roughly twenty minutes, or it's half off!" The pegasus said cheerfully as she walked off to place the order. Your glass of water arrived thirty seconds later, and you simply spent the time essentially twiddling your thumbs. You wished you had waited for Twilight, or someone.

 

"Hey bud, seat taken?" A gruff male voice asked. You looked up to see a Griffon gesturing at the chair across from you, and you shook your head.

 

"Nah, all yours."

 

"Great, thanks."

 

With that, he pulled the chair away towards his table, sitting his sizable family down. Roughly ten Griffons...you figured that was how a place like this managed to survive, carnivores like you. Then again, you weren't sure how many carnivores there were in Canterlot.

 

You had to stop thinking about things that didn't truly matter, it made your head hurt and, more importantly, reminded you that you were hungry.

 

You had apparently been thinking for quite some time, as the next thing you knew, a steaming hot slab of salmon was on a plate and in front of you. No sides, but that wasn't what you cared about. The aroma was intoxicating, and you took a deep whiff. Your belly demanded food at that point, loudly. You looked your silverware situation over.

 

A fork and knife were placed inside a rolled up cloth towel. You unwrapped them, tucked the towel into the top of your shirt...and you dug in like you hadn't eaten in weeks. To be fair, this *was* the first fish you had in over a week. It wasn't a crime to indulge yourself now and again.

 

Ten minutes of fish-related carnage later, you were stuffed. You patted your belly happily, a habit you had picked up over the years. Leaning back in the chair, satisfied immensely, you waved the pegasus over for the check.

 

"That'll be 35 bits!"

 

You arched an eyebrow.

 

"Awful cheap." You commented, looking the bill over. You had seen they chopped half the price off, was it really over twenty minutes?

 

"The manager was impressed, he'd never seen anypony your size put something that big away in so short a time. He gave you a discount!" She chirped. You nodded in response, smiling.

 

"Well, thanks for that. Here ya go, keep the change." You pull out forty bits, and she dropped the extra five into her coin purse.

 

"Thank you sir! Hope you have a great day, and we'll see you again!"

 

You just might come back to this place next time you're in Canterlot after all.

---

 

Coinbag significantly lighter than when you arrived, but still heavier than you expected, you looked around the shopping district. You weren't really one to go shopping much, unless it was for new weapons or replacement clothes.

 

On that note, you looked yourself over and decided you'd ask Rarity to make you a new set when you got back. She rarely charged you full price, but that was beside the point. She did a better job than almost any shop here, and never cut corners just to trim down cost.

 

A few nick-knack shops caught your attention briefly, but otherwise you simply wandered around. You eventually walked into a bookstore, wanting some new literature that the library didn't have. You saw Rainbow in the 'adventure' section, probably looking for a new Daring Do novel. She might branch out eventually, but no need to rush, you supposed. She, however, was too engrossed in her search to notice you.

 

You left without buying anything, finding nothing of interest...and running headlong into Twilight. She ended up on the ground, books scattered all over the place.

 

"Ah! Anon!" She shouted, then immediately set about picking the books up. You went to grab one, only for her to quickly snatch it out of your grip.

 

"Twilight, what...?"

 

"It's nothing!" She said quickly, cramming the books into her saddlebags. She looked around sheepishly afterwards, deliberately avoiding looking you in the eyes. You saw the spine of a blue book sticking out, but could only see the letters "Tr" before it was hidden by the rest of the bag.

 

"If it's nothing, why are you so nervous?" You asked, genuinely curious as to what was so sensitive she had to hide it from you.

 

"Because it's...personal?" She trailed off, making her statement sound like a question. "Uh, well, it's been nice, but I'm going back to the room, see you there!"

 

"Twi, hol-" A flash, and she was gone.

 

Mare was crazy, of that you were certain.

---

 

When you got back to the room, Twilight was on the bed, snout buried in one of her new books. Another was floating in her magical grip nearby, along with a quill. She was jotting down notes in a scroll on the bed, making a comment every now and then.

 

"No, that's not right. If I do that, I'll turn myself inside out..."

 

You blinked. What in the fuck was she even reading?

 

"Uh, Twilight?"

 

She snapped her head up, and with a pulse of magic, both books were gone. The nervous smile was back, and her eyes were darting around the room. She was looking for an exit, you supposed because she forgot she could teleport.

 

"Oh, hi Anon! What are you doing back so soon?" Her nervous grin grew painfully wide as she said this.

 

"I came back to check on you, what's going on?" You asked, growing annoyed.

 

"Nothing! Nothing at all!"

 

"...you're a terrible liar, we've been over this." You deadpanned, keeping your face carefully neutral.

 

"Well, just some new spellbooks I was given. I need to learn these spells too, they'll be useful! Celestia herself gave them to me! Can you believe that? She just GAVE them to me, from the Canterlot Library!" Oh boy, here came the gushing.

 

You tuned her out for a bit, she kept going on and on about Celestia. You'd swear she and the ailcorn were bedmates at one point with the way she prattled on about the sun princess.

 

"And those spells are...?" You pressed, moving your hand in a circular motion to beckon her to continue. She flushed.

 

"W-well, er, they're uh...nothing you need to know about!" She then shut her mouth, stubbornly refusing to look at you.

 

"Twi."

 

Silence.

 

"Twilight."

 

You waited, only to be greeted with more silence.

 

"Twilight Sparkle."

 

She winced at her full name, but kept her mouth shut. You rolled your eyes, then flopped onto the bed. Twilight was launched straight up, shrieking as she went into the air and coming close to making contact with the ceiling...before coming back down on the bed with a *pomf* as the cushion absorbed the impact.

 

She threw a withering glare in your direction, which you just laughed off. She rolled her eyes, before cracking another book open. This one she didn't even attempt to hide, and it was actually one of the older ones she had brought with her. Not your target...

 

You decided to wait until she was asleep to snoop around.

---

 

Her quiet snores in the middle of the night were your own wake up call. You got up and crept across the room, opening up the closet and spying her saddlebag. You quietly unlatched it and peered inside, spying the same blue-covered book from earlier. The spine and cover read "Transformation Spells: Master Rank", but you noticed there wasn't an author. Curious as to exactly how magic was taught, you cracked it open.

 

Inside were runes you couldn't possibly decipher. So much for that. There were what you presumed to be spell titles, seeing as they were separated from the rest of the symbols with a horizontal line. The steps were numbered in a traditional "1, 2, 3" format, so at least that stayed the same. There were ten steps on the first spell alone, and judging from the runes on the next page, the first was needed for the second spell.

 

You supposed that made sense, needed to learn to walk before you could run, as it were.

 

"Why would she need those..." You asked yourself quietly, putting the book back exactly where it was and silently latching the bag. You stood and walked over to the bed, only to stub your toe on the foot of said bed. You hissed in pain, which in turn woke the slumbering unicorn.

 

"Wh-Anon? What are you doing...?"

 

"Uh..." Your mind scrambled, then came up with a relatively easy answer. "Just got back from the bathroom, why?"

 

"Oh. Why'd you kick the bed?"

 

"Bout of clumsiness."

 

A third 'oh' followed, which in turn was followed by a yawn. "Go back to sleep, Twi. I'm just gonna make sure I didn't break my toe."

 

"Mmhm..."

 

She was already back out into dreamland, good. You were sweating heavily, which the sleepy mare hadn't noticed. You could have sworn your goose was cooked for a minute.

 

"I'll talk to you in the morning about respecting my privacy too, Anon."

 

FUCK.

---

The Following Morning

---

 

"And one more thing! Next time I tell you 'it's nothing', it's NOTHING!" The angry unicorn scolded, glaring at you. You flinched back instinctively, part of you ashamed you were afraid of a pony less than half your height.

 

"Alright, alright!" You said, signalling for mercy. "I get it! I won't snoop in your things anymore!"

 

Fuck, what were you, 5?

 

Apparently. You were caught going through her stuff, after all.

 

Twilight huffed at you, collecting her saddlebags and teleporting away. She left you to handle the key drop off. After the aforementioned key was dropped off, you stepped outside to head for the trains. The others were nowhere to be seen, so it was just you on the trip back home.

 

As you crossed into Ponyville's borders, you noticed rain spatter on the train windows. Steel grey clouds hung in the air, and the occasional lightning bolt split the skies. You sighed, this was gonna suck. You hated walking in the rain, and knowing your luck, one of these days you were gonna get hit with lightning.

 

You chuckled. Technically, you already had been once. Getting hit again? Statistically, you were safe.

 

A few brightly colored dots, what you assumed to be pegasai, were in the air and flying about frantically. Probably trying to get the clouds where they were supposed to be. Your thoughts were confirmed when a pegasus grabbed a cloud and dispersed it.

 

What was strange was that as soon as the pegasus cleared it, the hole in the grey veil sealed up with a new cloud. It was almost as if Everfree's weather system decided to expand and encompass Ponyville too. Very...odd.

 

The train pulled into the station and let you off, and you carried your things back to the Library...in the rain. Needless to say, you were glad you weren't carrying anything water sensitive. You were dripping wet when you pushed open the door and walked inside.

 

You removed your wet shoes and dropped off the bags at the front door. Twilight would kill you if you dripped water throughout the Library. You changed in the guest room, throwing your wet clothes in a basket and putting on a new set of dry clothing.

 

Twilight was busy reorganizing the bookshelves, and didn't even bother saying 'hi'. You really must have pissed her off.

 

"Hey Twi, I'm home."

 

"Are you really, Anonymous? You're in MY home." The unicorn replied, not taking her eyes off of her task. Two virtually indistinguishable books were swapped, and she moved on to another set.

 

Uh oh, the full name. Yeah, she was mad.

 

Wait, was she kicking you out?

 

"I said I was sorry."

 

"I still have the right to be mad at you."

 

Lightning flashed across the sky, almost as if on cue. You frowned, looking at the back of Twilight's head.

 

"You do, I'll admit. If it's any consolation, I couldn't read any of it."

 

"Not the point. You went snooping through my things. I trusted you for the longest time, and you shattered that in an instant." This time Twilight turned to you, her near-hateful glare directed straight at you.

 

"Wait, isn't that going a little too far?" You asked, arching an eyebrow. "I'll admit to looking at the book, and I'll admit you have the right to be mad, but completely and utterly shattering your trust? Isn't that a little...extreme?"

 

"If you had something you wanted to keep hidden, and somepony went behind your back to find out, wouldn't you not trust them anymore?" She asked, narrowing her eyes.

 

"No, actually. As I recall, I DID have something that I wanted to keep hidden, and you forced me to tell you!" You were raising your voice now, growing irritated. "I haven't done that to you, and it's not even like I would know what the hell you were after anyway! As I mentioned, I CAN'T READ IT."

 

Twilight recoiled when you actually started fighting back. She had probably conveniently forgotten the whole 'nightmares' ordeal just to make herself seem right. After a minute of silence, you broke it.

 

"Nevermind Twilight, I'm heading out."

 

"In the storm? Are you crazy?"

 

"No I'm not crazy, but I'm apparently not wanted here right now. I'm going to give us both a chance to cool off."

 

With that, you stepped back out into the rain and slammed the door with a bit more force than you intended. Looks like you were sleeping in your workshop tonight.

---

You crashed on your bed the instant you had changed out of your second set of soaked clothing and set them out to dry, not bothering to get dressed again. They would be dry in the morning, so no real point in potentially ruining a new set.

 

You made sure the door was locked and you were alone, didn't want Pinkie of all ponies deciding to give you a housecall when you were stark naked. She and Twilight were the only ones to constantly make their way out here, and locking the door was a fruitless effort against Twilight, who could teleport.

 

On second thought, locking the door at all was a pointless exercise. Pinkie seemed to negate rules wherever she went, and that would include locked doors.

 

You covered yourself in a thick quilt and soon fell asleep, warm and comfortable...but lacking a purple unicorn. No matter, you had slept alone plenty of times before.

 

A particularly loud crash of thunder woke you up a little while later, which only served to irritated you. Sleep was going to be difficult with the thunder roaring as it was. Nothing you could do about it though.

 

Walking into the living area, you lit the fireplace and got comfortable on the couch. A spark of inspiration had you hang your clothes near said fireplace to dry more quickly.

 

You were still in your quilt, it was curiously cold in your workshop. You supposed it not being used for a few days would do that, rain and nudity notwithstanding.

 

You were just about to drift off again when a raspberry-colored flash woke you up. You stared at Twilight, eyes wide. She didn't seem aware you were naked, but at the same time, you were covered by a quilt. You hoped it stayed that way.

 

"T-Twilight? What are you doing here?"

 

"I wanted to apologize, I didn't mean for you to leave." Twilight said quietly. She was looking at the ground, avoiding eye contact. "I was just upset you invaded my privacy..."

 

"I know Twi. That's why I left, so we could both calm down. If you hadn't apologized, I would have in the morning."

 

"I couldn't sleep." She continued. "I guess I'm just...too used to somepo-somebody else with me now."

 

This could turn really bad, really quick.

 

"So, what are you asking?" You replied, quickly growing nervous.

 

"Seeing as I'm here now, can I stay with you?"

 

Her innocent question brought panic to you. Your clothes were still soaked and drying, and either Twilight hadn't seen them, or figured you were dressed in another set of clothes.

 

"Uh, well..." You started. Twilight figured that answer wasn't good enough.

 

"I get it. You don't want me here, okay..." Dejected, her horn lit up.

 

"Twi, wait."

 

She looked at you, the glow vanishing.

 

"It's not that I want you to leave, it's just that I'm...not decent."

 

"I don't understand."

 

You gestured to your clothes still drying. She looked, then back to you. She raised an eyebrow. "So your clothes are wet? What's the big deal?"

 

You wondered if she was actually blissfully unaware of why this was making you nervous, or if she knew full well why you were uncomfortable.

 

"Twi, I'm naked."

 

"And?"

 

You blinked.

 

"I have nothing to keep myself decent...?"

 

"Anon, you realize almost everypony is naked, right?" Twilight asked with a hint of amusement.

 

"Yes, I do. This is different though." You insisted. Seeing as ponies didn't really wear clothing frequently, they obviously didn't feel the same discomfort you did when naked and near others.

 

"How?"

 

"It's different, because I wear clothes all the time. I'm...not comfortable right now, especially with a member of the opposite sex right in front of me."

 

"Do I...make you uncomfortable?" She flashed you a curious look.

 

"N-well, yes. As of right now, yes."

 

"If I promise not to look, will it make you feel better?" Twilight asked, no hint of treachery in her voice.

 

"A bit."

 

"Alright then, can I stay here?" The unicorn asked again.

 

"Sure. You can use my bed, I'll sleep out here." No way in hell you were sharing a bed with Twi when naked. That was a line you weren't willing to cross. Twilight groaned and rolled her eyes.

 

"I can't sleep though! I need something warm to hold on to...Big Mac still won't give my doll back, so I have nothing." She was whining now, and she stamped a hoof on the ground like a filly.

 

"Doll?"

 

"Long story that I really don't want to get in to."

 

You filed that under 'potential blackmail', but seeing as somepony else had it, you doubted its use.

 

"So can I stay in the same bed with you?"

 

She was persistent, you'd give her that. The light blush was back, simply because she was fully aware of what she technically was asking for.

 

You thought for a good long time before coming to a decision.

 

"Alright, alright. No funny business though." You pointed a finger at the mare.

 

"Wouldn't dream of it. Or maybe I would..." The mare trailed off, grinning. She was clearly screwing with you.

 

Right?

 

She invited herself into your room and practically fell on the bed, turning to look at you expectantly. You, meanwhile, slowly strode into the room and practically erected a barrier between the two of you. The blankets covering you never left, you instead used the sheets for the wall. Twilight huffed, but eventually settled in.

 

"Good night, Anon."

 

"G'night Twi."

 

You, however, didn't go to sleep. The fire in the main room had made the entire workshop toasty, and you were starting to sweat. You were in trouble.

 

Thinking about the fire only made it worse, and the only way to relieve that was to remove the blanket...which you couldn't do due to the mare sleeping nearby. You started to panic and sweat even worse, this was ridiculous.

 

You moved into the main room and unwrapped yourself, but kept the blanket draped over your shoulders. Even a little venting would help, and you felt cooler already. You sighed, wiping the sweat from your forehead, before covering your front and moving back into the bedroom.

 

You crashed into...something as you went through the doorway. A quill and scroll clattered to the floor, and you noticed Twilight wasn't in bed anymore. Where...?

 

Twilight slowly appeared from thin air, clutching her head and groaning. An invisibility spell?

 

"Tw-TWILIGHT!? What the hell were you doing!?" The shout was more shock than anger.

 

"Uh, well, I uh..." Twilight's blush returned with a vengeance, and she avoided your gaze. "I never did get documentation on human reproduction..."

 

You paused, stunned.

 

"Wh-b-I..." you stammered, brain fried. THAT'S what she was doing?!

 

"I tried to get these notes before, but you were so STUBBORN!" She continued, going back into 'Scientist Twilight' mode. "The only way I figured I could get them was to, well...wait for my chance. I drove you out of the Library on purpose, I knew you'd come here."

 

You blinked. THAT'S why she was angry? A...trick? From Twilight? Why did that NOT add up!?

 

"So the rain...?" You asked.

 

"A happy coincidence. I was actually waiting for a day when a thunderstorm was scheduled, I forgot to look at the forecast for the week before we left."

 

"And If I had happened to have a spare set of clothes here?"

 

"I'd have waited. I can be patient when I want to be." She responded instantly. "Why are you so nervous about this, anyway?"

 

You sighed.

 

"Twi, my uh, 'reproductive organs' are private. Would you like it if I was documenting YOUR sex organs for my people?" You fired back.

 

"If it was for scientific research..." She was silent for a moment. "I...don't think I'd have a problem with it."

 

For the third time that night, you were stunned into silence. Twilight picked her quill and paper back up, guiding it over to her. She looked at you with an eager grin.

 

"No." You said flatly. "No, no, no."

 

"Please?"

 

"No."

 

"Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?"

 

"No!"

 

Twilight stomped a hoof. "Stop being a filly, please?"

 

"You're not gonna stop until I say yes, are you?"

 

"Nope!"

 

You grit your teeth, then turned and fell into the bed.

 

"No, Twi."

 

She sighed in defeat and hopped into the bed, said bed being higher off the ground than usual. She settled in next to you, and you deliberately put space between you both. She sighed.

 

"I'm sorry I'm being so pushy, Anon. It's just...in my nature."

 

"It's fine, Twi."

 

"It isn't. I've made things needlessly awkward between us now." You heard her move in the bed, and her voice was slightly closer. "Do you want me to go home...?"

 

You sighed this time, before turning to face her.

 

"No, I don't." You answered. "You haven't made things awkward either, at least, not from my view." You grinned wryly before continuing. "I'm just not ready to 'bare it all' for you."

 

Twilight smiled softly, before closing her eyes.

 

"Good night, Anon."

 

"Good night, Twi."

 

You waited for a few minutes to make sure she was asleep, then loosened the covers a bit. You were sure this would bite you in the morning, but you didn't care at the moment. You were overheating.

 

You woke up a few hours later, cold rain still spattering against the roof.  Twilight was sleeping soundly, and your blanket was still covering where it mattered. She had your arm in a vice grip, but you managed to pry her off without waking her...somehow. When that mare slept, she slept *deep*.

 

You quickly and quietly got out of bed and collected your now-dry clothing, getting dressed before the amethyst unicorn woke up. You then got back into the warm bed and fell back into your slumber.

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