Title:           Heart Things: Chapter 3
Author:          MutualTaco
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/ZqS0QAmY
First Edit:      Tuesday 13th of May 2014 01:36:24 AM CDT
Last Edit:       Tuesday 13th of May 2014 01:36:24 AM CDT

>”Come on, pleeease?”
“No.”
>”Why not?'
“I've already told you before, its weird.”
>”It won't be weird to me!”
“Ask me again later.”
>”That's what you said 5 minutes ago!”
>Lyra puffs her cheeks out rebelliously as you walk side-by-side through the empty streets.
>She's been requesting you to ride her back ever since you left your apartment building.
>You've been denying her at every turn.
>Even trying to levitate you on top of her proved fruitless.
>Either she's not very good at magic, or you need to lose some serious weight.
>Normally, you wouldn't be one to provoke a creature that can easily snuff your life.
>Unfortunately, the whole sudden apocalypse of your world has left you a bit crestfallen.
>The unicorn's banter has helped your mind a bit, along with her occasional nuzzle.
>But you were more in a mood to mope for your way of life, rather than appease a large talking horse.
>”Anon, you in there?”
“Wuh, huh?”
>You look over to Lyra, wearing a face of concern.
>Both of you stop in the middle of the street as you reluctantly look at her.
>She puts a hoof to your shoulder as it sinks into the soft center.
>It grips your arm lightly, almost endearingly.
>”You've just been looking at the ground all glassy-eyed, what's wrong?”
>You put your free hand over the hoof, keeping contact with  her.
>Trying your best attempt to not be too sarcastic to your watcher, you clear your throat.
“Aside from the whole, the-world-as-I-know-it-is-gone, I'm fine.”
>Her hoof releases you as you move your hand off her.
>She presents her side to you as she lowers herself to the ground.
>”Come on, I'm supposed to be protecting you.  You can rest on my back.”
>Looking at her with weary eyes, she gives a nervous grin.
>”Hey, I know this whole invasion thing is a lot to take in, so you should really take a break, I'll get us back to camp with everyone else!”
>You scratch your head in frustration as you give into her persistent demand.
“Fine, but if its too bumpy, I'm jumping off.”
>Don't want your precious jewels to suffer for going bareback.
>”Deal!”
>Getting a small running start, you leap onto her back.
>The gentle golden glow helped guide your fall to mount her properly.
>Your arms reach around her tree trunk of a neck as the vibrations of her gleeful titters resonate through you.
>”See, it's not that bad, right?”
>Her body was surprisingly warm as a cold breeze licked at your skin.
>The soft, minty coat brushed against your cheek as you held her close to you.
>Comfort radiated from her as you shifted your legs to wrap around her round sides.
>You feel safe, secure and most important of all...
>Wanted.
“...It's not bad, I guess.”
>She giggles at your response.
>Obviously your actions betrayed your reserved response.
>”Whatever you say Anon, I'll take it slow for you.”
>Taking up a decently paced trot, you laid still against her.
>Your mind wanders as the beat of her hooves against the concrete hypnotize you.
>The trance is broken as you hear your ride's insides give a plaintive whine.
>Lyra's step shook at the surprisingly loud sound as you feel your hairs stand on end.
“Uhh... Lyra?”
>”Y-yes Anon?”
“I know we ate a bit before we left, but with your size, I'm assuming you can eat more, yeah?”
>”Yes...?”
>Her purposely prolonged answer didn't help ease your worries.
>You've seen and heard what her kind can do.
>No amount of apathy can make you ignore that your self-proclaimed protector can also be your grave.
>”If you're worried about me eating you, don't.  I have much more control than most ponies.”
>Your hands grip at her coat.
>You weren't at risk of falling off, but the tension made you antsy.
>With a soft glow of her horn, she massages the area between your shoulderblades.
“Oh...”
>Relief washed over you as she continued to apply pressure to your back.
>Strong enough to rub out the knots in your back, but gentle all at the same time.
>Relaxing back onto her back, she gives a sigh of relief.
>”Really, I mean it.  I've been doing quite a bit of research about your world, and I'm not about to eat the first human who gave me a chance.”
>Her stomach whines out again at her words.
>”Though... we should really find food soon.  I hope you're not against me eating the others if it comes down to it.”
>You think on her last statement.
>Would you be willing to sacrifice someone for Lyra's meal?
>The thought has never crossed your mind until now.
>She promised to protect you, but would you help her in kind?
>Clearing her throat, you escape your thoughts as the mare awaited your approval.
“I... I guess.  Only if you can promise me one thing.”
>Her trot slows to a snail's pace, preparing for the condition of your promise.
“If a pony tried to take me away from you, would you take care of them too?”
>You feel her flinch at your question.
>She stops as she thinks, hoof tapping away at the solid ground.
>You peek around her neck, only to see a very serious Lyra.
>Clearly she didn't think about that situation either.
>”...when we come to it, I'll let you know then.”
>Withdrawing your head back, you continue to lay relaxed against her.
“Same here.”
>You hear her breathe through clenched teeth as the tension rises between you two.
>Her trot starts up again at a decent pace, leaving the uneasy conversation behind.
>”Hey... do you mind if I nap in that building over there?”
>Pointing with a hoof, she motions towards the remnants of a bakery.
>The building has no sign of life, but appears to be an ideal place to stay for a spell.
>”Might even be able to find some leftover goods, right?”
>You nod weakly at her statement.
“Sure, we can gather what we can, and have a snack ourselves.”
>The trampled goods at the entrance of the bakery gave you a bit of hope.
>If all else fails, you could always eat the crumbs.
>Cautiously entering the building, Lyra pops right in.
>”Let's just grab what we can, and knock out in the corner there real quick, okay?”
>The little corner housing a bench with a lone pillow would be your temporary resting spot.
“Sure.  Though you should take your time.  I want my protector to be at full power.”
>She snickers at your snarky attitude.
>”Whatever you say, my little human.”