Title:           Abs0lute
Author:          Slasher_Science
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/0n70JKdc
First Edit:      Friday 12th of December 2014 09:36:59 AM CDT
Last Edit:       Friday 12th of December 2014 09:36:59 AM CDT

[Chapter 1]- Abs0lute Zer0
 
 
 
 
Day Frostbite in Equestria. It's snowing! Caught up in a bit of excitement, I'm outside making snow angels. If snow were a human girl, I'd cuddle the shit out of her.
I hop up and begin constructing a snowman. I'm a pro at this.
In no time, I have a six foot tall snowman built, complete with top hat and carrot nose.
 
With that done, I lay back down in the snow.
 
As with every snowfall, I roll over and snort up a big line of fresh powder. Raising my head from the ground and straining my neck, I shout. "SNOOOOOOW!"
 
Sweetie Belle stands staring at me with wide eyes. She's wearing a little purple scarf, tiny purple ear muffs and four purple fuzzy boots. She looks adorable.
My embarrassment is brushed aside by her charm.
"Hey Sweetie, what's up?" I wipe the snow from your nose. "I came to play!" She waddles past me and runs straight up the snowman. Her teeth chomp down on the carrot and I hold my hand out. "NO!"
She stops chewing and looks down at me, the carrot still halfway in her mouth.
 
"My snowman..."
 
 
                                                -A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---Z-E-R-0-
 
 
After replacing the snowman's nose with another carrot I brought, I lay down in the snow once again. Sweetie Belle lays down beside me. "You really like snow don't you, Anon?"
I let some powder fall through your gloved fingers, down onto my chest.
"Yes. Yes I do."
She giggles and slaps some snow onto me with her tail, "Me too, me too!"
I sit up.
"I have an idea!" She bolts up as well, "What is it?!"
 
I put my hands on my hips, "We're going to make, AN IGLOO!"
 
She starts bouncing in circles, Yay, yay, yay! What's an 'igloo'?"
Did Rarity teach her anything?
 
-
 
It takes about four hours.
 
 
The sun is beginning to set now, but the igloo is finished. The two of us sit huddled inside of it. "This is awesome!" Sweetie Belle cheers. I slap her five, "I know! It will stay up for a long time too." If no one comes out to this random field and messes with it that is...
"Well Sweetie, it's getting dark, we should probably-"
 
"Sweeetie Beeeelle!"
 
That's Rarity's shout. A moment later, her head pops in through the entrance of the igloo. "Ah! There you are. And Anon too, hello darling." She looks around, "Did you build this marvelous igloo?!"
I nod, "And Sweetie helped."
She smiles, "This is just posh!" Whatever that means... Sweetie Belle latches onto Rarity's leg. "Rarity Rarity! Can I stay over at Anon's tonight!"
Rarity looks up and smiles at me. There's a pleading look in her eyes. It's not like Sweetie Belle hadn't stayed at my place before. Taking care of her while Rarity finished up a big project or just had a night out for herself was common practice. I kind of view Sweetie Belle as the little sister I never had.
 
The other ponies often made comments under their breath about how the two of us were meant for each other when Sweetie Belle got older.
Not happening.
Ever.
 
I return Rarity's smile. "I always have a place for Sweetie Belle to stay at."
Rarity beams, "Thank you SO much, Anon. I have oh so much work to do." Sweetie Belle shoots into the air, stiff as a board with her tail extending out. "YAY!"
I cover my ears and the igloo shakes, some snow coming down on us. Damn that girl has some pipes. I begin to crawl out of the entrance. "Well, let's go Sweetie Belle. I'll make us some hot cocoa and we can play some games."
She's going to explode from excitement. Once outside, Rarity looks at me approvingly and her eyes soften. "You will make a great father some day, Anon."
 
I look down and frown. How could I have kids here?
"Yeah... Thanks."
 
 
                                                -A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---Z-E-R-0-
 
 
On the way back to my house, I stop to throw snowballs at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. They run away screaming and I laugh along with Sweetie Belle. My clothes are pretty soaked on the outer layer. Once inside, I make sure Sweetie Belle gets her gear off and next to the heater first.
"Alright sweet stuff, help yourself to some cookies while I go change. They're in the usual spot."
 
I lean down and whisper behind my hand, "Just don't tell Rarity I let you have as many cookies as you want, okay?"
She laughs and trots to the kitchen for cookies while I head upstairs.
 
Tonight I won't be going out, so I get out a pair of sweats and a hoodie. Comfort over style. Rarity would have a fit.
I take off all your layers of clothing and enjoy the warmth of my room.
 
The door creaks open behind me. "Anon?"
I turn and see Sweetie Belle standing there, munching on a cookie. Her eyes grow wide and we both freeze.
My mind is telling me that I should probably cover myself. But all I can think is that a filly is staring at my junk. Her eyes are wide, honed in on my manhood like a predator. Suddenly back in control, I cover my crotch. "Sweetie Belle, get out!"
The little pony begins to walk toward me. "I've never seen you without clothes, Anon..."
 
"Sweetie, GO!"
 
"Will you show me that floppy thing again?"
 
"NO!"
 
Without thinking, I pick up the closest thing to me and toss it in her direction. "You're too young for this stuff! Get out!"
My shoe bounces off her head, and she falls over with a thud.
Fuck.
 
I run forward and kneel down beside her. "Sweetie, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-"
She looks up at me, her eyes filling with tears and bottom lip trembling. "WHAAAA!" Sweetie Belle gets up and runs from the room bawling. I get up and chase after her. "Sweetie, wait!"
She trips at the top stair and begins to tumble down the steps. I hold my head in horror as she rolls down all fourteen stairs. "SWEETIE BELLE!"
 
Like some sort of slinky, she lands at the bottom on all four hooves and takes off running again, still wailing. Well, everything turned out better than expected.
Wait a second-
 
I begin to chase her again. "Sweetie Belle, come back! I'm sorry!"
 
She opens the front door and runs out into the snowy night. Disregarding the icy chill against my naked flesh, I lean out of the doorway and shout. "SWEEEEETIEEEEE!"
 
Once I realize she is out of sight, I run back inside to go get dressed.
 
 
                                                -A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---Z-E-R-0-
 
{Sweetie Belle}
 
Anon hates me now. He's like my big brother, and now he hates me. He hit me. And started shouting.
But I deserved it... Even though he asked me to stop, I couldn't for some reason. What I saw completely drew me in.
 
I run through the empty town, fighting not to fall into a deep snow pile. All the other ponies must be warm and asleep in their homes. Like a dummy though, I forgot my boots and now my hooves feel like ice cubes. Tears stream from my eyes and I can feel my nose running.
 
I can't go home.
Because Rarity will ask questions. She always asks questions. So I keep running. My breath comes out in a mist and now my hooves are completely numb.
 
Then I see it-
 
The 'snowman' that Anon builds every winter. The one who's nose I always 'accidentally' eat. Beside it is the igloo.
 
I run for it.
 
 
                                                -A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---Z-E-R-0-
 
 
It's almost been an hour since I crawled into the igloo. My body is shivering uncontrollably and I'm curled into a ball. Anon is probably happy I'm gone. I don't belong there anymore.
"I d-d-don't b-b-belong there..."
 
He told me to get out and chased me from his home. I sneeze. "I'm sorry..." My belly rumbles and I shift in discomfort. It's been a while since I ate anything more than cookies. Then I remember. The carrot!
 
I crawl outside and look up in the dark at the snowman's nose. With a lot of difficulty from numb hooves, I crawl up the snowman and retrieve the nose. I take the prize back into the igloo, licking my lips. My mouth waters and belly grumbles. It's frozen, but I'm starving.
 
Lucky Anon used this!
 
I can clearly remember his reaction every time I would eat the carrot of his work.
 
Sadness.
 
The snowmen made his so happy and I had to ruin it again. Ruining things for Anon... I wrap my legs around the carrot and squeeze it to my chest. "I can't."
 
I fall asleep crying. The carrot warms up against my body and my stomach won't stop growling in hunger.
 
"I won't, Anon..."
 
 
 
                                                -A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---Z-E-R-0-
 
 
{Anonymous}
 
With full winter gear on, I trudge through the snow in search of Sweetie Belle. This isn't going well. She has been gone for a long time. What if she got lost? Or hurt?
"SWEETIE BELLE!"
It's not like I can go back to Rarity's and ask if she has seen Sweetie. She would ask too many questions, like always.
 
It's freezing out here and I know she left without so much as her scarf. A Timber Wolf howls in the distance. I groan in dread at the thought of one of those foul beasts finding Sweetie Belle.
Where is she? "SWEETIE!" I start to run again, tears in my eyes. Wait, maybe she's-
 
I head for the field I made the igloo in. If she isn't there, she has to be at her home. But I doubt she would go back to Rarity so soon.
 
I arrive at the lonely looking igloo. "Sweetie Belle?"
No answer.
I drop to my knees and peek inside. There she is! Sweetie Belle lays on her side asleep, holding a large carrot to her chest. I laugh in relief and pick her up. Her stomach growls loudly and she mutters in her sleep.
"M'sorry, Anon..."
 
I smile and pluck the carrot from her grip, placing it back on the snowman's face.
 
In the dead of night, I carry Sweetie Belle back to my home.
This night, I tuck her in beside me.
 
Where she belongs.
 
 
                                                -A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---Z-E-R-0-
 
 
[Chapter 2]- Abs0lute C0ward
 
 
It has been four years since that night I built an igloo with Sweetie Belle.
Much has changed.
Sweetie Belle and I have only grown closer. And last year, I got a steady job as a teacher. I work alongside Cheerilee. She still teaches the fillies and colts, while I mentor the older students. Which Sweetie Belle happens to be one of.
It's Autumn now and I eagerly await the first snow, just as always. I plan on building an igloo with Sweetie Belle in the same field we usually do.
 
She's almost as big as her sister now after hitting a growth spurt. There are certain things I can no longer do with her, like carry her-
 
Or sleep with her in my bed.
 
That would just be weird, considering she's a teenager now. Though, she still comes to my house every day.
Tomorrow is Nightmare Night. My costume is all ready. This year I have decided to go as Dracula. How ponies knew about vampires, I will never understand. There is no school for three days, so I don't have much to do. Bored, I decide to try on my costume for the third time. I want it to look just right. I stare into the bathroom mirror and show my fangs.
"What is a man? A miserable pile of secrets. Have at you!" I strike a threatening pose at my reflection.
 
"Hahaha! What are you doing?"
 
I spin around in shock and see Sweetie Belle standing outside the bathroom door, laughing with a hoof in front of her mouth.
 
"You can't just sneak into my house, Sweetie!"
She tilts her head and watches as I take off my cape and fangs. "I'm your teacher. If someone saw you coming into my house, what would they think?"
She frowns. "So now that I'm a little bigger we can't hang out?"
"That's not what I meant. We just have to be... More formal." She starts pacing while I put my hoodie back on. "I don't WANT formal, I just want it to be like the old days when we could play and joke and stay up all night eating cookies!"
She's been moody recently, like most teenagers. Her emotions would now change frequently.
It's hard for me to read her. I kneel down in front of her and touch her cheek. "I know things are different now, sweet stuff, but I'm still your big bro, okay?" She leans into my hand and smiles.
 
"So big bro, can I crash here tonight?"
 
I sigh and get up. "You know how I feel about that, Sweetie Belle."
She pokes my leg with her horn. "Oh, stop being so stubborn. I just want to hang out!"
The fear of making her teenage hormones spike in rage eats at my debate. She can do magic now after all... So I flick her horn and smile.
 
"Fine sweets."
 
"Really?"
 
I nod and she hugs me. Heat rushes to my cheeks. Her face comes almost to my chest when she stands on her back hooves. "Thanks Anon! I'll bring the cookies."
 
I'm really letting this happen.
 
 
                                                --A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---C-0-W-A-R-D--
 
 
The 'Schoolhouse Nightmare Night Party' is hosted by Cheerilee and all ponies are invited. All of my friends are going. It's a non-costume event so that ponies can save their costumes for the holiday tomorrow night.
I would be two cups deep in Berry Punch's special party punch-
 
If I were at the party.
 
But now, I am trapped at Carousel Boutique, waiting for Rarity to be ready. And not just Rarity, but Sweetie Belle as well. Now that she is older, Sweetie acts a lot more like her sister. Not so much the drama and attitude, but more the makeup and obsession with mane care. She hated it when I would tease her about it.
 
Pinkie Pie groans. She's shaking from party withdrawl. "WHERE IS SHE?! WE HAVE A PARTY TO GET TO!" Twilight rolls her eyes, "You know Rarity."
Applejack chuckles, "An' don't forget 'bout Sweetie Belle. She's gettin' all dolled up for her date with Anon."
The girls all giggle and look at me with sparkling eyes. "It's so romantic..." Fluttershy blushes bashfully. My cheeks heat up. "It's just a party. We're all going together."
 
Rainbow Dash bumps against me. "You know she's old enough to drink now, right?"
 
Fucking hick Ponyville laws. "So you'll probably end up carrying her home." She snickers. "You know, hold her mane for her while she's bent over your toilet?"
 
"Shut up!"
 
"We're ready, darlings!"
 
Everyone turns and sees Rarity and her sister. Sweetie Belle looks different. She's wearing purple eye liner and her mane is actually straight along with her tail. I didn't realize her locks were that long now.
Is she wearing perfume?
What is she thinking?
After compliments, we leave for the school. All of the girls walk behind Sweetie and I. I can hear them giggling, chattering and shushing to each other. Rainbow Dash whistles.
 
Fucking ponies.
 
Sweetie Belle seems to be ignoring it all. "Hey, Anon."
"What's up, sweets?"
She keeps looking straight ahead. "I'm going to drink tonight."
What's that supposed to mean? "Okay?" She looks down at her hooves. "So... Sorry in advance if I get a little crazy." She looks up into my eyes. This is so tense, I feel like I'm back in my spaghetti dropping days. "Or turn into a drunken crying sissy."
A smile slowly creeps over her face. Tension gone.
 
I bark out a laugh. "I'll hold you to it, sweet stuff!" She joins in the laughter and playfully shoves me.
The mares behind us all make a 'daaaw' noise.
 
I flip them off behind my back, the gesture lost on them.
 
 
                                                --A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---C-0-W-A-R-D--
 
 
The party is wild. The mix of fillies, colts, mares, stallions, a few Griffins and a Human makes the bustle and loud music seem even more hectic. Pinkie Pie melts. She turns into a pink puddle on the floor, then reforms and gallops into the crowd.
"Glad she's having fun."
Sweetie Belle follows me to the back of the room. I know this is a bad idea. Will I regret it? Everything could go down hill fast.
 
But this is too good to pass up.
I pour Sweetie Belle a cup of alcoholic punch. "This is what you want, right?" I smirk and hold the cup up to her. Berry Punch wakes up from her face-plant on the floor and gives a lopsided smile. "Ish gewd stuff!"
 
Sweetie looks nervous now. She takes the cup and it wobbles in her hoof. I smile, "Are you sure about this? You don't have to." She gulps, "I- I'm gonna do it!"
"Do it."
"I'll do it!"
"Do it then!"
She tosses the drink back in one gulp. The cup falls from her grip and her face scrunches. She gives a loud burp. Her eyes go wide and she covers her mouth. "Excuse me!"
I double over laughing until tears come to my eyes. Sweetie begins laughing as well and ponies stare at us, confused. "You two are so weird..." I look up and see Apple Bloom and Scootaloo standing there, looking unsure.
 
Apple Bloom has grown into a very beautiful young mare. According to pony standards, of course. Scootaloo... It's still painfully obvious that she idolizes Rainbow Dash. "Sweetie Belle, y'all wanna come dance with us?" Apple Bloom smiles. Sweetie Belle looks at me and I shrug. She looks back at her friends, "Actually, I have something to do with my big brother." She leans into my leg. Her two friends shrug and trot away. I raise an eyebrow at Sweetie Belle. "That's real sweet of you, sweets. But you don't have to stick around with me." She rolls her eyes, "But I want to. Besides, I'm going to show you that I can handle this punch."
 
I pour two more cups.
 
"You really think you can keep up with your 'big bro'?
 
-
 
Okay, so it turns out Sweetie Belle can't keep up in drinking with me. And just like Rainbow Dash predicted-
I'm in the bathroom of the school, holding back Sweetie Belle's mane as she hurls red waves into the toilet. "I'm 'hrrgbleh' s-sorry, Anon!"
I rub her back, "It happens to everyone, sweet stuff. Don't be ashamed. Just get it all out." I'll have to remember that five drinks is her cutoff point. Wait a minute, I remember reading somewhere that ponies can't vomit...
Fucking ponies, how do they work?
She gives one last dry heave and wipes her mouth. "I... I'm done." I lift her up in my arms, straining a little. "I'm gonna carry you home, okay?"
 
"NO!"
 
Damn, she hasn't used those pipes in forever. "Okay! Fine!" I set her down and she leans against me with her eyes half open. I remember my first beer. "They'll all laugh..."
Eh, they would probably just make that 'daaw' noise actually. I let her lean against me as we leave the bathroom, back into the noise. Sweetie still looks queezy.
 
We make it to the door without being bothered. Then Rarity steps in front of us. I put a hand on Sweetie's back. "Hey Rarity..."
The fashionable mare smirks at me. "Taking Sweetie Belle home?"
"Yeah."
"She looks pretty inebriated, darling."
"Yeah..."
"But you'll take CARE of her, right?"
"Of course!"
"At your house."
"Uh, yeah. I suppose she can stay at my place."
"Alone, at your house..."
"I'm not going to do anyth-"
Rarity gets really close and whispers to me. "She's a screamer~."
 
I pull Sweetie Belle out of the building. "Alright! Time to go!" As I briskly walk Sweetie Belle home, Rarity shouts out behind us. "YOU KNOW AND I KNOW THAT YOU TWO SHOULD BE TOGETHER! WE ALL KNOOOOOOOW!"
 
Rarity and Sweetie Belle can't handle their booze, it seems.
 
 
                                                --A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---C-0-W-A-R-D--
 
 
What is wrong with all these ponies? I am NOT attracted to them.
Sweetie Belle flops down on my bed. "Wait, Sweetie; you can't sleep there." She gives the old puppy eyes and rubs her belly. "Please, Anon?"
Fuck.
Her bangs fall over her eyes, "I don't want to be alone..." She hiccups.
*FATALITY*
A bit of drool drips out of her mouth and she quickly sucks it back up. "S-Sorry."
*FLAWLESS VICTORY*
"Alright sweets, you can sleep here. I'll uh, crash on the couch." She grabs my arm and I fall back onto the bed. Could this be one of those clichè scenes like in my Chinese cartoons?
 
I'm on my hands and knees above Sweetie Belle. I can feel her sweet-smelling breath on my face. Her eyes rapidly scan me and dilate.
"This is all I want..." She speaks softly. Then she's kissing me.
 
After almost four years of knowing each other-
 
Sweetie Belle and I are connected at the lips. This is wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong, right.
WRONG. I pull back. "Sweetie, what are you-"
Her eyes are wet and tinged with red. "That's all I have wanted for so long..." I don't know what to say. "I'm sorry, Anon. But I had to. I know you don't feel the same about me, Anon and that's okay. I just wanted one kiss."
 
She grins and I feel a guilty knot in my stomach. She continues, "I'm not upset that you don't feel the same way anymore. I've accepted it. But I needed one kiss to be happy with." She hugs one of my pillows and rolls over. "Thanks, big bro. Good night."
 
-
 
That night, I fall asleep in the same bed as Sweetie Belle. I keep a space between us. Never touching her.
 
Her faint sobs start around midnight.
 
I don't touch her.
 
 
                                                --A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---C-0-W-A-R-D--
 
 
Sweetie Belle is gone when I wake up. It's probably for the best.
Nightmare Night is here.
 
I go about my morning routine. While I eat, I touch my lips. Was that really all she wanted? Can things go back to normal after that? She cried. She said she was happy, but she cried all night. And I didn't do anything. I didn't console, joke with, coddle, hug, or even look at her.
 
Suddenly, I'm not so hungry. I toss my bowl into the sink. There's nothing I have planned for today until nightfall. I could go see Sweetie Belle.
 
Damn it. "Fuck!"
 
Now there's a hole punched into my kitchen wall. I'm not even sure why I am so mad. I go to my room and change. The vampire costume looks a little silly now as I stare into the mirror. Maybe because I look so pathetic now.
I show the fake fangs.
 
"What is a man..."
 
 
                                                --A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---C-0-W-A-R-D--
 
 
It's night. Ponies in costumes run around the town. They actually seem frightened by my getup. Guess it's not so silly after all. I see Twilight Sparkle wave me over. Almost didn't recognize her. She's wearing a large cardboard Celestia costume. I almost lose my shit right there in town square. She rolls her eyes at my snickering and waits until I can catch my breath. "S-Sorry, Twilight! That's actually pretty awesome!"
 
"Thanks, Anon. Where's Sweetie Belle?"
 
I tense up. "Why should I know? I don't know." Smooth. She raises an eyebrow, "Oh. Sorry, I just thought you two would be together."
A bit more awkward small talk and I part ways with Twilestia. This holiday doesn't seem like that much fun this year. Ponies run around, begging for candy.
 
"You look pathetic."
 
I look up and see Sweetie Belle. She's wearing a flowing white dress. Her tone is mocking, but she smiles genuinely at me. "What are you supposed to be?" I ask. She holds up a piece of the dress. "I'm a princess."
"Sounds pretty sissified." We glare at each other. Then-
 
We give each other cheesy smiles. "You look good." I tell her. She walks around me, examining. "Not so bad yourself."
"You'll change your mind once I drain you."
"Huh?"
I lunge at her and hiss. She stumbles back and shrieks with laughter. Silence settles between us, yet it's not awkward. "Funny we would meet back here..." She mumbles. "Huh?" I look around. We're in the field where we always come to play in the snow. "Too early for a snowman."
 
Sweetie brushes the ground with a hoof. "I'm not hungry for frozen carrots anyway." She grabs my hand gently. I have to fight not to pull away. "Hey, Anon?"
 
"Yeah?"
"Will you go somewhere with me?"
"Where to?"
She grins, "It's a surprise. No one else can know." I'll play along. "Lead the way."
 
Her horn glows and she teleports the both of us.
 
 
                                                --A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---C-0-W-A-R-D--
 
 
We materialize at the train station. An engine waits on the tracks. Steam billows into the crisp night. "Why the train station?" I ask. It feels odd being here in these costumes. There are no other ponies around, aside from the porter. "ALL ABOOOOARD!"
 
"I lied..." Sweetie Belle looks down at the ground with a sheepish smile. "I'm not a princess." I laugh a little. More in confusion than because of humor. "What does that have to do with this?"
 
"This is a wedding dress."
 
I blink several times. Sweetie Belle looks up at me pleadingly. "I brought you here so we can get on that train, Anon."
 
"Why? And to where?"
 
She looks at the sky. "Away." She's being uncharacteristically vague.
 
"Marry me, Anon."
 
"What did you just say?"
 
I heard her. She hops up and places her hooves on my stomach. "Let's get on that train and run! Let's go to some far away place and elope!" Her eyes are pleading. Tears make her makeup run. "I LOVE YOU, ANON! I REALLY LOVE YOU!" She's getting hysterical. "WHY CAN'T YOU SEE THAT I LOVE YOU!? MORE THAN A BROTHER! MORE THAN ANYONE!" The train's whistle drowns out her words. Why is this happening? She presses her face into my abdomen. I grab her head and look at the sky.
Suddenly, she pushes me. I don't expect it and fall backward, dragging her with.
 
We fall through the door of the train and the door closes.
 
The train takes off.
 
 
                                                --A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---C-0-W-A-R-D--
 
 
 
I sit beside Sweetie Belle in silence. We are the only passengers on the train. She sits in a cloud of emotion. I don't know what to say. What COULD I say? "I'm sorry."
She doesn't look up when I speak. "You're going to leave, aren't you?" She mumbles. She knows me.
Knows me well.
 
She knows that I am a coward.
 
A person too uncomfortable with the thought of getting involved romantically or intimately with a pony. "You're going to leave me. Aren't you, Anon?" I grip the armrest hard. "I can't do this, sweets... Sweetie Belle."
 
"Next stop ahead!" The porter calls out. Sweetie Belle grips my arm. "Don't leave, Anon. I'm begging you."
I stare out the window. "You NEVER listen to me!"
 
She's making me hurt. The train stops and I stand, her hoof sliding off of me. "Wait!" She grabs me again and I stop, looking at the door opening. Her hoof slides something onto my finger.
 
I hold up my hand and see a ring. A shining silver band. A perfect fit. "It's... It's yours!"
I walk away from her. "Anon!" I step off of the train and onto the platform. There's a maelstrom of feelings inside me, but I keep a straight face. Sweetie Belle hangs out of the window, the train doors now closed. "ANON! DON'T LEAVE ME HERE! ANON!"
 
I slide the ring off my finger and grip it in my palm.
 
Then-
 
Let it fall onto the platform. It spins as the train pulls away from the station.
 
What is a man?
 
 
A miserable coward.
 
 
                                                --A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---C-0-W-A-R-D--
 
 
[Chapter 3]- Abs0lute L0ve
 
{Twilight Sparkle}
 
I am so tired. For three days and two nights I have been up. Looking into the mirror, I see there are large bags under my eyes. My mane is in chaos. Eyes are bloodshot. I open my mouth wide and stick my tongue out.
"Bleh."
What a mess. I have no one to impress though. Only more books to read. Do I smell bad? I bend my neck and sniff under my leg. Some musk, but not so bad. A bath can wait.
 
When did I become such a shut-in?
 
Probably about a week after Anon disappeared.
 
I was pretty down after the loss of a good friend and slight-crush. But not as bad as Sweetie Belle. Poor girl. She didn't take it too well. And wouldn't tell a soul what happened. She is different. Very different. In fact-
She's on my couch right now.
 
No way could I forget her bring here. It's where she would come back to pass out every morning for the past few weeks. I walk over and poke her side. "Sweetie Belle. Wake up. Hey, get up." She groans and rolls over. Her mane looks worse than mine. And her face is a mess of makeup. She's still wearing her fishnet stockings. There's swelling around her right eye that she has poorly tried to cover with makeup.
 
Some stallions are too eager.
 
It's weird having a prostitute living in my home. Even more strange that the prostitute is my friend, whom I had watched grow up. I was her only option after the fallout with Rarity. Whatever Anon had done, whatever the reason he had disappeared from Ponyville-
It broke Sweetie Belle.
 
At first it was alcohol. When that was starting to become a problem, the girls and I had done an intervention. We tried to set her up with several nice stallions. Her self esteem plummeted. Her old cheerfulness faded and she became a shell. Then she began sleeping around. For money. That was the point where her and Rarity had fought. Sweetie Belle showed up at my home the next morning, wearing clothes that were torn.
 
Town whore.
 
That's what ponies whispered about her. Well today, I have decided is the day this all changes. "Sweetie Belle, get up. Now." I lift her with magic. She struggles weakly, "Leave me alone..."
I carry her to the bathroom. She needs this. Somewhere behind those dull eyes, I know she is pleading for help. I turn the shower on and throw her under the spray rather forcefully. She gasps and scrambles to get out, but I push her back down. Her mane becomes wet and hangs in her eyes. "Twilight! What are you doing?!" Her legs flail. "Helping my friend."
 
After a while, she stops fighting. She lays under the spray with her mane hiding her frown. "I'm going to help you get better, Sweetie Belle."
"I'm alright. I'm doing good! I have a date tonight."
"You mean 'client'. You have a client tonight."
"I'm still a virgin, Twilight. I only use my mouth. I don't talk and they help me get rent money for the month, what's the difference?"
 
I slap her.
 
This is not Sweetie Belle saying those things. This is NOT my little Sweetie Belle. I go to slap her again, but stop myself. This is not okay. I have never hit another pony...
But looking at this young girl and realizing I might not be able to help her-
I might lose my friend.
 
She will die like this.
 
My anger gets the better of me and I begin slapping her over and over. She covers her face while I yell at her.
 
"I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN YOU AND ANON, BUT WE'RE GOING TO FIND HIM AND WE'RE GOING TO FIX THIS! DO. YOU. UNDERSTAND ME?!"
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
{Anonymous}
 
It has been a few months since I left Ponyville. Since I left Sweetie Belle on that train. I have spent months wandering around Equestria. I sit in a bar now, sipping on some dry cider. Do I regret my decision?
 
Yes.
 
Every day I remember Sweetie Belle in a wedding dress, leaning out of a train window and calling my name.
I drain my drink. Yes, I know I am a coward. An absolute coward. The little filly I watched grow up- that I helped raise had been pushed away and denied by me.
 
"And here I thought you were dead."
 
I look over and see a pony sitting next to me at the bar. "Cheerilee?"
She smiles and pushes another mug of cider to me. "What are you doing here?" I ask. This town is a good train ride away from Ponyville. Cheerilee sips her own drink, "I'm on vacation. What's your excuse?"
 
I look into my mug. "I guess I'm just running."
"From danger?"
"No."
"For fun?"
"No."
"So what is it then?"
I don't look at her. "From commitment." She smiles slyly, "That's what I figured. It must have been something to do with why she changed like that." I look at her in shock. "Who? Sweetie Belle? What happened?" Cheerilee drinks deeply. "After you left, she came back. She stopped going to school, which you left unannounced by the way, you jerk."
She shakes her head at me. "So she was pretty upset, huh?" I ask.
 
"That's an understatement! Do you know what she's doing now?" Cheerilee looks a bit angry now. "You ruined that little one, Anon. Now she's out on the streets at night, messing around with stallions for a few bits... She doesn't speak with her sister anymore and her friends haven't seen her in weeks." I grip my cup tight. "It's not like- you know, I didn't want her to take what I did the wrong way."
 
She tosses her drink in my face.
 
"You're a real piece of work, Anonymous." Her accusing eyes bore into mine. What does she know? She hadn't been there. She wasn't in my shoes. "You go ahead and keep running, Anon." Cheerilee stands and puts on her saddle bags. "I better not see you anywhere near Ponyville though, or next time it will be more than a drink thrown in your face. Coward."
 
I sit soaked as my once-friend leaves. That word rings in my head.
 
Coward.
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
{Twilight Sparkle}
 
The first step is to get Sweetie Belle cleaned up. Start at the base. So I drag her to Carousel Boutique. "I'm NOT going in there!" She uses her own magic to fight against me. How cute, she thinks she can best my magic.
 
Let that sink in for a bit.
 
I am entirely too tired to deal with this. "Too bad. Quit being a stubborn sissy." I hiss. I knock on the door and Sweetie Belle digs at the ground. "No! No! Let me go!" Rarity answers the door. "Oh, Twilight! You're out of your home! And you brought..." She glares at her sister. "The village whore."
Sweetie Belle glares back. "At least ponies like a whore more than and icy BITCH." I planned for this. So naturally, I shut them both up with magic before they can start ripping at each others manes. "We're going inside. To talk. Like civil ponies." Rarity turns her nose up and walks back inside, swaying her hips in a disgruntled way. I drag Sweetie Belle in.
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
The two sisters glare at each other from across the room. Sparks crackle over their horns. I clear my throat, "I want you to give Sweetie Belle a makeover. "WHAT?!" They both speak in unison, then continue their nasty-look battle. "Rarity, I want you to doll her up." Rarity smirks, "Twilight, I'm good, but you can't honestly expect me to do much with THAT mess!" Sweetie Belle touches her smeared makeup and flushes. "I don't want her touching me."
I stomp, allowing magic to crackle under-hoof. Using magic, I make my voice loud enough to rattle the walls.
 
"STOP ACTING LIKE FOALS! YOU!" I point at Rarity and she flinches. "YOU WILL GIVE YOUR SISTER A MAKEOVER AND NOT COMPLAIN! AND YOU!" Sweetie Belle looks unimpressed by my anger. "YOU WILL SIT THERE AND ENJOY IT! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!"
 
I still had a ways to go, but Luna had taught me well. Rarity huffs, "Alright, alright. No need to get your jennies ruffled." She makes her way to her work room. I stomp again and motion for Sweetie to follow.
She rolls her eyes and heads after her sister.
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
She looks MUCH better with the makeup washed off. Rarity starts working on her mane. She roughly drags a brush through Sweetie's locks. "What have you done with your mane?! Washed it with glue and mud?" Sweetie Belle winces, "Shut up! Ow! You did that on purpose!"
I groan as I sit and watch. Maybe I should have told them they weren't allowed to talk. Rarity puts down her brush and dips Sweetie Belle's mane back into a basin of water. "So how many stallions have you had inside of you?"
Great.
 
"None. I use my mouth." Sweetie Belle sticks her tongue out at Rarity. "So you've packed in more meat than I ever have." Rarity smiles wickedly as she lathers her sister's mane with shampoo.
"I thought your breath smelled salty, now I know why."
 
Sweetie Belle imitates her sister's smirk. "You must be real familiar with the smell, since it's on your face every night alone at the bar." They keep their eyes locked onto each other in a tense cold smile. These sisters are weird. This is better than outright brawling though. I let them have their moment. Rarity finishes with Sweetie Belle's mane.
 
She looks like her old self again. It makes me smile. "Now THIS would look ravishing on you, Sweetie Belle!" Rarity holds up a bottle of makeup. Sweetie eyes it, "Got anything in a darker shade?" Rarity begins rummaging through her stock, "I was hoping you would ask!"
Wait-
When did they make up? I shake my head in disbelief. I will never understand the way these two dramatic ponies worked. They don't use logic, like me. They go completely off of emotions. How silly.
Rarity digs through her drawers and Sweetie Belle looks over at me. Her face turns to a soft happy look. 'Thank you' she mouths to me. Looks like this part of my work is done. I smile, get up and leave the two sisters alone.
 
I go to the living room and lay down on the couch for some sleep.
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
"Twiiiiilight, oh Twilight Spaaaaaarkle!~"
 
I groan and open my eyes. Rarity's face is close to mine. I yawn right in her face. She back away and plugs her nose, "Eeeugh! What AWFUL morning breath!" I smack my lips and sit up. "What's up?"
She holds her chin up, "May I present: Sweetie Belle!"
 
The teen walks into the room. "My sister!" Rarity looks at her approvingly. Sweetie's coat is sparkling. Her hooves shine in the light. Her mane and tail have been straightened and look soft as silk. Though her makeup is done conservatively, it still makes her look like a model. I clop my hooves together, "Wow! Great work, Rarity. She looks beautiful!" Sweetie Belle smiles and blushes. "Yeah, thanks sis..." Rarity walks over and wraps her sister in a hug. "This has better work, or else I'll know that he prefers stallions."
Sweetie Belle looks confused, "What?"
"Anon is going to be speechless when he sees you."
 
Sweetie's confidence fades. "A-Anon is gone. He left me. What are you talking about?!"
 
I yawn again, "I told you, silly. We're going to find him. But first, you have to tell me exactly what happened between the two of you."
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
"Well, it looks like he really is nowhere in Ponyville. Let's go home."
 
I freeze Sweetie Belle with magic before she can run. "We just left the house. Come on, coward." Sweetie Belle continues to protest. "I'm not a coward! He really doesn't want anything to do with me! He left me! I wasn't good enough for him, so there's no point in trying to look for him no-" I flick her horn and she flinches. Her horn is rather big now for a regular unicorn, so I know it's sensitive. Especially since she's in the middle of her growing phase. "Stop being so dramatic, Sweetie Belle. You give yourself too little credit."
"Huh?"
I brush a hoof down her soft flank. "You are a beautiful young pony. Any stallion would be lucky to have you. You have grown so well into your body and are still a sweet girl."
"But what does it matter? Anon doesn't think so."
I flick her horn again. It's kind of fun. "I know that's wrong. Sweetie, I can guarantee that he would agree with me that you are beautiful." She looks down, "But he LEFT me."
 
I sigh, "You keep thinking he left you because of your looks or that you're 'not good enough', but I'm telling you, that's not it. You scared him, Sweetie Belle. Her was backed into a corner and did what came natural."
"Natural?"
"Fight or flight. He was probably very conflicted."
 
Sweetie Belle stares at her hoof. "So, he's probably out there somewhere right now, drinking himself stupid and regretting ever letting you go. Calling himself a coward."
She smiles weakly, "I doubt that, Twilight. But thanks." I slide a hoof around her, "No more teenage angst. Let's go find your man and tell him how stupid he is."
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
{Anonymous}
 
My stubble makes me look like a vagabond. The backpack I carry around doesn't help disprove that image either. None of the ponies on the train want to sit next to me for fear of mugging, catching a disease or being raped.
 
It isn't THAT bad. I just have some stubble. It's not like I have dirty hair or clothes. I just checked out of a motel that had a washer and dryer.
 
But now I'm back on the train again.
Still running.
Cheerilee was absolutely right. The night landscape flies by outside the window. I am nervous and out of bits. The last of my savings was just spent.
 
I hope it will be worth it.
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
{Sweetie Belle}
 
Everywhere.
Twilight and I searched everywhere and not one hint of Anon. It's night now. "We should go home..."
"No!"
Twilight still hasn't lost her drive. She is a good friend. "Sweetie Belle?" The two of us look up and see Cheerilee walking down the road. "Hello Ms. Cheerilee, what are you doing here?" I ask. She smiles and looks me over. "You look much better, Sweetie Belle. And I'm just returning from vacation."
I thank her for the compliment and talk a little about her trip with her. "But you'll never guess what happened on my way back!"
"You graded some tests?"
She chuckles, "No. I saw someone you might be interested to know is not far away from Ponyville."
My eyes widen. "Are you... Talking about 'him'?" She nods and frowns, "He was drowning his sorrows in a bar and looked like her was living under a bridge like Kurt Coltbaine."
"Who is Kurt Coltbaine?"
Cheerilee rolls her eyes, "Sorry, just some famous musician from when I was younger."
"So where is he?!"
"Kurt? Oh, he's dead, honey. Shot himself in the fa-"
"No! I mean Anon!"
"Oh, right! He's in Hoofington, about two train stops away."
 
I grab Twilight and take off.
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
{Anonymous}
 
The train stops. I feel an unsettling twist in my guts as I gaze upon the familiar sight of Ponyville train station.
This is it.
I collect my bag and get off. It's probably a risk to my life coming back here. All these ponies probably hate me now. And Cheerilee did threaten me. But I need to do this. For myself and for the one I hurt. There's a bustle as ponies clear the platform. I stand still, letting ponies move around me like a boulder in a stream.
The platform clears.
I see her.
 
Sweetie Belle comes running up the road with Twilight Sparkle.
 
They stop and Sweetie Belle stares into my eyes, breathing heavy. Tears begin to form and Twilight nudges her forward. She slowly takes a few steps, looking up at me and I wave.
 
"I'm home..."
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
 
Sweetie Belle has me in a bone-crushing hug. I can't tell if she's laughing, or crying, or both. Her body shakes against me as the two of us embrace. She pulls her head back and looks into my eyes. Her green orbs sparkle in the moonlight. "You look beautiful, Sweetie Belle." I run a hand through her mane, finding it silky and smelling of fragrant flowers. She sniffles and presses her head back to me.
"I'm sorry! I was s-stupid!"
 
I squeeze her tight. "No, I was stupid, Sweetie. I was a stupid coward." Her hooves rub small circles into my back.  "But, I still shouldn't have tried to force you. I realize how unfair it was. I've changed! I hope... I hope we can still be friends." I let her go and pick up my bag again. I can't believe what I'm about to do. She will cry for hours. And Twilight might hit me. The purple pony stands off to the side, tears and snot running down her face as she watches us.
There will be no going back once I do this.
I look into Sweetie Belle's eyes.
 
"Sweetie Belle, here's the thing." I gulp. She leans forward expectantly.
 
"I... Can't be with you."
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
I can see her world crumbling. Her legs look like they will give out.
Mine do.
 
My knee hits the wood below me. "I can't be with you."
She whimpers in pain and her eyes close. I put a palm on her cheek and reach into my bag. "I can't be with you, unless you marry me, Sweetie Belle."
 
Her eyes shoot open. Twilight gasps. I hold the ring up into the light and present it to her. The ring I spent the last of my savings on. Her eyes stare at the large diamond in wonder. I actually mined the diamond myself, since gems are easier to come by in Equestria.
 
I smile and work my fingers against her cheek. "Will you marry me and make me the happiest guy in Equestria?" She brings her horn forward and slides it through the ring. It comes to a rest on her long horn and she looks up at it.
 
"YES! YES I WILL MARRY YOU, ANON!" She lunges forward to embrace me again. But I stop her. I lift her up by the flanks. Her legs wrap around me and we kiss. I tilt my head and deepen it. Sweetie moans happily into my mouth as Twilight clops her hooves and bawls.
I break for air and see Sweetie Belle's face is frozen in a blissful look of wonder as her eyes rapidly scan my face.
 
"I love you so much, sweet stuff. I couldn't stay away from you. It took me a while to set myself straight, but- I know it more than anyone in this world or my own..."
 
"I will always love you, my Sweetie Belle."
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
The wedding takes place two weeks later. It's actually held at night in a field. A field that always has in igloo and a snowman in it every snowfall.
Pretty much all of Ponyville is here. And the Princesses. It's very funny to see Luna get a bit drunk and dance with Big Mac. Many sides are laid to rest on this night. Rarity is the one to give me her sister's hoof. She made Sweetie Belle the most beautiful dress I have ever seen.
Spike is my best man. I had quite the bachelor party with him and Big Mac two nights ago.
 
As the reception begins to wind down, I stand up and wave. The ponies all go silent. "Thank you all so much for coming and making this a wonderful night that we'll never forget!" I hug my wife close and the crowd hoots and hollers. "Freebird!" Berry Punch shouts from near the champagne table, making everyone laugh. "Ah, sorry. No songs this time. We have reservations at the castle for our honeymoon thanks to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!"
There are a few cat-calls and cheers. "WE PUT THEM IN THE SOUNDPROOF SUITE!" Luna yells. Now the crowd roars with laughter and cat-calls. Celestia wiggles her eyebrows.
Looks like both of the Princesses can't handle their champagne very well.
 
Sweetie Belle and I spend another twenty minutes thanking everyone and saying goodbye, then finally get into one of Celestia's chariots and take off. Sweetie Belle rests her head against my side as the night air tussles her mane. "I'm glad she really did put us in a soundproof suite."
Wasn't that a joke?
Her hoof slides over my groin and she breathes hot breath into my ear.
 
"Because I'm a screamer..."
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
My suit is off faster than Rainbow Dash can fly. I don't even close the door to the suite. All of the luggage is dropped, my clothes ripped off and Sweetie Belle is picked up and slammed on the massive bed.
 
She laughs, "Hold on, killer! I still have this dress on!" I help her get it off. She flops back onto the bed, her eyes seductive and beckoning. "I've waited for years, and now I get to have you inside me..."
I'm so hard, it's starting to hurt. I crawl over and kiss up her neck. She leans to the side, giving me better access.
 
I use a hand to brush over her belly and feel her hardened nipples. I give one a pinch and she yips. My lips press against her horn and she shivers. "Make me your mare, Anon..."
 
She's drenching the sheets and her stomach is heaving. Her eyes are wide and hungry looking. With surprising strength, she pushes me back onto the bed.
"What are you-"
Her mouth is around my shaft.
"OOOOOOH!" The entire length slides down her throat. Her mane falls in front of her face and she brushes it back, staring up at me with innocent eyes. Her tongue does zig-zags and twirls around me. She bobs up and down and I can hear the wet sounds and see the chains of saliva being produced over my skin. I cup the back of her head and massage her silky mane.
"Oh god, Sweetie... That's..."
My body tenses up and my toes curl. "Sweetie! I'm gonna- I'm gonna cum!" This only makes her work faster. Her hoof caresses my balls and my hips thrust up. "AHH!"
 
Seed sprays against the back of her throat. I grip handfuls of her mane and ride it out as her swift tongue coaxes out all the cum it can. Finally, the last bit pumps out and I gently tap her head. My wife lets me slide out and takes a big gulp, breathing heavy.
 
"Wow, Human cum tastes AMAZING! And I was worried you would last forever!"
 
I laugh, trying to get my body to stop jittering. She is fucking amazing at that. I only hope I can return the favor. She turns over and presents herself to me.
"I loved pleasuring you, dear. But no more foreplay. I want you to make me scream."
 
I was going to return the favor, but it looks like she means business.
 
I smile and move forward on my knees.
 
"I'm not going to be gentle, you know."
 
I slide two fingers into her. Her wet lips pull at me and she squeals, pushing her ass back against my hand.
"Yes! Oh, yes! Make me cum!"
I start to slide in and out of her, using my thumb to graze her winking clit. My efforts speed up and fluids begin to fly, squelching noises filling the room-
Only to be drowned out by screams.
 
Holy shit, she wasn't lying! Her wails are threatening to shatter the mirror and windows. I place one hand on her flank to hold her steady as I ram her insides with my fingers. Her tongue flops out over a pillow and her eyes roll up into her skull. "C-CUM!"
Fluids spray out around my hand. The thought of making Sweetie squirt so hard gets my cock throbbing again. Her insides twist and squeeze so tight that my fingers are pushed out. She gives a constant earsplitting scream and collapses. I pant and stroke myself as I watch my wife spasm as though possessed on the sheets. Her eyes are closed now and she drools helplessly onto the sheets.
Jesus, she's a violent orgasm-er...
 
"That feel good, sweets?"
 
All she can manage is four words with her eyes closed. "Put... It... In... NOW."
 
No need to be told twice. I grab her ass and pull it up to me, tossing her tail aside. Her pink hole dilates for me as I line myself up. With one thrust, I open her up again and make her scream like a banshee.
Fully hilted, I push Sweetie Belle's head forward and bury her face in a pillow. She's still screaming in pleasure, but at least it's muffled. I start to work in and out of her velvety insides. Her flanks are plush, yet firm. Her legs are toned and I slide a hand down one as i thrust. A teenage body...
I can see that all over her body, her muscles are tensing and spasming. Our bodies collide in wet slapping sounds and I notice I'm grunting deeply with every hard thrust. She begins to orgasms again, squirting all over me. Her head lifts and she wails at the wall."OH CELESTIA! OH WOOOOOOOOOOOOW! ANON, FUCK ME HARDER! PLEASE FUCK ME SO GOOD! AHHHHHHHHH!" The mirror on the desk shatters as her voice shoots up octaves and her body shakes. Her pussy is painting me with it's contents. I groan and push all the way into her folds as they milk me.
 
I lose strength and fall on top of her, my cock held in place inside her as it releases.
 
Her orgasm paralyzes her as I fill her womb with seed.
 
"I... I came inside you..."
She screams into the pillow, then yells up at the ceiling. "I can feel it! It's so warm! I feel it all inside me!"
 
Both of us lay still, me still inside of her and her gasping against the pillow.
We both sound like rabid animals with our panting. "We need a shower." I slide out of her and flop down on the bed. She leans over and kisses me. "Later. Nap now?"
Her mane is a mess and she's covered in a sheen of sweat. I smile and scratch behind her ear.
 
"Sure, sweet stuff."
 
Pulling my wife close, I rub her belly as she falls asleep.
 
 
                                                ---A-B-S-0-L-U-T-E---L-0-V-E---
 
 
Dear Princess Celestia,
 
It's tough to say what a man really is in essence. One could say that a man is what he makes himself. Or, a man is only as good as what his peers think of him.
I disagree.
We are in life, drawn to doing what makes us happy. And to those that make us happy. I have been across two worlds now, and seen first-hand it doesn't matter if you're a human, or a pony-
 
We all just want what makes us happy.
 
I have found what makes me happy. And my happiness is also my love.
So, what is a man?
 
A man is not a singular thing.
A man has many faces.
A man has many passions.
A man has friends, and dreams, and loves.
 
A man is what he loves.
 
 
Your faithful friend,
Anon
 
 
 
                                                        -T-H-E---E-N-D-