Ever Growing Friendship

Chapter two: The Return

Trace grunted as his eyes desperately adjusted to the light coming through the window. He was slowly coming to reality, and realized he wasn't in his home. Last thing he remembered was leaving The Slinky Seduction. He recognized where he was though; he was in the Carousel Boutique. On top of that, he was in Rarity's bed! Trace managed to stay calm long enough to see Rarity wasn't in the bed with him. He looked over to see a coffee cup that still had steam rising from the liquid, with a note gently leaned on the side.

He opened up the envelope and closed one eye to try to keep his headache away while he read: "Dear Trace, I don't know if you knew, but Saturdays are always Fluttershy's and my Spa day. I made you some coffee and just make sure you lock the door behind you when you leave. Your best friend, Rarity."

Trace looked lower on the letter, "P.S: Hope your hangover isn't too bad, darling? Take all the time you need to recover before leaving."

He forgot about his hangover for a split second as he whispered to himself, "Your best friend?"

Letting himself fall back onto Rarity's silky purple sheets, he stared up at the bed's canopy. Trace smiled wide, lifting the letter above him, and looked at the words, "Your best friend."

His smile, though, disappeared as he noticed a slight pull in his chest. Rarity did say she didn't like him that way. He sat back up, cringing at the mild headache and grabbed the coffee, taking a sip before almost gagging at its strength. Trace fiddled his thumb over the rim of the cup as he whispered, "Guess it's better she doesn't like me that way... I don't even know if I would be able to love a pony that way... let alone become intimate with one..."

Trace's mind was fairly blank as he finished his coffee. He wasn't one to sulk over any one topic for too long. It's not like he even knew his feelings for her anyway. Thinking about his relationships with his six pony friends, he worries if that is all he will ever have. Yes, he did care for Rarity, so very deeply. He had never had any friends that have done as much as she had for him. He could clearly see the trust, kindness, and caring in her eyes when she looked at him. Trace couldn't say he had anything close to that back home. Most only wanted to be near him; since, he lied about being rich. He didn't have that lie here, yet he managed to make six friends, six true friends. Just by being himself.

At the spa:

"Whatever shall I do? I fear he may be alone forever!" exclaimed Rarity, posing as dramatically as one can, when one is getting a hooficure.

Aloe quickly ran a hoof file over Rarity's front hoof, as Lotus does the same to Fluttershy. "Rarity, don't you think you are worrying too much?" said the quiet pegasus.

"What do you mean, darling?" Rarity stated, in a tone of disbelief, "Are you saying you are not worried about him as well?"

Fluttershy hid behind her hair, only part of her right eye remained visible, "I'm... not saying that... It's just he can take care of himself. He seems happy, why should we pry?"

"As mares, it is our job to make sure stallions are happy!" Stated Rarity with authority.

"I wouldn't worry. Stallions are vastly outnumbered; he is bound to find love from somepony..." stated Aloe. It was her job to make her clients feel their best. Trying to cheer Rarity up is all part of her weekly package.

"Even so, how can we trust that he will find a nice herd, one that will treat him right?" Rarity waved a hoof, motioning she was ready for the mud bath.

They paused the conversation long enough to switch rooms, and sink themselves down into the mud bath. While the spa twins were placing cucumbers over their eyes, Fluttershy was the one to pick the conversation back up, "You know Rarity, I heard from Twilight that males are dominant in his world."

Rarity gave the pegasus a cool look, "We aren't in his world now, are we darling?"

"N-no... I suppose not..." Fluttershy acceded, as she rubbed her front hooves together.

Rarity paused while Aloe wrapped a towel around her mane, "We promised the Princess that we would help him fit in, didn't we?"

At this point, Fluttershy gave up arguing, and only barely nodded as a towel was also wrapped around her mane by Lotus.

The two continued to relax, well Fluttershy did at least. Rarity was randomly tossing out ideas on how to get Trace to socialize with other ponies. This was the key, she believed. Surely somepony will take a shine to him, provided the proper circumstances.

At the end of the mud bath, it hit her. "Maybe, if he hangs out at that singles bar alone, somepony would hit on him. I highly doubt anypony would, what with somepony like me hanging about," grinned Rarity happily as she pulled herself from the mud and was led to a shower, where Fluttershy quickly followed suit.

The showers started to run the mud from Fluttershy and Rarity's fur; Lotus and Aloe individually worked a special shampoo into their skin. Fluttershy blushed as she stated, "How would you get him to go by himself though?"

"We don't need to get him to go alone, per se, just need to have him go with another male!" Rarity's face seemed to focus as she thought out a plan.

The last bits of mud fell from Fluttershy's coat and was rinsed off by Lotus, "What about Big Mac?"

"No... He is so shy, and I highly doubt he would be willing to go..." Rarity waved a dismissive hoof.

The two mares finished and left the showers before being led to a salon chair, where Aloe and Lotus fixed the two mare's manes. Fluttershy thought to herself before saying, "Well, I did hear Shining Armor is coming for a visit..."

Rarity gasped excitedly, "THAT'S IT! We will have Shining Armor go with him!"

Twilight's library:

"NO... I will keep saying no, I will not allow my big brother to go to the uh... whatever you said it was... He is a MARRIED stallion..." Twilight stated defiantly, stamping her hooves for good measure.

"Even better darling! That just means everypony will know he is taken, and will focus more on Trace." Rarity smiled slyly, looking over to Shining Armor.

"Do I even have a say in the matter?" Shining Armor stated as he stepped forward.

"Sorry big brother... But I can't picture you going to a singles bar..." frowned Twilight as she looked from Rarity to look into his eyes.

"I never say I wanted to go. I know it's tradition for mares to set Stallions up if they think they are lonely. This is the modern age, Trace can find love on his own. Unless he specifically asks for help, just leave him alone!" stated ShinningArmor, trying to defend Trace.

"But... But I..." pouted the white unicorn, her lower lip quivering over her top one.

"Quit it Rarity! That won't work here. Just leave Trace alone on the matter." stomped Twilight's hoof against the floor, making a loud thud.

Rarity released the pout and gave a defeated sigh, "Fine..."

In front of Twilight's Library:

Trace knew he had missed a good bit of the conversation. But something seemed to just click within his mind. Mares were the dominant gender in Equestria. That was why, when Rarity and he danced, he ended up being the one dipped in her hooves. That was also why Rarity had been asking those questions; she thought it was her duty to make sure her 'stallion' friend was happy. After a couple moments of silence, Trace was just about to put his ear to the door, when it was opened wide. Everypony inside seemed to freeze, fearing how much of the conversation Trace had heard.

"T... Trace!?" Rarity was the first to stutter.

Trace couldn't help the frown that was plastered on his face. Twilight was the first to ask, "How... much did you hear?" in a tone that would do Fluttershy proud.

Trace glanced down to his feet as he sighed, "Enough..."

The air seemed so thick now, as if one needed a knife to move through it. Shining Armor surprisingly spoke up, "Trace, can I speak with you alone?"

Trace nodded before the white unicorn stallion led him outside, closing the door behind him.

"They are only worried about you." he said bluntly, looking at Trace for some kind of reaction.

"I know, but I don't know if I can love a pony," Trace said in a low tone, kicking a small pebble with his shoe.

"Are you so shallow that you can't even look past appearances?" Shining Armor stated, with a stunned harshness creeping into his voice.

Trace froze and looked at Shinning with shock, stuttering, "N... no..."

"Then don't worry about it, you will find love one day. If the loneliness ever gets too much for you, just ask your friends for help." quipped a grinning Shining Armor, patting Trace on the back with a hoof.

Trace winced at the hard hoof on his back, giving a fake grin, "okay..."

"Good, now let's get back inside, and let the girls know everything is okay."

The door to the library glowed blue as it opened. Revealing two mares and a little baby dragon, that fell on their faces as soon as the door stopped supporting them. Shining Armor, glancing briefly at their prostrated forms, didn't comment on their spying, as he said, "Everything is fine now. Let Trace figure things out for himself, okay?"

Rarity and Twilight looked to each other before looking at Trace, "Sorry, Trace."

"It's OK, and I don't mind the help. I just don't appreciate the help before I can figure out my own feelings on the matter," Trace said with a sigh, placing his hands in his pockets.

Rarity smiled faintly, "Just promise to come to me if you need help."

"I promise." Trace smiled, but it faded as he asked, "Could I ask you girls something?"

"Anything!" Twilight and Rarity grinned as they both answered.

"Everypony keeps saying herd. Back in my world, herd would mean a group of a certain animal. Does... that mean what I think it means?" Trace had worry and confusion painted on him.

"You want to take this one, darling?" Rarity said, deferring to Twilight, which made Trace freeze up.

He was starting to regret asking, if only because Twilight over-taught every little thing. He was staring at her waiting for her to suddenly pull dozens of books down from the shelves. Twilight did nothing more than to clear her throat, "We are a polygamous society. Primarily because mares vastly outnumber Stallions, and in olden times, they required many hooves to work on farms, so they would um... 'share' the stallions to produce young free labor. Nowadays, we keep the herds, but mainly for the relationships and the chance to actually get a Stallion."

Trace was relieved, and surprised, that Twilight had given a simple enough answer. This, however, just made everything even more difficult, "So, I suppose, I would have to be in a herd with multiple... Ponies?"

Twilight fell quiet, her area of expertise ending, and Rarity picked up where she couldn't, "That is really up to you and whomever you fall in love with, darling. I have seen plenty a pony that stayed in monogamous relationships."

Trace only nodded as he looked to the floor and whispered in a loud enough tone for everypony to hear, "Guess, I have a lot to think about..."

"We are here if you need us Trace..." Twilight said as she stepped forward, nuzzling her cheek against Trace's hand.

Trace had often noticed how much more touchy feely ponies were than humans. Other than Twilight and her friends though, not many were comfortable enough to do so. He would mostly see ponies doing it in public. So he didn't think anything of it, whenever one of his friends would nuzzle him. Trace cupped Twilight's cheek in his hand before getting down on one knee, "Don't worry, I'm going to be just fine!"

Trace wasn't sure if it was a lie or not, but decided to just leave it at that for the moment. Twilight, Shining Armor, and Rarity all smiled; but for the mares, it just seemed a tad bit forced, mainly to comfort Trace.

Around Ponyville:

Trace had decided he needed some space to think. Twilight and Rarity seemed reluctant to let him, but he didn't give them the chance to really persuade him not too. He didn't feel much like going home. Going home would mean being really alone. At least in town, he only felt lonely in his mind. He couldn't help but be somewhat angry with Rarity. He didn't feel this way until she brought it up. Then again, he felt more angry toward himself. Somehow, he knew that the feeling was there the entire time. He had just ignored it, up until now. For the entire walk, Trace had been looking down at the ground, two or three feet ahead of him. Trace froze when he realized where his walking had taken him. He looked up to see a sign that read, "The Slinky Seduction"

Trace's first thought was just to keep walking. Even though he felt as if he wanted to leave, his legs disobeyed, and walked him directly into the building. The bouncer didn't put up any fight to let him through and found his ears deafening from the loud music. Trace sat down at the bar and the bartender smiled as she recognized him. The music wasn't as ear shattering at the bar, so he could hear her, but she still strained to say anything, "WHAT CAN I DO YOU FOR?" The pink mare asked, as she dried out a glass cup with a wash cloth.

"LONG ISLAND ICED TEA," yelled Trace.

"SAME FOR ME!" A lime green colored mare yelled; she pulled herself up onto the bar stool next to Trace.

Trace glanced down to the mares flank and noticed a harp as a cutie mark. Her mane was a shade darker than her coat, but had a white streak through it. He redirected his attention to the mare's eyes, which were a gold hue, as she yelled, "WANT TO FIND A TABLE?"

Trace was about to turn her down before their drinks were placed on the counter and they were snatched up by this unicorn's magic. Trace frowned as he no longer had the choice and followed the mare to a corner of the large building. The instant they arrived at the table, everything grew quiet. The unicorn mare smiled as she placed the drink on the table.

"Why did the music stop?" Trace couldn't help his curiosity, he guessed it had to be a spell of some sort, but had to ask anyway.

The mare giggled as she said, "I'm Lyra, nice to meet you too."

"Sorry... I'm Trace... I'm just still not used to the concept of magic." blushed Trace as he slid into the booth.

Trace had noticed she had picked the only booth that had the booth circle around the table. There were only a couple other ponies at the other tables, but he could not hear anything they were saying. The spell must have been set up so each table would have individual privacy.

"You don't have magic where you come from?" Asked an enthusiastic Lyra.

"No, but every time I see it, it's just... amazing, you know?"

Lyra giggled as she sipped her ice tea, "I know what you mean."

Trace raised an eyebrow with curiosity, taking a large gulp of his drink before asking, "You do?"

"Mhmm," Lyra hummed before swallowing more drink, "I see how pegasi fly, and even how Earth ponies make the plants grow, but the concept of making anything happen with our minds just escapes me."

Trace was actually surprised when a laugh escaped his lips, "But you're a unicorn!"

Lyra grinned as she retorted, "Yeah, but it is still fascinating."

Trace sat down his near empty glass to ask, "I'm sorry to change the subject, but why did you ask if we could get a table? Aren't you uncomfortable around a weird creature on two legs?"

The table remained quiet for a moment, until a smile appeared on Lyra's lips, "Let me get us another drink!"

He didn't get to protest before she was already gone. Trace groaned as he finished off his tea and looked out to all the ponies that were dancing on the floor. He didn't recognize any of them, maybe a couple from the market. Mainly though, they all seemed completely new. Trace was actually surprised at this, mainly since Ponyville seemed to be so small. His mind wandered to the worry at hand, "Wonder why she is even talking to me..?"

Trace sat up straight as Lyra returned with a beverage that was unfamiliar to him. He looked with caution and gazed over to Lyra that had already started on the liquid, "What is this?"

"Popping Virginity!"

Trace frowned at the devious smirk on the mare's muzzle, "Excuse me?"

"You know, like popping your virginity! See the cherries in it?" Lyra giggled pointing at the bottom of the glass with her hoof, "It's my favorite!"

Trace gave Lyra a confused, even hesitant, look, picking up the drink in his right hand and taking a whiff. "Smells... fruity... doesn't smell like it even has alcohol in it." he mused out loud.

"Trust me, it does!" an innocent smile spreading across Lyra's face.

Trace shrugged his shoulders as he sipped at the liquid. A smile spread across his lips, "It's delicious!"

Lyra giggled as she downed half of her drink, "I saw you dancing with Rarity yesterday, are you two in a herd or something?"

Trace worried a moment about Lyra's intent, but decided to reply, "No... We aren't..."

"But you two looked so cute together!"

"No... we're just really good friends..." Trace couldn't help but feel a little hurt. He wasn't sure if he had any real feelings for Rarity, but he hadn't ever had friends like this either. Trace decided to shrug it off as a passing crush.

"Have you been with any ponies yet?"

If ponies were anything like humans, he was guessing Lyra was just beating around the bush. He didn't want to dive right for the bush, but decided to quicken the pace to see if his suspicions were true. Though, he was starting not to care, since he was starting to become very drunk by the time he emptied his 'Popping Virginity', "I'm single, I've only ever been with one person, and she was a human..."

"Oh? So are you interested in ponies? Or are you just a human type of person?"

Trace could tell he was losing his patients with these questions and sighed, "Why are you so interested? Usually ponies run in fear or hate that I'm even living in Ponyville... and the ponies that do show any interest are usually just curious and don't really care..."

At first Lyra shown the first frown of the night, but a blush quickly covered her cheeks, which could also been slightly because of the alcohol, "I... like you..."

Trace froze unable to say anything to react. He just sat there staring into Lyra's eyes. So many things were running through his mind. He liked the idea of somepony taking a serious interest, but was worried what would happen if he really didn't like ponies? It was really starting to get hard to think. The alcohol was starting to ruin his judgment. Lyra looked as if she was trying to look through his eyes to read his mind. Trace sighed as he said, "I'm sorry, I just don't know if I can like ponies like that..."

"You don't know if you can? Or you don't want to know?" Lyra asked with a raised eyebrow, scooting just a tad bit closer to him.

Trace's face relaxed and at that moment deep sadness overcame him, "I really want to like ponies... it is just... the society I was raised in... It just feels like... it should be wrong..."

"Does it feel wrong to you?" she asked.

Trace fell quiet as if to think. He only shook his head no and when Lyra didn't say anything he turned to look at her; just as he did she replied, "Then, how about a date?"

Trace's heart seemed to speed up drastically. He managed to keep his breathing slow and steady, but it didn't make his heart slow down any. When he took too long to respond, Lyra whispered, "Just one date, if it doesn't work out, then it doesn't work out. We can just be friends, deal?"

Trace grunted lightly, it was getting harder and harder to come up with reasons to say no, especially with those large marble like golden eyes of hers. Trace noticed he was holding his breath and it escaped as he replied, "OK... one date..."

Lyra's face lightened as giddiness overtook her. Most likely since the alcohol was hitting the two of them like bricks; it was hitting Trace worse, since he had far less muscle than a pony would.

"What day is good for you?" chimed Lyra happily.

"I really should get some repair jobs done, but the day after tomorrow I am free for the afternoon. So, I will get showered and then we can have the date whenever." Trace gave a fake smile.

"Sounds great! I'll pick you up, where do you live?"

Trace froze for a moment remembering Equestria had a different gender role than he was used too. He didn't really care, though. He just smiled and nodded, "I live on the edge of town to the east."

"Oh? You mean where that abandoned house is?" asked a wide eyed Lyra.

"Actually, It's not all that abandoned anymore, I moved into it."

"Fantastic! Be ready by seven then, sound OK?" tilted Lyra's head with a grin.

Trace couldn't help but smile at the happy unicorn. She seemed genuinely happy to be going on a date with him. He found himself smiling back, but didn't know if it was from the alcohol. The brown eyed human was surprised at the anxiousness he felt for the upcoming date. A knot was forming in his stomach, unsure if this was wrong or not. She was of an entirely different species. Though, even back home, Trace cared not for a person's appearance. The one relationship he did manage to have, wasn't all that great. She left him as soon as she realized he had lied about being rich.

"Isn't this technically a date, since the first date usually consists of getting to know each other?" Trace grinned as his normal teasing personality kicked in.

Lyra blushed, and diverted her eyes to her hooves, that rested gently on the table in front of her, "I suppose… if you wanted to consider it a date?" She looked up to see his reaction.

Trace chuckled lightly, "It's a date then!"

Most of the night consisted of stories of Trace's home world. By the time it was getting around to midnight. Most of the drinks inebriating affects had diminished, leaving a tired and drained couple. They decided it best to call it a night and as they exited The Slinky Seduction. Lyra turned to Trace and asked, "Could... I walk you home? Seeing that it is a date and all..."

Trace paused a moment, silently giggling to himself as Lyra circled her hoof around on the ground. His smile faded as he asked, "Mares really are the dominant gender here, aren't they?"

Lyra was a little confused at the remark, "What... do you mean?"

"I just mean, I feel like a woman here. I didn't realize it until the past couple days, but ever since coming to Equestria; everypony has treated me like I would normally treat a lady."

Trace looked down to Lyra's confused face and decided he would need to explain, "You mentioned earlier that you had seen me dance with Rarity, correct?"

Lyra simply nodded as he continued, "OK, Now, usually in my world, the man would have led, and the man would have dipped the woman at the end of the dance. Here, I ended up being the one dipped."

Lyra's ears twitched in confusion, "So, what does that mean for us? I mean, should I treat you like I would another mare?"

"Personally, I find it to be a relief! I have never been one to care about gender roles, I only care about being myself." Trace said placing his hands in his pockets.

"I've never thought about it that way..." Lyra said in a serious tone, looking down to Trace's shoes, "I've always tended to try and woe stallions, and I was even a little worried tonight, since you weren't showing signs of interest."

A silent gust passed by the two, making them shiver. Trace spoke up, "Let's get going, we can still talk on the way."

She only nodded and the two headed toward Trace's home; which would probably be a good twenty minute walk. Trace didn't know why, but really didn't want the walk to end. He dearly enjoyed spending time with Rarity, Twilight and all of his new friends. However, his curiosity was burning to learn as much as he could about Lyra, "What signs were you looking for?"

Lyra seemed to think for a moment. Usually, the signs were just something that happened. Like itching a scratch, or laughing at something funny. She finally came up with an answer and looked up to the tall human, "I suppose nuzzling my cheek, or your tail swishing; I guess it is silly since you don't have a tail, but still."

"Please forgive me if I don't act like I am interested, I'm from another place and may not act the way you expect."

Trace noticed Lyra was smiling happily, with what seemed like a hopeful sparkle in her eyes, "You are interested?"

The question managed to stop him dead in his tracks. He sighed as he took honesty as his route, "I don't know if I am interested... I like you, but..."

Lyra's ears drooped as she looked down, "Oh..."

Trace noticed his home coming into view, and as they reached the porch, he stopped and turned to Lyra. Dropping down to a knee, he gently lifted her chin so they could be eye to eye, "But if you seriously like me; if I am not just some passing flame, because you are fascinated by me being human; then I am interested."

"I know we just met, but I do like you. I have seen you around town; I admit I find you fascinating, but that isn't the reason I spoke to you. Pinkie Pie tells me about how nice you are to everypony, even when they are mean to you. Everypony I speak with says the same. I wanted desperately to at least meet you. I have been watching from afar, and it took me a month just to introduce myself."

"A month?" Trace looked with a wide eyed expression, "I've only been here for two! Maybe two and a half, but still!"

"I know... to be honest... I feel like a stalker... I wanted to say hi, but just couldn't..." Lyra's ears laid flat against the back of her head, her body falling still.

Trace was left speechless and a chill ran up his back from the cooling night air. He could tell it was autumn and also could tell winter was probably rolling around the corner. He was starting to get cold, but so many questions were filling his mind, "Would... you like to continue this inside?"

A blush filled Lyra's cheeks as Trace led her inside. Closing the door behind her and throwing a log into the fire place. He was about to try and rub a stick against the log, before an aura encased it; pulling it from his grasp. Lyra stated faintly, "Allow me..."

Lyra easily spun the stick fiercely with her magic, making the log burst up in flame. Trace smiled before standing up, "Would you like a drink?"

"Please," stated Lyra as she jumped up onto Trace's couch, which shot out a little dust.

Trace couldn't help but laugh as he walked toward the kitchen, "Sorry about that, I still haven't got this place cleaned up. It was a little rougher than I thought."

Lyra couldn't reply before Trace disappeared. Moments passed before Trace returned with two glasses filled with a brown liquid resembling sweet tea. Using her magic, she took it from his grasp, taking a sip. Trace gently sat down next to her, trying not to stir up any more dust as he stated, "Why was it so hard to approach me? Were you just scared of me?"

"No!" Lyra immediately blurted out, "I was never scared of you!"

Trace couldn't help but not believe her, but her expression easily told him her words were true, "R-really? Not even a little bit?"

"I had heard that a strange creature had come to Equestria through some kind of portal. I was actually scared that I would be afraid of you the first time I met you, but... I wasn't... it was actually in the park. I saw you playing hoofball with Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Twilight; I watched the entire game and you thought you had hurt Applejack by tackling her too hard. You dropped the ball and ran so fast to her side. You literally looked terrified when you thought you had hurt her. That is the reason I wasn't scared of you. You are too kind to be scary!" Lyra panted after finishing her mini rant; shuffling on the cough and looking directly into Trace's eyes to further show she was being absolutely honest.

Trace could remember that day. He had honestly thought he had hurt Applejack. That was before he realized that earth ponies were about twice as strong as any human. Applejack was even stronger, from working so hard every year on her apple farm. He looked away with a faint blush on his cheeks. His eyes half lidded as he searched for something to say. As he was about to look over to Lyra, his lips were suddenly met by hers. She had sat down on her hind legs; her fore-legs wrapped around his neck as she feverishly kissed his lips. Before he could really decide to push her away, or return the kiss, it ended as suddenly as it had started. Panic was clearly painted on Lyra's face, "I'm sorry... I don't know what came over me... I just... needed to do that... please forgive me?"

Trace heard every word, but his mind still processed the kiss. Ever since Rarity had brought the subject up of if he could love a pony; he had imagined it would have been a lot like kissing a horse. Though, he had never actually kissed a horse, He imagined it would have been slobbery and a lot of flat teeth since they were herbivores. This kiss, however, seemed much like a human's did. Though, it did feel different, feeling the fur and all, but that just added to the experience. Overall, he was surprised at how much he liked it. Trace blinked when he noticed Lyra was staring down at the floor; tears slowly running down her face, to drip on the floor. Trace's heart was rapidly beating, unsure of how to react. His heart ached from seeing her in pain; he had to do something, "Don't cry... you just caught me off guard..."

Lyra didn't move, but words could be heard, "I shouldn't have done that..."

Trace chuckled, which made Lyra look up with confusion. Trace had a small grin as he said, "Want to know something?" Lyra nodded faintly, a few more tears falling down her cheeks, "I think I might like ponies."

All of a sudden, Lyra's heart felt like it was gonna leap up her throat; she forced herself to keep her calm as she desperately sought forgiveness, "So..., you forgive me?" she asked meekly.

Trace remained quiet for a moment; a faint blush appearing on his face, as he looked seriously at her, "Actually... I wouldn't mind... trying it again."

He could clearly see the hurt vanish, and was replaced by a relieved, happy grin; Lyra moved slower this time, placing her hooves back around Trace's neck. Trace turned to provide better access for her, his lips made half the trip before they connected with hers. Lyra seemed to hesitate, as her tongue gently asked for permission; Trace didn't refuse her offer, and the pink velvety tongue twirled with his. He could tell she was curiously searching his mouth. He did the same, licking the roof of her mouth. Trace couldn't help but wonder if the lingering effects of the alcohol was affecting his judgment; but at the moment, couldn't really care. It was getting to be a cold night, and the lips against his were warm; not to mention the deeper the kiss became, the closer Lyra's body pressed against his. It seemed like forever before Lyra pulled away; her breathing labored, and a glistening string of saliva connecting their lips. I took a moment before Trace could say anything, "You convinced me, I really do like ponies!"

Lyra giggled as her blush thickened, "We could... continue... if you like?"

"I like you... I really do... but liking ponies, and becoming intimate... I just need some time..." Trace said as he pulled out from under Lyra, sitting back up on the couch, "I'm sorry..."

"No... I understand, it's a little too soon anyway," replied Lyra with a smile that showed she wasn't sure if she was ready to go that far either.

Trace raised his shaky nervous hand, as he raised it up to run his fingers through her mane. She only looked into his eyes, doing nothing to show any objection. A happy sigh escaped her as his fingers made contact, running down her neck, being careful not to catch in any knots.

BANG! Both of them jumped as a branch slapped up against a window. A whistling could be heard from outside. "Maybe... you should stay the night..." Trace paused to look at the clock he had over the fireplace, "It's like two in the morning anyway..."

"If you really don't mind?" Lyra stated, embarrassment preventing her from looking directly at him.

"I will get some blankets. It is probably smarter for us both to be in the living room. The rest of the house is a little cold when I haven't had the fireplace running long enough." Trace got up and left the room.

Lyra couldn't help the happiness that filled her. She finally brought up the courage to speak with him, even going so far as to kiss him. Now even getting to stay the night with him; she couldn't believe it. Trace was shivering by the time her returned. Several pillows and blankets neatly folded in his arms. They all fell into a heap as he just let them drop to the floor. The human tried desperately to hide his shivering as he tried to lay out the blankets.

Lyra giggled before pulling all the blankets and pillows from his grasp with magic. Everything fell into place and she crawled under the blanket saying, "Poor thing, let's get warmed up."

Trace complied, lifting up the blanket before slipping under. He blushed as Lyra moved closer until her side was pressed against his underbelly. He was laying on his side toward her and the fire place. He was about to wrap his arms around her but paused. He could hear Lyra swallow as she whispered, "I don't mind, you can wrap your arms around me."

Trace gave his own blush, but only nodded as he wrapped his arm around her, snuggling close for warmth. Long before either could even begin worrying about falling asleep, the warmth and comfort of being against one another lulled them to sleep.