Ever Growing Friendship

Written By: Thunder-Dasher

Edited By: Bytestorm

Wintery Embrace

A lot happened over the following nine days. Ever since Fluttershy joined their herd, either Lyra or Trace made time daily to visit her. Sadly, though, they haven't had the chance to visit together. Tomorrow's date would be the first time that all three of them would get to spend time together. Even though Trace finished his grueling workload for the day, he still had one more place to go before making his way home; Twilight's library. While it was still fairly fresh on his mind, he wanted to ask her about mare heat cycles, so he could prepare for the Spring. Lyra had explained that mares have their estrus cycles roughly twice a year, usually around the same time each year; Autumn and Spring.

Trace looked up to the sky to notice the skies being filled with clouds by Pegasi. The parts of the starry night he could still see were faintly lit from the setting sun. This gave the sky a pastel of purple and blues, along with the ever-present rainbow that would dart across the sky, adding to the darkening cloud ceiling of Ponyville. As Trace walked, he tried to see if he could follow the rainbow, knowing just whom it belonged. His gazing came to a halt as he realized he was already at his destination. He looked back up to the sky, unable to see the rainbow any longer; he also noticed that the sky was pretty much hidden from view. Trace approached to the library door, swiftly knocking on it quickly with his chilled hands, so he could return them to the relevant warmth of his pants as quickly as possible. It was not too long after the knock that the door opened to a lavender mare, who quickly smiled once she noticed who it was, "Trace! Come inside, out of the cold!"

Eager to comply, Trace quickly stepped in and sighed in relief. The warmth that permeated the old tree sought to infuse him within its comforting hold. Twilight left his side in somewhat of a prance, as she headed over to the table that sat in the middle of the main room; levitating a pot and tipping it over, pouring out a liquid that looked of hot tea into a porcelain cup. The cup then levitated over to him, wrapped in a glow that was a shade lighter than the unicorn. Trace caught the cup by the handle, graciously accepting the warm liquid.

"I told you that you could take winter off from your studies for the holidays. Or are you wanting a book to read?" smiled Twilight, tilting her head in a fashion that made Trace instantly think of Lyra, making red leak onto his cheeks for a moment.

"Actually, I had almost forgot that I wanted to ask about ponies heat cycles, and if they had any effect on other species. I'm not sure, but whenever Lyra was in heat, I felt... different... I'm not exactly sure how to explain it other than that..."

"Hmm..." Twilight lowered her head, her eyes seemingly reading the floor as if it held mysterious words only she could see. Twilight tapped her chin as she looked back up to the tall human, "Did you happen to have heat flashes?"

"Heat flashes?" Trace gazed up to the ceiling, trying to remember exactly what he felt that week, "Actually, now that you mention it; I did recall getting really hot, even when it was freezing in the house..."

"Good, good, how about your... erm..." Twilight paused, a pink color crossing her cheeks, "Your performance, was it… enhanced?"

"Yeah! I mentioned to Lyra that I had a lot more endurance, I know one day I thought I was going to pass out from-"

"T-too... much information..." Twilight interrupted, averting her eyes and taking a few steps back.

"S-sorry..." Trace was the one to blush this time as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Anyway, to answer your question; usually when it comes to other species, it's not whether or not they are affected by heat; it's more along the lines of how much." Twilight's cheeks were still a little red, but at least she was slowly regaining her composure enough to look Trace in the eye again.

"Oh, I see... That helps a lot!" Trace chuckled, a smile forming, "I'm sorry for not staying to chat, but now that I know what I came for, I really had a long day and would like to get home... Thanks Twi, for your help. I really appreciate it!"

Twilight's features softened as she gave a soft giggle, "Anytime, Trace! I'm glad to be of at least a little bit of help. Tell Lyra I said hi."

"Will do!" Trace shot her another smile as he turned for the door.

He had just opened the door, when he noticed a butter-colored pegasus sitting on the other side, stuck in mid-knock, "Fluttershy?"

When Fluttershy realized who was speaking to her, her gaze shot up to meet his. Fluttershy had just come to return a book to the library. She borrowed the book long before Twilight had even come to Ponyville. It was very enlightening on the various mythical animals that used to be present in Equestria. Just as she went to knock on the door, it opened to reveal Trace attempting to leave. Bewilderment shot across her features, her wings extended, and a red glow formed on her yellow cheeks, "T-trace!? What... w-what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same question." Trace chuckled, as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly with his left hand.

She was somewhat startled by his question, and hesitantly stepped back, "I-I... I borrowed a book... and I..." Fluttershy fell silent, taking another step back, and hiding half her face behind her hair.

"It's okay Shy, I didn't mean to pry. If it is hard to say, you don't need to tell me. Even if you are in a relationship with Lyra and me, everyone needs parts of their lives they keep to only themselves. So if you aren't comfortable in telling me, I understand." Trace smiled as he bent down on one knee to meet her eye to eye, "I will see you later, Shy! I am going home to rest; I can't wait to see what you have planned for our first date tomorrow!"

A blush graced her cheeks, and her shivering from the cold halted for the moment. Trace ignored the shock on her face as he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek and whispered, "See you tomorrow." and with that, Trace took his leave.

Fluttershy turned and watched as Trace left, only able to see his back. A pale pink still clearly visible on her face, and her eyes stayed wide. She swallowed; even though she was still standing outside in the snow, her entire body was searing with heat. Her heart raced, puttering rapidly against her chest and her body felt weak. Her wings spread slightly and her mouth felt dry, her mind drew a complete blank except for one thing, 'T-trace...'

"Fluttershy, why don't you come inside? You are letting all the heat out." Twilight said in a kind tone as she placed a hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder.

Jumping at the sudden touch, Fluttershy looked at her right hoof. She took notice she had been touching the place where Trace had kissed. Fluttershy stole one more glance in Trace's direction even though he was gone from her sight, before turning to enter the library. Moving as slowly as she possibly could to keep her gaze in his direction.

"You have it pretty bad, don't you Fluttershy?" giggled Twilight, closing the door behind them.

"W-what do you mean... Twilight?" replied Fluttershy, Twilight's question throwing her off.

"You are utterly in love with him, aren't you?" Twilight eyed the frail Fluttershy as if she was a science experiment, about to give her some kind of ground breaking results.

Not really knowing how to react to that, Fluttershy fell silent, hiding her face in her hair. Pulling out the book she had borrowed from her saddle-bag, speaking only barely over a whisper, "H-here... I borrowed this from the librarian before you..." Twilight eagerly took the book in her magic and Fluttershy quickly turned to leave, not wanting to be embarrassed any more today. Just speaking about Trace had sent her on an emotional roller coaster.

"Wait Fluttershy! May I ask what this book was about? The cover doesn't have a title..."

At the moment, Fluttershy wanted nothing more than to get back to her cottage and prepare for her date with Lyra and Trace, but hesitantly turned to face Twilight. Fluttershy took notice of the eager look on Twilight's face, she hesitated before replying, "When I borrowed this from the librarian before you... Sh... she said I could keep it as long as I wanted... and I kind of forgotten about it until now..."

"Really?! What was it about?" Twilight's eyes went wide with utter interest at the prospect of a book she has never read before, her mouth turning up into a half smile. She looked as if at any moment it would burst into a full blown smile that would even make Pinkie Pie worried.

"You know my special talent is animals, but I also have a hobby of the history of various historic creatures... I didn't even read this book until last week, but..." Fluttershy fell silent, looking from the floor to Twilight, the correct words she was looking for coming to a blank.

"But…?" Twilight asked, as her tail twitched spasmodically in anticipation.

"Did you know... there used to be humans here... a long time ago, long before Celestia?" Fluttershy asked, keeping her nose pointed to the floor, but her eyes glancing up to Twilight; her hoof scratching at the wood flooring.

Twilight suddenly blinked, her eyes staying as wide as before, her grin vanishing as confusion crossed her features, "W-what? But other than Trace, there hasn't even been anything like a human in Equestria!"

"W-well... according to this book... there was..." Fluttershy stuttered, looking to the book as a small smile on her face; the satisfaction of knowing something even the studious Twilight did not, hidden in that grin.

Looking down at the book that now lay at her forehooves, Twilight murmured, "I will definitely have to give this book a read..."

"If... if you don't mind... I really want to get home and prepare for my..." a swell of warmth overcame Fluttershy's features as she continued, "date, tomorrow..."

"Uh-huh… Okay. I don't mind, I'm just going to read this. You'll tell me how it goes won't you?" Twilight asked, her attention mainly on the book as she quickly opened it, already starting on the first page.

Fluttershy nodded as she turned away, towards the door, "If I don't see you before the Hearths Warming Eve party, I will tell you then."

"Okay, see you Fluttershy." Twilight waved a hoof, not really catching anything else she said; she was already engrossed in her book. Reality around her becoming mute as her focus was given completely to reading.

Without another word, Fluttershy took her leave. As soon as she was out of the library, her mind instantly returned to Trace, 'I will have everything ready by tomorrow. I just hope they will like what I have planned...'

At Trace's home, on the eastern outskirts of Ponyville;

Giving an audible sigh, Lyra didn't notice the door open and close. She sat in front of the fire, half asleep, with her head on her hooves. Her eyes remained focused on the flickering of the fire, but her mind stayed on a certain, butter-colored pegasus, 'Trace is supposed to be the one getting closer to Fluttershy... so why can't I stop thinking about her?'

"Lyra, I'm home!" Trace called in a chipper tone as he shed his jacket onto the coat rack, before sitting down with his legs crossed. Tossing his gloves to his side and holding his hands out to the fire, a smile formed as he asked, "How has your day been?"

When no reply came, Trace looked over to notice her eyes were distant, and she seemed to be deep in thought about something. His brow furrowed in worry as he placed a hand on her shoulder, "Lyra, what's wrong?"

The hand on her shoulder made her jump. Lyra's face softened from her surprised state when she realized who the hand belonged too, "OH! Welcome home, Trace; I didn't hear you come in."

Trace's worry clearly shown on his face, which made Lyra frown and lower her eyes to her hooves, "I'm... okay really..." She tried to look up at him, but when she did, her eyes clenched closed. She was unable to lie, and still look him in the eye.

"I know we have only been going out for like a month and a half, but you have pretty much been living here. I've come to know when something is bothering you... So, what is it?"

Managing to finally look him in the eye, Lyra's forced smile turned into a frown as she sighed in defeat, "To be honest, I didn't really care if a third ever joined our herd..."

"A-are you regretting letting Fluttershy join?" Trace frowned; his heart dropped at the mere thought of losing Fluttershy.

"Actually, quite the opposite!" Lyra looked up, sheer sincerity on her face, "I originally didn't have any true interest in Fluttershy... My main goal was to push you and her together, so you wouldn't be too lonely without me when I went off with the Royal Euphony in the summer… but..."

"You're in love with her too, aren't you?" grinned Trace. It felt as if his heart began beating once more, recovering from the shock from before.

Unable to hide it any longer, Lyra blushed as she tried to turn her head, along with her gaze, away from Trace, "Y-yeah... I can't help but feeling guilty either... I wanted her to be close to you and now I fear she is going to grow closer to me, than she is to you... Now I'm afraid that I will be leaving you both lonely when I leave..."

Up until now he had a smile on his face, since he realized Lyra loved Fluttershy too. Even though he couldn't see Lyra's face at the moment, his sense of happiness immediately vanished when he noticed the tears falling to the floor under her. He realized how much his and Fluttershy's happiness meant to her. As he scooted closer, he wrapped his arms snugly around her, and pulled her into a tight embrace, "Lyra.., you don't need to be so worried... I love you, and I'm sure we can both love Fluttershy. Sure, both Shy and I will miss you, but we will love each other just as much as we love you! So... please don't cry..."

"Oh, Trace!" Lyra pulled away briefly, only to turn and throw her forehooves around Trace's neck, to sob into his shoulder, darkening his blue shirt with tears, "I don't want to leave you both alone… but... I don't want to give up my job either... what should I do?"

At the moment, he was glad she hugged him like she did, so she couldn't see his face. He wasn't quite sure yet, but he felt like seeing Lyra like this would make him cry too. Trace managed to contain himself, his voice staying surprisingly calm, "You've told me so much about your job, about your employer Melodic Whistle and the Royal Euphony. You become so excited every time you get a new piece of sheet music. I won't allow you to give up your dream for playing for Celestia herself, or to get the chance to become the best musician in Equestria... I will wait patiently for you, and I really believe Fluttershy would do the same... If it helps, maybe we can come see one of your shows."

Slowly pulling away, using a hoof to wipe a tear away, Lyra nuzzled Trace's cheek, "I'm sorry for breaking down... It's just been on my mind a lot lately... and I just couldn't seem to hold it in any longer..."

Trace pulled away as he lifted Lyra's chin with his finger, "Don't you ever hold anything in, okay? I won't think any less of you, and my shoulder is always here to cry on..."

A giggle escaped Lyra as she wiped another tear away before lightly hitting Trace in the arm, "When did you get so cheesy?"

"What can I say? I'm a hopeless romantic!" Trace snickered, giving her a soft smile.

Lyra giggled again, wrapping her forehooves back around Trace's shoulders, "I wouldn't say hopeless." She moved her head forward until her lips met Trace's. Not really the most passionate kiss they ever had, but definitely one of the more sensual ones.

Knock! Knock! Knock! Suddenly being startled, they pulled apart. Trace pulled from Lyra's embrace, murmuring mostly to himself, "Wonder who that could be?"

The minty unicorn made sure her face was clear of any remaining tears, but feared that the signs of crying lingered on her face. Lyra tried to put the happiest smile she could muster on, as Trace pulled open the door. Lyra and Trace both blinked in surprise when they both said, "Fluttershy!?"

"H-hi T-Trace... L-Lyra... C-c-can I c-come i-in?" Fluttershy's teeth jittered together, her wings clenching around her torso for warmth. A faint red hue crossed her face, most likely from enduring the cold. Trace and Lyra both knew Pegasi were resistant to the cold, but Fluttershy usually remained on the ground, and hadn't acquired the same durability as most Pegasi would by flying up high in the sky.

"Of course!" Trace said first, stepping out of the way to let the shivering yellow Pegasus in.

Trace didn't hesitate to pull his jacket off the rack and drape it over Fluttershy's back. Walking with her over to the fire where he sat down on her right and Lyra joined them on Fluttershy's left. Fluttershy blushed when she felt Lyra cuddle up to her side. Trace took notice and decided to join them, uncrossing his legs to somewhat lean on Fluttershy, making especially sure not to place too much weight on her; mostly draping his torso over Fluttershy to warm her up. Trace kept his eye on Fluttershy, starting to notice her shivering was slowing and her muscles starting to relax, even her wings softened and hung loosely at her sides. Both Trace and Lyra could hear a little contented sigh escape Fluttershy as she lowered her head slightly.

"Mind if we ask why you are here? It is too cold out there for you be out!" Lyra had a clear distress in her voice and her expression. Which brought the warmth back again into Trace's chest. Lyra really did love Fluttershy; and he was glad too, since he was also falling for her.

"I finished... with the preparations for our date and didn't know what to do with myself... Angel told me I should come see you two..." Fluttershy replied in a shaky voice, still slightly shivering, but overall she was regaining her warmth.

"What about Angel's sister and the babies? Can you leave them alone?" asked Trace, lifting himself up slightly in hopes to see Fluttershy's expression, but failed to see her face.

"It's okay, I set out enough food for them and the mother knows how to take care of them. They will be okay until morning." Fluttershy stated in a low and calmed voice, finally ceasing her shivering.

"So, I take it you are staying the night?" a small smile formed on Trace's mouth.

The butter pegasus froze as her ears flickered and her head lifted slightly, "I-if you both... don't mind... I was hoping..." Fluttershy brought out her right hoof from under her, gently drawing circles on the floor.

Trace looked to Lyra to notice she also had a smile on her face, she answered before he had the chance, "Yeah, we would love for you to stay the night! But... would that really be okay... since we haven't had the first date?" Lyra looked up to Trace, to see his reaction.

"I-I can go h-home... if you two think it is better, but..." Fluttershy lowered her head in disappointment; if Lyra and Trace weren't still laying on her, she would have gotten up to leave.

"Personally, I don't see the problem. I mean... Lyra and me... we haven't been like others... we had our first and second date and then we had our first time and she pretty much moved in. So, if it is okay with Lyra, I don't mind you staying the night. Plus, I'm not letting her go back out in the cold, tonight!" it was now Trace's turn to look to Lyra and gauge her reaction. Neither had yet been able to see Fluttershy's face, but if they had, they would have seen the hopeful look on her expression.

A sudden giggle escaped Lyra as she replied, "I'm fine with that! I just didn't want things to become awkward."

"C-can I really stay?" Fluttershy turned her head towards Trace, allowing him to be able to see the tip of her snout from around her mass of pink hair.

"Of course you can! Though I'm not entirely sure if my bed is big enough for us. I custom made it for my height, but it barely fits two..." Admitted Trace, trying to figure this out, "We could maybe sleep in the living room..."

"Oof..." Lyra and Trace both fell as Fluttershy suddenly used a surprising amount of strength to pull away and hover into the air, landing behind them; Trace's jacket falling to the floor, before they fell.

They both got up to turn around and look at Fluttershy, an apparent crimson on her face, "Y-you two... c-can sleep in your bed... I can sleep on the couch... I don't mind at all!"

"It's okay, really! We don't mind! Plus, won't you get cold in the middle of the night? Sure, we have plenty of blankets for you, but wouldn't it be better for you to sleep with us?" Trace had concern on his face, he knew the fire kept the place warm, but he couldn't imagine sleeping in this house without somebody beside him. Since Lyra and he got together, he only slept in the house alone a few times and every time it seemed like an icy blizzard.

"I-I d-don't... want too... k-kick you out... of your bed..." Fluttershy mentally kicked herself, unable to control her stuttering, her face becoming flustered and she backed up until her rump collided with the sofa.

Getting up from her spot, Lyra walked over and sat a mere couple inches away from Fluttershy, nuzzling her cheek to Fluttershy's, "We really don't mind, but if you are going to be uncomfortable sleeping with us right now, we can let you sleep in the living room?"

Silence fell as Fluttershy's face softened. She was definitely considering the proposition of sleeping with her herd mates. Lyra pulled back, allowing the pegasus time to think. She returned to the fire, where she nosed her way under Trace's arm and into his embrace. Fluttershy kept her nose pointed down, but her eyes pointed upwards toward the two, envy on her face, 'T-that looks comfortable... I-I want to join them... I really do.., but I don't want to upset them by crossing the line too soon...'

They both could tell she was having trouble deciding, so Trace decided to get up and see what he could make for a snack. Lyra probably ate already, and he had warned her ahead of time he was having dinner at a diner. He was exhausted and wanted to go to bed, but food would give Fluttershy time to decide before hitting the hay. Lyra wanted to follow, but decided to stay back with Fluttershy, as she wanted to use the time to speak with her. When she was satisfied with Trace's distance in the kitchen, she proceeded barely over a whisper, "Fluttershy? You want to know a secret?"

Fluttershy's eyes slowly lifted to look at Lyra and she simply replied with a nod. Lyra looked toward the kitchen before stepping in closer, "Trace and I... We were just talking about you before you came by."

"R-really?!" Fluttershy voice raised and her ears turned forward, even her mane seemed to become lighter than air for a brief moment. She instantly realized her outburst, and her ears shot back against the back of her head as she lowered her head, looking to see if Trace had heard.

When Trace didn't show any signs of hearing them, Lyra continued in the same low voice, "Yeah, we were talking about our feelings about you. Let's just say, don't you worry about us liking you, we both..." Lyra froze, losing the courage to actually admit her feelings to Fluttershy just yet.

"Y-you both?" Even Fluttershy couldn't help the eagerness in her voice. It was true that Trace was the one she originally had the crush on, but over the past week and a half, she had grown fond of having Lyra around her cottage. Lyra even went so far as to help with feeding the animals.

A blush crept its way onto Lyra's features, she wanted to just blurt it out, but her teeth all of a sudden felt hollow and her lips refused to part even for a second. Lyra and Fluttershy jumped when they heard Trace's voice in the doorway, "I know most pegasi like fish, but do you, Shy?"

"Yeah..." Fluttershy nodded as she looked from Lyra to Trace and back again, to see Lyra blushing and averting her gaze away from Trace. Trace took notice, but decided to try and not interrupt them, thinking they were talking about something private.

Trace left the two and went back into the kitchen, and closed the kitchen door to give them some privacy. He had some breaded fish that were cooked yesterday, so all he needed to do was pop them into the microwave; which he was deeply surprised they even had the technology for one.

Making sure Trace was gone once more, Fluttershy lowered her head to try and meet Lyra's eyes, "Lyra... I don't like to pry... but this means a lot to me... c-can you please... please tell me what you were about to say?" Fluttershy attempted to seal the deal by nuzzling her cheek to the blushing unicorn.

The minty unicorn sighed, which made Fluttershy pull back. Lyra looked to the kitchen once more to hear the buttons on the microwave being pushed. Lyra turned her head to lock her eyes with Fluttershy's once more. She got up from her sitting position to take another step forward and sat right back down. They were so close that she had to sit with her forehooves on the inside of Fluttershy's hind legs that lay with her own forehooves between them. Fluttershy turned her head expecting Lyra to whisper something else in her ear, but before she got her head fully turned, her chin was caught with a hoof, and she was forced to look at Lyra once more. Fluttershy's eyes went wide as a pair of lips connected with hers, into a delicate and sensual kiss. Just as suddenly as it began, Lyra pulled away; her bottom lip curling up and she began biting on it, she released as she spoke, "We both are falling... for you Fluttershy... I didn't expect to fall in love with you... I really wanted you mainly for Trace... I've felt really guilty since I started visiting you... I can't get enough of you and I am afraid of stealing most of your love from Trace..."

A frown made its way onto Lyra's face as she noticed Fluttershy fidgeting and looking to her hooves. Tears started to well up in Lyra's eyes as she backed away a few steps, "I'm sorry... I should have known you were mainly in the herd for Trace, you probably don't even like mares anyw... mmfph-"

Lyra was instantly silenced as a yellow blur jolted forward, a pair of lips being connected with hers. It barely lasted a moment, as the sheer speed Fluttershy had shot forward, accidentally sent Lyra onto her back. Trying to catch her fall, Lyra grabbed onto the only thing she could, Fluttershy's hooves. They both blinked when they realized the position they were in. Lyra was on her back, looking straight up into Fluttershy's eyes. Pink hues slowly formed on both of their faces, but neither dared look away. Lyra's heart jumped up into her throat as she leaned her head up to connect her lips with Fluttershy's, but instead of Fluttershy pulling away like she expected, the pegasus reciprocated the kiss. Lyra could tell that Fluttershy was still a bit hesitant, and Fluttershy's wings were shaking while slightly extended. The longer the kiss lasted, the calmer Fluttershy became, and the deeper and more passionate the kiss developed. Lyra wasn't one to complain and decided it best to let Fluttershy decide how far she wanted to go.

Suddenly, feeling a tongue at the gate that was her lips, Lyra parted them to allow the pegasus access. She couldn't help the tiny moan as the tongue shakily ventured into her mouth. She was becoming more excited than she had realized. At the moment, Fluttershy felt as if her body was growing increasingly heavy and allowed herself to gently fall on top of Lyra, their soft underbellies pressed firmly together. Lyra didn't miss the chance to wrap her hooves around Fluttershy's body, slipping them around her torso between Fluttershy's wings and shoulder blades. Lyra's kissing halted as her mind realized Trace was still in the kitchen. She removed her hooves and her right forehoof pressed against Fluttershy's chest to stop the kissing. At the hoof, Fluttershy blushed and averted her eyes, "I-I'm sorry... am... I doing it wrong?"

Lyra just couldn't stand how cute Fluttershy was acting right now, she giggled, her face red from the heat of the moment as she slightly panted to catch her breath, "It's just... Trace is in the kitchen... It isn't fair that he is alone... while we are-" Lyra aimed her gaze toward the door.

Realizing she never heard the alarm to the microwave go off, she slowly pressed a little harder on Fluttershy to get her to get off. Quickly obeying the gesture, Fluttershy got off to quickly follow Lyra into the kitchen. They both looked in surprise to see Trace sitting at the table, his head in his arms and a faint snoring emanating as his back slowly rose and sank with his breathing. About a half plate of leftover fish sticks lay about a foot in front of him, on the table.

"Oh my!" Fluttershy exclaimed, "How long were we... you know?"

"Poor thing... He must have been more tired than I thought... I told him not to do so many jobs today, but he said he wanted as many bits as possible for the holidays..." Lyra said in barely over a whisper, looking over to Fluttershy.

"We... we should wake him... he will get a cold in here..." Fluttershy said with concern as she hovered over to him to gently shake his shoulder.

Something of a grunt came from Trace as he forced himself to sit up. He rubbed his forehead before looking to Fluttershy, "S-sorry... I must've fallen asleep..."

"How about we all go to bed?" Lyra offered before pausing, "D-did you want to sleep... with us Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy couldn't help the blush that crossed her expression as she gently nodded. A sleepy Trace yawned as he rubbed his eyes, "What changed your mind?"

Looking to one another, both Lyra and Fluttershy had a faint blush before Lyra spoke up on Fluttershy's behalf, "I managed to convince her..."

And with that, Fluttershy averted her gaze and her blush increasing with ferocity. Trace blinked at the two mares, confused at their expressions and the way they were currently acting. His mind ached from the lack of sleep and decided to dismiss it. The calling of his bed being too much to turn down, "Let's go see if we all fit, shall we?"

The two mares nodded as they followed their stallion to the bedroom. Trace had left the door open to let the heat in and the room was nice and toasty. Trace abandoned his shoes and socks at the door, about to remove his pants like he normally done, looking to Fluttershy with faint embarrassment. Fluttershy immediately took notice and averted her eyes, "I-I will just look the other way... I-if you want..."

Even though he was still slightly embarrassed, Trace replied, "I-I don't mind... You will have to see me... naked sooner or later." Trace gave a weak chuckle, placing his thumbs in the rim of his tan pants.

Fluttershy nodded, still keeping her head slightly averted, but when Trace started to remove his pants, he could still see Fluttershy looking at him through the corners of her eyes. He quickly threw off his pants and pulled on some red silky pajama bottoms that Rarity had made him. Once done, Trace lifted up the blankets and crawled in, patting the bed while keeping the covers raised to welcome his two mares. Lyra didn't waste any time jumping up and stepping over Trace to snuggle up to his left side. Trace turned his attention to Fluttershy to pat the bed again, "Come on Shy, we won't bite."

Averting her gaze to the floor for a moment, Fluttershy stepped forward, placing her forehooves on the bed before using her wings to aid her jump onto the bed. They all shuffled to try and fit on the bed, but even with Trace on his side, Lyra and Fluttershy were near the edges. A giggle escaped Lyra as she spoke up, "I'm not sure if this is going to work. Are you even comfortable like that, Trace?"

In a desperate attempt to make it work somehow, Trace squirmed to adjust himself, but ultimately sighed in defeat, "I will have to get a bigger bed. In the meantime... you girls want to just sleep in the living room?"

"I wouldn't want you both to be uncomfortable; I will just sleep in the living room..." Fluttershy stated with disappointment in her voice and quickly jumped from the bed and hovered of to the door.

"Hold on Fluttershy!" Lyra called out, also jumping out from under the covers, "Trace and I have slept in the living room on numerous occasions, it's even the place where Trace and I..." Lyra froze when she realized exactly what she was about to say, but swallowed when she thought, 'Fluttershy is in our herd now... It will be alright to say it...' Lyra built up her courage to look Fluttershy in the eye, "Where we had our first time together."

Looking over to Trace, Lyra noticed he had a faint red on his cheeks.

"Are you both sure? I don't want either of you to be uncomfortable!" Fluttershy shuffled her gaze back and forth between Trace and Lyra, hoping to see any signs that they were lying only because of her.

"We are totally sure, Shy! Isn't that right, Trace?" Lyra grinned as she looked over to Trace.

Giving a large yawn, Trace tried to hide it with his hand and nod his head in reply, "Mhmm..."

"Let's get going before our stallion falls asleep without us!" Lyra giggled, which made Fluttershy giggle in return.

"Okay, Okay, I'm coming!" Trace chuckled as he jumped out of bed, and opened the closet. He jumped out of the way as blankets flew from the closet, encased in Lyra's mint colored aura. Trace grinned, "How about some warning next time?"

Lyra stuck out her tongue at Trace before running from the room followed by the blankets in her aura. By the time Trace and Fluttershy made their way to the living room, Lyra already had the blankets on the floor and neatly placed with three pillows. Trace didn't hesitate to lie down; he was about ready to just pass out the instant his head hit the pillow. Trace yelped as he was encased in a minty aura and moved to the middle pillow. He shot Lyra a 'don't you ever do that again' glare, which he quickly dismissed when Lyra snuggled up to his left side. Trace followed her gaze over to Fluttershy, whom seemed to still need convincing.

Trying to put on his most sincere face, Trace spoke, "Shy, we want you to sleep with us, so please, won't you join us?"

With a final blush and a nibble to her lower lip, Fluttershy finally took the steps forward to join her herd mates. Trace lifted his right arm, where Fluttershy curled up at his side. She looked up to Trace's face before slowly lowering her head to his chest, trying to give him plenty of time to stop her if he didn't want her resting on him. He didn't stop her, and Lyra broke the silence, "Good night."

Fluttershy lifted up her head momentarily to look to Lyra, "Good night."

The two mares looked to Trace, waiting for his good night, but only thing that came was faint snoring. The two mares giggled, their eyes making their way from Trace to lock with each other. They blushed when the kiss from earlier came to mind. Lyra moved her head over Trace's torso; Fluttershy hesitated before doing the same, their lips connected gently at first before they locked in a kiss. Lyra broke away first as she stated once more, but in a lower and more loving tone, "Good night, Fluttershy."

"Good night, Lyra..." Fluttershy still had a faint pink on her cheeks and she couldn't believe how happy she was at the moment. All her life she thought her true place was on the ground and at her cottage, but at the moment couldn't care if she ever returned to the cottage. A pang of guilt was present, mainly for Angel's sister and her babies, but right now, she was just happy snuggling against Trace. Fluttershy moved up enough to kiss Trace on the cheek, "Good night, Trace."

Trace made some sort of incoherent murmurs as his arms squeezed at the mares under each of his arms. Fluttershy let out a sigh of content and she went to lower her head back to where she had it on Trace's chest. She paused a moment to notice Lyra's head was also there now, she hesitated, but lowered her head next to Lyra's; the other mare's cheek brushing up against her own.