Note: So I know this is going a little of trail with what I had in mind for 'The Rider' and Belle and what she has with Neil, but this idea kept bugging me in the head.

In love with Christina Aguilera's cover of I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston, and I finally found an outlet to write it in.

The Big Apple

Neil landed a big modelling opportunity in New York.

Belle couldn't be more happier for Neil like everyone else, and this was the dream of a lifetime for him.

At the same time, she felt empty at the thought of Neil not being at the school. He was a year older than her, and he was going to graduate soon. He was going to leave the school anyways, right?

But the modelling job made him leaving that much sooner.

Neil taught her to believe in herself. To be proud to be related to Bellerophon despite how his story ended and made her more confident in riding competitions. He made her see to go to the Olympics. Without him, she'd still be that unsure girl.

Surely, they'd keep in touch, right? There was the PMR, emails, and the phone.

As she walked to the kitchen to get a glass of water, she saw Herry and Odie chatting. Despite Neil not doing much fighting wise and that he complained at the drop of a hat, even they were going to miss him.

Though Belle knew she was going to miss him the most.

She helped him get his luggage out of the car at the airport.

"The Big Apple will love you there," Belle began. "I know you're going to do amazing."

"Thanks…" Neil rubbed his hand against his neck.

Their arms wrapped around each other for a hug. Belle gently squeezed her arms around Neil. Who knows when she was going to see him again.

"I'll try and come by to visit," she said. "Pegasus can fly me there."

They both chuckled.

"I'll call you the moment I land in New York," he replied.

There was so much unsaid, but now didn't feel like the right moment to let it all out. They just knew that their story wasn't over yet. Maybe there was something in store for both of them in New York.

"Bye…"

The first few steps he took into the airport were the hardest to see.

Don't make me close one more door
I don't want it all anymore
Stay in my arms if you dare
Or must I imagine you there
Don't walk away from me
I have nothing, nothing, nothing
If I don't have you

It was Friday night, so it was perfect to go to New York.

Belle was used to long flight rides with Pegasus. Aside from transportation, they were a dynamic duo in combat.

She told the Gods that she'd be back before classes on Monday, hence why she left Friday night.

New York City was the furthest they both have ever flown to, so she was going to give Pegasus extra treats when they arrived.

Theresa and Atlanta embraced her, praying for a safe journey for her.

As Pegasus and her were in the air, she wondered what Neil was doing at this moment. The last PMR message she texted him said that she may come to New York this weekend.

She didn't have any experience in the boyfriend department. She liked a few guys here and there back in her hometown before coming to New Olympia, but with Neil, it was different.

They saved their lives time and time again on the field.

If Neil were anywhere else in the world, she'd be there.

It was a long few hours, but they made it to New York. She looked at the address Neil gave her. They were on the roof of his apartment, and she tried to find the window of his room.

Fifth floor, second to last window…

A smile was on her face as she saw his golden hair. Yes, this was him.

She knocked on the window. Turning, he saw it was her and opened the windows up for her to come in.

She must have been forceful, since they found themselves on the floor.

She laughed, arms around him. "Did I hurt you?"

"We fight mythical creatures on a daily basis, I think I can handle you…" he said, out of breath from laughing. He looked out the window, smile gone. "And I can handle him."

Atlanta and Theresa, being distant cousins, were great gal pals to lean on. Pegasus also had Belle's back as well.

Lasers could come out of the winged horse's eyes.

"It's okay, Pegasus," she reached for an apple treat in her bag, not forgetting her promise. "I'll be alright."

Pegasus smiled at the treats and nuzzled his owner. He gave one last look at Neil and flew away.

She closed the window.

"He's never going to like me, isn't he?"

She turned. "He'll come around, give him time. He was meant to protect Bellerophon and me."

"Yeah, well he's got the protecting part down right." Neil remembering how Pegasus almost stomped on his feet with his hooves. On purpose.

It had been weeks since they last saw each other, and she went in for another embrace.

Since it had been a long journey from New Olympia, it was a good idea to wash up and change for bed.

Neil offered his bed and he took the couch, but since she was a guest, it was best if she took the couch.

As she wind down for the evening, Neil turned to look at her. "I'm glad you're here with me."

She smiled. "I'm glad, too."