Equestrian Heroes
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Naruto x ?
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Story Start
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During the demonstrations Naruto held only a pony here or there expressed their interest. As of yet there was not any who were willing to commit themselves to the lesson full time. He would still have to wait a few months for the dojo to be constructed before most of them would be willing to commit most likely.

On one hand the damages from the Ursa Major attack all those weeks ago had finally been completed. Even with the adjusted taxes the town treasury had taken a hit and trades were seeing a decline because of the bandit activity. Naruto was beginning to wonder if merely demonstrating in the park wouldn’t be enough, maybe there was another way. He could easily offer his services to protect caravans during the travel, earn a little money on the side, and establish a reputation.

It was going into the late afternoon by the time Naruto decided to stop the demonstration for the day. “Afternoon darling, I trust you are doing well?”

Naruto turned and took notice of Rarity in her gem hunting outfit. “Afternoon Rarity, is it gem hunting time already?”

“Yes, with the start of the fall season I am currently working out my designs and I am hoping to collect a few extra gems. If you would not mind I could use a little help if you are not busy with other matters.”

“Sure, I would be happy to help.” he replied.

It was early evening by the time they were in their usual spot. “Ah, I found another.” Silencing the magic glowing around her horn, Rarity indicated the spot where Naruto was to dig. Bit by bit he chipped away at the dirt, hollowing a small trench through the soft soil until he finally hit something hard.

A hint of green winked through the dirt. “Got one.”

Rarity lit her horn plucking the emerald from its nest, dusting it off with a finely haired brush before depositing it in her bag.
They continued their searching along the mountain path. As time went on Rarity’s bags got heavier, jingling with the cries of jewels, plucked from the ground as they were now confined in a new temporary home until they would be located to their new permanent home on some dress or other matter of design.

Sweat stuck Rarity’s usually bouncy mane against her scalp, and Naruto’s on facial fur glistening from the sheen. So swept up in jewel collecting their attention to the time was lost.

“This is one of our greatest hauls yet.” Rarity noted in delight as she couldn’t help but feel marvelous. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies and all other assorted gems.

“I’m always happy to help." he replied with a ginger smile. "Better I do something productive then demonstrations that aren’t drawing in more attention.” while not meaning to he couldn't help but sound a bit bitter at the fact that things weren't happening like he had hoped.

“Well, there is one pony who appreciates your teaching.” Rarity remarked as she playfully bumped her hip into the stallion;s side.

“Hold on there Rarity that’s way too much hip for you to be doing that.” He countered as Rarity made an abashed and exaggerated gasp.

“Why Naruto that isn’t very gentlecolty. Talking about a lady’s figure in such a way,” she continued the playful banter.

“You’re right my lady. Forgive this silver tongue devil for his transgressions.” He said as Rarity held her nose up as if she was looking down on him. A moment later she brought her head down and made her reply.

“Only if you will honor me buy joining me tonight for some evening cuisine I wish to personally hear from the source concerning some interesting rumors about town.”

“Aah gossip.” He nodded. “A lady doesn’t gossip!” He parroted Rarity the exact moment of her retort.

Rarity continued her mock stuffiness and pouted.“You truly can be incorrigible sometimes.”

At the pace they were carrying it would be night fall before they were back in town.

Night in Equestria was beautiful, if not slightly dangerous. It was common knowledge to nocturnal predators in Equestria that ponies taste delicious. But still Rarity appreciated the beauty of Princess Luna’s night. That was one of the many things to get used to transitioning the attributions of the night to the dark Alicorn princess.

Various creatures made a groans and moans that echoed throughout the night. At one time Rarity would have been plumb terrified, having only made it back to town after a late trip once and that scared her into making sure all her trips were right in early, but two things had changed that.

One, she was stronger now; her training inspired new found confidence in her as well as the ability to move quicker and carry heavier loads. The other was her companion who didn’t seem to have a cowardly bone in his body.

Arriving home the two of them enjoyed some vegetable soup. The evening being eaten up by chatter of the normalcy they had been experiencing. Being an early sleeper Rarity excused herself and offered Naruto his old bedroom to which he obliged.

It was obvious, both had something they wanted to speak to the other about, but neither was willing to make the first move. Sometimes one could not help but leave it for the next day.

And with that the both of them went to sleep, or so they thought.

Rarity couldn't sleep.

Her mattress wasn’t the problem. After all it was special ordered; the material was made of a substance that curved around the body, the softness of the material acting like a foam that memorized every inch of one’s body.

It was not from the noise either. This section of Ponyville was rather quiet at night.

It wasn’t from the temperature. Rarity’s streak for perfection extended in making sure everything was just right, so managing the temperature of her home was child’s play.

No, it was the stallion that was resting peacefully under her roof. Getting up Rarity grabbed the robe from the hook and slipped on her house shoes. A faint glow echoed from the tip of her horn as she made her way to the guest room. She arrived to Naruto’s room where the blond was sleeping peacefully.

Carefully Rarity sat down on the edge of the bed. She could make out the subtle exhales of the blond.

As her eyes traced the contours of his face something stood out about the blond.

That smile. That was what kept her awake along with the warmth that was always in his eyes.

Rarity knew she had to let go. That she was only lying to herself unless she was able to let go. If she was going to be happy for her friends.

She couldn’t be selfish.

Yet when she looked at that face thoughts came to mind. Intentions came to mind. That smile, the gesture was warm and welcoming.

It welcomed a kiss.

Rarity shook herself. How could she think of such a thing? It would be improper to make such a move.

She couldn’t help but still more glances. Naruto was handsome. He was a fighter. An athlete. His athleticism showed through his demeanor and abilities. And he was also wise. He had knowledge of things making him more than just a simple good looking brute. Wisdom in a youthful stallion was rather rare.

So what if he was short for an earth pony stallion?

So what if he didn’t come from a well-known or prominent family?

So what if he kept a lot of things to himself.

He was…he was…he was Naruto.

She caught herself with her face bare inches away from that of her crush. No it was more than a mere crush. She could not help herself.

What would it be like, to kiss her friend? Would it create a spark between them? Was she lying to herself? Was she unable to let go.
The answers eluded her, and only a kiss would find them.

The unicorn reached out with her hand, gently placing it on Naruto's shoulder as she shifted her body closer to the earth pony. She could feel the muscles beneath his shirt, earned by years of hard work no doubt.

Her other hand slowly slid up Naruto's shoulder area and made its way to his cheek. Rarity could feel her face burning; wondering if she would have the courage to do this.

This was foolish. If Naruto should wake, he would be curious why Rarity had been touching him.

Would he be furious?

Would he be shocked?

At the very least him being conscious for the kiss.

Should she wait until morning?

Would she be brave enough?

Rarity closed her eyes. While knowing how wrong the action she was going to partake in was, it would not be that harmful right?
Whether the kiss was good or bad she would have her answer and she would know how to approach tomorrow morning.

The warm air from Naruto's mouth tickled at her lips. She hesitated for a moment. Was this how she wanted her first kiss with Naruto to go?

Stolen in the middle of the night?

Without his permission?

To hide it away like some dirty little secret?

Suddenly from underneath her Naruto shifted. He reached out, his arms wrapping around her and the Unicorn nearly shrieked from fright. She suddenly found herself pulled down onto the blond as panicked coursed through her.

This was absolutely the worst possible thing. Should he wake up what would he think of her?

She held her breath; was he awake? A few moments later, the resumption of Naruto’s slow, steady breathing announced the answer. The warmth of his form radiated through her.

She tried to move only for him to pull her closer, bringing her face closer to his. Rarity’s face went a deep red.

She was in bed. With a stallion. In an intimate embrace. Oh she could imagine the scandalous tales if word got out. Sneaking into the room of an unattached stallion in the middle of the night. What other reason would a mare sneak into a stallion’s bedroom, but for one thing?

Suddenly her thoughts were shattered when the soft sensation of lips pressed against hers.

It was as if the air from Rarity’s lungs were pumped out. This kiss, this kiss was passionate and so very loving. It was as if she could see into how much love was in his heart.

Rarity blink as tears began to flow from her eyes. ‘Oh Naruto.’ What had she done? Was there even a way she could help Fluttershy now that she felt herself unable to keep herself in control of her own feelings.

“I love you Hinata.”

After the kiss his hold on her lapsed allowing her to sneak out of the room. Returning to her room Rarity sat on her bed trying to calm her beating heart and come to terms with what happened.

“Hinata? Who’s Hinata?” She silently wondered to herself.

It wouldn’t be until that morning that she would get her answer. No matter how nonchalant she was trying to ask Naruto could tell something was wrong. After dismissing the notion that something was wrong with her more than once Rarity insisted that they have a nice quiet breakfast before they went about their day.

As she stole glances at the blond she could see he was concerned. She knew that he knew something was bothering her and she was simply not talking. She had to do or say something to dispel this concern. “Forgive me if I am acting a little put out darling, I just have some things on my mind. It was nothing that you did wrong. In fact I am thankful we still have moments like this. You are a treasure. One of my greatest friends and it is my sincerest hope nothing ever changes that.” Despite her words Naruto expression or disposition did not brighten up. For a moment Rarity was horrified that Naruto had woken up or had put two and two together.
Maybe he tasted her mouth wash?

Rarity had to suppress the urge to cry. Had her hasty actions ruined one of her most valuable friendships?

“I’m sorry” He spoke up catching the Unicorn off guard.

“E-Excuse me darling, I am confused.” She genuinely was.

“I should have told you Rare. I should have told you a while ago. You are one of my oldest and most invaluable friends. So you deserve to know. You deserve to know the truth of who I really am.” He admitted as he looked up as his eyes met with Rarity’s and with that he began to explain just exactly who he was.

So be honest. How many of you saw the title and then got a bit salty that I didn't go as far as I suggested?