The train pulled into the station and I jumped off. Even though I now lived in Canterlot, I still considered Ponyville home. And it felt good to be back!
I hadn’t let anypony know I was coming. I wanted it to be a-

“Surprise!!”

I fell onto my back. How in Equestria could she have known?!

“Pinkie!”

“Shade! It’s so good to see you! I didn’t know you were coming!”

“Then...why did you yell surprise?”

“Oh!!i was waiting for my sister Maud. She’s on her way back from some convention.”

“Ah.”

“Sooooo. Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?”

“I wanted it to be a surprise for everypony. You won’t tell them I’m here, will you?”

“Of course not! Besides, I’ve got to wait for Maud.”

“Hello Pinkie.”

I recognized that monotone voice anywhere. I hadn’t really ever talked to Maud, but Pinkie had introduced us. Pinkie spun around, her smile growing even bigger.

“Maud!! SURPRISE!!!”

Where was the confetti coming from? Maud looked unfazed. Then again, did she ever show any expression? I certainly had never seen it. I slowly backed away as Pinkie began hitting her sister with a barrage of questions.
I made my way to Twilight’s first. I walked into the castle unannounced and made my way towards her study. That’s where she usually seemed to be.
I got to the door and slowly opened it, peeking inside. Woah! There was a mountain of papers on the desk. I can only guess that Twilight was behind it as I heard her call out.

“Spike? Will you grab some extra ink? I don’t know how much of this I’m going to need to sign.”

“Got it!”

Spike appeared from another part of the study, carrying an inkwell. He skidded to a halt when he saw me. Before he could react, I held a hoof up to my lips. He got the message and smiled. He continued to the paper mountain and disappeared behind it.

“Here you go Twilight.”

“Thank you Spike.”

“Maybe You should take a break before you start into this. You know, mental preparation?”

Oh he’s good.

“That’s not a bad idea! I could take a moment to really clear my head.”

I stepped all the way into the room at this point and stood in plain sight. Twilight appeared from around the mountain, still looking over her shoulder.

“Just don’t touch anything, alright?”

I smiled.

“I’m sure he can manage.”

Her head whipped around and her eyes lit up.

“Shade!”

I gave her a hug and laughed.

“Surprised?”

“Of course! I didn’t know you were coming!”

“That was the point. I took a couple days off.”

She broke the hug, smiling away.

“It’s so good to see you!”

Her smile faded a bit as she looked behind her at the paperwork.

“I wish I had some more time, but my day is booked with all these requests I have to catch up on.”

“How far behind are you?”

Her ears drooped.

“Two weeks.”

“You? The Princess of Organization?”

“It just piles up! I do my best to keep up, but more paperwork comes every day. Sometimes twice a day!”

“Do you want some help?”

“I don’t want to ask you to do that. Not when you took time off.”

I walked over to the piles.

“Filed oldest to newest?”

“Of course.”

“Set them up to run past my eyes. Like a conveyor belt.”

“Are you sure?”

I stared at her, waiting to begin. She got the message and levitated the first pile off the desk. The first page flew down to me.

“This is going to happen pretty quickly. Just keep changing the papers every second.”

“But there must be over a thousand pages!”

“Read through a whole library in less than a month, remember?”

She still seemed skeptical.

“Okay... Here we go.”

And we were off! My eyes glazed over each paper. After the first hundred pages I told Twilight to pick up the speed. We were flying! The first stack disappeared, then the second. By the time we got to the last stack, only thirty minutes had passed. I could have read faster, but I wanted her to believe I was being thorough.
The last stack went fast. I sat back, taking a deep breath.

“Okay. So you have a total of twelve requests. Four for events in various parks. Only two of them overlap. Then there’s three requests involving your presence at small events; a retirement home, a hospital, and a bookstore opening. And finally you have five applications for your school. Going based on overall number of pages, you need to sign 35, 87, 142, 179, 264, and 379. Review pages 265 through 310 and 380 through 419. Those are the overlapping events. 420 is important. You’ll want to look at that list. The rest should just be a matter of stamping.”

She looked at me in awe. I grinned. It was rare that I saw her speechless.

“Are you sure that’s all I need to do? Out of all that paperwork?”

“Don’t tell me you normally read all of that.”

“Why wouldn’t I? I don’t want to miss anything.”

“Hmm...”

An idea popped into my head. And it was a good one!

“Since the reading is out of the way, how much time do you think this will take you now?”

“Only a couple hours! You’ve essentially freed up my entire day!”

“I’ll make you a deal then. What if I come down one day every week and help you sort through your paperwork. You don’t have to worry about it during the week, unless it’s urgent, and then we’ll take care of it in an hour or so. You don’t have to work so hard, and I get to come visit more often!”

And get more time with Rarity!

“I couldn’t ask you to do that!”

“Twilight. Do you know what my title is? I’m assuming you know.”

“Well yeah! I’m not stupid. It’s obvious you’re the Right Hoof.”

“Right Hoof to the Royal Family. Not the royal sisters, the family. And that includes you. I’d be more than happy to offer my assistance.”

She smiled and hugged me again.

“Thank you! That would be amazing!”

I returned the hug and pulled away.

“I’ve got a few more ponies to see. I’ll let you finish this up and maybe we can all get together for lunch or something.”

“That sounds perfect. I’ll see you later.”

She returned to her desk and began looking through the short stack I had left her. I left her in peace, making for the exit.
I had planned out my whole morning. It was a beeline to the boutique, with a couple stops along the way. I could check off Sugar Cube Corner since I had seen Pinkie at the station. That left stopping by the clock shop. I’d see the rest of the girls at lunch later on. Plus I didn’t know their schedules now that they taught part-time at Twilight’s school.
I made my way to the clock shop and stuck my head in. I was surprised to see mare behind the counter. She looked up as I entered.

“Good morning! My name is Rose. How can I help you?”

“Ah! You must be the Rose he was chasing after while I watched the shop.”

“Oh! You must be Shade! Time Turner told me so much about you. Turner!”

Time Turner appeared from the back of the shop.

“What’s up?”

She pointed to me and his eyes followed her hoof. His eyes lit up as he saw me.

“Shade! It’s been so long! How is Canterlot?”

“Very different. How could you replace me so quickly?”

He blushed as he looked at Rose.

“I was lonely. It’s a big shop after all.”

I shook my head and smiled. It was a very small shop. But I was glad to see him so happy.
We talked for a few minutes and I promised to come back to visit tomorrow. I wanted to hear the news and gossip of town. Right now though, I had other plans.
I left the shop and made my way down the street to Carousel Boutique. My body tensed up with excitement. I slowly opened the door, careful not to make a sound.
There she was, working away. She was facing away from the door, so she didn’t see me. I looked stound the shop for a moment. Several mannequins were positioned around the main room, each wearing a different outfit. This must be her line for the fashion show!
My eyes fell on Rarity. Her mane was slightly disheveled. She’d been working hard. I watched as she wiped some sweat from her brow. My eyes travelled down her body, admiring its shape. I suddenly understood what Cadance had said to me. That intense desire when being in the room wasn’t enough. I wanted to rush over and kiss her, but I was afraid of frightening her. So instead I stepped further into the room.

“Beautiful.”

Rarity turned to the door, dropping her pincushion. She didn’t say anything. We just stared for a moment. I smiled.

“Your work is phenomenal. But you’re what’s makeing this room shine.”

“Shut up and get over here.”

She didn’t have to tell me twice. I rushed over to her and we kissed. We stayed like that for a couple minutes.

——————————

I spent the rest of the morning watching her work. I enjoyed it. We talked about whatever came into our heads. I told her about my plans with Twilight and she got excited.

“You’ll be here every week?”

“Every week. I know we both have busy schedules, so I thought that would help.”

She kissed me again.

“You’re so thoughtful.”

“I’m just looking for excuses to come and make out with you.”

She blushed.

“Stop it! You’re wicked.”

She leaned over from her table and kissed me. A deep, passionate kiss. I felt a weird sensation through my whole body.

“Woah!”

“What is it?”

“I think I just got..chills.”

She smiled.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Is that normal? I’ve never gotten chills like that before.”

“Surely you’ve gotten chills of some kind before?”

I thought back, holding onto the current feeling. As my mind mulled over the goosebumps I now had, my back began to ache. I hadn’t felt my back ache in years..

And then I remembered.

A shiver ran through my body. Rarity began to look concerned.

“What is it?”

“I’ve only gotten chills during one other part of my life.”

“You don’t have to talk about your nightmares if it upsets you.”

“It’s not my nightmares. It was the day I lost my wings.”

She covered her mouth as a small gasp escaped her. I looked down at the ground as the memory flooded over me. A memory I hadn’t thought about in nearly six years.

“I’d been wandering the forest for about four months at that point. And I started to get the feeling that something was following me. And not just one.”

My back tightened up.

“I felt those chills when I heard the first timberwolf growl. It was right behind me..”

Another shudder went through my body. Rarity pulled me into hug.

“Don’t go any further. You don’t need to relive that again.”

I sighed and returned the hug. Her body felt so warm pressed against me. I was so lucky to have her.

“Have I told you how beautiful you are today?”

She chuckled.

“Thrice already.”

She pulled away and brushed her hoof through her mane.

“And it’s not true. I’m an absolute mess from working!”

I smiled, the trauma and backache fading from my mind.

“I like it. You’re already attractive when you’re put together. But this busy work look? Very sexy.”

“Hush.”

“I mean it.”

“I know you did! But you’d better stop saying it.”

“Or what?”

She blushed again. It took me a moment, but my brain connected the dots. Then it was my turn to blush. She smiled at seeing me feel so embarrassed.

“I’m not trying to take advantage of you, you know.”

“I...understand. I take it you know I’ve never..”

“I had guessed. If it makes you feel any better, I’ve never either.”

“Really?”

“Well..it almost happened once. When I was younger. But I got nervous. After that I decided it was worth waiting for the right stallion.”

“And you think that’s me?”

“Well if you’d prefer I wait for the next stallion..”

“Now who’s being wicked?”

She giggled.

“It’s getting close to lunchtime. Shall we go and meet the others?”

“I’d rather stay here, the way the conversation is going.”

“I’m going to have to rein you in there, sir. I’m still a lady after all.”

She kissed me one last time before heading for the door.

“And a lady waits for the evening.”

She looked over her shoulder at me and smiled. A truly wicked smile. I got up and followed her out of the shop.

—————————

We all met for lunch at the castle. The rest of the girls were happy to see me, each of them hugging me as I walked in the room. Nopony took any notice of me arriving with Rarity.
It took a few minutes to discover that Rarity hadn’t told them about us. I was a little hurt, but at the same time relieved. It was like we had a little secret. She would glance at me every once in a while, a small smile on her face as she spoke with the others. Rainbow Dash was asking me about working for Celestia and I did my best to answer while stealing my own glances.

“Shade? Would you help me with some of the food?”

I nodded to Twilight and followed her to the kitchen. As soon as the door swung shut behind me, she turned and pinned me to the wall with her magic.

“Alright. Talk.”

“What in Tartarus are you doing?!”

“The others may have not noticed, but you and Rarity keep staring at each other constantly. Could you be less subtle? Just ask her out on a date already! It’s obvious that you like her.”

Her magic was pressing a bit hard on my chest. I was straining a bit as I responded.

“I should hope it’s obvious! We had dinner the other night!”

“Wait.. What?!”

“She was in town to look at the show venue and I took her to dinner.”

“You really took her on a date?”

“Yes! Now let me down you crazy alicorn!”

She realized I was still pinned and released me. I took some deep breaths to regain myself.

“You’ve got to be careful. Alicorn magic is more emotional than unicorn magic. And from the pain in my chest, you had a hint of aggression in that interrogation.”

“Sorry. I just honestly thought you were too nervous.”

“I asked her on that practice date, didn’t I?”

“That was a practice date. A step in the right direction, but I expected more.”

“Well now you know.”

“Wait... Where did you go this morning?”

“I saw Pinkie Pie, Time Turner-“

“Rarity?”

“Yes.”

“Did you ask her on another date?”

“No. We just talked.”

“For how long?”

Her horn lit up again. I couldn’t deal with being pinned again!

“Three hours! Satisfied?”

She smiled.

“Yes. I’m happy to hear you two are enjoying each other’s company.”

She grabbed two trays with her magic and left the kitchen. I let out a sigh of relief. Why hadn’t Starswirl made sure to dial back the crazy on the ascension spells?

I followed Twilight and entered the room with a tray on my back, setting it on the table. We dug into our lunch and continued taking about recent events. The girls were all still getting used to being teachers now. It seemed like they were all having fun though. Starlight leaned over to me during the conversation.

“It’s easy for them to be excited. Hey get to teach. I’m just the guidance counselor.”

“That’s important too Starlight. I’m sure you’re helping a lot of kids out.”

She gave me an appreciative smile. I glanced over at Rarity again. She was busy telling Fluttershy about her upcoming line for the show. I looked around the table and locked eyes with Twilight. She had a knowing grin on her face. I rolled my eyes and focused on my sandwich.

——————————

The girls slowly began heading out until it was just Twilight, Rarity, and me. Oh please don’t let her embarrass me..

“So.. Back to your fashion line?”

Rarity nodded.

“Yes. I’m getting close, I’m just having trouble with the main piece. I was telling Shade about it. I promised I’d show him what I have so far.”

“Really?”

She looked at me, her eyes narrowing.

“Since when do you have such an interest in fashion?”

“I can appreciate a nice dress!”

Rarity acted as if she were hurt.

“Nice? I certainly hope their better than ‘nice’!”

I glanced at her and shook my head. She loved being dramatic. Rarity giggled.

“I think we’ve been caught dear. How did you know Twilight?”

“I might have persuaded Shade to tell me.”

I butted in.

“She pinned me to the wall with her magic! What was I supposed to do?!”

“Well at least I know why you’re so eager to help me with my paperwork.”

They laughed at that. Twilight claimed she had some work to do and left us alone. We walked back through town, our bodies brushing each other as we went.
We got back to the boutique and I smiled at Rarity.

“It’s your fault we were caught.”

She bumped me with her flank.

“I’m not the one that gave us up.”

“Yes, but you were looking at me across the table.”

“So were you!”

I pulled her close and kissed her. She returned the kiss with a little more force. I pushed back a little more. And then she did again. When we broke apart, there was a noticeable pressure loss. We stared at each other for several seconds, each trying to read the other’s eyes.

“Do you need to get back to work?”

“Work? Oh...”

She looked around the shop. When she turned back to me she had that same grin I’d seen earlier before lunch. She reached over to the door, flipping the lock into place.

“I’m afraid the shop is closed for the day. I’ve got my hooves full as it is.”

I had a feeling of excitement and nervousness flowing through my entire being. But it dissipated as Rarity leaned in and kissed me again. My hooves took over as they wandered over her body. Her hooves began doing the same and I got chills again.

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