Rumble and I start walking towards his place and I start to have a panic attack. How much of what I said did he hear? I can't bring it up either! Because then it might lead to... that. Why am I so uncomfortable saying... sex.

Shiver

I think my parents broke me. Maybe I should just teleport away and tell him about it later. That does seem like a good plan. But I can't just teleport away from Rumble. That would be unfair to him. And he knows where I live, so that wouldn't really solve anything.

Why am I freaking out over this? It's Rumble. Sure, he has a history of... this kind of stuff. But he's been really patient and respectful. I'm sure that if I explained the situation to him and let him know that I'm not ready for this that he'd understand. I just need to put my trust in him, that's all.

"So I hear you're going to fuck me stupid."

FLOMP

I groan into the ground as all of the blood rushed to my face. Of course he's going to lead with that.

"You okay?" he asks kindly, rubbing my back. I force myself up and dust myself off. Doing everything in my power to avoid looking at him.

"Y-yeah. Heh... about that, uh... the thing is-"

"Because, and I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty interested to see what that would entail. I never really took you for the forward type. But hey, I guess quiet but suddenly kinky bookworm... I can get behind that." He waggles his eyebrows at me, and I let out a small chuckle.

"I should make you wait for that alone," I say with a small laugh. He helps dust me off a bit before nodding for me to follow. I nod along and continue walking with him.

He has a way of calming me down. I wish it didn't lead with making me crash, but beggars can't be choosers. The entire walk together is nice. Nopony is really around to bother us. The weather is nice. There's nothing out here besides the two of us, and I like that.

...That might be because we're supposed to be at school now.

"Um... Rumble?"

"Yeah?"

"Shouldn't we be heading to school? Or, since you're doing that flight school thing, shouldn't I be going to my afterschool programs?" I feel a little guilty asking, but I can't help it. I've never missed a day of school! Not without going through the proper channels at least. Skipping school? Me? I can't imagine the teachers noticing in all honesty. But I can't help but worry that something bad is going to happen because of it.

By the time I asked we had just made it to his front door. We stop to face one another and I get the sense that this is the line in the sand. If I go through the door frame, there's no going back. Whatever happens in there, happens. I can see Rumble fighting to find the right words. But, just by the way he's fidgeting, I can tell he really wants me to go in as well.

"Look, I know this is going to be... really forward. And I get that it would be even more unfair to ask the way I'm going to. But, just know that no matter what you say it won't change how I think or feel about you. I promise, everything I've said and done has not been a lie, okay? I really do like you."

"... But?" I ask, feeling my heart skip a beat. Is he breaking up with me? Where's he going with this?

"Okay... so, School proper starts back up in three weeks, give or take. And most of that time I'm going to be up in Cloudsdale, so we're not going to see each other until school starts. But that's the thing, school will be starting. So, in my head at least, this is the last chance we'll get to really have a day with just the two of us. At least, for a really long time."

"And putting all my cards on the table, having sex would be an added bonus. But that's not why I brought you here. I wanted a day with just the two of us. No distractions. No obligations. Just you and me. I know school is important to you, and ditching your friends might be a bit off putting too. But... I just really want to have you to myself for a day-"

I stop him by putting a hoof on his lips. I can see where he's going with this. It is tempting to go inside and have a day with just the two of us. Escape all the problems of the world and just have him too myself? Why wouldn't I want that?

But there's something that doesn't seem... right? Maybe I'm overthinking it, but something about school is causing me reconsider. Maybe I've just been conditioned to put school in such a high regard. I mean, I have straight A's. And I haven't missed a single day! Not to mention how far ahead in school I am right now. Maybe I should take the day. I've definitely earned it.

But that still seems like the easy way out. I've always been told that the easy way is the wrong way. Or, maybe not wrong, but that there's always something over looked when you try to take shortcuts.

"Rumble..." I start out. But I made the mistake of looking him in the eyes. I can see the slight fear in him. He knows he's asking a lot. And he even said it didn't have to go... there.

"Yeah Shadow?"

"... what should we do first?" I can't help but feel a tinge of guilt when I say that. I don't even know what I'm feeling guilty for. But the excitement on his face makes me feels measurably better about it. I'm sure it'll be fine. "And before you say it, we're not doing... it! Or... yeah, no!"

"That's fine! One hundred percent not an issue! Honestly, I'm just glad to have you over!" He tells me excitedly as he fumbles to get his keys out of his bag.

"Oh yeah?" I ask, taking a peek down below. "Then you might want to put that away then." He stops and glances down. He gives a nervous chuckle before dumping his bag out before me. He starts tossing his stuff all around, but it's pretty clear that he locked himself out of his own house.

I take a look at his house and note several ways inside. We can try one of the windows. Though most of them seem like those new ones with the good locks. Maybe the back door is open? And if all else fails, I can just teleport inside. While Rumble is still trying to find his keys I sneak away and take a small trot to the back. The back door is locked, but it's one of those old style dead bolts.

There's a trick with these. If you can slip something behind the bolt, you can basically push the bolt aside. Weird that they put an old bolt like this on a new house. Probably trying to cut corners. I pull out a protractor and slip it into the crack. A few wiggles and the bolt slips open. That was way too easy.

I open the door and walk inside. I make sure to shut and lock the door behind myself. We don't want any distractions surprising us today, that's for sure. I also make sure to shut all the blinds. Maybe I'm being a bit paranoid, but whatever. It's my day off too, and I want to shut out the world.

I leave my bag on the kitchen counter and make my way to the living room. With a quick flip of the lock I open the door. Rumble is still trying to find his keys, but he's also trying to assure me that he has them. I take a look around and see his keys on the a small table by the door. I take them with my magic and look them over, making sure they jingle to get his attention.

"... where did you find them.... also, when did you get inside?"

"Hm... I could answer that, but what would I get out of that?" I ask, smirking at him. He smiles back rushes forward, landing a kiss perfectly on my lips.

We stumble our way inside, lips never leaving one another, and manage to shut and lock the door. I don't know where we're going, but we manage to knock over a few things over along the way. Nothing sounds like it breaks, so we keep going. Our tongues find their ways to each other. Lightly lapping at one another at first. He pulls me in close and begins vigorously exploring my mouth, and I'm too happy to stop him.

We come to a stop somewhere and I wrap my arms around his neck. He begins to explore with his hooves. Slowly moving them over my back and sides. Each move sends shivers down my spine and makes me hold onto him tighter. Almost begging him to keep going.

He starts grabbing me in places that are new to foreign touch. It was light at first. A slight graze by my flanks. Or a soft touch on my underside. Even through my school uniform the touch is intoxicating. I start feeling a bit braver and begin to explore with my own hooves. Pressing against his chest. Running a hoof over his unbelievably soft wings. I even build the courage to grab his flank.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" I mutter as I push him back.

"Sorry! Was that too much?" I take a few deep breaths as I try to collect my thoughts.

"No, sorry. That... that was on me." I tell him as I straighten out my uniform. "Um... heh, wow. We uh... we get heated pretty fast, don't we?" We share an awkward laugh together.

"I can try to tone it down if you'd like, but... well. No promises." We share a small smile before I lean forward and kiss his cheek.

"So, what do you want to do?" I ask as I lean against him.

This is nice, but there's one thing that's really... making it's point. I keep feeling him against me. The last time I nearly had a heart attack. But today, it's not that big a deal. I even made a joke about it earlier!

"Well... how about we go up to my room and talk for a bit?"

"Talk?" I ask, getting him to chuckle.

"Yes talk," he assures me. "And not rip that uniform off of you and rail you until you walk crooked for a week."

"Rumble!" I give him a push and try to hide my blush. I guess I never said anything about him teasing me.

"C'mon, I have a million questions to ask you!" He gives me one last kiss on the cheek before leading me up the stairs.

We have a bit of trouble getting up the stairs. But that's only due to our incessant need to rub against one another. When we make it to his room he leaps through the air and drops onto his bed. He pats the spot next to him when an idea gets in my head. It's... a bit bold. But, I guess today is the day for bold moves.

I start removing my uniform. But I try to do it in as sultry a way as possible. Part of me feels really silly doing this. But by the way he's watching me, I'm guessing it's working. I take my shirt and pop the buttons off with my magic as I slid it over head. I reach under my skirt and start to slide my spanks off.

I never really thought much on how alluring my body would be to another person. So I'm not really sure if what I'm doing is as sexily as I want it to be. Everything I'm doing I've either heard from one of the other girls, or read in... magazines. Judging by the look on Rumbles face, it seems to be working. I get an idea in my head. I'm pretty sure I know how it'll go, but... it seems like a good idea for the moment.

"So... two pieces of clothing left... one of them is staying on. Why don't you pick?" Rumble looks at me as if I told him the secrets of the universe. He gets up and starts to walk around me. I can feel my heart start to race as I watch him go around. He's looking over every part of me. Scrutinizing. Fantasizing. I'm starting to feel a bit weak in the knees and my stomach feels like it's upside down. But... I'm also loving it.

"Leave the skirt on." I figured he would say that. But I'm okay with that. I go to remove my panties when I stop. I look to Rumble before I lower my hoof and tilt my head back. He gives me a surprised look before moving behind me. "Are you sure?"

"Y-yeah." I clear my throat. "Yes. But... look, don't touch."

Where did this side of me come from? Is this a part of me that's always existed or is it only because of Rumble. I don't know, but right now I really don't care. Rumble moves closer to me and sets his hooves on my hips. He caresses my sides before moving them down and under my skirt. My breath catches as he starts to massage my backside. My tail swishes on it's own accord before lifting out of the way. He takes that as his queue and starts to slip the panties off as slowly as possible.

I bite my lip as they begin to leave my body. I've never been this exposed to someone before. I'm a bit nervous about what's going to happen next too. I've been relying on instinct up until this point. But I don't want to follow my instincts to the next part. No matter how nice it sounds.

I can feel his warm breath against me. Each pulse sends a wave of euphoria throughout my body. Each time I almost beg for him to continue, but my voice is too far away for anything to come out. All I can do is stand here with baited breath for him to make the next move. Whatever he chooses, I don't know it I'll be able to say no to.

It feels like an eternity, but he eventually pulls himself away and faces me. I can't help but chuckle when I see the huge blush on his face.

"Shadow... you are easily the sexiest mare I've ever been with," he tells me matter of factly.

"Heh... well... it's easy when I have someone like you around." I try to make it into a compliment, but I don't think it went over well.

"No, I really mean it. No mare comes even close to you! How are you this sexy!?" I chuckle again from that. I'm a bit unaccustomed to being complimented. But it's nice.

"It's a lot harder than you think. But... thanks. You're really... sexy too. Not that I'm just trying to repay the compliment! I really do think you're sexy! Maybe sexy isn't the right word. Well, you saw for-"

I stop when he leans forward and kisses me again. Which is good, because I was about to go off the deep end there. We bring the kiss to the bed and slowly climb on. He lays on his side and leaves a space for me to lay against him. I snuggle against him, trying my best to not crush his... bits. Bit? His... anyway!

"So... what do you want to talk about?" I ask, getting him to laugh.

We spend the next few hours just talking. Family, friends, cutie marks, everything. He had some actual questions too. Mostly about my parents and the whole dynamic between them all. I didn't really mind talking about them. But I didn't want to dwell on them for too long.

I started asking about what he wanted to do after high school, and I was a bit surprised to hear his answer. He doesn't really have a plan. He does, but he's not really committed to it. It's more of a placeholder plan for him to explore what he wants. I can't really blame him for that, but I figured he would have a better idea of what he wanted. Truth be told, I was assuming more pegasi stereotypes. Like the Wonderbolts or cloud factory stuff.

I surprised him too with that question. The idea of moving to Mooseden to do quiet government work wasn't what he had in mind for me. But there isn't really much else for me to do out there. Nothing that really appeals to me at least. And with a cutie mark that's geared for stealth there aren't really too many options.

"But you could be a spy! Or witness protection! There are a lot of different things a stealth cutie mark could mean!"

"I know, but I'm not much for confrontations." I tell him. I've moved to lay on my back so I could face him better, being careful of his wings. "And... well, okay. So when I say my cutie mark is for stealth, that's not completely true."

"Oh?" Rumble asks, booping my nose with his. "Do tell!"

"You can't tell anypony about this, okay!? This is between you and me!" I tell him, poking his chest with a hoof.

"Promise! So, are you secretly a heist master? Is that how you broke into my house so easily?" I laugh at that.

"No. While my mark does help with that, it's not what made me... me." I pause as I try to find the right words. He waits patiently, running the tip of his wing against my chest. "Hmm... that feels nice."

"C'mon you! Spill the beans already!" He ruffles his feather against my face and chuckle as I push them aside.

"Okay! So... first off, my full name is Shadow Knight... and my sister was Lantern Light. When I was younger my brother got lost in the Everfree, as he often does. He was being kept in some cave by some... creatures. I couldn't fight them by myself. And I couldn't leave him alone with them. So I hid in the shadows and fought slowly. I took small moves against them without them ever knowing I was there. I couldn't fight them directly as a group, so I fought them from the shadows one by one. And that's when I learned that my talent was playing puppeteer from the shadows. Ponies think I'm weak. That I'm too non-confrontational. The truth is actually the complete opposite. I can fight just about anything, so long as they don't know where I am."

The room goes quiet as I think back to that night. I don't tell him more than I need to. About how I tortured those creatures. How I made them run in fear of me. How I scared Tempestive that night.

"... so... what happened to your sister?" I'm caught a bit off guard from that. I didn't even really notice that I brought her up.

"She's... she passed when I was little. When my current father found us, we were working in a mine. It... it was not a good time. There was an incident and... creatures took her from me. I think I only got away because of my talents honestly."

"... do you have anything of hers? A picture?" I shrug to him. The only thing I have of her is my memory. And that's been tainted by that fucking monster. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay Rumble. It was a long time ago." An awkward silence falls between us. I go to sit up when I feel my stomach protest. "Let's get something to eat, okay?"

"Yeah... sorry, kinda killed the mood didn't I?" he asks as we both stand.

"No, it's alright. And, honestly, sometimes ponies blundering into that helps. I don't know what I'd do if I ever forgot her."

We make our way downstairs and Rumble starts to make us some lunch. I take the lull to look around the living room and poke around. I'm mostly looking at the nick knacks, but a few family pictures catch my attention. Most are of him and his brother, but there is one with them and who I assume to be their mother. I don't ask what happened though. In the picture they're in a hospital room. She's lying on a bed with the two of them with her. Even with how happy the three of them look, you can tell how sick she is.

"Any particular preference of toppings?" Rumble asks from the kitchen.

"What? Oh, no. I'm good with whatever." I tell him as I move to the next set of pictures.

"Anything? A chefs favorite word!" I laugh at that.

"Does your brother know you're going to be gone for three weeks?" I ask as I enter the kitchen. I take a seat on one of the bar stools at the kitchen island and watch him do his work.

"Not really. I'll leave him a note though. I know that sounds bad, but that's just how we are." I hum in response as I watch him assemble our sandwiches.

"How are you going to get there?"

"Flying. I've done the trip a few times before, so it shouldn't be an issue."

"Well... if you'd like. I could teleport us there." He pauses what he's doing to give me a quizzical look. "My dad made sure that I knew that spell. Said it was the most useful pony spell around. It wouldn't be too hard."

"I don't know Shadow. You'd still have to get back too. Wouldn't that be too much?"

"It's actually easier than most ponies make it out to be. Casting at shorter distances makes it a cinch. Plus... if I do this... then I could spend the night with you."

"... are you sure about that? Not that that doesn't sound like the best thing ever, but I don't want to get you in trouble." I mull it over for a moment longer before setting my mind.

"I'm okay with it if you are. And... maybe later tonight we could... continue?"

"Con... continue?" he asks, lost for words.

"Y-yeah... maybe not all the way. But... more?" We stare at each other for moment, not knowing what to say. We both want it. But at the same time, we both want the other to back up a bit. Neither of us are going to though. And I'm still okay with that. With Rumble, I'm better than okay.

Next Chapter: Chapter 259 And They Cried Republic! Republic! Republic! Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 34 Minutes