Artex let Razor Wit and Oriana into the hotel room first and closed the door behind them. Razor walked over to one of the reclining cushions in the room and lay down. Oriana looked longingly toward the bathroom, "I'm going to shower. I smell of sweat, fear, soil, and blood. It is not pleasant." So spoken she entered the bathroom and closed the door behind her.

Artex looked at the bathroom door almost longingly, then shrugged it off, 'I can shower after they do.'

A voice pulled him from his brief musings, "You've done enough."

Artex' eye followed the voice back to its source, a tan Unicorn mare seated on a light blue cushion. Her brow was crinkled in concern, "Artex, you need to take a break. Your friends want you along with them, but you heard what they said. You're not likely going to be in the proper mind for what they're doing. Please, you've done enough."

He crinkled his chin and rubbed his forehead, "When Razor?" he asked bluntly, "When have I done enough? When have I EVER done enough? Was it when I was lazing about in Ponyville eating well while my people were starving? When I was hanging out with all our friends while everybody here was fighting for their lives against rabid Diamond Dogs?" he knew his voice was rising, but he couldn't stop, "When did I EVER do enough!? I've been laying around enjoying the good life while everybody else, the people I'M supposed to be working for, have been working themselves to death and dealing with problems that I could have been helping with, hell I SHOULD have been helping with right form the start! I've been nothing but a fucking useless lump for over half a year!" he had lapsed into American English as he ran his hands through his hair, breathing rapidly, "God!" he flung his hands out and turned and began pacing back and forth between the door and the cushion where Razor was lying.

"Artex please, calm down." Razor pleaded softly.

Artex stopped and ran his hands through his hair again, "I can't! I could have done more! There was something more I could have done!" The words that Darryl spoke to him at the hospital rang in his mind, 'I'm getting worked up again. Alright, calm your ass down and breathe. Just breathe. Slowly in and slowly out.' he clenched his fists and closed his eyes tightly, going completely still.

Razor said nothing as she watched her boyfriend with deeply rooted concern, 'He's still blaming himself for what happened.' she gazed sadly as he began pacing once more, her heart aching for him, 'I wish there was something I could do.' Feeling that Artex probably wouldn't want the other guests in the hotel to hear his yelling, Razor lit up her horn and cast a sound-canceling ward around the entire room.

Artex stopped pacing and flopped himself down on the bed closer to the door of the room. His legs from his knees down dangled off the end of the bed. He laid his arms over his face and seemed to be silently trying to control his breathing. Razor watched and listened with keen interest until a new sound escape the man on the bed. Razor couldn't identify it at first so she swiveled her ears around to face the bed. He was breathing erratically, he almost sounded like he was choking. His chest hitched with each breath and suddenly it became obvious. The sounds were easy to discern after that point: Artex was crying.

He kept it quiet, which did not surprise the tan Unicorn mare, 'He tends to internalize a lot of things, why should he do any different with this? He grew up ashamed of expressing his emotions and now the habit is forcing him to isolate himself. I have to do something.' She was growing more concerned that she should be doing something as Darryl's advice echoed through her memory, 'Officer Hord said that Artex would need us... but in what way?' Figuring that the answer was not going to simply present itself, Razor rose to her hooves and trotted over the the same bed upon which Artex was lying, and climbed up. She laid down with her body curled around the top of his head and nuzzled his left elbow gently.

Two muscular arms suddenly wrapped around one startled tan Unicorn mare and pulled he on top of Artex' chest. Razor Wit struggled around in her boyfriend's firm grip, but he held on gamely until she stopped struggling, resigned to being held like a teddy bear. Artex sat upright and curled himself around her. He was breathing heavily, choking back sobs as he rocked back and forth, weeping quietly into Razor's fuchsia mane. Razor squirmed in his grip and managed to free her forehooves. Artex was pressing her to his chest, but her position had her head above his, with her rump and hind legs cradled in his arms and the bottom of her neck ending at the top of his head. She wrapped her forehooves around the back of his head while she nuzzled his crown, pulling his face into her barrel. She closed her eyes and stroked him in as calming a manner as she could.

They maintained their intimate embrace until Razor lost track of time. She was uncomfortable with the way he was holding her.

The steady pressure of his hand on her legs and bottom was a constant reminder that he was holding and touching her in a way normally reserved for more intimate situations. She forced down her blush and struggled against the panic which kept trying to rise, 'He needs somepony to comfort him and I need to get used to being close to him if we're going to build any kind of life together. Right now he needs me where I am, so it's here I'm going to stay. I'm sure he doesn't realize where his hands are... and how his hand is cupping my hips.'

Razor was too focused on her internal monologue and missed the fact that Artex had slowed down his breathing until she felt his head move. He lifted his face as she released his head and looked down at him. His eyes were bloodshot and tear tracks ran down his face. He sniffled then looked down and shook his head, "I'm sorry you had to see that Razor. It was about as undignified as I've ever acted in front of you..." Razor reached down and lifted his head back up to meet her eyes.

"Artex, if we ended up married and we have foals, which is pretty much a guarantee, you're going to be standing next to the bed while I'm giving birth and I kind of doubt most would consider THAT to be very dignified." she let go of his chin and pulled him back into her chest, "You just go right on ahead and let out what you need to." she caressed and nuzzled his head again, "I'll be right here for you."

"And you won't be alone." a second female voice said from the foot of the bed.

Artex and Razor both followed the voice back to Oriana, who was standing at the foot of the bed, a hopeful expression set on her face, "Is there room for more than one mare to comfort her boyfriend?"

Artex set Razor's hind legs and rump on his lap then held his right arm open toward the Zebra mare. Oriana needed no second invitation and hopped up onto the bed. She sat down on Artex' extended right leg and reared up her top half while the man's right hand steadied her, pressing against her back. He then pulled her in close, holding both mares to his chest, and placed his head gently between their necks, sighing tiredly. Oriana and Razor each took turns softly nuzzling either side of his head.

After a few minutes, Artex sighed again, "What would I do without you girls?"

A reply of, "You'd be a lonely, sad, and angry man." from Razor was the response he received.

As she continued nuzzling her boyfriend's head, Oriana's lips brushed by his right ear. He could feel the fine, soft hairs of her muzzle tickling the sensitive skin of his lobe. He was acutely aware of her warm, moist breath against his skin. The sensation and the realization of the closeness with which he was holding the two mares was exciting in more ways than one. The last time he had been so close to a female was the last time he had made love with his wife. His mind made the connection and urged him toward more.

Artex felt his face heat up as he hugged Razor and Oriana closer to himself. He felt their soft coats and bodies pressed against his own and likewise realized that each of his legs was pressed between a pair of hips, very warm hips. The thought of what lay between those hips sent shivers down his spine and he could not help but to imagine what the two mares looked like in those sensitive places. His imagination took it one step further and whispered into his mind that if he decided to look, he could likely see two pairs of untouched teats.

The thought of the soft mounds and the nipples which surely crowned each of those warm mounds of flesh awoke something within him. Something that had been dormant for more than half a year began to stir. It was a primal, visceral urge that arose swiftly, roaring to be satisfied immediately if not sooner. A pressing sensation against his underwear heralded the awakening of the more physical parts of the quickly growing urge. He groaned silently in mild annoyance, 'No, not now.' he rubbed his face against first one then the other of the soft necks freely presented to him. He felt the soft hairs against his face and inhaled their combined scents. He had not realized it before, but each of them had a unique scent. The smell of each of them was like a fingerprint branded into his mind.

He continued cuddling the two mares and his head began to swim from the stimulation and intimacy. He felt dizzy and each of his hands began to caress each of the mares. His fingers slid over their backs, brushing against their soft bodies and coats. Without realizing it, his lips found their way to Razor's neck. The tiny hairs of her coat tickled against his lips and nose. The kiss was soft and tentative, but his body screamed at him, his physical hunger urging him to allow it to manifest itself.

Razor continued nuzzling the side of his head, her access made easier due to the orientation of his face to her neck. Feeling emboldened, he kissed her neck again, this time more fervently. Razor felt a surge of electricity shoot up her body as his lips latched onto her flesh. She shuddered in delight at the unexpected contact. She stopped nuzzling him and held still, reeling from the powerful sensation. The intense warmth of his kiss left her head spinning. She felt nervous, but in that moment she allowed herself to be truly honest, 'It feels so strange but...' the lips found her neck for a third time and her hind legs shook as the electric feeling shocked through her body again, 'It feels so... amazing... I-I-I want more but, I'm not ready for this much...'

Artex pressed forward more urgently, nipping at the tender skin beneath her coat and the muscles in Razor's stomach tightened. She held back an excited, nervous whimper, muted it by biting her lower lip. Another nip at her neck and she could no longer hold back her voice, "Ohhh..."

Her whole body trembled, her hips clenching. She was not accustomed to such sensations and their sudden manifestation wracked her to her core. The feelings were both equally exciting and frightening at the same time. She was greatly enjoying her boyfriend's attention to her neck, but she was scared, 'Artex... I-I want this but... I can't... it feels so good but... I'm scared and I'm not ready... stop... please...' her thoughts never made it past her lips. Her mind was overwhelmed with foreign sensations.

The sixth time, he pressed against her neck even harder than before and Razor could hold back no longer. A blissful but fearful sound erupted from her throat in a high-pitched cry that was almost a scream, "NOOO!" She struggled against his firm grip for only half a second before he let go of her. Razor missed the startled gasp from Oriana as she scrambled off the bed breathing heavily, eyes wide in near panic.

Oriana disengaged herself from their shared boyfriend and was next to the panting Unicorn mare in the blink of an eye, rubbing her back and making comforting sounds to help calm the worked-up Unicorn mare. Razor didn't register anything that was happening around her at first. Her thoughts were swirling around in her head a mile a minute. She was excited and dizzy, scared and confused. All four of her legs trembled as she lowered her head, panting heavily. Her mind was still lost in the moment and try as she might, she could not force her thoughts into any semblance of order.

She didn't become aware of the world around her once more until she felt two strong arms pull her into a tight hug. She froze in place at his touch, her stance widening as her instincts told her that despite her fear, it was time to present herself for her partner. She was dizzy from all the arousing sensations and emotions fluidly rushing throughout her body. Her legs shook and her vision swirled in a darkening maelstrom. It was as if a whirlpool had appeared in her eyes and was sucking her consciousness down a drain. Her body felt heavy but hot at the same time. Her ears laid back, flat against her skull, an instinct so the stallion about to mount her did not bite into them in the heat of the moment.

The arms holding her against his body never relented for a second. They never maneuvered her into position to be mounted, they just held her in their encompassing embrace while Oriana continued making soothing sounds and stroking her back.

After a time Razor's mind returned to a manageable state and she could think again. She blinked, wondering if she had fallen unconscious at some point. Artex was still holding her against his chest, but this time his left hand was only on her back while his right gently stroked her mane. He had only pulled her upper half into his arms and her bottom and hind legs were left planted firmly on the carpet. She could feel Oriana also stroking her back, still trying to comfort her.

She blinked again and raised her head. Artex' right hand left her mane and instantly pulled her head under his chin while he rocked her back and forth soothingly, "Shhhh, sh-sh-sh-sh-sh... I'm so sorry sweetheart." his voice was raw and strained with emotion, "God I'm sorry Razor." he whispered, "I'm so sorry baby. I don't know what came over me. I never meant to hurt you Razor Wit and I am so sorry about what I did to you."

Razor felt his heart beating rapidly against his ribs, the organ thumping out a staccato rhythm echoed in her ear. She tried to speak, but her tongue decided to he stubborn, "I-It's a-alright Artex." she whispered back, "I'm alright now." she lifted her head and nuzzled the underside of his chin.

Razor could see Oriana breathe a big sigh of relief as the Zebra mare removed her hoof from Razor's back and sat down on her haunches, "That could have been a whole lot worse. At least now we know how you're going to react when the time comes." she peered closely at Razor Wit, "Are you absolutely sure that you're alright now?"

Razor nodded her head, accidentally tapping her horn against the side of Artex' chin, "I'm alright." she spoke quietly to her boyfriend, "You can let go now Artex."

The two arms slowly unwound from around her and she rose to her hooves and stepped back facing Artex, 'I need to explain how I felt or else he'll be beating himself up over this for weeks... if not months.' "I-It did feel really good when you kissed my neck Artex. I just wasn't ready for you to do something like that... and when you used your teeth..." she shuddered in delight at the memory, "It felt so amazing," she lowered her eyes, "I'm sorry... I wanted to... I wanted to so bad I felt like I was on fire but... I just wasn't ready... I'm sorry."

Artex shook his head frowning, "No Razor, don't you dare apologize. This was my fault." he claimed, gesturing to himself, "I lost control of myself and I tried to push you into something that you didn't want. If anything I'M the one who should be apologizing."

"Weren't you listening to anything I said?" Razor asked directly, "I said that I DID want it, I just wasn't ready. Believe me I wanted it. I wanted it so much it almost hurt." the admission left her cheeks hot, "But you have to remember that we have to slowly work up to that." Razor licked her lips, "How about this, we can start by kissing... on the lips and in time we can go slowly from there."

Razor Wit gently placed her right forehoof against her belly, "Ooh, I can still feel it a little." she shook her head, "Oh gracious, I'm tingly all over."

Oriana's eyebrows rose, "Oh boy..." she looked to Artex, "You might have awakened her desire."

The puzzled look on Artex' face bid Oriana to explain, "Normally a mare's desire only really awakens once she's Accepted a stallion. If you've awakened her... she's going to be hot-to-trot for you very soon."

Artex tilted his head feeling curious and much more relaxed, "How do you know? How can you tell?"

Oriana looked back and forth between the two. Razor's face was flushed and her pupils were smaller than normal. The Zebra mare chewed her lip nervously, "The easiest way to tell is with a kiss. If she can kiss you and not become panicky then she has begun to Accept you."

Razor gazed at her boyfriend and shot him a warm half-smile, "I'm alright with that idea."

Artex chewed his cheek, his nervousness returning briefly, "A-are you sure about this? I mean... after what just happened... I don't want to do anything that might..."

"I'll be fine Artex, just as long as you don't hold me in place by force." Razor assured him quietly.

He slowly raised his arms and held the out invitingly for the tan mare. Razor lowered her head and tentatively stepped between his legs which were spread out on the floor. Her nervousness came back, but she pressed onward. She stepped in close and Artex gently wrapped his fingers around her face, urging her closer without using any force. Razor whimpered at the knowledge of power in those arms encircling her. There were so many things he could easily force her to do, 'But he wouldn't.' she reminded herself, 'He'd never do that to us.' The self-assurance emboldened her, helping to banish her fears.

She looked up into her boyfriend's face and her fears felt as if they were slowly melting away. His face was open and honset and caring. She sat down on the carpet, fidgeting briefly before working up the courage and leaning her face toward his, closing her eyes and pursing her lips.

Artex leaned forward and nervously gave her a fleeting peck on the tip of her muzzle then backed his head away cautiously and quickly, "Are you alright Razor?" he asked in a concerned tone.

Razor was more than slightly annoyed at the situation. She sighed irritably, opened her eyes, and gave the man a flat look, "My boyfriend, the man I love, can't even give me a proper kiss... no, I'm not alright. That was my first kiss Artex, and it was very disappointing." she huffed, "Let's try that again, but this time go slow. Let me pull away first. You can put your arms around me, just remember not to hold me in place if I start struggling. Alright?"

Artex nodded and swalowed loudly, "A-alright." She was already right in front of him, easily within arm's reach. He stretched his arms around her and gently pulled her close, taking his cue from her and letting off the pressure once she started pushing against his hold. His eyes drifted to hers and for a time neither spoke nor moved. In her eyes, he saw trust and love. He saw nervousness, but he also saw anticipation, eagerness, 'She really does want this.' he thought to himself.

They slowly leaned toward one another, their necks stretching forward inch by inch. Their eyes slowly drifted closed and moments after that, their lips touched. Like before, Razor felt electricity tingling her, except this time it was only her lips. She felt the gentle caress of the tips of his lips against hers and the feeling was intoxicating.

Artex felt the moment of contact as their lips met, but the ravenous, lusty hunger from before was strangely absent. Their shared special moment had nothing to do with urges and lust. That moment was for communicating without the need for words. Razor gently pressed herself forward, her mouth pushing against his as he slowly pulled her closer. The tingly electricity intensified and began spreading. Spurred onward by the wonderful sensation, she pressed ever further into the kiss whimpering softly at their shared intimate contact. The electricity swam through her body as if it were a part of the blood in her veins. It coalesced in her belly, manifesting as a fluttering sensation, then it swept ever farther. Her hips tingled, tickling her in a way that made her want to giggle and moan at the same time. Her tail flagged and she stepped forward, deeper into the kiss.

Within the kiss they shared was an apology for what had happened. Within that kiss was the assurance they they were both unharmed. Within that kiss was whole-hearted forgiveness. Within that kiss was the gentle exploration of the kindling desire for one another. Within that kiss was a confirmation of love and dedication. Within that kiss was the promise of a beautiful future together.

Razor pressed into the kiss more firmly, but she held control of herself. She felt nervous, even scared of the new experience and sensation, but behind all that was the assurance that not only did she love him, but that he loved her back. She wanted more. She wanted to press her mouth to his and drink him in. To pull him into the core and depths of her very soul. It was the confirmation she was looking for. Her passions had indeed been awakened.

She regretfully broke the kiss and opened her eyes. Artex opened his eyes as well and Razor realized they were both lightly panting for breath. She licked her lips and averted her eyes, "You were right Oriana." she turned and looked at the Zebra mare, "I'm all but certain I Accepted him." she turned back to Artex, "I-I think... no, I KNOW... I want to be with you Artex. Not right now... I mean forever until we are forced apart by the grave." she swallowed hard and licked her lips again, "I want to be yours, if you'll have me."

Artex took a slow, deep breath and let it out very, very slowly, "I want this too Razor. I've only felt this way about two other women... and one of them is standing right behind you." Oriana smiled warmly.

Razor brought the mood to a more serious note as she cleared her throat, "Now that we have that decided, I think it's time for you to meet my family."

This was my first attempt at any sort of intimate scene. Please be patient with me.