All the light in the world disappeared at once. Daybreak felt his mind and body tossed through a sea of murky blackness. It felt fake, not real...yet not untouchable...like a dream. Reality seemed light years away, all he felt the urge to do was close his eyes and float through the nothingness. The blackness was suffocating and overwhelming him, it seemed to cover his entire being in a blanket of dark. He was barely still aware if he was standing upright or had fallen over. His sense of direction seemed to have left him, along with any of his other abilities. He could not see or feel Sunset, nor Rainbow next to him. In fact, he wasn't even sure they were still in the same space.

His very being felt like one big acid trip, and having been drugged once before in his life, he could attest to the feeling. Yet something seemed amiss, even in this sea of nothingness and nonfeeling. He felt...something. Something beyond, what he felt. Like a pair of giant eyes were on him. A shiver traveled up his spine at the thought.

He blinked and it was over. Light flooded his vision as two pairs of hands seemed to materialize on either of his shoulders. He blinked once more, attempting to clear the fuzziness from his vision. When he next opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of sandy beaches and bikini's. Any normal boys dreamland.

Daybreaks legs wobbled as he stepped out of the still shimmering mass that was their portal and his feet touched the warm sand beneath. Looking to his left and right, both Sunset and Rainbow Dash seemed to be sharing his dazed and confused expression. They too exited the portal just after him, and seemed to be shocked back to reality as their feet also touched the shifty ground beneath them. He watched them both look around as he had, but as usual, Dash was the first one to put their thoughts to words.

"Wow man...that was trippy. I gotta ask Twilight what she put in that portal, cause I want it in every drink I ever have from now on."

Sunset shot her a glare, then turned to Daybreak "You felt it too right?"

He nodded "That emptiness. That wasn't like any portal I've ever gone through."

"No not that...it was something else. That darkness, those...voices. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I know I've felt something like that before. I just can't remember where."

Sunset tapped her finger to her chin attempting to delve into deep thought, but it seemed Rainbow had other plans. She came behind them both and gave them a shove, beginning to push them through the sand, skidding along their heels.

"Come oooooon! Who caaaares? We're at the beach, you two can nerd out later. Let's get to swimming and dunking each other already."

A quick step to the left, and Daybreak twirled his way out of Dash's grip, preferring to walk there on his own rather than being practically dragged. "Fine, I'll just ask Twilight about it when we get there....Unpleasant as the thought may be...Unless she put that thing together drunk, I'd like to know why I just went through a portal acid trip."

Sunset also deciding she'd rather walk than be pushed, quickly teleported out of Dash's way as well, sending Rainbow sprawling forth into the sand propelled by her own forward momentum. Sunset appeared alongside Daybreak just in time to catch Rainbows glare. She merely responded by sticking out her tongue. Then quickly turned to Daybreak and added "Please don't do anything to aggravate Twilight. At least not on purpose. This is supposed to be a day to relax. Just try and get along, ok?"

"Humph...I make no promises of peace when the other party is just as likely to start shit as me. But if it puts you at ease, know that I'd like a chance to relax too. So in a word, yes, I won't purposefully make her mad..."

Sunset gave her head a firm nod "Good."

"...Of course that's no guarantee that my very presence won't piss her off."

Sunset sighed "Oh please Celestia let this day go smoothly."

The trio made their way down the sandy path towards the only group of five girls seemingly present on the whole stretch of sand. Daybreak allowed his eyes to wander as they walked, he noticed the beach itself wasn't that large in either direction, In fact it felt more like a secluded out grove than a public beach. His thoughts must have been betrayed on his face because almost immediately after thinking that, he heard Rainbow comment

"Yeah dude, this isn't exactly a well known spot. More like our own private getaway than anything else. The actual public beach is about five miles in the other direction, but me and Sunset figured you'd want less people around so we told everyone to meet here instead."

"You...didn't have to do that Dash."

"I appreciate that Dash, really...but I hope you didn't have to step on everyone's toes to get them to change spots just for my preference. No need to make them dislike me more than they probably already do....Not that I even care...I'm just...well I'm not even saying it am I...oh forget it..."

It was actually Sunset who beat Rainbow Dash to the punch this time, before she managed to respond back. "Of course we had to Daybreak, the whole point of this was to get everyone together. You're part of everyone now. That makes you our friend, at least in my books. We help out our friends here. Besides, it really wasn't any big inconvenience. Everyone pretty much prefers this spot anyway. We only use the public beach for parties and things like that."

"Oh...well in that case thanks then."

"No problem"

Rainbow appeared behind them both and wrapped an arm around each of their necks, forcing them to drag her along in between them. She had the biggest grin on her face "You two bond over the weirdest things, ya know that?"

Daybreak scoffed, attempting to free himself from Dash's iron grip, and making no progress whatsoever. He watched Sunset attempting and failing to do the same, while also trying to keep her hat from falling off into the sand "That wasn't...aggh...bonding you dunce, that's just casual conversation Dash...ow...geez woman, are your arms made of steel or something."

He watched Rainbows eyes to loop de loops in her skull "Right, uh huh, sure. Listen dude, don't try lying to me mmk? You're not good at it. I remember a few weeks back, you wouldn't say more than two words to Sunset if you didn't have to. Now you talk, almost normally with her. And by the way, it's titanium thank you. Much stronger than steel."

"Uggh, Dash that's not-"

"Bonding, dumbass. It's bonding."

Seeing Sunset turning red in Dash's grip and attempting not to look at him, made Daybreak feel warm faced as well "Oh, whatever, fuck you skittle brain."

"I intend to, later...possibly on this beach."

"Urrrgh...Dash...Don't say things like that in front of Sunset Shimmer!"

"Why not? Hey Sunset? If me and Daybreak get freaky later...ya wanna come join us?"

They both screeched at her so quickly and loudly, it actually drew the attention of their friends as they approached them.

"R-RAINBOW?!"

"DASH WHAT THE FUCK?!"

"Eeeh geesh...my bad? No need to yell. it's not my fault if Sunset's too shy to ask, there's still no need to freak out, now the girls are looking at us.....oh make that the girls and Spike. I didn't see him before."

His thoughts of replying vanished as he heard Spikes name mentioned. He had briefly forgotten the young drake would be here as well. After turning in time to see Sunset smack Dash upside the head, he shrugged his shoulders and proceeded down to the group on his own.

He made his pace quick and was down in front of the girls, and Spike, in no time at all, leaving Rainbow and Sunset to battle it out on their own. Even from here he could still here them arguing whilst trying to swat at one another.

"How could you say something like that in front of him!? That's so embarrassing!!!"

"Because you obviously wanna bang him duh! It's not like we both don't know it! I'm just trying to help!"

"Ugggggh Rainbow Dash you're such a prick sometimes!"

Sighing to himself, Daybreak approached the group and gave them a tiny wave, attempting to remain as casual as possible. Most of them looked to him, then drifted their gaze back to the two girls further up the sand. Daybreak was actually pleased that Spike was the first one to comment, he was hoping for an excuse to address the young drake. It had been a long time since they'd seen each other after all.

"Though, perhaps not as long as Twilight thinks. Hopefully the little guy has remembered our deal all these years."

Pointing a clawed finger at the scene above, Spikes voice came out much deeper than he remembered. Although, it was still just as scratchy.

"That's dragon maturity for you. It must do wonders for him..."

"What're they arguing about up there?"

Daybreak darted his eyes back, Rainbow Dash had procured a bucket of water from Celestia-knows-where and was proceeding to douse Sunset in it. He sighed and shrugged "Rainbow made an inappropriate comment about Sunset that she didn't take too kindly too. Give them a minute, it'll be over soon."

"How do you know?"

Almost on que, Daybreak heard Rainbow give a yelp of terror. He and all the others looked back to see Rainbow being hoisted into the air, surrounded in a field of light, sea green aura. Sunset marched down the sandy path past them, waving hello as she did, and brought Rainbow to the edge of the water. From here they could all hear Rainbow pleading for mercy up until Sunset released her, and watched her splash down into the presumably cold sea water. Presumably, being only because Rainbow yelped and shrieked the moment she touched it's surface.

Daybreak returned his gaze Spike and gestured towards the scene with his head. Spike chuckled "Oh. Never mind."

Daybreak found a smile of his own at the scene, He quickly darted his eyes over the young drake whilst he was distracted watching Rainbow flail about and struggle to be free of the cold sea water. Spike had certainly matured since the last time they'd seen each other. His change was possibly more noticeable than Twilights'. Spike had been only seven the last time they'd spoken in person...ten years truly was a long time. Especially, it seemed, in drake years. Perhaps it was only because his shirt was removed that Daybreak noticed such a considerable difference now than back then. The young half breed now looked more like his dragon side than human. His purple skin no longer looked soft and delicate but had begun to develop into tough, smooth looking scales. The lime green spikes traveling along his head and down his tail looked more sharp and dangerous than before as well. His tail no longer looked like a little purple stump, but had matured into a nearly full length appendage, one that seemed to swirl about in the sand on its own. It reminded Daybreak slightly of a dogs tail the way it flicked about.

Moving his gaze towards Spikes torso, he could see his wings and abs had also finally grown in. Both gave him a more mature and handsome look than his pudginess had as a child. His wings were currently tucked neatly against his back, but Daybreak suspected that full length, they would have extended out four feet in either direction, possibly farther. As for his chest, Spike had obviously followed Daybreaks advise at one point or another, and begun working out. Even with dragon blood, abs like that formed into his scaly body, only came from hard work and lots of sweat. Daybreak managed to catch a quick glimpse of young Spikes tongue too, as he flicked it out in the heat reaching for a nearby bottle of water. It had finally become fully forked like it was supposed to. Spikes faces had extended some as well, to fit his dragon-like teeth and tongue, but it still looked reasonably human, at least compared to the rest of him. It was still smooth, yet it had a more mature look about it now, no longer giving him a vibe of innocence, but of grace and pride. He finally looked the part of his more dominant genes.

Daybreak had always been interested in the young drake since the day they'd met. A half human/half dragon breed was so rare they were nearly unheard of, seeing as the circumstances for their birth were unlikely to ever occur. One party or the other of the mates involved had to be a dragon, and no matter which side male or female the parent was, it rarely turned out good. Considering a male dragons...size...when it came to certain affairs, having any kind of sexual relation with another species that wasn't of equal size was nearly impossible, and when done, almost always fatal. Yet from what he understood of Spikes heritage, his mother had survived all the way up until his conception, then passed away in the hospital. But neither Spike, Twilight, or even Celestia seemed sure which parent was human and which was dragon. It stood to reason that the mother must have been dragon and the father human...but that just looked so weird in Daybreaks mind. He had always wondered how that would even work sexually, just in terms of body mass and size?

Those were questions for another time though, the true reason behind Daybreaks fascination came from the unique magic that was likely flowing through young Spikes body. No human could perform dragon type magic, it was impossible for their bodies to handle. Even the Princesses and his father couldn't. Spike however, was an exception, being half and half. Daybreak had watched him perform magic from both sides of his family when he was a child, astounding both Twilight and Celestia. Though he'd always felt poor Spikes talents would be wasted with Twilight, seeing as she had made him her assistant at birth (he'd had every say in the matter of course, but still) and hardly ever seemed to focus on his own magical growth. Not that she meant anything sinister by it, but Daybreak had always observed Twilight use Spike more like a test dummy than a partner. He hoped that had changed with age, Spikes talents were far too great to waste in a library. These thoughts of course, prompted his very first question to the young drake.

"So how've ya been Spike? Twilight still treating you like a slave?"

He didn't even have to count the seconds between his comment and the all too familiar sound of a book slamming shut, followed by Twilights voice "EXCUSE ME?!"

Spike saw his coy expression and played along "Yeah totally, one meal a day and I sleep on a pillow beside her bed."

"SPIKE! THAT'S NOT TRUE AT ALL!"

"Yeah man you should see it. She keeps me on this weird looking collar and chain all day..." He pretended to lower his voice and lean forward so that only Daybreak could hear, but he was obviously loud enough for everyone around him to as well "...I think she's just into that sort of kinky stuff and needs to practice on me since, just...well ya know. Nudge nudge, wink wink."

"SPIKE!!!"

Both Spike and Daybreak cracked up as Twilights face changed to every possible shade of purple in existence while on its way to red. What was even more hilarious, was Twilights friends couldn't seem to contain their chuckles any better. Spike and Daybreak fist bumped as Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and even Fluttershy all struggled to contain themselves. Well...except for Pinkie...she gave in instantly and began rolling about in the sand clutching at her belly. Rarity actually had to wipe tears from her eyes.

"Oh g-goodness darling, are you sure this is the same 'spawn of evil' that you were telling us about last time? He seems quite fine to me."

He watched Twilight continue changing shades, while also muttering something surely obscene under her breath. Rarity stood from her fancy looking chair in the sand, ducked under the umbrella she had been sitting beneath, and approached Daybreak. She held out her hand formally, allowing Daybreak to catch a fully glimpse of her swimwear for the first time since he'd arrived.

"Nice to meet you, again I mean. You and I didn't really exchange proper pleasantries last time we met. So it's nice to officially meet you dear. I am Rarity."

Daybreak took her hand, doing his best to keep his eyes locked with hers and not observe the...rather revealing...swim wear she adorned. It was starch white, like her skin, but both her bikini top and bottom were decorated with hundreds of multicolored gemstones, causing her (very limited) clothing to seemingly sparkle in the light. They shinned so bright Daybreak had difficulty telling whether or not they were even fake. He was starting to doubt it. Whether designed that way on purpose or not, her clothes barely left anything to the imagination, her bottoms hardly covered her rear and showed off both of her hips, while her top practically shoved her chest in anyone's face who neared her. It would have been overwhelming to just about anyone other than him. But he had to admit, with his restriction spell no longer active anymore, he was able to appreciate her...attractiveness. Even if it was practically being thrown at him by her clothing (or lack there of).

Shaking her hand, and focusing all his self control on not letting Rarity know he had just eyed her up, he smiled back at her "I remember you, you're the one who fixed my necklace for me. Thank you, by the way."

"Not at all darling. Once Rainbow mentioned you were a close friend, I dropped everything to have it done asap. Although I must apologize for it still taking longer than I predicted. Your necklace had some...erm...unique traits, that made it hard to work on. Are you wearing it currently? I was curious to see it worn by the owner. Fashion always looks the best when worn by it's original creator in my opinion."

"That why you always wear everything you make Rarity, ya think it looks best on you?"

The sound of Applejacks quip made Rarity's face flush, and brought a small smile to Daybreak, which he quickly hid upon realization. Rarity however, was too distracted with Applejack to notice though, luckily for him.

"Not at all dear. Not to try on and triple check every piece of fabric that I create would be a crime of fashion! Should a flaw appear whilst I am in the process of wearing my garments or checking them over, I can correct them before the customer must suffer the indecency of a flawed outfit."

When Applejack did not respond and simply covered her eyes with her hat to continue her nap, Rarity seemed satisfied she'd made her point. Returning her attention to Daybreak, she smiled to him.

"So darling, about that necklace?

Nodding, Daybreak reached down the front of his shirt and withdrew the miniature silver sun dangling from his neck. With a quick glance at Rainbow, now approaching from the waters edge, he sighed to himself with relief. He was thankful that he and Rainbow had decided not to swap necklaces for today like they had originally planned, seeing as Twilight would likely notice and surely make a scene if she caught Rainbow wearing his necklace, especially since he'd heard from Rainbow herself that Twilight had already made a huge deal about the necklace he'd actually given to her. No need to test the water more than he already had.

With the necklace dangling from his fingers, Rarity leaned extra close to examine it with near uncomfortable detail.

"Oh my darling, that must have been made just for you. It looks absolutely brilliant on you dear!"

Daybreak was utterly bemused by her words, having no idea what she could mean by that.

"It's...just a necklace Rarity...?"

Rarity made a light clicking sound with her tongue as she finished her examination of the necklace, shaking her head slightly as she backed off.

"Don't bother with such fibs to me darling. I live for fashion and everything it has to do with. That necklace clearly has some powerful magic in it."

Immediately following Rarity, Applejacks voice floated up from underneath her hat. "Ya'll can drop the act sugarcube. Twilight's already told us 'bout what that necklace does...well did...and everything else that happened between ya'll."

Daybreak felt a sigh escape his lips "Huh...of course she did, how silly of me to think she'd keep it to herself..."

"Even if she had, ya'll won't find anyone around here who knows fashion like Rarity. I'd bet she'd be able to identify magic in that there necklace even without knowin 'bout it before."

Grimacing slightly at the casualness and sureness behind her tone, Daybreak nodded. "I guess I have little choice but to accept your word on the matter. Still, my version of what happened between us and hers are very different to be sure."

A sudden shiver of nostalgia traveled up his spine, warning him of imminent danger to his rib cage. He turned to the left, just in time to see a large mass of pink flesh cover his sight and ensnare his torso. Without time to react, Daybreaks ribs were mercilessly submitted to a bone crushing hug from nowhere. A high pitched giggle followed shortly after.

"That's why we wanna get to know you silly! It wouldn't be fair to think of you as a big meanie without at least trying to be friends first! So far so good in Pinkies' book, you brought me Gummy all the from Fluttershy's in a super awful storm. And you're all lovey dovey with our Dashie, how could we not love you?"

Upon hearing the words "lovey dovey" Daybreaks heart dropped into his stomach. Though he was unable to speak through Pinkie's chest breaking hug, he was already attempting to sputter out a million different answers to her. All of which would've made him look extremely suspicious if they'd made it out into the open. Luckily for him though, before he could incriminate himself, Rainbow and Sunset arrived from the waters edge to save his ass. Dash walked up with a towel covering her head, chuckling the same chuckle she gave whenever someone challenged her to a race.

"Oh come on Pinkie, we're just friends. It took me long enough to get him to talk to me, don't scare him off now with that kind of talk."

Daybreak couldn't physically see Pinkies eyes narrow, but he could hear it in her voice when she next spoke.

"Suuuuuure Dashie. Don't think you can lie to Pinkie. I'll bet you two were doing a LOT more than 'talking' when I walked by his house earlier today."

Daybreaks heart had now moved from his stomach to his lower intestines, and it didn't help that this little bit of info seemed to have stunned Rainbow into silence as well.

"Oh Luna did I forget to put up my sound barriers when we came home?...Wait...Oh sweet Tartarus! I teleported inside! I never even stopped to put up my weather barrier let alone the others! Good gods she could have heard everything we did if she was close enough...I can't remember...were the windows open....I can't remember...oh crap this isn't good. Why won't Rainbow say something?!"

Struggling against Pinkies iron clad grip, Daybreak finally freed his head enough to turn and breathe some fresh air. He was also able to observe the stunned looks on both Sunset Shimmer and Rainbow Dash. His hopes for a safe end were further crushed when he saw the conversation had now drawn the attention of the other girls as well, and Spike. All of whom were now subtly peeking up from there various activities to listen in. Everyone except...the one girl who Daybreak never expected to be his saving grace.

Without even looking up from her book, Twilight chuckled aloud. But her chuckle made Daybreak more uncomfortable than if she'd actually suspected him. He didn't know why though, maybe it was the certainty behind her voice.

"Trust me Pinkie Pie, I'll vouch for Daybreak on this one. There's no chance in this universe that him and Dash would hook up. Trust me. How did you put it when we were kids Daybreak...'I don't feel the need for that kind of stuff?' Or something like that. And then there was that whole thing with Dash and Fluttershy, so she really couldn't..."

"For the last time Twilight, nothing happened! I'm not gay alright! Sweet Celestia when are you guys gonna let that go?!"

Daybreak couldn't tell if Dash was mad, or just flustered by Twilights insinuation. Her tone wasn't one he recognized from her. Meaning he'd never heard her answer so loud, yet so seemingly shy at the same time.

Feeling the need to change the subject before things got out of hand, Daybreak rapidly tapped his hand on Pinkies side, (at least he hoped it was her side). He really couldn't tell anymore, seeing as she'd managed to cut off the blood flowing to his arms in her death grip of a hug. Regardless, she seemed to notice his frantic tapping and giggled

"What's up lover boy? Your not gonna start flirting with little old Pinkie now are ya?"

"Why would you even ask that you cotton candy haired maniac...whatever, best to just ignore it."

"P-Pinkie...kinda...c-can't breathe...let...go...ehh..."

"Oh! Is that all? All ya had to do was ask silly."

"I would if I could properly speak with you crushing my larynx"

Air flooded his body as she released him, inflating him like a balloon. He dropped to his hands and knees in the sand, taking sharp breathes of the life reviving air. He could feel the tingles start to form in his arms as blood began to circulate back through his limbs and torso.

"Why...do you squeeze...so hard with your hugs Pinkie?"

Her smile covered more than half of her face causing him to wonder if she even had any other expressions to show other than happy.

"Why, so I can spread my cheer to everyone around me of course! I have lots of cheer to spread so I give everyone a super squeeze to spread as much as I can! And besides I love giving hugs to my friends, and my friends looooooove my Super-Duper-Pinkie-Patent-Pending-Pout-Curing-Hugs!"

"I don't know what scares me more. The fact that her smile never seems to move during all her talking, or the fact that she probably believes half of what she's saying."

He shivered with fear at the thought. "Well, do me a favor ok? If you insist upon attacking me out of nowhere, don't squeeze me quite so hard from now on. I have these valuable body parts called ribs, and to work properly I need them unbroken."

He'd intended for his voice to come off more serious than sarcastic, but whether it was a failing on his end or Twilights friends being used to this kind of dry humor, they all seemed to share a simultaneous group chuckle. Pinkie nodded her head with unnecessary enthusiasm.

"Okie Dokie Lokie! I'll be super gentle from now on. Ya know, like the total opposite of what you and Dash were earlier today."

"Ack! The fuck is wrong with you Pinkie Pie!" Had he been walking he might have tripped over himself at her grin.

"That's it Pinkie Pie, you're going in the sea!" Rainbows voice reached his ears at almost the same moment she appeared next to them. Daybreak heard Pinkie give a high pitched "Wheeeeeeeeeee!" Then watched as Dash hoisted her up over her shoulder and took off towards the oceans edge with her giggling madly the whole way. Even as Rainbow tossed her up and threw her into the cold sea, Daybreak could swear he could still hear her screeching the whole time.

"DASHIE AND DAYBREAK SCREWING IN A TREE, S-E-X-Y-T-I-M-E!"

Feeling an overwhelming need to bury his face in the sand, Daybreak chanced a glance back at the girls. Spike gave him a thumbs up, but shrunk back at Twilights expression, Fluttershy seemed to have taken to pretending she heard nothing and suddenly found her own hair very interesting. It seemed only Applejack and Rarity truly seemed to want to show they were interested in this current topic of conversation. Applejack had taken the time to lift her hat from her head, and motion Daybreak over to her with a simple wave. Rarity also tried to wave him over, but between the two, just based on first impression personalities, he was pretty sure he'd be asked fewer intruding questions from Applejack than Rarity. So he proceeded over her and took a seat in the towel she'd laid out for him. Clearly by it's design it was meant for Rainbow Dash, seeing as only she would ask to have her cutie mark stitched into a sky blue background that took up the full length of the towel.

Once he was upon the towel, comfortably laying back with his hands placed snugly behind and under his head for support, he noticed a single error in judgement he had made. While his current position placed him farther from the Pink Menaces' chair and Rarity, it placed him only one seat away from Twilight, who had seated herself in a chair on the direct opposite side of Applejack. She didn't look to be interested in him at the moment though, as her nose was once again buried in whatever book she was currently reading. Her unchanging habits aside, he had to admire her boldness when it came to swimwear. In all his years studying with Twilight, never had he once guessed she'd go out in what she was currently wearing.

Her bikini was a slight bit pinker than her skin and therefore made the rest of her flesh more noticeable in comparison. Daybreak was having difficulty not observing (and admiring) her matured body with it being so easily on display. He shuddered at the thought of her doing this on purpose just to spite him for his claims about her chest size as children, but even he knew she wasn't that petty. Nevertheless, both her hips and her chest were very much on display despite them being hidden beneath the swimwear. He could only assume, Rarity had designed these things for her. Now that he glanced around to the others, they were all dressed basically the same. Bikini tops and bottoms that showed off their chests and hips much more than necessary. He'd found it normal when Dash did it, and only slightly odd when he'd seen Sunset Shimmer...but at least she'd had a hat on with her suit. But this was ridiculous. The only other attire Rarity seemed to have on other than her swim sit were bright red sunglasses, that were clearly being used to shield her eyes while she attempted to tan in her chair. Applejack had on her hat and Twilight had reading glasses, but other than that, it was bare skin everywhere!

"I can't be the only one who finds this weird! What about Spike?"

His eyes sought and found the young drake seated on a towel in between Twilight and Rarity. Other than his eyes darting up towards Rarity every other minute, the Drake showed no signs of discomfort by anyone's clothing.

"I shouldn't be surprised though. He's in his age of maturity. He probably loves seeing all of them like this...But still, I gotta say something don't I?" (italics)

"What's wrong Sugarcube? You spacing out on me?"

"Huh?" Blinking, he returned his gaze to Applejack, who was eyeing him with slightly raised eyebrows.

"Ya'll went off in your own world there after ya sat down. I was asking ya what Pinkie meant by all that talk of loud noises coming from yer house earlier?"

"Errm...right umm...can we hold off on that for a second. I've got something I need to ask you actually?"

"Sure ya can. I'll answer what I can. Though if yer trying to get Dash's number, ya might as well call it quits now hehehe"

He struggled not to flush, considering he actually already had it...assuming he ever got a phone to put it in.

"Err right...anyways...Not to sound rude or anything. But...how can you girls...ya know...be ok with going around dressed like...well, like you are? I mean, I know this is a secluded spot for you and I could understand it if were just you girls, but me and Spike are here. Doesn't being so exposed with two guys here bother you all in the slightest?"

The question was directed more towards AJ, but he'd made sure and ask it loud enough for all of them to hear, save Pinkie Pie, who was still busy being dunked repeatedly in the ocean by her feet. He expected one of them to react negatively, or at least for Twilight to make some shrewd remark about him and his supposed disinterest in sex. But instead, he got none of that. Instead, the girls seemed to echo a murmur of laughter and chuckles. It was a little unnerving to be quite honest. That is until Sunset Shimmer came over and, placing her own sun scorched red towel down beside him, sat and explained why.

"Daybreak, I know customs like this probably don't exist in most of the rest of Equestria. I can probably understand where you're coming from better than most, since there's nothing like this ever going on in Canterlot. But here in Ponyville its alot more socially secure. Nobody really expects a guy to just start gawking out at a girl cause she's dressed in a sexy bikini. I mean, yeah sure, they look, but it's a different kind of feeling here. It feels safer, that's the best way I can describe it I guess. Around here everyone knows each other. It's a very tightly knit town. So someone spotting me in a bikini at the beach, might very well also have swim class with me in college the next day. Other than you and me, people who aren't from Ponyville rarely ever attend Ponyville University."

He pondered all that for a moment. Staring up at the bright afternoon sky, he came to realize that nearly everyone he'd spotted in the school, he'd managed to see around town at least once or twice just by walking through it.

"I guess she's right in that respect. With everyone living so close and being so close, there really shouldn't be much need for worry. This IS supposed to be the friendliest place in Equestria. So I guess this kind of custom makes sense."

"But still...you all know I'm not from around here. And I mean...Twilight has to have told you her opinion of me right? Shouldn't feel at least a little wary of exposing yourselves in front of someone so supposedly dangerous?"

This time it was Applejack who answered him, with hearty laugh to boot. "Don't misunderstand Sunset Sugarcube. We're ain't gonna be strippin to our birthday suits in front of ya or anythin, but we're secure enough with you to be sure you wouldn't be trying anything funny, at least not like that. Besides, according to Twilight, you aren't into that kind of stuff right?"

There it was. Twilights supposed info on him did have some sway over their comfort level. He felt a slight twitch in his eye and for a moment, almost abandoned his reason.

"Twilights info on me is outdated. Times change, and so have I. As I tried explaining to her once already. I'm not the same person I was before. I won't dare claim you all have nothing to fear from me, after all, that's exactly what a villain would say, but I will say that you shouldn't put too much stock into what she thinks she knows about me. She isn't as knowledgeable as some others present..."

He gave pause, before allowing a smirk to cross his face.

"...Isn't that right, Spike?"

At once, all eyes including Twilights, seemed to fall on Spike. He'd sat up the moment Daybreak said his name, eyes wide with shock and disbelief. Daybreak himself was almost just as shocked he'd just done what he did, but was much better at not showing it. There were few ways out of this now, so he might as well go the distance now that he'd started.

"Well...this should be interesting at the very least..."

Everyone waited, like they knew it was Twilight who would be the first to speak at this vague revelation. After her eyes moved between Spikes distraught expression and Daybreaks smug gaze, she sat up a little straighter in her chair then, set her book down in her lap.

"And what exactly do you mean by that Daybreak? How could Spike know you better than me? He was only a kid back then, barely even seven when you took off. What are you playing at?"

"Why don't you ask him yourself Princess." He slid along the word, practically hissing it at her. But not in the manner he thought he would. Instead of coming off smug, he could feel himself starting to sound angry. It wasn't obvious yet, but he could feel it coming.

"Maybe I'm just tired of Twilight's shit. Always assuming she knows everything about me! Never even considering that there might be facts her brilliant mind couldn't conjure up! I think...it's time I show her how wrong she is about me."

He watched Twilight start to fume. So much for not starting a fight, he kind of felt bad for breaking his word to Sunset Shimmer, but Twilight had this coming. He waited and watched as she turned and rounded on her young assistant.

"Well Spike...What does he mean?"

"Umm...Twilight...I..." Spikes eyes darted to Daybreak so quickly, it was impossible to hide. His gaze practically begged for help, he clearly didn't know what to do or say, and that was exactly what Daybreak wanted. Even if Spike didn't spill the beans, Twilight would know for certain he was hiding something from her. The thought of Twilight steaming over whatever knowledge about him she might not know, and her trying desperately to pull the information from her young assistant caused Daybreak undeniable joy. Too bad for him the little drake couldn't seem to contain himself now that all eyes were on him.

His eyes growing wider with fear by the second, Spike began to look teary eyed "D-Daybreak...what do I do?...What do I say...?"

Daybreaks smile seemed to grow more sinister by the minute, growing bigger and bigger as his anger grew harder and harder to control. Although, no one seemed to be looking at him to notice. They seemed too concerned with the steam pouring from Twilights ears.

"The truth Spike. It's fine. I want you to tell her."

He could see the relief in Spikes face, though it was masked by the fear of the moment. Daybreak could tell he'd just lifted a small burden from the boys shoulders. Even though the situation was likely about to escalate to a whole new level, he knew he'd done him a favor. Receiving one last nod of confirmation from Daybreak, Spike swallowed the large lump attempting to choke up his throat, and proceeded to stand up and walk to the front of Twilights chair, dragging his clawed feet through the sand as he did so.

Everyone's eyes seemed glued to the young drake as he came to stand in front of them all, practically shivering with fear. Daybreak gave him a small nudge in the shoulder with his magic, a little push of encouragement in his eyes.

"Go on Spike. I'm sure she's just dying to know. Aren't you Princess?"

Not even bothering to give him a retort this time, Twilight merely addressed Spike from her chair. "Spike, whatever it is, you can tell me. I promise I won't get upset with you. But if you've been keeping something from me like he says...please just tell me."

"You heard her Spike. Go on, tell her."

"O-ok..."

Daybreak watched with hidden anticipation as Spike took in a deep breath.

"I can't wait to see the look on her face. It'll almost make everything she said before worth it...almost"

"T-Twilight..." Spike began, and Daybreak started shivering with glee. "Do you remember the night Daybreak left? What you told me, that next night...after you searched the castle all day for him?"

Daybreaks eyes found Twilights glancing to the side, clearly thinking hard as she attempted to recall that night. It only took her a moment then she nodded, slowly, her eyes briefly darting past Spike and around to Daybreak "Yes...I remember."

Spike nodded to her, as if in confirmation. "Yeah...you...you cried all night."

Daybreak felt a twinge in his gut. "I wish he hadn't said that...I mean I always figured...but hearing it said aloud like that...it...feels different than just thinking about it."

Spike continued on "Then...when you finally stopped and Princess Celestia forced you come out of your room...you told me..." His eyes darted back, briefly glancing over Daybreak as he spoke "You told me that if he ever came back...or sent you a letter...to tell you immediately, right?"

Twilight nodded "Yes...and?" Daybreak raised an eyebrow. Twilight was one of the most intelligent people around, possibly the smartest he'd ever met, it should be obvious to her what Spike was hinting at. Which meant she either wanted to hear him say it, or she was in denial. There was no way she hadn't already figured it out, or at least some of it, but nevertheless she waited in silence until Spike was forced to continue.

"Well Twilight...the thing is...Before Daybreak took off he actually came and woke me up that night. He told me that he was leaving and that I wasn't allowed to follow. He also stopped me from waking you up, which I tried to do the moment he told me about it...Then he told me he'd send me a letter the next day...but only if I promised not to say anything to you about it. I didn't know then how you'd react, and I thought maybe he'd come back someday, so I agreed. The next night...after you...umm well, ya know...went to bed...I got the letter, and it explained everything. And I mean everything. Why he left, where he planned to go (at least at first), and most importantly...that he wanted to keep in touch....but...just with me. I wasn't allowed to say anything to you or the letters would stop coming. He said it was essential that you remove him from your life...but...all he ever did was write about you..."

"W-what...? What do you mean Spike?" Her voice shook, crackling with fear. No one else dared to speak. Pinkie and Rainbows antics down at the waters edge were completely forgotten as they all hung onto Spikes every word, frightful for what he might say next.

"I mean Twilight...when he said he'd keep in touch I thought he was gonna be sending me updates about where he was and what he was doing. But he never did. Every letter he ever sent to me was asking for an update on you. At first it was just asking how you were handling everything. Then over time he started asking things like what you'd been up to, if you were well, how you were progressing in your studies and magic, things like that. I always responded with the latest news worth sharing. I never got too detailed or anything, just brief summaries really. He wasn't interested in your friends or anything like that, just how you were. Like when you defeated Nightmare Moon, or found the Elements, defeated Discord, Chrysalis, King Sombra, Tirek, or became a Princess. Things that he would care about. Short little one or two sentence letters. He didn't wanna know your location, or who you'd met, or anything like that. Just how you were progressing."

At the end of his explanation, Spike heaved a great sigh of relief then took a very quick drop backwards into the sand. He simply laid there, looking like he'd just finished a marathon. No doubt because Daybreak had just allowed a huge weight to be lifted from his shoulders. But it wasn't his features that Daybreak was interested in, it was Twilights. He looked over and found her gaze. It was nearly unreadable...until she spoke.

"A-all this time...you've been k-keeping tabs on me...why?"

She held back her tears like a champ, but her tone, the quiver in her voice, gave everything away. No one had to look at her to know she was crying, at least on the inside. Which almost made it hard for Daybreak to say what he said next.

"Hmph. Guess you don't know me as well as you think you do. Do you Princess?"

There were gasps from the whole group, even Spikes hands shot to his mouth. Sunset Shimmer immediately moved to Twilights side, trying to lay a comforting hand on her shoulder, but Twilight merely brushed her off. She stood from her chair, so quickly that her book shot off her lap and landed in the sand. Daybreak caught a glimpse of her eyes as she turned and strode down the beach, he couldn't read the emotions hidden behind them, but they were there. Sunset glanced over to Daybreak with a mixed look of pure disbelief and disappointment, then picked up Twilights book and took off after her.

"That didn't feel as good as I thought it would..."

Without another word, Daybreak turned his back to the scene and proceeded down to the waters edge. There he found Pinkie Pie had somehow managed to tie Rainbow Dash to an inflatable inner tube and was pushing her around in the water, while humming an unrecognizable tune to herself. For a moment, Daybreaks thoughts were halted by the sight of the strange scene. Mostly due to the look on Rainbows face. It was so conflicted, on the one hand, she looked like she might have been enjoying herself, on the other, she also could have easily just been in a pouty state of excepting her fate, over the fact that Pinkie had managed to restrain her.

Daybreak only managed to sit and watch the oddly humorous scene for a moment or two, before Dash spotted him. The moment her eyes homed in on him her whole face widened with glee. It was a nice feeling, to see her react in such a way. A smile the size of Manehatten grew across her cheeks, then she leaned her head down to the water and whispered something in Pinkie's ear. Daybreak had no idea what it was, but Pinkie obviously thought it was funny, because she made a very obvious giggle then nodded back to Rainbow.

With both of their eyes now suddenly staring at and seemingly locked onto him, Daybreak felt an awkward feeling wash over him. Perhaps for no other reason than he didn't know what to do, he waved to them both with a forced smile. They both waved back simultaneously, it was creepy to say the least. Well...Rainbow more or less wiggled her hand, seeing as she was tied head to toe to the tube and could barely move. Regardless, upon his acknowledgement, Pinkie started slowly pushing the tube towards the shore.

As they neared him, Pinkie motioned for him with her hand, wafting it towards herself. It was obvious this meant for him to join them in the water, but after what he'd just said to Twilight, and him now unsure what the repercussions of Spikes revelation would be...he didn't really feel like frolicking about in the ocean. So he shook his no head, earning him a frowny face from both Pinkie and Rainbow...which, after they turned to one another and nodded, became sinister grins. He knew those kinds of grins, he used them all the time...whenever he was plotting something devious. Plus the mere fact that it was Rainbow and Pinkie making the face made him immediately uncomfortable. Despite all this, Daybreak was somehow still foolish enough to allow them to swim right up to him. Maybe it was due to the fact that Rainbow was still very much tied to the tube that made him feel like whatever they were plotting could be avoided. He didn't fear Pinkie Pie. After all, she was just a overly hyper party maniac...right?

That was what he told himself as they approached him to ease his concern. Pinkie pulled the tube (and Rainbow) right up to the beach and came to sit beside him, just out of range of the tide. She pulled a length of the rope binding Rainbow up along with her, giving the impression that both the tube and Rainbow were her pet. The moment she plopped her pink butt down into the sand beside him and gave him her signature creppy-overly-large smile, Daybreak knew she was up to something, or at least suspected she was.

"Sooooooo whatcha doing up here Mr.Grumy Pants? The funs happening in the water with me and Dashie!"

He gave a slight start when he heard Pinkie refer to Rainbow with that name. It must have been an obvious jump, because Pinkie giggled.

"Did I spook ya?"

He shook his head quickly "No no, I just thought I was the only one who called Rainbow that name"

Pinkie's face lit up like firecrackers "Huuuuuuuuuuh! You call her Dashie too! So do I!"

"I...know...you just said it like five seconds ago."

Pinkie shook her head "Nooooooooooo, Five seconds ago I asked if I spooked ya, eight point five seconds ago I called her Dashie."

His eyes narrowed "No need to be a smart ass. I was merely pointing something out."

"Why would I wanna be a donkey? I mean obviously I'd wanna be a smart donkey if I was one but personally I'd rather be a chicken than a donkey that's why I dress up like one sometimes on Nightmare Night!"

Her smile seemed to be exceeding the boundaries of her face and her lungs capacity for air must have been just as logic defying. The girl never seemed to take a breath, Daybreak felt his head spin just listening to her talk. It was making it impossible for him to tell what was going on with this girl.

"Are you making fun of me?"

"Are you screwing Dashie?"

"What the-!...What does that have to do with anything?"

"Duuuuuuh. Like everything!"

"Name one thing."

He watched her take in a deep breath, and realized he'd just made a terrible mistake.

"Well if you were creaming Dashies pie than obviously that would make Twilight really jealous because clearly she gets antsy whenever you and Dashie are friendly so I can only fathom in all my wildest candy coated dreams how she'd react if she knew you and Dashie were creating a bunch of mini Dashies unless of course you invited Twilight to join in with you two cause I bet she'd loooooove that!"

She finished with her physics defying smile that only served to heighten his already embarrassed features. Flustered, Daybreak sputtered out a response.

"Wha-! No! Geez Pinkie Pie! I'm not having kids with Rainbow, and we certainly aren't gonna have a three way with Twilight!"

"But you are creaming her pie, right?"

"Uggggggggh! Why do you keep asking me that? And why do you do it so...awkwardly? Can't you just say we're having sex like a normal person?"

"So you are then?"

"OH FOR THE LOVE OF-! Yes alright! Yes we are! Geez!"

She winked, keeping one eye closed as she giggled at him mischievously and stuck out her tongue.

"Teehee I already knew that silly."

"......Wha-But how?! I just told you!"

"Cause I tickled the truth out of Dashie, duh."

Daybreaks gaze rounded on Rainbow, still bound to the tube. She shrugged, well as best she could with her shoulders restrained "Hey dude, don't gimmie that look. You just tried keeping a secret from Pinkie Pie. You see how persistent she is. She got you to talk too, in less time than me, and besides, you can't possibly be mad at me while I'm tied up like this."

He blew air out his lips like a horse and rolled his eyes "Oh keep your perverse fantasies to yourself Dash. I'm perfectly capable of being mad at you right now."

She raised a brow to him "Well, are you?"

"...Am I what?"

"Mad at me?"

"Umm...well no but...t-that's not the point!"

Pinkie walked over and sat on the side of Rainbows tube "Sounds like the point to me Cranky Pants"

"Humph! Says you!"

"And me" Rainbow chimed in.

"Shut up Dash."

"Hey, fuck you man. Don't tell me to shut up. "

"I just did, shadup Dash"

"Pinkie Pie...untie me."

"Okie Dokie Lokie."

Pinkie gave a small tug on the piece of rope she was holding in her hand. Like magic, all of Rainbows bindings unwound and fell from her body into the sand below. Rainbow climbed off the tube and cracked her knuckles threateningly, after briefly stretching out her stiff legs behind herself.

"Now then tough guy, what was that you said to me?"

Daybreak laughed, it was as fake as professional wrestling, but it was loud and made his point "What? You acting all tough in front of Pinkie Pie or something? What're ya gonna do Dash, hit me? I dare you."

"Are you sure about that hot shot?"

He gave another obnoxiously loud laugh and rolled back on his hindquarters a bit in the sand, like he was in a rocking chair. "Yeah, come on Skittles, I daaaaaaaare ya."

She walked over and leaned down right in his face, putting herself nose to nose with him. Of course, she had to lean down a couple feet since he was sitting with his legs crossed but nevertheless, nose to nose.

"Think I won't?"

He snickered at her, this time it was sincere "Oh, I know you won't."

With their faces barely inches apart, it would have been no trouble for Rainbow to sock him one straight in the mouth, or do just about anything if she were so inclined. For a moment, she actually thought about punching him just to wipe the smug grin off his face. But then, she had an even more devilish idea.

"You're right, I won't do it...but you know what I will do?"

"What?" He chuckled aloud, clearly pleased with himself.

"This!" She leaned forward before he could stop her, he saw her intention a the last second...but it was far too late. The look of utter bemusement on his face alone made it all worth it. Her hands clasped themselves around his cheeks and pulled his lips to hers.

In front of Pinkie Pie, in front of everyone who might have been looking towards the water, Rainbow kissed him. A million thoughts ran through his mind at that moment. He was angry, he was surprised, he was scared...but mostly, he was undeniably happy. All the magic in the world really just couldn't compare to the warm feeling that electrified his whole being every time she did this. He knew once it was over that there was gonna be real hell to pay. Whether Twilight saw or not, Pinkie was right in front of them. She couldn't keep her mouth shut forever...or for more than ten seconds for that matter. Their "secret" was as good as exposed now.

So for the moment he just enjoyed it. The feeling of her warm lips pressed against his. He could taste the sea salt on her skin as her tongue snaked its way to his. Before he knew it, she had him on his back in the sand. His face flushed as he imagined how the scene must look to others. Rainbow Dash on top of him, in nothing but a bikini, pressing his back into the sand while she crushed her body against his. It was too bad he didn't know camouflage magic, or he might have made himself vanish with embarrassment right then.

He kept his eyes closed until it was over, too shy to look at Pinkie, or anyone else who might be witnessing this. That's not to say he didn't get into it and kiss her back just as aggressively, cause he certainly did...he just, didn't open his eyes. When Rainbow did finally pull away, she took her time getting off him. She more or less rolled to the side, plopping herself into the sand and staying on her back, whilst giggling aloud.

"hehe I'm not very good at following your rules am I?"

Still frozen in place, too warm in the face to move or even attempt to look around for the others, Daybreak answered her laugh with his own. "Pssh...that's an understatement Dash. I should be pissed at you right now...I wanna be. But I guess it's hard to be mad at someone when they kiss like you do."

"Wowie wow wooooow!" A high pitched squeal reached his ears, reminding him of their other guests' presence. Groaning aloud, Daybreak scanned his eyes past Rainbow and saw Pinkie with her fists crushed against her cheeks, a smile of titanic proportions covering her face. "I've never seen Dashie do thaaaaat before. That was just the cutest most adorable thing I've ever seen! Dashie! You didn't tell me he was your boyfriend! I thought he was just giving your hips a good workout...but this changes everything! OH! I gotta go tell the girls right now! We have to prepare for the bestest kind of party ever! The Dashie-Has-A-Boyfriend Party!....Hmmm I gotta think of a better name though...Give it time~!"

"Oh geez! Gods Pinkie no! No, you gotta keep this to yourself! No one else can know about this!" Pinkie's singsong voice brought Daybreaks reason crashing down onto him, along with reality. He suddenly felt very unrelaxed. Too bad for him the situation was about to get a whole lot more...complicated...as Pinkie was ever kind enough to point out.

"Well...um it might be a little too late to do that..."

"Why...?" Daybreak slowly sat up and watched as Pinkie lifted her finger and pointed in the opposite direction. Terrified he knew what he was about to see, Daybreak slowly rotated his head and followed the direction of Pinkies finger. Horror crawled its way up his spine as his worst fears were confirmed. Looking back in the direction of the others, everyone's gaze was locked on him and Rainbow Dash, frozen in shock!

"Oh I am so fucked, I am so royally fucked!...wait...maybe there's still hope...If Twilight doesn't know then maybe there's a small chance I can convince them not to tell her..."

Desperate, he darted his eyes in the direction that Twilight had stormed off...but sure enough, his luck had hit an all time low. Down the beach along the watery coast, at the perfect angle to see everything that had just happened, Sunset Shimmer and Twilight were staring directly at him. His blood might have frozen in his veins if the drastically warm weather would have allowed it.

Even from here, it was obvious to him that Twilights fists were clenched to her sides...and now...the tears were actually visible, even from this distance. Daybreak wanted nothing more than to look away and pretend he couldn't see her, and the expression on her face. But his ultra keen vision could make out her crushed gaze like she was right in front of him, what was worse...was what he saw her mouth to him before turning and actually running off down the beach this time. He struggled to look away, but her lips formed the words, and they embedded themselves forever into his brain.

"How could you?"

He saw it plain as day, there was no denying it. Twilight was off and running the opposite direction within seconds, away from Sunset and her friends...but mostly...away from him. Once she was out of sight, Daybreak noticed several mushroom shaped clouds of sand rising the distance...followed by loud bangs and thrashes of wind that reached all the way back to him.

"Yikes!...Well...It could have gone worse I guess...Maybe? I mean she didn't try and kill me or Rainbow...So I guess she took that better than expected right?"

A small part of him worried that he might have just destroyed Rainbows friendship with Twilight.

"That doesn't make any sense, it wasn't your fault. She kissed you!" A familiar (and normally unwelcome voice) sounded in his head.

"But I let her, right in front of everyone and Twilight, knowing how she would react."

Any other day he would have simply ignored it, but right now he almost wanted to hear someone try and justify him...even if it was his darker half.

"There's nothing you could have done, you can't predict the things Rainbow Dash does, if it's anyone's fault...it's hers."

"Then why do I feel responsible..."

"I don't know? Why do you? That's a question for yourself, not me."

"Daybreak?"

"Huh?" He sat up, shaking his inner self argument away for the moment. He looked at Rainbow, now sitting up and wearing a light grin. Which made little sense to him after what he'd just witnessed, there was no way she hadn't seen it too...well at least part of it. He felt a surge of anger shoot up his throat, nearly making him feel sick. Or perhaps that was just his guilty conscience

"What are you so smiley about?"

She cocked her head to the side and chuckled. For some reason that actually made him mad.

"Well isn't it obvious dude, I just totally blew our secret and nothing bad happened. Just take a look at everyone..."

Withholding the urge to mention Twilight, Daybreak followed Rainbows raised hand, which was now motioning to her friends sitting on the beach. Indeed none of them looked upset, in fact, they looked downright happy. Pinkie had somehow managed to get back up to them without his noticing, a fact that didn't really surprise him. She seemed to be darting between all of them whilst speaking too fast for even his keen eyes to read. But whatever she was saying, it was obviously having a positive effect on the group. Still, that didn't change the facts. He'd seen Twilights face, she been hurt by him yet again, and this time...he was angry about it.

"Dash, come on! I know you had to have seen Twilight reaction, that isn't exactly what I'd call no collateral damage! She was obviously upset! I mean hell, she took off running AWAY from everyone, after she'd already managed to get a good distance away as it was before! That's obvious signs of being pretty hurt if you ask me!" He couldn't help his raised voice, he felt responsible, he hated feeling responsible for anyone other than Rainbow Dash.

"I purposely hurt her once in the past. I didn't wanna come here and do it again now that I'm trying to make a new life. I wanna prove I'm different. I know I am. I feel...different."

Dash seemed to ignore his raised tone and wafted her hand through the air dismissively. "Oh please dude. I've known that egghead for years. She'll come around. I mean, I know she's probably pretty pissed and upset right now, but she'll get over it. She has Sunset after all."

Her calm tone made him uneasy "You sound pretty sure of yourself. Are her and Sunset an item or something?...I also knew Twilight for a good amount of time, and judging by the way things turned out, she can obviously hold a grudge for a very veeeeery long time. Why are you so certain she'll be ok?"

Dash chuckled halfheartedly. "Well...about her and Sunset, I'm not sure. I mean, I think so?...I can never get a straight answer out of either of them on that...but I never said she'd be fine right away. I'm sure she'll be upset at first, then really, really pissed. But what I said was, she'll get over it. She has to. I'm tired of hiding our relationship. I've only managed this long because we've rarely been around my friends together these past few weeks. But at school, without you, you don't know what it's like...Before you interrupt me-!"

She could see him open his mouth to reply, but she silenced him by raising her voice "Just listen dude! I'm not talking about being lonely. People talk man! Especially about you! In fact, you're topic number one around school these days. Ever since Famine made her little declaration, the whole school's been on edge, probably all of Ponyville actually. Add to that, you suddenly just stopped showing up at around the same time. Anyone who isn't with you all the time is bound to be suspicious. Gossip spreads like wildfire in Ponyville and I'm the only one who's really trying to stop it!"

He found himself feeling more and more on edge as she spoke, now his curiosity was peeked too much to resist. "What kind of gossip Dashie? I asked you how your day was everyday you came home, you never mentioned things like that."

She laughed mockingly, it wasn't rude, but it did help make her point "Dude, you really think I'm gonna tell you that kind of stuff. You'd just had your back carved like a Hearths Warming turkey, I wanted you to be happy and content, not focused on how many people think you're a psycho. But if you're so curious, I'll tell you. It was bothering me not talking to you about it anyways....It started right after your first day there and has basically continued until now, they say things like; 'Oh he must be involved with this weird weather, he just up and left us right before it started' or 'Did you see the way he transformed during his duel with Rainbow Dash' or 'That was some seriously freaky dark magic, he's obviously a threat' or 'Did you see what Stormy did to that boys back, I'd want revenge after something like that'. Oh and the most common one I hear around is people asking why the headmistress doesn't call the royal guard down on you, or why she allows you to keep coming there at all! These are things I hear everyday man, and no one but me tries to convince anyone otherwise about you."

She sat with her hands on her hips, he felt more like he was receiving a lecture than having a conversation. Still the knowledge she'd shared was to be expected, but nonetheless eye opening.

"Like Dash said, people gossip. And I haven't really being putting much effort into proving them wrong. Mostly because I don't care...Guess just up and leaving can't have left a good impression. Still, I have no desire to go back to that place."

He couldn't help releasing a sigh "Look Dash...I know it must be tough keeping this to yourself, clearly it is since you keep taking every chance to expose it that you can get. But didn't we agree it was better to keep our relationship secret, together? Your life would obviously be negatively impacted if you were seen being that close to me. It's obvious I'm a popular subject of dislike there now, from what you've told me. Doesn't that show it would be a bad idea to reveal that you're dating me?"

She smacked her hand to her face, letting it drag down the front of her eyes "Uggggh! Sometimes I just wanna kick the crap outta you dude! No! It doesn't mean that at all! You haven't had the best experience there so you don't understand! But that fact that I'm and Element of Harmony is a big freaking deal! If we all came together and said you were cool, you'd be cool! The only reason we don't is cause Twilight won't agree to it! But if it's seen that you and me are involved or something, they'd be inclined to side with you, not against me....I know you have real trouble believing in the magic of friendship, and that's ok. The fact that your so different and open about what you believe is one of the tings about you that I love, but you have to trust me, the people here can be really friendly...but you have to put in some effort on your end too."

Fidgeting his hindquarters in the sand, he released several more sighs hoping they would communicate his thoughts. Many were just to keep from replying though. He didn't wanna try and be Mr. Friendly, that just wasn't who he was. But at the same time, Rainbow seemed extremely sure of herself, that this would improve his situation, despite what she's already physically seen happen to him. She'd wasn't stupid...maybe not as tactical as him or as intellectual as Twilight, but she was no dunce. She'd managed to outmaneuver him in a magic duel, so he had to give her due credit. She deserved the benefit of the doubt

"But still...the idea of trying to be friends with these people makes me cringe. And publically displaying my affection for Dashie makes me more so. I'm proud to have a girl like her...but...this feel so uncomfortable..."

It was then another realization crossed his mind. One that smacked him like a freight train to the face.

"...Dashie's only trying to help me. She wouldn't keep pushing this if she thought anything bad would happen to me, that much I'm sure of. So maybe...maybe I should just go out on a limb and trust her? We ARE in a relationship, I should trust the girl that I...ummm...hmm...nevermind...I should just trust her...yeah."

Smiling more to himself than to Rainbow, he nodded and spoke, very slowly "Alright Rainbow...you win. We can make our relationship public knowledge. On ONE condition!"

He held up a single finger to indicate his point. Rainbow cocked her head to the side, wondering what he could possibly want in return.

"What's that?"

He smiled, to her this time. "I get to choose when and how we make our relationship known to the rest of the school. You can go tell your friends right now if they haven't, ya know...already figured it out by our little make out session we just had. But I get to do the school reveal. Ok?"

She pondered this for a moment. There really was no down side to this, either way they'd still be going public with their affection, which was what she wanted in the first place. She wanted to go back to being able to mess with him in the hallways like she had when they first met, and teasing him in class without worrying what others around them might think. This was a good first step to getting him to come back to school.

"But still...the fact that he's insisting he be the one to choose how the school finds out about us makes me edgy. He definitely has some plan or ulterior motive...oh gods I sound like Twilight...still I'm probably right. I mean, why else would he care about who says what. Whatever, it doesn't matter. I'm ok with it whatever it is anyways."

After a moment to herself, Rainbow jumped up from the sand and pumped her fist to the sky like she was striking a pose "Deal! Ima go tell the girls right now...we can worry about...uhhh...informing Twilight, later"

"I'm pretty sure she got the message Dash. The whole sprinting away thing, I doubt it was cause she suddenly decided to start working out."

He watched Rainbow cover her lips and fake a gasp "Huuuuuh! Are you calling Twilight fat? Daybreak! How could you! Just cause she has an ass the size of Mars and boobs that rival your mothers d-doesn't...m-mean...pfffftt! Bwahahahahahahaha!...I can't...I just can't..."

He spun his eyes like car wheels and sighed "Ugh...Hilarious...No I wasn't calling her fat you smurf. I'm just saying, do we really have to actually tell her to her face. I'm reasonably sure it'll come up when Sunset catches her?"

Rainbow turned to swat him in the head, but Daybreak was ready and caught her arm. She struggled against his grip, but only succeeded in standing him up, making it that much harder to struggle.

"Hey screw you, who you calling a smurf? Smurfs don't have hair nearly as cool as mine, and I ain't that short! I'm a freaking mosaic with these colors alright? And don't you dare suggest otherwise or your ass isn't getting laid tonight bub!"

He laughed obnoxiously loud "Right Dash. Like you could go a night without sex. Whatever you say hot stuff."

She got right up in his face quicker than the sand under her feet could move. Her movement left a small cloud of sand hanging momentarily in the air, just floating there before fluttering back to the ground. Once again they were nose to nose, but this time they were both smirking at one another.

"It's so hot how you can do that Dash. Even the sand can't keep up with your speed. Score one for me getting the hot athlete with super speed magic AND weather casting"

Obviously Dash couldn't hear his thoughts, as she remained right in his face, still smirking her usual smirk of ego to the max!

"Maybe you're right, I probably can't...but I could always make out with you again and make you blush like a tomato in front of the girls?"

"Hmph. Yeah you could, or you could go tell them about our relationship. Since you were dying to do that a few moments ago?"

It took a moment for the gears to turn in her brain, but seconds later she gasped right in his face, spraying him with spit, then bolting up the beach to her friends! She probably didn't even notice the small droplets of water he now had to clean from his face. He made sure and zap her in the ass with a small bolt of magic when she had her back to him as revenge! He smiled when she turned to flip him off without looking back at him. He was certain one or two of the girls saw what he did, which probably only lessened the need for Rainbow to physically inform them. He couldn't see the looks most of them were giving him as Rainbow made her way towards them, but that was mostly because he didn't feel like using his magical eyes to check. Though he was almost certain he saw Pinkie Pie smirking at him.

"Hehehe. Guess her friends will have a pretty different view of me after this little charade...won't they? This trip turned out to be good for something in only the first few minutes we've been here...I can't wait to see what happens next! "

Author's Notes:

I got up early on my two days off just so I could finish editing this for you guys...so...ya know...ya'll better know I love ya. Anyways, as promised the next chapter is here. Originally I planned on combining these two chapters, but I ended up thinking I should keep them separate. Let me know what you guys think in the comments below I check those everyday...(no seriously...everyday).
It's not creepy...it's thorough...
P.S The next chapter might take a little longer to do, since unlike these last two, it hasn't been written yet, so expect a bigger wait this time around. Sorry, you know I love you guys...until next time *sinks into the ground slowly*