Never before had Fluttershy experienced such deep comfort, such rest, such escape from her troubles as she had that night, with the following morning being the best waking experience she could ever remember. A dense, silky, emerald mane blocked the sun from vision, defying its feeble attempt to drive away the elation still lingering from the previous evening. The rooster tried next, sounding his call for the day to begin, but as Whisper slowly came into wakefulness, he cracked open his eyes, beheld the mare snuggled to his chest, and shunned any thoughts pertaining to movement. Birdsong, cheerful and bouncy, set the mood perfectly as tranquility filled them with what they both knew was love, and while unspoken, they both knew it was mutual.

She won’t let me fall... A giggle more melodious to his ears than even the sweetest lark bubbled from within the mare as he gently kissed her forehead, recalling that kisses are useful in more areas than just the tip of one’s muzzle.

“Silly... you missed.” She had only been partially serious, but as he moved in to right his error, she met him halfway, pressing closer and resting her hooves on his chest. My second kiss... no wonder... ponies wait their whole lives to find this. Thank you for coming, Whisper. I’m glad that... I didn’t end up with Big Mac. It lasted but a moment, but her heart was racing and her breathing irregular as he pulled away. Rather than be embarrassed by what some would call an overreaction to a basic and fundamental display of romantic affection, she unashamedly let her body do as it wished, spreading her wings and staring into the face of a pony who was similarly enraptured.

No wonder Rainbow Dash and Storm are so, well, active. I mean, if I didn’t think that Whisper wasn’t ready then... would I? She didn’t take long to ponder, her mind still whirling from the distortion bred from having a swarm of flaming butterflies attempting to mimic a washing machine within her stomach.

“Do you feel the butterflies too?” Whisper asked, beaming as he watched Fluttershy place a hoof over her stomach, beaming back at her special somepony with pride. Wait... Oh no! “Fluttershy? Kissing on the mouth doesn’t... doesn’t make babies, does it?” Whisper’s countenance took a crushing blow, his smile slowly melting and dripping from his muzzle, leaving only a frown in its wake as Fluttershy devolved into a dainty fit of laughter. The equivocal motion for any other pony would have been comparable to casting aside all semblance of dignity and tossing oneself to the floor, rolling to and fro, all while shedding tears of mirth.

“Whisper, we’re... we’re really...” Calm down, Fluttershy. Breathe, just breathe... “We’re going to have... to have somepony... talk to you about that. And no,” she continued, easing his misgivings slightly with a radiant smile and much more with a subsequent kiss, “kissing on the lips doesn’t make babies.”

“Well, what does? Can’t you tell me?”

“Oh, um, you see... it’s like... it’s a little... hard to, um...” Even as much as I love him, it’s still too much to think about. I guess I’m not ready after all. But that’s ok, I think. I wouldn’t want to rush this, because I wouldn’t get to treasure every second. Oh, right, he still needs an answer! “Wrestling. Wrestling makes babies.”

Bangles had held little hope for the morning being any better. If her life’s circumstances had remained unchanged for two years, then what reason would she have to think that simply having a stallion in her bed would change anything? But surprises are always better when unexpected, and the sunrise signaled a shift. When living alone, comfort is difficult to come by. Bangles came to, not at the edge of the bed, facing the wall as she had when she fell asleep, but closer to the center and wrapped loosely in Freefall’s arms. Even had she wanted to speak, no words would have came. It was something so simple, yet so desired, and she had refused herself even that. And even now, still quite contentedly snoring away, he had somehow gathered her close in the night.

“You know... you’re more smooth in sleep than when you’re awake, Freefall,” she whispered, smiling and squeezing just a little tighter. “Thank you.” As her body became more awake, so did her senses. The increase and decrease of pressure against her chest as he breathed, the sensation as his coat brushed against hers from the slightest movement, and the warmth both within and without that filled her chest: it was exactly what she had wanted. A closeness, a willing closeness that wasn’t forced, wasn’t expected, but simply given, filled the void inside little by little. She knew it likely wouldn’t last, as Freefall would likely spook the moment he awoke, so she remained as still as possible, enjoying the spike of happiness in a life that was flatlining.

I can’t... open my eyes. Too... comfy. Ugh, but I’m bucking tired... Having been living on the farm for quite some time now, Freefall had become accustomed to waking much earlier than he had in Cloudspire. However, he allowed a few moments of peace, feeling strangely comfortable and pleasantly warm. That is, until the hangover pierced through the cloudy wall of drowsiness to stick his brain with many needles, and he let out a colossal, though slightly infantile, groan of agony. “Ugh, my bucking head... I can’t believe it only took... how many drinks? I can’t even remember. I should have just gone home...”

“I’m glad you didn’t...” Freefall’s eyes, which up to this point remained closed in the face of the rising light levels in the room, snapped open, and he realized that the warmth he held was not a pillow, as he was frequently found, but an actual mare and not one of dreams. And not just any mare, but the one mare to trump them all. His mind, contrary to its pained condition, became incredibly perceptive about several notes: he was in Bangles’ room, he was in her bed, and he couldn’t remember anything past his second drink in the bar.

Oh Celestia... come on brain, what happened? All it took was one momentary mental image that he, in his half asleep, hung over state interpreted as a memory, to initiate maximum panic. “No way... There’s no bucking way! I can’t possibly be, but I am, and there’s no possible way that I did, but I might have, and... and...”

“Don’t run...” He hadn’t intended quite on bolting, just hiding behind the desk, but the tone of her voice and locked hooves instantly gave him pause. “I know you can’t... stand being close to me, but please... just a little longer.”

Can’t stand... gah, is that really what she thinks?!? She’s the only one I want to be this close to, I just can’t freaking talk! “I... I’m...”

“Seeing others, I know... you told me last night. Just... don’t forget about me. I can accept that, as long as you take some time for me every now and then.” For the first time in a very long while, Freefall was furious. Not with the mare that had basically given him every freedom in the world to enjoy, but with himself for communicating so poorly that she would think that was something he wanted.

“Bangles...” I may botch this horribly, and make a fool of myself, but she can’t keep thinking like this. She needs to know. “I...” Oh, now don’t you start that, Freefall! Grow a pair! “I want you to know that...” Yes, good, keep going. “You’re the hottest mare in Equestria.” You’re a bucking moron, Freefall. Fix it! “Wait, that’s not what I meant to say. I mean, it’s true, but...” Here lies Freefall, buried under his own stupidity. Why can’t I just...

“Shhh... take a deep breath.” I told myself that simply having him here was enough, but I want... to hear what he’s trying to say.

Deep breath? If she uses that tone of voice again, I’m going to hyperventilate... Ok, growing a pair, take two! “Bangles, I don’t want anypony else besides you.” Thank Celestia, I totally said it! And that look in her eyes... “When... I kissed Snowdrift, it was because I was... um... practicing for you.”

“You were practicing kissing with Snowdrift... for me?”

“What? No, that’s not what I...” Never mind, it totally is what I said. “I meant I was trying to practice talking. The kiss was punishment for him annoying me. I want to be able to talk to you without... well, tripping over my own tongue.”

“Why... did you wait so long to come see me again, if it’s not because you can’t stand being around me?”

“Bangles, I spent that week wishing I was with you. But... after messing things up so bad just trying to talk, I was afraid of just making things worse. I’m not used to... being serious.” And now, I am a stallion. I have redeemed myself, and am worthy of my...

“I have... one more question.”

And now is where I lose it again.

“But first,” she paused, levitating the hangover cure from the desk, “drink this.” It took every ounce of focus and self-control for Freefall not to choke as she brought the vial to his lips. He sat still a few moments as his body was purified and rehydrated, only to find that the absence of his headache had made him that much more aware of just how much body contact he was maintaining.

“W-what’s... what’s your...”

“Freefall? I was... just wondering if... if I annoy you, will I get the same... punishment?”

It didn’t matter to Snowdrift that he was more exhausted than he could recall anytime in recent memory. It didn’t matter that he had been intoxicated, as he still remembered every moment in perfect clarity. It didn’t even matter to him that he lay nearly incapacitated by lancing pains in his wings. For the time that he shared with the slumbering mare beside him, for that moment when two had become one... for that moment where he felt he had brought her true happiness, such pain was inconsequential. It was real, it was crippling, and it was all he could do not to cry out, tears streaming from his eyes as it felt like his wings were being repeatedly ripped out by the nerves. And more than anything else on his mind, and what brought him a smile even as he trembled was one simple thought: it was worth it.

Even with all these thoughts, he knew that Berry wouldn’t likely feel the same, not in the condition he was in. He had hoped that the pain would calm, or at least let up, by the time Berry awoke, but he let slip a sharp yelp as she tightened her hold around his wings, and she woke with a start. Her grip eased slightly as she pulled back a bit, but as she beheld his tear-stained face masked in pain, she placed a hoof on his face and spoke with a voice laden with worry.

“Snow? Snowdrift, are you ok? What’s wrong?”

“I’m... I’m fine...”

“No you’re not! I never should have let...”

“I said I’m fine!” Snowdrift had never raised his voice to her for any reason, and he forced open his eyes just long enough to catch her hoof as it slowly withdrew. “I’m sorry... Berry, don’t... It was worth it, and I’d... do it again.”

“I know, but I can’t stand seeing you like this...”

“It didn’t... hurt while we were...” he grimaced as his wings feebly attempted to respond as the memories came rushing back. “Berry, can you... run to the tavern and bring me... a glass of moonshine? I think... that may help with the pain.”

“Of course, I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Stopping only long enough to grab a saddlebag, she took off out the house, tearing across town and towards the tavern. Snowdrift fell silent, struggling to overcome the pain. He couldn’t let Berry have her way, not with this. It was too important, and even if the moonshine didn’t help, he would find some way to show her that all this was worth it. The house remained quiet for a time until a quiet, frightened voice called out.

“Snow?” Ruby nudged the door open, took one look at him and froze in the doorway.

“It’s ok, Ruby. Come... on in.” It’s scaring her, I have to get this under control. Come on... A sudden flashback played through his vision, when she had accepted his plea and pulled him close. It didn’t nullify the pain, but it calmed his mind, and he began to gain the upper hoof in the fight. He slowly eased himself into a sitting position, remaining motionless for a few moments before cracking open his eyes and patting a spot on the bed beside him. “What’s on your mind, Ruby?”

“You’re crying... Are you hurt? Did you and mommy have a fight?” He immediately pulled her close, perhaps a little too fast as he jarred his wings and shuddered at the fresh wave of pain. She yielded to his embrace, sitting in his lap and leaning into this chest.

“No, we didn’t have any kind of fight. Ruby, my wings are hurting me right now is all.”

“You’re not going to leave, are you?” The question shook him to the core, the filly’s voice tainted with fear and sadness. “I don’t want you to leave. Silver left for a while and mommy got really sad, but if you leave I don’t know what’s going to happen. Please, daddy, don’t leave.” He had no intention of ever leaving Berry, being more happy with her than he had ever been in his life. She was beautiful, kind, funny, and didn’t have any problem with his disabilities. But somehow, Ruby had equated his tears with an inner desire to leave. Her words, the way she called him “daddy” for the first time, flooded him with warmth, care, and concern.

“Ruby, there is nopony that could ever make me leave. I love Berry, and I love you too. I don’t know very much about, well, anything, really. But if... if you’d let me be your father, I promise I’ll do my best.”

“Let you? You already are, and I’m not letting you run away, either!” she declared, wrapping him in a tight embrace. The creaking of the door on its hinges bid them both look up as Berry entered slowly, herself now crying as well, her joy at her daughter finally having a father nearly too much to contain. “Awww, mommy, you too? Come on, then, join the hug.” She needed no second bidding, setting the saddle bag down beside the bed and wrapping them both in a hug of her own, paying special care not to squeeze Snowdrift’s wings.

“I really am... worth this to you, aren’t I?”

“I’m pretty sure I answered that already, but yes, you and Ruby both. You come together, and you both have a place in my heart.” He felt her nod, holding the position for just a little while longer before pulling away and retrieving the saddlebag, from which she pulled a small cask she had filled and two mugs. Although slightly disappointed that nothing was brought for her, Ruby sat patiently as they both downed a mug each of the creation. It wasn’t instantaneous, but as Snowdrift beheld his mare, meeting her caring smile with his own cheerful grin, the magic of the Zap Apple moonshine slowly but steadily drove the pain out as passion moved in.

“How... do they feel?” He answered not with words, but action, slowly spreading his wings and leaning into a gentle kiss. She ignored her daughter’s giggles, simply thankful that Snowdrift’s pain was easing. It was then that she realized the truth and depth of his words, and pulled away. “Snowdrift... I hate seeing you hurt, but I think... it will hurt more if I try to keep us apart. So, starting now, I won’t restrain you any longer. I know things will be tricky, since there isn’t very much moonshine left, but please... take care of yourself, ok?”

“I promise, Berry. To take care of all three of us.”

Intelligence far beyond one’s years can be both a blessing and a curse. For Cerulean, it was both, his filly both able to comprehend matters far too complex for a foal just shy of a year old, and yet also being able to manipulate her advantages for her own dastardly intentions. Soft hearted stallion that he was, he more often than not found himself drawing the short end of a parley rather than simply putting his hoof down, despite Twilight’s repeated warnings. But that morning was one of change, and thus a stunned, healthily fed Dawn rode into town atop her favorite perch, nearly falling off several times as her mind replayed the horror that was a breakfast of fruit and vegetables and a father who not only supported the tyrannical whims of her mother, but reinforced her propaganda on proper nutrition with a firm lecture.

Knowing that Twilight had been highly distracted trying to make more time for Spike, he decided to take Dawn out around town for a while to give the two a chance to bond, or at least have the fated discussion on their future that constantly had Twilight drifting off towards depression. While Cerulean could understand her fears, anypony could, and likely already had, told her that everything was going to be fine. As they arrived at their first destination, a flicker of life came back to his filly as she beheld the building that, due to resembling gingerbread, she had once or twice attempted to consume.

“Cupcakes?” His vision became partially obscured as she leaned over and stared hopefully into her merciful father’s eyes, hoping against hope for some confectionary to aid the digestion of her salad, which just didn’t sit right with her, likely due to not containing about a pound of butter. However, her father had more subtle, devious intentions than the filly had imagined, and while she came to enjoy it later, his response was first received as heresy, blending the praiseworthy with the detestable.

“Actually, Dawn, it’s going to be a little something different today. Zucchini Bread.” Quickly reaching out a hoof to catch the filly as she lost balance and toppled from her place of rest atop his head, he suppressed a laugh and strode inside, the shop fairly empty after the opening rush and full of delicious scents wafting throughout. Dawn’s apparent obedience and well-mannered demeanor was more a response to her mind trying to pick up the pieces, the unalterable facts of life being shaken to their very foundations by the sudden change of pace. “Stay right here and be a good girl, ok?”

“Kay.” Trotting to the counter, he greeted the Cakes and was about to make his order when Pinkie bounced out of the kitchen, noticed Dawn’s lack of smile, and immediately questioned Cerulean on the tragedy. He explained the situation readily, and while Pinkie didn’t quite understand his worries due to her consumption of incalculable amounts of sweets on a weekly basis, she respected his position and followed him back with one of the shops more healthy creations, though she did pour just a little glaze over the top for added sweetness. Dawn looked at the bread about how a pony dying of thirst would regard an empty water bottle in the middle of a desert. “No want veggie bread.”

“Ok, Dawn, suit yourself,” Cerulean said with a shrug, cutting himself a slice and not even needing to act pleased. Pinkie soon joined in, not one to be picky when it comes to baked goods, and after seeing the pink mare similarly enjoy what Dawn believed to be an abomination to all things sweet, she broke a small piece off, examined it for a moment, and had yet another revelation as she bit into the moist, slightly sweet bread; vegetables aren’t inherently evil.

Needless to say, the rest of the loaf didn’t last long in light of his daughter’s epiphany, and as she licked glaze from her hooves Cerulean turned to Pinkie, who had just returned with another loaf, glazed, wrapped, and ready to be taken home.

“Sorry for eating half of the other one. Here, have another!” Cerulean gratefully accepted the gift, sliding it out of Dawn’s reach and nodding at the mare.

“Pinkie, I have a rather...” He glanced across at Dawn who, in the absence of sweets and fresh supply of sugar, smaller than normal though it was, had climbed down from the table to burn some energy. “Do you think you could watch Dawn for a little bit this morning? There are a couple of things I’d like to take care of, but they are kind of... sensitive.”

“Well, sure! I foal sit for the Cakes all the time, so it shouldn’t be any problem at all.”

“Uh, Pinkie, you have heard the stories, right? Dawn doesn’t exactly have a good record for...”

“Yeah, yeah, boring details. Dawn! C’mon, let’s play!” Not wishing to guarantee the mare’s immediate failure by disappearing without warning, Cerulean trotted over and interrupted the duo’s spastic frolic through the shop.

“Dawn? Be a good girl for Pinkie, ok?”

“‘Kay~!” Giving her a reassuring squeeze, he wished Pinkie well, prepared himself mentally for whatever he may face when he returned, and set out for the Tavern. Sure, it technically wasn’t any of his business what went on and he knew it, but he wasn’t so much concerned about what went on between the two as much as how it affected Bangles.

I never thought I’d be able to care after what happened, but really, I can’t say who was the greatest victim in what happened. Cerulean had found his peace, but as he knocked gently on the tavern door and entered, he couldn’t help but hope Bangles would soon find the same, albeit from an unlikely source. It occurred to him that the two may be sleeping, and thus he ascended the stairs quietly, decided to forego knocking entirely, and just take a peek - a peek that soon turned into an open-mouthed stare that eventually returned to a grin, albeit a slightly shaken one. He closed the door quietly, leaving the tender moment undisturbed as Bangles had her first real kiss with a stallion now paralyzed by an excitement born of heart-felt desire.

Whisper shifted nervously as he sensed the approach of another pony, but was enjoying a thorough grooming too much to move. The pains in his chest were getting better every day, and while dashing off likely wouldn’t exacerbate them, he instead snaked out a hoof over and brought it to rest gently against Fluttershy’s, drawing strength from her presence to fight off the fears rising within.

“There’s... somepony outside.”

“Oh, really? I didn’t hear anything...” Whisper’s gaze dropped to the floor as he pondered what he should do. On one hoof, he was still terrified of being near anypony but the mare who stood by, ready to accept whatever request he made. On the other hoof, he wanted to make her proud. Overcoming his fears enough to let Fluttershy near had produced infinitely more joy than the feeble amount of sorrow that he had felt, broken ribs included. “I’ll do whatever you ask, Whisper.”

I was right, I did cause disaster. I hurt other ponies, and yet... meeting you, going to your house, and everything else was the best choice I’ve ever made. Maybe... “As long as they don’t come inside, they... can stay. Can you... keep brushing me, please?” It was a simple request, but brought with it a catharsis unexplainable simply by the physical act. I know this feeling... It’s that blue stallion again. He seems... happier than before. I wonder... if he really is my brother? If he is, why can’t I remember? Do I even want to know the truth? His eyes roamed around the house, taking in a setting that should have felt foreign but instead felt like a shelter from the storm. “Fluttershy, what was that blue stallion’s name again?”

“You mean Cerulean?” Fluttershy asked, glancing over at the window where Cerulean was peering in. If his motive had been stealth, he had failed horribly, as Whisper soon directed his attention to the window as well. Making no effort to hide, Cerulean simply watched for a reaction, and Whisper waited to be rushed again. “Cerulean has problems controlling his magic, too.” Whisper whipped his head back and stared back at Fluttershy, a convoluted mess of excitement, trepidation, and curiosity at the statement bidding him give the mare his full attention, but when she said nothing more, he pressed further.

Another unicorn that can’t control his magic? Maybe he really is my brother! Maybe he... maybe he can help... “Does he really, Fluttershy? You mean... he’s like me? But he can talk!”

“His magic works a little different, I think. I don’t know too much about it, and I bet he could explain it a lot better than me. Whisper, do you ever dream? You know, when you’re asleep but you see pictures?”

“Yeah, that happens to me a lot. Sometimes they’re really scary, but most of them just make no sense.”

“Well, you see, Cerulean used to have awful dreams whenever he got really sad. His magic would make it snow while he was asleep, and a few times he nearly died from it.” If they really are brothers, I want to see them together again... I want to see them happy, after everything that’s happened.

I had no idea... that other ponies had problems like me. I thought I was different, a mo... He chanced a quick glance at Fluttershy who fortunately hadn’t brushed up on telepathy, and with a soft sigh he looked his fears in the face, hesitating a moment before putting his hoof down. I want to talk. I want to laugh. I want to sing. I want... to make Fluttershy smile even more, so if he can help... “Fluttershy, can you... bring him inside?” The brush paused, halfway down his back as she dared to hope that he was starting to believe everything she had told him.

“Are you sure, Whisper?” The stallion, timid, shaking, and determined, stood slowly and drew Fluttershy into a close embrace.

I’ll do it for you, Fluttershy. I don’t know what’s going to happen, and I can’t completely get rid of this fear, but if you’re with me, then maybe... “Promise me you’ll keep me safe. Just promise me you’ll stay with me, Fluttershy.” So I can know for sure that even if everypony else runs away, I’ll always... have a home. Her promise came not as a simple declaration, but in song, with each word and every note resonating within his heart.

It was, admittedly, not the most tactful approach, gluing one’s face to the window to minimize the distance between oneself and the object of viewing, but even as a dull ache in Cerulean’s chest let him know that he still very much longed for his brother to actually let him in, it was eased by every interaction he observed. Fluttershy truly was, perhaps, the only pony for his brother, and as he heard the faintest of voices singing, any worries over Whisper’s recovery were filled full of liquid adorable until they burst from sheer elation.

“You’ve no idea... how much I’ve missed that smile, Jade,” he murmured, slowly bringing a hoof onto the pane and resting it there, wishing it was not glass he touched but his brother’s hoof. He knew he had been caught long before Fluttershy stood, but as she made for the door he braced himself for the expected eviction, though to his confusion she met his apologetic smile with one of hope.

“Cerulean?”

“It’s ok, Fluttershy. I understand that I make him nervous, and...”

“Actually, um, well sorry to cut you off like that, but he’d like to see you, if that’s ok.” The idea that his brother would actually want to see him that day hadn’t even crossed his mind, and thus he took a few moments to stare in disbelief at the harbinger of good tidings.

“He’d...” I’ve wanted an opportunity like this ever since I saw him in the forest, but now that it’s here... what will I say? What if I mess things up? This may be my only shot at winning him back...

“I’m sorry if this sounds a little, well, mean, but you and Whisper both freak out a lot, Cerulean.” There really wasn’t any way for the blue stallion to interpret the statement as “mean,” since Fluttershy’s words actually brought him a small amount of comfort. “It’ll be ok, Cerulean.”

Fluttershy, you make it incredibly difficult to wallow in doubt. No wonder Jade chose you. “You’re right, Fluttershy. I’m ready, I think.” A gentle hoof descended on his shoulder for just a moment before she led him back. Cerulean half expected Jade to bolt the second he rounded the door, but instead the stallion just stared at him, examining every movement and shaking slightly. Fluttershy took her place beside Whisper, murmuring something into his ear that Cerulean didn’t quite catch. I don’t even know where to begin or what to say. Last time I saw him, I... scared him half to death. I wish I knew what he was thinking right now. I guess I can at least start by apologizing. “Ja... Whisper?”

“What is it?”

So, he’s still not talking yet... “I’m... sorry for scaring you in the forest. I was just too excited to see you again, and worried I’d... lose you again.”

“Am I really your brother?” The question, asked in innocence, hit Cerulean like a buck to the gut, and Whisper instantly felt the shift. He’s... really sad all of a sudden. I just wanted to know for sure!

“You really... don’t remember me...” It’s not fair. I know it isn’t his fault, but being forgotten is too much... “I spent... sixteen years hoping that I’d find you... and you can’t even...” I was so stupid, getting my hopes up. I thought that maybe, somehow, he’d remember when he woke up, that things would be better somehow. How foolish... Whisper grew increasingly worried as Cerulean fell apart on the inside, and remembering Fluttershy’s words, he scrambled to find a way to fix the situation when a shiver not born of anxiety, but of a sudden chill in the air.

It’s just like Fluttershy said... it’s getting really cold. “I’m sorry! Whatever I did wrong, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you sad!” Cerulean said nothing, hanging his head in defeat. Even if the pony in front of him truly had been Jade, without those memories, Cerulean was just another pony.

I had always refused to give up hope, because I knew that if... if something ever happened to Jade, I wouldn’t be able to cope. But this... it feels like he really has died. I’m nothing to him anymore... “It’s not... your fault, Jade... I failed to protect you, and now... I’m not needed anymore.”

“Cerulean, you know that’s not true,” Fluttershy said softly, watching as snowflakes began to dance around the stallion. Cerulean forced his head upright so he could look at his brother, who was fearfully pressing against Fluttershy as much for warmth as for comfort.

I have to try... I can’t let hopelessness win. I’ve been there once, and I’m not going back. I waited sixteen years, and I’m not... “I’m not letting you go again.” There has to be something, some way to make him remember. Come on, calm down and think! Whisper watched as the snow slowed to a stop, and while the temperature was still uncomfortably cold, he could sense something else that wasn’t sorrow welling up from within the blue stallion sitting in a ring of frozen powder. “Do you... still like singing?”

“Yes... I really like hearing songs. Fluttershy’s are the best.”

“Yes, I’ll bet they are...” Cerulean whispered, latching onto the faintest glimmer of hope. “You used to sing a lot, you know. In fact, there was nothing anypony could do to get you to stop.”

What is this... happiness that’s so covered with sadness?

“Jade... or Whisper, if that’s what you’d like... you gave me a gift, something that changed my life forever. A spell to make music with one’s heart. Whisper? Please... remember...” Jade watched in awe as the ground around the stallion began to radiate a soft, blue light, and true to his word, a beautiful melody began to rise from all around. Jade’s eyes filled with tears as Cerulean began to sing, pouring his all into one last ditch effort to dredge up the memories that had been buried beyond reach.

“We tread the same paths, you and I
I thought it would last forever...
We laughed, we cried, we never said goodbye,
but you’re still my baby brother.

Fate was cruel, we were torn apart
and the light left that day...
Time moved along and I carried on,
Hoping I would find a way

Not one memory forgotten,
I cherish every one;
Every time I see your eyes,
I know it can’t be gone...

Remember me~
So we can be~
brothers once again,
friends until the end!
I’ll never find another...
because you’re... my only baby brother.”

It was faint, like staring into static, but a single blurred image passed into Whisper’s mind. There was sand, and water stretching out to the horizon. There was a blue stallion and a red mare, galloping across the beach. He could just make out the voices, and even though time had moved forward and the Cerulean had grown from colt to stallion, the familiarity was there. Quiet, choked sobs yanked him back to reality as Cerulean’s head drooped low, despising his weakness but too overcome to restrain the streams flowing from his eyes.

Jade, please... Please, tell me you remember now...

I... he's... “Big brother?” Whisper cringed and swiftly brought a hoof to his chest as Cerulean’s emotions roared at the those two, simple words, and at that moment Whisper knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that much like he belonged with Fluttershy, the stallion before sitting alone needed him too. Cerulean suddenly found himself on his back as a green blur tackled him to the ground, sobbing like a foal as he realized everything that Cerulean had said was true. Emerald letters flickered across his vision, the messages pouring in as years of isolation met years of longing, all finally brought to an end.

“I’m sorry... I’m so sorry, Cerulean. I won’t forget, not again! I promise, I won’t forget again! I won’t... Because you’re... you’re my big brother, and I’m... I’m your baby brother! I’m still your baby brother, right? I’ll never forget... never again, brother...” Cerulean cracked open his eyes as Fluttershy trotted into the pouring rain and plopped down, gathering both stallions into her arms and rocking them like a mother would distressed foals. Tears were shed, both from their eyes and the sky as Whisper’s magic flowed freely, though they were not born of sorrow, but of succor, bringing a healing that reached past a lifetime of pain.