It was a present, just for him. The rain poured down from the sky soaking the ground. It did lighten his mood ever so slightly. Since he was little he loved the rain, there was something so calming and peaceful about it. The black clouds that poured on the house that was in the middle of town.

A house he bought with his inheritance from Gary Stu.

It was national news, the famous author died of mysterious complications in the hospital bed.  Reports say it was a gas leak; the body was burned away beyond recognition.  The family said it was a sad tragic event but beyond that left no comment.  

The funeral was a national event, hundreds upon thousands of fans gathered to mourn the loss of their favorite author. At the head was sulking Rainbow Dash, who was more sad of the book cancellation then the actual loss of life. Until she found out whom he was, the egghead author who was boarding with Twilight.

Gary had passed but he left behind family, the preacher told.  As the family members stood next to the coffin, it was hard to take. As each passersby dropped white roses for the departed. It was bittersweet as Mary watched her old friends pass her by and each paying their respects. She gave no response as they did.

Out of all of her old friends however Fluttershy greaved the most, she gave a affectionate hug to alicorn mare. Unlike her friends she had a past with the departed, even if it was a one sided crush oh so long ago. Fluttershy was really, really sorry.

Dash only nodded, even she wasn’t that bad to mess with ponies in mourning. Derpy and Dinky paid their respect, Dinky however fell over sobbing. This was the second time in her life that she lost a father figure.  Even if she only considered him an uncle. Why she was crying, Derpy did not know why, they had both been told.

The will went as stated, to Self Insert. He left his journals, memorabilia and stipulated when she reach the age of sixteen and could own land. She will be given the Canterlot estate.  To Marian Susan, he left nothing but guardianship of his son Gregory Stuwart Jr.  To his son, he left his fortune, assets, and all legal personnel including the rights to Daring Do.

Gregory, a colt proudly bearing the age of fourteen and a half. Released to the papers three days after the passing of his father’s death that he would continue his work. In the name of his father’s loving fans he shall never let Daring Do die! Some were skeptical at first, but the feedback he had received was astronomical.

Gregory, whom had made much statement that he rather be called Gary after his father.  Now was sorting out his old personals that Twilight had shipped over, along with a checklist, ink, a book about writing books and enough paper for the next five novels. However, not all was well.

Gary had finally set out his room; it was impressive that he finished it so quickly. He was still trying to get used to the new house. It not just that he was getting used to though, a new body, or in reality his old body. He had been reborn for the most part; given the same age he had been when he first seduced the phoenix queen. In retrospect he was lucky, he was happy to be fourteen instead of one. There was something though, something somepony was taking way out of proportion.

“Gary~” Came the singing voice of Mary from upstairs, to keep his privacy he had opted to take the basement. It was the largest of the rooms in the house and there was a wall safe to keep his socks safe from Mary and Selfie during their... heated moments.

Gary really loved his socks.

“What is it Mary?” He called back slightly annoyed, he had been running all over the house helping them unpack yesterday, it was only the second day in the house. He found himself looking in the mirror more and more, his mane had a darker hue to it than it did before. His wings were small again, just barely suitable for flying just by minimal margin.  What got him the most was his flank, it was blank.

His cutie mark was gone, but its effect still remained. All talents are latent; they just need to be discovered before they could show up on fur. He knew how get it back, he really didn’t want to go hunt down a rabbit for… it. Without his mark however Mary or more precisely Plottie, couldn’t turn down the potency of it until it was on him again.

“What is today, little brother?” Gary was facing away from his sister as she descended the stairs.

“That’s big brother in little body, today is Monday by the way.” Gary was taking heavy interest in his flank, trying to figure out a way to get it back without resorting back to how he originally got it.

“Quite right,” she said nearly singing. She didn’t want to give it away just yet. “So how is Twist?”

Gary blushed; he had not seen Twist since the hospital. With everything that had happened he had not had any chances to go see her. Secretly he wanted to see her and show her the new him.  Even though she knows what he looks like now.  “I don’t know, I haven’t seen her since the hospital.”

Mary stood behind her brother as she started to stroke his mane with a fine tooth comb.  He resisted at first, but it felt kind of nice to be papered. Mary was very skilled when it came to brushing manes; he let out a small purring sound as she worked away at his scalp. ”Oh, no reason.”

Mary finished his mane as she started to stroke his wings, he let out a little whine, he didn’t want it to be over just yet. “Don’t stop that feels good.”

Mary rolled her eyes, Gary was indeed fourteen again, mature for his age but in private he was whiny and needy. Mary wasn’t planning on stopping though, she needed to be physically touching his wings for the spell to work. She started to stroke the thin membrane of her brother’s wing, slowly pumping mana into it as he enjoyed the free massage. “Feel good?”

Gary was in nirvana, he had not had a wing massage in almost seven years, “Oh that feels great.” He purred.  He loved having his wings rubbed; Mary was godlike in her skills with wings. “A little lower to the left.”

Mary worked the tender muscle affectionately, slowly kneading the mana into his wings. He was just as resistant to magic as she was if not more. She really needed to get it in deep for the spell to work. She kneeled down to get a better position as she brushed the crux in between his wings. “There?”

“Ahhhg-right there that’s the sweet spot.” She started to work the muscle into small circles. Gary’s eyes went wide as saucers as she kept working over the same spot, every muscle in his back loosened. “When did you learn how to do this?”

“Here and there, you know Gary Selfie is waiting for you upstairs.” She started to stroke along the wing tips.

“Oh I get it; you want me to walk her to school. HmMMm, fine just can you work my lower back some more please.” Mary abolished, there was still parts of the wing that need to be kneaded with mana.  Her hoof strokes where gentle.

A wry smile grew on her face, as she pressed hard and gave a long stroke on apex of both wrongs. Gary face went red as a familiar pleasure shot through him. “Oh, you will be going with Self—“

“Mary I need you to stop,” Gary said with a small tone of seriousness. He was starting to really enjoy the wing massage.

“Oh so you already caught on to what I am trying to do,” She was slightly impressed, her mana control was excellent, he shouldn’t have been able to feel anything. Her pressed her hind legs down on his as she locked him down.

He was feeling something alright.

“You’re trying to do this on purpose!?”His pupils shrunk to the size of pins. ”Get off me!” He tried to squirm out, but she pressed harder. Her being four times his size now gave her a larger advantage. Quickly forcing as much mana as she could, her strokes became heated and more precise. His hoofs slid along the carpet in vain as he tried to skitter away.

“You’re going to go and that’s final!” The spell was nearly complete, to seal his wings so he couldn’t fly away today.  

Gary shuddered under the weight of his sister; he had never seen his sister act like this. He could feel the blood pulsing in his wings, almost every nerve ending begged for touch. Pegasi, had always had sensitive wings, young males had it the worst. “Mary I – not, flow.” Words failed him as a rush ran through his body.

POMPF

Gary’s wings extended in in full length, his body froze as it gave into its most basic urges. They flapped a little before they fell weak against his body. His breath became heated as his eyes lost focus.

Mary froze as the spell finally completely; as her brother from went limp underneath her, the smell of stallion fill the air. It took a moment for the mare to focus in on what had just transpired. “Gary did you just—“

Selfie peeked her head in; she could hardly sleep that night. She was in a new house with her brother and sister. Just what she always wanted.  Even better though when Mary told her that Gary had to go to school from now on. She didn’t understand the laws and regulation of the equine government of why the colt had to go to school. What she did hear though was ‘Gary will be going to school with you from now on’.

“Gregory,” she chuckled, she loved using her older brothers full name. “are you ready for school yet?” She looked at the odd scene, Mary had Gary pinned down against the floor. “Are you two wrestling, can I join?”

“Selfie go to your room!” the elder siblings said in unison, both couldn’t bear to look at the little alicorn.

“But I wanted to get some Sub-hay for lunch!” Selfie whined, she had grown used to the foot long treat at lunch time.

“I will buy you Sub-hay for the next year, just go!” Gary nearly barked.

“Promise?”

“Yes, yes now go!” Selfie didn’t say another word as she shut the door to the basement and waited patiently in her room. Never had Gary broken a promise, she was getting sub-hay for a year.

The room fell silent as the spell was working away, Gary’s wings became translucent. All forms of matter would pass through them harmlessly now, that however was not the topic between the two now.

“Mary…” Gary said as he watched her sister in his vanity mirror.

Mary was still flush, “Yes?”

“You know every pony has secrets they are going to take to their grave.” He said as calmly as he could. “This, what just happened, is going to be one of those. So…” he cleared his throat. “I want you to go upstairs and I am going to take a shower and get cleaned up and we shall NEVER speak of this again. Ever.”

Mary nodded, as she eased off her brother. Gary laid there on the ground in his own mirth until the door finally clicked shut.  After the coat was clear he finally got up, and examined the stained area trying to think of any silver lining that would be good.

“Well… at least it doesn't show up against the white carpet…. much.”

- - -

Gary sat at the kitchen table as he listened to his sister explain her actions, in his hooves was his favorite cow mug half full of milk coffee. “So you thought I would fly away?” He said calmly, a little too calm for Mary’s taste, considering.

“Well yes…” Mary said slightly blushing, still trying to burn the mental image of her brother out of her mind. “You dropped out before, and since you have to go now I thought you would run…”

Gary cleared his throat, “Mary I dropped out to take care of you and Selfie. I know full well that I have to seek education while I’m ‘under’ your care. If you wanted me to attend school that would solve a lot of problems. Selfie would have a guardian on the way to and from school and I would have something to do during the day.”

“You could also see Twist every day,” Mary added with a small sheepish grin.

Gary blushed a little, “Yes, well that would be a perk as well.  Frankly though sis I am a little disappointed that you think I would act like that.”

Mary felt slightly ashamed, “I’m sorry,” she loved her brother dearly, I should really trust him more. She sighed as she looked into the bottom of her empty cup. “I didn’t think you would take it so well considering…”

Selfie burst out of her room, she had finally been given her own alarm clock. A daring do clock with small glass gems for hands. “Let’s go I don’t want to be late.” She had taken a heavy interest in her school; on a few occasions she studied by herself without Mary nagging.

Gary looked at the wooden cuckoo-clock in the kitchen, “There is still a hour left, the school is not ten minutes from here.” Gary had chosen a prime location in the center of Ponyville. It was walking distance to almost every shop in town.

Selfie quickly trotted over to her brother’s chair. “You said you buy me Sub-hay!” she whined.

Gary rolled his eyes as he rooted through his saddle bag, thankful that was right next to his chair. He bit down on his wallet and fished out several bits. “Seven should be good enough?”

Selfie nodded as she eagerly scooped the bits and put it into her tiny coin purse. “Thank you!”

Gary nodded, “Well I am going to get some supplies and I’ll be back in a minute.” Gary nuzzled Selfie’s mane and trotted off towards his room leaving the pair to their thoughts.

“Mary can you help me make cards tonight?” Selfie as she took her brother’s spot on the table.

“What are the cards for?” Mary said.

“Hearts and hooves day, a bunch of us are making card in class and I want to make one for every pony.” Selfie said with a innocent smile.

Mary chuckled, “Sure, that sounds like fun. We will pick up some supplies after work.” A sheepish grin grew on her face. “So, Selfie is there any pony at school that you like?”

Selfie smiled, “There is, I really like Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell. I don’t think Scootaloo likes me too much though. I really like Twist too, she even gave me a peppermint twist and we always share are lunches.”

Mary suppressed a groan, “No Selfie is there a Pony you… like?” she raised a brow ever so slightly hoping she would catch the drift.

“I like Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell a lot.” Selfie repeat slightly confused.

Crash

Both Mary and Selfie looked at the dark cedar door the lead to their brothers room, then it hit Mary. Why would he give Selfie money if he was going with her anyway. “He is trying to make a run for it!”

The duo made their way through the door and down the stairs. There was a toppled over stack of boxes next to the window and in the window was the flank of a stuck colt who was now getting pour on from the rain outside.

Selfie sighed as she passed a bit over to her sister, she lost the bet.

The victor trotted to the window with a smug sense of valor, “So… Gary. You were so excited to go to school you couldn’t wait to go through the front door right?”

“Mary can you please get me out, I’ll go to school.” Gary said through the rain.

“Well, you did say please.” Mary smile. Spell was totally worth it.

“Mary there is a wet spot on the floor here, it smells like sea foam.” Selfie said.

Gary blushed, he knew he forgot something.

Today was going to be a long day.

- - -

Selfie tore off to class the second she could, she was late by five minutes.  She wanted to be the first to tell the class about her ‘cousin’ Gary. The sub-hay mare behind the counter wanted to give the cute colt a free meal. In the end, Gary got a free six inch.

Mary made it rain today because it was his favorite weather, being Cloud Director had its perks. Wearing a goofy rain hat because his wings were now useless until nightfall. She didn’t even have the decently to walk me in. He gave himself a quick shakedown in the entrance of the school to get most of the water off his back and tail.

The entrance had coats and hangers which Gary used to store his hat, Selfie seemed to think the ground next to it was a proper place to store her bag. She didn’t pick that bad habit up from me. From the hall it was easy to spot the classroom; the muddy trail left by foals was easy enough to spot. Where is the teacher’s lounge?  

It was faint, almost mute. It however was the sound that he had grown accustomed to. It was crying. He followed the sound as best he could, until he came to the staircase. It stopped right when he hit the first step. He looked around for the souse of the sound, it wasn’t easy to spot at first. Next to the staircase there was several large boxes. Behind the boxes was an open door to just below the staircase.

In the crack of the staircase was a tail, it was a swirl of light purple and white.

“You alright?” Gary said as he opened the wooden panel. It was a filly with a pink coat that was covered in dirt. She was sitting on her plot with both of her hooves nursing a small scrape on her cutie mark.

“Don’t look at me!” the filly whined, as she tried to shut the panel again only to be stopped by his hoof.

“What are you doing here; a little filly shouldn’t be under the stairs.” Gary said in his standard big brother voice, although his voice being considerably higher than it was before.

“That’s none of your business what I’m doing here, what you are doing here?” she shot back. “I don’t remember you going to school here.”

Gary sighed, “It seems I will be joining class,” grudgingly he admitted. “How about we get you out of here and get you cleaned up.” Gary offered a hoof only for her to knock it away.

“Don’t get fresh with me; you’re just trying to take advantage of me.” Diamond Tiara winced as the cut on her hind leg opened up more.

“How about I show you a magic trick, will you tell me why you’re under the stairs?”  Gary leaned in to try to work his way closer.

“Go away and leave me alone.” Her eyes narrowed. “Or I’m going to tell my daddy on you.” The colt put a single hoof in the air, he ignored her warnings as he made a figure eight in the air.  The filly opened her mouth to protest again but close it as a pink flame appeared in the air.  It danced in the air, her own personal flame that match her coat. An old trick that he used to use on Mary when she hurt herself when she was just a mere filly.

While it danced away he placed a his other hoof on her flank, right above the cut. Either she didn’t notice or didn’t care, her mind was entranced at the moment. It only took a moment to heal the filly of her tiny damage.

He slashed the flame with hoof and it dispersed into a small shower of sparks, making a cat head with whiskers.  She watched the fade into nothingness, a childlike grin plastered on her face. “That was amazing, how did you do that?”

“I'll tell you, but you have to get out of this hole in the wall.”

Diamond moved back against the wall, “I’m not going, until I get my tiara back.”

I’m going to be even later now, “What tiara?”

The filly pointed into the darkest corner of under of the storage unit, “There rat hole there, a big fat rat stole my tiara and when I try to get it back it keeps biting my hoof. It’s a gift from my mom; I’m not going home without it.” She said firmly.

Gary looked over into the corner, there was indeed a large rat hole. It was big for a full grown stallion foreleg.  Gary sighed as he leaned in, he knew even if they continued talking it would have ended up some way or another with him sticking his hoof in the hole. So he did.

Gary now knew how the filly got the small cut on her flank, there was a nail protruding from the side of the stairs.  His black coat now match hers, covered in dust bunnies.  Gary felts inside of the dark hole,  there was a lot more stuff inside of it than her tiara. From just feeling around there was pencils, metals, cloth. One, two, three… nine, fourteen. He counted away on the rats that were biting away into his coat.

Simultaneously he was counting the rats that were being incinerated for trying.

Diamond Tiara just watched in amazement at the colt’s resilience. “I never asked you to help me. Don’t expect a reward or anything.”

Gary continued to sift away through the material and rats, “Yup, don’t worry, I won’t ask for one. Just don’t lose your mom’s stuff again. I am sure she would ground you for a lifetime.”

“I don’t have a mother…”  It took a moment for the colt to put together what she meant.

“I’m sorry for your loss; if it makes you feel better I don’t have either of my parents.” Gary said as he worked away inside the hole.

Tiara frowned, she hated to admit it but it did make her feel better, “What’s your name?” the filly finally asked.

“Gregory, but call me Gary. So what may I call the princess?” Gary teased.

“Diamond Tiara,“ then blushed a little as his words sunk in. “hey no getting fresh.”

Gary leaned back on his side with a smile on his face, “Oh, and you name a princess who doesn’t have a tiara.” He chuckled he proudly displayed the fruits of his efforts, a diamond tiara.

Her face lit up as she grabbed the tiara, “Thank you!” She squeed, it was moments like this that Gary loved, a good job well done. “You know, I know I said I wouldn’t reward you. I am sure my daddy would give you something for helping me though.”

Gary dislodged his left hoof from the small hole in the wall, “Well, if you really wanted to repay me you would point to where the teachers’ lounge is.”

Diamond Tiara dead panned, “Are you serious, you know who my daddy is right?

“No clue.” Gary said honestly. “So… where is the lounge? I am kind of in a rush now.”

Tiara pointed down the hall, the only hall. “It’s the thirds door on the left.” How did he not find it the whole school only has five doors?

Gary was already off, “Thanks.”

He left her with Tiara in hoof, “I guess daddy was wrong, there are a few good gentle colts…” She said with a mild blush. That’s when she noticed it, as she picked up her saddle bag. The small gash on her flank was missing. She looked at the colt that entered the lounge, Did he…?

- - -

Cheerilee was on her third cup of special coffee, rum. She looked at herself in a small mirror on her desk.  This year was her third year in a row without a stallion during the frolic; it was starting to get to her.

She had made many purchases from shady catalogs to try and overcome her wants of the holidays.  Alas, none were quite able to squelch her flame. Grey hairs had finally started to take root in her mane, she was still quite young. Sporting the age of twenty she was quite beautiful. Taking care of every ponies foals during the day though was starting to get to her.

“Miss Cheerilee?” came the voice of a colt who entered the small room.

“Yes? Oh, you must be Gregory, come in.” Gary already was inside the room but he now took the hot seat next to her desk. “Where is Mary?”

Gary leaned back in the chair taking in the small comfort. “She had to work; I can sign the registry for myself.”

Cheerilee sighed, “You need a guardian signature to start class. Mary should have known that.”

“Yes, but I am fourteen, I can sign in without a guardian’s signature.” He knew the statutes well though from when he quit school before. He may have had to go to school but he didn’t need his guardian’s permission to do so.

“You’re Fourteen? You look a little… young, for a stallion.” She added quickly.

Gary hated to be reminded of his stature, for a colt he was a little smaller than the average but was on par with a filly. Times like this he missed his old body. “Yes, well I am, if you need it I can get you my ID.”

Cheerilee looked at the colt before her, her eyes examining the features of the very young stallion. He has a cute face; the girls in class will be all over this one. She didn’t mean to do it, as he eyes carelessly differed towards the privates of the colt. He face turned scarlet.

Some things were above average for a colt his age, WAY above average.

Holy Celestia, how does he walk with that?

“Equestria to Cheerilee.” Gary said waving a hoof in her face.

Cheerilee shook her head,”Wha?”She said half dazed.

“You ok, you’re drooling.”

She wiped her lip, indeed there was drool. “Just a little hungry is all. So let’s get you signed in and I'll introduce you to the class.” After going through the paperwork, there had been the explanation of the school rules. Nothing out of the ordinary, although there was the occasional glance from the school mare that was kind of offsetting. He is legal... A contemptible thought entered the mares mind.

“…that’s about it is there any questions?” Cheerilee finished as they made their way down the hall. She had been walking behind the colt the entire time. She was still trying to figure out what she saw was just a mere trick of the light.

It wasn’t.

“No.” Gary said innocently enough as he stood at the threshold of the classroom.  Even though he wouldn’t admit it, he was slightly excited for it. Once in awhile he always thought about going back to school to finish his education, but the prospect of a famous world renowned author going back to school would have ruined his career.

There was also getting to hang out with his little sister, on an equivalent level. He wasn’t her brother –in public- anymore he was her cousin.  He pushed opened the door, even held it for the teacher to pass.

“Thank you.” Cheerilee smiled as she walked in, Gary followed in suit. All activity in the room ceased the moment the students saw the newcomer.  The fillies and colts simply stared up in surprise at Gary’s direction, a few shyly turning away at the last moment to avoid making eye contact. From the moment he walked in he scanned the room; it didn’t help his nerves though when the room almost went completely silent when he walked in. Selfie was in the first row right center; next to her were Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

Selfie started to wave like a foal that hasn’t seen her best friend in years. It was hard to resist a facehoof, it was very tempting. Behind her was Sweetie Bell who was sitting in between two unicorn colts. Behind them was Dinky who was by the look of repelling spitballs from a crème coated colt pegasus next to her.

A small smile grew on the colts face as he saw the last row, at the far end on the right was the red curly mane of Twist. Who had the same goofy smile he had.  She was wearing her signature purple specs, she even was swishing her tail back and forth.

“Class we have a new student join us today. His name is, Gregory Stuwart.” Selfie Started to chuckle. “He will be joining us for the remainder of the term. Normally Gary we would have you tell us about yourself, but we are running a little late today so we will save that until the end of class. You can take a seat anywhere.”

The pink filly raised her hoof, “He can sit next to me, Ms. Cheerilee.” Most of the class looks back at Diamond Tiara who was wearing her beloved crown.

“That’s so… oddly nice of you Diamond Tiara,” Cheerilee said. She nodded to Gary to take his seat. He eagerly did, it was the one he was planning on taking from the start. On his right sat Twist, on his left sat the filly welcome wagon Diamond Tiara.

Gary, whom wanted to set a good example of what a good student would do for his little sister. Took out his notebook and pencil from his black satchel and eagerly was ready to take expert notes and share him with his sister later that evening.

“And now class,” Ms. Cheerilee said, “we’re going to talk about the color red!”

Gary barely resisted the urge to slam his face into the desk.  Today was going to be completely and utterly boring. It was only but a moment, something brush up against his tail. It was Twist’s red curly tail. He looked over and she was sitting innocently staring at the board, the moment her look away his tail would get brushed again.

That’s how you want to play this, Gary suppressed a smile.  Unlike Twist his tail not have curls, it was long and straight with only the slightest curl at the very end.  Timing it just right, he cracked it like a whip across her cutie mark.

“Eeep.” She squeaked slightly, her face turned scarlet. She tried to immediately retaliate in the same manner but her puffy tail was far too short to reach his flank.  Gary had a sheepish triumphant grin. Don't start wars you cant finish. She looked back at the teacher before she started to mouth write a note, trimming to time it just right to pass it.  It took her well over three minutes to write the note.

She passed it quickly as Cheerilee was going over the other two primary colors.  Gary only suppressed a laugh, maybe school might be interesting now. He unraveled the note…

Hey Gary,That is not fair you're too far away scoot closer. Also, how have you been? I am sorry I didn’t visit you. I haven’t been able to leave my house. Bon-Bon grounded me for not coming home for two weeks. I wrote you a poem too! Also there is so much it want to catch up on. I told Bon-bon about you, but she doesn’t believe me. Don’t worry I didn’t tell her how old you actually are. Nopony would believe me.  Do you want to meet her? -Twist.

Gary flipped to the back and spent a moment thinking of a good reply. He had never received a note in class before, but decided to play it safe and write back nothing to personal. He passed back his reply…

I am glad to see you too.  No, I’m not going to scoot closer. I would love to meet Bon-Bon; actually I would like to meet a lot of your family.  I’m old school like that.  How long are you grounded for? –Gary

“Psst.” Gary looked over to see the darting eyes of a pink filly. She leaned over with a note of her own written on a light purple pad.

I just wanted to say thanks again for before. If you want, my daddy is picking me up from school I can introduce you to him. I’m sure he will give you some bits for helping me. How do you like the school so far & are we friends now?

Gary flipped the piece over and continued to write on the other side.

Its ok, I didn’t help you for a reward. Just don’t go bringing around your mother’s tiara. It is probably special and she would be sad if u lost it. Memories are hard to replace. For the five minutes I have been here, great, and sure we can be friends.

He passed the not back and immediately was rewarded with a note from Twist.

I am ground for one more day. Not for staying out for two weeks without telling her. Because she thinks I lied about having a special somepony. If I proved I wasn’t lying and say a special somepony I wouldn’t be grounded anymore. Hint, Hint. Did Diamond Tiara pass you a note?

Gary ripped off a piece of his paper, there was no more room. Miss Cheerilee had not noticed the blatant exchange of notes, due to her invigorating take on the color red. A wry smile grew on his face.

Yes, she wanted to thank for helping her in the hall. A big rat stole her mother’s tiara. So you have a special somepony? When did you get one?

Gary passed the note back and waited patiently, and then she read it. Twist looked like she was about to cry, Oh now I feel bad, she knows I was joking right? She eagerly started to scribbled away on the back side of the paper. Until a piece of paper from a pick filly slipped its way onto his desk.

You sound like an old stallion, talking about memories. I do have my honor to think of so as a thank you I will give you permission to sit with me and Silver Spoon at lunch. You should feel privileged. I have never let a colt sit with us before at lunch.

Gary rolled is eyes, she must be rich to talk like this. He wrote back…

Thanks but I am going to be having lunch with my sis cousin Selfie and her friends. You can join us if you want. I am sure Selfie would love to have more friends come and eat with her. I would like it if you joined us.

He passed back the note and Twist nearly pelted hers at him.

What do you mean? I thought you were my special somepony. Did I do something wrong? Are you mad at me? Is this are first fight and I’m no realizing it. Please tell me!

Wow, I shouldn’t joke with her anymore. Then he got an idea.

Well most technically I never asked you to be my special somepony. This is true; I think a certain pony deserves to be asked, instead of general acceptance. I am old school like that; I take things slow and easy, just like the knights of old. Although there is something I want to ask you after school if you catch my drift.

He passed back the note, and watched her face as she read the characters. Her whole coat went turned scarlet as she read the note over and over in her mind. She wrote down one last note and passed it back.

I will be waiting, my knight.

Gary folded the parchment and slid it into his saddle bag. He gave her a side glance and caught her looking at him. He looked over at his new friend Diamond Tiara in hopes of getting her answer about lunch. She never sent the note back however.

Grudgingly the colt looked back at the board, where several pictures of classic red objects now where displayed. Gary looked at the clock, only five minutes!?  Gary opened a new page and started to jot down the notes for Selfie who obviously had not taken any since she was chewing on her pencil.

Today is going to be a really long day.

:Lunch Time:

Gary had bit down on his six in sub-hay sandwich. Selfie had dragged him to her favorite dining area. A canopy with a glass table that was just behind the school. The playground was vacant save for two unicorn colts that were playing in the rain.

It was an odd feeling having the wind at his back when he wasn’t flying. Having translucent wings was hard to get used to. Gary loved spending time with his sister, right now was no different. However, the sound of her guzzling down the triple extra mayonnaise from her sandwich was starting to get to him. It was mildly disturbing watching her trying to widen her mouth enough to fit the meaty treat inside just for the white creamy delight to drizzle down her cheek.

That wasn’t what was getting to the young colt as much as it was just them. He had mildly expect to be bombarded with obvious questions of a new transfer student. Yet, he was alone with Selfie. Neither Twist nor any of Selfie’s friends were there, not even the pink filly had joined them.

Selfie licked her lips clean of the creamy treat her brother had provider for her, “What’s wrong Gary you look sad.” She said with a slightly worried tone.

Gary looked over, “You have a little bit off mayonnaise on your cheek.” She couldn’t quite reach the spot with her tongue so he just wiped it off with his hoof. “Why do you say that, I am happy.”

Selfie squinted, “Is it because you wanted some of my sandwich? Because I would have shared honest.” She said almost pleading like that was really on his mind.

Gary scooted closer to his sister and wrapped a hoof around her, “You know squirt, I really missed you. It’s nice to know that I have a little sister who worries about me a lot.”

Selfie blushed, she loved getting praised. Although there was something on her mind, something she wanted to ask but never had the chance too. “Brother, how do you know if you like, like somepony…”

“Like… like, like?” Gary said hoping this wouldn’t lead to where he thought it was going.

“Like you… and Twist?” Gary insides warmed up several degrees.

“I see, well…” he paused, “Well why don’t you ask Mary, she may be able to help you more than I can.” He said hoping to pass the torch to his younger sister.

“But she never even been on a date!” He couldn’t help but chuckle, it was so true.

“Well, I won’t lie I was hoping to avoid this talk, but since you want my advice. How much do you love your big brother?” Gary said with a smirk.

She widened her hooves as far as she could stretch them, “This much.”

“Well, when you can look at the pony you like and like them just as much and when they make your insides all warm and mushy.” He nuzzled her cheek “That’s when you like a pony.”

She returned her brother’s affection, “Thank you Gary, I knew I should have asked you.”

Gary now took a sheepish interest in the subject, “Now spill, who is the colt. Please don’t say it’s the tall lanky one with the drool because sis you can do SO much better.” His face turned serious. “And you’re still not allowed to date until after you’re married.”

“I’m not telling.” She said with a smile.

“I’ll tell you who I like,” he said with a half showmanship smile.

Selfie deadpanned; even she wasn’t going to fall for that, “Nope.”

Gary clicked his tongue, she is becoming more and more like Mary every day. Aimlessly he bit down on the last bite of his sandwich. It had taken on a moist taste from it being at the bottom of the wrapper.

The thundering sound of two fillies burst through the wooden door of the school.  Twist had Diamond Tiara pin to the ground in a pile of mud. Twist had size on the filly, but not much as she bucked hard –for a filly- against her barrel sending her sliding into the muddy grass.

Diamond Tiara leapt into the air as she pounced on her victim taking a cheap shot to the chest. Twist doubled over in pain but quickly recover as she side kicked her hooves out from under her send her face first into the mud.

Twist bit down on her mane and tried her hardest to rip as much of it out as she could of. Sadly not a hair came out  before she was pulled off by Gary, Selfie now was holding Back the enraged filly. For a moment the only sound was the rain and the heavy breathing of the two combatants.

“Let go of me,” Diamond Tiara barked. Selfie’s iron grip never waned.

Twist took her chance, as she whipped around and planted one right on Gary. It was a welcomed surprised, excepted she tasted like Diamond Tiara and dirt. The colt didn’t mind, he hadn’t been able to do this is three weeks. Alas, the kiss was broken.

“Gregory, Diamond, Twist in my office NOW!” Barked the school mare from the doorstep.

All good things are so short lived.

:Teachers Lounge:

Not a word had been spoken between the three, and Cheerilee was waiting. The poor colt sat in between the two fillies. Both looked at him, who was not going to dare move even an inch.

“So,” Cheerilee said,” who is going to tell me what is going on?”  Again both fillies looked at Gary liked he would explain.

“I have no idea.” Gary said, for he really didn’t.

“Twist started it, she hit me first.” Diamond Tiara said.

“The called me ugly!”

“She told me I couldn’t be friends with Gary!”

“After you told me to thtay away from him!”

“I was just doing him a favor; you always cling to the new colts.  He is MY friend, he even said so. Seems I was right seeing the way you forced yourself on him.”

Twist bit her tongue, and stared at the floor. “I didn’t forthe anything…” she whispered.

“Girls, this isn’t telling me anything—“

Ding-Dong-Bing-Bong

Cheerilee sigh, thank Celestia for half days. “We will continue this tomorrow morning, Gary you leave first.”

Gary nodded and bowed low, he turned and looked at Twist, “Meet me by the tree in back,” he said in a whisper, and it was meant for her ears only but was overheard by the pink coated filly.

- - -

Gary made his way to the destination in question, it was an old willow tree that had a great view of the Ponyville River. Just under the left side of the tree  there was a small parting in the vine branches that split the rain. The stallion forced several waves of heat into the ground causing small puffs of steam to rise from the ground.

At least the ground is warm now. Gary sat down on his plot tail extended, fore legs propped behind him. The steam warmed the air just enough to make it very pleasant. Twist came soon after, she walked straight there from the door, she didn’t even detour around the puddle she walked through them.  She sat several inches away from him, head low and her tail wrapped around her.

“So,” Gary said while continuing to look into the rain, “now it’s just you and me. What was all of that about?”

It took a minute for her to reply, “You won’t be mad?”

“You sound like Selfie when I catch her trying to steal cookies. No I won’t be, promise.”

A giant weight felt like it had been lifted from the filly’s shoulders. “I told the cruthaderth who you really are.”

Gregory’s eye twitched, “I see, so how did they take it?” Mildly regretting making the promise already, they were Selfie’s friends and would have been informed sooner or later.

“They took it pretty well; they thaid Twilight doeth a whole bunch of weird thpellth that go wrong all the time. A pony that ith part phoenix wasn’t really that big of a thhock at all. They know it’s a thecret and they pinkie promised not to tell.”

That’s not really how it works but I guess it’s close enough, “So how did you and Diamond Tiara get at it?” She sat in silence and watched the rain, Gary sighed as he scooted closer enough for both their fur to be touching. He wrapped a hoof around her and raised the temperature of his body by several degrees. “Better?”

How he had known she was cold was beyond her, but she didn’t care. She snuggled against his warm fur and rested her head on him. “When me and the cruthaderth were going to meet you and Selfie for lunch, Diamond Tiara and Thilver Thpoon thopped us at the door. The thaid that you two were already friendth and thhe didn’t want me butting in on the picture. The didn’t want me getting near you becauthe thhe said I would get a cruth on you just because you talked to me…”

Gary raised a brow, “Why didn’t you tell her I was your special somepony. She would have backed off, I think.”

“Becauthe you’re not…”

Buck, I did say that. Gary swallowed a large pool of saliva that had begun to pool at the back of his throat. “So why did you kiss me before since we're technically not together.”

Twist went scarlet, “You promithe not to laugh…”

“Sure why not, it can’t be that bad.”

“Well thince you promithed,” she calmed down a bit. “I was reading a book on dogth for a project, I didn’t get far into it but there was a thection on marking territory and fluids. I thought if I kithed you in front of Diamond Tiara I wath… marking my territory.”

Gary snorted, “Wow.” He bit his lip it was far too tempting to laugh. “I am so glad you didn’t read into it then.”

Twist was confused, “Why?”

“Female dogs mark their males by rubbing their heat on a male’s nose. “ It took a few seconds before Twist got the imagery.

“I would never!”

“Oh come on, think about it. Wouldn’t you like to explain to Cheerilee that!” Gary teased.

“Tho how do maleth mark their territory?”

“They… you know what I think I’ll tell you later, I don’t want to ruin the moment.” Gary smiled as he snuggled closer. Wrapping his tail around her, she went red as she felt his tail brush up against her cutie mark. It was a sensitive area for the filly. She returned in kind, although his flank was blank.

The two sat in silence and watch the rain; it was a present from Mary just for him. Even if it was unspoken, it still took a bit of courage to build up. He was never good at the formalities of romance. He was never good at romance, period.

“Twist…” He had only ever asked once before.

“Yeth?” the heat inside her chest swelled.

“Will you be my…”But the feeling was still the same. “Special somepony?”

She took a moment to savor the feeling; it was something special about it. Being asked, under a tree in the warm embrace of a beloved. It was far better than she could have imagined. For a moment, just a single moment. She felt completely at peace.

She did say anything, she just tighten her grip and nodded. Gary lowered his head and bump up her muzzle, she opened her eyes in surprise as she fell into the evergreen irises of her special somepony. They looked like pure emeralds of green; both leaned in breathlessly as he pushes his lips to hers.  

A kiss to seal the deal, from this point it was official. To bad he forgot that it was still the frolic and Twist was still female.

In the bushes however there was a full grown alicorn, a filly alicorn, and a trio of cutie mark hunters eagerly what the couple. The largest of the alicorns shielding them from the rain with her massive black wings.

“They’re kissing!” snickered Sweetie Bell.

“I knew he couldn’t even wait a day.” Mary whispered.

“It’s nice to see Gary smile again,” Selfie whispered.

“Look at Twist go, it looks like she is about to suck off his face.” Scootaloo said in amazement.

“Should we stop them, Twist looks like she is about to jump on him. Ok, now she jumped him.”

“Those two are really going at it, sis we should really stop them.”

“Oh its Gary, he has far more self-control.”

“Sis you remember what he was like around Glass when he thought we weren’t looking.”

“Oh, he is a lot… older… now… “All five of them blushed as the young couple continued swapping saliva. “Maybe we should stop them…” Mary said slightly looking away.

They never had the chance, as Ms. Cheerilee and Diamond Tiara made their way out to the tree.

“It’s true, he told her to meet her next to the tree.” The filly hopped from one dry spot to the next avoiding the large

Cheerilee sighed, “I highly doubt Twist would do anything inappropriate. She is a model student…Twist?”

Twist heard her name and leaped off the half dazed colt, being young had its benefits. It took a moment for him to snap back to reality to see the two red face fillies and the gaping mouth of a school mare. “Huh?”

Then he looked down at his nether region and looked at something he thought he had better control of. Ok think fast, this is a perfectly healthy reaction for a colt of my age. I get to go through puberty again to it is to be expected. I am sure we can all calmly talk this out and every pony will understand. That both parties got heated in the moment and it would have never have gone passed kissing.

Is what he WANTED to say.

“She seduced me.”

:Diamond Tiara’s House:

“Good night daddy,” Diamond said down the hall of her mansion.

“Goodnight Mr. Rich.” Silver Spoon said respectfully before the two shut the door to Diamond Tiaras room.

The pink filly slumped down on her bed, her perfect mane laid haphazardly over her pillows.  Silver Spoon crawled up next to her as they prepared to enter the land of dreams. Both slept on the giant Daring Do body pillow.

“So you going to tell me what happened or do you think I just forgot,” Silver Spoon said nonchalantly as she tucked herself into bed.

“I don’t want to talk about it…” Diamond Tiara said weakly. Silver never liked seeing this side of her, she seemed weak, vulnerable.

“Is it about the new colt, Black Moon or something—“

“His name is Gary, how do you get Black Moon out of that?”

“Oh, so you do know his name. When you told your dad about the fight you wouldn't breathe a word of him then.” Spoon shot back.

“Daddy doesn’t like me talking about colts; he said I’m too young.”

“So, tell me, honestly. Do you like him?” Spoon questioned.

Diamond went flush as she turned her face away from her best friend, “No, I just don’t want Twist to have him is all.”

Spoon yawned as she snuggled closer to her friend, “How about tomorrow we try to get you closer to this Gary guy. If anything it would be fun to see Twist squirm for a bit.”

The filly smiled as her mind contemplated how the next day would go, but sadly it never strayed far off the black coated colt that want nothing from her.

:Canterlot Residential Area:

In a house at the end of the street live a family of three.  This family was quite special indeed. It consisted of a unicorn stallion with a amber crème coat. This unicorn had a goal in mind, to see his friend again.

The other two were special indeed. A subject of study that held the interest of many scientists. Twin rabbits whom had fur was black as night and both held emerald green eyes. One was named Onyx and the other Jasmine.

What made these two special was not eyes nor their fur. What was the wonderment of these two were the flames in their bellies and they could talk..

This family of three did the best that they could, the stallion worked days and played father at night. Alas in this household it was all tears, for the little bunny children just lost someone dear. They had been searching since birth for their sire.

They knew who he was but they did not know where, the stallion did track for almost five years. The news came as a shock for the little Gary Stu flock, for the rabbits now lost their dad, quite sad.

Alas all hope was not lost as a black velvet box showed up on the doorstep of the home.  The stallion opened the box, as his face lit up to a photo of Stu, sitting next to a red curly manned filly.

Inside was a letter, written in ink. “Gary Stu is alive happy and well. Don't you think his children would think that is swell.”

How anyone knew about the rabbits father was beyond him, only select few knew and one was dead and the other couldn't speak. He set down the letter and made his way to the children’s bedroom.

“Get packed, we're going to go see your father.” Next Chapter: To Become Perfect... Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 12 Minutes