Rocky Road

[Pacifist]

-PONK-

Nowadays I have decent relations to the perplexing pink pony Pinkie Pie. Sister of the rock horse I love so much, couldn't be more different. Super hyper, super excited, super emotional. There is no half-way with her. Now, the first time we met, things went... Alright? You see, I was just being with Maud (it was just Maud and I back then, no Tempy yet) on her birthday. I figured something simple. Hang out, go on a dinner date, relax under the stars, get her a little rocky something, cuddle and snuggle that night. Not really that much different than how we usually go about things, though the rock present is new, but we have an understanding. Nothing big or extravagant, keep things simple.

Now, Maud had told me about her three other sisters (Marble sounds adorable) but I have yet to meet them as we were just starting out back then.

The thing to keep in mind for later is that while Maud did know of my "True Nature", the rest of Ponyville knew me as the crystal pony Obsidian Hour. So, the day's going well, we're heading back to her home/cave/thing, and what's waiting for us but a surprise birthday party.

I do not like surprises any more than Maud does, but I do not have the same ability to take things in stride. So, suddenly there's a bright light as a group of ponies yell 'surprise'.
I let out a little yelp and jump, then realize what was going on. I gave Maud a quick "Okay have fun" and vacate the premises. I guess the pink one was watching me or something, as right when I step back above ground I get surprised again by that pink pony.
"Hello there! What's wrong? Why are you leaving?"
I just stared at her, a little bit (excuse the language) peeved.
"If you must know, I'm not big on being startled. You... You're that baker pony, right? The one that runs that sweets shop?"
That damn smile. So happy, so innocent. I was starting to get the immediate feeling of what kind of pony this was.
"Aww, I'm sorry! I didn't know you don't like surprises! I thought everypony likes surprises! C'mon, let's go back to the party! I made caaaake~"
I sighed. "Yes, everypony loves surprises, including ones with heart conditions that could croak if you pulled something like that. Not that I'm one of them, I'm just making a point. Listen, um...?"
"Um? Oh! Right! My name's Pinkie Pie! I'm so happy to finally meet you! I've seen you around, but I haven't yet thrown you a proper welcome party! So, consider this a combination 'Happy Birthday Maud and Welcome to Ponyville Obsidian' party!"
I blinked. "How did you know my name?"
"I'm Maud's sister! She's told me about you! I was hoping to get to know you before, but I don't see you around that much."
"I don't particularly like sweets or parties, and I get the feeling you hang around the kinds of places that do both."
I could have sworn I saw her eye twitch just a little.
"But everypony likes parties!"
I raised an eyebrow. "Uh, no. For instance, me. I don't like parties. Too many ponies. I don't mind hanging out with somepony, but I don't want to be forced to go around making friendly with a bunch of other ponies I probably won't care for. Besides, there's other things I could be doing with my time that would be more fun. For instance, anything else.
There's that eye twitch again.
"I'm sure you just haven't had the right party-"
"We're done here. I'm just going to head off into the town for a bit. Tell Maud to come get me when the party's over, she'll know where to find me."
I begin to walk away when I feel her grab me from behind.
"Don't be a grumpy pants! Just come to the party, I Pinkie Promise you'll have a great ti-"
I didn't mean to buck her like I did, but I did. "Don't touch me!" I said. She didn't seem too hurt physically, but she did seem confused and kind of sad. "...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit you. I just... I really, really don't like being touched. No physical contact. Okay? Okay. I'm going now."
I walked off into the night. I really needed to cool off before I could properly talk to that pony. The arcade sounded good right about now.

---

"Obsidian."
I had just finished a session of Dig Dug when I heard her.
"Rock horsie." I replied.
"You hit Pinkie."
"...I'm really sorry about that. She grabbed me, and I kind of panicked."
We were silent for a moment. She was giving me The Look. Wasn't really much different than any other look she gives me, but I know the difference.
"Tell you what. Tell her that, if she wants, I can hang out with her tomorrow. No parties or anything, but I'm willing to give her the benefit of a doubt and a second chance. Baseline rules: No touching, no surprises. Is that alright?"
She paused, mulling it over. "I'll tell her.
"Thanks." I gave her a little kissie and a nuzzle. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
Ah, her love for me warms my heart. In many ways.
"So, the party's wrapping up?"
"Yes."
"Alright. Let's go back, I want us to have a little bit of time alone~"
I gave her ear a slight nibble, and I could tell she was smiling.

---

The next morning I recall very, very vividly. I had sort of 'cocooned' Maud and myself in the blanket, hugging and snuggling together as we slept. I was in my natural form, as when we're 'together' Maud prefers it that way, to see the true me. I awoke as I heard some sort of high-pitched noise drawing closer, and I had no idea what it was. I think it woke us both, as I could dimly see Maud's beautiful eyes staring into mine. "...The buck is that noise...?" I grumbled as I loosened the blanket cocoon.

I think Maud realized what that was, as I heard her say "Obsidian!", but it was a bit too late. I freed myself from the soft embrace of the blanket, rubbed my eyes, sat up, and realized there was a rather surprised Pinkie Pie standing at the end of the bed. Staring at me.

Well, shit.

>>To Be Continued...>>