Rocky Road

[Pacifist]

Well, new forum, new story thread. I'll go ahead and post the stories I've written so far, since you guys probably haven't seen the last one yets.


-Ponies Don't Play Vidgames-

A cold mid-winter afternoon. I was sitting in my apartment, Maud snuggling up to me. She watched the screen as I played Sonic the Hedgehog for the nth time. How much she was actually watching due to interest and how much just to make me happy, I'm not sure.

After beating the Marble Zone boss, which was easy despite the fires Robotnick was dropping, I paused the game and handed the controller over to my dear pony. She looked down at the controller, then at me.

“...Er, would you like to try a level?” I asked.

Maud slowly blinked, and then held out a hoof. Gears turned in my head before I realized what she meant.

“...Right, the controllers aren't meant for hooves.” I said sheepishly.

“They aren't.” Maud confirmed.

“Nevermind.” I said as I resumed play. I wonder how much a custom-designed controller would cost?

<>

-Petting Time-

Maud's frock was folded neatly and put to the side. I was watching The World Is Not Enough with the volume low, and Maud was on my lap. My hand scratched gently behind her ears before running down her mane then down her back. I then rubbed her back for a few minutes, then returned to the scratching. By this point, the motions were automatic.

Her muzzle rested upon the couch, her eyes closed and her body rising and falling from each breath. She looked adorable when she was like this, reminding me of a cat.

“...Maud?” I said softly. “I'm starting to lose feeling in my legs."

“Mmmhhh...” Came the response.

“The things I do for love...” I sighed before resuming her back rub. There would be time to walk off any numbness later.

<>

-Play Time-

I looked through the field of rocks. So many rocks! From the largest boulders to the smallest pebbles, and every size and shape in between. There was a large black rock, blacker than obsidian and smoother than limestone. A small white pebble that was in the shape of Florida. A little smooth gray rock-

I picked the rock up. "Is this him?"

Maud turned, and trotted over. She gazed upon the object, scrutinizing every detail.

"No." Came the reply. I did my best not to let out a sigh.

I was never very good at Camouflage.

<>

-Sleepless-

I glanced at the clock again. 12:14. I sighed.

"Trouble sleeping." Maud commented. She was snuggled up to me like a very comfy, if heavy (due to muscle, not fat) blanket.

"Yeah." I said. "Some nights... I just can't get to sleep."

Maud gave me a gentle nuzzle. I stroked her mane, which was still a bit messy from earlier.

"It's okay." Maud said. "Go get some warm milk."

I considered this. "Sounds good. Would you like some?"

A pause. "Sure."

I smiled, and got out of bed to get something for us to drink. On the way out of the room, I stubbed my toe on the dresser. "FFF-"

<>


-Maud's Poetry-

"I need a synonym for hard starting with an s." I heard Maud say.

I looked up from my laptop screen. Maud was at her desk, pen in her mouth.

"Hm... What about stiff?" I suggested.

"I used that."

"Solid." I tried.

"I used that."

"Sturdy?" I thought out loud.

"I haven't used that."

"Alright, glad to help." I finish with a smile.

I always enjoy helping Maud out with her rock poetry. "So, what's this one about? Cliffs, caves, calcium deposits?"

"It's erotic poetry."

There was five full seconds of awkward silence.

"I wanted to try something new."

<>

-A Guest-

"My sister wants to meet you."

I took the time to swallow my soda. Squirting it out of my nose in surprise would bring only pain and misery.

"Right, you have a sister." I said, setting my cola down. "I somehow forgot that."

"I have three." Maud replied. "Pinkie, Marble, and Limestone."

"So, you said sister. Singular. Which one wishes to meet me?" I asked.

"Pinkie."

"Well, I don't see why not." I say with a shrug.

"I should probably tell you." Maud said, "She is different from me."

"...How different?"

"Hiii!~" A voice shouted from behind me as a party favor blew and confetti shot out everywhere.

I didn't mean to scream and kick her in the face, honest. I was just startled, okay? I get jumpy when I'm startled. Maud's death glare is not helping my case. Yes, it's different from her usual expression.

---

"Oh god..." I moaned, head in my hands.

"C'mon, it's okay! It doesn't even hurt anymore!"

"But I still kicked you in the face!" I said. The cold chill still gripping my soul. "I'm such a dumbass... Always acting without thinking..."

"But I forgive you!" Pinkie replied, giving me yet another fluffy hug. The scent of cake filled my nostrils.

"You smell delicious."

"Hee hee! Thanks!"

"But I... Aarrgh..."

"John."

I looked up. Maud had her hoof on my knee, looking me in the eyes.

"It's okay."

I pulled her into a tight hug, pressing my face into her mane.

She smelled like rocks.

---

"My arm's getting tired." I whined.

"I'll take over."

I let go of the large metal spoon and let Maud continue the stirring. "So, rock candy with actual rocks in it."

"Yes."

"I didn't think rocks were edible."

"These are special rocks." Maud explained.

"Huh, that probably explains why they don't look like any sort of rocks I've seen before. Are you sure they're safe to eat?"

Maud blinked slowly. I rubbed the back of my neck. "Er, I mean, safe for ME to eat. I've seen you crunch stones before." I specified.

"Yes."

"I mean, I have really sensitive teeth..."

"Not all rocks are hard."

"Right, I suppose you have a point. Should I put in vanilla? Because, er, I always use vanilla extract when I bake."

"If you want."

"Aighties." With that, I started to check my cupboards, pulling out my bottle of vanilla extract.

---

I played with my rock candy necklace as the pink pony stuck her head out of the window of the taxi and waved. I spied Maud placing the necklace that her sister gave her into a box.

"Ah. You keep all of her necklaces. They're pretty sentimental to you, aren't they?"

"Mm-hm."

<>

-Flashback, Pt. 1-

I sat down on the couch, Maud at my side as I scratched behind her ears lovingly. Jeopardy played on the television.

"Obsidian." Maud said.

"What is... Obsidian?" The contestant said.

"That is correct!"

I smiled a bit. It was only natural that Maud would get every answer in the "Stone-Cold Facts" category. Er, every question? Whatever.

As I pondered her knowledge of geology, I began thinking back to how we first met.

[The Past, In a College Dorm]

That was the slowest knocking I had ever heard. "I... I think it's the new roomie." I said to myself as I walked over. Some guy gave me an email, saying that I was to get a sort of exchange student. Didn't say from WHERE, though.

I opened the door to see... Nothing. "...I could have sworn-"

The corner of my eye drew my attention to the grey frock-wearing pony before me. She looked up at me, her expression neutral as she blinked slowly.

"...Uhhhh... Hi." I said.

No response. I stepped to the side, and she entered the room.

<>To Be Continued...<>