Morning Ponyville (Concluded)

[Dark Star]

After setting another potted flower, Sun perked his ears to listen as Thunder Cracker stated his concerns for Slipstream. Half-way through his little speech, Sun had to stop and look at him. He had a serious expression on his face and his tone was serious, though ridden with concern. 'He really cares about Slipstream this much?' he pondered for a short time before trotting closer. "Wow, I've never heard some-pony show so much concern for another, not even from-" he was about to say until he noticed something in the air. His jaw dropped at the pegasus flying just above them.

Slipstream had set both of the potted flowers in the spots Sun had mentioned and started flying back in the direction of the cart to get more. 'Guy's got a job so simple, it's no wonder his boss only accepts earth ponies. A unicorn or a pegasus could get it done in seconds' she wondered as she flew back. How anything could be so simple, was completely beyond her. Still, it would do nothing to change how she felt about Sun talking so willingly about her problems. She hid herself in the trees and listened carefully to the conversation between the two stallions, tearing up slightly when she heard about how TC would be there for her. After they were done, Slipstream came out and hovered a bit above and behind TC with a wide smile on her face as her tears fell.

The cyan pegasus tried as hard as she could to keep her tears from bottling up, but failed to do so as they simply cascaded down her face. She settled down on all four hooves and before Thunder Cracker was able to react, and embraced him tightly, a tad too tightly though. She ignored whatever cracking sounds she heard and only embraced TC tighter. After a few too many cracks in odd places, Sun intervened, or at least tried to before his heart told him to simply let it happen. He felt confused at how it was that he couldn't do anything to help out, but simply didn't bother trying to figure it out. He watched as Slipstream nearly choked the life out of TC with a warm smile on his face.

[GEffect]

Events Prior to Sun and TC's private conversation:

Thunder Cracker was enjoying his time spent putting those flower pots down a little too much. Most ponies would agree that this whole landscaping idea is just lame and boring in any occasion. But that was not the case for TC. He found this job quite fun and adventurous to were he started singing about it. Now Thunder Cracker had a wonderful singing voice. And even though it was pleasant to listen to. The song TC was singing is a major disappointment compared to the actual songs he makes in his song book. Maybe it was bad because Thunder Cracker had been bored for a while and was in dire need for anything fun to do. At first TC did what he said he would do by teleporting to an 'X' marker place a pot down then teleport back. But now that he found a way to entertain himself he began to just trot a short distance towards the park after he put down a pot and then would teleport when he got half way there so he could have some time for singing.

Thunder Cracker started to twirl his tail in a circular motion with a slight bounce to his rear. His tail kind of mimicked the spin to a rudder on a boat and his trot had a slight dance to it due to a catchy tune he was humming. Almost every pony that TC passed couldn't help but, stare and laugh at foolish unicorn's stride. Some of them sharing thoughts such as: "Typical music-types...always shaking their flank around for no reason". After a while TC ran out of verses to hum so he just went ahead and power up his horn then in a white flash appeared at the park. When he made it to the cart Sun was waiting there for him. Before TC did anything else he had to speak out his emotions of joy to Sun. "I have to admit this whole landscaping thing is actually pretty fun!" Thunder Cracker took some deep breaths to calm down before he caused any further disturbances.

Present Events after TC and Sun's private conversation:

Thunder Cracker made an effort not to think of any further depressing thoughts about Slipstream. But the poor unicorn just couldn't help himself he had an active mind. Morning Sun luckily came towards Thunder Cracker and responded to his statement earlier. TC looked directly to Sun and took a breath before he spoke. "What I said is true. Most ponies never take me seriously and I am ok with that. But when I say I have feelings for some pony; in this case more than I have for any pony that is not a relative. I mean that to the fullest extent of my heart." Thunder Cracker didn't take too lightly of such a topic. That is just how he always was and he doesn't plan on changing any time soon. His goofy attitude is nothing compared to the real inner Thunder Cracker that is always being locked up inside himself. Barely an pony gets to meet the real TC which doesn't help his cause of being alive in the slightest. Love has many meanings to TC and his is never a joke to him unless he says it is. Which has not happened yet and never should have to.

Thunder Cracker was just about to take some more flower pots when he heard a small sound behind him. The noise sounded like wings gently flapping in the wind. Well aware on who it might be that appeared behind him Thunder Cracker turned around only to have his pinkish purple eyes looking into Slipstream's. She was smiling brighter than he had ever seen before and for some reason was crying also. TC was confused a lot by her odd expressions. Then out of no where she wrapped her fore hooves around Thunder Cracker and, hugged him very tightly before he could even ask what was going on. Her hug actually lifted TC's own hooves off the ground keeping him in her grasp. All the wind within his chest was released into the air followed by a small yelp from the warm yet painful impact. "Gak??!...Slip..Streeemah??..OW...why in Equestria....are you bear hugging me so tightly..and why are you crying are you ok??" TC said in a faint and weak voice. Slipstream began to squeeze Thunder Cracker's body even tighter than before which rendered TC unable to speak. His bones started to emit cracking sounds from the force of the hug. Morning Sun even tried to break the grip but just gave up because Slipstream had TC locked. The orange pegasus felt like his body was glued to Slipstream because he couldn't move even the slightest bit. What was going on here! TC was greatly confused on what he should do; or more of what he could do. At this point it was nothing so all he was doing then was hoping Slipstream would let go and then explain why she nearly split him in two.

[Dark Star]

Slipstream didn't bother listening to much Thunder Cracker had to say as she embraced him. She did a few spins on her hind-legs, still holding onto him tightly, and then held his head low to the ground, staring deep into his purple-pink eyes with a dreamy look on her muzzle. "I guess I'm just being a third wheel here, huh?" Sun interrupted. "Also, you may want to give the poor man a chance to breathe, he's starting to lose color in his face" the blond stallion added. Slipstream did as instructed and gave Thunder Cracker some space to breathe, knowing full-well that he'd be taking in deep, desperate breathes. She stood him up and tapped him on the shoulder gently.

"I overheard everything. The way you showed so much concern for me just then, it made my heart skip a beat or two and my chest feel tight" Slipstream explained as she smiled and dried off her tears. "No-pony has ever said things that made me like that before, so I know they're special" she added. She took another short breath and glanced at Thunder Cracker. When she looked at him this time, she was certain there was a tint of pink running along her vision, telling her outright that this was what true love felt like. She thought it a little odd how they could form a relationship so quickly in spite of knowing each other for only so little time. It happened to Sun with his marefriend, Midnight Scar, though, so it was possible if anything else.

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker was starting to head to the shiny light in the sky. Or at least he felt that way but, in reality he was just about to pass out. That would still be kind of a crummy way to go anyway. With that aside TC could feel what ever last puffs of air he had about to escape his muzzle. Slipstream had not said a word since she started squeezing the life out of him. Then the worst case scenario happened and, she got so happy to the point that Slipstream started to spin around in a circle. Why must he be the one to deal with this display of....of....whatever this was. Yes it was true that Thunder Cracker had developed a crush on Slipstream but, this is a whole new level of crushing someone. Thank Celestia Morning Sun finally spoke up and got through to Slipstream. The cyan pegasus had loosened her grip to let TC finally touch the Equestrian ground again.

"Finally...*cough*....I can feel the sweet ground on me hooves once more." Thunder Cracker finally being free and able to think properly again he made sure of one thing in particular: He is to be very careful the next time he lets Slipstream hug him. She nearly killed him twice now. However TC is too much of a softie to hang on to bad details and started laughing silently due to his air still trying to come back.

The very pegasus that had snuck behind TC soon after releasing him. Had helped the dizzy Unicorn to an all fours stance. Thunder Cracker was a little afraid that Slipstream would hug him again so he backed up before he spoke to give him some galloping room just in case. "Slipstream what in Equestria was that for anyway?" TC asked hoping to get an answer this time. Her response had soon enough became very clear to him. Once again TC's loving nature had nearly became his downfall but at least was for a good reason. An extremely bright blush came upon Thunder Cracker's face. The look that Slipstream was giving him made his very on heart skip a beat. By now TC was 100% sure he should confess himself seeing there was no reason not to. But before he did he looked at Sun to thank him. "By the way thank you Sun for getting her to release me I have sincere gratitude toward that." Thunder Cracker then looked at the ground taking at deep breathe even though his blush had returned. His hooves had shifted in the grass a little from time to time. Then once he built up the confidence he looked up at Slipstream then taking a few trots forward to close the safety distance he made earlier.

" Well besides the fact that you ease dropped on us I am glad you heard what I said Slipstream. I uh.....yeah...I guess it is ok to say that I just feel so happy to be around you. For some reason I feel as if I can be myself more than I have towards any pony before. It's really weird though I just met you not to long ago and here I am confessing that I grown a big crush on you." TC gave his usual small laugh symbolizing he was at a normal state. "......I....I don't no how your gonna take this though now that you know how I truly feel about you as a pony. Everything about you I should add as a whole is what makes me take a trip to cloud 9 every time I look, talk, or even think about you Slipstream." Thunder Cracker didn't know if he should have said more but even if he wanted to he couldn't. His overall emotions spiraled out of control at this point and he locked up in place. The only thing he could do is lower his head to hide is blushing face and look at the ground to retrace his thoughts as he was fearing what Slipstream would say next.

[Dark Star]

Now Thunder Cracker finally had the chance to confess. Every word he spoke brought a shiver to Slipstream's spine and a knocking to her knees. Sun was just as nervous, although in his case, it was out of concern for how Slipstream might react. If things went well, she just might choke both of them to death with her embrace. If they went badly, she'd blast a huge portion of the park away in one take-off. Either way, some-pony was bound to be in physical agony after his confession was over.

Sure enough, Slipstream's heart exploded in a fiery passion after Thunder Cracker had admitted he was crushing on her. He laid his head down-low and simply waited there for Slipstream to react, the latter simply standing still in response. Sun couldn't believe what he was seeing; 'Slipstream's holding still, that's gotta be bad?' he mentally worried. Slipstream smiled so warmly and dreamily at the orange unicorn, she didn't notice how weak in the legs she was becoming. Slowly, she trotted over to Thunder Cracker's Side and leaned against him, nuzzling up to his side with her muzzle. She spoke soft words into his ears. "I'm glad that you feel that way, because I feel the same about you, TC" she said with a light blush forming on her cheeks.

Sun smiled softly as the memory of meeting his own marefriend came rushing back to him. The two were practically made to be a couple, what with their coats being opposite colors to one another, not to mention their names representing the night and day. Ironically enough, Slipstream was the one who managed to get them into becoming a couple. If not for her, then Midnight Scar never would've admitted her feelings to Sun, and he was much too shy to admit his own first. Now it seemed as though he had managed to repay her for the happiness she brought into his life, even if he didn't do much of anything by comparison. Still, it was nice to watch the ponies standing side by side the way they were, although it was a bit awkward due to how early in the morning it was rather than at sunset. 'What am I, some kind of romance expert?' Sun wondered for a moment.

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker didn't know what to do anymore. The silence only made his worrying grow and, he was looking at the ground so he could see what Slipstream was doing. TC has never been this nervous before. He was in need of some dire help from some pony. Just then he heard hoof steps in the grass in his direction. His body had tensed up as if he was preparing to get tackled or worse yet Slipstream might just embrace him again. Something had just then nuzzle up on TC's side nice and gentle. It tickled him a little by how small it was. In a few seconds TC recognized it to be some kind of nose from a pony so he guess what had happened just then.

Slipstream's sweet voice was soon enough echoing in Thunder Cracker's ear. Each word having a small effect on TC's emotions. They played gentle cords of passion and love on the unicorns heart. A smile began to form around TC's muzzle as the words were being spoken. It turns out Slipstream felt the same way about TC as he felt about her. Thunder Cracker began to think about the irony between the breeds his mom and dad were. His mom Elana was a unicorn and his dad NorthStar was a pegasus. Then out of no where here it is on this very day Thunder Cracker a unicorn falls in love with Slipstream a pegasus. Guess fate and destiny took a wonderful part in pairing these two. TC slowly raised his head while also turning it to look at Slipstream directly. He had a lovestrucken expression as he emitted the words: "Really?...you feel that way Slipstream?...when did that happen?" In all respect TC was just happy this was a two way crush. But he was glad to hear an explanation either way.

As Thunder Cracker waited for a response he started to have a daydream to himself. At first it started out as him in a stadium. It was just him in the middle but random voices kept egging him on for TC to either attempt to kiss Slipstream. While the other side of the stadium was debating with the other side for TC not to kiss her. The whole situation itself was a disaster Thunder Cracker was confused to near insanity. He wanted to kiss Slipstream true but that is too sudden to try an attempt. Besides that would just make things awkward especially for Morning Sun watching all this. TC just ran out of his imaginary stadium and he kept running until he found himself in a meadow with a sunset in the background. Slowly TC began to recognize this place. It was one of the last trips he took with his dad when he was a colt before NorthStar had to take more and more jobs in stations for the Equestrian Air Force. Remembering this place had soothed TC's mind greatly and he closed his eyes to sink it all in. When he opened them the sight before him had blown his mind. Right there in front of him standing tall and mighty with a pair of sunglasses on looking straight at TC was his shiny white coated dad: NorthStar. (Now it isn't TC's real dad just a realistic memory of him. And during this daydream TC is still looking passionately into Slipstreams eyes in those short few minutes before Sun had spoke out. So to the real world it is only a few minutes TC was like this. Anyway enjoy the next moments inside TC's mind ^^)

Thunder Cracker was in awe at the sight of his dad before him. He couldn't believe it yet still he trotted a few steps to him. ".....Dad??...is...is that you?"

The Daydream created NorthStar to relax TC's mind and emotions. NorthStar smiled at Thunder Cracker and in a strong confident voice he said "Of course it is me. What kind of father would I be if I didn't come to see my son after all this time I have been away?", Northstar gave a small laugh after that was said. Then he trotted forward and put a hoof upon TC's head ruffling up his hair. "You have grown a lot since I have last seen you when you were just a little foal. But for the love of Equestria Thunder Cracker what did you do to your mane??"

Thunder Cracker smiled at the response NorthStar gave him. He laughed at the same time his dad did. TC shifted his hoof in the meadow's grass to his fathers compliment on his growth. "Well dad I grew my mane out. I don't know how you didn't notice but it made me look a lot like a filly when I was younger so I had to change it. Look I have the same stallion mowhawk pattern as you dad." TC turned his head so his dad could see it clearly.

Northstar smiled at his son's response and couldn't help but laugh in agreement. "yes I was aware of that problem. Your mom..Elana thought it was too adorable to get it changed. I tied to tell her it wasn't healthy for your self-esteem to look 'adorable' or at least in a Filly kind of way. But you know how stubborn your mom gets about her foals." Northstar took of the sunglasses which revealed eyes that were similar in color to TC's just darker and on the red side more than the pink. The same black spike birthmarks under both eyes were also there upon NorthStar's face however they were longer than TC's. He still had a smile on hid muzzle then looked at TC directly. "So...with that reunion out the way. You mind telling your ol'pappy who you mare friend is over there?"

TC was shocked by his dad's question. How did he know about Slipstream? A cloud looking picture was floating behind TC. It was showing a sky view of Sun, Slipstream, and Thunder Cracker at the park. But even without that this NorthStar would have known about it because he is a memory in TC's active mind. So TC took a long breath then looked at his dad. "Her name is Slipstream...she is a pegasus just like you and Stratosphere....I just can't stop thinking about her. And guess what dad..she has feelings for me too...cool huh."

NorthStar listened to TC's words carefully. His expression was serious now to make sure his next words didn't seem like a joke. "So if you two like each other...then what's keeping you from making your move and asking her out?"

TC looked at his dad. Instantly he knew that was a serious question by the tone and look on his face. "Well we kind of just met that very day. It is weird I know but it just sorta happened. Besides it is still early in the day so we have plenty of time to do all that romantic if the time comes. If she feels like doing something then I will have no real reason to object. I just wanna spend time with her and Sun. Even if we have practical third wheeled him by now."

Northstar was proud of his son's response. His work here was done so all he had to do was give that last speech and be on his way. "Well then I guess me and your mother raised you right. Takeing things nice and easy is a good thing. Unless you two think of something else then by all means go ahead just be careful about it. And don't be afraid to ask her on a date that is a good way to strength a connection. Just be cool about it ok? Now I don't know what you young types call dates nowadays but as long as it is fun, and entertaining for both of you everything should be fine. Now I gotta go I have over stayed my welcome here and you need to get make to making googly eyes at that Slipstream of yours. Just know when the real me visits you in the real world and not this jungle you call an imagination. Just know that he has never forgotten you and will be home soon. And more importantly that he loves you."

TC listened to every single word his dad said only to reply with an "Ok dad I will" response. After what was said had taken its course. The daydream NorthStar put on his sunglasses after he have his TC a fatherly wink. Then he took of to the sky until he faded away from existence. TC waved his hoof at NorthStar before he disappeared. But nothing could hold back the few tears that emitted out from his eye sockets. He wiped them dry then closed his eyes once more. The meadow and sunset had faded to a bright white light and then mere seconds TC found himself back at the park staring into Slipstream's eyes like he was before. (That is the end of the Father and Son moment. Hope any one reading this enjoyed it. I'm sorry if this makes my post super long but I could help myself from using that to make a milestone for my OC. The next moments are in real life at the park just so you know Dark Star.)

TC shook his head and blinked a little. He just caught the sound of Sun asking if he was a Love Expert. Now that he was clear headed he looked back at Slipstream with his natural smile. The turned to Sun to respond. "Maybe...This could be a second job for you Sun. All I know is that I am glad to be here with both of you." Thunder Cracker turned to Slipstream again getting a little close but not too close to were their muzzles are touching. "I really enjoy being with you most of all though. And I hope from now on we can be something special."

[Dark Star]

Slipstream merely stayed silent during all of Thunder Cracker's thoughts. She stayed at his side and wrapped one of her wings around his side, gently embracing him as she snuggled him close. She thought about things and how they were escalating to be a bit unnerving, though she merely thought of it as fate smiling upon. 'I even get into relationships fast, heh-heh' she thought. The whole thing reeked of irony. And to think, it all started with a failed attempt to make an aerial dare-devil out of herself. Still, she wouldn't give up this feeling for the world and would gladly stay there, nuzzling him passionately. But of course, all good things must come to an end sooner or later as Thunder Cracker soon awoke in tears.

He commented on Sun becoming a romance expert, earning himself a short chuckle from the blond stallion. "Maybe, but I think that the job I have now is good enough until I earn enough to start my own help-center" Sun told responded. "You might be takin' a while then on account o' how little your current job pays ya" Slipstream quipped with a slick smirk across her muzzle. Sun merely chuckled again. While she usually did a better job riling other ponies up, Sun merely thought of it as another charming quirk that she had. "Say what you want, at least I have a job" Sun mused, earning a scoff from the cyan mare. "Mhmm, a job that you're shirking right now" she retorted. Sun let out a snort and started laughing, Slipstream joining in soon after.

After a minute or two of uninterrupted laughter, Sun whipped his tail in the direction of the cart. "I guess we should get back to planting pots then, in that case" he mused. Slipstream nodded, walking forward until she remembered her wing was wrapped around TC's shoulder. She stopped and stood there, confused as to what to do next. She could either take her wing off and proceed to help out Sun, or she could stay in her blissful state enjoy a bit more cuddle-time with TC. It was quite the awkward impasse for her, though she inevitably chose to take her wing off. She picked up a pot in her mouth and flew off, quickly finding a place to set the pot and came back, repeating the process as quickly as possible so that she could enjoy the rest of her day.

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker was in the happiest of moods as of now. Not much was on his mind at the moment. Just very simple thing had roamed around his thoughts. Eventually he just decided to clear his mind. The warmth under Slipstream's wing had soothed TC all around his body. Not much was going on after TC had awaken from his dream except Sun and Slipstream had started ranting to each other about Morning Sun's current job worth. Quite a humorous thing to watch between the two ponies. He didn't know who was winning nor did he want to decide. So he just snuggled next to Slipstream until he decided to jump in. "Well even if Slipstream didn't have a job I all ready own a store that pays enough bits and has small shifts anyway. Not to forget my music career that I have going which I can work for at any time I want. so in the end I have lots of time for other important things such as courting this one for instance." TC finished that statement by nipping playfully at Slipstream's ear with his mouth.

With all this love going around Thunder Cracker had completely forgot about the pots Sun had to deliver. If it wasn't for the very topic being brought up the blond stallion might have missed it and have gone back to his job without getting it done. TC was in all means ready to get those pots placed so he could spend some time doing something else. He waited until Slipstream made her choice before he did anything. With her decision made TC picked up two pots then in a white flash he teleported to a 'X' marker then back to the cart. He repeated this process continuously to get as many pots as possible. While Slipstream was flying and Morning Sun was doing whatever he did on the ground the three working ponies made wonderful progress. Soon enough they got down to three remaining pots. This means that there was one pot for each pony. Even with that good news the park actually was starting to get boring to TC now even with the peace it gave. He needed to do something active with the other ponies who would be willing to do the same. So he brought up the idea to get a decision going. "Hey after we get these 3 pots placed if there aren't any other place we head somewhere else? I don't know about you two but, I am starting to get used to this place a little to were I am losing attention span every time I find myself doing nothing." Thunder Cracker trotted over to his saddle bag, took out a good sized bag full of bits and trotted back over to the others. "I have more then enough bits in this bag to buy some things."

[Dark Star]

Slipstream enjoyed how Thunder Cracker mentioned he was courting her, though the mood was ruined once he started nipping at her ear. She blushed and scowled, then backed off slightly in annoyance. "Hey, Babe, can ya do me a favor and not do that? I really can't stand it when ponies mess with my ears" she explained as her ears twitched a few times. Sun, on the other hoof, was chuckling to himself in the background. He knew right away that she hated her ears being nipped at, yet he chose to say nothing. "Still though, I do want to get a job so that I'm not a burden to anyone, especially not my roommate" Slipstream stated in a tone very unlike her. "Yeah, although to be technical, she's more along the lines of your housemate. For that matter, she's the one who handles all the bills, all the shopping, all the cleaning...remind me what it is you do to help out again?" Sun quipped.

Slipstream snorted out in anger, then directed a glare at Sun. She knew he was right with how little she actually did around the house other than low-priority cleaning and not making a big mess. Still, he didn't have to be so condescending about it. "Whatever, let's just get back to work" Slipstream huffed. Sun smiled again, knowing that for the first time since knowing her, he'd finally won.

After some flying, running, and teleporting, there were merely 3 pots left to place. Sun smiled and looked at the other two proudly. He was older than Slipstream, that was certain, although he was still proud of TC as well for helping him out. TC mentioned going someplace after they were finished simply because he couldn't keep his focus in the park any further. "I'd love to join you, but I have prior engagements. I'm still on shift all morning and quite a ways into the afternoon. In fact, I have to report back to handle the register immediately after we finish these last couple of pots" Sun explained. "Don't worry, I'm sure we can find something to entertain ourselves with in the meantime" Slipstream stated. Sun smirked and set down the final pot, then hitched himself up to the cart once again, waving at the two gently before cantering off into the distance.

For a few minutes, Slipstream just stood silently as she pondered what it was the two could do for the time being. Eventually, a good enough idea struck her and she beamed. "Hey, I know! Why don't we go for a walk along the clouds, it'll be perfect for getting your head cleared!" she quipped. She knew right away that TC would mention how he can't walk on clouds, but devised a counter for it right away. "No need to worry about that, we can just borrow the "walk on clouds" spell from my roommate. She'll undoubtedly help us if we keep bugging her about her" she chirped happily. If any unicorn knew a spell that could allow them to walk on the home-turf of Slipstream, it was definitely Dark Star. "So, whaddya think?" she asked as she looked deep into his eyes.

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker at first thought he did something right when he nipped Slipstream's ears because he first only saw her blushies. But when he looked further at her whole face he instantly knew he was wrong. Her scowl was a clear sign that that sort of a thing is an instant red flag of "Do not mess with me in that way". So he knew from the look she gave him that he should remember not to do that for the sake of keeping Slipstream happy. Her words struck clear and precise and he didn't need to be told twice. Thunder Cracker straightened up his act and became serious to hinder his retard playful side from causing anymore problems. "I sorry Slipstream I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable my mistake. I will make sure I remember to stay away from your ears." TC had darted his eyes up to Morning Sun who for had the nerve to chuckle to all this with no concern what so ever. Thunder Cracker for the first time today was starting to get in a bad mood by this and his own expression changed pretty coldly to a small distant glare towards the laughing stallion. Thunder Cracker turned his head the opposite way. Then in a low and very quiet bitter voice TC murmured to himself. "Yeah sure laugh it up flower boy because I am sure this is just a fun time for you isn't it. So far all you have done is be a smart flank constantly." Thunder Cracker shook his head a little to end any further cross feelings then let that whole moment drop.

Soon enough Sun and Slipstream began to go at it again. This time it was about Slipstream's work ethic in house cleaning or other supposed "mare" duties. TC had a good feeling it started from a sly remark Sun had made using TC's mentioning of his job or whatever thing which had nothing to do with how Slipstream spends her working time. Why in Equestria did this have to happen anyhoof. Each pony has their own way of getting by and so far each are probably living quite well right? TC was beginning to think Morning Sun has mostly been finding stupid reasons to pick on Slipstream or maybe even TC too almost every time the 3 ponies took a break from placing his stupid flower pots on their retarded low-income marker made 'X's. Thunder Cracker didn't mean to be mentally dissing the job Sun worked for but, the orange stallion was just pissed off now. He had little to no sense of calm emotions and just really got heated fast to his eyes were giving cold glances and served no signs of happiness in them what so ever.

TC was off to the side near a tree. These actions lead him to have thoughts that the either pony won't notice him his so stormy mood carried on. Thank Celestia they were almost done because Thunder Cracker couldn't take much more of this. Slipstream had eventually decided to end her verbal 1 on 1 with Sun quickly and by how the her and his different moods TC could tell Sun had won. Good for him; maybe he could go some where else and make a story for some possibly future foals about it. Poor Slipstream seemed to be heated as ever the way she reverted to her last pot and placed it down. TC decided it might be best that he let her cool down before he did anything stupid since his own mood was way different than usual. So he took his own last pot and placed it on the right spot.

TC was GLAD that was over because too much had happened at weird times taking turns in being good and bad. Morning Sun had confessed that he had more things to do for the day so the blonde stallion had to cut his moments with TC and Slipstream to an end here and now. Slipstream took the moment to assure Sun that she and TC would find something else proactive to do which was bond to happen anyway. Thunder Cracker went ahead and did the generous thing by waving back to Sun but, he was far from giving him a smile for he just was not in the mood for his happy go lucky attitude to roaming free bugging every pony it saw. Once Sun had disappeared into the distance TC had taken that time to stretch out to give his ligaments, bones, muscles, etc to give them a much needed relaxation period. Thunder looked at Slipstream not as dark mooded as before but, just not with his usual joyful exspressions. "That takes care of that. Anyway since you brought it up. Do you have any idea on what to do now?" The very pegasus TC had asked the question to was in a state of thought for a good amount of minutes. Without delay she spoke up with her idea ready for debate.

Slipstream had suggested she and Thunder Cracker go up to the clouds and walk among the very white puffs themselves. She also added that it can help TC clear his mind which would definitely be useful since his mind was shadowed from its natural light. TC was just about to agree when the thought that he couldn't actually walk upon those very cloud had sprung to life. His ears had flopped down as well as a face of disappointment. Just before TC could mention the problem. Slipstream had came up with another clever idea. She said that the two ponies should venture out to ask her roommate about a walk on clouds spell that could enable TC to do the self-explanatory feature it provided. The orange unicorn had no objections what so ever to this idea which NOW brought a smile to his muzzle; brightening up his expression a little. "You simply just keep coming up with these random and clever ideas don't you." TC could hear his joyful attitude was shaping up again in his voice. "If you want us go see your roommate so we can head up to the clouds then by all means lets go. By the way I would have said yes even if you didn't give me that look with those big green eyes of yours." Thunder Cracker looked back to see the park around him one last time. Once he was done with his swift glance he turned his attention back to Slipstream and stood next to her so they could begin their journey together.

[Dark Star]

Slipstream was happy to see Thunder Cracker so enthusiastic about going with her. She mostly assumed he was going out of excitement to walk on clouds, but it was still okay with her regardless. He stood by her side and Slipstream smiled, then trotted up ahead, flicking her tail in a forward direction to remind TC to follow behind. She led him directly into town and then walked down one particular path leading up to an average-looking cottage with blacked-out windows. Slipstream sighed wistfully. "No place like home, as the sayin' goes. Wait one sec, I'll just get her attention" she stated before flying up to the second story window. She tapped on the glass a few times and it opened from the other side. Slipstream peered in and saw the familiar red eyes of her roommate, Dark Star, looking back at her in a glare. "Hey, Bright-Eyes. Listen, this is pretty sudden, but I need ya to come downstairs to help this special some-pony o' mine with something" she asked in a much more demanding tone than she was aware of. Dark Star merely slammed the window shut and started heading downstairs.

Slipstream descended back down and stood next to TC with a wide smile across her face. "Don't worry, she'll be down soon" she assured. After a few minutes, the front door creaked open slowly, only being opened far enough to reveal a pair of glowing red eyes just behind them. "Do you have any idea what time it is, Slipstream?" the eyes asked. Slipstream scoffed. "Nocturnal or not, it's no excuse to be so mad all the time, just relax, Bright-Eyes" Slipstream retorted. The eyes closed and she sighed, then her eyes opened again to stare at Thunder Cracker. "So this is your special some-pony then?" she asked. Slipstream nodded enthusiastically. Another eyes-closed sigh. "Please take good care of her, she's a very sweet young mare" she asked in a worried tone. Slipstream scoffed. "I can take care o' myself, ya know" she defended. "What did you want?" Dark Star quickly asked to get the ball rolling again. "Just needed to borrow that walk on clouds spell o' yours so that Thunder Cracker here could join me on a fluffy little stroll" she said in far too dreamy a tone for Dark Star to tolerate. 

At the mention of the purpose, Dark Star's eyes-or what could be seen of them-went wide and her irises began glowing a much harsher shade of red, which then perturbed into a very unsettling glare. "That was the reason you got me up at this hour?" Dark Star asked angrily, the glow from her eyes intensifying even further. Slipstream merely grinned and nodded once. Dark Star snorted angrily and her horn flared in a bright-red aura, focusing the light around Thunder Cracker's hooves. The glowing stopped after a short moment and Dark Star re-directed her gaze towards Slipstream, whom of which smiled gratefully. "Thanks!" Slipstream chirped as she gave her roommate a short hug, which was soon met with another sigh. "The spell will only last a few hours until it wears off. Once you see his hooves glowing, that's when you have to get him back on the ground" she explained as she gave Thunder Cracker another once-over with her eyes. 

[GEffect]

In no time Slipstream had began to take the first steps of their short trip to a place to meet a pony that Slipstream lives with. Just like when they left to go to the park she flicked her tail as a sign for Thunder Cracker to follow so the two can officially start their stroll to leave it. Thunder Cracker did what was instructed by simply following the pegasus as she guided him. They ventured through the town which in some parts was mostly inactive and then random places that had a glimpse of activity in them. Then the two ponies came upon a path that was unfamiliar to TC so he knew he had to pay attention to where they were going so he doesn't get confused and lost. With all that trotting from place to place Slipstream and Thunder Cracker finally arrived to a cottage. Nothing really special in particular about the cottage except the blacked-out windows.

TC looked over the house in a brief glance until Slipstream told him to wait so she could get the attention of the roommate who lives here herself. TC did what was told and just stood where he was as he watched Slipstream fly up to one of the two story windows and tap on it. A window opened but it wasn't the one Slipstream tapped on oddly. Still Slipstream just simply looked in that one instead and started talking to who ever was behind that window. Thunder Cracker heard the window slam shut which made him think that the attempt to ask for the spell had failed until Slipstream flew back next to TC smiling. She told him in fact the pony she had talked to was coming down.

In a short amount of time the door had opened slightly only to have a pair of red eyes fill in the space between the opened door and the wall. An voice belonging to a mare was heard asking Slipstream if she even knew what time it was and, Slipstream just remarked that question by saying the mare shouldn't be mad all the time then called her bright-eyes. TC had the sense this sort of thing happens normally because Slipstream seemed to be able to handle this situation like a pro. After a random sigh the voice behind the door asked a question if TC was the "some-pony" Slip had mentioned. The pegasus nodded in reply then after the voice paused for a short while the one now known as bright eyes asked for TC to take care of whom he was courting who was called an array of compliments that TC was well aware of. The very cyan pegasus in question had stated some thing to hold up her strong pride with her determined willpower like usual. Thunder Cracker had smiled and shakes his head a little because he knew that she would do such a thing. But TC liked it when Slipstream did that because it made him happy she had confidence in herself.

Finally "bright-eyes" had asked what Slipstream had woke her up for anyway and from the pegasus's response the mare behind the door had seemed to just get even more unhappy by how she reacted. Her red eyes got sharp and looked as if they could peirce into something like an arrow. With yet another sigh the mare had sparked up her horn then shot a beam of red aura around TC's hooves. It felt funny at first; Thunder Cracker was not too used to the effects of these kinds of spells yet but the funny feeling wore off shortly after it was cast. Slipstream thanked her roommate with a hug. Before TC and Slips left "bright-eyes" had gave a warning about TC's time limit to use the spell and what to look for to know when to come back down. Thunder Cracker looked at the mare with a small glance. "We will; thanks for the spell again." After TC gave a thank you of his own he retraced his attention back to Slipstream. "So...now that we got what we needed. What is your plan to get us up to the clouds?" TC asked eager to hear another clever statement from her.

[Dark Star]

After Dark Star's need to cooperate had been fulfilled, she was free to close the door and start back upstairs. The fact that Slipstream had gotten into a relationship so quickly was both surprising and wasn't surprising at the same time, which in itself was a great equation for her to figure out. On the one hoof, a fast relationship to get into was usually a fast one to end as well, which was upsetting just thinking about. In her own case, she'd stopped seeing what was once her own special some-pony, so she knew what a depressing breakup was like. On the other hoof, Slipstream getting into a relationship meant that she would stop trying to court her in return, which was quite the pleasing thought for the dark mare. "I'll have to see how they work things out before I can judge them. Still, that Thunder Cracker did seem to be quite the gentlecolt" she pondered as she settled back into bed.

Outside, however, Slipstream was over-joyed to know how well Dark Star wanted to help. Of course, she knew that the only reason she wanted to help was because the sooner the she helped, the sooner she could go back to bed. Regardless of her reasoning, she still helped her new squeeze get his cloudwalk on, so that was more than enough for the wind-themed pegasus. (OOC: I have no idea what I was typing for that last sentence, I think I've just been using Slipstream too much).

TC seemed alright with the development of the situation, though it was when he became curious over how they'd get to the clouds that Slipstream started to grin. "Well, we got two options; The fun way, or the easy way. The easy way is me simply bringing down a cloud and using it as an elevator to a bigger series of clouds. But the fun way..." she leaned in with her eyes half-lidded. "...is that I just carry you up there" she finished in a low tone. "Your choice, Babe. Personally, I'm okay with either one" she stated as she kept the look on her face.

[GEffect]

(OOC: XD I kept reading over that one part you mentioned trying to find out what you were taking about. Derp on me.)

Thunder Cracker could sense the excitement building up in Slipstream like lava in a volcano that had erupting set to imminent. Whatever was going on through that head of hers was bond to be released eventually. To be honest TC was very excited too. He had not been up in the clouds in a long time. Also the fact he would be up there with whom he could have an amazing time with made it better to think about to himself. However it was such a mind twister on what would be up there waiting for him. He knew clouds aren't the only thing to expect...or were they. Maybe Slipstream was taking him up there so that they could have a some what peaceful and private place to spend time together. No that just doesn't sound right why leave somewhere peaceful due to bordem. And only go to a place that is for the exact reason they went to the last place. There is a whole city made out of clouds anyway so how in Equestria did Thunder Cracker think there would only be just regular clouds. It could be have been an option though. If it so happened that it was; Thunder Cracker would have no problem with it he supposed. TC guessed the only way to solve his question is by finding out himself as soon as he and Slipstream set course for the clouds themselves.

Now with that in mind we go back to the current problem in debate as of now. How exactly is Thunder Cracker to get up there? It seemed like a simple answer but, TC just could put his hoof on it at the moment so he asked Slipstream. In mere minutes she had two ideas she gladly shared with the curious orange unicorn. Idea one which was named the "easy way" was that Slipstream gets a cloud herself and then TC and her just ride it like an elevator till they reached their planned destination. Quick and simple which is why it was named the easy way Thunder Cracker supposed. Or the two ponies could use idea two also known as the "hard way". Slipstream had changed her tone and facial expression drastically when suggesting this solution which Thunder Cracker knew that was probably a sign she favored this one the most. So the hard way was that she just carry TC up there. How she planned on carrying him? TC had no clue what so ever. He thought about both ideas to divide the pros and cons. But guessing on the differences between the two the fun way seemed to be aimed for mostly fun from it's obvious name. Unless Slipstream had something else in mind she didn't feel like sharing. TC figured out his answer quickly because he didn't really care how he got up to the clouds he just wanted to go. "I kind of want to try the fun way. For some reason it sounds fun and is interesting to me I guess since the self-explanatory name you gave it sent me many hints." Thunder Cracker puts on a sly smirk along with a raise eyebrow. "Besides the way you were looking and talking to me when you explained the "fun-way" just makes it difficult to resist choosing the other idea with out me having a hunch you preferred that idea too just like me." TC smiles because now he was pumped up to begin their trip. He swiftly checks to make sure he had all his stuff then after that was taken care of he just waited for Slipstream to show exactly how she planned to "carry" him anyway.

[Dark Star]

"Good" Slipstream stated bluntly as Thunder Cracker agreed to do things the way she wanted to. She flared her wings up and gained a little altitude, wrapped her fore-legs around Thunder Cracker's body and lifted him up into the air with relative ease. It was almost like picking up a kitten, it was that simple. Just another benefit to having an obscenely strong body; You can lift several times more than most others and surprise any nay-sayers who thought otherwise. Slipstream was really well-known for being so strong back in Cloudsdale, and due to how much she showed it off in Ponyville, she soon became famous for that too. "You're not as heavy as you think you are, ya know that?" she rhetorically asked. She knew she was strong, but she never really assumed just how strong she actually was until she presented herself with the oppurtunity.

With no immediate objections, Slipstream quickly ascended to the skies above. At first, she flew at the usual speed she does all the time, but after realizing how TC may not be handle the velocity at which they were travelling, she decided to tone things down a bit and take things nice and easy for the remainder of the trip. After they'd broken through the cloud barrier, Slipstream placed TC on the cloudy surface gently enough to only add to the surrealistic feeling. She gave him a good pat the head to reassure him he was in safe hooves. "There we go, safe and sound up on my little cloud here" she said in her usual happy-go-lucky tone, completely oblivious to any and everything TC may have had to say during the matter. "So, what do ya think?" she asked, not being specific towards anything in general.

(OOC: Yeah, this wouldn't be the first time where Slipstream has shown off her monster strength. Can't wait to see how TC reacts to it though)