Morning Ponyville (Concluded)

[GEffect]

The awkward moments just never stop happening between Thunder Cracker and Slipstream why can't the two ever get a break? The things that just happened in that room are mind boggling in ways Thunder Cracker could not handle at such a random time. Now what started it was the normal question form Dark Star about if the spell had worked like they wanted it to. Which it did and helped lead them into having a lot of fun in the process which Slipstream gladly commented on. Dark Star's reply to this was one of the most awkward things TC could have figured out when he had just relaxed. He had no thoughts about such a thing what so ever till it was brought up. Now TC realizes that he and Slipstream are teenagers and all that. Also the two of them together think of some crazy things to spend their time on. But as active as they may be they aren't THAT crazy to go that far so soon! When Slipstream pointed out that the couple had lots of fun together on the clouds. Dark Star blew the initial idea way out of per portion with another question. Slipstream figured out what her room mate meant moments before Thunder Cracker did. Her reaction to it was something TC hasn't seen before or at least not so quickly. At first TC was a little confused on why everything was getting to awkward for Slipstream until she admitted that she fell sleep on him after they kissed. THAT'S when the whole situation clicked. Thunder Cracker's face turned a shade of red brighter than any other time before then. His eyes went wide for just a few seconds when he thought about it. TC had to fight really hard to keep those naughty thoughts out of his head because they were bound to try and invade his sense of sanity. "Wait that's what you meant?....whoa...that's um....wow." Thunder Cracker didn't know how to respond to that. So he just looked in a different direction for a while.

While Thunder Cracker was trying to clear his head again. Dark Star seemed to start some more awkward situations with Slipstream. TC may not have been visually paying attention but, he was with his ears. At first the ruby eyed mare was surprised to hear how fast TC and Slipstream had kissed while they were on the clouds. Thunder Cracker didn't see why it was such a shock to her but, he just listened to Slipstream try to defend herself by claiming that it was in the heat of the moment which it was guessing on how she had tackled him before hand. TC had turned for that moment to help his mare friend explain. "What Slipstream says is true. It was just situation after situation at one point. And the next thing we knew; we ended up kissing." TC was just about to revert his attention away from the conversation again when Dark Star had stopped him when she began to tell him something. She had taken the opportunity to tell TC that Slipstream has already had her first kiss and, Thunder Cracker reacted with a face of shock. He didn't believe what he just heard. And the weirdest thing yet Dark Star just got up and went into the kitchen right after she told him. Why did she do that to go make a stupid sandwich or something! She literally just killed practically any sentimental value TC could have left from that kiss. Almost...Thunder Cracker still had value but, overall it was ruined now. Slipstream's initial reaction was one of those "I can explain" moments. Try as she might the first time she just couldn't find the right words which didn't help her as she spoke. Slipstream realized that and took a short breathe to find the right words. TC decided to calm his escalating nerves enough to make sure he didn't do anything he didn't mean to as he looked at the pegasus put on blast be her room mate. Slipstream just to be safe had added her cute filly-eyed look again but TC didn't fall for it this time but, he did except the truth behind her words. "Slipstream don't worry I will have faith in you as much as you should have faith in me. I still love you with all my heart regardless of the fact you already had your first kiss with who ever lucky pony that was. I am just a little shaken up still after all the awkward things your room mate started twice in a row now. Especially that first thing." TC wrapped his fore legs around Slipstream and hugged her gently with a loving smile to assure her he wasn't mad. It was short yet passionate then when he let go he turned his attention some where else to further calm himself down to a normal state.

[Dark Star]

As Dark Star prepared tea for the trio in the kitchen, she couldn't help but listen in as Slipstream tried to explain herself. It wasn't like she meant to give the younger mare a hard time on purpose, it was just that after the last straight months of hassling she'd caused her, Dark Star was certain to pay her back in spades. She wasn't really spiteful all the time, she just wanted to give her a taste of what it feels like to be on the chopping block in front of your lover. 'This will certainly teach her why I hated when she did this to me and Crimson' she thought. As she was levitating a glass with her magic, her eyes went wide as she heard TC say that he loved Slipstream, subsequently dropping the glass on the floor, shattering it.

Back in the living room, Slipstream was just as surprised at her roommate's actions as the latter was. Never before had Dark Star seamed so scornful in her life. 'Maybe helping her find love would get rid of all that pent-up anger?' she wondered before going wide-eyed at what TC told her. She didn't mind that he still had faith in her, that's not what the cause was. It was telling her he loved her that did the trick. For a while, she just blankly stared at him, not even noticing he hugged her either. It wasn't until she heard the sound of shattering glass that she snapped out of it. "Wow...you just said that you...loved me" she told him gently as she leaned against him, nuzzling him close.

Dark Star got to work, cleaning up the broken glass and disposing of it properly. She took a deep breath and calmed down, only to be surprised with a sudden curiosity from the living room. "Everything alright in there?" she heard Slipstream ask. "Yes, I just lost my concentration for a moment" the dark unicorn responded. She replaced the glass, filled the 3 glasses with tea, put all the glasses on a tray, and levitated the entire tray to the living room. She came in and set the tray down, levitating one of the glasses to herself and sipping from it. She glanced over at Slipstream with a depressing facial expression and sighed. "I'm sorry for what I said. I've just been under a lot of stress lately and haven't really had any contact with my now ex-coltfriend for so long" she apologized. Slipstream looked at her in concern. "Aw, don't sweat it, Bright-Eyes, you'll find some-pony new, some-pony better, I just know it" she reassured, earning herself a small nuzzling from the older mare as a result. "Thank you" she said softly with an intense glow in her eyes.

Just then, she glanced over to Thunder Cracker and smiled. "Where are my manners, I haven't even tried getting to know you. Please, tell me about yourself, if you would, Thunder Cracker?" she asked with a softened expression. 

[GEffect]

Slipstream stared at Thunder Cracker for quite a while when he spoke to her after Dark Star left the room. TC didn't know what to expect from her at this time so he just waited to see what she would say. Suddenly the sound of glass breaking from the kitchen filled his ears. TC was just about to go see if Dark Star was ok when Slipstream finally spoke to him. "Yeah; because it is true." TC said softly. In agreement to the thought of Thunder Cracker stating he loved Slipstream she had nuzzled up to him which ended all current concerns about the pony who took that first kiss from Slipstream. Thunder Cracker was still curious about it but, not to a point of lashing out trying to get the details. So what he wasn't the first for Slipstream; she was his first and no matter what he will hold that as a great memory. Besides there will be plenty of other times that TC can kiss Slipstream back and make something good of it. Anyway now that the prior situation was basically resolved Slipstream took the courtesy of asking if Dark Star was ok in which she had replied back saying she just lost focus for a moment. Sooner or later Dark Star came back in the room with three glass cups on a tray filled with whatever she poured in it and set the tray down. Once she did that Dark Star had taken the time apologize about what she had said earlier followed by a good reason for what might have caused it as well. Slipstream commented on this statement telling Dark Star that she will eventually find a better pony than her past courter for which her ruby-eyed friend came up and embraced Slipstream warmly for the kind words. Thunder Cracker reacted soon after by taking the chance to agree with a gentle nod of the head. Dark Star had turned to Thunder Cracker further grabbing his attention by asking him if he would tell her about himself which he had no problem in doing for the time being. TC straightened up on the couch to make sure he was comfortable as he explained himself.

TC thought about some starter answers to Dark Star's question then relaxed his throat to speak them clearly. "I don't mind giving some information about myself at all. Hmmmm...well so far you know my name which a good start of course. By the way if you want some ponies rather use the two letter version of my name and call me TC. Overall getting to know me can be easy or hard I guess it all depends on the pony's intentions but, for now a really easy thing to know about me is that I am a EDM DJ who goes by the stage name "RaziPony". So with that career I have taking a nice liking for the nighttime life as well as daytime. Believe it or not it can be really fun in the night if you make use of it. Anyway I have performed in a decent amount of events. Nothing too major such as big concerts with only me as the main event but, still enough to give me a good bag of bits or two to take home. Before then music has been with me even before I got my first drum set from my mom when I was just a colt. Actually to be honest my colt years were mostly awkward for certain unchanged reasons that are still actually with me now. I suppose Slipstream may still remember what I am talking about since I showed her proof at the park we went to." Thunder Cracker's face had some blushies at the thought of his colt years because of how embarrassing it was to remember every time he thought about it. But he pulled himself together and continued..."I used to be really shy back then so till know I wasn't much of a people pony. Most of the time I was just by myself or with my twin sister Stratosphere. But I really hope we can be good friends Dark Star so we both can get to know each other better since it seems I have already made a relationship with Slipstream here. So I guess it is only fair." TC took a sip from one of the filled glasses then set it down a little away from the rest closer to him.

[Dark Star]

Dark Star was pleased to know how willing Thunder Cracker was to share information about himself. It was odd how much the scene felt like a parent interviewing her daughter's boyfriend, which it essentially was it was, just that Dark Star wasn't her actual mother, but rather a mother figure. Either way, the room did have the feeling. At the mention of preferring the nighttime, however, that's when Dark Star started beaming. Finding a fellow night-owl was always difficult, even more-so because just like owls, she herself was nocturnal. The only reason she'd leave the house in the daytime is because she wouldn't be able to accomplish a multitude of tasks after sundown. But now it seemed as though she could finally spend time with some-pony who enjoyed the night air as much as she did, even if there was no chance of her increasing it into anything more due to his relationship with her roommate.

Getting back to the matter at hoof, hearing of how he was a DJ didn't resonate with her as well as his lighting preference. Having been born with sensitive hearing, Dark Star never reacted well to particularly loud noises, electronic music especially. It wasn't necessarily something that she disliked per say, it was more along the lines of how it literally hurt her ears just listening to it. She could never say it to any of the musician ponies she knew personally, they'd be incredibly hurt by her words. She merely showed TC a smile like she did with all the other musicians she knew and moved on.

"It seems that you're quite the accomplished individual. I've heard your stage name before when I found out that there was a music store owner by the same name some time ago. I never would've imagined my friend to be dating some-pony who owns their own business. Then again-" she attempted to say before Slipstream raised a hoof and cut her off. "Don't bother mentioning it, Sun already made the joke at the park this morning" she said in an un-amused tone. Dark Star chuckled at this. "I had a feeling Sun would say something like that, he and I have been on the same level about you ever since we met. It's almost as if we're your parental figures" she stated blissfully. "Yeah, yeah, but you're only two years older than me, plus you'd never make any friends if I didn't teach ya not ta be so shy" Slipstream retorted. Dark Star merely sighed. "I do so wish I could've taught you to be a proper young lady, like the way I was brought up. It'd do you so much better to act a bit more effeminate, especially around the stallions your age. Though, considering the situation we're in now, I guess acting the way you do does have positive results" she said in a surprisingly uptight tone. (OOC: Picture the voice of Rarity, only without the pseudo-English accent).

Slipstream let out a huff. "Well, yeah. Ya don't need to have an uptight stick up your butt ta be attractive" she said, completely proud of herself. The two mares started to laugh after a good 3 seconds of silence that they left. dark Star sighed blissfully. "I don't know how we always manage to get ourselves involved in such trivial tangents in front of others" she wondered aloud. "Beats me" Slipstream replied bluntly. 

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker gladly took the pleasure of getting a compliment from Dark Star about how far he has gotten. It helped boost his will power to keep going and achieve those higher goals he set for himself. However Thunder Cracker was mostly surprised that Dark Star heard his stage name before. It turns out that his music store was the main cause of his recognition from her. "Really??, wow I didn't expect for something like that to happen." Dark Star's ironic comment about Slipstream dating some pony who had their own business or at least some pony she had heard of for that matter almost made TC chuckle just a little bit. However Slipstream's predicted jump in to stop Dark Star in the process of repeating what Morning Sun had already said. Managed to also hindered TC from laughing about the subject even in a minor way. The last thing he needed was to draw attention to himself in the wrong way in front of his mare friend. Dark Star immediately remarked Slipstream's reply by stating how she figured Sun would do such a thing and, added that the whole thing itself sounds like Sun and Dark Star are metaphoric parental figures to Slipstream. Of course this sparked another random debate between the two mares. Thunder Cracker has gotten way too used to these things so he didn't even care anymore. So he just sat back on the couch and waited for it to end like it usually did.

Nothing is funnier then all the friends Slipstream seems to get into pointless arguments with to try to defend herself. It was something that Thunder Cracker rarely had to get affiliated with. Most of the time the bickering ends before it even escalates to a bad level of heated tension. If only TC had some popcorn to eat while he watched this one. Well he had a glass of tea to drink at least. However he always found these kind funny but, for some reason he was just feeling like it was not the time for smirking about it. Soon enough the verbal match ended when both mares had laughed at the same time about their foolish ranting. TC just continued to sit there regaining his focus now that it was over. Dark Star commented on how odd it is that Slipstream and her seem to always do this when some pony else is around. Thunder Cracker felt like it may be save to talk now so he went ahead and took the chance top speak. "Well you two do live together. I guess it just becomes natural to have to deal with those moments maybe." Thunder Cracker leaned back on the couch then rested his head having his muzzle point at the ceiling. The day felt so stale he didn't no what to do. He was at his mare friend's house and all though he was having a good time hanging around he just felt a little too relaxed to want to do anything else. Looks like the laziness of sitting around has begun to kick in. Thunder Cracker glanced over to Slipstream, then Dark Star, then back at the ceiling all doing this without saying a single word. Thunder Cracker blinked once, he blinked twice but overall he just couldn't think of anything nice.

[Dark Star]

After their little back-and-forth had ended, the liveliness of the room started to fade. Thunder Cracker commented on how common these little arguments happened due to how the two lived together. It had a little merit to it, but it didn't really seem all that sound a theory to the always-analytic Dark Star. Slipstream wasn't as well-educated as her roommate, but that didn't mean she couldn't understand the chances of something happening more often than it should. She was fully aware of the unusual habit they had, but that didn't mean she liked it. "Guess it's just like the old saying; 'Opposites attract'" she stated. Dark Star nodded. "Not the best saying to describe the situation, though I suppose it's good enough for this one" she told her calmly.

Slipstream giggled slightly. "And to think, the anniversary for when I first moved here is only a couple weeks from now" she stated cheerfully. Dark Star gained a mildly surprised expression which faded into one of deep thought. After a few seconds, she gained a much more pleased expression. "It seems like only yesterday that you showed up in my life" she said wistfully. The two then took notice of Thunder Cracker being there on the couch. For the third or fourth time that evening, they'd forgotten about him being there.

"My apologies, Thunder Cracker. Would you mind terribly if we went down memory lane together? I'm certain it'd let you in on some better knowledge about Slipstream?" Dark Star asked. Slipstream sat up on the couch and wrapped a fore-leg around TC's shoulder (OOC: Freakish sense of Déjà vu here). "It's a long and awesome story, Babe, ya really oughta here it" Slipstream insisted. The two mares looked at him with eager expressions, of course being eager towards sharing the tale of how the two'd met.

[GEffect]

This house was a calm place for Thunder Cracker. TC began to realize why he was getting so distant from the two mares in the room. He hasn't been so relaxed like this in almost a very long time. Living at his own house is totally fine but, it just gets too confined to be there all day like TC has done numerous of times. But when he was over here at Dark Star's place. It felt closed off from the world just like it was on the clouds with Slipstream. Thunder Cracker could not blame the two mares for forgetting him from time to time he didn't really do anything while he sat on that couch besides listening to what the two had to say. TC was in a place that he had no initial recognition of what so ever so it should be expected for him to be so observant of his actions. TC didn't want to seem rude while he was at another pony's personal sanctuary so he figured staying silent was the best option to tame his wandering mouth from saying something stupid or offensive. So for the time being he was going to endanger himself in getting a neck cramp and, kept looking at ceiling till further notice.

Now as for the overall actions in the room Slipstream was first to comment on what Thunder Cracker had purposed was maybe the reason why she and Dark Star quarrel in some kind of fashion at random moments. She did this by also adding the common known phrase "opposites attract" which sparked a thought from Dark Star to reply. As Thunder Cracker listened; the conversation soon drifted off to a topic about Slipstream's arrival to living at this very house that they are in as of now. Short and simple comments, replies, agreements, or just regular laughter is all that filled the silence. Obviously old memories were beginning to reform between Slipstream and Dark Star which was predicted to be discussed about soon enough. However unexpectedly there was a slight pause in chatter from both sides for quite a while. It only took a couple seconds before TC moved his head back down and, noticed that both mares were looking at him. He returned glances at both of them when Dark Star had spoke to him. She was just apologizing for how she and Slipstream had accidentally forgotten that he sitting there. Which shortly became a question if he didn't mind if the two mares discussed about some quick memories. Dark Star trying to further persuade TC by stating he can learn some things about his mare friend. Then Slipstream herself put a fore leg on his should telling him it would be worth it because of the story itself. The most surprising thing was the eager looks on both of their faces. It is hard to argue with faces like those staring dead at you waiting for your answer. So TC just went the logical route and, decided it was best to let them finish what they already started. "I won't be bothered if you two wanna recap on the past. I will just sit back and listen like I have been this whole time."

[Dark Star]

Dark Star was certainly enjoying having Thunder Cracker around. He seemed like a nice guy, plus he did his part to help keep Slipstream in check, which was a big help to her since now she knew her roommate wouldn't be getting into any trouble with him around. It's funny how well her roommate could find someone to have by her side, yet she could only lead one stallion on for too long and lose her only chance with another. A depressing thought, but unfortunately, it was true. She didn't want to depress herself any further, so she started weaving the tale of how the two first met. "It all started almost a year ago..."

(Insert Flashback animation here)

Dark Star had awoken to the sound of hustling and bustling from one of the many tour guides. She was a pegasus pony dressed in a blue vest, showing a large group of other pegasi the town. She figured it was a gaggle of teenage Cloudsdale ponies just getting a feel for the small village in hopes of one day moving there. It did, after-all house the legendary Elements of Harmony, plus there were thousands of other opportunities that started and ended in Ponyville. As she looked down at the crowd, she managed to find one pony looking back at her. She was a young-looking filly with a cyan coat and green mane, tied into 3 different tails with two going over her shoulders and one being right behind her head traditionally. She didn't really seem to be looking at her though, more or less the condition of her house. Any-pony would stare at a house if the windows were all blacked out. 

Slipstream herself had indeed been on a big field trip to check out Ponyville. She and all of her friends were mostly interested in tale of one pegasus that moved from Cloudsdale to this village and wanted to know why. When the group passed by a large house with the windows blacked-out, that was when things got interesting. A pegasus' eyesight is incredibly great, so she was able to pick up on a pony looking down at her and her group, even through the windows.She didn't pay it any mind though, as the group had moved on to another district. Still, she couldn't help but keep the house at the back of her mind.

Later that night, Dark Star got busy for another night of work and headed out to the Everfree Forest. Little did she know, she had a certain cyan-colored shadow that had been tailing her from the hotel. 

Slipstream had been waiting by the windowsill with the window wide open, peering out into the village landscape after nightfall. Her roommate-Tempest Rose-had tried to coax the cyan pegasus into coming to dinner with the rest of the group, but Slipstream just wanted to be alone to think for the time being. Rose left Slipstream to her thoughts as promised and then left. Slipstream sighed and glanced out the window once again, pondering what the purpose of her future would be since the current path she was going on would only lead her to a dead end. Things were about to change though, as she saw something red prowling around in the nightlight. Without any hesitation, she wrote up a note for Rose, telling her to cover for her as she flew out the window and followed after the red object. 

Slipstream followed after until she realized the object was actually a pony with a bright-red mane, with a tail and even cloven hooves just as brightly-colored. She followed the mysterious red-and-black pony into the Everfree Forest, making sure that she was deathly quiet the entire time. She followed her to a large clearing next to the river, but still held close to the shadows. Dark Star set up a telescope and started peering through it when she heard a few rustles going on in the nearby bushes. She didn't think anything of it, seeing as how often it happened on the "job-site". She started paying attention to it soon after when she had realized it wasn't anything like usual in the forest. 

Slipstream had fallen directly into Dark Star's line of sight and grinned at the astronomer sheepishly. Knowing she had no other excuse, she simply told the truth and moved on from there. One little back-and-forth later, and the two mares started to talk humbly about what it was they doing. Dark Star explained that she was a nocturnal pony from a land just behind Canterlot, appropriately named "Nocturne's Valley". Due to it, she was born with the perfect gift needed to study the stars and even make a career out of it. She then went on to explain how the forest was the perfect place to slink off into during the night in order to get her research done, which completely explained why she went in there to begin with. Slipstream had been on a big field trip to Ponyville during her graduation trip and followed after her once she noticed her. t was a weird thing to do, that was certain, but she still felt unusually good for having been followed due to her appearance. If anything, it boosted her confidence a little.

The two continued to talk well into the night and only managed to stop when they realized how close they were to morning. The two cantered out of the forest and made it back to Dark Star's home-the one with the blacked-out windows-and then left each other to deal with their own matters. Dark Star had been thoroughly impressed about how intuitive and friendly Slipstream was. Slipstream, on the other hoof, was glad to have made such a close friend. And yet, she could feel in her heart that there may have been something more to this mare than she originally knew, and with that, she wanted to find out everything there was to know about her. 

A week later, Dark Star answered the door to find-who else?-Slipstream on the other end, carrying a large suitcase with cutie mark emblazoned on the side of it. The younger mare had decided to move in with her, thinking it was the best way to increase the knowledge she had on the older mare. Without even listening to the protests, Slipstream just dragged her suitcase forward, not even noticing a small note that had fallen off the bag. Dark Star picked it up and read it over, her heart instantly melting over the contents of it. It was written by Slipstream's parents, to Dark Star herself. It mentioned how Slipstream had seriously taken a liking towards her and actually managed to calm down quite a bit from her usual antics. They both wished her the greatest luck in looking out for her, but what really tugged at her heart-strings was the way they worded it; "Please take care of our little girl, don't make the same mistakes we had" it read. After wiping away the tears that had formed, Dark Star warmed up to the idea instantly and looked forward to her new house-mate. 

(Insert Flashback-ending animation here)

"...and that's how it all happened" Dark Star finished. Slipstream was absolutely shocked when she found out the reason why she suddenly warmed up to living with her. "So that's why..." she breathed, almost unable to think. "My parents...thought they made mistakes...?" she wondered. "They made no mistakes in raising you, Slipstream. They just lost all confidence in themselves and took a large gamble. I've been meaning to tell you sooner, it's just that I didn't want you to take it the wrong way" Dark Star explained. Tears ran down Slipstream's face as she quickly embraced the dark unicorn, hugging her softly while her eyes dampened the fur around her roommate's shoulders. A few pats on the back later, Slipstream released her from her grip, smiling gratefully for everything the mare standing in front of her had done in all the time she spent. Then, she turned to Thunder Cracker and embraced him tight-a little too tight-and told him "See, I told ya it was one heck-of-a-great-story" in her usual, cheerful voice. 

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker took a good gulp of tea to make sure he was refreshed and ready to listen to the story. Memories like these don't just come out of nowhere and, if you so happen to run into one. It is nice to at least give it worth a try to pay attention to who ever is being kind enough to tell the story. With this in mind TC proceed by removeing his headphones for this one. No distractions of any kind should be near him while he listens to the cherished memories being told to him. Once Dark Star had begun with the time line of a year ago. TC immediately prepared his ears and attention span to stay focused on her words. Lucky for him Dark Star was also good at telling this story on her own. The details were well explained which helped Thunder Cracker paint mental pictures in his head. As time went on TC's interest kept rising in the story as the information was spoken one by one. The orange stallion surprisingly was at the edge of his seat waiting for those great moments in the story to kick in. And to think if Thunder Cracker did anything else he would miss this kind of useful entertainment. As an image of this was told the thoughts of the filly version of Slipstream continuously popped in TC's head and played with his emotions in the most positive of ways. To think of meeting such a thing might have took TC into a different world all together. Then again the outcomes that he has received now would be in jeopardy of changing to something else if that to happen sadly. So Thunder Cracker had no choice but, to get rid of such a beautiful idea that has gone sour.

As Dark Star was reaching the end of the story telling. TC's heart began to secretly sing and dance from all the touching moments he heard then pictured with his mind's imagination. A good story is a good story and this one was a great one. Then the ending however completely played TC's heart like an angel plays a sweet sounding harp. He wasn't gonna cry or anything but, he definitely was not gonna ignore the fact he found a whole new respect for Dark Star and Slipstream as a whole. Now every time he glanced at the cyan pegasus TC couldn't help but feel his heart pound all over again. Thunder Cracker was speechless at how everything just came together like it just did in that story and after it was told. So TC just stood back as Slipstream ran up to Dark Star with tearing eyes and a loving hug. TC had a warm smile on his muzzle as he watched from where he was. Just then Slipstream had looked back at him and, for one quick second or two he got really afraid. This was because he knew what Slipstream was planning on doing next. He got out of his seat slowly and inched his way to give some escaping room. But before he could even attempt to run Slipstream rushed over and squeezed TC as well. Slipstream also took the time to point out how she was correct about the story's impact on him which she had all the right to do at such a time and all Thunder Cracker could do was agree after a good little laugh from Slipstream hugging him again. "I know, I know; you certainly were correct about it Slipstream. But I don't see why you have to hug me like this again I didn't do anything special...did I?" TC just gave up reasoning gently wrapped his fore legs around Slipstream until she wanted to let go. Tjis way so her hug didn't look like one-sided affection.

[Dark Star]

Slipstream's flames of passion had been ignited at long last. She expressed this passion of hers by exchanging hugs with other ponies, usually resulting in a few extreme bruises and sometimes even broken bones. Either way, it was how she expressed the love she had and everypony else just lived and enabled her. Dark Star watched with glowing eyes as Slipstream started to choke the latter's coltfriend, no doubt being one time out of many from earlier. She trotted over and sat next to the couple with a wide smile and closed eyes. She kept her distance to make certain not to incur any of Slipstream's jealousy-induced wrath. "And to think, the anniversary of that day is so close" she said wistfully.

Slipstream let go of Thunder Cracker after hearing Dark Star, smiling warmly at her roommate and drying her eyes. "It's gonna be an awesome party, I just know it!" she cheered. Dark Star smiled back at the younger mare. "I'm certain that if you were there, then things would indeed be..." she paused before saying "...awesome" in a semi-out-of-character tone. The two mares shared another short laugh and then turned back face Thunder Cracker at either side. Things had definitely been emotional that evening, but TC seemed like the type to just let the chips fall where they may and not really provide any opinion until he was asked. In fact, he almost seemed like he had been unconscious more than half the time, which started to concern them. "Aren't you excited, Babe?" Slipstream asked. "Or do you not feel for such an event?" Dark Star added in a semi-accusing tone.

[GEffect]

It felt like hours being locked into Slipstream's arms. She was really this happy to want to hug some pony this long? That story was more special than Thunder Cracker first expected. He knew that emotions would be let free but, he didn't think it would be let go this much. Dark Star had finally decided to add some words to all these emotional displays. Her words were about the anniversary that Slipstream mentioned earlier. Upon hearing this TC was finally release from all this physical love from Slipstream. It was much appreciated yet also slightly painful love. The two mares further discussed on the anniversay party and, how "awesome" it will be as TC stood were he was regaining his air for a bit. Thunder Cracker wondered what the two were planning for this party in the first place since it was only weeks away. His thinking was cut short when both mares had looked at him again. TC had no clue as to why they were staring at him until they spoke. The questions the two asked hit Thunder Cracker really hard and. made him feel really bad when he thought about what might have caused them to ask such a thing.

TC's ears flopped down a little. He didn't want them to think that he didn't care about all these important subjects that were brought up. That is not how he felt at all. But his prior expressions sure made it look that way. Now he found himself being questioned about if he even cared. Well one way or another TC had to explain himself to reassure them on his intentions. "Well of course I am happy for you two...I realize me sitting here made me look like as if I had no feelings but, that's no where close to how I truely feel. I only acted like that because I figured since most of these toughing moments were something that you two made and cherish together. So much as to me barging in and, saying whatever dumb thing I always end up saying would just be rude and unneeded. This party you are talking about sounds like lots of fun and, I will help set it up, or do whatever you want for it. But as for the sentimental value; Obviously I have no place in it except to be on the side lines making sure you two have a wonderful time since that is what the party is mostly based around right?" Thunder Cracker still felt like trash on the inside however. He knows he should not be so hard on himself but, something as big as this he should have realized sooner. Well there is no turning back now. What is done is done. Thunder Cracker just remained standing looking at the two with a somewhat happy looking expression. Actually He was extremely happy for Dark Star and Slipstream but, it was easy to see that as for TC his own happiness didn't matter to him right now.

[Dark Star]

The two mares listened in silence as Thunder Cracker gave them his end of the story. He was really happy for them and was more than willing to help with things if necessary, but as for whatever sentimental requirements, he was putting himself on the benches for it. He didn't seem to want to be involved in sentimentality, but was willing to lend his support for when it mattered. Either way, he managed to gain Dark Star's trust after he had finished.

Both of them stared at him for a short moment, Slipstream wondering what to respond with, while Dark Star merely reserved her little speech for the time being. She was formulating a plan that could take advantage of having another unicorn on board for the celebration committee, though she didn't know if it would work out. Slipstream took the chance to smile warmly at her coltfriend and leaped off the couch. She wrapped one of her wings around TC's shoulders and and smiled. "I'm quite certain your skills will come in handy for the celebration" Dark Star told him with a smile of her own. "I'm not certain if it would be with music though. I mean not to offend, but my hearing is a tad too sensitive to listen to such a variety of music without bleeding" she explained.

Slipstream let out a huff. "Ya know, for some-pony so bent on being lady-like, you're pretty rude" she said in an annoyed tone. Dark Star merely sat down on her haunches. "It isn't necessarily my fault for not being able to tolerate loud music" she defended. Slipstream unknowingly applied a bit more pressure into TC's shoulder as her own shoulders tensed up. "That doesn't mean ya have to be so rude to an artist!" she retorted. Dark Star felt a bit annoyed by how offended Slipstream was. "And you should know that I wasn't talking to you. I was merely thinking some-pony with a softer voice would be more appropriate for the situation, some-pony we both know; Onyx Bass" she explained. At that moment, Slipstream beamed up immediately. "Are you serious?" she asked in a rabid fan-girl kind of way. Dark Star nodded once and smiled. "You should remember how close he is to us, after all" she responded. Slipstream unfurled her wings and hovered close to the ceiling, shouting all sorts of cheerful words of praise from one direction to the next.

Dark Star glanced over at TC in preparation for an explanation. "Onyx Bass is a musician pony that Slipstream follows religiously. We got the opportunity to meet with him and even went on a date with him after a big concert he had in Ponyville. You should've seen it; Slipstream practically didn't let the poor man go when the time called for it" Dark Star stated with a cheerful smirk. Slipstream touched down on all fours and placed a hoof on TC's shoulder, looking at him worriedly. "It's okay though, I didn't think anything of it and we're just friends now. You're the only guy stallion for me" she assured. 

[GEffect]

After TC explained his actions he was a little unsure at what to expect from Slipstream and Dark Star's unmoved glances afterwards. At first TC was beginning to think that he made a mistake when. But Dark Star finally spoke up to break the silence again. TC sighed in relieve now that he was sure of what he should do from now on. "Geez, you two sure know how to carry on the suspense in a silent situation.". Thunder Cracker joked joyfully. Afterwards Slipstream once again got up from her seat on the couch then moved closer to Thunder Cracker with one wing on his shoulder. Dark Star continued on by stating TC could be of use in the celebration however he might not be able to do the music portion. Thunder Cracker was in no way shocked at how Slipstream got defensive from hearing this about her colt friend. Which Of course made Dark Star stand her ground by claiming why she decided such a thing in the first place. Slipstream however was still a little resilient for her side as TC could feel her shoulder getting tense as she spoke. Thunder Cracker appreciated what she was doing but, he understood what Dark Star's reasoning was regardless of how she stated it. "Slipstream you don't have to do this," TC began with a grin "It wouldn't be fair for Dark Star if she was forced to do something that can end up hurting her just for my sake. Even though I can play what ever genre of music that is preferred. I think how they sound from the equipment used is probably too much for her sensitive ears to bare. So I have no problem with helping in the party in some other way." With that said Thunder Cracker was trying to think of something else he can do since he isn't apart of the entertainment section. Maybe he could gather the yummy snacks? Yeah a good set of snacks is always useful in a party such as this. TC was gonna suggest he make the snacks instead when Dark Star mentioned some pony named Onyx Bass.

Thunder Cracker's ears had perked up as he turned to look at Dark Star. Slipstream responded in a way that told TC that the cyan pegasus knows this pony very well. Just then Thunder Cracker could feel Slipstream's wings extending meaning she was about to take off in flight. TC was just gonna stand aside when his face lightened up because he realized that the three ponies are inside a closed off house. He was just about to make an attempt to stop Slipstream before she ended up slamming into the roof. Unfortunately he was too late as she flew off the ground. TC prepared to hear the cringe worthy sound of a pony's skull colliding into a hard ceiling rooftop but, after a few seconds he looked up only to notice his mare friend hovering excitedly above him. Why was she so happy about this Onyx Bass's name being mentioned? He was just going to ask about this pony when Dark Star was already a step ahead and, started filling Thunder Cracker in on the much needed details. TC began to smile when Dark Star mentioned he was a fellow musician and, then just ignored the whole he and Slipstream went on a date thing. He didn't really care to know about that stuff because he didn't feel like ending up jealous about something so pointless. Thunder Cracker knew Slipstream could see the same thing too because she stopped flying and, put a hoof on his shoulder with a worried expression to assure TC wasn't getting the wrong message from Dark Star. "Ok Slipstream I won't get all jealous over something silly. I just wanted to know who this pony was that made you get really excited a moment ago that's all. Besides your too cute for me to let you slip away." Thunder Cracker went ahead and, took the gamble to kiss Slipstream on the cheek gently hoping that will help convince her that he will be calm and collected.

[Dark Star]

Good thing Thunder Cracker was so understanding, otherwise the situation would've gotten so much worse. Luckily though, he wasn't the jealous type. Quite the contrary, actually. He seemed perfectly okay with it. Slipstream was a little surprised with it, so she did have to mention her one saving grace. "Well, it was kind of a group date though, I mean, Dark Star was right there with the whole time" she motioned with a wing, to which Dark Star nodded. "It was certainly an interesting evening, though I don't really care much for Onyx' chauvinistic ways or his absolute love of the sound of his voice" she stated in a tone akin to terrible memories.

"It wasn't that bad" Slipstream tried to explain. "She just doesn't know how ta have fun on account o' that 10-foot pole up her butt" the cyan pegasus added. Dark Star gained a tic mark over her forehead and cleared her throat. "I know how to enjoy myself, I just have my own way of doing things" she explained in a strained, yet calm tone. Slipstream knew she was getting under the dark unicorn's skin and giggled. Dark Star sighed as she regained her composure, taking her seat at the large chair once again. "I suppose I can be a little uptight sometimes, but that's no reason to degenerate back to your foalhood customs" she stated calmly. Slipstream walked over and looked at her apologetically. "I'm just teasing ya, no need to get so bent-outta-shape" she responded with another short chuckle.

[GEffect]

(OOC: You and these 10 foot poles Dark Star geez XD)

Thunder Cracker didn't see how he needed to think any further thoughts on the whole Onyx thing based on how Slipstream explained the rest of the details. Turns out that both Dark Star and Slipstream were there to witness this so called date. Dark Star obviously seemed to not like the impressions from him at all. Slipstream tried to at least soften her room mate's statement so it didn't sound so harsh but, that quickly sparked a debate about how Dark Star acts uptight sometimes. TC couldn't help but laugh about this conversation just like most of the prior ones. At first he was just chuckling to what both mares threw into the conversation back and forth. However when Slipstream made that 10-foot pole comment Thunder Cracker's grip on his silent laughter went all out of wack. The orange unicorn busted out laughing for what it would seem to be a few minutes. It was just too random of a statement that he could not stop himself from laughing so hard now. Eventually TC was on the ground crying rivers from his uncontrollable laughter. He tried to keep it to a respectable level but, he just could not get a hold of himself. It didn't take very long for him to regain his focus and, was able to finally bring himself together. Still with minor tears flowing down his face. Thunder Cracker attempted to wipe his pinkish/purple eye before he looked at the Dark Star and Slipstream. "I'm really sorry Dark Star I didn't mean to be rude like that but...it was just so random what she said so I could not help but laugh about it...hehe 10-foot pole...oh man that was good Slipstream." Thunder Cracker had a very happy grin on his muzzle after that. Whatever drama he was on has been completely annihilated to the point TC has become his normal self again. So no more staying quiet it was all about participation and, getting into the discussions now.

Thunder Cracker finally managed to wipe his tears dry so he can continue on with being apart of the conversation. TC took some relaxing breaths before he moved over to the couch next to him and sat down on it once again. TC thought on what it was he had came up with before all this. With just a moments notice Thunder Cracker had remembered his prior idea that he did not get to share till now."Anyway before carried on to this I had an idea about the party. I was thinking since I can't do the music part of the entertainment; maybe I can make the snacks for it instead. Every party needs some good ol' hoof licking grub to eat right? Especially a party for an important anniversary. Besides I do dabble in the arts of cooking thanks to my mother so; why not let me think of some food to bring? If not then....I can put up some party streamers and other accessories. No pun intended Slipstream."