Herd Quest!: Ep. 03- Mature And Young

>It's a rather warm day, so the park is actually pretty busy.
>Several ponies stare as you walk along a path with Flitter.
>You have bought sandwiches from a cart and search for a good place to sit and eat lunch with your new girlfriend.
>That's weird to think about.
"Let's sit there."
>You point at a large shady patch of grass under an oak tree.
>The two of you sit down and you hand a sandwich to Flitter.
>She takes it and stares at you.
"Not hungry?"
>The pegasus shakes her head, "I am waiting for you to eat first, like a good marefriend?"
>You chuckle and unwrap your sandwich.
"Let's just eat together."
>Flitter nods a bit too emphatically and unwraps her meal.
>You take a bite and watch her.
>She's so nervous.
>This is probably her first date ever, you realize.
>Poor thing.
>She takes a tiny bite of her sandwich and looks down at the grass.
"So... What kind of things would you normally do on a day like this?"
>Flitter gulps and looks to be thinking.
>You can almost hear the gears turning in her head.
>"My hobbies include-"
>Before she can repeat her practiced phrase, a  bird swoops down from the branches above and swipes Flitter's sandwich right out of her hoof.
>She stares at her hoof in silence as the bird flies away.
>Oh shit.
>Tears begin to well up in her eyes.
>"My... My sandwich..."


>You quickly shove your sandwich into her hoof before she can start crying.
"Please don't cry! Here, you can have mine."
>Ponies seem to cry much easier than humans.
>Flitter sniffles and looks up in shock at you, "B-But what will you eat?"
>You give her a smile and rub your stomach.
"It's fine. Trust me, I'm on a pretty strict diet now anyway. Don't know why I got all that bread in the first place."
>Flitter blinks and stares at the sandwich.
"Trust me. Please, I want you to have that."
>She still stares at it in her hoof.
"Is something wrong?"
>Her face flushes a bit and she mumbles, "Indirect kiss..."
>This pony is even more innocent than you once believed.
>She takes a slow bite of the sandwich where you already bit into it.
>Her eyes close and she seems to savor it.
>You smile and watch her eat.
>It feels like the two of you are in your own little world.
>Birds chirp in the tree above.
>A gentle summer wind blows over the grass and the laughter of young ponies playing in the distance can be heard.
>You stretch out and take a deep breath of fresh air.
>"Anon?"
>Looking over, you see Flitter staring at you again.
>She has bread crumbs on her mouth.
>You chuckle and reach out, picking the few crumbs off and pop them into your mouth.
>Flitter flattens her ears in embarrassment, "Sorry..."
"Don't apologize. It's cute. What's  up?"
>Her face flushes once more, this time a deeper shade of red.
>She picks nervously at her sandwich and averts her eyes, mumbling.
>"Can you... Show me your belly?"
"Huh?"


>Flitter closes her eyes and scrunches her muzzle.
>"I'm not trying to be weird! I just... I wanted to-"
>You grab the bottom of your shirt and pull it up, exposing your abs.
>It's a very rare thing that you let anyone see your body.
>Even with Twilight, you try to keep your body exposure to a bare minimum.
>Flitter looks over at your stomach.
>Her eyes widen and her mouth opens a bit.
>It's uncomfortable having her stare at your exposed skin.
>What is she thinking?
>Is she disgusted?
>Her hoof reaches out slowly.
>You flinch as her hoof presses gently against your abs and slides over your skin.
>She looks up at you with her mouth still hanging open a bit.
>Your eyes meet in awkward silence.
>Both of you look away and you whip your shirt down again.
>Flitter goes back to nibbling her sandwich in embarrassment.
>"I... I'm sorry, I just wanted to..." She trails off.
"Does my body seem weird to you?"
>It's uncharacteristic of you to be so vulnerable.
>You curse your body.
>Nothing new.
>"Anon, why are you so critical of your body?"
>You look back at her.
>Now she seems less nervous and more worried.
"Critical?"
>Flitter nods, "You say you're on a strict diet. And Twilight says you work out multiple times a day, obsessively. You seem to be... Disgusted by your body, even though..."
>Her eyes run over your figure stretched out on the grass.
>"Even though you're so cut. Even more than most stallions I've seen."


>You cringe and rub the back of your head.
>There's no way that's true.
>She has to just be being nice.
"I appreciate it, really- but my body still needs a lot of work. I have really small traps and my calves just don't seem to be getting any bigger. And I haven't even broken a PR in like, two weeks. I think I peaked, but if I can find a better protein source, I can-"
>Flitter shakes her head and places a hoof on your hand.
>You stop babbling and stare at her.
>"Anon. Your body... I find it extremely impressive. And I know Twilight does too. Why are you being so hard on yourself?"
>This talk is only making you wish you were back at home in your gym.
>An hour of dead lifts and squats would silence the critical voice in the back of your head for sure.
>You can feel Flitter's eyes moving over your legs.
>Judgmentally.
>She has to be judging your stick legs.
>You cross them under yourself.
>This is pathetic.
>You're falling apart in front of the mare who is supposed to be in YOUR herd.
"Can I tell you something secret?"
>Flitter nods and sets her half-eaten sandwich in the grass.
>You rub your wrist uncomfortably.
>This is something you hadn't even told Twilight.
"Before I came here, to Equestria, when I was back on Earth... I used to be a fat slob."
>Flitter blinks.
>"I'm sure you weren't really fat, you're just a bit too critical of yourself."
>You reach into your back pocket and pull out your wallet.
>The only thing you have here from your previous life.
>From inside, you remove a folded photograph and hand it to Flitter.
>She unfolds it slowly and stares.
>You try to hide your shame by looking away.
"I was extremely unhealthy."
>Flitter stares in disbelief.


"I stayed at home every day and sat around on my computer, eating junk food. I drank multiple energy drinks every day and was extremely depressed."
>Flitter looks up at you, then back to the picture of your fat self in awe.
>It hurts letting someone see your disgusting secret.
>She shakes her head again.
>"Anon, this is..."
>You squeeze your eyes shut.
>"This is the most amazing transformation I've ever seen!"
>She holds the photo of past-you up like a treasure, "Amazing!"
>You raise an eyebrow.
"You think so?"
>She offers the picture back to you and smiles wide.
>"Absolutely! You should be so proud of yourself! Most ponies would never be able to show that much dedication to change themselves. I can tell you have an amazing work ethic, and look how much it's payed off!"
>You feel your face heat and look down at your stomach.
>She's nice, but the work will never be done.
>Your stomach growls.
>Flitter looks at it, then laughs.
>She picks up her sandwich and tears it in half, offering you one side.
>"Please, eat."
>You take the sandwich, feeling like a doofus.
"Thanks... I'm sorry."
>So much for being poised and cool in front of her.
>"Anon, can I ask you a favor?"
>You chew a large bite of the veggie sandwich.
"Of course."
>"Can I start working out with you?"
>This catches you off guard.
"Really?"
>Flitter nods and smiles awkwardly.
>She reaches down and pinches the skin on her stomach.
>"I've been wanting to lose a bit of this pudge, and you are the best at that kind of stuff."
>You smile.
"I'd be happy to train with you. But you really don't need to lose any weight. Don't be so critical of yourself, Flitter."
>The two of you laugh and eat your lunch in the shade.


>After the date with Flitter, you decide to go to your usual barber for a bit of a touch-up.
>Flitter said she was going out to Cloudsdale for the day to visit her parents.
>She still hasn't told them of this herd business.
>You wonder how her parents would feel about their daughter in a relationship with a non-pony.
>They're out of luck if they hoped for grandchildren...
>You sit in the barber chair while your usual barber, Sunny works trimming your hair to your preferred style.
>As usual, he makes small talk.
>"Heard about your herd. Heh. What's up with that?"
>Word travels fast here.
"Yeah. It's weird, but I guess it goes with my new job, sort of."
>He spins you around to work on the back of your head, "I gotta say, I'm a bit jealous. And at the same time, I don't envy you."
"Why's that?"
>"Because living with one mare is bad enough, I'd probably drink myself under a bridge if I had to hear multiple mares nag me every night!"
>You both have a chuckle.
>The mare waiting her turn on the seats across from you looks up from the magazine she's reading and rolls her eyes.
"It's not so bad. Like I said, it's weird still. But very interesting."
>Sunny smiles and uses a blow drier to blow away loose hair on your neck.
>"Everypony would find bedding multiple mares 'very interesting', Anon."
>You cough.
"S'not like that, man."
>He laughs from his belly and whips the sheet off of you.
>You stand and look at your hair in the mirror.
>He cuts it best.
>You thank him and pay him a generous tip.
>"Got a hot date tonight?"
>You feel a knot in your stomach.
>Roseluck's ominous serene smile comes to mind.
"Yeah, actually. I do..."


>The time is 7 PM.
>You sit on your couch in a suit.
>Where the hell is Pinkie Pie?
>Damn, you're extremely nervous.
>If Roseluck shows up before Pinkie, your whole plan is dead.
>Then it will be only the two of you.
>If this mare makes you this nervous, how will you be able to take her into your herd?
"Gotta calm down."
>She's just a pony.
>A tiny little pony.
>There's a knock on the door.
"Thank God, that must be Pinkie Pie."
>You rush to the door and open it.
>A stallion in a uniform stares at you, "Telegram for Mr. Anonymous."
"Uh, yeah. That's me."
>He holds out a box for you.
>You take it cautiously and open the lid.
>Pinkie Pie's head pops out of the box, making you drop it in shock.
>"Hey Anon! I'm sorry, but I can't make it tonight! When I told Twilight what I was doing, she got really mad and told me to stay away! Soooooooo..."
>You stare at the pink pony's head in confusion.
"How are you- Pinkie, you weren't supposed to tell anyone about this!"
>"Sorry, Nonny! Gotta go!"
>Her head slips back into the box.
>The delivery stallion picks up the box and trots away.
>What the hell just happened?
>Your confusion is cut short.
>In the distance, you see a pony trotting up the lane.
>Roseluck carries a basket in her mouth and is wearing a pure white dress.
>You grip the door and watch her, white-knuckling.
"And here. We. Go..."


>Roseluck made you spaghetti.
>How appropriate.
>She even put meat in yours.
>You won't ask her how, or where she got it.
>The two of you sit at your dining room table.
>You lit a candle and put it in the center of the table.
>For the occasion, you have opened a bottle of wine and poured two glasses for the both of you.
>You sit awkwardly, looking at the spaghetti.
>There's a creeping feeling she drugged it.
>"Please tell me what you think. I've never cooked with beef before."
>Roseluck rests her smiling face on her hooves, watching you.
>It's unsettling how large her pupils seem to grow when looking at you.
>Like she's trying to eat you with them.
>She is a very pretty mare though.
>For the date, she decided to place a white lily in her mane.
>You pick up your fork and take a bit of pasta to your mouth.
>She stares in silence.
>Almost dropping the spaghetti figuratively and literally, you put the food in your mouth and chew.
>"So?"
>You nod and force a smile, swallowing.
"It's delicious! Thank you."
>It actually is good.
>Seems like forever since you last ate meat.
>Roseluck sighs and picks up her own fork, "What a relief. I'm so happy~."
>The two of you eat in silence.
>Finishing your wine, you quickly pour another glass.
>Roseluck seems to not be touching her wine, instead opting to watch your every move with her serene smile.


>After dinner, the two of you sit on the couch.
>For a movie, you've picked a cliche romantic comedy that Twilight recommended.
>Roseluck moves closer to you.
>She smells like a flowery perfume.
>At least in the dark, you can escape from her watchful eyes.
>Her hoof creeps into yours and you look down at her.
>"Is this... Okay?"
>You flush and wrap your fingers around her soft hoof.
"Of course."
>The two of you go back to watching the opening credits.
>There's silence save for the movie for at least twenty minutes, before Roseluck breaks it.
>"Anon, do you mind changing positions? Something more comfortable?"
>You remove your hand from her hoof.
"Sure."
>She changes position on the couch, sitting like a human with her back legs dangling over the edge.
>You've seen the pony Lyra sit like this on a bench at the park before.
>Roseluck smiles softly up at you and pats her lap.
>"Would you care to lay your head here?"
>You stare at her lap and blink.
"Uh, okay."
>With stiff movements, you lay on the couch and rest on your side with your head on Roseluck's lap.
>The silky fabric from her dress caresses your face.
>You try to breathe normally and watch the movie.
>Roseluck's hoof moves to your head, stroking gently.
>"Isn't this more comfortable?"
>With a sigh, you close your eyes and try to relax.
"Yes. It is."
>Her hoof works small circles behind your ear, down to the back of your neck, then slowly through your hair, sending shivers down your spine.


>It is actually very comforting.
>You unconsciously nuzzle deeper into her lap.
>You inhale a deep breath of her flowery scent and sigh again.
>Long ago, you remember your mother comforting you this way...
>No, that's weird.
>This is Roseluck.
>A pony.
>"I used to sit like this with my fiance..." Roseluck almost whispers.
>You were hoping this subject would come up.
"What happened to him... Your fiance?"
>Roseluck sighs and moves her hoof along your jaw.
>Looking up, you find her gazing down at you, smiling sadly.
>"He ran away. With another mare. They eloped and moved far away."
>You feel a twinge in your chest.
"I'm so sorry to hear that."
>Now you feel like a dick for thinking she must have murdered him.
>"Please don't be sorry for me. I was a fool to not see his wandering gaze. She was a much younger mare and I was always a bit too... Clingy."
>Her hoof brushes the corner of your mouth.
>"And now that I'm older-"
>Roseluck bends down and presses her lips to yours.
>Her fragrant red mane surrounds your face, tickling your skin.
>Without thinking, you slide your fingers into her locks and caress the back of her head.
>She kisses you several times, desperately, yet with a tenderness you have never experienced.
>Pulling back, she looks down upon you with those serene green eyes.
>You notice a bit of moisture welling in them.
>"I have no regrets now."


>The movie has been forgotten in the background.
>It has played all the way through and the credits are rolling.
>Far from being interested in the show, you and Roseluck were creating your own.
>You have her pinned on the couch.
>This date has turned into a passionate make out session.
>In the back of your mind, you feel guilty grinding against and kissing Roseluck on your first date, like a horny freshman-
>But this is what Twilight was talking about with herding.
>Spreading your attention out between your herd.
>Roseluck's mane is a mess now.
>Her lily has fallen down to the floor, forgotten.
>The white dress has slid down her whither a bit.
>Her face is flushed and her eyes scan your face rapidly.
>You hold yourself above her, panting like a predator above its prey.
"Roseluck, I don't... I'm sorry I'm moving so fast."
>She tries to catch her breath and smiles.
>Her hoof reaches up and gently brushes your cheek, "I'm quite enjoying this. It's been a long time since I've done something like this."
>There's something about her that is driving you wild.
>She's mature.
>She's got a certain... Poise.
>All ominous feelings have been replaced with a deep sense of comfort.
>You will never admit that you may have a bit of an Oedipus Complex...
>"You make me feel young again, Anon."
>Honestly, she doesn't look that old.
>Roseluck sighs and brushes some stray hair from her face.
>"Perhaps we should call it a night here. End our first date on a high note?"
>You get off of her, trying to conceal your uncomfortable erection.
"Of course. I'll see you out."


>With one last kiss, you send Roseluck off.
>She politely declines your offer to walk her home.
>After she is gone, you stand in the living room, staring at the couch.
"Well. That was... Intense."
>Roseluck's lily on the floor catches your eye.
>You walk over and pick it up.
>It's a very fresh flower.
>She must have clipped it not too long before coming to your place.
>You close your eyes and bring the flower to your nose.
>It has her scent.
>Her lily perfume...
>With only a slight bit of shame, you clutch the flower and head to the bathroom.
>Starting a cold shower, you give the flower another sniff and start undressing.
>Before anything, you will have to take care of the bulge in your pants.
>You finish stripping, grab the flower, and step under the cold shower spray.
>It's quite amazing how much your opinion of Roseluck has changed in one night.
>Now you realize you miss her already.
>Hopeless romantic...
>With your eyes closed, you inhale Roseluck's scent and pleasure yourself.
>The bathroom door opens.
>You whip around and drop the flower, covering yourself.
>Twilight steps into the bathroom.
>She looks curiously at your poorly hidden erection.
>A mischievous smile spreads across her face.
>"I saw Roseluck leave on my way back. I see SOMEONE had a good night..."
>You frown at her and sigh.
"Get in here and help me with this."
>Twilight giggles and closes the door behind her.
>"With pleasure."


>Saturday morning you go with Twilight, Rarity and Flitter to the train station.
>It's time to meet the girl Rarity has hooked you up with.
>The three of you sit at a table, sipping coffee.
>Rarity leans toward you and gushes, "Sooooo, you simply HAVE to tell me how your date went with Roseluck!"
>You clear your throat and mumble.
>Twilight rolls her eyes and looks at Rarity, "He won't tell you, but from what I hear, Anon spent most of the night with his tongue down her throat."
>You almost spit coffee out and choke.
"TWI!"
>Twilight and Rarity giggle like school girls.
>Flitter blushes and drinks her coffee quickly.
>She squeaks and spits the coffee back into the cup.
"Are you okay?"
>She looks at you sheepishly, her tongue between her teeth.
>"I'sh hot..."
>Rarity clops her hooves, "Oh! Anon will kiss it better!"
>Twilight snickers and nudges your arm.
>Flitter sticks her tongue out at you expectantly.
>These damn ponies have no shame in public.
>The 'fun' is interrupted by a train pulling into the station.
>You all get up and go to wait as the doors open and ponies begin hopping off.
>Rarity suddenly waves a hoof, "Oh! Over heeeere~!"
>You follow her gaze and spot a very young looking mare trying to wrestle with a large suitcase.
>She has an off-white coat and a blue mane.
>Just like your Japanese school girls back home, she wears a sailor collar around her neck.
>Rarity was NOT kidding.
>This pony is the epitome of cuteness.
>She finally reaches you, breathing heavy from lugging her suitcase.
>"H-Hello!"
>Her voice is just as cute as the rest of her.
>Rarity pushes you forward.
>"Anon, this is Coco Pommel. Coco, this is Anon."