Second Part Autumn

>Rain tapping against the window.
>Warmth of the bed.
>You nestle into the bedding.
>You don't wanna wake up just yet.
>Rolling over you just can't get back to sleep.
>Peering over you see Autumn is missing.
>She must've gotten up early.
>That mare never ceases to be awake earlier than you.
>You get up stretching and yawning.
>Getting up you walk out into the hall.
>Autumn is at the computer again.
>You sigh.
"Up and at it again huh?"
>"I need to complete my research."
"Hows about you take a break and-"
>She sighs deeply turning to you.
>"And what?"
"Woah, Autumn, are you-"
>"No really, I'm curious? Whats more important than doing my research? My lifes work of studying and documenting plants and animals is on the line."
"Well, I mean-"
>"A-and you know, another thing, what right did you have picking me up and taking me to bed last night huh?"
"Autumn come on you needed to take a break!"
>"No I didn't! If I needed to take a break, I would've done it!"
"Well, it's MY internet, and my home!"
>"Don't think just because of that you have any kind of leverage over me. I don't want any kind of relationship with you! There I said it!
"W-what do you mean?"
>"I don't want to be with you romantically! Whatever feelings you have for me like that, just forget it!"
"B-but why?"
>"Because.. Because I've never had a relationship like that before.. I don't want to get myself attached like that to someone. What if things don't work out, or, I have to go back to my homeworld? What then? How will I ever be able to focus on my research?! I can't possibly risk something like that.."
"FINE! You know what, screw you! If all you want is a free place to stay then that's all you'll get! See if I care! Focus it all on your research and push everyone else away! You're a coward Autumn! I can't believe I shared a roof with someone as cold and insecure as you! I thought all the time we spent at least meant something to you! But now I see that it doesn't mean a damn thing.."
>You put on your shoes, grab your keys and wallet heading for the door.
>"W-wait, where are you going?"
"I'm going to the grocery store, we're out of food.."
>"Wait-!"
>SLAM
>You fast walk out as quick as you can.
>You run out of the building and to the busstop.
>You run toward the bus almost there and get on it.


>You're at the grocery store.
>You grabbed a small basket for groceries.
>It's not like you really needed to go shopping.
>As if you'd ever leave her like that in the middle of a conversation if she hadn't gone and said something completely awful.
>You walked through the grocery store.
>It's not like you were forceful with your advances.
>You placed a box of cereal in the cart.
>Or, were you?
>Was it, that obvious?
>You liked her, she was interesting and fresh to you.
>She had such a passion and desire.
>She never gets involved with anyone, always keeping to herself.
>Someone like that, well, they surely wouldn't be looking for a significant other.
>As much as you'd done for her in taking her in, what right did you have to try and force yourself on her?
>You would certainly miss all those nights cuddling with her.
>Maybe, it was just wishful thinking that she was actually enjoying it as well.
>You walked down the isle.
>You spotted honey.
>Grabbing it off the shelf.
>You feel tears stream down almost falling onto it.
>You start grabbing more bottles.
>3.. 4.. 6.. 8.. 12..
>She'll never want to be with you..
>You feel such a hollow pain in your chest as you grit you teeth.
>When had you gone and fallen so hopelessly in love with her?
>You'd.. Always been friends right?
>No.. No that's not right either.
>It was your fault she was here.
>You went and touched that gem in the forest.
>Pulled her away from her life, and her research..
>It was all she'd ever known...
>And with the internet, it was like she'd reawakened.
>Her passion revitalized.
>And you threatened to remove it yet again.
>It was.. Cruel..
>How could you be so selfish?
>You hope shes still there when you get back.
>So you can at least apologize..

>You get back sometime later with the bags of groceries.
>Walking inside Autumn turns to you.
>Shes sitting on the couch.
>You put the bags down and walk over to her.
>You hardly know where to begin.
"Autumn.."
>"I'm sorry I didn't listen to you earlier. You were right about my problem..
"W-what? Autumn-"
>"I went out and made this.. You'll probably think it's silly."
>She hands you a little bracelet woven together out of daisies.
>You don't know what to say.
>"When I was a filly, we were taught how to make these, and made them for each other all the time. They were supposed to be a sign of our friendship. I suppose I always thought it was weird, because the bracelets wilt away and break, and I thought friendships were supposed to be sturdy enough last forever. So, even when the bracelet wilts, I still want us to be friends. I'll try to be less selfish, and I'll try to be there for you no matter what happens. I know what I said earlier, it was insensitive.. To be honest I've always known you liked me a little more than just a friend, and I'm sad that I'm so insecure inside that this is all I can offer after everything you've done. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, and accept my friendship."
Tears stream down your face as you fall to your knees and wrap her in your arms.
"Autumn! I'm so sorry! Of course I'll accept your friendship!"
>"Anon?"
"Autumn, I can't tell you how much this means to me.. I know all your life you've worked hard, you're so passionate about what you do.. I feel so ashamed for trying to tell you to stop when it means so much to you.. This is how you've always been.. I never should've tried to change that.."
>You see tears well up in her eyes too.
>For the first time, you feel her firmly return your embrace.
>You feel her tremble.
"A-autumn?"
>Her eyes, they look petrified.
"Autumn are you ok?"
>Her arms against you, they feel stiff.
>"I.. I'm scared.."
"Of what?"
>"I don't know, whats going to happen.. I've.. Never had anyone to be so close with.. I feel like, I can hardly control my emotions.. I don't want to be taken advantage of.."
>You pull her head close to your chest, hand on the back of her head.
"I promise I won't ever do that to you.. I won't be forceful with you, and.. If you just want to be friends, that's fine.."
>"That must be tough for you to say.. I can feel how badly you want more from me.. I just need time to figure things out.. Please understand.."
"I do.."
>"Thank you.. For now, the bracelet.. The bracelet and.."
>Her hoof touching your cheek.
>Shes moving her face closer.
>Eyes closed.
>Your lips touch.
>Tongues collide.
>Her taste like sweet nectar.
>Everything in this moment, perfect.
>It was a friendship..
>With the promise sealed with a kiss.