The New "Roomie" (Mr. J)

"I think she will be more upset about all the cuts I have reopened." Chuckling a bit himself as he continued along his path "I still have an errand or two to run, but I have a question. I was wondering if I could pick Quick up from school tomorrow. Bella seems to greatly enjoy his company, so I figure I should get to know him." Just really hoped he had not overstepped any boundaries

"Yeah, sure, she's supposed to take him anyways while I go into Canterlot tomorrow," Wind Sprint said with a nod, walking along since they were heading in the same direction.

"Canterlot, eh? What is the occasion?"  He looked at Sprint curiously. It wasn't everyday one went to Canterlot after all.

Sprint grimaced. "I have to deal with an old colleague of mine," He said. "Anyways, I'll see you later."

"If you should need help...you need only to ask." And then Just was gone. Later that night he trotted into Bella's apartment "I'm home dear!" He called out as he trotted into the kitchen

"Hey! How was it today?" Bella asked, trotting out and stopping when she saw him. "Have a busy day did we?"

"Eh..." He slowly and painfully removed his armour " Cracked a rib, reopened three cuts, got a scrape on my cheek, beat up some stallions attempting to harass your brother, offered to pick Quick up from school tomorrow, and..." he pulled a bouquet of red and pink roses from his saddle bag "got you some flowers." He smiled as he walked over to her, and gently nuzzled her cheek.

Prima Bella sighed and took the roses, setting them on the counter for now. "I'll go get the first aid kit," She said, going to the hall closet and returning, giving him a deep kiss. "You could give yourself a few days to heal better you know. But thank you for helping my brother and for offering to pick Quick up."

He kissed her cheek "The darkness doesn't rest, so neither can I." he smiled a little. "I do this because I have too. I want tomorrow to be safe for the foals of this generation, and perhaps our own if we ever have any. That's why I keep going out there. I'm trying to keep tomorrow safe from today's monsters."

"...Speaking of foals of our own, we should probably talk about that," Bella said, starting to treat his injuries.

He grunted in pain "Mind the rib.." Hh clenched his jaw, taking a few deep breaths. He then nodded for Bella to continue. He was wondering where she was going with this.

"Well, I would love to have foals, especially with you. But as it is, our relationship has already moved very quickly and it may be best for us to wait a while," Bella said, starting to wrap his ribs.

He grunted in pain, slowly speaking "I agree..." He cried out in pain as he nearly collapsed "I...I don't understand...this has never hurt this much before..." His voice was strained, and laced with agony.

"Sorry, I'm trying to be gentle but ribs are supposed to be wrapped snugly," Bella said, finishing after a moment and putting the kit away. "Let's get you in bed."

He stumbled forward a bit, before speaking quietly and fearfully "B-Bella...everything...it's all....so dark." He then lost consciousness, and collapsed.

"Just Heart?!" Bella exclaimed, rushing over and kneeling next to him. She looked him over worriedly and gently nudged him to try and wake him up. "Please wake up, I can't carry you to bed."

The only movements he made was the slow rise and fall of his chest. As she nudged him, be pulled her close to him chest. He seemed to relax at her being pressed against him, even though he was asleep.

Bella sighed when he just pulled her close, at least that meant he was alright, But she did not want to spend the night on the floor, it was just too uncomfortable. "Just... com'on, the bed will be much better," She said, trying to get him up.

Just Heart grunted, and rolled so Bella lay on his chest, and not the floor. His heart beat was slow and steady, but it was different. it seemed more...real than it had before.

"...Meet immovable object," Bella said with a sigh and settled on his chest, searching his face. "You're just full of surprises aren't you my love?" She asked softly before laying her head down and closing her eyes to listen to his heart.

When Just woke up the next morning, literally everything hurt. He flinched a little and opened his eyes, and the suddenly everything was better. As he looked down at the cute little mare snuggled into his chest, he just forgot all the pain. He gently nudged her awake, softly whispering "I'm sorry if I scared you Bella." He hadn't noticed, not that he could have, that the green had faded from his eyes entirely and, except for the pale blue mist and red irises, his eyes looked normal.

"Mm... At least you're comfortable," Bella said, lifting her head and yawning. "How are you feeling?"

"In pain, but it is not as bad when you are with me." He lightly smiled, gently kissing her. He then glanced at the clock and frowned "What time does Quick get out of school Bella?"

"He gets out at 2:15," Bella said and carefully extracted herself from his hold, standing. "Please tell me you're taking it easy today."

"Sorry, but I can't. I'm nearly late to pick him up." He slowly struggled to his hooves and strapped his platemail back on, as well as his sword. "I'll be back shortly darling!" And with that he was out the door, and on his way to Quick's school.