A question

"Mmm...no. Just showing my thanks." He embraced Thunder once more, then began getting up. "That's called a 'nuzzle' and it's a way of showing gratitude or affection. If you really don't know anything about details of relationships, you might wanna learn." He chuckled slightly; he appeared to be doing a little better.

"Learn? Is there a book? Or do I just go to classes?" Thunderclap laughed. He got up off of the couch. "Not the easiest thing to learn you know."

"It's something you just learn by doing... something experience teaches you. Believe me, if there was a book on relationships and how to make them work, I'd buy it in a heartbeat." He sighed slightly. "What do you want for breakfast? I bet you're hungry..."

"That book would be a best seller!" Thunderclap exclaimed. "I guess it'll just come to me in time. No use rushing things, eh?" He asked. "As for breakfast, anything you want to make is fine. I'm not picky or anything." He said and chuckled.

"I suppose you're right." He chuckled slightly, going into the kitchen. "I'll make up some oatmeal; something hearty. Thunder, I'll let you talk to Spring and set up our little meeting, alright?" He began making up the oatmeal, making toast to go with it.

Thunderclap shuffled uncomfortably. "OK, I guess I'll set up the meaning, if you want, if I have to, I guess." He said. He looked up at Arpeggio and gave him a weak smile.

He turned around, giving Thunderclap a slightly uncomfortable glance back. "I'm sorry, Thunder, but... I'd prefer not to meet her without you there; it'd make it a bit easier for me to keep my promise..." He turned back and continued making up the oatmeal

"It'll just be very uncomfortable for me." Thunderclap said. "Being stuck in between two people who I care for as they discuss relationships with me. I think the awkwardness will make my head explode!" He said. "You just don't understand how I'm feeling."

"I... really can't say I could. You're the first pony I've ever had feelings this strong for." He averted his eyes. "I'm sorry... it could be worse, I suppose; she and I could actually be fighting over you like mares back in my school used to do over stallions they liked..." He set two bowls of sweetened oatmeal with toast on the table, sat down, and began eating.

Thunderclap looked at his oatmeal. He pushed it around with his spoon. "Eh, I'm not feeling that hungry." He said. He ate a spoonful or two, but not much. Thunderclap sighed. "This sucks...." He mumbled.

Arpeggio didn't look at Thunderclap. "I'm... so sorry, Thunder... maybe it would've been for the best if I'd never told you..." He ate a little oatmeal and finished his toast, but couldn't do much more. "...I'm going out for a while... See you later tonight?" He gave Thunderclap an apologetic look, then went to the door, heading out.

Thunderclap stood up and ran over to Arpeggio. He hugged his friend. "I'll see you later. Please don't be sad, ok?" He said. "Have a good time."

A tear dripped down Arpeggio's cheek; he turned around and hugged Thunderclap tightly. "I'm so sorry for dropping this on you... I'll do my best." He broke the hug and went outside, going to walk around town.

Thunderclap sighed. He walked back to the table and finished his lunch. He pulled out the novel he got from the library and began to read it. "I need to take my mind off things." He said.