The Crystal Empire: Before You Go

An excited buzz was in the air as Knights and researchers prepared to depart for the Crystal Empire. Brave Storm had been riding the high of getting officially recognized by Princess Dawn Bringer during the Equestria Games, not once, but twice. She had doubted that going into the Knights of Equestria was the right choice for her, but the trip to the Crystal Empire had doused that fear. It was explicitly because she was a Knight that she was vibrating with barely-contained excitement and shaking the bench that Gold Standard was trying to relax on.

“Brave Storm-” Gold Standard started, but was immediately interrupted by a quick ‘Sorry’ from the mare. 

“No, you’re not doing anything wrong.” he continued with a shake of his head. But the worried look on his face slowed Brave Storm’s eagerness to a full stop. 

“What’s wrong?” she asked with a tilted head, drawing her ears to him. 

“Actually, that’s exactly what I wanted to ask you.” Gold Standard turned the question back on her. “You’ve been a little off since you explored Rorrim Lake. You wouldn’t tell me what happened, and that’s okay- you don’t have to share anything you don’t want to. But I am worried I did something wrong and I want to make it better.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel that way,” Brave Storm leaned into Gold Standard, tucking her head under his chin. Anxiety and sorrow crept into her heart. She feared Gold Standard would have loved her less and left her if she talked about what she learned at Rorrim Lake. Instead, her lack of trust hurt him. 

“You can talk to me about anything,” Gold Standard reassured her. “I also want to selfishly say I wish you weren’t leaving already.”

Brave Storm was happy Gold Standard couldn’t see her face with those words. Having what she threw at Star Atlas thrown back at her stung.

“But I know you’re excited to see Princess Flurry Heart. It’d be terrible for me to keep you here.” the stallion continued, lowering his head off of Brave Storm’s and rubbing her neck with his cheek. “Just come back safe, okay?”

Brave Storm exhaled as another wave of anxiety crashed against her. She should tell him. She wanted to tell him. She trusted that he’d be nothing but supportive and understanding. She knew he’d do everything in his power to make her feel better. She froze up. Her eyes flickered around, spotting every creature at the station that could overhear her. She started shaking again. But Gold Standard didn’t give Brave Storm’s anxiety long to attack her alone before she felt his weight against her. She took a deep breath and with Gold Standard’s help, chased away the worst of it.

“Hey, when you come back, I’ll take you to my place.” Gold Standard promised. “I’ll get it cleaned up and somewhat presentable while you’re away. And I can cook us dinner, get you wrapped up in something cozy and we can talk about it then. Just enjoy yourself, okay?”

“Will you be okay waiting that long?”

“I’m the one who waited until the last minute to say anything. I can wait.” Gold Standard pressed his forehead against hers. “I’ll always wait for you, Brave.”

“I love you.” Brave Storm said before she could even think about it.

Brave Storm felt Gold Standard smile. “I love you, too.”