Chapter Text
The sun peeked over the horizon and its rays reached little by little all the houses in Maretime Bay , until they reached that lighthouse on the hill, where 4 ponies were in a deep sleep.
Sunny's home was like new, it took a month to build it and Izzy offered her her house in the meantime, but now it was ready and as a celebration everyone agreed to have a sleepover.
There were laughs, horror stories and the traditional Sunny Smoothies.
The first to wake up was Hitch, due to his work as Sheriff he had the habit of getting up early to start his day's work, he went around the place with his eyes to confirm that everything was in order before heading towards his shift, but not before take a fruit from the bowl on the table.
He went to the door, went through it and to his surprise, a pony had beaten him and was watching the sunrise a few meters from the entrance. Confused, he walked towards her slowly, he still had time.
-Hey
The pony turned her head in his direction and smiled.
-Hey Hitch, I didn't know you liked getting up early, though now that I think about it, I must have figured it out.
-I think the one who is surprised is me.
She laughed.
-It's just that there are usually no sunrises like this in Zephyr Heights. I like that there is not much technology here, it all feels so ... natural, peaceful.
-Yes, we are not very up to date.
-You don't miss out on much, you can go out with friends, go to the movies, jog in the browns or have picnics.
-Didn't you do that in your home?
-If I must be honest, I don't have many friends- she sighed -None actually.
-Well, you are the princess, a pop star. Sure you have some.
-Well, i have some now -she smiled - But, before it was difficult. I did not leave the palace for fear of being asked to fly, I had to maintain our facade and communication through networks was very fun, I could have "friends" "fans" online, share with them what I am so passionate about. I think actually, I wouldn't put my phone down because I felt lonely.
-But you're not anymore. You have us.
-That's true- she laughed as she got up from her place and Hitch smiled at that, she was so small and her little laugh was contagious.
-Alright Hitch, I'm not stopping you anymore.
-What?
-You're wearing your badge, I guess you were on your way to work.
-Oh yes, yes yes yes - he imitated the pegasus and got up.
-See you later. Don't leave litter on the streets- she smiled.
-WAIT! - That came out stronger than he expected - You can come with me, well, if you want.
-I don't want to be a burden, you must have a lot to do.
-No no, in fact, now it's a lonely a little only with me at the station.
Pipp turned her gaze towards the house and then back to Hitch, smiled fondly and then began to gracefully trot towards him.
-Well, I don't think I've ever known your station.
Hitch smiled at that and together they headed down the hill towards the village, there were few ponies, it was still early so the movement in the streets was almost nil.
Upon arrival, Hitch held the door open for her to enter and that earned her a grateful smile.
-Wow, this is ... cute.
-It's a little small.
-I like it, I feel like I'm in a movie. I have never been in places like this.
-Like this?
-I mean, I haven't committed any crime to visit the Sheriff's station- she winked.
-Well, there is always a first time- he answered, taking his gaze to a specific point in the room, he didn't want her to notice his blush.
He was amused by what she said, there were almost no crimes, to tell the truth, but reports of a lot of stolen crops and things like that. Most visits were for harmless things.
She kept looking around and that made him realize how different everything was with her, the place seemed sad, opaque and simple. She was elegant, tender, delicate and pretty. So different from everything in Maretime Bay, so different from him.
He must have let his thoughts take him away, since when he realized it, Pipp was inches from his face and his eyes were full of confusion. That made him jump.
-AH! what?
-Are you okay?
-Oh yeah, I was just thinking. It's not that I don't think, in fact I think every day, all the time. Hitch is a thinking ponie!
But what had he said? He berated himself. However, he let out the breath he was holding when he heard her laugh, not a short and graceful laugh, no, a true, pure and honest laugh at the ridicule he made seconds ago.
-You're so funny Hitch or should I say Sheriff? After all, you are on duty.
-No, Hitch is fine. You... really think I'm funny?
-Yes - she said - Now what I was asking you before you went to the moon to think how you think every day ... - she laughed again - ... It was why you have a calendar with photos of you here?
Another humiliation, with fear he turned to look at the calendar, he had forgotten what month it was and therefore, what photograph. To his horror, it was one in a life jacket.
-Ahhh I ... the store had a discount?
-Oh really?! Could you ever take me?
-Take you? To the store?
-Dah, who wouldn't want to have a calendar like that? Oh, I know what photo I want! A Greek, can you imagine that dress?
He looked at her in surprise, her... Diadem? had a Greek style, a dress in that theme would suit her quite well -Oh, sure. Whenever you want.
-Yei! Excellent.
The conversation would have continued, had it not been for the ponies beginning to arrive at the station for help, advice, signatures for permits, etc.
Pipp had taken a seat in a chair next to Hitch's and was watching everything that happened in front of her intently. Her cell phone did not cross her mind in no time and that was wonderful for her.
Watching Hitch work was entertaining, he used his deep voice or maybe his voice was like that all the time and she hadn't noticed. She remembered the first time she saw him and a giggle escaped her as she remembered him dancing and singing under the spotlight.
-What's so funny if you can tell? - He asked while with a smile he dismissed a citizen.
-Oh nothing. I only remembered the first time we met, well, the first time i saw you.
-Oh, you mean when ...
-You're not such a bad singer.
-Oh, take it easy. I know I'm pretty bad.
She laughed - Maybe you just need a few classes.
-Yeah?
She nodded - I can teach you if you want.
Hitch thought about it, work didn't leave him much free time but on the other hand, he could spend more time with Pipp, he liked the idea and he didn't know why his stomach turned at that.
-Yes, I mean if you can.
-Oh i can silly, that´s why am asking - she sang as she flapped her wings, those fluffy wings.
Then he remembered the first time he had seen her. One moment he was talking to Sunny, then she was floating above him. He had never seen a pegasus fly but she was there, roaming the room through the air and singing with that voice that made him want to dance to death.
-So would you want?
-Yeah, of course.
-Very good moon pony, I think I should return now, my sister will be looking for me and we...need to return to Zephyr Heights this afternoon.
She said the last thing almost in a whisper, she didn't want to go back, not when her friends were right there.
-Oh, true. Well, I'll see you another day I guess. Friend.
-Sure, friend.
She gave him a sad smile, which was returned and left the place for Sunny's house.
-Ahhg What's wrong with me? - She murmured with her head to the floor.
Then the image of Hitch talking to that old pony and making jokes to make her laugh came to her mind and she smiled.
-Oh Pipp- she lamented laughing out loud.
...........
The afternoon progressed until darkness covered the town, that meant, time to go home.
He tidied up his desk, arranged his papers for the day, and just as he was closing, Sunny appeared behind him on her skates.
-Hey Hitch.
-Hey Sunny- he smiled.
-I come to tell you that you are invited to the sleepover today.
-Again? And this time the reason is ...?
-There are none, Zipp and Pipp will stay another day, so we decided to spend as much time together as possible.
Was Pipp still in Maretime Bay? That was great, he could see her again before she left and do more than just be at the station in the morning.
-You're right, I'll be there in half an hour.
-Excellent, we´ll be waiting for you. Izzy will make her special cupcakes. Do not delay! - yelled as she walked away.
Hitch smiled, finished closing the door, and walked slowly toward Sunny's house. On the way he mentally jotted down conversation topics to engage with Pipp.
Maybe he could even hear her sing again, that would be very nice. He had forgotten what her voice sounded like, besides the little sung phrases she used to do.
Something was wrong with him, he had always been successful with ponies, he did not blush easily, much less made a fool of himself, but with her it was different. He felt inferior, not worthy even to speak to her.
With Zipp it was different, they were both adventurers, well, she more than him, but with her he felt confident. Their friendship had grown rapidly in a month, they annoyed each other, helped each other and talked about extreme things.
Sunny was his best friend, his little sister, whom he trusted since childhood and loved unconditionally, so much that he endured her "crazy things" for many years.
Izzy, well, Izzy was Izzy. She was crazy, but a good and nice crazy. He enjoyed her company and her friendship, yes, without a doubt she was the joy of the group.
Pipp on the other hand ... seemed unattainable.
Her silky mane, her elegant wings that looked like small clouds, her emerald eyes, her gleaming hooves ...
Then he stopped and the image of her, laughing at the station came back. She was so elegant, sophisticated, and he was so ... Earthy? he was not elegant, nor high society, until a month ago he did not even know what a telephone was.
He sighed, if what he felt was what he was thinking, it was not good. It was bad, very very bad. They were very different, it would never work.
He took a deep breath and then let it out laughing sadly - Who are you kidding Hitch, don't get your hopes up.