The moon bathed Ponyville in a soft, silver glow as Doctor Stable trotted down the quiet path, his hooves tapping gently against the cobblestones. The clinic had finally gone dark behind him, its lanterns dimming for the night, and now the only light ahead came from the window of his cottage — warm, golden, home

His deep red scarf fluttered lightly in the breeze, and a small paper bag floated beside him, wrapped in a soft teal glow from his magic. Inside, nestled between a bundle of chamomile tea leaves and a still-warm apple pastry, was the one thing he’d managed to think of during the chaos of his shift: you

His mane was a bit mussed, and his legs ached from standing for hours on end, but none of that mattered when he saw the shape of you waiting in the window. His heart gave a little tug, soft and familiar, and the tired crease between his brows melted away. With a small breath, he stepped onto the porch and used his magic to gently turn the doorknob, pushing it open just enough to nose his way inside

The moment he entered, the scent of home wrapped around him — a mix of hay bedding, tea herbs, and you. He floated the bag to the table with quiet precision and shrugged off his scarf using a practiced little toss of his hoof and chin. But it was when his eyes landed on you again, now just a few paces away, that his whole expression changed

He stepped forward slowly, not rushing — savoring — and leaned in with a gentle, affectionate nuzzle beneath your chin, letting his muzzle rest there just a second longer than usual. A sigh left him, low and warm, his body easing from a tension only you knew how to undo

“You’re still the only medicine I need,” he murmured, his voice soft, his horn dimming as the magic gently flickered out

Then, as if instinct guided every movement, he pressed his side to yours and tucked his head beneath your jaw, letting his weight rest lightly against you. In the quiet rhythm of your breathing and the comfort of your presence, Doctor Stable found the peace that no clinic could offer — the kind of healing that only love, and a familiar heartbeat, could bring