Gift art for the amazing CaptainHoers (LinkTree) by  apocheck13 (reposted with permission)
Go fave the original here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/62416728/

Story below, but first a personal note from me.

This commission means a lot to me, for those of you who have seen most of my other commissions, you know Classy is usually more about making his subjects feel good in other ways.

It's important because over a decade ago, I was still very much closeted in the Brony and Furry fandoms and from my own identity. I had taken what society expected of me and pushed everything else down.

Cap's work was some of the first real art that got me to stop suppressing my inner feelings and to not be afraid to share with those around me, regardless of the consequences.
It was also an amazing bonding activity with my daughters, we would watch videos like Spitfire's day off and Sunlight together. I'd read Sunjackers when the physical book came out to them before bed (I might have left bits out), and showing to me that fighting for what I believed in didn't mean I'd suddenly lose it all.

Thank you, Cap. You have forever changed my life for the better, and I will never be able to repay you for that.

Don't have any idea what I'm talking about? Interested more in the universe above? Go read "The Sunjackers" It's 100% free and an amazing story.
https://askthesunjackers.tumblr.com.....jackers/chrono
PS: This is 100% not canon!

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The last few weeks had been a life changing emotional whirlwind for everyone involved. Sure, the train heist had made an impactful change and had helped a bunch of creatures out. But now as the excitement had faded away and the pressing urgency was behind her. More emotional issues started bubbling to the top. Unable to distract herself any longer and with tears welling in her eyes, she messaged an old friend from her Clearlab days. "Atom's busy with Rainbow and I need a shoulder. Have you got time?"

The response was short, but all she needed. "See you in 45 Sweets"

An hour later she found herself in the warmth of his protective jacket, hurtling through the cobblestone streets as they exited the city. The antique bike barely legal, with it's lack of modern connectivity and rider aids, almost as if he kept it running on purpose to disappear.

It was from the lookout on the outskirts of Canterlot that she finally opened up. Laid herself bare to him. The priest, Atom's close call, her mother, the heist. He listened to it all. Pulled her in tight and kissed her reassuringly, looking into her eyes the way that only a close friend could.

"Sweets, in all my years, you are the strongest mare I've ever met. Fighting not just for yourself, not just for those you love. But for every creature under Luna's night sky. No-one can ever take that away from you. Not the CBC, not the SkyGuard, not her." Candy flinched as the stallion continued, "Every single time, every single struggle, you've come out on top. You and Atom have achieved great things, inspiring entire legions of creatures to challenge their oppressive norms. That's your power. Heck, if it wasn't for you. I'd still be at Silica!"

Gently wiping the tears from her eyes, he continued, "We all have bad days where our demons try to drag us down. But you, I know you will show them what for. Time and time again."
Tossing over her helmet as he swung his leg back over the bike, he smiled that smug smile of his, "Now, cmon. I know something that will cheer you up. I've been holding on to a couple of old 8-bit machines I had when I was a colt that need some work back at the studio. I could use a hand."

"Thanks, Classy." came the muffled reply as she buried her muzzle into his neck from behind and they rode off into the darkness...