My name is Buddy

“Hiya!” A voice shouts from the darkness of my wine-coaxed day dream.

“Hi…?” I reply before I am able to see just who I’m greeting. When my vision takes forever to come back, I’m flourished with the distinguished pink color of the same bounce-hungry filly from earlier.

“You‘re new here!” She yelps, the biggest, craziest grin on her face. Her fluffy mane jiggles to the happy words spilling from her mouth.

“Well…Yeah. I‘m the new bartender.” I state matter-a-factly as I reach underneath the counter to bring up my personal mug. Still clean as ever. “Can I get you something?”

She shakes her head quickly, then plops onto a stool, her legs curving so she places her hoofs under her chin. “I meant that, like, you‘re new to Ponyville! I know every single diddly widdly face here, and I‘ve neeeeeeeeeeeeeveeeeeeeeerrrr seen yours before! I would remember, cause I know everypony!” She yells out to the whole bar, which happens to be empty.

Well…That’s nice. “Okay then.” I reply, shaking my head as hers continues to bounce with an overabundance of excitement.

“What‘s your name?!” She asks/yells, barely contained in her seat.

Oh my Celestia, this mare’s voice. It’s so bubbly and hoarse. Not the kind of sound I want to hear in this kind of morning. Taking a shift that isn’t mine, waking up after four hours of sleep, and now this. “Mr. B.” I answer with a surprisingly calm tone.

“WOW! That is a super extra magnificent totally radical name, Mr. B!!!” She yells, extending her hooves out for emphasis on her…excitement.

“Thanks.” I reply, closing my eyes and shaking my head. This mare…I was exaggerating when I called Rainbow Dash a Schizophrenic mare, but this one…There’s no exaggerating. “Yours?” I might regret asking that, considering she talks for days.

“Pinkamena Diane Pie, at your service!” She states quickly, a big wild grin on her face. That’s pleasant. Pink as a name? Well…Rainbow Dash isn’t exactly the most modest name either, so I can’t really say anything. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Pie.”

She gasps immediately, shaking her head. “That is my mommy‘s name!” She corrects, mouth agape.

“Oh, I‘m sorry. I tend to use nicknames.” I quickly retort, shrugging.

“It‘s okay.” She replies, immediately her face changing to a wide smile. It’s ridiculous how fast her mood changes. “Have you ever gone to a party before, Mr. B?” She asks, tilting her head curiously.

I shake my head, now scrubbing my personal mug with a fresh rag. Well, rag sounds too dirty. Cloth! That’s a good word. I’m cleaning my mug with fresh cloth. “Not lately.” I reply glumly, leaning over the counter.

“How lately? Like this past week, or you mean this past month, or you mean you haven‘t been in a party in like ev- HHAAAAAAAA!” She speaks quickly, taking in a huge inhale at the end. “If you‘ve never been to a party before, then I HAVE to make you one! It is my duty, or my name isn‘t Pinkamena Diane Pie!!” She announces boastfully.

What have I gotten into? “Well…I have gone to parties before. Just, I don‘t remember them. Or care for parties, really.”

Pinkamena inhales deeply once again, her eyes widening. “You‘ve never had a good party?! PINKIE PIE TO THE RESCUE!” She shouts with immense force, pointing a hoof to the ceiling.

Oh…My. Celestia, seriously, save me. Please. “Okay, Miss…Pinkamena.” Vinyl and her ex are so lucky they don’t come in until way later. Oh how I wish they were here to at least know how this feels though.

“It‘ll be tonight! At Sugarcube corner! Tonight, tonight, tonight, the night of nights, oh how much FUN it will be!” She shouts, her eyes glazing over.

I’m honestly worried what kind of parties this mare hosts. Like…Seriously. No one gets this excited over a party. “Alright…I‘ll be there.” I reply calmly. I might go, might not. Considering I’m working my co-workers shift…Wait. Maybe he did this on purpose so he wouldn’t have to deal with this filly. Or maybe I’m getting paranoid. I really need my sleep sometimes.

“Yayayay! I‘ll get to work right away!” She yelps quickly, bouncing a few times in her seat until she falls out of it, and in turn, bounces away on her hooves. Does she even walk? Wait…She didn’t even buy any drinks. Why the hell did she come here?

And as the pink mare leaves…It takes only minutes for Vinyl and her friend to walk in through the entrance.

“Dude,” Vinyl begins, chuckling. “What was that?” She asks, grinning wildly. Her friend continues walking up to their stage, shaking her head.

“Apparently,” I start with a huff of a breath, scraping my hoof over my cheek. “A party.” I state with a diligent tone. My hoof feels like it hasn’t been cleaned in forever. Ugh…

“For real?” Vinyl asks, tilting her head. I can’t see her eyes, but I imagine she’s cocking an eyebrow. “Wow. You‘re lucky. Her parties are the bomb.” She boasts, nodding her head.

Are you kidding me? Well, apparently this pink mares’ parties are popular. One for me can’t be that bad…”Yeah.” I reply, and Vinyl starts walking to the stage. “Too bad I can‘t go.” I say, now continuing to scrub my personal cup.

Vinyl stops, shaking her head quickly like she just came over with a case of fleas. “What? Why?” She interrogates in that typical voice of hers. It reminds me of Dash.

“I‘m working this guys‘ shift, and my night shift. Got four hours of sleep, too.” I inform her, perking my lips as I do.

She nods, raising her head up and down. “As a fellow common-pony, I know what you mean.” She says, smirking. “But seriously. Her parties…Don‘t wanna miss that. You sure you can‘t like…Find someone else to take yours?”

I shake my head, scratching my hoof into my forehead. “Nope. You two are the only ones I know. I don‘t even know who owns this place.”

She grins, then continues taking her equipment over to the stage. It drops onto the carpet with a thud. “I think I can cover for you.” She says confidently, taking her musical arts-stuff out.

Wow…That’s insanely kind of her. I think I’m feeling a bit of irony, though. I was asked in the ass crack of dawn to take a shift for a co-worker I don’t know, and now Vinyl is taking mine. “You‘d do that?” I ask, tilting my head with a genuine smirk.

She nods quickly, the typical Vinyl-smirk coming over her. “Yeah! Nothing to it. Corona, Shevy Black Tail, Shock ten-Fold, Pink Diamond, Black Lotus, Cream-Scene; I think I know plenty enough about bartending.” She boasts, nodding her head as confident as ever.

I clap my hoofs together, smiling admiringly. “I‘m impressed. Alright then. But…Are you sure? It‘s not like Pinkamena won‘t understand or anything, she seems like she would.” I ask one last time, percing my lips like I always do when asking questions.

Vinyl sighs, nodding very slowly at me. “Yes, B. Don‘t sweat it.” She answers, speaking slowly.

I cock an eyebrow, then perk up with a smile and nod to her. “Among other things…’Bout time you two got here. It‘s boring without music.” I say, leaning back against the cabinets of alcohol.

Vinyl chuckles loudly, shaking her head. “I believe the phrase is…’The party has arrived!’, right?” She asks, grinning.

I shrug, tilting my head to the side. “I wouldn‘t know. I haven‘t been to one yet.” I inform her, chuckling at my lame joke.

She raises an eyebrow, tilting her head. “You‘ve never been to a party before?” She asks, obviously in complete denial.

I shake my head quickly. “No, no. I meant, that…I haven‘t been to the party Pinkamena is making for me yet, so I wouldn‘t know if it arrived.” I correct, putting my hooves out to emphasize what I mean.

She scratches her head. “What?” She asks, truly clueless.

I slouch on the counter, sighing. “Nevermind. I‘m an idiot.” I say, yawning now. That was my first yawn all morning.

She laughs, shaking her head as she finishes unloading her equipment. “Whatever dude…”

I go back to scrubbing my own personal mug- my trump card, I would say. If somepony were walk in here right now and ask what I’m doing, I’d just hold up little trump-carding mug and tell them I’m scrubbing away. Even though it looks about as clean as possible. I like it though. The mugs are made specifically to fit an average sized hoof, and mine gets in easily. It fits just right with a cloth around so it scrubs perfectly. Decent craftsmanship, I must say.

The intrusion of melodies sets me off, making me turn curiously to my right at the two musical mares. They both seem to be doing their own thing, playing music and all. Quite a calm beat, the kind I like. It’s not that rage-core stuff that most fillies and young colts are playing nowadays. Even Vinyl’s music is kind of slow right now. Loud and heavy, but slow. Both their music is melding together to make one soft, subtle, loud, thumping, fun beat. I’m enjoying the silence of it. Nopony but us. I lean back on the counter, crossing my hoofs over my chest as they play. I lean my head back, yawning once again.

Hopefully, today won’t be busy.

--

Busy it was!! My oh my Celestia, I’m so thankful I get night shifts! It’s awfully crowded! There’s ponies everywhere, several drinks on cue, tons of them wanting different kinds of drinks and all of them as impatient as a Manehatten lawyer. Scotch here, Fire Water here, Poppy Rocks here, Cream Scene here. It’s like my job is to be busy. I miss the bar being empty with nothing but the light tempo of music. I can’t have everything, but that was something.

“Hey, Dude.” I hear a familiar voice speak behind me.

“Yeah?” I reply, shaking up a bottle of Fire Water.

“It‘s about 8 now. I‘ll take over, so you can go.” Vinyl says behind me. Now that I realize it, there has been a distinct lack of her music for the past minute.

I turn around, still shaking the bottle. “You sure right now? She said at night, and I don‘t know what night would be considered around here.” I reply, looking from her pale white face to the clock.

“Dude,” She begins, chuckling under the loud laughter of everyone else around the bar. “I live here. I know what night is. Just go have some fun, I‘ll handle this.”

Oh, duh. Of course. She lives here. I am a total dunce when I’m busy. Or…when I’m tired. Pretty much all the time. “Alright then.” I say, letting her take the bottle of Fire Water from me, and she starts pouring drinks immediately. “Thanks again, Vinyl!” I shout to her as I round the corner, bumping my way through a couple people. I wonder if tending the bar would be like this every night. Did I just get lucky on my first night or something?

I walk from the bar door to outside, taking in a bit of fresh air. And…another stench. Wow I smell like alcohol. It’s not very pleasant, to say the least. Not the best when I’m going to a party either. But hey, what can I do? Go take a quick shower?

I trot my way from the bar into the skirts of Ponyville, sighing as I look around. Now that I think about it…I don’t know where the hell Sugarcube Corner is. I mutter a curse word as I continue walking, shaking my head at how unprepared I am. I come across lot’s of interesting places though. Like a tree house/library thing, and a beauty shop. I find the tree house more interesting though. I like it’s modesty.

“There you are.” I mutter to what must be Sugarcube Corner, shaking my head. It looks ridiculous, but considering the host of the party, it’s mild. It looks like a large cupcake with window dressing. Whatever.

I push open the door to the shop, and inside, I’m greeted by quite a few helloes. So many, I can’t recognize their voices. There’s a large table in the back that runs along all the walls with all different kinds of sweets. Then there’s a large sign hung over the ceiling that reads, “Welcome!” Just welcome? I thought it would’ve said a little more, considering Pinkamena is a mare of a thousand words.

“Hiya mister!” The bubbly mare shouts out, appearing right next to me.

I’m a little startled at first, backing to my left a little. “Hi…Ms. Pink. Seems like you went the whole nine yards.” I say, nodding in approval. I mean, I haven’t been to a lot of parties, but this was done in like…a few hours. Quite impressive, and there does seem to be quite a few ponies attending. Probably for the food, but none the less. And…I can see there’s a few ponies I already know.

“Nine yards? More like a HUNDRED BILLION! This‘ll be the best party EVER!” She shouts, her eyes wide.

Yup. Until another new pony comes along, then his party will be the best. I can’t help but feel a little comfort from Pinkamena, though. “Thanks. It‘s a nice party.” I thank, bowing my head to her.

She perks up, her bouncing getting to a sporadic state. “You can just call me Pinkie, silly willy Mr. Billy!” She tells me, giggling wildly.

Oh. So Pinkie, then? Alright…Pinkie Pie? Goodness that sounds dirty. “Okay then, Pinkie.” I reply, smiling warmly.

Pinkie is about to continue on, probably into a lifelong speech about confetti, but she’s stopped when somepony nearby shouts for her. In mere seconds, she’s across the room. Gosh…You’d think she was a unicorn, teleporting and crap.

“Hey!” A voice shouts in my direction. It’s familiar, but a lot of voices are becoming familiar these days.

“Hmm?” I question, looking up from my daze. I notice Rainbow Dash across the room, standing with a few other mares. Including Applejack.

“Get over here!” Dash commands, titling her head back as a non-verbal cue to get my ass over there.

It doesn’t take long for me to be at the presence of five fillies, each of them giving me generous smiles. “Hello, everypony. Nice to meet ya‘ll.” I greet them, smiling as I do.

“Hi d‘ere. We met aw‘ready, wit te apple cider and Big Mac.” The orange, Texan mare smiles, nodding her head at me.

“Applejack, is it?” I ask, tilting my head. I have some pretty awful memory, even though it was only this morning I had met her.

She nods her head, smirking a bit. “Eeyup.” She replies quickly, then starts to fix the hat on her head.

“Hello, I‘m Twilight Sparkle.” A lavender unicorn speaks formally, smiling widely as she blows her purple hair from her face.

I shake her hoof and bow my head to her. “Pleased to meet you, Ms. Sparkle.”

The next pony waits a long time before our hand shake is finished to speak, and when she does, it’s barely audible. “Hello…I‘m…I‘m Fluttershy.” The meek little yellow Pegasus introduces herself, shying away a small smile.

I huff a little bit, sporting a genuine smile. “It‘s a pleasure, Ms. Fluttershy.”

Rainbow Dash steps up, grinning widely with her chest prompt and her eyes proud. “Have we met?” She asks, grinning widely, showing off her canines.

I shake my head, sighing. “Ma‘m…I don’t believe we have.” I reply, glancing to the other ponies for a glance, then back to Rainbow. “How you doing?” I ask, not sure of what else to say really.

Dash smiles widely, nodding her head. “I‘m good, I‘m good.” She says, lowering her head and placing a hoof over her messy mane.

“I am Rarity,” A pure white unicorn says, tilting her head from underneath a pretty green hat. She smiles at me warningly, her thick canter lot accent accentuating her wardrobe. “and you are?” She asks, tilting her head.

Oh, I haven’t told them my name yet. Damnit, I’m a real tard sometimes. “My name‘s Mr. B. But…You can call me Buddy, on account of the informal situation.” I say quickly, bowing my head once again to the white mare. Her purple mane looks like it took hours to get right. It looks pretty…intricate.

“Well…Tis is formal, Mr. B.” Applejack corrects me, smirking as she does.

I shrug in response, to which the five mares giggle a little bit to themselves. “So does Pinkie throw a party every time some new pony comes along?” I ask curiously, dipping my head into their laughter.

Twilight nods. “Pretty much.” Rainbow adds, chuckling a bit to herself.

“So what‘s there to do, then?” I ask, glancing around the place for a few seconds. Looks like a whole lot of sweets, to me. The house is probably edible, but I won’t be the one to test that out.

Applejack promptly answers me by smashing a tasty looking Oreo into her mouth. “Thissff.” She says, chewing it noisily.

Rainbow laughs a bit, then turns around to demolish the table of it’s sweet snacks. The only pony that seems to not immediately annihilate the table of it’s contents is Fluttershy. The poor thing just looks across the table scarcely, then after much thought, she picks up a sucker. Seriously, just a sucker. There’s a huge amount of variety, and she goes with a tiny little lollipop.

“Oohf…I really shouldn‘t, but...Pinkie‘s cupcakes are magnificent!” Says Rarity, plucking said cupcake from a tray.

“Oh yeah!! She made Buckeyes! I freaking love Buckeyes!!” Rainbow shouts, grabbing a few of the chocolate/peanut butter combo treats.

“I‘ma more leanin‘ tuh dem ore-what you call its.” Applejack states, grabbing another what you call it, and chomping it down to bits fast.

“I enjoy the punch and the smores the most. They have a great blend of taste!” Twilight says, smiling as she pours herself a drink of red punch and gets a warm smore.

“Oh, I don‘t know if I should…” Fluttershy says meekly, looking at the sucker.

Come on Fluttershy, it’s just a little sucker. I mean…You’re not exactly an athlete by Pegasus standards, but a sucker isn’t going to make you bat shit insane either. “It‘s just a sucker, you know…Not like you‘re having an entire cake to yourself.” I tell the little Pegasus, smiling warmly. I’m not irritated by her. I’m just…I don’t know. Well I kind of am, but I really don’t like that word.

“Hey!” Rainbow begins, shouting at Applejack.

“Hmmff?” Applejack turns her head, raising her eyebrows in response. Her mouth is stuffed with all sorts of goodies, it looks kind of comical.

“Bet I can eat a whooolleee cake before you!” She boasts, grinning widely with her mouth ajar.

A large smirk comes over Applejack’s face, and she nods her head, accepting Dash’s challenge. Before she can respond, she proves she has what it takes and swallows a whole mess of snacks in one full gulp. “Yur on, Fruitcake!”

Fruitcake…That’s a cute name. It’s meant as an insult, but I still think it’s cute. Like calling Rainbow Dash fruity loops, or skittles. Maybe it’d be a little too corny though. “Are there even enough cakes for you guys to have a contest?” I ask, shifting my gaze from the two. They stare at each other, unmoved.

Twilight’s the first to speak, sighing before she does. “Pinkie Pie makes triples of everything, just in case of the very often occurring event that Rainbow and Applejack would want to do something.” She says in all her omnipotence. I imagine with all the parties that happen with Pinkie, there’s quite a few competitions going around.

“Sounds like a fun time.” I say, scratching my face with my hoof.

“Suuuure is…” Twilight says in a sigh, shaking her head. She’s still drinking her punch, levitating her cup in front of her.

The two athletes make their way over to a neighboring table where two cakes sit conveniently. Twilight wasn’t kidding, this really must happen a whole lot. I won’t be taking any part in it, however. “So, then, Twilight. What do you do?” I ask, leaning against the table as I ask, and yawning all at the same time.

“Oh, uhm…” She begins, turning to me a bit startled  at my sudden question. “I write reports for Princess Celestia. I usually study in the library all the time, and…Uhm. Live there, too.” She smirks, chuckling to herself. She hides her mild blush by taking a sip from her drink.

“Princess Celestia? That‘s some…Real high class stuff. I mean, I thought I had it pretty high when I worked for Starspiral.” I say diligently, smiling as I do.

She perks up immediately, leaning her head forward. “You worked for Starspiral?!” She asks, more surprised than I’ve ever seen. Considering I have only seen her in the past twenty minutes, nothing to boast about.

I nod confidently, biting the skin on my lips. I kick a hoof lightly at the ground, grinning. “Yeah, for a while. It was interesting.”

Twilight shakes her head, smiling so brightly Celestia should take notes. “Wow…He was one of the most powerful, and credible, unicorns ever! Please, you have got to tell me everything!” She demands, leaning a little to close for comfort.

I nod slowly, patting my hoof over my mane. “Alright, alright…I‘ll tell you all about my escapades with the great Starspiral. But uhh…Don‘t you think it would be a lot more convenient if we talked somewhere a little less…social?” I ask, glancing around the room for emphasis, and double glance at Rainbow and AJ. Their faces are completely plastered into their cakes. The sight brings a light chuckle from me, shaking my head.

“Hmm…Later tonight, if you could please, come with me back to the library and tell me all about Starspiral? I can look up text books about him all day, but if I have a secondary source about him, it is way more credible than a book! Please, please, please?” She asks quickly, moving her mouth a thousand miles a minute.

It seems this group of mares share the same quality so far: talking really, really, really fast. “Sure thing. But uhh…I do have work in th-” I stop myself, remembering I only have night shifts. Fucking co-worker messing with my head. “Actually, I‘m free all night.”

Her face lights up so fast and she grins wildly. “Alright!! Thank you so, so, so much! You don‘t know how much this means to me!” She yelps, bouncing around the room, resembling Pinkie. Goodness…It’s like Pinkie’s bubbly attitude wears off on other ponies. “I‘m gonna go home then and get some reading materials ready! Can never be too prepared…” She says, looking around the room, and before I can even say goodbye, she’s gone with the speed of Pinkie Pie.

“Well…That was pleasant.” I comment, and pipe down when I notice I’m standing by myself.

“Boo-yah!” Rainbow Dash shouts, pointing a hoof at Applejack.

Applejack picks her head up, narrowing her eyes at Rainbow. “Yall cheated! Ya had er‘ smaller cake dan me.” She confirms, nodding her head in confirmation.

“Excuse me, my good fellow pony, but you mind if I had a word?” Rarity asks, turning her head in my vision to get my attention.

“But of course, Rarity.” I reply, returning her smile with my own.

“It will only take a moment,” She says, smiling warmly as she walks me to a slightly quieter part of the room. Not a lot of ponies here, but Rainbow and AJ arguing accounts for a party itself.

I nod my head, tilting it back as I await for her to finish fixing her hat. “What‘s up?” I ask casually.

Rarity takes in a deep breath, smiling warmly still. “You work as a bartender down the street, don‘t you?” She asks, clearly biting her bottom lip.

I raise my eyebrows. How’d she known? Word spreads quickly, I suppose. “Yes…Yes I do.”

Rarity nods, closing her eyes. “Well,” She begins, opening them back up with their usual brightness. “I own that bar.” She says with a powerful grin.

Oh. So that’s how she knows. I bow my head, smiling. “Well, It‘s an honor to work for ya, boss.” I say with a hint of sarcasm, smirking a little.

Her face gets serious. “You‘re fired, Buddy.” She says sternly.

What. Fired…What? “Wait, what?” I ask, gulping down anything else I would say.

She chuckles, shaking her head. “Oh, come now, I am only fooling around. You‘re not fired.” She says, grinning and obviously holding back a monstrous laugh.

Fuck. That scared the hell out of me. “That‘s my excitement for the night.” I comment, sighing deeply.

“No, no,” Rarity continues, gaining her composure. “What I stole you here for is a proposition.” She informs me, smiling still. She smiles a lot. All these mares smile a lot.

“Mhm…I‘m listening.” I say, nodding in response to her offer.

“How would you like to work for me personally?” She asks, tilting her head.

Work for Rarity? Personally? What the hell would I do, be her foot stool? “What exactly does a servant of Rarity entail?” I ask, turning my head to the side suspiciously.

Rarity shrugs. “Whatever I need done, really. Going to the store to get fabrics, researching, hauling wagons, assassinations, you know, minor work around the shop.” She tells me, keeping a straight face.

Sounds promising. “Seems like a decent deal, but wha- wait what?”

She immediately bursts out into a thunderous laugh, and I too, burst into a thunderous laugh. It seems contagious as ever, more so than Pinkie’s at least. “Okay…I won‘t ask you to assassinate any pony.” She says, regaining her cool, collective attitude.

I shrug. “Ehh, I wouldn‘t mind taking out some childhood bullies. But seriously. What would you be paying me?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

Rarity huffs, lowering her head as she thinks. It takes a couple seconds for her to raise her head. “Is 50 bits enough?” She asks curiously.

Holy shit! 50 bits?! “Really? That‘s insanely generous! I get paid like…12 at the bar! When do I start?” I accept quickly, smiling the whole time. This day just got a hell of a lot better! 50 bits? With that, I’ll be able to do a whole hell of a lot!

Rarity smiles, nodding her head. “Of course.” She says quickly, bowing her head to me. “50 bits is the least I could do for you.”

I shake my head, denying it. “No, no. You made my day- No, you made my whole month. I‘ve been here for only a week, and you make me want to stay. Thanks, Rarity, seriously.” I say with honesty, crouching my legs as I bow my head to her.

She laughs to herself, shaking her head. “Well…Twilight seemed very excited about that Starspiral conversation, and this party looks like it‘s about to end, so perhaps now’s the time, dearie.” She says with her genuine, cool, Canterlot voice as always.

I nod my head, looking over the party quickly. Dash and AJ seem to be having a contest of chugging punch now. Appetizing. “I suppose so. I don‘t want to stay here all night just to watch these two get into an argument of who can eat the house first.”

Rarity tilts her head, a new smile coming over her. “They‘ve done that before.”

I shake my head, sighing deeply. “The mares here are completely insane.” I chuckle to myself a little, rubbing a hoof over my eyes. “Super high pay, eating houses, bouncing everywhere, partying all the time, it‘s wicked.”

Rarity scoffs, turning her head. “I‘ll just be taking those 50 bits elsewhere then…” She teases.

I whip around quickly, shaking my head. “Don‘t do that to me.” I say, chuckling as I speak.

“Then you‘ll just have to go to the library and make sure you tell Twilight everything she wants to know.” Rarity says, tilting her head up high in a typical snobby way.

I shake my head, remnants of my grim still on my face. “Yeah, yeah. I suppose I should, then. I’ll see you later, alright?” I say as I start to walk to the door.

“Bright and early tomorrow.” Rarity replies, smiling as I begin to leave.

“Thanks for the party Pinkie!” I yell just before I leave, closing the door behind me.

--

I knock on the wooden, crooked door to the library. There’s a lot of light shining through the bottom of the door and the few windows throughout the tree house, and I wait patiently for somepony to answer the door. After waiting more than a few minutes though, I knock again. As soon as my hoof goes back to the ground, the door is swung open with Twilight there to greet me.

“Hey!” She says, smiling widely. Now that the door’s open, I see inside tons of books scattered everywhere. There’s a table with a candle light sitting on it, a chair scooted neatly with it, but ironically no books are on it. All of them are just laying around the floor lazily. “Thanks for coming by on such short notice. And…Sorry for my organized mess. Spike went to bed, so I had to kind of…Mess up the orders and really look for good materials. But I found some!” She says quickly, still keeping me outside.

I smile, nodding my head. “No worries, Twilight. I‘m always happy to help.” I say, still smiling as I speak.

Twilight mentally scolds herself, shaking her head. “How stupid of me! Please, come in! Get out of the cold.” She demands, backing away from the door and ushering me inside.

Admittedly, I was getting a little cold, and the feeling of the warmth secreting from the library only made it colder. I gladly trot my way inside, making sure not to step on any books.

“Sit wherever you like, I‘ll be right there.” Twilight says, closing the door behind us as she runs off in search of…whatever she needs, I suppose.

I find a humble spot near a warm fire, surrounded by books. There’s a nice spot where books seem to be vacant. I suppose this is where Twilight sat as she examined each of the books the library had to offer. I sat down quietly, waiting for Twilight.

She came back quickly, a quill and paper levitating in front of her the whole time. “Okay, I‘m ready! I‘ve written down a few questions so you know what to talk about, so, shall we begin?” She asks quickly, not skipping a beat.

This mare can talk pretty fast when she wants to. “As ready as I‘ll ever be.”

“Okay…” She begins, biting her lips. “What did Starspiral most commonly practice?” She asks, lowering her paper so she can look at me.

I shrug, shaking my head. “That‘s a simple question. Uhm…well he usually concentrated his efforts on the relation of pegasi and magic. You know, the magical capabilities that being a Pegasus entitles. Walking on clouds, immense wing strength. That stuff. But he also took up on teleportation magic, going so far as to teleporting really, really far distances. The farthest he ever teleported was 200 yards.” I respond, confident in my knowledge.

Twilights’ scribbling on her paper is frantic, quick to write down every piece of information. “You‘re sure it was 200 feet?” She asks, moving the paper out of the way for a moment.

I chuckle, nodding quickly. “Yeah, I remember all the facts. Also…Yards, not feet. I was the one that had to write down all the evidence. You know, scientific stuff, like the facts and procedures. I can‘t say I‘m fond of being permanently planted with all this knowledge, but if it helps you, I suppose it has a cause.” I reply, shrugging as I do.

“200 yards…” She says, her eyes widening. “He teleported the farthest any Unicorn has ever gone! Farther than even Starswirl!” She exclaims, smiling so widely. “This is incredible! Please, tell me more!!” She demands, her quill ready for devastating her paper with ink.

I smile happily. I’m glad I’m pleasing somepony. “Well…Another question would be useful.” I comment, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, right!” Twilight says, looking up an down the paper. “What were some of Starspiral‘s largest projects?” She asks, biting her bottom lip.

I cock an eyebrow. “Largest? That‘s a broad term. Mind elaborating for me, please?” I ask, not quite sure what she meant.

Twilight nods quickly, replying fast as usual. “Largest scale, such as…Taking a long time to complete, or that if completed, could change Equestria as we know it.” She corrects, still making sure she can see me over her paper.

“Ahh,” I reply, nodding my head again. “That is easy. Starspiral wanted to prove that Pegasi, and even Earth ponies, are capable of performing magic like Unicorns. He believed that if trained properly, a Pegasus would be able to perform telekinesis. He also said that Earth ponies would be able to fly, and so on. He said that because each of the three types of ponies have some sort of magical capability, like Unicorns being most prominent with horns, Pegasi with wings and cloud walking, and Earth ponies having above average strength, then they could be able to access it from their magical points. Each race has their magical points, such as a Unicorn with a horn, Pegasi with wings, and Earth ponies with muscle. He said that if focused on with enough mental presence, even an Earth pony would be able to perform telekinesis. He said this is why Allicorns are much more powerful than any other race. They have the embodiment of each race: Earth pony, Pegasi, and Unicorns, each magnified. Of course, however, he hasn‘t finished it. When I was working for him, this was something he always came back to, and was most frustrated with.” I say slowly, making sure Twilight is able to write down everything.

She just nods quickly, moving the paper below her head. “I‘ve read about the Pegasi and Earth ponies having minor magical capabilities, but…I…didn‘t read enough into Starspiral‘s work to know just how far it went. Is there anything else about his….project, that‘s noteworthy?” She asks, still speaking quickly.

I take in a deep breath, looking to the ceiling for inspiration. “I suppose there was one more thing. He mentioned many times that if interbreeding were to happen, there is an extremely dismal chance that something…new might be born. Not an Allicorn, as you‘d undoubtedly guessed, just something different. I can‘t quite explain it as well as he did, but he basically said: with both races, and an unfathomable amount of luck, something Equestria has never seen before could be born.” I finish with a sigh, realizing I’m saying all this in one breaths’ worth.

“Wow…” Twilight says, scribbling on her paper as her face is hidden from me. “Okay, okay…What about…Uhm, what about a large project that he did complete?” Ash asks, licking her lips

I move my tongue around in my mouth as if it might find the words for me. “That would have to be…Time travel.” I say bluntly, as if it’s the most casual thing.

Twilight’s eyes go huge, her head coming into view from above the paper. “Time travel? Starspiral…created a time travel spell?” She asks, her face truly bewildered.

I shrug, squinting my eyes. “Kind of…He said that it would be simple to reverse time for any one thing, such as a rock. So after he concocted his spell, we experimented by throwing a rock into the air, and he would attempt to cause the rock to hit the ground twice. I threw the rock into the air so many times, my arms felt like jelly, until something really weird happened. When the rock hit the ground, it was much smaller. At first we suspected it just broke. After some studying of it‘s textures, Starspiral discovered that he caused the rock to go back 15 years in age. He said that it wasn‘t an aging spell, because all age spells only work on organisms. This was done on a rock.” I tell her slowly, still acknowledging she has to listen and write at the same time. She proves to be quite the student though, writing extremely fast.

“Wow…I completely underestimated Starspiral!” Twilight says with huge amounts of excitement, her legs shaking with vigor. “Time travel…I have to make this a report to Princess Celestia!” She boasts.

I can’t see her eyes, but I imagine their glazing over right about now. “Yeah…He was pretty fucking smart.” I say, chuckling a bit.

“Indeed.” Twilight replies, obviously trying to concentrate. “Did he ever succeed on getting an Earth pony or a Pegasus to perform magic outside their boundaries?” She asks quickly, slurring her words slightly as she writes.

I take in a deep breath, holding on to my words for a while. “No, he didn‘t.” I reply after a minute of thinking.

“Ahh…” Twilight says, scribbling something off her paper. “What about…Teleportation? Wasn‘t he a master at it?” She asks, poking her head over the top of her exhausted paper.

I contort my face as I look at the ceiling, once again relying on it for inspiration. “Yes, he was. He believed that to truly understand speed, the string theory, multiple dimensions, time travel, and time itself, he had to experience every type of teleportation.” I inform her, a perky smile forming across my face.

She nods as she writes, mumbling something quietly to herself. “Do you mind if I ask you something a little more personal?” She asks quickly, moving her paper and quill out of the way.

I raise my eyebrows, shrugging. “I uhh….I suppose so.” I reply awkwardly, watching the paper and quill drop to the floor. Or onto the books that clutter the floor, rather.

“How did you get to work with him?” She asks bluntly, tilting her head curiously.

I raise one of my eyebrows, smirking. “That‘s not personal, Twilight.” I tell her quickly, shaking my head at her dorkiness. “But uhh…Well, I just met him one day, and he asked me for some help. I proved to be reliable, so he had me stick around. Paid pretty well, too.” I say earnestly, sighing deeply when I finish. I can feel my exhaustion start to invade my conscious.

Twilight nods, moving her jaw around as she ponders what to say next. “Do you…” She begins, then shakes her head. “Don‘t you work at a bar? Err, at…Rarity‘s bar?” She asks, tilting her head.

I grin, smiling widely still. “Now that is a personal question.” I tell her, turning my head.

She immediately lowers her head, batting her hoof to the floor. “I‘m sorry, I‘m just curious sometimes.” She apologizes, huffing. She couldn’t hide her disappointment if she had a brick wall.

“Twilight,” I begin, smiling warmly at her. “I‘m only messing with you. You can ask whatever you want. I really don‘t mind.” I say, shaking my head again at her dorkiness.

Twilight rolls her eyes, moving her tongue from cheek to cheek. “Ha ha ha…” She laughs sarcastically, then to add to her dorkful powers, she sticks her tongue out at me.

“But seriously…” I begin, taking in a deep breath. “I worked at the bar the last couple of days. Met some pretty nice ponies, including some of your friends. But uhh…Upon meeting Rarity, she offered me a much, much more comfortable job. And uhh, I‘ll get a lot sweeter pay. She‘s just the most generous pony, seriously.” I say with a constant smile, tilting my head from side to side.

Twilight grins, nodding. “Yeah, Rarity can be real giving sometimes. You should see her on holidays. She bought Pinkie an air balloon.” She tells me, widening her eyes for emphasis.

I raise my eyebrows in sequence with hers. “An air balloon? Just what she needs.” I say, chuckling along with Twilight.

Twilight sheepishly grins, nodding her head. “So…Why did you come to Ponyville, Buddy?” She asks, laying down on her stomach.

Seeing her lay down on the floor surrounded by countless numbers of books seems like it would be her dream bed. “Well…I really came because I had to. Behind on bills, nopony around to help, and desperate need of a job, I just decided to move. I didn‘t have much to my name, luckily, so I just took the train.” I pour to her, smiling the whole time. Though she looks very sincere, I just act like it’s no biggie. I’ve had to move…a lot. I’m used to it.

“I know what it‘s like to be forced to move.” Twilight admits, batting her eyes from my view. “It sucks.”

I smile at her sudden drop in vocabulary. “Well…That‘s a lesser of a word I thought you‘d use.” I comment, grinning the whole time.

She looks up, copying my smile. “Sorry. It‘s a nuisance.” She corrects herself, smirking mischievously.

I shrug, shaking my head. “Now that you‘ve asked a dozen questions about me and my escapades with Starspiral…How about you tell me about you, and your fun little stories with your friends?”  I ask, tilting my head forward.

Twilight quickly raises, then lowers her eyebrows. Her shoulder blades shrug along with her eyebrows, like they’re all connected. “That‘s a broad question, Buddy.” She says mockingly, not able to hold back a grin.

I tilt my head back, my mouth slightly ajar. “Ahh…I see.” I reposition myself before my legs fall asleep, laying on my stomach now. “Why did you move to Ponyville?”

Twilight shrugs, taking in a deep breath. “Starting at the beginning, are we? I suppose it‘s best…Well,” She begins, waddling a little closer so she doesn’t have to talk as loud. “Princess Celestia had me sent here from Canterlot to learn about something I couldn‘t from text books. Leaving behind my home…Where I‘ve lived for so many of my young years, for this.” She says, her voice getting lower and lower.

I lean my head forward, catching her eyes in my view. Seeing me catches her attention and she lifts her head back up. “Do you regret it?” I ask.

A smirk appears over Twilight’s mouth, and she shakes her head. “Not one bit.” She replies with warmth. “I love my friends. I love this library. It‘s something…I can‘t explain.” She says, shaking her head as she looks around at the library.

I nod my head, then answer quickly. “It‘s home.” I tell her.

Immediately her eyes lock with mine, and she nods after a moment, a smirk still on her face. “Yeah…Home.”

I turn my head around, admiring all the work put into this house. Or library, whatever it is. “I can see why. A nice home, good friends around you. This is a place worthy to be called home.” I say, finally stopping my admiration at Twilight. Well…There’s plenty to admire there as well.

She smirks, nodding quickly. “What about you? Do you have any friends?” She asks curiously, dipping her head lower.

I adopt her quickness for a moment and shake my head. “Besides you girls, I have no one.” I say, gulping down any words I might have said otherwise.

Twilight’s head goes to the floor, her eyes still upon me. “That‘s sad.” She says coldly, blinking a couple times.

I shrug, grinning still. “I don‘t plan on leaving. I can see a really, really bright future for me here.” I tell her reassuringly, mimicking her posture by laying my head on a book.

“That‘s the attitude. Positive thinking always makes things better.” Twilight comments, nodding her head gently.

I nod, agreeing fully with her. “So…Did Pinkie throw a party for you too?” I ask, smirking a bit.

Twilight looks at me confused. “What?” She asks, tilting her head. Just as quickly as she speaks, she shakes her head. “Oh! I‘m sorry. Uhm…Yes, she did. Ours were pretty similar, actually.” She says, shrugging at her dorkiness again.

I smile warmly, nodding in agreement, though I didn’t attend her party to really know the similarities. “Ahh…So…what‘s with Applejack and Rainbow Dash? They‘ve always been like that?” I ask, raising en eyebrow to emphasize my curiosity.

Twilight nods a couple times, sighing deeply. “Oh yeah. Always competing with each other, always one-upping the other, and of course, always arguing.” She says, shaking her head.

If only you knew that their competition goes beyond the cake devouring and into the bedroom, Twilight. “Yeah…I‘ve seen ponies like that before. Too much pride.” I say with a snort.

“Well, their pride is well earned. Rainbow Dash is the fastest in all of Equestria, and nopony is a better apple bucker than Applejack. Their pride is well earned, but…They think it entitles them to share it with the world, is all.” Twilight comments, brushing her purple mane out of her face. The little pink streak running through it still lingers close to her nose even through her valiant effort.

I shrug, percing my lips. “Yeah…I don‘t think I‘ve really earned any pride for myself, really. Heck, I ain‘t even got my cutie mark.” I say, moving my head out of the way so Twilight can see the truth.

Her reaction is typical. She raises her eyebrows, her mouth slightly gaped open. “You don‘t have it yet?” She asks, tilting her head up, but quickly shakes her head. “No, no, you don‘t have to answer that. Stupid question…” She mumbles, bowing her head in embarrassment.

I smile warmly, shaking my head. “It‘s alright. I don‘t mind talking about it, just a cutie mark. And, well…Yeah. I don‘t have mine.” I tell her truthfully, and I even have to glance back at it still. To this day, I wonder what it will be. Of course I hate cutie marks and all they entitle, but regardless, I do wonder what mine is.

“Wow…” She says, blinking a couple times, obviously in wonderment. “You seem like a very successful colt for one without a mark…” She says, still trying to sport a comforting smile.

I shake my head, smiling lightly. “Don‘t need one to be successful, Twilight.” I say, grinning still.

Twilight obviously thinks about this for a while, shaking her head. “I‘m sorry, I can be really inconsiderate sometimes. You‘re a great pony, and…I respect you.” She says, putting her head in between her legs.

Well…That made me blush. I give her the most honest, genuine smile I could muster. “Thanks, Twilight. I appreciate respect more than….Well, more than a 50 bit pay check.” I tell her with a comical grin.

Twilight chuckles lightly to herself, shaking her head. “You’re welcome, Buddy.”

I get my head nice and cozy between my legs, and snuggly bring my hind legs tucked together, enjoying the warm fire mere feet from me. “So then…Twilight Sparkle, student of Celestia, huh?” I say, smirking mischievously at Twilight.

She nods her head, obviously getting tired. “Yeah…Her loyal student to the end.” She states matter-a-factly.

I nod my head, then pick myself up a little before I fall asleep. “How did you two even meet?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

Twilight picks up on her exhaustion, seeing me getting up. She gets up too, but not much more than lifting her head. “In Magic Kindergarten, she said I was the most talented, and told me I should come live with her and become her personal student. Ever since then…I‘ve learned everything from her. She‘s kind of…Well, like a mom, really.” She says, smirking in the silence. The fire coming from her chimney cracks lightly between our silence, reminding me that there’s warmth.

“What did you do that got Princess Celestia‘s attention? Teleport a house?” I ask, chuckling a little to myself.

Twilight shakes her head seriously, and moves her head forward. “I hatched a dragon.” She says quickly, nodding her head.

A dragon? Fucking hell, that’s the real deal there. “Really? That‘s…sweet. Talking about Rainbow Dash and Applejack having too much pride…You got Princess Celestia as a mentor, hatched a dragon, and got this huge library for a home. Damn good bragging rights, if you ask me.” I praise, raising an eyebrow at her.

Twilight shakes her head in response, smiling still. “No, no, that‘s a different kind of pride. I really like Spike, he‘s not something to be proud of, but to be thankful for.” She says.

I tilt my head, perking my lips. “Spike?” I ask, confused.

Twilight smacks her hoof into her face. “Oh! Spike is the dragon I hatched. He‘s my assistant and helps me with anything I need.” She says quickly, not letting me be confused for long.

My confusion is quickly replaced by envy. “Excuse me as I have a hard time comprehending this. You have…A dragon. For an assistant. That…is…AWESOME!” I yell, my face full of admiration and emotion.

Twilight laughs loudly, shaking her head. “Oh, well…He‘s a little guy, and the biggest help. Honestly…I wouldn‘t be this organized if it weren‘t for him.” She admits, sighing as she looks around the library.

I look around too, mostly at how unorganized everything is. “Yeah…Organized.” I mock her, showing a playful smirk.

“Oh, well, usually.” She blushes lightly, ducking her face.

I nod my head, raising my eyebrows. “Ahh, I see. Usually.” I mimic her, grinning mischievously.

She shakes her head, her eyes narrowing on me. “You should go to bed.” She commands, still smiling.

Goodness, I haven’t even thought about that. “Right, right…I‘ll uhh…I guess I‘ll get going then.” I say, stretching out my legs, and especially my neck as I get up.

Twilight seems to bite around her lips before finally speaking. “You…can stay the night, if you want. It‘s cold out, and I don‘t know how far you have to walk. So, yeah…If you want. You can sleep by the fire too, if you want. Oh! I actually have sleeping bags! Let me go get one!” She announces so spectacularly to the world, dashing away.

I raise an eyebrow at the tenacity of Twilight Sparkle. “Alrighty then.” I say to myself, sitting back down on the small circle of books.

As quick as she left, Twilight was back, and levitating a large sleeping bag above her. “I usually have lot‘s of these in the case of a surprise sleep over, cause they happen a lot. You know…Rainbow Dash and all.” She tells me with smirk, letting her spell go and the bag drops before me.

“Couldn‘t ask for a better bed from a five star hotel.” I comment, then yank the sleeping bag in my direction, letting it spread out.

“Heh…” Twilight mutters, then shrugs. “Hey. If you need anything, let me know.” She says, turning around to walk to where her bedroom probably is.

I crawl into the large sleeping bag, and it is insanely cozy. I don’t even need the fire to keep me warm. I could probably take this outside and sleep on the pavement…But I’m not going to do that.

“Oh, and uhm…Buddy?” Twilight meekly calls for me, walking over to my sleeping spot.

I bring my head up, and I can see the drowsiness in her eyes. “Hmm?”

Twilight fidgets around with her hooves, then smirks shyly. “Thanks for coming over…It was really generous of you.” She says, ducking her head.

I smile warmly, tucking the covers closer. “Thanks for the cozy sleeping bag.” I say with a smirk.

Twilight chuckles lightly, nodding at my gesture. “Anytime.” She says, turning around once again to what is probably her room. “Goodnight…Buddy.”

I find a rather massive book and place it underneath my sleeping back, using it as a makeshift pillow. “Sweet dreams, Twilight.”

--

I wake to the dim light, not from a fire, but from the windows. Where am I again? My house has like…One window, and don’t I have an alarm clock?

It takes me a few minutes to figure out I’m in Twilight’s library. The books should’ve been a dead giveaway since I have absolutely none. I certainly don’t want to wake up Twilight or…her dragon. Spike, was it? Damn, I still can’t get over that. A dragon for an assistant. Clearly this mare has no idea how much instant coolness that gives her.

Tip-toeing my way out of Twilight’s proves easy enough, just have to watch the books. It takes the cool breeze of the morning and very shy sun to remind of something: I have a new job! Gosh Rarity is so nice. But…What about Vinyl? And her friend? I guess I should go give them my last goodbyes.

With my decision, I walk back to my old job at the bar, trotting as quickly as I can. Would they be there at this time? I usually am, and it doesn’t take long for them to get there. Pushing the door slightly ajar, I suppose they are here. I’m the one that opens up shop, usually.

“Vinyl?” I ask, stepping down the steps and into the bar.

Vinyl moves around from the counter, smiling widely. “I cover for you last night, now I cover for this guy‘s shift today. Strange how life works, isn‘t it?” She’s still grinning wildly.

I nod my head courteously, mimicking her smile. “Yeah…and to think I took his yesterday.” I comment, raising my eyebrows.

Vinyl shrugs generously. “Ehh, I don‘t mind.” She says, sighing deeply as she starts scrubbing mugs. I can see her friend is setting up both of their musical equipment on stage. Poor girl…I haven’t even met her yet. “Why you here early?” She asks curiously, not glancing up as she cleans.

I bow my head a little, slightly against telling her so blatantly. “Well…I‘m going to be working for Rarity from now on.” I say loosely while slightly, playfully smiling.

She smiles too, raising her eyebrows at my luck. “That‘s pretty sweet! I heard she pays real, real good.” She comments, putting a cup away and starting on a new one.

I feel…Kind of bad. I like this place, genuinely. Vinyl is a really swell pony and I haven’t even met her partner in crime yet, and I’m already leaving. “Yeah it is. I‘ll put in a good word for you.” I say with a hint of sarcasm, smirking mischievously.

She shakes her head, still cleaning. “Perhaps she‘ll let me be a foal sitter.” She says, raising worried eyebrows and a weary laugh.

I shake my head, completely agreeing with her sarcasm. “I‘ll warn you if it comes to that.” I say with a smirk, beginning to walk out of the bar. Then…I remember something. My cup. My trump card mug. “Hey uhh…” I begin, going back to the counter. “There should be a really clean cup down there somewhere.” I tell her, pointing a hoof at the counter.

She nods curiously, and moves her hoofs around until she pulls out the mug I mentioned. “This thing?” She asks, examining it. “What, it special?” She asks, then opens her eyes wide. “Oooooh…Oh no. Are we going to get into another philosophy about if it‘s half empty or half full?” She asks with that sarcastic glare again.

I shake my head reassuringly at her, smiling. “No, not today Vinyl. I just wanted to take this one home with me. You know, as a souvenir.” I tell her with an admitting smile.

Vinyl shakes her head side to side, clearly not understanding what it means to me. “Whatever, dude.” She says, and as I take my cup and begin to walk away, her hoof on mine stops me. “Oh yeah!” She begins, leaning her head forward. “You want to uhh…go to the movies, sometime?” She asks, raising a large smirk over her face.

Hmm…Now that seems suspicious. I like to credit myself to ‘knowing’ ponies, but…well, I don’t know this one. She can be kind of random sometimes. Not Pinkie’s level, but still unpredictable. “You mean, do I want to go on a date with you?” I ask, tilting my head slightly.

Her normal smirk turns mischievous, shrugging off my question. “Oh…Well, you said it.” She says with a strong, criminal smirk.

I shake my head, rolling my eyes. “As long as you behave, I‘ll play along.” I accept slightly reluctantly.

Her smirk turns to a full smile as she nods to my acceptance. “Alright. It‘s a date. I‘ll let you know when, mkay?” She informs me vigilantly.

I have the distinct feeling she’s been planning this. “Alright Vinyl…I have to get going though, no idea when Rarity wants me working.” I tell her, shrugging at her inconvenience.

Vinyl nods, understanding my situation. “Of course. Don‘t want to be late on the first day of work. But uhm…You know, if you ever need someone to take your shift, ya know…I‘ll be here.” She says with a wink.

I roll my eyes again, and quickly make my way to the door. “See ya later Vinyl!” I bid farewell, waving to her.

Well then…A date. Wonderful. Like, only a week into living here, and I have a date, a job, and a whole lot of friends. I’m really digging Ponyville. Oh wow…Digging? I’ve been hanging out with Vinyl too much.

Making my way through the skirts of Ponyville once again, I pass by the library as I move on to my new job. I wonder when Twilight wakes up? But…Coming across the beauty shop that Rarity undoubtedly works at, I guess I’ll find out some other time.

Ding dong! Rarity’s door bell goes off when I push it. Sounds pretty annoying if you ask me. I’d rather just have somepony knock.

It takes a minute or two, but soon enough, Rarity swings the door open. “Come in, come in!” She demands, pointing her hoof inside, like I don’t know where to go.

It’s…pretty. I mean, I thought the library was impressive because I’m a colt that appreciates modesty and humbleness, but Rarity’s shop is appealing to any eye. There’s gorgeous clothes all over, gowns, dresses, hats, and far off from the entrance of her store, I can see what looks like where she creates everything. There’s also countless windows undoubtedly made to show off the immediate attraction of her store. I guess I’m just stupid for not taking up on it an looking inside to see if she was awake first.

“Good morning, Ms. Rarity.” I greet, walking in gratefully into the less than modest store.

“And good morning to yourself, my friend!” She replies in her rich, rightful accent. I have to admit, I don’t like Canterlot accents that much, but Rarity pulls it off well.

“So what you want me to do?” I ask quickly, getting to the point.

Rarity huffs, tilting her head up. “Well I would hope this would be more than business, Buddy.” She says quickly, scolding my tenacity.

Pretty blunt there, Rarity. “I apologize, Rarity. I uhm…Well my manners are out of practice.” I admit to her with a glum smile.

She nods understandably. “No fretting, you‘re manners will be much more polished when I‘m finished.” She tells me with strict honesty.

I mean…Not like I try to be rude. Then again, I suppose real rudeness is when you don’t even realize it. I guess that makes sense then. Alright Rarity, I’m game. “Alright then, Miss Rarity.” I accept her offer of manner-adjustment graciously, bowing my head. Then I look around, nodding in admiration. “Quite the place you have here. I mean…I really like modesty myself, but I think it’s spectacular by any pony’s standards.” I tell her truthfully, stopping my glance around the room on her.

Rarity smirks at my envy, bowing her head at my compliment. “Thank you, kind sir.” She says, then turns around and starts a very controlled walk into the back room. I don’t know what it is about her walk. It’s like she practiced to get it just right or something. I mean, who am I to judge walking, but it’s just something I can’t help but notice.

“I‘m going to be working on a special project for the next week, and because of it, I‘ll be having you run some errands.” She says very business-like.

Thought I was going to learn about manners? Oh well, can’t argue really. “Of course. But, if I may, what is the project?” I ask, tilting my head forward as we walk.

She tilts her head back with a proud grin. “I‘m going to be working on a present, for Twilight.” She boasts proudly, flicking her eyelashes like there was a reason to.

A present, eh? I suppose that means a birthday is coming up. “I see…What is it going to be?” I ask curiously as we round a corner into the back room.

Rarity’s pride suddenly drops and she kicks a hoof at a table, shaking the fabrics on it about. “I don‘t know yet…” She admits, disappointment masking her face.

“Hmm…” I mumble gently, looking over the cloths. “Any ideas?” I ask, pondering my thoughts as I stroke my chin.

Rarity immediately takes the chance, walking in a circle around the table. “Well, I was thinking a scarf! Because she gets really, really cold in the winter even in that lovely library. But…She has a lot of them already. So many, actually, that I‘m willing to bet she loses them on purpose. So then I thought about a blanket…But a blanket is so…bland! So then I was thinking of making her a dress! But…A fancy dress for her birthday is completely inappropriate. I just…Can‘t think of anything.” She says in what must have been one long breath.

Well then! Rarity must give out a whole lot of scarves. “I think a blanket would be wonderful.” I comment half heartedly, then dip my head lower. “Maybe a blanket with…A little something?” I suggest, even curious as to where I’m going.

“What do you mean?” Rarity asks, leaning forward over the table.

I clear my throat before I speak, making sure I’m clear. “When I went through that whole…Book fanatic phase, I always read in my bed. It was cozy, warm, and most of all, comfortable. And…Well, this might be really stupid and corny, but I thought it would be cute to have a book as a blanket.” I say with a silly smile. My face speaks more than words, admitting my idea is stupid.

Rarity chuckles, grinning very un-canterlot like. “That sounds very thoughtful. So…A book, on a blanket? Like the words on it, a cover, and everything?” She asks curiously, clearly trying to get the whole idea.

I nod, shrugging. “Pretty much. I think that‘s something she would really, really appreciate. I mean…when I was in the library, I saw all the books laying on the ground and I imagine her dream bed would literally be having books all around her. So…Why not do just that?” I say, grinning at my corniness.

“That‘s a really good idea!” She compliments, nodding in admiration. “But…It sounds like a real challenge. I mean…Getting every word right is going to be extremely time consuming.” She says, biting her bottom lip.

“Well, I co-”

I’m stopped as Rarity continues on, talking to herself. “And being sure each fabric blends together…The words will have to be stitched perfectly, and be all in the same format. And…No slanting the paragraphs. It will also have to be measured to see what size the words should be, and…and…” She continues on, too low for me to hear. I’m just going to let her do her own thing.

I begin to step away, out of the room, but Rarity shoots a glance at me.

“Where‘re you going, dearie?” She asks gingerly, still circling the table like a shark.

I stop immediately. “You seem like you‘re thinking things through pretty thoroughly. I was just going to leave you at peace for a minute, until you have it all figured out.” I reply hesitantly.

Rarity nods her head, still concentrating on the task at hand. “Okay, Mr. B. I‘ll steal you when I need you.” She says, shooing me away.

I just bow my head to her, then back away out of the room, back to the entrance to the store. Once there, I’m greeted with a familiar face.

“Hiya, mister!” A little white filly shouts, her head titling up high to look at me.

I think I remember this ones name. Sweetie…Belle? “Hi there.” I say with slightly less enthusiasm.

She still beams at me. How can these fillies get up this early? Good practice, I guess. “You‘re working for sissy now, aren‘t ya?” She asks with a big, hopeful smile.

Oh…Sister? This Rarity’s sister, is it? “Yeah, I am. I‘m her assistant, for a lack of better words.” I say with raised eyebrows.

Sweetie Belle snorts as she laughs. “My sister‘s assistant? Does that mean we can play together everyday?!” She asks with uber amounts of excitement.

No, Sweetie Belle, I hope not. “Well…I‘m here to try and get my cutie mark. And to get it, I need to do it on my own. Sorry, Sweetie Belle.” I say, pouting my lips. Damn I’m good at quick thinking.

“Awwwee…” Sweetie Belle whines in disappointment, sighing. “I sure hope you get yours though, mister!” She chants reassuringly, a big smile on her face.

I find that…Kind of sweet. A kid’s innocence is a bit of a weak spot for me. “Thanks, Sweetie Belle. But uhm…Shouldn‘t you be off with the other crusaders?” I ask, looking around the room as if they’re going to burst from the windows. Yeah, a surprise cutie mark.

Sweetie Belle nods, looking at the door. “I was about to go to our secret tree house, then I saw you! You should come see it sometime.” She suggests, still smiling.

I nod, agreeing with her. “I plan on it. Now run along, I have cutie mark crusading to do.” I say, saluting to the little filly as she bolts out the door.

“See ya later, Mr. B!” She shouts, her words just getting to me before the door closes.

And there we go. Alone once again.

“Alright!” Rarity shouts, appearing out of now-freaking-where.

“Shit!” I shout, almost falling over. “My Celestia…Do all you mares have ‘scaring the hell out of ponies’ powers?” I ask, shaking off the startled look on my face.

Rarity bows her head, puffing her cheeks. “I apologize, I suppose it is me who needs to work on manners as well.” She says, giggling to herself.

I smirk at the irony, walking back over to her. “Alright then. So…I suppose you have it all figured out?” I ask, taking a glance back at the room. Nothing changed.

Rarity nods, confirming my curiosity. “Yes, I do believe I know what has to be done. It‘ll be difficult to complete in just one week, but I can‘t back down from a challenge that‘s so tempting.” She says, glory in her eyes.

What was that thing Twilight talked about last night? Having the right for pride, but no control over keeping it out of other pony’s lives? Yeah…The irony is baffling. “I believe in you, Rarity.” I tell her earnestly, then tilt my head up. “I‘m guessing you‘re going to have a huge wish list?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

Rarity sparks a grin, her eyes glistening. I would guess that she even decorates her eyes, but it’s probably natural. “On the contrary, no. I have nearly all the materials I need here. I just need…Time. Something I‘m always constricted on.” She says, biting her bottom lip as she concentrates.

I sigh, nodding my head. “I know how you feel. Would you like me to help out with other projects, so you can focus on this one, then?” I ask, tilting my head.

Rarity thinks about it for a moment, then shakes her head at my offer. “No, no. Very kind, but no. I will simply push back those and focus on Twilight‘s blanket. She is my friend, after all.” She decides, confirming her decision with a nod.

I raise, then unraise my eyebrows. “Sounds like a plan, Rarity.” I reply as I watch her walk back to the room. “So then, what would you like me to do?”

She immediately turns around, her mouth open, but no words come out. She ponders for a minute, then plops her hoof on the ground. “Hmmf…First day of work and I don‘t have a thing for you…” She mutters, sighing disappointedly.

I shrug, still smiling. “Hey, no worries. I‘ll just hang around, and if you need me, just holler.” I suggest, beginning to go back to the entrance to the room when she stops me.

“Instead of helping me, you should go help out Applejack.” She suggests, smiling proudly that she came up with something.

Applejack…Alright, I’m down for it. “Oh, well that sounds like a swell time.” I comment, still grinning like usual.

Rarity then turns around to the back room, taking her sweet time. “Sweet Apple Acres is just down the road from Ponyville. Big sign near the end of town that‘ll point you in the right direction. Not that you wouldn‘t be able to tell, their barn is gigantically rubbish.” She informs me, scoffing at the supposedly huge barn.

I chuckle to myself. Rubbish? That’s a new one. “Alright then, Rarity! I‘ll see you later, then!” I bid farewell, opening the door to the store.

“Have a good day, Mr. B!” She shouts back from across the store.

And with that…I’m off to yet another job. I find it really ironic that I came here looking for a job. I got several. The bar, Rarity’s assistant, and now doing some favors for Applejack. Along with that, I’ve gotten 6 friends. I honestly don’t know what to feel anymore. Happy, thankful, gracious, lucky: all in one.

As I reach the end of town, I come across a sign reading, “Ponyville”, and “Sweet Apple Acres”, each pointing to their destinations.

That’s convenient. Alright then! Off to Sweet Apple Acres.

My pace is quick, not wanting to disappoint anypony. And…Rarity wasn’t kidding. Their barn is huge! I can see it like it’s a freaking statue blocking out the sun.

As it all comes into view finally, I realize I’m walking through their fields. Far ahead to my right is the barn, and about equally straight ahead of me is what must be their house. It looks very cozy, like a typical farm house. Real big by anypony’s standards, but I know well enough that farms usually have some big families.

After a short journey, I make it to the house. They don’t have a doorbell…Good, I hate doorbells.

I knock gently on the wooden door, and I’m afraid it’s going to fall off if I hit any harder.

Quicker than any other pony I’ve seen yet, Applejack whips the door mere seconds after I knock. “Howdy partner! Whu‘ can ah do for ya on tis‘ fine lookin‘ evenin‘?” She asks, still with that thick southern accent. And with that hat.

I greet her with a bow. “Heya Applejack. I was wondering if you might need some help around the farm.” I say casually.

Applejack shifts her jaw from side to side, looking over the barn real quick. “Yah, I s‘pose ah might need a lick‘a help today.” She accepts willingly, finally moving her gaze back to me. “Come on in, sugarcube.” She says, letting the door hang wide open.

I take a couple steps inside willingly, looking around. Lot’s of wood, that’s for sure. I’m not an expert on architecture, but this house looks hand made. I can’t quite put my hoof on why, but it just feels a lot more personal than some architect building a house. “Thanks!” I say gratefully, shivering off any of the cold I brought in. “Quite the farm you got.” I compliment, walking behind her. This must be the living room, a rocking chair and rug around a fireplace. Looks really…homey.

Applejack laughs fruitfully, turning her head back to look at me. “Real bueat‘, in’t she?” She asks, raising an eyebrow.

I nod my head quickly. “Oh yeah. It looks really gorgeous. Especially those hills around the side.” I comment, walking into the kitchen. It doesn’t look too tidy…Dishes and all, real messy. Maybe just my OCD kicking in. “Is all this land really yours?”

She nods her head proudly. “Eeyup! Every spec‘a dirt ya see here, all ah it owned by tuh Apple family.” She boasts proudly.

Here we go again…More pride going around. Can’t really deny it though, the farm is pretty banging. Banging…? Damn you Vinyl Scratch and your catchy vocabulary! “It‘s really impressive.” I compliment, not letting Vinyl invade anything more than my subconscious.

Applejack leans her head over the sink and sighs. “Applebloom…” She mutters, closing her eyes as she shakes her head.

Where have I heard that name…”Applebloom?” I ask, poking my nose around.

Applejack jerks her head up, apparently forgetting my presence. “Uhh…My lil‘ sis tends tuh make a mess, n‘ seems tuh never ever clean it up.” She says with cold annoyance.

I grin, nodding understandably. “Hey, as a fellow clean-freak, I know how you feel. But…I can get that in tip-top shape in just a few minutes, if ya like.” I offer, turning my head sideways at the offer.

She smiles widely, full of appreciation. “Well dat‘d be mighty gen‘rous of ya‘ll, but only if ya want to.” She says cheerily, moving away from the kitchen sink.

I bow my head to her courteously. “Of course I want to. I can‘t go to sleep at night knowing this exists, anyways.” I comment, going wide eyed at all the dishes. Was this all from her little sister?

Applejack laughs to herself, shaking her head. “Well, uhh…Ya‘ll can use whateva ya need. Tuh wash rags r‘ under ter sink, ah reckon, and ah do believe we have new dish soap aroun‘ dere. Enjoy yourself, partner.” She informs me, walking out of the room.

“You aren‘t gonna stay?” I ask as I scrounge my way under the bottom of the sink, finding a plentiful bucket of rags.

She stops, backing into the kitchen again. “Well, err…ah figured ya‘ll like‘ta be alone n‘ all.” She replies, watching me pick out rags.

“Oh, if you have work, don‘t let me hold ya, but if not…I don‘t know, I don‘t mind talking while working.” I say before taking out a few rags of my selection and placing them on the edge of the counter. They aren’t spotless and clean like I’d hoped, but…They’ll work.

“Aaah…” Applejack says, making her way to a small table behind me, pulling out a chair and sitting down. “Suh now it’s work, is it?” She asks sarcastically. It’s hard to pull off sarcasm with a thick accent like that.

I shake my head, rolling my eyes all at the same time. “Life is work, Applejack.” I reply cleverly.

Applejack huffs. “Ain‘t t‘at tuh truth.” She says quickly, moving around in her chair.

I pour some soap over one rag, making sure it’s nice and warm before I go to town on this mountain of dishes. “So what do you do on a farm?” I ask, trying to make conversation.

Applejack takes kindly to the small talk, taking in a deep breath. “Well, uhh…Ah usually jus‘ buck apples all day lon‘, den dependin‘ on tuh season, ah make apple cider, or apple pies.” She tells me absent mindedly. I don’t mind her attitude; pretty boring talking to a colt doing dishes.

“Yeah? Sounds like a whole mess of work. Too hard working for my blood.” I admit, putting a few finished plates into a rack.

Applejack laughs to herself. “Ya‘ll‘s blood mus‘a be a mystery to Equestria, cause I don’t even know who ya are.” She says with a hint of curiosity.

I tilt my head back, smiling. “Oh, I see. Sly way to get me to tell you about myself.” I say matter-a-factly.

“Tat‘s tuh idea.” She says with a sharp tone.

“Alright, alright.” I sigh in defeat, half concentrating on talking and half concentrating on cleaning. “Well, I moved here out of convenience. Needed a job and started at Rarity‘s new bar. Worked there for about…Two days, then Pinkie showed up. I imagine wherever she goes, she effects some pony‘s life drastically. And well…At the party, Rarity told me I‘m fired, then hired me as a personal assistant. Now I‘m here.” I tell her, glancing every now and then back at her.

“Wow,” Applejack says, putting her hoofs on the table. “Dat was a great story where ya tol‘ me diddly ‘bout yourself.” She says bluntly. “Come on, sugarcube.”

I sigh, shaking my head. “Well, I really don‘t know what to tell you, Applejack.” I admit, getting half way finished with the dishes.

Applejack stays quiet for a minute, then abruptly asks, “A‘ight…Why duh ya fin‘ jobs suh important?”

I shrug, watching the hot water take away all the sticky leftovers off the plates while I scrub. “Why do you ask?” I ask interrogatively. Because I’m just cleaning off a plate, I’m able to turn around and look at her as she responds.

She tilts her head to the side, her eyes going to the floor. “Leavin‘ home for work, fin‘in three jobs since ya came here, an‘ it‘s all ya focus on.” She says honestly. Brutally honest.

I turn my head back, raising my eyebrows. “Well…For one, it‘s how I get paid, and I suppose it‘s just one of my necessities.” I reply sternly, scraping off something I can’t even identify. Might be food. Might be boogers. Might be alien crap for all I know.

“Well, ah reckon ya‘ll jus‘ wan‘ tuh find you‘ cutie mark.” She says bluntly, honest as always.

I turn my head around at her, staring at her for a moment. “Nice of you to notice.” I comment, going back to washing dishes.

“Considerin‘ ah got‘s not‘in ta look at back here but your flank, I cudn‘t help but notice ya missing yours.“ She says, still upfront.

Damn this mare really gets her opinion out there. “Yeah, well, I don‘t think I‘m going to be getting my dish washing cutie mark.” I tell her with a bit of an attitude. I don’t mean to, though. It just kind of…Happens. “So, no, I don‘t find jobs to get a cutie mark.”

Applejack holds up her hoofs, clearly realizing her boundaries. “I‘ma sorry, don‘ mean ta tread on ya‘ll‘s thin ice. I‘m jus‘a wonderin‘ mare, is all.” She says, backing off.

I sigh deeply, closing my eyes. “I‘m sorry, Applejack. Just something I get a little defensive about.” I apologize to her, reinforcing my words by turning around, showing the hurt on my face.

She nods understandably. “No trouble, partner. An‘ it looks like ya almos‘ done dere.” She says, getting from her seat and walking over to my side. “Eeyup…Mighty clean.”

I smile, bowing my head at her gracious compliment. “Thaaank you.” I say, putting the rags by the sink and letting them rinse. “Now what?” I ask, leaning slightly against the kitchen counter.

Applejack brings her head up high, smirking. “How good are ya at apple buckin‘?”

I back my gaze up a little, turning my head suspiciously. “Can‘t say I‘ve done it before.” I admit, shrugging at my inexperience.

Applejack’s smirk grows. “Ah see…” She says, beginning to walk out of the kitchen.

I follow behind quickly. “So does that qualify me as cheerleader?” I ask jokingly.

Applejack turns her head back to me as we pass through the living room. “Ooooh no, mister. Ya gonna learn, an‘ it just so happens ya‘ll know tuh bes‘ apple bucker in Equestria.” She says, smirking proudly.

Yup. Twilight, right again. “Ah mus‘ be tuh luckies‘ colt around these parts!” I boast, mimicking her voice as best I can.

She glares back at me as we walk out the door still swung wide open. “Over ‘round dere is where we keep our apple trees.” She says, moving the conversation forward. “Dat‘s where we‘ll be apple buckin‘.” She tells me, walking ahead.

I keep quiet, in case she wants to tell me anymore about her apple zoo. She doesn’t however, allowing me to just take in the full glory of the land. It’s the kind totally untouched by the industrial age. Canterlot, with it’s vast intricacies and huge architecture, is a great example of over doing it. I really like this place. The large, comfortable house. The gigantic barn. The huge fields. The big hills surrounding the farm. The way the sun just looks so crisp over the large hills and clouds. It’s a wonderful view. And not to mention all the trees! All the wonderful, bountiful apple trees. It seems to go on beyond my vision and…wait. Are we going to have to buck all of these? Oh Celestia…This mare is trying to kill me.

“Ah got baskets layin‘ aroun’ up ahead‘a ways.” She says, moving her head up in the direction of the mass congregation of apple trees.

“Alright then. So I just…Kick the tree? Then collect the apples?” I ask, trying to grasp exactly what apple bucking is.

Applejack nods, confirming my assumption. “Dat‘s ta idea, sugarcube. Bu‘ if ya‘ll get real good, ya can jus‘ buck da tree an‘ all dem‘ apples‘ll fall righ‘ in.” She tells me, raising her eyebrows.

“Oh…” I mutter, looking at the impending doom my legs are going to face. “And I suppose you can do it, huh?” I ask rhetorically. Of course she can. Best apple bucker in Equestria.

She brings her head up proudly. “Wouldn’t call mah self best apple bucker in Equestria if I couldn’t.”

Yep. I wonder what it’s like to be right all the time, like Twilight. “You really that good?” I ask, speeding up to get by her side.

She turns to me, a real sage-like smile on her face. “Ah never lie, sugarcube.”

“Can‘t disagree there.” I reply, remembering how brutally honest she was back in the kitchen.

Applejack returns herself to a serious walk now that we reached the apple trees. “A‘ight, partner. Jus‘ grab a basket and start buckin‘.” She says quickly, taking one of the baskets in her mouth and trotting off.

I too take a basket in my mouth, and because my lack of knowledge of the place, I follow Applejack.

She finds a ripe tree for bucking and sets her basket down, glancing over at me sharply. “Didn‘t mean for ya ta follow me, but I s‘pose it‘s bes‘ for ya to watch an’ learn first.”

I smirk as she realizes how inexperienced I really am. “Please, oh masterful one. Show me your wise apple bucking technique.” I say with a monotone, satirical tone.

She takes kindly to it, turning around and firmly planting her hooves on the tree. In one powerful hit, apples drop like flies from the tree, and like she said, right into the basket. “Notin‘ to it.” She boasts proudly.

I bow my head, recognizing her as the bucking master. “Alright, alright. I‘ll give credit where credit is dew.” I saw earnestly, then sigh. “You‘re the best apple bucker in all of Equestria.” I say half heartedly on purpose.

Applejack smiles widely. “Thank you kindly.”

I then smirk at her brashful nature. “Then again, coming from an amateur…Not a very credible acknowledgement.” I say, grinning mischievously.

Applejack rolls her eyes, biting down on her basket and moving on to the next tree. I suppose I should get to bucking…

I look at the tree before me, sizing it up and down. Lot’s of apples up there, too. I turn around, ready my legs, and then give a strong kick back onto the tree. I hear plenty of rumbles and cracks from above, but it’s when I get knocked in the head that confirms I did it right. Kinda…

“Hahaha!” Applejack laughs, watching me from a tree nearby. “Look at tuh bright side! Ya‘ll got a few in ya basket!” She shouts, not able to contain her laughter further.

Hahaha, Applejack. Ha ha ha…”Hey, I‘m trying.” I say, beginning to pick up the apples and put them in the basket.

Applejack’s smile turns from fun, to gentle. “An‘ I appreciate it. It‘s uhm…” She ducks her head, batting a hoof at a nearby tree trunk. “Mighty kind of you.” She says, her accent a little less obvious for a moment.

I look at her, absentmindedly still picking up apples. “Hey, no problem. Anytime you need some help, just let me know.” I tell her as honestly as I can. I can’t boast honesty like her, but I can try.

Applejack bows her head slowly to me, then continues bucking them apple trees.

Damn, she’s already on her fourth one. “I don‘t mean to be slow. I‘m just new to this.” I say apologetically, leaving the full basket at the tree. I go get a new one, and pick out another tree, making sure it’s still close to her.

Applejack makes her around her tree, picking up a few stray apples. “Ah don‘ expect ya‘ll to fill in for Big Macintosh. Ya just do what ya can, and it‘ll be fine.” She says with a more gracious smile than usual.

Oh, I see. So I’m filling in for that freaking HUGE pony, am I? I don’t suppose it’s a coincidence Rarity asked me to come down, she probably knew. “Big Macintosh? What‘s up with him?” I ask before I buck my tree finally, causing the apples to fall in routine.

She just gives an annoyed huff. “Darn flu. Always comes when ya least expectin‘ it.” She says, shrugging her shoulders.

“Ah,” I begin, knowing all too well of a sudden case of the flu. “Those can get nasty sometimes.” I comment, picking up my work of apples.

“Eeyup, I s‘pose it can.” She replies shortly, then a loud thump resounds over me.

Damn she can hit hard. Wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of that! “Well…If you needed help, why isn‘t Rainbow Dash down here? She seems like quite the athlete.” I ask, still picking up the rest of my apples.

Applejack sighs, ducking her head as she moves to another tree. “Winters‘a comin‘ up soon, an‘ Bow‘ tis‘ always busiest before winter. Ya know, weather control n‘ all.” She says, obvious sadness in her voice.

Yeah…I honestly can’t feel empathy for not having my significant other around all the time, but…I know enough that it hurts. “I see…” I say, bucking the next tree, the apples falling around me. That’s when I realize I forgot a basket.

Going back up a short walk and grabbing yet another basket, I make my way back, scouring through the trees to find one near Applejack. “So…How‘s your guys‘ situation going?” I ask, poking my head around a tree.

Applejack chuckles a little from behind a freshly-bucket tree. “Ah knew ya‘d bring it up sooner or later.” She says, walking around her tree and picking up apples. “We‘re doin‘ fine, sugarcube.” She says reassuringly.

Seeing her pick up apples reminds me I still have mine too. Before I pick up my first apple, I turn back to her. “Have you told them yet?” I ask, trying to be as friendly as possible.

She shakes her head, but much more happily than I would’ve assumed. “Nah, Rainbow says we should wait ‘til we have things figured out.” She says, informing me of their plan.

I turn back around, beginning to pick up my batch of apples. “So how did you two…hook up?”

Applejack laughs to herself, making her way over to a tree. “Funny story, that.” She begins, bucking her tree moments after sizing it up. “She tol‘ me straight up she was intah me, an‘ wanted to get together. I tol‘ her, ‘Mah barn door don’t swing dat way, sugarcube.’” She tells me, then laughs to herself. “Was true, too. Til‘ she kissed me. I was sold from ten on.” She said. The kind of smile on her face…I’ve only seen it on blissful ponies.

I nod my head, still picking up apples. “Sounds like a real love story.” I say, grinning mischievously.

Applejack shrugs, sizing up another tree. “Wha‘ ‘bout you? Gots any mares ah should know ‘bout?” She asks, bucking a tree and sending it’s lush apples tumbling to the ground.

I bow my head sheepishly. “Oh, well…” I begin, kicking a apple slightly. “Kind of have a date with one coming up.” I tell her, shrugging.

She eyes me up, nodding. “Uh huh…” She says, moving on to another tree.

“Nothing big, really. Just a friendly date.” I say, but truthfully, I’m not sure what kind of date it is.

Applejack’s smile returns, and she continues bucking trees. I lost count of what she’s on. “No need ta be all bashful n‘ all.” She says with a bit of sly humor, taking up another tree that’s a lot closer to me.

Oh…Right. Apple bucking. “Applejack…” I begin, looking up at her with worried eyes. “Are we going to do the whole apple tree farm today?” I ask, my eyebrows accentuating my worry.

Applejack let’s out a loud, fun laugh. “Awe, goodness no, sugarcube! We‘re jus‘ gettin‘ a couple don‘! Ah have tuh res‘ of da season to buck the rest.” She says, shaking her head at my silliness.

I let out a relieved sigh, the smiles coming back over my face. “Good, cause…I was afraid I might not be able to walk.”

Just as Applejack’s laugh subsides, it starts back up. “Ah wouldn‘t put you through dat kinda labor, partner.”

I sigh, still shaking my head. I’m…Quite relieved. Just a couple trees? I can handle that. Speaking of…I still got a few more to go. “So…Apples, huh?” I ask, eyeing her cutie mark as I make my way to another tree.

She smiles, nodding proudly as I stare at her cutie mark. “Eeyup. Mah cutie mark tells it all, Doesn‘ it?” She asks, flaunting it around.

I nod, admittedly admiring it. Just three little apples. I like it’s modesty. “Yeah, sure is. But…Did you ever want to do something else? Something that your cutie mark doesn‘t entitle?” I ask as I buck my next tree, sending the apples falling.

She quickly shakes her head, looking around her. “Nah…Ah stay here, and buck all season cause it‘s my family‘s tradition. Jus‘…Notin‘ else I need in my life.” She says, looking around at the apple trees peacefully.

“Not even Rainbow Dash?” I ask, grinning sarcastically as I pick up my apples, placing them in a nearby basket.

Applejack rolls her eyes, scoffing me with a grin. “Come on, sugarcube, ya‘ll know what ah mean.” She says, making her way to yet another tree.

I nod my head, knowing very well what she meant. “So…What do we do after this, then?” I ask, turning my head around a tree to look at the orange, blonde maned mare.

“I s‘pose we‘ll jus‘ go back inside and ah‘ll make us some apple pie.” She says, bucking another tree.

“Apple pie? I thought there was going to be hours of work.” I say, shaking my head at how easy going this was.

She laughs, shaking her head. “Nah, dis season is not dat exciting. ‘Sides, I don‘ want‘a wear ya‘ll out so you‘re no good ta Rarity.” She says, smirking at me.

I tilt my head back like I realize some ingenious plan. “I see…So I‘m just some handycolt that‘s passed around as a tool?” I ask like I have a grudge.

She nods her head quickly. “Dat‘s tuh idea!” She tells me quickly, wrapping up the rest of her apples.

I shake my head back and forth. So this is what I’ve become…A slave. Good pay though. “I‘ll live with it.”

Applejack huffs, looking around us, specifically at the baskets we’ve filled. Mostly from her, really. “A‘ight den, ah think dats‘ enough for today.” She says, smirking my way.

I was about to buck another tree, but…I shouldn’t do more work than I’m supposed to. Besides, my legs are staring to hurt. “Alright then, Miss Applejack. Apple pie then?” I ask, basing my assumption off my prior knowledge.

She nods her head quickly, making her way back to the house before me. “Ah ain‘t the best with pies, but ah think ah can cook up somethin‘” She says with a prideful smirk.

Nothing but pride going around these days. “Alright, I‘m psyched.” I purposely say in a feigned ecstatic tone. “What kind of pie?”

Applejack looks back at me, raising an eyebrow. “Apple. Only tol‘ ya five times aw’ready.” She replies, shaking her head at my forgetfulness.

I roll my eyes, bowing my head. “Right…Right. Sorry, I miss the small details sometimes.” I admit, chuckling to myself.

“A lot.“ Chimes Applejack, still keeping her gaze on me.

I slowly roll my eyes a couple times. “Alright, alright. A lot.” I admit, once again.

Applejack seems to get plenty of comfort from being right all the time too, smiling widely.

I would bet that we reached Applejack’s house faster than we got to the apple trees, but then again, when I go to so many places over and over again, the journey seems to get shorter.

“Wait ‘til ya have some‘a mah apple pie.” She says, still full of pride.

I nod my head, truthfully anxious to taste anything at this point. The very mention of food makes my stomach grumble, and I know she hears it. “Yeah…I haven‘t eaten all day.” I admit my lack of nutrition, walking up the porch to her house.

“Really now?” She asks, walking past the still open door, turning her head back to me. “We‘re gonna have to fix dat, now won‘t we?”

I follow quickly behind, politely closing the rickety door behind me. “Yes, please!” I say quickly, following her back into the kitchen.

Luckily, the dishes are still all clean. Seems Applebloom didn’t ruin them again. I can’t even think of a cutie mark that would fit that quota. “So den,” Applejack begins, walking straight to the oven. “Ya‘ll‘s turn ta be bored.” She says, turning on the oven and setting it to it’s temperature.

“What do you mean?” I ask, going to sit at one of the chairs still pulled out from the table.

The orange mare moves her way over to the table, looking at me with irony in her eyes. “Cause it takes forty minutes for apple pie to cook.”

A huge groan from my stomach croaks before I’m able to even do anything. “Ugh…Forty minutes is unbearable.” I say, putting my hoof on my cheek.

She laughs whole-heartedly. “I’ma only kiddin’.” She says, looking back to her refrigerator. “Ah have plenty I can heat up in a few minutes.”

My stomach still makes a loud grumble. “Heh…tease.” I mutter, putting my hoofs together.

The teasing mare gets back up, turning around and pulling out a beautiful looking apple pie. She places it on the stove, then comes back, sitting across from me.

“I‘m half tempted to just eat it cold.” I say, still staring at the gorgeous pie behind her.

She laughs loud, putting both her hooves on the table now. “Ya could do dat. Or ya‘ll can wait ten minutes and eat it warm.” She says all sage-like.

I shake my head, looking over the Texan mare. “I don‘t understand…I bucked maybe…4 trees, while you did like 12! And you do this all the time! How are you not hungry?” I ask, truly baffled.

She shakes her head at my foreignness. “Ah don‘t know, really. I jus‘ don‘t feel tuh burden of hunger all da time.”

I nod very slowly, still not quite understanding. I guess when you’re a finely tuned athletic machine, you suddenly lose all natural necessities. “Whatever you say, Applejack.”

Just as Applejack is going to make a witty comeback, the timer goes off for the oven. She gets up, pulling open the oven door and placing the apple pie inside, then closes it. She messes with a few knobs, undoubtedly setting another timer.

“Ugh…” I groan, gripping my troubled stomach. “I am going to completely devour that pie.” I say with complete seriousness, staring at Applejack.

She joins me in a friendly laugh, walking back to her seat. “Hearin’ all this talk is makin‘ me a little peckish.” She says honestly, raising her eyebrows.

“Yeah, well, go get your own pie.” I say, chuckling at how rude that was. I mean, that is her pie.

She just shrugs an arm, leaning back in her chair. “Uhh…” She begins, biting around in her gums for an answer. “What you plannin’ on doin‘ after this?” She asks, looking at me a bit shyly.

Applejack shy? I should take a picture. “You mean after I completely destroy this pie? I…Guess nothing. I‘m pretty much free all night.” I say, and as I mention night, I look out the window. The sun is just coming over head, telling me it’s around 6. We must have been out there a lot longer than I thought!

“Oh, cause I was wonderin‘ if ya’ll wouldn‘t mind stayin‘ over for a while.” She says, tapping her hoof on the floor at a steady pace.

I raise an eyebrow, and after a quiet silence, I shrug one of my shoulders. “Sure.” I say bluntly. Then my stomach grumbles, helping to break the silence. “How long is a while?”

Applejack’s lips curve into a subtle smirk. “Ah, well…I was hopin‘ ya would stay tuh whole night, n‘ in the mornin‘ help apple buckin‘ some more.” She tells me, her smirk going into a curvaceous smile.

I shrug, not really having a thought process more intricate than eat that freaking pie. “First time I‘ll ever stay the night at a farm.”

Applejack continues with her smile. “Ah reckon ya‘ll find it nice n‘ cozy.” She says, looking back at the oven.

“Tell me it‘s done.” I groan out, still clutching my stomach.

She laughs heartedly, shaking her head at my hunger. “Ah s‘pose ah‘ll have tuh make one early tahmarrow, suh ya won‘ have tuh wait tis‘ long.”

My eyes shoot wide. “Yes please!” I yelp, nodding my head real fast. Maybe…A pie already made in the morning, too. That would be amazing.

“Aight sugarcube, it‘s done.” She tells me, yawning as she does.

My stomach grumbles as loudly as ever, my legs shaking eagerly under the table. “I‘m gonna go at it like you and Dash on those cakes last night.” I boast, tilting my head back. Ugh…Those cakes! Now I regret not eating anything at the party.

Applejack gets up, opening the oven and, with a cloth in hand, pulls out the pie. She brings it over quickly, placing it on the table before me. “Careful now, it‘s mighty hot.” She warns me, taking her hand away from the steamy looking pie.

“No kidding? I thought I was just going to smash my face right in.” I say, cleverly making fun of how she ate cake at the party.

She rolls her eyes, walking back over to the sink and pulling a plate, fork, and knife. “Ya‘ll sure ya want all of it tuh yourself?”

I nod my head quickly as she comes back with my plate and fork. “I think I can. If not…Mind helping me out?” I ask, leaning my head forward to smell the pie. And…It smells sooooo good. Might just be my hunger intensifying the aroma, or it might be that Applejack is the bomb.

She shrugs at my request, sitting back down in her seat. “Ah s‘pose ah could lend ya‘ll a hoof.” She says courteously.

I waste no time, jabbing my fork carefully into the apple pie and slicing a decent sized piece. When it plops onto my plate, I like up the fork. “Mmf…” I mutter, tasting the sweet, scrumptious goodness.

Applejack chuckles gently, watching me enjoy myself. “Good, ah take it?” She asks with an all-knowing smirk.

I nod my head, taking my first real bite into my piece of the famous apple pie. And it tastes…fantastic. The sweetness is so strong, but it’s subdued by the subtle taste of cinnamon. It’s just the most perfect blend possible.

“Seein‘ ya‘ll chow down is‘a makin‘ me hungry.” She admits, a gentle grin careening over her face.

Like I said earlier, I pull my piece of pie closer protectively as I eye her up. “Mimef!”

Applejack bursts into a chuckle, shaking her head. “Ah‘ll settle for jus‘ an apple.” She says, getting up and moving back to the kitchen counter where there’s a basket full of fresh apples. I didn’t even notice it’s presence.

“Aaah.” I mumble, taking another bite of the pie. My stomach gurgles, still greedy for more.

“Uhh…” Applejack stutters, coming back as she takes a chomp from her apple. “Enjoyin‘ tat‘ pie?” She asks, clearly not what she really wanted to Ask.

I look over at her, still chewing. It takes a minute before it’s chewed enough so that I can swallow. “Yeah…Damn good. What else does the Apple family make?” I ask, making small talk.

She sighs, dipping her head as she takes her seat. “Apple cider, apple pie, apple cake, apple-cheese cake, apple oreo-cake, apple corn, apple brownies, and orange juice.” She tells me blatantly like I’m at a fast-food restaurant.

I can’t help but laugh at orange juice. “Orange juice?” I ask with obvious sarcasm and disbelief.

She nods her head, lowering her eyes. “Ah don‘t like it, tuh be perfectly honest which ya.”

I shake my head. I can’t wrap my head around that…Of all the apple related stuff…Orange juice? That’s hilarious. “Why not apple juice?” I question with a big grin, then take another chunk of my pie into my mouth.

She raises her eyebrows, looking up to the ceiling. “Never thought of dat…” She mutters.

Oh…wow. Apple juice? She has to be joking. “Only the most famous apple thing ever made.” I say with my usual know-it-all grin.

She raises an eyebrow at me, shaking her head. “Of course we make apple juice, ah just forgot ta mention is all.” She corrects me, crushing my know-it-all grin.

“Oh, I see. Well…” I say quickly, looking down at my pie. I forgot just how much I’m able to eat before my stomach starts to disagree. “I reckon I‘m full.” I say with a sheepish smirk.

Applejack looks at me suspiciously. “Really now? Thought ya‘ll could chow down dat whole thing.” She says sharply.

Clearly, she knew from the start I wouldn’t eat it all. “I guess I have a smaller stomach than I thought.” I say with an embarrassed smile.

“Ah well.” She says, shrugging it off. “More for me!” She says, standing up from her chair.

I get up from mine as well and watch her as she gets herself a plate and fork. “Ya‘ll can go sit out in tuh livin‘ room. Ah‘ll be t‘ere in a few.”

With a nod, I make my way out to the living room where it is undoubtedly the coziest room I’ve ever been in. The library was really nice, but it didn’t seem to have a lot of personality. This place…Has nothing but history. The worn out wood on the floor, yet still staying strong with color. The fireplace in a wall where a couch and two chairs circle around it. The walls, each of them having some kind of picture on them. Nearly all of them have more than one pony in them, undoubtedly they are part of the Apple family. The couch looks like it has been through lot’s of trouble while the chairs look brand new.

I’ll take the couch, gladly spreading my legs out on it and leaning my head back on one of it’s arms. It’s not the comfiest piece of furniture, but the hominess of the whole room makes it much more likeable.

“Ah see ya gettin‘ comfy there, partner!” Applejack says, walking into the living room.

I regrettably move my feet from taking up the whole couch, sitting upright. “This house is really nice.” I compliment, smiling admiring at the architecture surrounding me. “Was it hand made?”

Applejack nods her head, clearly happy I’m able to detect it on my own. “It was, by mah ancestors.” She replies, taking a bite out of her slice of the pie.

I tip my head to her. “It‘s gorgeous.” I compliment again.

Applejack sits down next to me on the couch, placing her pie on a nearby table. “Thanks, Mr. B.” She says. That’s the first time she called bt my name all day.

I smirk, tilting my head. “You can just call me Buddy, on account of the informal situation.” I say with a stupid smile, not able to contain a subtle laugh.

It takes a moment for Applejack to get it, staring at me confused, but she joins me in a little laugh when she does. “Ah…Ya can call me AJ, Buddeh.” She says with an all too obvious mischievous grin.

I don’t know why, but hearing her say my name with that accent is really funny. “So…” I begin, getting comfortable on the couch. “What to talk about?” I ask, attempting to make small talk.

Applejack stuffs her face with a piece of apple pie. Well…Someone didn’t learn their manners from Rarity. She would probably be having an aneurism after seeing that.

“What‘re you getting Twilight?” I ask, my memory now coming back to me since I have food in my belly.

Applejack grins, swallowing her food. “Ah‘ma gettin‘ her her own Stetson.” She says with a very prideful smirk, dipping her head to give me a full view of her hat.

A hat? I couldn’t have guessed. Honestly would’ve figured something related to apples. “A hat, huh? Sounds to me like a last minute gift.” I comment, smirking. I know all too well what a last minute gift is, and that’s definitely one of them.

She shrugs with a kind of ‘I’ve been found out’ smile. “It‘s tuh thought dat counts.” She says, moving around on the couch to get comfy. “What ‘bout you?”

Now it’s my turn to be prideful. I dip my head up, laying my hoofs down at my side. “Oh, well…Me and Rarity had this idea to make her an entire book as a blanket.” I tell her, a big smile coming over my face.

She looks at me curiously, squinting her eyes. “What?” She asks, not understanding a word.

I sigh, trying to find the right words. “Uhm…It‘s…Like a…It‘s a whole book. The letters in a book on a blanket, both sides. All across it, so she can read it while in bed.” I correct myself, still trying to hold up a prideful smile.

She still stares at me curiously. “Ah still don‘t understand the meanin‘ of it.” She admits, taking the last bite of her pie.

Damnit. Finally have something to boast to AJ and she has the perfect defense: not understanding it. “Nevermind.” I mutter, defeated at a game of pride.

The orange mare across from me giggles playfully. “Ah understand tuh idea, but why a blanket? Not tuh most…Err…Convenient of things, ya know.” She says, smirking at me.

Oh, so she does understand. Well now I’m all out of pride, so screw it. “It‘ll make her happy, and that‘s what counts.” I say, getting to the point.

Applejack smiles, nodding at my point. “Dats true.” She admits, turning her head to watch the non-burning chimney.

I too look over at it, and for a moment, I wonder what it would look like if it’s wood was on fire. “Pretty slick of you.” I say, turning my head back to her.

She raises an eyebrow at me. “What ya mean?” She asks, suspicion clear in her voice.

I lean my head back, smirking at her innocence. “Making the excuse of apple bucking tomorrow.” I say matter-a-factly.

Her face slightly reddens, and it’s accentuated greatly over her orange coat and mane. “Ah…Uhh…” She mumbles, not being able to focus her eyes on anything.

I shrug my shoulders, now full of confidence. “Either you‘re bad at hiding your emotions, or I‘m good at finding them.” I say with a stitch of benevolence.

She gives a defeated huff, crossing her legs over her chest. “Ah don‘t know what tuh do anymore.” She mutters, her emotions now absent.

I dip my head, dropping my arrogant smile. “What‘s wrong, Applejack?” I ask with the most concerned tone I can muster.

She shakes her head, bringing  her head into her legs. “Me n‘ ‘Bow…” She mutters.

Oh…That. “What happened…?” I ask slowly, moving a little closer.

She shakes her head in her legs, her hat almost falling off. “We‘re always separated!” She bursts suddenly. Her voice sounds more hoarse and uncontrolled than usual. “Weather control…Apple buckin‘…we almos‘ never see each other.” She tells me, her hat finally falling to the ground.

Now I can see her mane. It looks really clean, well combed, and braided perfectly. “That‘s just because you two have very different lives.” I say, getting off the couch and coming to her side. “She‘s a Pegasus, an-”

A very…hurt whimper escapes Applejack’s mouth.

I clench my eyes shut, mentally scolding myself. “I‘m sorry…” I apologize, very concerned. I gently put a hoof on her shoulder, letting her know I’m here. “It‘ll all work out.” I say reassuringly, making sure she hears me under those soft whimpers.

She ducks her head lower, clearly not wanting me to see her crying. “Everythin‘s all mucked up, su-…Sugarcube.” She says, trying to keep back her sniffles.

I let it go quiet for a few minutes. The only sounds being emitted from Sweet Apple Acres are coming from the subtle weeps of the tough Applejack.

One thing I remember when I cried a whole lot as a young colt was laughter always made everything better. Even if it was a joke completely out of context, as long as I laughed, it made me feel better. Might not be for every pony, but…

“Hey, AJ.” I begin, getting her attention.

She moves her head slightly, letting me know she heard me.

“You know how Rainbow always boasts that she‘s the fastest in Equestria? Well, since you two are dating, I think you should know that she really is the fastest in Equestria.” I say with an extremely mischievous chuckle.

It takes Applejack a minute, but she bursts into a bubble of weeping and laughing, sniffling in between laughs and gasping for air. “Heh, She…Tuh fas-…Fastest…In Eque-” She stops, moving her head back as she laughs.

Ahh…The sweet sounds of laughing after crying. I join her in a subtle laugh, shaking my head at my terrible joke.

“Thanks.” She says, still sniffling a little from the aftermath of her sorrow.

I nod my head to her, picking up her classic Stetson hat and putting on her head. It’s a snug fit. “Anytime, partner.” I say, mimicking her accent.

She smiles warmly, turning to me as she leaves her hat on her head sideways. Her eyes are slightly red from the aftershock of crying, her cheeks slightly puffy. “Sorry for droppin‘ this on ya all of da sudden.” She says apologetically, sighing as she fixes her hat.

I shrug, still sitting by her side. “I came here to help, even if it‘s not the kind you expected.” I tell her, tinting my foreboding want to have just one more slice of pie.

A very calm, collective smile comes over AJ. “Ah don‘t know what ah did in mah pas‘ life to deserve a frien‘ like you.” She says, looking from the chimney then back to me.

I shake my head quickly, denying the praise. “You have the girls. They are far greater friends than I‘ll ever be. Besides…” I say, batting my eyes, huffing. “I just moved here.” I barely utter out, moving my tongue around in my mouth. I can taste some remnants of that apple pie.

She shakes her head, denying my denial of her praise. “An‘ it only proves my point further.” She says confidently, leaning back on the arm of the couch.

I lean my head back suspiciously, eyeing her up. “How so?” I ask, both curiously and full of suspicion.

“In tis short amoun’ of time…” She starts, really focusing her gaze on me. “Ya‘ve gotten‘ three jobs, a party, a date, six new frien‘s, and some of em‘ are interested in ya.” She says, full of omnipotence. “If ya don‘t call that successful, I don‘t know what is.”

I lean back a little, squinting my eyes. Did she say some are interested? What? “Wait, so…” I began, trying to grasp what she said. “I get your point, but…” I continue to pause, shaking my head. Which ones…? “They‘re interested in me?”

Applejack raises her eyes like she just told something she shouldn’t have. “Whoops!” She says, revealing that it was a purposeful slip of the tongue. “Ah ain‘t the faintest idea what ya mean.” She says, smirking now that she has all the power.

I stare at her glumly. “Who?” I ask bluntly, sitting down on the floor.

She sighs, looking over at me with sincere eyes. “Ah can‘t tell ya tat cause it‘s personal.” She says, a bit of regret in her eyes. “Ah want to, cause you being really nice n‘ all, but ah can‘t jus‘ go aroun‘ telling‘ others‘ secrets n‘ all.” She says, her smirk turning to a frown. The first frown I’ve seen from anypony since I moved here.

“Hey, no worries.” I say, nodding my head to her loyalty to her friends. “Knowing that is enough, anyways. I think I can figure it out for myself.” I say with a very mischievous grin over my face.

She sighs, shaking her head at my arrogance. “Ah‘m sure ya can, sugarcube.”

I tilt my head back, a glance of evil sparking in me. “I mean, I already have one down.” I say confidently, looking at her with dagger eyes.

She blushes lightly, ducking her head. “Ah know…” She says in defeat, looking to the floor.

“Why though?” I ask bluntly, shaking my head. I’m not…That interesting.

She shrugs her shoulders, pulling her hind legs back up to her chest. “Ah like a hard workin‘ sort‘a pony.” She admits to me, still not looking me in the eye.

I’m taken back a little by this. Hard working…Well, I suppose I am! I mean, not the best apple bucker, but yeah…Yeah, I guess I do work kind of hard. “I‘m flattered, Applejack.” I say with a hint of embarrassment. I dare not let blush come over me.

She rolls her eyes, still looking at the floor. “An‘…I like brown.” She utters barely, shifting her eyes left and right as she hides under her legs.

Brown? Heh…“Oh yeah?” I ask, now feeling an abundance of pride swelling in me. I flick my darker brown mane out of my face, just for good measure.

She sighs, closing her eyes and ducking her head totally under her legs. “Laugh it up, sugarcube.” She mutters, perking her lips.

I have myself one last chuckle, then go back to her side. “Well…” I begin, looking out a nearby window. The sun is completely gone, the only sight now is Luna’s infinite night. “You want to light that chimney, so you don‘t get cold?” I ask, not daring to tell her I get cold easy.

She smirks, seeing right through my ruse. “Sure thing.” She says, getting up from the couch and trotting over to the fireplace.

I jump back up onto the couch, getting myself nice and comfortable as Applejack lights the chimney, and it quickly builds into a relaxing fire. It looks exactly how I pictured it.

“Hey now,” She says, walking back over to the couch and finding her spot back on the opposite side to me. “Ya‘ll don‘t think ‘bout sleepin‘ right’a ways now, ya hear?” She says with an accusing glare.

I put my hoofs up defensively. “Wouldn‘t dream on it.” I say, laughing lightly at my awful pun.

“Don‘t take me lightly. Jus‘ cause ah like ya don‘t mean ah won‘t stick mah hoof where it won‘t fit.” She threatens me with a crooked grin.

I pipe down, nodding with a very subtle hint of scarce fear. “Yup. Now I‘ll have nightmares.”

She laughs whole-heartedly, enjoying my fear of her. “Ya‘ll can relax. Ah‘m not gonna keep ya up all night.” She says, stretching her hind legs out.

I don’t even know what time it is…I’d guess 9, but I’ve been wrong before. A lot. “Oh, well it‘s not like I don‘t enjoy your company.” I comment, glancing from her, then back to the gently rising fire.

“Likewise, sugarcube.” She says courteously, and I can see out of the corner of my eye that she’s grinning like usual.

“So you and Rainbow always have competitions like that?” I ask, still watching the fire crack and burn.

She sighs, adjusting her hat on her head. “Like‘a married couple.” She says, laughing at her own awful joke.

I join her in a subtle laugh, going along with it. “Is it always at parties?” I ask curiously, every now and then glancing over to her.

She shakes her head, letting the cracking of twigs settle before speaking. “We‘ve raced a few times. O‘course she couldn‘t fly, though. An‘ sometimes it‘s drinkin‘ contests with apple cider.” She sighs, kicking her feet up and leaning over the arm of the couch. “Really depen‘s on what tuh occasion is.” She says, moving her gaze from me to the fire.

I follow her, looking back to the fire as we make small talk. “I heard you Texan type‘s can really put it down.” I compliment, leaning my head just a little farther on the arm, letting my head rest.

“Heh…” Applejack mumbles, rubbing her hoof over her chest. “’Bow can hold her own pretty good, but she ain‘t got nothing on this champion.” She boasts, once again, full of pride. Twilight, right again…

I let a grin come over me as I close my eyes, letting the gentle cracks and warmth of the fire subdue me slowly. “Sounds like you.” I say tiredly, not able to contain a yawn.

Applejack catches up on my exhaustion, getting up from her spot on the couch. “Ya‘ll a‘ight stayin‘ there for tuh night?” She asks, looking back at me before she retires for the night.

I nod my head gently. “This couch…Real cozy.” I say, not really sure if it’s the couch or that Applejack put something in the pie.

She chuckles to herself, and walks off, making her way up the stairs. “Night, sugarcube!”

I didn’t even realize there were stairs in this house. Wow…I have to pay attention more. But not right now; right now…All I need to do is pass the hell out, and let this lovely fire put me away to dreamland.

--

My drowsiness settles as I flutter my eyes open to the morning. Unlike staying the night at Twilight’s house, I know where I am this morning.

“Applejack?” I call to the orange mare, testing her presence. My test fails however when I hear nothing back.

I look over at the chimney, noting that it’s fire has been burned out long ago. I groggily get up, looking over at the nearest window and that’s when I huff loudly. It’s easily into the afternoon. Overslept…I hate oversleeping. Less time to get stuff done. Even though Rarity probably doesn’t have anything for me, I still don’t like it. No sense in staying in bed any longer now. Or couch, whatever.

I hop off the couch, stretching my legs and neck out. I hear plenty of cracks and nicks, like twigs breaking in my body. At first it tickles, but the sweet numbness and relaxation swells over me.

“Ahh…” I mutter to myself. With no one around.

Quickly as I can, I go outside where Applejack probably is waiting, but instead of being greeted with the orange mare, I’m hit with a rush of scents. Honey, flowers, freshly cut grass, and of course, apples. It smells really nice.

“Mornin‘, partner!” AJ yells from across the fields.

Oh…Guess I don’t have to look far. “Afternoon!” I correct her, making my way to the apple trees.

She too walks back from her apple bucking, probably so we don’t have to yell. “Ya‘ll always sleep tis‘ late?”

I shake my head quickly, inhaling a deep sigh. “No, no I don‘t. I hate oversleeping, but I think you put something in that pie.” I interrogate with a sharp stare.

An evil grin succumbs over AJ’s face. “Mah own recipe.”

I roll my eyes, then exhale my kempt oxygen. “What we doing today?” I ask, looking back behind her. Still that huge field of trees…

She shakes her head happily. “Ah‘ma get tuh res‘ of dat. Ya‘ll jus‘ go back ta Rarity now, Ah‘ll a holler if ah need ya again.” She ducks her head in the direction of Ponyville.

I look back behind me, and I didn’t notice it before, but I can see all of Ponyville from up here. The bar, Sucarcube Corner, and especially Twilight’s tree house. “You sure?” I ask, turning back to her.

She just gives a sure-as-heck nod.

“Alright then…I‘ll see you when I see you.” I bid, turning back towards the road I came from.

“Thanks for da help, sugarcube!” She shouts behind me, then she too begins her journey back to the apple trees.

I’m just a whore now, aren’t I? Working for anypony that needs it. Rarity owns me basically, and let’s my handy-work be used by anyone that…needs it. So she’s my pimp, essentially. I don’t know which ones, but some of them like me. And to top it off, I’m getting paid. Can’t complain with 50 bits, though.

I stop my pointless bickering with myself when I come across both the signs leading to Sweet Apple Acres, and the one for Ponyville. One thing I didn’t notice before…is a third road, leading to a place that has no sign.

“Wonder what that is…” I mumble to myself, just glancing at the trail that looks like it hasn’t been walked in a long, long time.

Continuing on my way down the path back to Ponyville, I can see it’s a lot more lively during this time of day. There’s ponies of all different types walking around, and several Pegasi flying above. Unicorns levitating food into their bags, Earth ponies dragging large carts around, and Pegasi doing whatever they do. Flying, I guess…

“Hey!” A high pitched filly yells, and the sound it emitted from careens towards me.

“Oh…Heya, Scootaloo.” I greet to the little dark-orange filly, smiling.

“You‘re that bartender!” She says, now walking with me through a crowd of ponies. Luckily, I don’t have to push anyone out of the way for Scootaloo.

I nod my head, confirming her question. “Yeah, I was. Now I-”

“Do stuff for Rarity!” She shouts proudly, bouncing up and down. “I know, Sweetie Belle told me.” She says, still beaming with pride of her knowledge.

I sigh, nodding my head to the little filly as I come to Rarity’s beauty shop. “Hey, Scootaloo.” I address, stopping in front of Rarity’s door. “I got crusading to do.”

She looks up at me, nodding her head slowly. “Oh, okay mister! Let us know if you get your cutie mark!” She shouts still, announcing ‘us‘, even though there’s a distinct lack of cutie mark crusaders.

“I sure will, Scootaloo.” I reassure her, smiling genuinely.

With the bow of her head, she’s off, remarkably fast too. She is a Pegasus, but even with the lack of flight, she can run pretty quick. Probably all the freaking energy that youth brings.

“Nice of you to stop by.” Rarity says with her chin up.

I turn quickly to her, seeing the door hanging open with her blocking the way inside. “Sorry I‘m late. Kind of…Overslept.” I admit, bowing my head in embarrassment.

She smiles, warmly as ever. “Not a problem. I have done it plenty of times, Mr. B.” She backs away from the door, holding a hoof out for me to walk inside.

I take the kind gesture, trotting my way into the shop. “Thanks for understanding.” I say, making my way into the familiar shop. Beautiful as ever.

“Right to business, then.” Rarity begins, skipping any morning commodities.

I nod my head quickly, stopping in the middle of the room as I listen.

“I ran into a small hitch…” Rarity says glumly, looking at the floor. “The blanket has to be triple layered, so each side of the blanket holds half of the book. But…” She pauses, pacing in an imaginary circle. “I don‘t know of a book!” She says, her pace getting much quicker.

I put my hooves up, trying to contain her worry. “It‘s al-”

“No it won‘t!” She shouts, her eyes bulging. “If I don‘t have something that she hasn‘t read yet, then I‘ll never be able to finish it! And…I have no way of finding out without her suspecting!” She shouts, her worry only cascading.

I raise both my eyebrows. “What about Spike?” I ask on a total hunch.

Immediately her worry sparks into an idea. “Perfect!” She shouts abruptly, a big smile over her face.

I shake my head at how simple the solution was. “Alright….So you want me to go ask Spike, don‘t you?” I ask, raising one of my eyebrows.

She ducks her head, making a pouty face. “Oh…It would be the most darlingest thing.”

I roll my eyes very slowly, making sure she sees every bit of my sarcasm. “Not like I can disagree.” I mumble, already making my way to the door.

“Oh!” She yells, stopping me for a moment. “And tell Spikey I have a present for him, too.” She says with a really…odd smirk.

I nod my head suspiciously. “I have this really strange feeling that I wouldn‘t want my worst enemies to have this ‘present’.”

She shakes her head, baffled at my assumption. “It‘s a very rare ruby.” She explains, and immediately shuts me up.

“Oh.” I mutter, rolling my eyes. “Whatever works, I guess.” I say with minor discomfort.

She bows her head. “Best be on your way, then!” She commands, the door still hung open by her hoof.

I take in a deep breath, hesitating for a moment to leave. Maybe I could ask her about this whole…Crush thing. “Alright, Rarity. I‘ll see you in a bit.” I tell her with a contempt smile, deciding against asking.

The door closes behind my abruptly, and I find myself back outside. No use standing around here; I’ve got stuff to do.

I don’t even have to go far to be at Twilight’s library. In just a 2 minute’s walk, I’m at her door. I knock on it loud enough to be noticed from the crowd of ponies around me.

The door opens, and at first I have my head too high to notice a small purple dragon below my gaze. “What can I do for ya?” He asks quickly with an accent I can’t recognize.

So this is Spike…He’s pretty short for a dragon. “Hey, I‘m a friend of Twilight‘s.” I say with hope it gets me access into the library.

He moves his grip off the door, walking back into the library. I can see a lot of the books have been picked up, but he still has plenty to do. “The Starspiral guy?” He asks, moving his head slightly to address me.

I nod my head even though he can’t see. “Yeah, I worked with him.” I explain, awkwardly standing in the middle of the library. I can actually see the floor now.

“So what do you want?” He asks kind of rudely. He probably doesn’t like new ponies, or dragons are just like that. How the hell would I know…I’ve never met one before.

“Actually…” I begin, making my way over to him.

“Woah, woah!” He yells, interrupting me. “You work for rarity, right?” He asks, dropping his voice a lot lower.

After a couple seconds of pondering, I nod my head gently.

His eyes glaze over, and he clenches his fists. “Could you do me a solid?” He asks, biting his lips. I didn’t know dragons had lips.

I look at him curiously, shaking my head. “A solid?” I ask, not really understanding.

He clenches his eyes shut. “A favor! Can you do me a favor?” He asks impatiently.

I nod my head, now realizing what he means. “Ooooh…Well, it depends.” I answer, taking in a deep breath.

He continues to bite his lips, obviously tense. “Could you swap with me for the day? Swap jobs?” He says, almost too fast for my comprehension.

I thought Twilight and Pinkie talked fast, but…Wow. “You mean…” I begin, glancing around the room. “I become Twilight‘s assistant, and you become Rarity‘s?” I ask, trying to understand his benefit out of this.

He nods his head quickly, tons of hope spewing from his soul. “Yeah yeah yeah!” He yells, his excitement in a bundle.

I lay my hooves out, trying to calm him. “Alright, relax. Relax…” I say in a soothing voice. Doesn’t work, though. “Why?” I ask, shaking my head at how…sporadic his mood got.

Immediately he goes from excited, to dreamy. “I get to spend a day with Rarity…” He mutters, clutching his hands together.

“Oooooh…” I coo, a smirk rising over my face. This could work out beautifully. “Alright, I‘ll work with you. But!” I yell, making sure he hears my conditions before running off. “You have to do two things for me. One immediate, the other…not.” I say, my plan coming together greatly. Well…I’m still making the plan now, but still.

He immediately leans his face forward, obviously prepared for whatever I got. “I‘m game. Whatcha need, bro?” He asks, his vocabulary taking a turn for…Childish.

I lean my head back, crossing my hooves. “You have to give Rarity suggestions on books that Twilight hasn‘t read yet.” I then glance around the room, my eyes widening at the amount of books here. “I realize that would be…difficult, considering how many there are, but I believe in you.” I say slowly, making sure he takes in every detail.

He nods his head quickly, then leans in closer. “And the second?” He asks, impatience in his voice.

“I need you to do some detective work.” I tell him, lowering my voice. I don’t know where Twilight is…but I definitely don’t want her knowing anything. She’ll probably figure it out before any other pony anyways.

“What?” He asks, backing up a moment curiously. “Detective? You want me to solve a murder?” He asks, his eyes wide.

I smack my hoof into my face. “No…” I mutter, then take in a big sigh as I try to explain again. “I want you to…Well…” I pause, really thinking about what I want to say. His impatience boiling up doesn’t help. “I‘ve learned that some of the ponies in this group of 6 friends have…Interests in me.” I explain, raising my eyebrows. “I‘d like you to find out which ones.”

His gaze turns to an unamused stare, blinking every so often. “I‘m not doing that.” He says stubbornly, shaking his head.

Even though he denies, I tilt my head back confidently. “Rarity has a present for you.”

I don’t need his words of acceptance to know he‘ll do it. His face tells it all. “I‘ll do it!” He yells, balling his little fists up. Or…claws.

“But you have to do it.” I tell him, pausing for dramatic effect. “Right now.” I demand, shifting my head to the door.

Immediately he bolts to the streets of Ponyville. I think he was trying to thank me among his mumbles…but I couldn’t hear a thing.

“Buddy?” Twilight asks as she comes out from her study, looking at me curiously. “What are you doing here?” She asks, looking around the room, probably for Spike.

“I decided you might need some help with sorting these books.” I quickly retort, trying to drive her attention from Spike’s absence.

She immediately looks at me with an all too well knowing stare. “Spike went to Rarity‘s, didn‘t he?”

I roll my eyes, nodding my head. “Yeah.” I admit embarrassingly. Sorry, little guy. She’s good.

She shrugs, making her way over to me. “I can‘t blame him. He organizes them every day.” She says, almost apologetically.

I raise my eyebrows. That little guy? Impressive. “A dedicated assistant.” I compliment, then laugh to myself subtly. “I feel as though I‘ve been issued a challenge.” I add, raising my eyebrows to her.

She shakes her head at my Brashfulness. “I‘m sure you‘re a very reliable assistant to Rarity.” She comments, smiling warmly.

I wonder if she’s ever made a joke to someone before? “Thanks, Twilight.” I reply, then glance around the room quickly. “So you want some help?” I ask earnestly, totally willing to do some simple book-shelving.

Twilight smiles at my offer, and it takes her a minute to accept with a nod. “If you really want to.”

I nod quickly, sure of myself. “Oh yeah, this‘ll be nothing after apple bucking with AJ.” I explain, looking at the books scattered around me. Not that many, a few here and there.

Twilight dips her head, squinting her eyes. “You were over Applejack‘s?” She asks, walking over my way.

“Yeah.” I answer dully before picking up a book and reading it’s cover.

Vermithrax Kindred’s Hundred Thousand Year Reign

That’s an excessive title. So V, then…

“They‘re alphabetical.” Twilight informs me, still smiling as she too levitates a couple books.

I don’t know of any other way to sort books. By color, I guess? Or author? “Thanks, I had no idea.” I say, looking at all the different labels of letters under each shelf, specifically looking for a V.

“So what did you guys do?” Twilight asks, hovering some books into their places.

I would reply, but Vermithrax’s huge book in my mouth disables me. Finally coming across V, I slide it into it’s place. “I washed her dishes for a while, then we went and collected some apples. Thank Celestia we didn‘t have to do the whole field…You‘d probably have seen me in the morgue.” I comment grimly, making my way back to get another book.

“Did you sleep in her house?” She asks directly, still making books float around the room.

And that’s when I feel suspicion…Is she one of them? Does she have a crush on me…? She’s only known me for a couple days. Then again…All of them have only known me for a couple days. “She pretty much forced me to. Baked us a pie, too! Was pretty good.” I say, testing to see how it would effect her.

She huffs, squinting her eyes as she continues to move books around. “Oh…” She says, and continues to mumble something to herself.

That seals it. I might be letting something as simple as ‘interested’ get to me, but…It interests me. A lot. “I like the library though.” I say, not able to hide a very wide smirk across my face, picking up a book in my mouth.

War and Remembrance - Fall of Intrepad

“Why is that?” She asks, some warmth coming back to her voice.

I smile, taking the book to the W shelf, and sliding it in it’s place. “I don‘t know really…It just feels a lot more relaxed.” I explain to both her and myself, then I pick my head up, looking over to her. “Plus, Applejack‘s is like…well, I get the feeling that if I lived there, it would only be nice until I have to go work. It‘s like eating a really nice cupcake, then having to eat a whole bunch of broccoli.” I explain further, causing a roar of laughter between us.

“That‘s a very unique analogy.” Twilight says, letting her laughter subside. “Helping me with my reports…Organizing my books…” She says slowly, moving her head left to right. “What next?”

I look up at her, picking up another book. I shrug in response, looking at it’s title.

Starswirl Makes History

“Well…” She begins to speak, choosing her words carefully as I make my way to the S shelf. “I…was-…Uhmm…” She stutters, looking around the library and every now and then settles her eyes on me.

Is Twilight about to ask me out on a date?

“Hoping you and I could…Go somewhere.” She mutters, her face redder than ever.

I place the book among the many others on it’s shelf, and turn around. I can’t help but smile so widely my jaw might fall off. “What do you have in mind?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

Her face lights up, the embarrassment turning to an outburst of hope and vigor. “We could go to the movies, or…or the museum! We could visit Canterlot, or I can make spells for us to visit Cloudsdale, or I-”

“How about a picnic?” I interrupt, looking at her very calmly.

She blinks a couple times, and as the idea settles in her, she nods slowly. “That would be…Really nice.” She says slowly, beaming a great smile.

I then have a spark go through my head, and my mouth slowly becomes more and more ajar as it forms into a big collage of ideas. “I…have this incredible idea, Twilight.”

She tilts her head up, excitement coursing through her and me. “Yeah?” She asks enthusiastically.

I make my way over to the V section, glancing at the book I placed earlier. “Are you familiar with Vermithrax?” I ask, looking back to her.

She nods her head proudly. “Of course! He was the most powerful dragon ever and he ruled as the King of Equestria for a long time!” She announces her knowledge proudly.

I bow my head admirably, then continue. “Yes, but…Do you know about his meteor?” I ask, pulling the book back out, taking it to the nearby table.

She quickly follows me, nodding her head. “Of course I do! Anypony could tell you that it was created when he drew his last breath and created a never ending fireball.” Then, her eyes shoot out wide. “Are you…?!” She asks, looking at me with a big smile.

“Every hundred years…It makes a trip around Earth, and can be seen as it cuts through the atmosphere.” I tell her, seeing the crazy amount of suspense welling inside her. “It‘s in twelve days.”

She lowers her head on the table, closing her eyes. “Oh…That would be incredible.” She coo’s out, deeply sighing.

I nod my head, pride swelling over me at my ingenious idea. “But…” I begin, making sure I get her attention. Even the possibility of this not happening would get her attention. “I was hoping you wouldn‘t mind if everyone went with us.” I say, looking at her with weary eyes.

She sighs, closing hers. She exhales any of her remaining air, then inhales deeply. “I really, really want to be greedy…” She admits, then opens her eyes to mine. “But I love my friends.”

I smile at her sacrifice, then flip open the book, near the back. It takes a couple page-flips to get what I want, but when it comes up…It catches both of our attention.

It’s a picture of Vermithrax. Drawn, of course, but…It looks horridly scary. His wings spread out across the sky to impossible lengths, his eyes as big as the moon on a good night, and his talons are like a tear in the fabric of time. His mouth drools out greed, his scales each telling a story of evil, and his wings having many holes through their stretch across Equestria, yet they only aid in the fear swelling up inside me.

“I‘m thankful I live now…and not then.” Twilight mumbles, shaking her head at the picture.

I nod my head, flipping to the next page, showing a real picture of his meteor. “Oh yeah…He‘s a scary fuc-…He’s a scary dragon.” I mumble, looking over the text about the meteor.

It is unknown how Vermithrax succumbed to death. Most scriptures suggest he fell to an alliance of Allicorns, and other less-credible sources suggest he left his remaining life force into his last breath; The Meteor of Vermithrax Kindred. With the power to burn forever through time, even in space, his meteor passes over Equestria’s skies every hundred years. Allicorns watch over it’s passing to be sure it doesn’t do anything more than slip into the atmosphere before moving on into space. Some less-credible sources suggest the Allicorns watch over it during it’s passing be-

Then the page cuts off, a chunk torn from it.

“Sorry…I try to take care of my books, but some of them are hand-me-downs…” Twilight says apologetically, batting her eyes across the page.

I shrug, closing the book and looking over to Twilight. “Picnic on his Meteor passing, then?” I ask with a sly grin.

She nods her head quickly. “They say…” She begins, tilting her head up to look at the ceiling. “That it‘s so big, it could be seen from the other side of the world!” She yells excitedly, then immediately goes to hug me.

I pat my hoof on her back, smiling at the affection. This is my first hug since I came to Ponyville…“Make sure you let everyone know, alright?” I inform her, dipping my head down a little as she breaks from the hug.

“Oh, of course! Pinkie will probably make some snacks…Rarity will make us all clothes…Applejack will probably bring some- Oh this is just going to be fantastic!” She shouts, each and every moment away from the event makes her more and more excited.

“I‘m glad you like it so much. Now then…” I say, shifting the conversation. “Let‘s keep on p-” I stop myself, looking around the room. The floor is completely spotless. “Or not.” I say, chuckling a little.

“Heh…” Twilight mumbles, her face reddening. “Thanks for the help.”

I turn around, raising an eyebrow. “Help? I got like…three books and you put away at least twenty.” I say, denying the thanks.

She shakes her head, rolling her eyes. “You tried, and that‘s what matters.” She says, her smile as warm as always.

I’m about to reply with another warm comment, but we’re suddenly invaded by a certain white coated mare.

“Yo!!” She shouts, her glare straight on me.

“Vinyl?” I ask, looking at her with a surreal stare. “What are you doing here?” Better yet, how did she find me? Oh...Oh! We have a date…I can see this going down hill, real fast.

She shakes her head, clenching her eyes shut as she gasps for air. “I…Have been looking for you…everywhere.” She says with big, exasperated eyes.

I look at her with a weary smile, tilting my head to the side. “Yeah…I‘m s-”

“Do you ever check your messages?” She asks, shaking her head in disbelief.

Check my messages? I…haven’t even been home. Oh…I think I know what she did now. “Vi-”

“I had to ask that guy that we both covered for to get your number. When I did, I left you three messages! Then, I asked around where Rarity is, and when I got there, she told me you were Sweet apple Acres. So…I went up there, and that mare…Applejock or whatever told me you were at Rarity‘s! SO! I ran all the way back there, and asked her again! She told me you were here…and here…you are.” She says, running out of breath.

I walk my way over to her, patting a hoof on her back. “I‘m sorry I put you through that…I just haven‘t been home.” I explain, shaking my head. For want of a nail indeed…

“It‘s cool.” She says, laughing hysterically with what breath she has left.

I look at her, still worried. “So…Why‘d you go through all that trouble?” I ask, even though I know very well the reason.

She promptly moves her head behind her, pulling something from a satchel hung over her back. It’s…My personal cup.

I take it from her mouth gently, and place it on the ground, looking from it to her. “That‘s…all?” I ask, looking at her with disbelief.

“Yup!” She says with a big smile. “You forgot it at the bar, and you made a big deal about me getting it for you, and well…Don‘t have anything better to do.” She says, scratching the back of her head with her hoof.

A smirk comes over my face, and I sigh, relieved. “Wow…Uhm…Thanks.” I glance from her to my surroundings, and notice poor Twilight is standing awkwardly by the table, her gaze to the ground. “Oh!” I yell, moving between the two. “Twilight, this is Vinyl. Vinyl, this is Twilight.” I introduce them, backing away as they meet each other’s eyes.

“Sup.” Vinyl greets, moving her head back. Ahh…Typical Vinyl.

“It‘s a pleasure to meet you.” Twilight says, smiling widely now that she’s joined in the conversation.

I sigh, relieved that things aren’t going too horribly. I mean…I kind of forgot about our date, but…It’s not like I purposely made this happen. I just really hope it is a friend date…but damn, that makes me feel so dirty…hoping Vinyl doesn’t really have a thing for me, so I won’t feel guilty. Damn, I lose no matter what.

“Awe, I‘d love to stay and chat, but Octavia is all alone at the bar right now…And she doesn‘t even know how to shake!” She yells, a big smile over her face. “Gotta get going. Nice to meet ya!” She yells, running out the door with the speed of Pinkie Pie.

“That was interesting…” Twilight comments with a subtle laugh.

I don’t pay attention as I notice something inside my cup. It looks like a piece of paper…

“What to do now?” Twilight asks, moving over to my side.

I jump from my gaze and glance quickly at Twilight. “I…Don‘t know.” I mutter, my conscious still keen on figuring out what the paper is. Obviously, it’s from Vinyl…But what would it say?

“Would you like to read some books together?” She ask with a big innocent smile. It’s…Kind of cute.

I tilt my head, my thoughts for the moment on Twilight. “I‘d love to Twilight….But I think I‘m needed elsewhere.”

She lowers her head, looking around the library. “Oh, okay…” She mutters, nudging her hoofs together.

“Hey, if you ever get down…Just think about what‘s gonna happen twelve days from now!” I yell, my voice jolting to a much more fun tone.

She raises her head, smiling at my attempt to brighten her mood. “Gladly.”

I nod quickly, my curiosity burning into my mind. “I have to get going, though. I‘ll see you later, alright?” I say, picking up my cup, making sure the paper won’t fall out.

She nods, mimicking me. “Have a good day, Buddy.” She says, following me to the door.

As I step outside, I immediately tip the cup upside down and nudge the paper until it opens. It’s a small, torn up piece and the letters are so small, I have to nearly push my face against it’s fabric.

Movie tonight? Hit me up!

  -Vinyl

Hmm…So the movie is still on? Well…I have nothing to do now. Things just seem to be moving together perfectly…

“Hey!” A voice comes out of freaking nowhere.

“Shit!” I yell, jumping into the air. I look at the ghost-like pony, shaking my head. “Damn you, Vinyl!”

She laughs hysterically, putting a hoof over her mouth. “Dumbass…” She mumbles, shaking her head at my gullibleness.

“What do you want?” I ask, catching my breath.

She shrugs, looking over at the paper laying on the ground. “That was pretty slick, right?” She asks with a big…Prideful grin.

I look down at the piece of paper, then shake my head. “Wait…Aren‘t you supposed to be working?” I ask suspiciously.

She shakes her head, backing up as she laughs at me. “What? I thought you would‘ve got it! The bar is closed today, dude!” She yells at me like it was the most obvious thing in…Well, actually…Considering I worked there, yeah, it is kind of obvious.

I rub my hoof over my face, sighing. “Oh…I think I‘m getting the picture now…” I mumble, rolling my eyes.

“So you wanna watch a movie or not?” She asks, moving pretty close to me.

In return, I back away like a kitten in a corner, nodding my head hesitantly. “Sure…I think.” I squeak out.

Immediately she moves back and smiles. “Sweet! Alright, come on.” She says, beginning to walk away.

I pick up my cup and put the paper inside, walking behind her. “Sho fween! Whatch wev gonnfa waavtch?” I ask, slurring my words with the cup in my mouth.

“You‘ll find out!” She yells back to me, smiling mischievously.

Vinyl takes her journey to a slew of apartments and begins to unlock the door. I know their apartments because this is one of the places I thought of living at, and instead chose my own house.

“Whif heveere?” I ask curiously, starting to get annoyed by my slurs.

She turns her head back, opening the door. “Because I live here?” She says with a raised eyebrow, then walks inside.

Lives here? In these? That’s…Worrying. I don’t have good memory by any means, but what I do…This place is real crummy. I don’t think the pluming even works properly.

I keep quiet, following her up the only set of stairs and stopping with her as she gets to, presumably, her room.

17

The 1 on her door looks like it was painted, and the seven is upside down. That just proves my point further.

“Welcome to the home of Vinyl. Watch your step, you might fall through the floor.” She says, laughing hysterically.

She might be joking, but I take it to heart. Inside is a single room. A bed, which actually looks really nice, a massive TV that‘s inside an even larger entertainment center, stereos, and…that’s where the nice stuff ends. The floor does look worrying, but not to the point where it would fall in. At the far end of the room is what can only be described as an attempt at a kitchen. It has a sink, oven, cupboards, and tiny counter space. And…that’s really about it. There’s a basket with clothes laying all around it- not inside it, but that’s it.

I make my way inside, the paranoia of the floor still in the back of my mind, and I take my steps carefully over to her bed, placing my cup on a nearby table.

“Not Canterlot, but it‘s…Uhh…Well, it‘s nice to me.” Vinyl says, jumping on the bed with me.

I shake my head worriedly. “I would go crazy.” I reply wide-eyed.

Her gaze goes down, shrugging. “I like it…” She mumbles quietly.

I realize I hurt her feelings, and quickly glance around the hou-…er…Room for something to compliment. “Well, that TV…That looks more expensive than my house.” I comment, smiling.

Immediately she shoots up, nodding her head. “Oh yeah! Pretty fucking sweet, right?!”

I laugh at her tenacity. Just get somepony started on their pride, and their mood goes way up. “Yeah…Is that what we‘re going to be watching the movie on?” I ask, then shake my head, realizing something. “Wait…I thought…We were going to like, watch a movie in the theatre.” I say cautiously.

She looks back at me and shrugs, getting up from the bed. “Ahh…I looked up how much it would be, and it‘s 30 bits! So I said screw that, and just went and rented a movie.” She says with a big happy smile, making her way over to the TV. I can’t even name all the devices that are around it. Game systems, I guess.

“Hey, you got the TV to host your own theatre, so I can‘t argue.” I say, looking around the room again. It looks a lot like what Vinyl would call home, now that I think about it.

“Yeah, I hope you like science fiction!” She yells back to me, putting what is probably the movie in.

I tilt my head. “Why? You get something…Spacey?” I ask, smiling as she makes her way back over to the bed.

“Ehh…Cyber Ponies 2.” She says, jumping on the bed, causing it to bounce me around some.

“I never saw the first one.” I admit, laying my legs out completely, trying to get comfortable.

She shrugs like it means nothing. “Don‘t need to. They‘re totally different.” She says, then a light bulb goes off in her head as she scoots to the edge of the bed.

“So you saw them before?” I ask, watching her hunch over the edge of the bed and search for something underneath.

“Nope!” She yells from below. “Just heard about them.”

“Ahh…” I mumble, and move back a little so she has more room once she resurfaces from the depths of under-the-bed.

“Ah hah!” She yells, pulling out a remote like a sword of glory. “Knew it.”

I shake my head, laughing too subtly for her to hear. “The little things in life.” I say sharply as she scoots next to me, and presses a few buttons on her remote.

“Do you like it loud?” She asks, not looking over at me.

I shake my head quickly. “Oh no, I‘m a total wimp when it comes to loud speakers.” I admit, slightly embarrassed.

She shakes her head at my vulnerable nature. “Ahh…I won‘t kill ya.” She says with a mischievous grin, licking her lips.

The speakers turn on, and to my delight, don’t murder my ear drums. It’s just right, but has that overwhelming presence that they could completely annihilate my sense of sound.

“Thanks.” I say courteously, laughing at her generosity.

“I‘m too nice sometimes.” She says, rolling her tongue around in her mouth. She seems to be enjoying herself. “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaddds…” She mutters in annoyance, hitting fast forward a couple times.

“Heh…Let‘s just relax and enjoy the movie. Alright?” I suggest, leaning my head to her.

She smirks at me, the kind that Vinyl only does every so often. “I‘ll behave.” She says in a sultry tone.

I roll my eyes, retreating my gaze back to the movie.

She lays her head down, snuggly settling it between her hoofs.

And then…The movie begins.

In a world where many have fallen to the machines known as ‘The Constructs’, the few that survive, the few that continue on with little purpose and little promise, continue to fight against the unbeatable odds that someday…Some day a pony would come along, and crush The Constructs like glass, and leave the land to flourish to it’s bountiful life once again.

This…Is how it happened.

--

THE END

“Oh come on!” I yell out, half laughing as I yell at the movie’s absurdity.

Vinyl laughs along with me, shaking her head. “That was some shit.” She joins me in my scolding, sighing deeply.

“I mean…That ending…” I utter, still watching the movie’s credits. “Just…’Noooooooooo!’” I yell, mimicking the main character’s last cry of sorrow at the end of Cyber Ponies 2.

Vinyl continues nodding her head in agreement. “Oh yeah, that was…Really something.” She says, laughing still.

I continue to shake my head, sighing in defeat. “That movie was crap.” I say anger in my voice.

Vinyl continues her laugh, probably at how mad I’m getting. “Hey…That main dude was really hot.” She informs me, nodding her head.

I look at her with absurdity, then can’t contain a laugh. “That‘s what you got out of the whole thing? ‘He’s hot’?” I ask in disbelief.

“No!” She replies, pausing for a moment. “…I thought the narrator was hot too.”

I can’t help but laugh at her attention span, shoving her playfully on the shoulder.

“Hey, you know that pink mare was pretty hot.” She comments, tilting to the side of me.

I sigh, and after a few moments, I let her have the win. “Alright, alright…But let‘s have an agreement that the ending was awful.” I say, trying to make a compromise.

She nods her head quickly, her eyes very expressive. “Oooh yeah. Real bad.”

I sigh, laying my head between my hooves. “Well…What now?” I ask, looking over at her.

She copies me, putting her head in her hooves. “I don‘t know.” She says, but I can tell she has…Something planned.

“You sure?” I ask, attempting to be vigilant.

She just looks at me calmly, unmoved. “Yeah. Could go to sleep, if you feel like it.” She says, tucking her head deeper between her hoofs. “It was a four hour movie.”

Damn! Four hours? It seemed way shorter than that. “Wow…I didn‘t even realize.” I admit my ignorance, raising my eyebrows expressively.

Her body loosens up, and she closes her eyes. “I‘m tired as hell. You can go home, if you want. Or stay here.” She offers, and much unlike Vinyl, no mischievous smirk spreads over her.

“Well…” I begin, pondering my choices. I have been sleeping at pretty much every pony’s house that I met lately. It would be kind of rude to deny that from Vinyl. I already planned another date before ours even. “I think I‘ll stay the night. I just have to watch the floor, is all.” I comment, looking over the bed. I don’t even have to feign my worry.

She rolls her eyes under her lids, sighing. “Do whatever you want.” She mumbles, biting down on her lips.

Trying to make quick conversation, I pick my head up a little. “So how are you and your ex coming along?”

It takes her a moment to respond, picking her head up lazily. “I see it half full, if that‘s what you‘re asking.” She says with a sharp stare.

I duck my head, sighing deeply. “Yeah, but…Are you two like…Gonna try and get back together sometime?”

She raises an eyebrow, shaking her head slowly. “No…Why do you think I asked you out on a date? Bored?” She explains, smirking.

I imagine this is something Vinyl would do out of boredom. Fuck with me. “Sorry.” I apologize, then shake my head in spite. “I didn‘t even meet her.”

She laughs, her mouth open wide. “She hates you.” She says with a cold laugh.

Oh…I didn’t expect that. “Why?” I ask, baffled. Nearly every pony I met so far really likes me…Or maybe I’m just letting that get to my ego.

“Says you don‘t deserve to work for Rarity, and that I should‘ve.” She says, rolling her eyes. And…That’s when I realize she isn’t even wearing glasses! Wow, I feel like such a bastard…Not paying any attention to the poor thing.

“I kind of agree with her.” I say truthfully, lowering my head.

“Oooh no, don‘t play that game with me.” She says quickly, like a sting from a bee.

I…Didn’t even think about it. She’s been working there longer than me, and just because I met Rarity, I got a much better job. My heart feels real heavy all of the sudden.

“Hey!” She shouts, easily getting my attention. “Don‘t feel bad for me.” She says with a lean, cold glare.

That’s a really hard thing to do. I bow my head, still looking over at her big magenta eyes. Now that I’ve noticed them…I can’t even focus on them. “I don‘t know what to say right now.” I mutter, blinking more than usual.

She rolls her eyes again. “I make a living out of nothing, dude. You see this place?” She points a hoof around the decaying room. “Lived here for three years. I deal with it without others‘ pitty.” She says with a strong, confident gaze.

I lift my head up, nodding at her. “I admire you, Vinyl.” I admit, smiling at her.

“Yup…” She continues on like I didn’t talk. “Me and Vinyl had our first…Well…’date’, right here.” She says, poking a hoof on the bed. She sighs tiredly, shoving her face between her hooves again.

That reminds me of something…“Hey…” I begin, trying to get her attention. “I feel like I should tell you about something…” I mumble, making it barely audible.

She picks her head up, inhaling a lot of air. “You have a date, I know.” She says quickly.

Well…Fuck. How does she know that? “How…Do you know?” I ask, dipping my head forward in curiosity.

“Come on, dude. I thought the note gave it away.” She answers quickly, then picks her head up just enough so her chin isn’t against the bed. “I just put two-and-two together.”

“So you don‘t care?” I ask, biting my bottom lip gently. My relief is building up into a steady rhythm, right next to my worry.

She shakes her head. “Nah, I know what you‘re going through.” She says understandably.

And then the relief spills out. “Wow…” I gasp, looking at her with far more admiration than before. “You‘re pretty cool, you know that?”

She tilts her head back. “Pretty fucking cool.” She corrects.

I roll my eyes, then go along with it by nodding. “Alright, alright.” I say fast, not letting the pride go too far in her head.

She shrugs, putting her head back into her spot between her hooves. “Yup. Now go to fucking bed!” She demands abruptly.

I roll my eyes, sighing as I put my head between my own hooves. “Sweet dreams.” I say with a bit of spite.

She huffs, pushing at me playfully with one of her hooves.

A night with Vinyl…A lot more fun than I thought it would be. A terrible movie, huge TV, bunch of bickering, and hot ponies. Not what I expected at all. I wonder if my dreams are going to be about cyber ponies in a war with each other. Only one way to find out…