Steel Shoes

by a guy with many hats

Rating: teen
Tags: Rarity, DJ P0N-3, Applejack, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Berry Punch, Human, Roseluck
Length: 21591

Corey has a very simple job, make, fit, and maintain horseshoes. business is good, but unfortuately for him his customers find these great chances to chat and gossip.

Corey has a very simple job, make, fit, and maintain horseshoes. business is good but unfortunately for him his customers find these great chances to chat and gossip.

Published 2013-08-07 04:40:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-10-06 20:15:56 UTC

Monday

There it was, Samuel's workshop. I glanced down at my watch, five minutes late. Wonder if Sam will even notice. I pushed the door open and walked inside.

"Mornin Corey," A grey haired man leaned over the front counter of the shop.

"Hey Sam," I said pulling my gloves and tools from my locker, "So we got business yet?"

"Yep, first one's waiting in the fitting room,"

"First timer?"

"Nope workhorse, but I bet soon enough ponies 'll start linin the street when the roads finished," He joked with a half toothed smile.

"One step at a time Sam," I left Sam, moving into the fitting room. A young orange mare was sitting on a stool.

"Oh hey, you're one of the Apple family," I said setting my tools down. They have been repeat customers since day one.

"Yes sir," She said with that trademark accent.

I sat down motioning for her to sit and prop her hooves up, "So what we doing today?"

"Ma fore-hooves are a bit unbalanced," She said sitting in the special chair we had, "Also I need some new screws,"

I pulled a stool over and started to unscrew the shoes from her hooves, "Lose em or..."

"Rusty is all," I pulled the last screw out and slowly removed the shoe, "Ohh..." she moaned as I set the shoe down, "I should really take these off more often,"

"Well you Apples are busy folk, hows this feel?" I asked running my fingers along the soft parts of her hoof.

"Ahh..well a bit tender," I set her hoof down and found a level, "But I've been wearing them all day"

"OK, this might feel a bit odd," I turned her hoof upwards and set the level on the wall of her hoof, ".....oh,"

"What?"

"Oh nothing...just a bit uneven," I took the shoe and gave it a once over, "A quick adjustment and it should be fine,"

"Good when can I come get em," She said standing from the chair.

"Well I can fix this in a few minutes if you want to stick around," I turned away and started off towards the forge.

"Well I'd rather make this one trip so why not," She said trotting along behind me.

"Uh I meant....never mind," They never wanted to wait out in the lobby... I lead her to a small alcove in the forge and got to work heating the shoe.

"So...how's buisiness," She asked looking around the room.

"Good, they just finished all those stone paths in town so its been picking up,"

"Well that's good, apples been coming in nicely, hey mind if I ask you something sugercube,"

"Well I'm kind of-"

"You ever had a mare named Rarity in here?"

"I cant really-"

"Ah can't really imagine she'd be interested in this kind of place,"

"Really...."

"Yep, she's a fashionista and wouldn't be caught dead around this kind of place," She said adding air quotes at "kind of place"

"Huh why's that," I said started hammering the metal.

"Well no offense partner but these ain't exactly a luxury item,"

"Hmm,"

"Anyways, Rarity saw me wearing a pair and started askin about em, seemed awful interest..."

"Are you sure you want to be in here for this," I asked over the metal clang of the hammer and anvil.

"Oh don't you worry about me, but I cant imagine you workin in here all day,"

"Yeah it's a little hot..."

"Almost as bad as working the fields in the summer, in case you'r wonderin crops are coming in great."

"Well I didn't really as-"

"Apples as far as you can see, food for ages. Sometimes I wonder how Ponyville would survive without us."

"Sure...." I finished hammering the shoe and dunked it in a trough of water. Steam fogging up my glasses, "Damn..."

"You alright there?"

"Yeah, glasses just fogged up is all."

"Ya know I only met a few ponys that wear glasses, Rarity does. Well not all the time but when she's workin."

"Yep"

"...."

"...."

"Anyways between you and me I heard she's been makin some special orders for a few a shop called blinders. Some weird shop for ponies that need a bit of excitement in the bedroom,"

"Mmhmm," I mumbled pursing my lips and trying to avoid eye contact. I had just finished reheating the metal and cooling it, "Hoof please," She lifted her foreleg up and I secured the shoe on, "OK take a quick walk around tell me how they feel." She took a quick lap around the forge, "Anything riding funny or rubbing?"

"Ah don't think so, ya did fine work."

"I'll write up the recite and get you some new screws." I pulled a notepad off my work bench and started making some notes, "Refitting / no maintenance thirty bits, two sets of new screws ten bits, total forty bits. That sound right to you?"

"Sure does sugarcube," I lead her to the lobby and slid the recite and order form to Sam. I told him to send the next one in once he was ready.

"Phew......why do they always stick around while I'm trying to work...." I said waiting in the fitting room. I sat there for about ten minutes before another pony wandered in, "Hi there what are we doing today," The mare said nothing, instead handing me an order form, "Oh....so new to all of this,"

"Yes....just...." She sounded scared.

"Ma'am are you alright?"

"Yes...just.....nervous..."

"Well If you'll take a seat we can get this done with quickly," I lead her to the chair and pulled a few measuring tools over, "So you need measurements on all four feet?"

"Mmhmm," She slowly held out her left foreleg.

I slowly wrapped the measuring tape around the outside of her hoof and across the sole, she flinched a little as I made contact, "Uh miss these are just measurements, even when they install the screw ports you cant feel a thing...."

"Oh....I know, I just....." She lowered her head and let her hair cover her face.

"It's fine, I just want you to be comfortable." She looked at be from under her hair, a shallow smile broke through, "OK next leg," She lifted her leg up and let me take the measurements.

"So you're sure it doesn't hurt?" I jerked my head up from the tape, "I mean I'm sure you wouldn't-"

"I'm sure, not once have I had anyone say a thing," I said trying to calm her down. A lot of ponies didn't like the idea of having something imbedded in their hooves. The fact that these ponies took them off so often meant we couldn't tack them in like with normal horses. What we did was embed screw ports into the hard of their hoof and screw them in. Not the most glamorous process in the world but I was practiced enough that once they were in you could barely tell.

"I just....my friend said I should get a pair took stop my hoof from wearing down..."

"Well it's only a problem if you walk on stone or do a lot of outdoor work,"

"Well I take care of animals most days,"

"Sounds nice, lean back please," She was hesitant to lean back and let my work on her back legs. Even after she was in position she was fidgeting quite a bit, "Please miss you need to hold still for these to be accurate,"

"I'm sorry...I just, ponies touching my hooves...." For most ponies anything besides a quick bump or a hoofshake was considered either lavish or intimate.

"I assure you miss this is completely professional," I managed to force her hoof still as I took the measurements, only when I finished her last hoof and let her free was she completely still, "Well aside from being slightly ticklish everything is fine, no abnormalities." I said giving her a warm smile.

"Thank you for being so patient,"

"No problem, but I have to ask: why do you need horseshoes in the first place?"

"Well I live on the edge of the forest and sometimes the animals get out and I have to track them down...."

"So it's a traction issue?"

"sort of....mostly i just need something that will keep my hooves from getting stuck in mud....or other things..." Eugh....she just named the main reason I never had pets.

"Well....measurements are done, come back Thursday and we can get your hooves prepared." I handed her the order form back after adding a few stamps. Cute girl, and why couldn't they all be that quiet. I walked over to the restroom and washed my hands, as clean as most of these ponies were you still wanted to wash your hands after handling any of their hooves.

"NEXT!" Sam boomed from the lobby. Today's gonna be a busy day.

Three clients later

"OK, now if there is any discomfort of any kind you need to come in," I had just finished up with helping a young colt and his mother with the kids first pair of shoes. They had ordered a semi-metal pair made out of thick plastic and a rubber sole. these kinds were meant more for the usual day to day wear and tear of city life, as apposed to metal shoes which acted like work boots.

"Thank you again, if you're ever in town stop by for dinner," the mother said ushering her colt out the door. Nice folk in this town. But as much as I loved listening to them tell their stories it was time for me to clock out. I pushed into the lobby, a pair of stallions half asleep on the chairs.

"Sam I'm leaving, Paul should be here soon," I shouted jolting him awake from behind the counter.

"Wha, oh..sure, see you tomorrow," I walked out into the warm afternoon. Time to hit the store and go home.

Tuesday

*Yawn* "Hey Sam" I said in my usual routine, "Anyone waiting?"

"Not today, then again you're actually on time fer once," He laughed.

"Funny....any appointments today?" I asked closing my locker.

"We got another one of the Apples coming in later, but that ain't fer a few hours."

"Well whenever someone comes in just send them through." I walked back into the fitting room and started sorting my tools. Tuesdays were usually slow, Paul takes the morning shifts and I take the afternoon. I finished setting my tools out and started relaxing. Some days nopony showed up, others we were completely swamped. I guess it all depends on the roads.

"Hello?" A posh voice sounded near the doorway.

"Yes please come in," I said walking over, "What can I help you with today?" The white unicorn infront of me began scanning the room.

"Oh my...this place is rather....rough," I looked around, I would say more rustic than rough but that's just me, "I've heard about your store and was wondering if you could show me the different kinds of shoe you offer," Wait what...so she wasn't even buying?

"Well I'd have to mark this as a consultation...."

"That's fine darling,"

I turned trying to hide my worried face, "Well if you'll follow me," I lead her to the chair, "Wait here while I get our different models," I left her and went to the storeroom, shelves packed with boxes packed with shoes, I pulled a few different materials and styles and went back, "Alright, we offer several different types meant for a wide variety of uses in all sorts of materials, I'll start with our basic," I pulled a standard shoe from a box, semi patterned base with no extras.

"Oh dear their....metal?" She said looking almost disgusted.

"As I said we offer them in a wide variety of materials,"

"Such as?"

"Copper, aluminum, composite, hardened plastic, rubber, steel, or a mix," I said setting the standard aside, "Last shoe I made was hard plastic base with a rubber sole," I pulled a composite shoe out and handed it to her. She started meticulously studying it, "The non-metal shoes also have a variety of colors," Her ears twitched at colors while she was still fixated on the shoe.

"Hmm, do you make custom pairs?"

"We make any kind, but for most custom pairs we need a molding of the hoof for a perfect fit,"

"And you say they have different colors?"

"Yes, the plastic ones contain the color while the composite are painted with a high grade paint,"

"Indeed, may I see the others,"

"Sure, materials or style?"

"Style please," Style was a poor term but type was less appealing. I pulled a caulked pair from a box, "Why is this one spiked on the bottom?"

"Added traction, mainly used for sports, hiking, or work." She studied the she finally noticing the holes in the bottom.

"And these holes?" She asked pointing at the base.

"Well to keep them well fitted and attached we need to screw them into the hard of the hoof," Her face quickly turned to a grimace, "It is a minimally invasive procedure and completely painless and barely noticeable,"

"Screw them in?" I pulled over a chair and took a seat.

"Yes, we drill a small hole in the hard of the hoof, add adhesive then a screw port, once that is solidified we simply line up the holes and screw them in. They are then easily removed with a screwdriver." She looked absolutely mortified.

"And that's the only way?"

"I'm afraid so, but should you choose we can remove the screw port at any time and fill the hole with a hardened bone like substance that has the same properties as your hoof," She didn't look any calmer.

"Oh dear.....you mentioned molding?"

"Yes for the best fit we take a mold of your hoof and use that as a cast,"

"When can you scheduled a molding?" I stood up and walked to the lobby door, Sam was asleep and no one else was in the building. The Apples appointment wasn't for another few hours and the mold would be done by then.

"Well I can do it now if you want,"

"I can always just take the mold if I decide I don't want my hoof drilled?"

"Uh....I guess...no one has really ever asked that, I cant see it being a problem though....you do pay for it,"

"Alright then, shall we get started," Before I pulled the plaster down I grabbed an order form and gave it to her, "....Sixty bits?"

"Eighty...." I pointed to the consultation.

She scrunched her face up, "Very well," she signed the paperwork and I set it aside, "I am ready,"

I pulled a bucket of plaster powder down from a shelf and mixed it and some water together in a bucket, once the mixture had cooled I pulled a square frame box down and filled it with the mixture, "You're going to need to stand in this for about forty minutes...." A flash of doubt crossed her face before she stepped all her legs into the molding, face contorting from the odd sensation, "Feels kinda funny I know,"

"Yes..."funny".." She slowly settled in and I started the timer, "So....we wait now?"

"Yep," I pulled my stool over to my desk and started filing.

It was quiet for a short time, "Excuse me, Sir?"

"Yes miss how can I help you,"

"Would you mind sitting with me, to make the time pass faster,"

"Uh...I really-" I looked up at her, her eyes pleading for some company, "damn....alright," Sucker for blue eyes. I pulled my stool over next to her and sat, "So...what do you do for a living?"

She smile nicely, "I run a boutique in town, that's actually why I came down here," Boutique, wait.

"Is your name Rarity?" I asked much to her surprise.

"Why yes, how did you know that, I've never seen you in the boutique,"

"Do you know the Apples?"

"Yes,"

"They're regular customers of mine, the orange one came for a refit yesterday,"

"Oh you must mean Applejack, she talked about me?" She asked with an acquisitive look.

"Uh......"

"I'm sure it was all praise," She said flipping her hair.

"Be careful miss, you really don't want plaster in your hair," I reached over and grabbed a small bit of wood we use to make sure their tails keep out and slid it behind her.

"Very forward aren't you," She said as I pulled my hands out from behind her.

"What no, I-"

She started giggling, "Only joking Mr.,"

"Corey,"

"Well Corey, might I ask how you became interested in this line of work,"

"Well it just sort of happened, I mean if you told my younger self he would be working as a farrier for magic ponies he would have call you crazy," I said with a quick laugh.

"Come now, surely there was something that got you interested,"

"Well I guess I have a thing for hooves.." I joked raising my eyebrows in jest. This got a small laugh out of her, "No, turned out I was good at it, the owner offered me a job and I took it,"

"Hmm, no real inspiration,"

"I like helping people- ponies, either way."

"Very well,"

"..."

"..." Damn silence....

"So what got you into fashion?" I asked trying to banish the interminable silence.

"Well thank you for asking, I saw a chance to shine, a chance to make ponies beautiful, Really though I found my inspiration in gems,"

"Gems, what like rubies and stuff?"

"Yes, I use them to make my creations shine," She said almost involuntarily throwing herself out of the mold, "Oh my sorry, wait" She started tugging with her legs to no avail, "Is it done than?"

I reached over and pulled the timer, "About five more minutes, then I can cut you free,"

"Humph.....so Corey, any one special in your life,"

"Not yet, why you making a pass," I said with a chuckle.

"A lady does not "make a pass"," She said turning her nose up, "I would hope you would refrain from making such brash accusations," I looked off to the side for a bit before I could here her snickering.

"OK that got me, excellent poker face by the way."

"Years of practice,"

"Well what about you, anyone special?"

"Some where out there, some where my prince waits," She said with hint of longing in her voice, "Not for lack of trying mind you," Her tone shifted into one of annoyance, "The one who I thought would sweep me away turned out to be a pompous...how do you humans say it, a git?"

"Uh....that's really more of an Australian thing but yeah...wait where did you hear that?"

"Some ruffians arguing outside a bar,"

"Huh...weird-" *Ring* "Oh hey," I stood up and grabbed the plaster saw and other tools. I knocked the box away leaving a square block of plaster behind, "I'm going to need to reach underneath you, is that alright,"

"Yes, just don't assume anything," She said jokingly. I cut the mold in two with the saw before using a depressor to extricate her hooves one by one.

"There it is, back and front," She shook her hooves out before walking up to me, "Here," I handed her another form, "Indicate material composition and style and I'll get it tallied," She quickly levitated a pen over and began checking boxes before handing it back to me, "Rubber soles, composite base, worked leather coupling with a toe clip, This is going to end up being quite expensive I hope you know,"

"All in the name of new fashion," I rolled my eyes and signed the form.

"Come back Thursday and we can do the installation and you can pick them up Friday," I lead her to the lobby and woke up Sam slipping him the form.

"Phew wee, this is one hell of an order, a real luxury pair," Sam said as he finalized the papers, I just went back and waited in the fitting room.

Three hours later

I had just finished casting the base for Rarity's customs when I heard someone in the fitting room. I reached the door greeted with a large red stallion already sitting in the fitting chair, "Oh hey you must be the five O' clock,"

"Eeyup," I noticed an order form sitting on my stool, I picked it up and gave it a once over.

"So just a check up?"

"Eeyup,"

"Alright then," I grabbed my file, scraper, and brush before settling in next to him, "Any discomfort, rubbing, anything?"

"Nope..."

"Sounds great," I removed the horseshoe and began scraping away any dirt or debris. I had done everything but the measurements on this guy, tough man with hard worn hooves. Once I was sure that his hooves were clean I gave them a once over with the brush before filing down rough bits of hoof, changing the insole of the horseshoe and securing it back in place, "Alright all done,"

"Thanks," He walked out into the lobby, the Apples had prepaid for all standard maintenance and checkups so he was free to go. I always liked him, quite. With that out of the way I went back to the custom. I managed to fit the rubber sole onto the base and was working on setting the insole in place when my shift ended.

I got up and started stowing my tools. Once everything was away I walked out into the now empty lobby, "Hey Corey," I turned seeing Sam standing behind the counter, "Paul smashed his thumb with a hammer earlier so I'm gonna need ya to pull double shifts tomorrow,"

"What?! What about Ben, doesn't he cover for Paul?"

"Ben's not gonna get here soon enough, I'll pay ya double but I need ya tomorrow," I only looked down and lament my misfortune. A  twelve hour day of working metal and touching hooves.......

"Well shit...."

"Hey watch yer mouth!"

Wednesday

"*sigh* morning Sam...." I walked in from the cool morning, "Anyone waiting,"

"Mornin Corey no one yet, plenty of appointments though," Sam slid a list over the counter to me, "Sorry again about dis but I need the business," The list was long, fittings, repairs, checkups, everything besides installations which were only on Thursday.

"Sure, just....send them in when they get here," I said completely dispassionately. I sulkily walked into the fitting room and prepped everything. Once everything was ready I just sat staring angrily at the door.

"*grumble*....freakin Paul......double shift...*grumble*" As I was stewing in my annoyance the door slowly opened.

"Hello?" In walked a pair of Apples, "Oh hello," Applejack and the youngest walked in.

"Yeah...take a seat,"

"You alright sugarcube, ya sound a little down," I just grumbled as the youngest settled into the chair. I took the order from her and started reading, hoof checkup and a refit. Growing ponies always had trouble with horseshoes, always outgrowing them or having some issue.

I simply got to work, taking measurement, filing, cleaning, and checking the shoes, "...any pain, discomfort?"

"Well the back of my hooves are kinda sore.." I lifted her hoof to eye level. Everything looked fine, gonna need to replace the screw ports soon and her hoof was growing well. I brought the shoe up and her hoof was overshooting it on the rear.

"Hmmm, hooves are growing....I'd have to say I suggest removing the screw ports and letting the hoof grow without being shod," Applejack looked rather worried, "It's covered in your agreement," Her face lightened at this, "So do you agree?" She looked down at the youngest and decided to let me go ahead.

I grabbed a tube of solvent and pliers and got to work. Little by little I applied the solvent and slowly pulled the screw ports out. Two in each hoof meant I was going to be spending quite a bit of time on this. I managed to get the screwports halfway out before yanking them out and setting them aside.

"You alright Apple Bloom," The young filly nodded. Even if I was being rough, it was nerveless tissue.

I managed to pull the ports out and started cleaning the holes and putting caps on them. Normally we fill them in but with younger ponies we cap them and let the hoof grow, "Alright, come back next week and we'll figure this out,"

"Thanks mister," The young filly said as the two walked out. All they left behind was four discarded metal shoes. I set them in a bin to be melted back down. A while passed before another pony showed up.

"Mornin," A warm voice cut the silence behind me.

I spun around meeting the kind sounding mare in the door frame, "Oh, hey Roseluck," I said wiping my hands on my apron, "What did you need," I ask shakily. Such a beautiful women, one of my first customers too.

"My shoes have been hurting my hoof a little," She handed me the four shoes, "I think they might have been warped,"

I looked over the shoes, copper with a lambskin insole. Something special I used for her. They looked fine aside from usual wear and tear, "Any particular areas that hurt?" She pranced over to the chair and sitting.

"I've really been feeling it in my heel," I set the shoes aside and pulled up the stool.

"Let me check," I started pressing on the inside of her hoof, "feel anything," She shook her head. I kept going until I pressed hard on the hard of her hoof, "Hmm, looks like a cushion issue," I started pressing higher before reaching a soft spot, "Ah...yep, your shoes just need more padding," I said slowly rubbing the sore area.

"Uh Corey you can stop now..." I had been mindlessly massaging the area losing track of what I was doing.

I wrenched my head upward my face bright red, "UH...SORRY" I pulled my hands away and stared at the floor, "I'll just go and.....do the thing...." I made my way into the forge with the offending shoes in hand. I set them aside and found a hammer, "FUCKING-*clang*-STUPID-*clang*-" I yelled hitting the anvil with the hammer. The walls of the forge were sound proof so one could scream to your hearts content in here, "ARUAGH-" I tossed the hammer to the floor and tried to calm down.

With my little rage session over I pulled a gel layer from a nearby box and placed it in between the base and the insole. Three shoes later it was done. I took a deep breathe before walking back into the fitting room with Rose standing near the door. I didn't say anything, I just gave her the shoes and started towards the door, "It's OK ya know, I heard you yelling,"

Sound proof my ass, "......."

"Come by the shop sometime if you want to see me," She said walking towards the lobby, "We could talk some time," She gave me a warm smile before leaving. I quickly closed the fitting room door. I had just closed the door when I realized I was holding my breathe. I took a deep breathe before I passed out. I also just realized I hadn't scheduled her check up. I yanked the door open to a room of ponies. Roseluck however was nowhere to be seen.

"Sam I forgot to schedule her check up, did you?"

"Yep, Friday,"

"Phew, alright then send in the next one," I held the door open before a spiky haired white unicorn walked past.

"Hey man, heard about Paul," Oh wait this was Vinyl Scratch, Paul had talked about her a lot. Apparently she ran the club he went to.

"Yeah.....lucky me though i get twice the work," I added with a forced laugh, "So what are we doing,"

"Paul was making me a few pairs of custom shoes, he said they'd be ready."

"Well I can go check his room," I left into the forge before entering Paul's room. The entire shop was five rooms, two fitting rooms, the forge, the lobby, and a restroom. I started looking over the papers that littered his desk. Nothing. I went back to my room, "Do you know what they look like?"

She had been spinning my stool, "Yeah black composite with neon rubber soles," Neon, well I guess it makes sense. I pushed back into Paul's room and started rummaging through his cupboards. There they were, several pairs of brightly colored shoes. One pair though was only half assembled. I brought the entire box into my room, "Here's most, final pair need some work."

She levitated several pair into place and stepped into them, "You mind helping?"

"Not at all," I grabbed a screwdriver from my desk and the screws from the box. A few settings later they were all secured.

"Man these are hot!" She started trotting around, "Can you finish the last pair?" I pulled the unfinished pair from the box. Only needed the sole to be attached to the base.

"Yeah should take about ten minutes," I set down the shoes and grabbed glue, clamps, and some tacks.

"Sooo," She levitated a chair over to my desk and sat hoof on her cheek watching me work, "Ya like music?"

I settled into my chair and started gluing the sole to the base, "Well I used to listen before my radio died,"

"Ya like dubstep?"

"Eh...." I started clamping the pieces together, "Not really a fan of bass,"

"House?"

"What?"

"Electronic, synth, techno?"

"Uh......I'm.....I....."

"Come on man, what kind?"

"Hardcore rap...." I hammered a tack through a port in the base and into the sole. I looked up to a confused looking unicorn.

"Really!?"

"I was an angry child...." She smiled as I snipped the end of the tack.

"We're all different, I mean you didn't judge me right?" I set one of the shoes aside.

"Not at all, from what Paul said you're a nice person,"

"So you guys talk about me behind my back," I froze mid-swing, hammer hanging ominously over the shoe.

".....no....."

"Lair, so what does he say?" I set the hammer down and quickly glued the rest of the shoes before turning to a smirking Vinyl.

"Well.....he, Paul said you were very....colorful, and that you are quite the DJ," Her smirk widened into a full smile. What Paul had meant by colorful was completely opposite what she was thinking. Ponies had been spreading rumors about two musicians enjoying each others "company".... One of them sitting right in front of me.

"Anything else," She said almost leaning her face on me.

"Well....nothing bad....just.....nothing I'd......."

"Come on dude,"

"He was.....talking....about........." She apparently realized what I was talking about and had a hard blush pop on her face before shooting back and pushing up her glasses, "Yeah.....he's.....he likes ponies......a lot......"

"Y-yeah....good to know," I went back to tacking the shoes together.

"Don't take it personally....he really cant help it," I finished tacking the shoes together and started snipping off the excess metal.

"Oh no....I just....wasn't expecting that, He....he uh, didn't go into detail did he?" I set the clamps on the shoes and let the glue dry.

"No no no, he doesn't......he.....he just......glances, never staring or anything gross...." She looked calmer now, "Maybe that's the reason he hurt himself," I joked trying to ease the tension.

"Heh....yeah, shoes done?"

"Glue needs to dry, then their done,"

"How long?"

"Five minutes maybe," She leaned forward propping her head up with her hooves.

"Ya know you might see me more....if Paul was really-"

"Uh I might have made that sound worse than it was,"

"Well I don't mind him checking my flank, plenty of stallions do," I felt my eye twitch slightly, "I just.....don't want that kind of person touching my hooves...."

I think I might have just lost Paul some business. The rest of the time passed quickly, Scratch just spinning on my stood.

A quick check of my watch said it was time, I pulled the clamps off and tried to pull them apart. Good and solid. I grabbed a box from under my desk and packed the two pairs she wasn't wearing into it, "Alright just let me finish up some paperwork and I can get you out of here," I started finalizing the order form and clearing the order. I was just signing the last form when I felt something press quickly against my cheek for only a second. I snapped my head to the side dragging the pen over the form.

"That was for being honest...." Vinyl had started trotting off towards the lobby door, "Should drop by the club this Saturday,"

"Did you just-"

"Don't ruin it man, just roll with it," She said with a playful tone. I turned back to the paper and noticed a large black line dragged over half the form.

"Uh....I'll just...finish paper...." I gave her the order form with paid and delivered stamped on it. I just had to sign a few auxiliary forms letting the store know the order has been filled. I was about to head out to give Sam the paper when I heard him and Vinyl talking.

"-him instead of Paul,"

"Well I can't make any promises but I can try," Paul is going to hate me, stealing his work and spreading rumors. Even if they're true. I decided to hold onto the paperwork and just wait for my next pony.

Six customers later

My hands are bleeding, my hands are actually bleeding. Worked almost completely raw. I reached into my desk drawer pulling a tin of plasters out and starting to replace the bandaids. At least tomorrow was only first timers getting their hooves prepared. No metal to work.

"Hey you in here," A brash voice sounded from across the room, I turned and walked over to a girl with a rainbow mane, "Whoa...what happened to your hands?"

"It's been a looong day, what did you need?"

"Uh the other guy said to come back today, first pair of horseshoes...." She lifted her hoof showing me the four neat holes in her hoof.

"So just a pick up or did he not fit you yet?"

"What's fit mean?" Great....that meant I was going back to the forge.

"*Sigh* take a seat while I find them....." I took her order form and went into Paul's room. Lightweight aluminum pair with caulks lining the shoe. These were sport shoes. Odd that she would need them, being a pegasus and all. I started rummaging through his room. I finally found them hidden behind a box. They looked like cleats.

I Hurried back and found the girl looking at the various show pairs I had hung on the wall, "This place is a lot different from the other room,"

"Well I'm in here so much I decided to make it pleasing to look at,"

"Smells kinda funny though," I directed her to the chair.

"That might be me......I've been working since six." Almost eleven hours in a forge was close to what I imagine hell was.

"Oh.....sorry but you smell dude,"

"Yeah I know......lets get this done with so we don't spend that much time in here," I started placing the shoe against her hoof, almost immediately I could tell they weren't flush, "God DAMMIT," I stood quickly and stormed into the forge. I grabbed a pair of tongs and started heating the metal while I found my gloves. Putting them on was a challenge on its own, my blistered fingers aching as I slid them on.

Once they were heated I started hammering the metal, I just needed to give them a slight slope so they weren't completely flat. Any easy process if my hands weren't cut to hell. But I slowly worked the metal and soon enough they were done. My hands chafing under the gloves. A quick skim of them said they would do. Sorry to say but if she had any problems I was blaming Paul.

I quickly went back and affixed them to her hooves, "Any issues?" I said impatiently.

"No....almost like they aren't there," She said hoovering just above the ground.

"Good," I quickly filled out the paperwork, "Take this to Sam," I gave her the slip and followed her out into the lobby.

Her and Sam quickly sorted things out as I was storing my stuff, "And Thank ya for the business- great work Corey,"

"Never again," I started out the door, "My hands are more precious to me than my job.....no offense,"

"Sorry Corey......fer what it's worth ya did great work, ponies been asking for ya by name," I gave a quick halfhearted laugh before walking out into the warm sunset.

Thursday

*beep* *beep* *beep* "Oh shut up," I swung my hand over and slammed the alarm button. I was immediately reminded of the blisters and cuts on my fingers, "Ow...stupid...alarm...hand...eh," I rolled over and pulled myself off my bed. A quick shower later and I was almost ready. I had to bandaged my hands again, but that was the cost for twelve hours and double pay. A quick walk over to the shop and the day began.

"Hey Sam, Ben in yet?" I went through my normal routine.

"Yep, got in a few minutes ago." Ben was really more of an intern or apprentice, he covered for us when were are sick or on vacation. He lives far away though so he takes some notification before he can work.

"Well whenever someone drops by send em in," I walked into the fitting room and started laying out my tools. Thursdays were always first time installations only. No hammering metal, no sharp objects besides the drill, nice and calm. Once my tools were out I just sat and waited for my clients.

It didnt take long for me to hear a familiar voice, "Oh Fluttershy you're here too,"

I could barely hear someone reply, "Oh...yes,"

"Oh how wonderful, perhaps we can sit together,"

"Uh ladies...we got two men on staff right now," Sam broke their conversation.

"Ohhh, surely there must be some way," I got up and pushed the door open.

"You two go on in, Sam I'm sure someone else will come in for ben to work on," Once the two were past me I pulled the door shut and turned to face the two women in the room, "So....who's first?"

"Oh...well I don't want to-" The timid one barely managed half a sentence before being cut off by Rarity.

"Oh please, you go ahead," They went back and forth for a bit before the yellow mare was seated and waiting.

"Alright, I'm just going to put this on..." I pulled a small restraint over her hooves, she was immediately nervous and started tugging slightly, "It's to minimalism risk of causing damage to the hoof," her eyes only grew wider, "Uh...Rarity right, can you....calm her down?"

"Darling this man is nothing if not professional I assure you," She was sitting on a stool next to the fitting chair, "I'm sure he will treat you with the utmost care," I looked back and gave a quick nod before plugging the drill in and walking over.

I knelt down and started lining the drill up with her bottom left hoof, "WAIT WAIT STOP!" She tugged slightly, her hooves remaining in place.

"Uh....I haven't started yet..."

"Oh...I'm sorry maybe we should re-" I quickly started the drill and bored a small hole in her hoof, "-schedule for another-"

"*cough*...one down..." I quickly pulled the drill away showing her the shavings from her hoof, "Didn't feel a thing did ya?" I asked with a cheeky smile.

"Wait...you...uh~" her head fell to the side softly.

"Uh did she just-"

"Fluttershy!?" Rarity started softly shaking her.

"Should...should I just finish?"

"I'm...I'm not sure..." I decided it would be best to just get it over with. I quickly started drilling four holes per hoof, "Darling what exactly happened to your hands?" I hadn't noticed her moving around me. Rarity was now looking at my hands from behind.

"Work...."

"Oh my, how...dreadful,"

"Yeah......you wanna see how this is done?" I shifted slightly to the side.

"Well I am rather curious." I had finished with her left side and only had two more holes in the fore and four in the back.

"Simply put we just drill out a small hole for the screw ports in the hard of the hoof, once that's done we use compressed air to clean the hole, apply a glue, and then set the screw port." I slowly sank the drill into the hard of the timid mares hoof. The drill was a cross between a dentist drill and a corkscrew drill-bit, "See" I pulled the drill away, "They don't feel anything and the hole is as minimal as possible,"

"I see, they really are rather tidy," I quickly ran my finger of the newly drilled hole.

"Only problem is if you don't have the screw in and step in mud or something, they get all gummed up." I quickly finished her fore hoof.

"Oh, but you can clean them right," Rarity leaned in looking into the hole.

"Yes and no, we can clean the hole, even fill it if need be,"

"I believe you told me that on Tuesday,"

"Right sorry, anyways we can clean the hole yes, but if the screw ports get gummed up we usually have to replace them,"

"Are you sure this is just a job for you,"

"Huh,"

"When we spoke last I asked if you always wanted to do this, seems like you enjoy this,"

"Oh yeah...sorry yesterday kind of eclipsed all that, no but if you're going to be dealing with people bodies you should always take a certain level of pride in your work," I had gotten distracted and almost forgot about the mare in the chair. I quickly drilled two more holes in her hoof before talking again, "I mean I guess I enjoy all this, like I said I like helping people,"

"How charming,"

"I guess...hey can I ask you about somebody,"

"Well I really shouldn't give in to idle gossip but I suppose,"

"It's about two different ponies: Roseluck and Vinyl Scratch, you know anything about either one of them at all?"

"Hmmm," She place a hoof on her chin, "Well I know Ms.Scratch has a strange stage name, and Roseluck runs a flowershop..." She went on, not really telling me anything I didn't know already, "-aside from that I cant tell you much,"

"Ah....well thanks anyways," I quickly drilled the last two holes and set the drill aside, "Stand back please," I gave a few quick sprays from a can of compressed air in each of the new holes.

"~wha,"

"Oh Fluttershy you're awake," Rarity ran over to meet her face to face, "Good news, he just finished,"

"Finished what, where am I, what's- *giggle*"

"Sorry about that, the compressed air can tickle a bit," Not the hole of course but it can accidentally graze the frog of the hoof.

"Compressed what," Rarity reached over and pulled her towards her.

"Horseshoes," She gave her a quick shake before stepping back.

"Oh! wait it's done?!"

"Not yet, glue just needs to settle," I masterfully applied glue to each of the holes before inserting a screw port into each. Once they were in I gave them a gentle tap with a mallet, setting them in place, "Alright...about ten minutes,"

"Oh...thank you..."

"Corey, I take it your name is Fluttershy," I realized I had gone all of the Monday session without asking her, "Sorry for not introducing myself sooner,"

"Oh it's fine....can I walk around?" She started pulling at the restraints.

"Sorry no.....I can take off the restraints but you cant be on your hooves until the glue dries," I pulled the restraints off and she was free, "Let me find your shoes and you'll be ready to leave once they've set," I left the two mares to talk while I looked for her pair. If I remember right she asked for a simple stock pair which I got to work on yesterday. Ah there they are, four simple steel shoes.

I laid them out on my desk and went back to them, "-I'm sure they'll look fabulous," Rarity said making idle chatter.

"So the glue is going to be a few minutes....you girls heard any interesting stories," I pulled a stool over and sat with them.

"Do you know a Pegasus named Rainbow Dash," Rarity asked glancing over at me.

"Uh...Rarity...are you sure you should be talking about her behind her back," Fluttershy said with quite concern.

"I have nothing but respect and admiration for her and would never talk behind her back....that said she had the gall to call my new dress....overdone," Rarity said overdone with utter disgust.

"Oh I'm sure she didn't mean it like that..."

"No excuse," She exclaimed swinging her foreleg, almost hitting me, "Sorry darling,"

"No problem....why'd she call it overdone?"

"Oh never you mind, just know that Dash isn't the most....feminine mare out there," Caddy.....

"Wait...Rainbow Dash, rainbow mane?" A look of surprise crossed their faces.

"Why yes...you know her?"

"She picked up a pair of athletic shoes yesterday....actually if you see her today tell her I said sorry, I might have been a bit rude at the end of the day...."

"What exactly happened yesterday," Rarity asked once again gesturing to my hands.

"Twelve hour day.....this is from metal work," I showed them my hands.

"Why would they make you work twelve hours,"

"The other person who works here smashed his finger with a hammer...idiot,"

"uh...excuse me..."

"He sounds rather unfocused,"

"Corey..."

"Yeah...not the word I'd use..."

"SIR,"

"Oh, sorry....what did you need Fluttershy,"

"I think the time is up...." She gestured to the flashing timer on my desk.

"Oh....heh....sorry," I quickly pulled the shoes and screws off my desk and quickly affixed the shoes, "And...done, Go ahead and walk around," I helped her off the chair and onto her hooves, "Hows it feel?"

She wobbly walked around the room, "A bit...heavy,"

"Just not used to it...give it an hour, you'll barely notice." She started trying to right herself before losing her balance and tripping, "ooo....maybe a bit more than a week..."

"I'm fine....just.....heavy...." She picked herself up and wobbled over, "I might need a different pair..."

"Uh yeah.....can you promise me something,"

"Sure,"

"Don't tell Sam I did this," I pulled copper alloy shoes from a box and changed them out, "There...how that,"

She started walking around much less shakily, "Oh much better, much much better,"

"Corey are you allowed to do that," Rarity turned an acquisitive eye to me.

"Well....lets just say it's not going to come up," Revenge for the no notice double day.

"How...dashing,"

"What,"

"Helping a young mare at your own peril,"

"Uh....peril?"

"You could lose your job,"

"Not really....I've done this before, he doesn't mind, I mean he doesn't like it but he doesn't give me any guff,"

"Oh...*ehem*...never the less, it is very kind of you,"

"Well.....your turn," I motioned for her to sit in the chair, "Fluttershy you're OK to leave,"

"Oh...well I'd really,"

"*sigh* you can stay....pull up a chair," I heard an odd squee as she widened her smile, "Did you hear that," I looked around, "guess it was nothing...." I quickly strapped rarity into the chair and went to get the drill.

"Oh my....this is very....snug," Rarity looked slightly uncomfortable.

"Alright....I'll make this as quick as possible," I slowly set the drill into her hoof. She fidgeted slightly, luckily her hooves stayed put. I quickly drilled all the holes while the two mares talked. I quickly switched to the compressed air eliciting a cavalcade of laughter, "Heh....looks like you got ticklish hooves...." I looked up at her only to find a slight blush on her face, "Almost done," I said with a small smile.

I glued the ports in place and softly tapped them in until they were secure, "And....done, just needs to set and you'll be good to go,"

"And my shoes,"

"Friday remember, I have three down. One is in pieces though...." I said feeling slightly bad for making her come back.

"I see, well I suppose that means I'll be seeing you again, cant say I mind,"

"Well I pride myself on customer service," I washed my hands and sat with the two mares, "Fluttershy you haven't said much,"

"Oh sorry..."

"Don't say sorry, just wondering whats bothering you,"

"Oh it's nothing...only Angle..."

"Your bunny," Rarity asked now lounging back in the chair.

"Yes...he has been avoiding me the whole week,"

"Oh no...." I left them talking, I just went and sorted some paperwork out. Ten minutes later everything was ready and I saw the two mares out, "Thank you Corey, always a pleasure," Rarity walked out while I help Fluttershy with some paperwork.

Once she was done I leaned down and gave her a hug before she left, "heh heh....no wonder they've been askin for you," Sam said with an awkward tone.

"Oh yes....because I'm the dream of all mares.......anyone else today," Sam quickly skimmed through the appointment book.

"Naw....yer free to go, Ben can handle it,"

"Thanks Sam, see ya tomorrow,"

Friday

They were making it rain for the rest of the weekend, "Hey Sam,"

"Mornin Corey," I didn't bother with formalities, just grabbed my stuff and settled in. I hung my coat in the forge and started getting ready. It took longer than normal for anyone to show up. Even Ben got in early. Fridays we only worked a few hours so be both stay full time.

"Hey Ben," He had just walked into the forge covered in rain.

"Hey Corey....where is everyone?"

"No idea," Me and Ben just sat in the forge trying to stay warm, "Weird..."

"I know right,"

"Corey?" there she was. At least Rarity was on time.

"Well," I said standing and walking back to my room, "Atleast someone showed up," I walked inside the fitting room met with Rarity, wearing what looked like a rain slicker.

"Good morning Corey,"

"Good morning Rarity, one second please," I popped back into the forge and grabbed her shoes, pink composite with black rubber soles and a toeclip.

I quickly boxed them before heading back. Once I returned to the fitting room Rarity was politely sitting waiting for me, "I figured you wouldn't want to wear these out in the mud,"

"That's very considerate,"

"Well....it's what I do..."

"Oh by the way I meant to ask, why did you ask about those ponies yesterday,"

"Who,"

"Ohh- Roseluck and Ms.Scratch,"

"Oh....well.....Scratch invited me to her club on Saturday...and Roseluck.....I kind of...."

"Ah I understand....well I'd say you'd make a good match, did you make plans with her,"

"Well...not officially, I thought about dropping by on Saturday or Sunday."

"You should, I think she'd appreciate it. Well good luck, I'm sure we will speak again soon," She gave what looked like a curtsey and walked out, leaving me to sit around more.

Ugh...no one is showing up today, "UGH!" I shouted throwing my head back in my chair, "Come on...someone show up," What felt like an hour passed before anyone else showed up.

"Hello sir," In walked yet another repeat customer. Filthy Rich and his daughter, she had a pair of orthopedic shoes, "Interesting weather today isn't it,"

"Well I don't mind cool rain is a nice change, what did you need," He guided his daughter to the chair and walked over to me.

"She has been complaining about her heel all week," I nodded and started removing the shoes.

"Alright....can you describe the feeling,"

"..." She just sat there looking annoyed.

"Tiara don't be rude," Rich started staring at her.

"*Humph* fine...it feels like something is pressing into my hoof," I started checking the soft spots behind the wall, I hit a soft spot near the inside rim, "OW, daddy..."

"Sorry, looks like you need more padding on the back hooves," I took the shoes to my desk and started pulling out the old sole, "It's gonna be about thirty bits for both,"

"Hmm, any way you can lower it," Rich always tried to talk me down.

"Sorry...these things cost ten to make, two to ship, we barely make any profit,"

"I see...thirty bits then,"

"Go and talk to Sam while I fix the shoes," I quickly started gluing down the new sole, "Once you're fully grown I don't think you'll even need these,"

"Just fix them," Indignant, I simply set my tools down and walked over to her.

"I'm sorry, what was that," I gave her an incredulous look.

"...Fix them....please..." Alright then, I walked back and finished with the shoes.

"Alright," I reattached the shoes, "Hows that feel," I helped her off the chair. She shifted her weight back and forth.

"Better.....thank you," sounded forced, but it was progress.

"You're very welcome, come on I'll see you out," I held the door for her, Rich was waiting patiently in the lobby, "All done,"

"Very good, I scheduled a checkup next week,"

"Good, see you next week,"

"Indeed, Diamond Tiara what do you say..."

"*mumble* Thank you," I gave a warm smile back as they walked out. Back to hours of nothing.

Three hours later

"Ugh......sonofa......ARG!" three hours of sitting around playing with the papers on my desk...

"Whoa there..." I snapped my head fast enough to break my spine. The voice came from a plum colored pony standing in the door way. She chuckled lightly, "you alright?"

"Uh..." I quickly cleared my desk and stood up,"*cough* yes....sorry,"

"Don't worry about it, my name is Berry Punch by the way,"

"Corey.....what did you need?"

"I was supposed to have my hooves work on Wednesday but your friend was out,"

"Oh yeah...Wednesday was kinda rough....well hop up and I'll get started," I patted the seat before grabbing a brush, a file, and what was like an edgeless knife used to clean out dirt and debris. I turned around seeing her leaning back in the chair showing her hooves, "Alright then...." I quickly got to work taking off the shoes before brushing them off first.

"Heh....you boy's really do like hooves..." That sounded...odd.

"Uh, what?"

"Nothing..." Huh,weird. I ignored it though and kept working, *Moan* OK that was deliberate.

"Miss are you alright,"

"Oh yes....how nice of you to ask..." Eh....I'm conflicted about this. I decided to let it slide so I could just finish this quicker. I finished brushing her hooves and quickly gave them a once over with the file. Once that was done I started running the knife around the wall of her hoof skimming dirt and crud out, "OOooo," God dammit.....

"Really....it's like your trying to throw me off," I went back and before I knew it she threw her forehooves around me and pulled me to her chest, "Uh wha-umbl-"

"You are so cute, you don't even know," I felt her breathing into my hair, dear god I've never felt so conflicted and taken advantage of. She was clutching my head to her stomach, i tired pulling away only to have her tighten her grip.

"canyoupleaseletmego" she eased off and leaned her head over so that she was hanging just over my face. She let out a long breathe that ended up fogging up my glasses. Once she was sure she made her point she let me off, "I'm gonna....go..." I quickly and awkwardly walked into the forge before tossing my glasses on a table and dunking my head into the cooling trough, "*Gasp* holy shit......well that was....unique..." I wasn't about to head back in there, I pride myself in professionalism but there was no way I was going to put up with being provoked. Ben, he wasn't doing anything.

I slammed into the door and burst into the room like a madman, "WHOA CHRIST," Ben jumped from his chair like he saw a ghost, "What the hell Corey....why are you wet," I grabbed him by the back of the shirt and dragged him into the forge.

"Just go in there....help her.....I'll give you.....fifty bits," I didn't wait for a response before I shoved him towards the door, "Just go,"

"Whoa man, easy...who got you all worked up," He asked before I pushed him into my room and pulled the door shut. Things got quite for about fifteen minutes before Ben came back into the forge, "She's gone...."

"Thank you....you're a lifesaver,"

"Yeah I know I'm awesome......." he started walking back to his room, "I cant understand why you didn't want to help her, perfectly polite," Bullshit....I didn't argue and just went back to sitting in my room. I sat for the next hour sorting papers before finding a small folded note: meet me at the workhorse tomorrow night. The workhorse was a local pub.

"..." Wow..."Well....she's persistent...." not once did I have a pony so obviously come on to me like that. Huh....maybe if the club doesn't pan out tomorrow I'll actually go....no rules outside work and she obviously wanted to ...."talk" with me.

We'll see how tomorrow works...

The next few hours went by slowly, no other ponies showed up. A dreadfully slow day pretending to be productive. Once my time was up I packed my stuff and headed out, "Alright Sam....I'll see you on Monday," perks of being so specialized meant I got paid well and got to work my own days.

"Yep...have a good weekend," Sam gave a quick wave before I walked out into the drizzle that was looming over the weekend.

Saturday

Saturday, how I love you. I have Sunday off too but I take care of all my shopping and such. Saturdays were completely free.

"Ach-," I moaned rolling out of bed, "hungry..." I walked down stairs and went into my kitchen. I poured a bowl of cereal and sat down to eat, "bloody....cereal..." Never could keep the professional appearance outside of work. I mindlessly chewed my cereal," Meh.....need stuff to do...." Never understood why I talked to myself over breakfast. Maybe I'll see if Roseluck's shop is open, be nice to talk to someone. Probably not open yet anyways, what time is it.

I looked around meeting my clock: barely seven AM. I'll go around nine. I spent the next few hours milling around the house, two story cottage on the edge of town, "Man.....I should get some paintings or something......" I ran my hand along the bare wall, "Too bad everyone but unicorns have trouble painting, *Sigh* guess I'll go get dressed...." as much as I liked my day off it got kind of dull sitting around the house all day. I went back upstairs and grabbed a white button-up and some slacks. Nothing too fancy, but something respectable.

I stepped outside with an umbrella in hand, a cool rain cut the heat of the day. Well better get moving. I closed my door and locked it before starting off towards town. The rain was no deterrent for the ponies and with the new stone roads stepping in mud was only a problem for the outlying areas. The familiar noise of metal on stone could be heard above the rain, a small sense of pride came over me.

All around me I could see the shoes we've been making being put to good use, all styles, all colors, all shapes and sizes, we had provided this town with a great service. It felt warm, a feeling of silent appreciate. I walked lazily through town, i slowly worked my way towards Roseluck's shop. I had all the time I needed and was in no rush. I ended up leaning on a tree overlooking the lake for a while.

I stayed there for a while before moving on, "Oh Corey hello," Rarity of all people caught me on my way, "How are you darling,"

"Fine...a bit damp but good,"

"Oh I know darling, this weather doesn't play well with my mane,"

"I can only imagine...so running errands?"

"I've been meaning to pick up some bolts of cloth for a while now....lets just say family can interfere with work sometimes,"

I glanced down at my watch, about eight twenty, "Well do you want some help, I've got time to kill,"

"Well since you're offering follow me," Rarity lead me into the market and later into a small shop with bolts of cloth and fabric all over, "Good morning Silk," A quirky looking pony popped out from behind a pile of blankets.

"Oh hello, you're here for the satin yes," She hurried into a back room for a while.

"So...did you ever meet with Roseluck," Rarity asked while we waited at the counter.

"I was gonna head over there before you came along," I said with mock annoyance.

"Oh....I do apologize, I had no idea I was interrupting-" I gave a quick chuckle, "Oh....I see....a joke,"

"I was gonna head over at about nine but I've got all day to get there,"  The young mare behind the counter popped back and started boxing the cloth, "So what's this stuff for anyways," Rarity paid and gestured for me to take the box.

"Those shoes you made me, I was trying to fit them into an outfit when I realized, they provided a base, something to work off of," I quickly popped my umbrella open and held it over the two of us, "I feel like those shoes of yours could catch on, on that note; who would I speak to about a matter of business,"

"That would be Sam, the old man behind the counter at the shop," She nodded as we hurried deeper into town. Eventually Rarity lead me to a large building, "This your shop," I asked with slight awe, much nicer looking than Sam's place.

"Shop and home, please come in," I wiped my feet vigorously before stepping inside and setting the box of cloth on a nearby table, "Would you care for tea," I glanced back to my watch, almost nine.

"I'd love to but it's almost nine....another time definitely," I quickly stepped back out the door and down the street.

"Good luck Corey, just be confident," I turned seeing Rarity shouting from her door way.

"Thanks, I'll try," I continued my way down the street. Umbrella in hand I lazily strolled towards my destination. As I walked I couldn't help but notice my hair slowly falling over my face, maybe Rarity knows someone good.

I just swept it away and kept walking, didn't take long for me to reach a small shop adorn with flowers. I walked over placing one hand on the front door, I leaned slightly into if only to find it locked. Well....alright then....I guess I'll go....

I started walking away when a voice stopped my march, "Oh Corey hello, did you need something,"

I wheeled around facing Roseluck, who was hanging half out of the first story window, "Uh...no, I just thought I'd stop by...see if you were busy..."

"Oh, well would you like to come in,"

"It's fine, I don't want to take any of your time," I started to turn away.

"If you wanted to visit it's fine, I'm all alone right now anyways,"

"Well I guess-"

"Get out of the rain," She pulled herself back into the shop with a light laugh. A few moments later the door swung open revealing Roseluck's wine colored mane, "Well, you coming," My heart kind of jumped while I started back towards her shop.

Once I stepped past the threshold the cool feeling that had trailed me inside was almost instantly replaced by a rush of warm air, "Huh...nice in here," I said as Roseluck lead me to a small sitting area. This was when having a small frame paid off, most humans could barely fit in an equestrian chair but I was just the size even if it was a bit snug.

"So, closed Saturdays," I asked settling into my seat.

"Not normally, but ponies tend to stay away when it rains," She sounded somewhat down about it.

"Everything alright,"

"Huh, oh yes...talking about the shop can be kinda boring though,"

"Yeah I get that, not much to talk about from where I work either,"

"Oh come on, you meet all sort of ponies everyday," She leaned forward in her chair.

"Yeah but sometimes it can be kinda.....taxing, if that makes sense,"

She gave a rather quizzical look, "Like what,"

"Well...like yesterday: mare comes in for hoof care, right after I start she starts coming onto me big time, I mean honestly she wasn't even try to be subtle,"

"Who," She exclaimed almost falling out of her chair.

"I'm not going to say...why so interested,"

"uh- because it's rude, you shouldn't have to deal with that,"

"Look don't worry about it, to be honest I made the intern do her checkup anyways,"

"How mean, throwing a kid to a heated mare...."

"From what he said she was "prefectly polite" so I don't think she bugged him,"

"Was it Paul or Ben,"

"Ben, why,"

"Huh...weird, I mean Ben's a decent looking kid, if it was Paul well he's not exactly...handsome,"

"Hey that's not...entirely...true," Paul had the look of a man who had recently been hit with a brick, I'd never tell that to him in person though, "I mean someone has to be into that look...like...rock farmers," I said thrusting a finger upward.

This got a quick giggle out of her, "Ya know...I always kinda.." Oh ok...this may be good or terrible, "...thought he was a colt cuddler," Oh....so hilarious.

"*pffff* hey, he might be," Never asked him, "But I really don't think so, he always checked out mares after they left the shop,"

"What, like their flanks," she said, sounding a little angry.

"Uh...farther back," her eyes shot wide and a small blush formed around her cheeks.

She turned to the side and hid her mouth with her hoof, "What a perv,"

"You're the second person who said that,"

"Really, who's the first,"

"One of Paul's usual's had no idea, seemed oddly put off by it, got me more business though so there's that."

"Ok two things, one: I'd be put off too if i found out Paul was checking out my flank, and two: what do you mean more business," odd phrasing on that.

"She asked Sam to move all her appointments and such to me instead of Paul,"

"Really...well I'm not surprised,"

"Whys that,"

"Well aside from Paul being kinda...mediocre, you're a great farrier," Oh wow, she knows my proper title.

"Well...he tries..." As right as she was he did give a decent amount of effort.

"Didn't he accidentally cut a mare hoof once," I had all but forgotten about that.

"Yeah I guess-"

"And he also gave a stallion the wrong size for a month,"

"But-"

"Lets face it, you're a lot better than he is,"

"Thanks but...I know...I just don't want him to get fired over it,"

"Why not, I'm sure Ben would take the job in a heartbeat,"

"Yeah but Ben's also got family to support him, Paul's on his own,"

"I suppose, just don't expect me to go to him,"

"Well I've always done your hoof-work, I wouldn't expect to lose a long term customer like you,"

"And I would never let anyone else touch my hooves,"

"That so..."

"Eh- well..." She scrunched her face up, "I did ask you to come visit me after all,"

"I don't understand why...I mean, I'm not the smoothest guy out there," I said as Roseluck stood up and walked over to me.

She hopped up onto the space next to me and leaned into my shoulder, my heart started beating out of my chest, "Just relax, you always act so tense around me,"

"y-yeah well you don't really make it easy- to act normal I mean,"

"Oh really, and whys that," She looked up, staring me right in the eyes.

"..." Breathe...

"..." Breathe....

"..." You're gonna die you don't breathe.

"Oh just say it," She exclaimed looking rather annoyed. I could feel myself lose control and fall into a pile on the floor before everything went dark, "Corey!?"

"Huh~," I opened my eyes finding Roseluck looking over me.

"Sweet Celestia, are you OK,"

"What happened," I sat upright, still half on the floor.

"I don't know, you were sitting next to me, then next thing I know you flop onto the floor," She wrapped her hooves around me, "Sweet Luna don't do that,"

It was odd, normally when she got close I felt like my heart was going to explode, now nothing, "Sorry...just, my head is killing me, how long was I out,"

"Only a minute, what happened, was it me,"

I stood up, "uh~ I think it might have been, heh, you kinda...took my breath away," I said with a matching smirk.

"What," She looked rather hurt by what I said.

"When you sat next to me...I kinda...forgot to breathe..."

She stared at me for a moment before pushing her hoof onto her forehead, "...IDIOT, I thought you actually hurt yourself, I was so worried,"

"I deserve that...tell ya what, I feel like crap...lets go get something to eat,"

"What!? you just....on the ground...*sigh* where,"

"you know any good places, somewhere classy, trying to make a good impression,"

"I invite you over, you pass out because you're to afraid to tell me you want to date me, and you're worried about impressions,"

"Well,first impressions....as my girl," Come on, please work.

She flicked her tail to the side, "How presumptuous, I prefer mare," She walked past me towards the door, "You're paying now come on,"

"No problem, lets just hurry before the adrenalin wears off," Had I not been running the edge between an adrenal high and utter low, I would have walked out and gone home.

"And don't think this means I'm lifting my tail to you on the first date, maybe if you're good I'll stick around,"

"heh playful...seriously though if we don't hurry I'm going to fall apart,"

"Don't tell me I've worn you out already, we haven't even started,"

"No really, I can feel myself coming down..." I stepped out the door popping my umbrella open, "If we don't hurry I'm going to lose my nerve,"

"Alright; can believe you passed out...next time just ask me out," We started off down the road into the center of the town, the rain masking our steps, me and my mare.

Certainly been an interesting week.

Saturday (What if #1)

(What if Roseluck didn't stop me,)

-didn't take long for me to reach a small shop adorn with flowers. I walked over placing one hand on the front door, I leaned slightly into if only to find it locked. Well....alright then....I guess I'll go....

I walked away, rain mirroring my disappointment. Maybe I'll go back and see what Rarity's doing, need something to do today even if my plans got derailed. I set off back to Rarity's. It felt wrong walking back along the same path, like a failure even if it wasn't my fault.

Crestfallen I lazily made my way back, hopefully Rarity would be OK with me showing up. It took a much shorter time to go back than it took to get to Roseluck's. I knocked lightly on the door, "Who is it," It was a much younger voice than I was expecting. The door popped open revealing a young white filly, "Oh- HI," the young filly said with a shrill voice.

"Hello, is Rarity in," She looked up at me with a curious turn of her head.

"You know my sister," She asked. Well that explains the similar fur.

"Sort of, is she in,"

"Sure, follow me," The young filly started off inside leaving the door hanging open, I followed close pulling the door shut as I went, "Rarity, we've got a guest!" She got ahead of me into what looked like a sewing room.

"Sweetie Belle you should ask me before you invite someone inside," I stepped into the room, "Oh Corey, what are you doing here,"

"Roseluck wasn't there, you free,"

"Give me a moment, Sweetie why don't you take him to the kitchen,"

"OK, come on," Sweetie Belle started tugging on my pant leg. She lead me to an oddly rustic room and pushed me into a seat at a dining table, "So, what do you do," She asked taking the seat across from me.

"Do you know what a farrier is,"

"Ms.Cheerilee said something about horseshoes,"

"Right, I make and fit horseshoes,"

"Wait are you Corey,"

"Yeah, did your sister talk about me,"

"She said you were peculiar,"

"Oh really...good to know," I heard hoofsteps growing closer.

Rarity pushed into the kitchen sporting a pair of glasses, "Sorry darling i wasn't expecting you back, well at least this soon,"

"If it's trouble I can come back,"

She stuck her hoof out making a sweeping motion in front of her, "No trouble, just unexpected," She took the seat on the side of the table, "So she wasn't home,"

"No, shop was closed up,"

"Wait-" Sweetie Belle cut us off, "You wanted flowers...and you're visiting her," She pointed to Rarity, "Do you like each other," She asked with a wide smile and deep enthusiasm.

I could feel blood rushing to my face, "Uh.."

"Sweetie, how rude," She levitated Sweetie off her chair by her tail and on the floor, "Intruding in our guest personal life,"

Pushing up and to her feet Sweetie popped around, "So you do like him!"

"Uh...Sweetie, I was trying to visit the mare who owns the shop. I- hmmm...yeah, I actually work with your sister," I said debating the validity of saying we work together.

"Oh- so you don't like Rarity," She said slightly sad.

"Well not in a special-somepony way," I said trying not to offend anyone, "Good friend I think,"

"Indeed, now Sweetie why don't you make us some tea,"

Why should I-" She was cut off by being pulled towards the kitchen counter by Rarity's magic.

I watcher her being dragged before turning back to Rarity, "Kids..."

"Tell me about it," she said blowing a strand of hair from her face, "So what will you do now,"

"I dont know...thought about getting drunk, too early though,"

"And didn't you get an invitation to a bar anyways,"

"Yeah, wait how did you know that?"

"Why you told me about it, Vinyl remember,"

"Oh right...club not bar,"

"Apologies for the confusion,"

"Don't worry about it, just...don't worry,"

"Are you alright dear, you sound shaken," I swallowed hard.

"Run in with...with what I imagine was a mare in heat,"

"Oh my, how could you tell,"

"She pulled me to her chest and fogged my glasses with her breathe...amongst other things,"

"Oh- well I wont pry,"

"Don't worry about it, I mean technically you invited me over so don't be afraid to ask," I said leaning back in the chair.

"Careful Corey, carpentry in Ponyville is not the greatest," I eased forward, landing the chair back on all fours.

"Sorry, I did notice that like everything is made out of balsa wood or soft pine, This town needs some good old fashion oak,"

"Hmm," she gave a quick nod, "So you didn't answer, are you planning on going to see Ms.Scratch,"

"I dont know, not really into clubs..."

"She did invite you...perhaps if things don't work out with Roseluck-"

"I, uh, you really don't have much confidence in me do you,"

"What, no, I didn't mean you shou-" She took a deep breathe trying to regain composure, "There must have been some reason she invited you out,"

"I guess...hadn't thought about it, we'll see," I gave the air a quick sniff, "Is something burning," We turned to look at the counter seeing what looked like a box of teabags on top of the stove, "Oh shit!"

"Sweetie!?" I bolted over and slapped the smoldering box in the sink, "Sweetie where are you!?"

"I was wondering what would take anyone this long to make tea," I joked dousing the box with water.

"Corey I may need you to leave, I wouldnt want you to see this," She levitated a wooden spoon from a container on the counter.

"Heh yeah, I'll make sure nothing else is on fire before I go," I quickly opened the oven making sure nothing was inside, cleared the entire area around the stove-top and completely soaked the burnt box of tea. Did she even know she set the burners on, why would there even be a box on the stove. How did she even reach the stove. I had a lot of questions running through my mind as I exited Rarity's shop. Before I pulled the door shut I heard it.

"Hi Rarity-"

"Why would you leave a cardboard box on top of the stove!?"

"What!?"

"Sweetie don't run,"

"Then put down the spoon!"

"I'm going to give you your cutie mark, in cooking..."

I pulled the door shut just as a sound of glass shattering broke the sound of beating hooves, "Oh man, that kids gonna go from white to red." I started off into town. Couldn't go the the club yet, maybe around seven or so at the earliest. Only about ten or so...need to lose about ten hours...great.

Seven hours of nothing later

"Fuuuuuuuuck, I'm SO BORED!" I had taken to milling around my house for the past few hours. I tried to be productive by sorting my stuff or reading but in the end I lost my mind, "Only five forty-five, fuck it," I grabbed a hoodie from my closet and started off into town again. The rain had intensified as the night went on, "Better be open," I hurried into town, I knew the vague direction of her club, I'm sure I could find it.

I spent about ten minutes finding the place, a large two story building with a large sign out front. A rough looking pony standing under an overhang next to the door, "Hold up, we're not open yet,"

Fuck that, "I was supposed to help set up," He gave me a distrusting look.

"Whats your name,"

"Corey," He stepped inside blocking the door.

"Scratch, someone named Corey's here,"

"Oh, really?!" She sounded far away, "Let him in, must want something,"

The rough looking pony turned to me and held the door, glaring as he did so. I didn't mind as I walked past into the large main room.

"Vinyl?" I asked walking onto the main floor.

"Behind the booth," I looked over to a DJ booth atop a pulpit, Vinyl popped over a second after, "What's up?"

"Nothing going on today, i figured I'd drop by,"

"Well...we're not open yet," She said with a nervous chuckle.

"Well need any help, I really need something to do, I was losing my mind sitting around all day," She ducked back down pulling two cords up.

"You know anything about setting up electronic?"

"Eh, I'm resourceful," I made my way behind the booth only to be greeted by a mess of tangled cords, "Jesus...why don't you tape these cords down?"

"Huh...I don't know, thats actually a good idea," She said with yet another nervous laugh. I looked around for duck tape, finding some in a side room. I then began the arduous task of untangleing and taping down the various cords, "So what made you stop by so early," I looked up seeing Vinyl laying on her back across a table.

"Needed something to do, and I figured I might as well drop by, you did ask me to drop by,"

"Well I meant to stop by during hours, but hey you seem like a cool dude,"

"uh huh, mostly because I'm doing your job right now..." I taped down one last cord before sitting at the table Vinyl was splayed on.

"No way I just- fine I'll prove it, stick around after my set is done."

"We'll see, gotta be honest clubs like this aren't really my thing, who knows maybe you can change my mind,"

She gave a quick smirk and rolled off the table, "Here," She levitated a small wristband over to me, "In case you need to leave,"

"Sure," I quickly affixed the band, "So when do you start the show,"

"Maybe another hour...usually takes me that long to set up,"

"Well- fuck." I pulled my hood up and slammed my head into the table nearly smashing my glasses.

"You alright, that was pretty loud,"

"Yeah...just, I miss TV...and the internet,"

"I've heard about the internet, what is it exactly,"

"...a place were you can find anything by typing a few simple words,"

She gave a deep smirk, "It's for porn isn't it," I rolled my head to the side, still planted on the table.

"Sort of, more than porn I miss videos,"

"Porn videos right,"

"Knock it off, no just- well any kind of video, I guess I could always go back..."

"What am I not that interesting," She hopped on a chair mimicking my stance, head on the table looking at me.

"Trust me, you certainly stick out,"

"It's the hair and glasses, I know,"

"Why do you wear those anyways,"

"Why do you,"

"Cause I'm blind without them," I deadpanned

"Oh..."

"Yeah..." I could feel a frown growing on my face, "So why do you,"

"I like em, and have you seen my eyes," She pulled her head off the table and took her glasses off before resuming the pose, "Not exactly normal,"

"Huh...go America..."

"What?"

"Red, white, and blue, stupid joke..." I rolled my head to he side again so that I was face down.

"It wasn't that bad,"

"No it's not the joke...just bored,"

forty five minutes later

"Alright time to get started," Vinyl said from behind the booth, "Corey hold out a little longer, I'm only DJ'ing for an hour,"

"Oh don't worry about me, so long as the bar's open," I walked over pulling a stool over, "Oi I'm sober, fix that," I shouted at the bartender who quickly took some bits I slammed on the counter and mixed me a glowing green drink. Before I could say anything the lights dimmed and a rush of ponies entered the club, I started drinking when heavy bass broke the chatter that had quickly filled the club.

Ponies rushed past while I swiveled my seat seeing Vinyl thrusting her hoof in the air before a deep bass drop that nearly cause me to drop my drink. Not to mention the ponies losing their minds on the dance floor. This kind of music really wasn't my scene, I glanced down at my watch, about seven thirty. I could always go to a pub or something...fuck it, I'm here already. I turned around again ordering a more basic drink, strait vodka, I was drinking to be drunk by now. The hour progressed slowly, several songs blending together before a short silence before another pony manned the booth.

Vinyl managed to fight her way through the crowd to get to me, "So, how was I,"

I looked around at the massive throng on ponies, "Well, they certainly loved it,"

"Oh come on, try to have fun," She said before being bumped into by several ponies rushing for their drinks, "Jeez, lets get out of this crowd," She started walking to a side room.

"One sec," I managed to grab the barkeeps attention, "Just give me the bottle," I pushed the rest of that nights bits across the counter and was handed a mostly full bottle of vodka. I managed to make my way past and meet Vinyl at the door. The place must have been a break room.

Once we were in and the door was shut things were much calmer, the noise muffled by the walls, "So...you didn't like it," She asked throwing herself across a couch.

I took a seat next to her leaning deep into the soft couch, "Like I shaid- oh fuck..."

She started snickering, "Maybe the bass upset your stomach...amongst other things,"

"Hey I- yeah your right," I set the bottle on a table out of reach, "I can't help it though- it feels good,"

"I'm not judging, just, you're really different outside the shop, less dorky,"

"I'm not dorky!"

"yeah you are, it's cute though," She rolled on her side, "I mean-"

"Last time I got called cute I was sexually harassed..."

"*Pffff* really,"

"Well harassed is a strong word, lets say- what do you call a mare holding you to her stomach,"

"Foreplay..." She said offhandedly blowing dust off her hoof.

"Hey I didn't ask for it,"

"But did you like it," She glanced over at me from the edge of her glasses.

"Uh- well it was kind of distracting,"

"You didn't answer,"

"..."

"I would," She said adjusting her glasses

"What,"

"It's warm, like...a warm feeling on your tummy,"

"...Ok?"

"You never been with a mare before have you,"

"I've only been here a few months, last girlfriend I had left me when I came over,"

"Hmm if you didn't know, two places we enjoy, tummy and plo-"

"Please don't..."

"Would you rather listen or try..." Wait...what?

"Are you-"

"Don't ruin it man," she stood just long enough to throw herself on her back across my lap, "Just roll with it," A cheeky smile across her face.

"I don't know how I feel abou- of fuck it," I reached over to the table grabbing the bottle for another deep swig, "So...after this you still ok with me working on your hooves," I joked shakily.

"Depends...lets see how you use those hands," Her glasses falling to her forehead, revealing to wanting red eyes. I might have had a heart attack if I was sober. I slowly ran my hand from the top of her chest downward, her light moans prodding me lower.

Well. At least this weekend's gonna be unique.

Saturday (What if #2)

(What if I walked out of the club)

Not to mention the ponies losing their minds on the dance floor. This kind of music really wasn't my scene, I glanced down at my watch, about seven thirty. I could always go to a pub or something... A pony rushed past making me spill my drink on another patron, "God dammit..." Yeah screw this, sorry Vinyl I can't deal with the over enthused fucks.

I stepped out of the bar, rain dowsing the waiting line. I walked the length of the line finding an excited looking mare at the back of the line, "Hey you," I pulled the band over my wrist, "Have fun..." I reached over pulling the band over the mares leg.

"What!?"

"Just show the bouncer, better than it getting wasted," She beamed me a wide smile before jumping the barrier and wrapping her hooves around me.

"Thank you thank you thank you, best birthday ever!" She bolted off towards the door, she got in without issue. Well at least I made someones day.I started off towards my local pub, good whiskey.

I managed to reach the pub after being thoroughly soaked by the rain. I leaned into the door, being assaulted by a rush of war air. The pub had a health amount of ponies lounging and enjoying the warm atmosphere.

I rushed over to the counter slamming a load of bits on the table, "Just get me the bottle...too damn cold out there," The barkeep looked at me apprehensively before passing me a full bottle of whiskey. I scooped the bottle up and threw myself into a booth, "*sigh* tired..." I uncapped the bottle and took a short swig. I slammed the bottle down with a sloppy swurk, my entire jacket was soaked.

I pulled the jacket over my head and tossed it aside. I just sat there drinking alone, trying to relax and warm up. I leaned back into the soft booth closing my eyes and exhaling. I was abruptly snapped back by a warm breeze rushing past my ear, my eyes shot open, starring forward, "Didn't see you when you walked in," I felt my face form a stoic frown, "I'm glad you decided to show up," I slowly rolled my head to the side met with the visage of my old customer.

"Oh god..." I felt her press her hoof into my mouth.

"Shhh, just relax," She leaned into me heavily, almost causing my to topple onto my jacket. As rustled as I was, I had to admit it felt nice to have a warm body pressed against me. She had laid her head on my shoulder and closed her eyes, much less aggressive than before. I simply looked down at her, my face slowly turning from a grimace to a more neutral frown. I reached my free hand over grabbing the bottle and taking a larger gulp than before. A surge of warmth ran through my body as the bitter cold that had followed me in was obliterated.

I leaned my head back to stare at the ceiling, Berry still happily perched on my shoulder. I was thankful that she was so calm, after our first encounter I was sure if she had A chance like this she would try to mount me without pause, "Thanks for coming..." She cooed, not lifting her head.

"to be perfectly honest...I had forgot about you until now,"

She looked up at me, "Really, I thought I made a powerful first impression," I turned my head down meeting her in the eyes.

"Trust me you did...why you did, I don't know,"

She nuzzled hard into my neck, "You really don't get it, I thought I was obvious," I felt her exhale upward into the back of my hair.

"No I get what you want...I just don't get why,"

"You do realized we've talked before right, this isn't out of the blue,"

"When,"

"In here, I see you in here almost every Sunday, you order a light drink and sit in this booth each time," I looked back to her again.

"How do you-"

"You really don't remember, we talked before...maybe you were too drunk," That could have been, a few times I get so screwed up on Sundays I walk into work hungover, "It was just that in the shop...I don't know, you seemed so-" She nipped my earlobe, "focused~, I can't help it if a hard working stallion excites me," I could feel myself reacting to her advances. Still only a man after all. She looked down at my lap, "And that a hot mare excites you~" She thrust a hoof downward, only to be stopped by my hand.

"No- not now, definitely not in the bar." She pulled back and I released her hoof, "You really need to work on that," I said leaning forward and slumping down onto the table, my head resting next to the bottle.

"I know, but come on, can you really say you don't want this," I felt her pull my hand to her, a distinct heat gracing my fingers before I pulled away.

"Seriously stop, just let me drink for now...maybe when I'm too fucked up to think, then you can have your fun," I rolled my head to look at the bottle, Berry mirrored my pose staring me in the eyes.

"But I don't want you just for that, there's more too it,"

"Then why are you so grabby," I jerked my head up so that I rested on my chin. I was about to pull the bottle to my lips when It was wrenched away, "Hey I-"

She leaned in and gave me a deep kiss, her tongue darting into my mouth before I could protest. When I pulled away and sat upright the look on her face was...different. No longer the crazed lust of before, something more gentle, something longing with a fire being held back, "Please-" I Snapped over grabbing my damp jacket and forcing my way out from underneath her weight, "Why..." I managed to stand before turning back, a hurt look across her face.

I can't leave her like this can I...fuck me- "Get up...can't fucking believe it, I live close by, now come on," And appreciative smile graced her face before she stood and walked over to me, brushing past my leg. I rolled my eyes defeated, "Here, it's a little damp but It should work for the walk," I draped my hoodie over her.

A short walk later

I leaned into my door shoving the key in quickly and forcing the door open, "Hurry," Berry rushed past me as I wheeled inside and pulled the door shut, "Jesus- you think they'd let up with the rain a little," Even after such a short walk to my cottage we were soaked again. I reached over pulling the now sopping wet hoodie off of her and unbuttoning my shirt, "It's barely halfway through fall and I'm using the damn fireplace," I walked her and the clothes to my den and began piling logs in the fireplace, "Bloody bullshit-" I jammed some newspaper below the wood and lit it, a fire quickly spread to the extremely dry wood.

I turned to see Berry sitting back in my couch, I decided to join her and try and warm up. I looked around finding the clock, about half past eight. By the time I reeled my head back around Berry had thrown her hooves around my midsection and was slowly leaning more and more into me, "Just- please-" She kept putting more and more pressure until I eventually flopped to the side with Berry atop me, "Even if its just for tonight, just stay with me," I could feel her rubbing her entire body against me.

"Maybe," I said positioning her so that she was straddling my waist, "Lets see if you can convince me," It felt warm, between her, the fire, and the rising tension it was enough to break the cold that followed me.

Well at least it's been warm night after all.

Sunday

"Whua~" Man my head is killing me. Where am I?

I looked around, it was way to dark to tell. I tried to lift my legs finding a decent weight on my midsection. I pulled the covers off, revealing a head of spiky blue hair. Oh....well....I guess I had a good night.

Vinyls eyes slowly fluttered open, "huh? oh...hey," She croaked groggily, "Whats up?"

"I have no idea...do you remember anything about last night?"

"Uh...I think we fucked...."

"...oh...did I embarrass myself?"

"Oh no," She stretched out her legs still laying on me, "I remember your fingers...they feel bigger than they look,"

"Thanks? I guess it comes with the job," She sat upright, her ass planted right on my crotch.

"You work hard," She bounced herself up and down, grinding against me, She gave a quick laugh, "You should see your face,"

"Well....your...your kind on-"

"I know...I can feel it,"

"...."

"Boing," She mocked as she bounced once more.

"Urk- please stop....seriously it hurts," She pressed herself down hard and stayed there, "AhhHahh," I felt myself fall back onto the bed.

"You did fine last night,"

"Your crushing it...."

"Figure its payback for last night," She bobbed once more before pressing me deeper into the bed, "Although I cant say it was crushing...more...whats the opposite of crushing?"

"I don't know!" I tried to get her off, she retaliated by planting her hooves next to my head and staring me down.

"So....who's your mama?"

"What!?"

She grinded against me, "Who's my little colt?" She bounced herself off of me.

"ACH- I am, I am, Jesus please stop!" As sexual as this might be it was completely ruined by the feeling of my person being bent so harshly.

"Good...." She shifted off of me giving me some much needed breathing room, "But remember," She laid next to me and snorted into my ear, "You're my stallion now,"

Christ what did I get myself into, "Fine....just...don't do that again,"

"....sorry, heh, that might have been a bit much..."

"Ya think?"

"Well if you haven't notice the ratio of stallions to mares is kinda off....gotta fight for a colt..." She mounted me again "Let me make it up to you,"

"uh! uh! Breakfast!?"

She started rolling her hips just above mine, "Come on...you don't want this,"

"Later! Please...."

"...fine...." she rolled off of me and onto the floor, "But I'm gonna start getting you a good rhythm....expect bass,"

"....but..." She left the room and pulled the light on, this was my room, "I don't like dubstep....."

"It's an acquired taste, you'll love it by the end," I got to my feet and followed her into the hall, "That wub, wub, of the bass," She bounced herself to emphasis the wubs, "It's great practice,"

"taking this a bit fast don't ya think?"

"What can I say.....it was fun!" We walked to the kitchen, "So whats for breakfast?" I looked around my kitchen.

"uh...I usually go shopping today..."

"That's cool, I can wait,"

"....you're gonna stick around?"

"Corey....you're mine now, you're not getting rid of me that easy,"

"....Rarely have I been this frightened and aroused all at once...."

"Damn right....now hurry up, mama needs some lovin'," She said caressing herself with a hoof. My brain....it hurts.

I ignored it and quickly went to my room and got dressed. Nothing great just a tee-shirt and jeans. I managed to find Vinyl's glasses laying on the nightstand, "Oh there they are," She strode in and quickly took them from me, "Sorry...I really love these things,"

"No problem...so you're really going to stalk me now?"

"Hey stalk is such an ugly word, besides you don't mind do you?"

"Eh....I can think of worse,"

"Hey.... is that what you though about last night?"

"I don't even remember last night...."

"hmmm then you'll have to remember this morning," She licked her lips, "I'll make sure of that,"

"Ok seriously stop...If you keep this up I'll never be able to walk around in public again,"

"Well then hurry," She turned and bumped me with her flank, "Celestia I wish I met you sooner," I felt oddly used...oh well. I still needed to take care of the days chores.

"Hey there sugarcube!" Applejack shouted as I approached her stall, "Apple Bloom Corey's here,"

"Hi, is my stuff ready?"

"Sure is," She slid some milk and apples into a bad, "So how was the weekend?"

"Uh....hazy...and squishy," I said taking the bag.

"Squishy?"

"Uh...I...mare....bed...." She mouthed an Oh and laughed, "Yeah..."

"So who is the lucky mare,"

"nope,"

"Huh?"

"You're a gossip,"

"Am not!"

"Yes you are!" The younger sister shouted running over to us, "Hi Corey!"

"Hey kid, and see even she knows,"

"I am not..."

"Sure...anyways I need to get going, don't forget your appointment," I started off to grab the rest of what I needed for the week.

"Bye Corey!"

"Bye kid!"

"Vinyl?" I pushed into my house, "Back,"

She was trotting back and forth in my living room, headphones on and head bobbing. Eventually she noticed me and walked over, "You really do listen to weird music,"

"Huh...is that my ipod?"

"Yeah...I figured it was some way to get to know you better,"

".....relationships in this place are weird..."

"Not really....you want to bang someone and you say it...you either end up doing it or they say no,"

"How...blunt," I set the groceries down, "How are you so cavalier about all this?"

"Because," She put her headphones back on, "I found my stallion, at least for a little while," she started bobbing her ass in front of me, "And you can't tell me your not enjoying this,"

I was semi hypnotized by her ass, "Uh....well it certainly has its appeal,"

"All the sex you could want, no pregnancy, a rocking bod, and sweat music, what else do you want?"

"...well personality but you certainly don't lack that," She gave a cheeky smirk.

"See,  now do you want your gift now or after breakfast?"

"By gift you mean sex....don't you,"

"What better gift? And plus I find it's a great bonding exercise,"

"....after...." I started into the kitchen.

"Fine, what's to eat,"

"Every try fake bacon?"

"No...is it good?"

"Ponies like salt right?"

"what are you implying,"

"To eat! I mean- ACH- food!" She just laughed at my fluster.

"That was good," She said finishing her food, "Now for the main course," She smirked and got off her chair.

"Come on....it's gonna lose its specialness if we do it all the time...."

She looked at me with a frown, "Really....then I'll have to make each time better than the last," She pushed me onto my feet and into the living room, "Sit," I did, "Ponies do like salt by the way....me, I really like salt,"

"Clumsy...."

"Huh?"

"That was clumsy...."

"Oh shut up," She found my headphones on a nearby table, "Rhythm training," She gave them to me and I quickly put them on as she plugged the cord into her ipod. She started some house music while bobbing her hoof to see if the beat was in synch.

Once it was ready she almost ripped my fly off with her teeth and pulled me from my boxers. She pulled an earphone off, "And remember, you do what I say ok?" I nodded frantically, those red eyes are kind of intimidating, "Good, remember...I like salt," Clumsy as ever....

Metal fever day one

I feel weird.

"Corey? You ok sugarcube?"

"Uh...yeah I think so," I slammed my hammer back onto the new shoe, "Just kinda...eugh~"

"Corey, you're wobblin..."

"...Applejack go get Sam...." She jumped off the stool and ran out. It felt like I'd been punched in the head and the gut all at once, "Hurry...." I could feel my balance going and I quickly fell to my knee. I started coughing like mad.

"Corey, wat's goin- Corey!" I could feel the nausea taking over, "Corey we're gettin ya out a here...."

"Wha~?"

"Doctor he's awake,"

"Ah good," I slowly opened my eyes, a rather lanky man in a coat walked over to me, "Mr.Livon, how are you feeling?"

"Huh? Where am I?" I looked around, the room was pure white, "Is this a hospital?"

"No....it's a barn....sorry, It's been a long day," He started signing some paperwork.

"What happened? How long was I out?"

His eyes darted over the clipboard, "Metal fever, a few hours....do you remember what kind of metal you were working."

I thought back to it, "Metal fever....oh- Uh...I think it was brass," He furrowed his brow and went back to his papers, "Wait metal fever!?"

"Yes.....it's nothing serious, but I would recommend taking some precautions before going back to work," He passed me the clipboard, "You'll be released today, it'll be about four days before you can go back to work....other than that all I can prescribe is bedrest, maybe some aspirin if the headaches continue,"

I looked over the papers, all general release information, "Heh....thank Celestia for free healthcare...." I handed him the clipboard.

"Right...well, your free to leave, your clothes are there," He pointed to a small pile of clothes folded on a counter, "Just leave the gown on the bed," He walked out, "Nurse Redheart will see you out," A white mare strode in.

"Uh...can you wait outside....I need to change," She just rolled her eyes and walked out. I quickly got dressed and followed the mare to the front desk.

I got home and threw myself on the couch, my head was spinning, and my stomach was in knots, "Christ...."

*BANG BANG BANG* "Corey!?"

"Oh Jesus....." I got up and trundled over to the door, "You're gonna break my door Vinyl...." I slowly opened the door, Vinyl forced it open and hurried in.

"I heard you were in the hospital, what happened!?" She jumped to her backlegs and pressed her forelegs into my gut, "Are you dying!?"

"Vinyl easy....I'm just a little sick,"

"You don't go to the hospital for a little sick!"

"They told me I just needed to rest....apparently it wasn't that bad," I set her hooves back to the ground and sat back on the couch, "I'm a strong guy, I'm not gonna die in a stupid way,"

"Hey! You're my stallion, you'd better not die!" She took a seat next to me and leaned on my extremely heavily, "...so what's wrong with you?"

"Metal fever....I learned about it before, I just should have been more careful,"

"Yes you should have!"

"....you're really protective...."

"I have a reputation to keep up, I'm not gonna be some black widow,"

"....what?"

"It's bad luck if you lose a stallion, kinda like a curse,"

".....ok then....well I don't think you need to worry, like I said I'm not dying..."

"You're not contagious are you?"

"....Am I made of zinc?" The joke was utterly lost on her, "no...I'm not,"

"Good....they said you needed rest...I can help with that," She pushed me over on the couch.

"Your jokes.....they aren't very good...."

"Oh shut up....."

Metal fever day two

*Cough* Ow...why does everything hurt.

I stumbled into my bathroom rubbing my chest, "Decongestants will work right?" I said to myself, popping the cap off and swallowing two pills, "cant hurt," I took another look at the box, "Aw crap....that was Nyquil....."

"Corey, I'm back,"

"Ehhhhh...."

"What's up?" Vinyl walked in and lifted her glasses, "Don't you think your kinda overdoing it?"

"Ehhhhhhhhhh...." I rolled around on the couch, "What the hell is wrong with me.....I coulda been a teacher or something...."

"Dear Luna, calm down drama queen,"

"I'm not a drama queen...." She sat next to my head, "I feel like.....back when you're a kid and you catch a cold...."

"Groggy and confused?"

"Yeah....and tired...."

"That falls under groggy,"

"Ehhhh....come here," I dragged my head onto her lap and buried my face in her stomach, "Warm....."

"You're like a baby...."

I blew a quick huff into her fur, causing her to jolt, "And you're....I dont know....a pony..."

"...are you on drugs?"

"Sort of....I took a bunch of cold medicine,"

"Why!?"

"I thought it would help...."

"With metal fever? What is it anyways?"

"...it's from breathing in fumes.....if you get it checked out it's just like the flu,"

"And if you don't?"

"You could die....or at least be pretty fucked up...."

"Will you get your head out of there....It feels funny,"

"No...."

"Seriously let go," She started trying to pry me from her, "Dude come on!"

"Noooo....it's warm and soft...." I buried myself deeper into her stomach, "Besides you use me....."

"Dude.....this is different!" She kept trying to pull me away, eventually giving up and propping herself on my head, "So....how long are we gonna do this,"

"Just a little longer....."

"Fine....but you have to visit me in the club when your better,"

".....you know how you said dubstep was an acquired taste.....I don't believe you...."

"It's not that bad,"

I pressed me mouth into her gut, "Wub, wub, wub," This got a quick giggle out of her, either because of the joke or the odd feeling on her stomach.

"See.....it's weird,"

"Well I liked it,"

"Not that.....the music,"

"I meant both," I pulled my face from her and looked up annoyed, "Hey you showed up the first time for a reason,"

"....for free drinks maybe...or maybe I was already drunk," I said falling into her lap.

"Whoa there dude, watch your head," I let her lift my head and escape. She just let my face fall into the couch.

"It's still warm.....ew......."

"You never said ew before...."

"Thats-....what ever....."

"Right...well I'm gonna go make something to eat," She trotted off into my kitchen.

"Vinyl...."

"What?"

"Bring me something too,"

"You can walk,"

"But I'm sick....."

"....you owe me,"

"Thanks Vinyl....." I planted my face back into the couch, "It's still warm......how is it still warm?"

"Here..." she set a bowl of something on the coffee table, "Soup,"

I finally pulled myself upright into a sitting position, "What's in it,"

"Stuff I found,"

"...no grass?"

"You don't put grass in soup...." She took a seat next to me with what looked like a sandwich.

"Well you ponies put all kinds of weird stuff in your food," I grabbed a spoon and quickly started at the soup, "...potatoes..celery..Vinyl....you're not a very good cook,"

"Why!?"

"These are still raw...."

"Oh shut up...at least I have good taste in music..."

"Taste"

"Well you're still eating it..."

"I need to eat something..."

"Have you not eaten today?"

"Crackers..."

"....you're useless..."

"I'm sick...."

"You made yourself worse!"

"......yeah....I did do that....."

"You do realize when your better and I'm sick I'm gonna do the same thing right?"

".....fine.....I'll be sure to under-cook your food too," I said with a quick laugh.

"....so...what we gonna do today?"

"Don't you have to work?"

"....later....I meant now, we should do something fun,"

".....wanna watch a movie?"

"....yeah," she pouted. I just got up and rummaged through my DVDs, Equestria has electricity, but cable TV's still a bit far off, "Something I'd like..."

".....fine....so...anime?"

"Fine....just not one of those weird ones,"

"Hey I didn't even know I had that-"

"Oh just pick one,"

"Fine......" Princess Mononoke would have to suffice. I plopped back onto the couch, "It's kinda old but it's still good," I started up the movie, I laid my head on her lap again.

"....your such a dork..."

"Yeah....I know....."

Metal fever day three

"AHURG!!!!....WHY!" The lethargy was gone, the fatigue however was still very present. I flopped off the couch, "AuuuGHhhh...."

"Corey honestly..." Vinyl said with her now usually annoyed tone.

"Aughhh...." I went face down on the floor, "uuuggghhh...."

"Oh calm down," I looked up, my mouth still covered by my rug.

"Wait!"

"What?!" She said with an airy gasp, she flopped on the floor nose to nose with me.

"What was that?"

"I felt like it...."

"Anyways, I'm hurt right?"

"Sort of?"

"I'm gonna go do something to fix it,"

"What?"

"Spa day...." She looked at me rather oddly.

"Spa day? Isn't that a little girly for you?"

".....you don't have to come..."

"....I'll get ready..." She lifted herself off the ground and went into the hall. I should probably do the same.

"How do you even know about this place,"

"My clients talk about it....well...client,"

"it's rarity isn't it...."

"Yeah...."

"hehe...called it,"

"It's not like it would be anyone else....I mean honestly...."

"What does that mean? I'm one of your clients, you saying I'm not fancy,"

".....you're not.....your....kind of a tomboy...."

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

"....that your not frou frou,"

"...Huh?"

"Exactly....god damn this is a long walk...." We'd been going for about fifteen minutes now.

"Well if you didn't live on the edge of town..."

"Hey it was cheap land, at least I  have a house....not a loft,"

"Mine now...."

"About that, why the hell did you move in? We've been dating for like a month and a half?"

"I don't waste time....other mares might like long drawn out gooey romance, but I dont,"

"....you seem oddly wistful."

"Huh...no...no...."

"...I hope you know I already went through your stuff..." She stopped in her tracks.

"Captain Gallant and Pear Cut.....good to know you people have cheesy stories like us,"

She trotted along behind me for a while, "It's not nice to go through otherponies stuff...."

"And it's also not nice to tie me to a bedpost...so I figure we're even,"

"You knew the safeword...."

"No I didn't, I woke up like that!" The spa started coming into sight, "I mean honestly you're more agressive than any other women I've ever met..."

"Mare....and what do you want, a submissive beta?"

"I don't even know what that is," We started up the stairs, "Wait....beta...like the fish?"

"....yes....like the fish....you're lucky your cute," I held the door for her and we walked in.

"What's a beta then, Oh hi two, one pony, one human male, do what you can for four hundred bits," The mare behind the counter nodded graciously.

"....I don't know how to describe it....a meek, unoffensive, unobtrusive mare?"

"Then why didn't you just say that?"

"Because it's wordy," A pink mare with a headband strolled over to us.

"This way please," she lead us to a small dressing area.

"Wait...four hundred bits?"

"Before I got sick I got a ticket for a bunch of shoes for the royal guard, they paid really...really well,"

"I really know how to pick em,"

"....you know how you said it's a good thing I'm cute.....it's a good thing you have a nice ass...."

"Wub wub~" Even when I couldn't see it I knew what she was doing...

"Ahhh~" I lowered myself into a warm bath, "I don't even care if this is girly...it's so worth it,"

"Weirdo....ah~" Vinyl quickly joined me.

"...this reminds me of Japan....except not at all..."

"Huh?!"

"Something about sitting in a bath with a towel folded on my head....it's kinda Japanese," Things got oddly quiet, you could hear the water sloshing around.

"Why do you always find a way to bring down the mood..."

"Someone has to...you're always so energetic" I leaned back, "How do you even stay up until two?"

"Energy drinks....and magic,"

"Ya you never explained that to me, does it feel weird when I touch it," I reached out only to have her jerk away from me, "Aw come on!"

"Not in public..."

"So it does...knew it..."

"It's not exactly....uh....lets just say it feels funny,"

"Good funny?"

"Depends," She leaned back on her hooves.

"...I swear you people are made of marshmallow or something,"

"Why's that?"

"You bend like crazy, I guess I'm only basing it off normal horses but still,"

"Well you walk on two....that's pretty weird, seems like it's really unbalanced,"

"It kinda is depending on who you ask," I felt something tap my shoulder, "Huh?"

"It's time for the next treatment," We had been in here longer than I thought. I quickly got out and wrapped a towel around my waist, "This way,"

"So..." Vinyl asked laying flat on a table, "You still never told me..."

"This again really?"

"Yes, really,"

".....there was one...we never officially dated....I wish we had..."

"Oh thanks,"

"Hey I never said I wasn't happy....just I imagine I wouldn't be so bruised if I was with her instead,"

"It's not my fault you bruise easy..."

"Well sorry I'm not used to being ridden like a robotic bull....." The two spa ponies wandered in, "I mean I can only take so much of that before I die ya know," The ponies poised themselves, one next to Vinyl the other waiting to jump up on my back, "And I'm a pretty strong guy...you would destroy a normal man,"

"Or stallion...done it before,"

"Death by shattered pelvis...."

"Close,"

"Really!?" The pony next to me hoisted herself onto my back, "I w-as joking..."

"Well he didn't die..."

The pony on my back started kneading my back, it was a perfect mix of sharp prods from the tip of her hoof, and dull pressure from the more flat parts, "Th-at doesn't ma-ke it bett-er" It felt a bit harsh at the start but slowly I could feel my muscles loosen.

"Hey you made your choice...to late to back out now, who's your momma?"

"....wow....ya know I just realized these two are actually here...." The mare on my back said nothing and just kept prancing on my back, "Very prof- ach- Ooohh," She stepped on a rough not and I felt a large pressure leave my right shoulder, "Fuuuuuu.....I just lost motor control...."

"Ya kn-ow you really did loosen up o-utside of that shop o-f yours,"

"Surprisingly I'm not all that carefree when surrounded by hot metal and hammers....Paul was....and well, let's just say Ben's working much better,"

"Yeah but Paul was a creep..."

"You only say he's a creep because I told you he looked at your ass...and hey, now I do that,"

"Yeah but you got perm - ission," Apparently the spa attendant hit a soft spot, "More...right there,"

"Worth it right? I mean sure I can't move my arm, but whatever, small price to pay."

"We should do this more," She looked like she was going to fall asleep, "I mean...like a lot more,"

"It's damn expensive..."

"But it's worth it,"

"Then you pay...why don't you rent out the loft in the club?"

"Sen- -timent,"

I gave a quick laugh, "What was that?"

"Sentimental value, besides it's gonna be good if we break-up,"

"...always the pessimist..."

"Well your the one who wanted another mare..."

"I said it would be different....more nurturing, less....exhausting, I mean it's fun and all but you can really wear a guy out....and I don't just mean....oh knock it off," She was shifting he backside left and right.

"What? Is it distracting,"

"....maybe to the mare behind you..." She looked shocked for a moment, these two were so quiet it was easy to forget they were there, "Never knew you swung that way....maybe I should invite that other mare anyways..."

"Uh...sorry about that..." The mare just nodded and kept working her back.

"Ha....it's like your ass has a mind of it's own...."

Oh god I feel like playdough, "Thank you for your business," One of the mares shouted from behind the counter. I slowly walked out, my arms only vaguely obeying me.

"What now?" Vinyl asked slightly less loose than me.

"Well I need to take a nap....I feel like a steak,"

"...huh?"

"...beaten...tenderized...like a colts....never mind, ain't going that far,"

"Ha...like a colt's dong....I get it..."

"Eugh...let's go before one of us gets arrested for lewd conduct,"

"Lewd...I'll show you lewd,"

"Please don't..."

"When we get back I'm putting socks on....I know you like em..."

I looked at the ground, "Yeah.....I do....." I felt a quick flash of shame, before my apathy to the topic took over again, "The one's with the stripes right?"

"Maybe...you'll just have to wait,"

"...I still don't understand it, but I like it, does that make me a bad person?"

"Eh a little, and yeah you like em....almost as much as the-"

"Public place.....ponies around..." I said trying to snuff this conversation.

"...you know.....the thing....the thing, the thing with the lace-"

"Yes...I know, Christ.....where did you even get those things anyways,"

"Rarity's....I told her they were for you," She smirked and hurried off.

"....that's a joke right? ....Vinyl that was a joke right? Vinyl!?"

Metal fever day four

Better....well not exactly better but a lot less crappy.

Most of the symptoms are gone now, just a feeling of still being slightly sick, "Man....I wish I could get something done...." I still had to finish the royal guard shipment, and keep up with all my clients, "Man....Ben must be having a hell of a time."

"Corey. back," Vinyl pushed inside again, "So you're finally done rolling around on the floor?"

"Yes....also hindsight is twenty-twenty, but I can say at the time it seemed like a good idea,"

"Yeah well I expect the same when I get sick,"

"That's fair..." She wandered into the kitchen, "So, anything cool going on?"

"Not really, supposed to snow later,"

"Snow again? I thought they only did it once a year?"

"Naw, they do it to keep it even about a month in,"

"Man....I wish I could go outside..."

"What's stopping you?" She walked back into the living room.

"I don't want to catch a cold along with this crap...I'm missing enough work," Vinyl took a seat next to me.

"Why are you worried about work? Yesterday you were worried about a spa...."

"Yeah I get weird when I'm sick, my brain goes all wonky, and I can't stand doing nothing..."

"Yeah...your better, too bad, sick Corey was kinda fun..."

"Define fun,"

"...not always working..."

"I'm not working now..."

"Not always thinking about working,"

"....yeah....I do that don't I..."

"Yeah, but I guess it's cause you care,"

"Well that and I get restless," I got up from the couch, "....wait...when's your next checkup scheduled?"

"Uh....next week?"

"Not anymore...." I started towards the door, "I'm not supposed to work metal, but hooves aren't metal, I'll be right back,"

"Vinyl, I'm back," I pushed back inside with my tools in hand, "Vinyl meet me in the bathroom," I hurried and set my tools out, a cleaning pick, brushes, and a file.

She poked her head in, "Really...you got a thing for hooves?"

"Oh shut up...I need something to do,"

"Fine...."

"Hey I'm doing you a favor...you don't get charged for this," She took a seat next to the tub and lifted a hoof.

"That's like saying I should thank a doctor for giving me a shot, sure I need it, but it's still not fun," I took her hoof and started clearing debris.

"This doesn't hurt...your comparing a light scaling with a needle,"

"You knew what I meant..."

"Doesn't make it any less invalid," I cleared the inside of her hoof, "Next," She switched hooves and I quickly cleaned it.

"How is this fun for you?"

"It gives me something to do," I quickly cleaned them off and grabbed my brush. I started quickly scrubbing down the hard of her hooves, "Alright...back legs,"

"How?"

"Uh....come here," I picked her up and laid her across my lap.

"Hey!" I started cleaning off her back hooves, "What do you think you're doing,"

"my job....have to improvise without the chair," I could feel my leg startting to bounce on its own.

"Can-you-stop-that-"

"Sorry, my leg does that when I concentrate," I quickly finished up with her hooves and grabbed the brush again, "One...two...three, there, nice and clean,"

"You done yet?"

"Just a quick trim and we're done," I grabbed my file and did a few quick passes per hoof, "You look annoyed,"

She blew a strand of hair out of her face and pushed her glasses up, "No...I just love being put over your knee and bounced like a foal,"

"Oh deal with it...your hooves are going to be in great condition,"

"Oh thank Celestia..." I set her down, "Huh," She trotted in place causing a nice click clack sound on the tile floor, "....you're really good at that...."

"I went to school for horse production and management, I better be...paid good money for those classes,"

"Well...." She kept trotting, "I wonder...." She started stamping her hoof in rhythm, "...Corey....could you make a tapshoe?"

"Just put a brittle plastic bit at the toe and heel....I could do that in my sleep....why, you want one?"

"Be great for keeping a beat," She stopped moving and prance out making sure to step hard to keep the clicking going.

"...great....now what?" I packed my tools and went into the living room again...."bored...." I could hear Vinyl stomping her hooves in the hall, "....huh.....Vinyl, I'm gonna go get some beer," I stood up and started out the door, "I'll be back in a few,"

"Yeah sure- dun dun da-"

"Vinyl....I'm back....and I might have drank a few on the way home...." I set the box down next to the kitchen archway, "Vinyl?" I could hear muffled bass coming from my office, "Oh god dammit..." I grabbed another beer and popped the cap on the counter, "Bass head....." I went to my office and opened the door," I was immediately assaulted by extreme bass and excessive wubs, "JESUS!"

"What's up?"

I slammed the door shut, "Jesus....how is she not deaf," I went back to my living room and flopped on the couch, "Oh beer....how I love you," I just sat there drinking until I could no longer remember where I was.

Metel fever day five

I flopped out of bed again..."Eugh......" I didn't even bother getting up, just kinda crawled out into the hall, "Bored...." Eventually after a few minutes of rolling around I got up and went into the living room, Vinyl was sitting watching a movie, "Vinyl.....Vinyl....." I lifted off her headset, "VINYL!"

"AH! What!?"

"I'm bored!" I moaned letting my body slide down the back of the couch, "Vinyl.....I'm bored," She just glared at me and went back to listening to her music. I pulled my arms up to the top of the couch, "Vinyl...Vinyl....Vinyl....hey..." I kept poking her foreleg, "Vinyl....come on...." I finally let up and slid back to the floor, "Eugh..."

She peeked over the back edge, "Go do something then!"

"Like what?!"

"Go...make friends...."

"....fine," I pulled myself upright, "I guess I'll go do...something," I grabbed a coat and headed out the door, maybe Rarity's in.

*knock* I went for a second knock but only met the air, "Hey mister!" I looked down at the small white mare below.

"Hey there, is your sister in?"

"Yeah she's upstairs, come on!" She hopped towards the stairs and scrambled up.

"Man....I never had that much energy as a kid....maybe it's all the sugar they eat..." I followed her up the stairs.

"Rarity the shoe guy's back!" Great....guess I'm the shoe guy now.

"Sweetie it's not nice to talk about someone like that....oh Corey hello," I walked into her sewing room, "Did you need something,"

"Naw...just checking to see if you were free,"

"Oh...well...I suppose I could take a break," She switched off the machine and walked over, "Come along," She walked past and down the stairs.

I followed and quickly found her amongst some chairs, "So...how business," I asked taking a seat across from her.

"Overwhelming....your people wear so many different outfits in such high volume,"

"...I guess...I just usually wear a collared shirt and some slacks."

"About that...are you alright, you look a bit...well worn," I looked myself over.

"I've been stuck on bed rest...got sick a few days ago, I cant stand it now...I'm a wreck!"

"...well I wouldn't go that far,"

"Unshaven, barely bathed, hairs a mess, and my glasses are smudged...." In reality I had maybe three days worth of stubble, showered last night, and had a thumbprint on my glasses, "I hate it..." I usually work so close to my clients I try to stay as clean and well dressed as the work will allow.

"Oh you look fine darling, anyways I don't think you came to discuss matters of personal hygiene." She said with a wave of her hoof.

"I didn't really come for any reason in particular, I just got kinda bored sitting around all day, I mean...Vinyl keeps me busy....but outside of that...I just need stuff to do, I mean I went out and picked up a case of beer for the first time in four months just cause I was bored!" She kinda shuddered at the word beer, "..you don't like beer?"

"Not...no I don't, rather...not disgusting...thick?" She said bobbing her leg on her knee.

"....uh...I'm no expert but I don't think beer is supposed to be thick,"

"At any rate I much prefer something along the lines of red wine..." She gave the vowels in wine a bit of an elongation.

"Yeah that figures...you don't strike me as a heavy drinker anyways,"

"Oh you'd be surprised darling, a few years ago-"

"Lets...not, for the sake of me being able to continue to view you as perfectly clean...and a virgin....and not a drunk..." She looked slightly annoyed with me, "I just....we all do crazy stuff, but it's not what defines us,"

"Fine by me, and I will continue to view you as the hoof loving man you are,"

"....wow....is that a thing? Is there like a hoof fetish?" I asked leaning back and tossing my left foot onto my knee, "Cause that would explain a lot about squeamish clients,"

"Oh darling don't be so naive, I've heard of your peoples...foot fetish,"

"Eugh..."

"Oh it's perfectly alright to be attracted to ponies, or people, in unconventional ways,"

"......you're talking about lesbians right....cause I've seen a lot since I moved here,"

"....summer, 997, ponyville outskirts...BonBon...." She murmured into her hoof.

"What was that!?" I said leaning forward violently.

"Oh nothing...."

"Bull shit! You said a name and a date!" I leaned farther out of my seat.

She started blushing "....don't pretend you never...."experimented"

"....Hahhahaha...oh shit...." I started busting up, "Oh my god....you're killing me....I'm gonna die..."

"Oh calm down....it's really not that funny....don't tell anypony," Her voice went from slightly shaky to panicked.

"...phew....oh my god....I promise....so....your people really do have a skewed gender ratio don't you,"

"Oh quiet you," She said slightly flustered, "And yes....we do, it's actually a real problem...you shouldn't joke about it,"

"....well I think i'd be worse the other way around...the ..."process" for males is about five minutes compared to nine months,"

"Five minutes? You really don't have much confidence do you?" She started giggling behind her hoof,

"....I'd say I'd show you but....kinda tied up right now,"

"Oh stop...honestly, you humans are supposed to be modest,"

"How so,"

She traced her body. "Constant clothing, I still don't understand it, are you so uncomfortable unclothed"

"...thing....flop around...." I made an obscene gesture to my groin and chest.

"Oh....I heard young colts have the same problem...."

"Ew,"

"I guess...well, I guess I should get going," I stood up and dusted myself off.

"A pleasure as always," She wave me off.

"See you on next Monday, standard cleaning!"

"You really must stop thinking about work....I'll remember," I shut her front door and started back to my house. Tomorrow I was back in the game, finally!