I sling drink

by a guy with many hats

Rating: mature
Tags: Romance, Slice of Life, Human
Length: 19325

My name is Vlad, I own bar in Canterlot, I sling drink. I don't care who orders, I serve it. Saturday special: Spiced apple cider.

My name is Vlad, I own bar in Canterlot, I sling drink. I don't care who orders, I serve it. Saturday special: Spiced apple cider. More batponies come each day, is good for business. Many do not like them, I throw them out if they start trouble.

CURRENTLY IN REWRITE

now edited by Eights

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-10-10 04:16:11 UTC

Monday

"Come on man...open early tonight!" yelled a young blustery guard, "It's only a few minutes!" A round of "Yeahs" arising from the growing crowd.

"Open eight pm to six-thirty am, no exception." I said pulling the door closed again. It was seven forty-five. They would just have to wait. I went around the counter, checking the bottles that lined the wall. Everything was ready. I wasted the last few minutes sorting the cash-drawer.

"Is time...." My helper came from the back office, "You want me to open the door? She was a fresh out of school mare...barely old enough to drink, but sure enough old enough to serve.

I gave a long drawn out sigh, "....yes....go and open it....Wait!Watch the door; they flood in like wild animals,"

"I know! I'm used to it,"

"Used to having swarms of men roll over you...." I gave a silent chuckle to myself.

"That's not funny..." She pushed the door open and stood to the side as a torrent of ponies rushed in. Almost instantly reaching the counter and shouting out orders.

"SHUT UP! ONE AT A TIME!" Eventually the ponies calmed down and I was able to send out drinks, "Vodka mango!" I passed the drink over the counter, "MOSCOW MULE!" Another drink out.

A perky mare with a guard helmet tilted on her head came up to the counter, "Hey..." Her voice was saccharin and bubbly.

"Hello,"

"Sooo...how are you,"

"Do you need drink?"

"Maybe..." She traced her hoof along the countertop, "What would you recommend,"

"Vodka..." I said as dryly as possible.

".....is that all?" She looked confused, like I told her to order the vaguest object in the room.

"Most ask for fruit or mix...."

"....honey?" I cocked an eyebrow, "....please?"

Why honey, "One moment," I quickly threw together something with honey, pear, and lemon. Personally I hate mixed drinks....but it's all they ever drank, "Try this," I poured some of the concoction in a shot glass and slid it to her.

"What's in it," She took the glass in hoof.

"Fruit, honey, and vodka," She took her turn to give me a strange look.

"Ok then..." she hesitantly took the quick drink, her eyes lighting up as she finished, "More!"

"Twelve bits," She quickly threw out the coins which were swiftly swept into the register, "enjoy drink," I slid her the rest of the drink.

"Thanks~" she bounced off, bleeding into the faceless throng. More ponies came and went; they ordered their drinks and moved on. Nice and simple. But slowly but surely as the night drove on into the higher hours the day dwelling ponies started shifting out.

"Ivan..." My assistant popped up next to me, "I think the night guard are getting off," I started looking around the room, sure enough a few batponies started showing up.

"Snap...get the sour fruits..." She scurried off to find as many mixers and fruit as possible. A young looking batpony stallion was the first patron from the guard.

"Vodka,"

"...just vodka?"

"Just vodka."

"Horosho," I quickly pour the drink and slid it over the counter, "Six bits." He threw the bit on the counter and sauntered off. The night guard were always more somber before they got their drinks.

"Ohhh, looksh like the blood shuckers are coming out," A guardpony shouted at the passing batpony, "Celestia's rejects...." The batpony just ignored it, "Waash wrong...I thought you batsh could hear all good and shtuff!"

The nightguard stopped and set his drink on a nearby table, "Is there a problem," He asked walking over to the ornery guardsmen

"I jush thought they kept you people locked up until night." He jumped to his feet, "You ponies don't deserve to be allowed outside,"

"You wanna fight-"

"EH MUDAK, YOU WANT TO START SHIT GET THE FUCK OUT!" I yelled to them both, "YOU, WITH THE BLUE MANE, GET OUT!" I yelled at the guard.

He looked shocked, like I just turned his entire world upside down, "Why me? You should be worried about these freaks," He stuck a hoof out, poking the batpony in the chest.

"You don't stop tha-" The batpony said throwing the guard off.

"OUT!" I yelled, "GET THE FUCK OUT!" The bar was silent, everyone transfixed by the scene.

"Hey I paid for my-" I reached down under the bar and grabbed my protection, a Beretta shotgun, "- drinks like everybody else" He started walking to the counter, "-I think you like these freaks..." yet again pointing to the nightguard, who had sense taken his drink to a seat, "So....do you like these weirdos?" He tried pawing at me from over the counter, "Yoou a freak lover?"

I quickly brought the gun level with his jaw and racked it, sending a shell to the ground "Get out....." His eyes shot wide when he realized what was at stake, "Do not come back," He slowly backed out the main door, his small entourage following quickly, ".....what?!" I yelled to the rest of the room, all eyes focused on me, "Is my bar, I do not tolerate stupidity...go! Drink, calm nerves," I waved my hands to emphasis my point. Eventually things picked back up.

"Hey..." The nightguard came back to the counter, "I just...thanks," He left a few bits behind before running off.

".....I put on tab," I said quietly, trying to memorize his face and mark. It didn't feel right to just take his money.

Things were quite for a while after that, "Vlad," My assistant popped up next to me again, "Don't you think that was a little....heavy handed?"

"Ginger....Is my bar, is my choice,"

"But-"

"Hail," A nightguard mare still in full dress popped over to the counter, "The mistress of the night approaches."

"Oh?" I said in a quizzical tone, "I can not imagine what would bring her here,"

"I told you, you shouldn't have done that," Snap said trotting off to the the back room. Another nightguard poking his head through the door.

"What do you need," I asked the nightguard mare, "I have business to run,"

"Just wait here," She trotted outside, a short hushed conversation could be heard outside before she and another guard entered holding the door open. The local deity quickly followed, causing everyone in the bar to bow, "What?" I said indignantly to the approaching royal.

"Greetings, I have been informed of an altercation that occurred here recently," She said reaching the bar, "An incident between guard shifts,"

"Guard decided to harass client, I throw him out, is all." I said kicking the ejected shell behind some cabinets, "...Did you need drink?"

"Nay, and I am completely aware of what happened, I have merely come to thank you,"

"Oh? .....are you sure?"

"Indeed, it is rare that one of my subjects finds acceptance, let alone one to defend them,"

"...he bought drink, is customer, I care not who I serve, but should they present problem....then,"

A pony snuck past the royal, "Uh....can I," she slid a glass over the counter, "....Just..." The royal quickly stared down at the intruding mare.

I looked over to the royal, "One moment," I quickly grabbed a drink off the rack and poured it, "Seven bits," She threw the coins, grabbed her drink and slunk off, "Did you still need something?"

"...What was that?"

"What, her," I pointed to the mare, her head slumping down even further as she scurried off.

"Nay, this," She pointed to bottle on counter, "What is this," She tapped the bottle.

"...Is vodka, popular with nightguard,"

"Hmmm,"

"Did you want drink?"

"Perhaps," She stamped her hoof three times, the two guards taking her flank, "Orion, partake of a drink,"

A gruff looking nightguard threw a small bag of bits on the counter, "Bitter or sour," I asked pulling a small amount of bits from the bag.

"...Bitter,"

"Black Russian," I quickly found the mix and poured it into three separate glasses, "Enjoy,"

He inspected the glass before grabbing it with both hooves and pounding it, "....." His face was hard to read; he looked up at the royal and gave a deep nod. The Royal quickly levitated one of the glasses, staring at it intently before slowly downing the shot.

She seemed to like it, going as far as licking her lips as she set the glass down, "Excellent!" Her voice had changed, no longer authorization, more...cheerful, "May I?" She levitated the other glass up.

"Is paid for..." I shrugged, moving to clean some glasses and mugs. She quickly downed the drink.

Her face lit up, "Most assuredly excellent!"

"...yes, I make good drink," I took the glasses and began scrubbing the inside. The royal still looming overhead, "Did you still need something?"

"Oh...my apologies, I was lost in thought," She turned and pranced out, "Gemini let it be know..." She proclaimed before leaving earshot.

"What happened?" Ginger asked returning to the counter, "Where's Lady Luna?"

"She thanked me for standing up for batguard, then ordered drink,"

"You're kidding right?" She looked at me with a crooked eyebrow.

"No...anyways is late, help me clean," I left her with a rag on the counter while I took the discarded glasses from the abandoned tables. Everyone having either been to drunk, or inconsiderate to bring them to the counter. Eventually everything was cleaned and the bar was locked up, "You never did tell me," I said walking down the street with Ginger, "Did you get in trouble when you got mark," Her mark was a fizzing bottle.

"...I told them it was soda...they didn't believe me,"

"heh heh....is funny," We kept walking into the rising sun, the normal people were just waking, while we of night are to sleep soon.

Tuesday

*knock knock* "Vlad, Vladamir!?"

"Otebis'....sooka...." I groaned rolling in my bed.

"Vlad get up, it's almost seven!"

"Whua~ chyort, hold on," I shouted throwing my legs off the side of the bed, "AUuuurgh," I groaned getting to my feet, "Ohhhh Anna, my Anna, if you could see your man now, I have grown so old," I quickly got dressed, ignoring the pain in my joints, "Is no matter," I pulled a sweater on and found my boots, It was meant to snow over night, first snow of the year.

"Vlad come on! Hurry up!" I looked around finding my clock.

"Ginger! Is six forty!" I yelled at my door.

"And!? Come on you're going to be late," I sauntered over to the door and pulled it open, my sand toned counterpart shivering in the cold.

"What is this....why do you not have coat?"

"We don't wear coats...."

"Piz'duk"

"What?"

"Bullshit....anyways come in, I make breakfast," It may seem odd to eat, let alone wake up this late, but is my life, to wake, to work, to sleep. I lead her to my humble kitchen and sat her down. She was still shaking from the cold, "Wait here," I hurried to my bedroom and grabbed a fur blanket from storage. "Here," I quickly draped it over her and the chair, "Someone must be sure you survive," I quickly started to set out some simple grains, "You horse people, what you miss," I said taking a bite out of the last of my jerky.

"Ponies," She corrected.

"I will never say that....you know the kind of men who would say that in my land were beaten quite often,"

"That's....why?" She looked legitimately concerned.

"Homosexuality is frowned on,"

Her face scrunched up, "So you're saying that if you said ponies, you'd be gay!? You're a freak,"

"No....is just not something I would say,"

"Whatever," She huffed, rather annoyed looking.

"Yes....whatever" I mocked pushing a bowl of oatmeal over to her, "Eat,"

"Don't tell me what to do,"

"Eat...." She stared at me before taking a mouthful of the concoction, myself following the motion, "See...is like I am your papa, ha ha ha," She pouted and sunk her face behind the bowl.

"mmhmhm," We sat there a while just eating, "So....I met another human earlier,"

"Oh?"

"Yeah...he sounded different....like us,"

"Was he American?"

"I don't know....maybe,"

"Well you all sound American to me,"

"Then what are you, cause you don't sound like us,"

"Russian, from Novgorod Oblast,"

"Oh....what's it like," She said pushing her now empty bowl away, "We never talk outside the bar,"

"Is cold, and wet,"

"And...." She made circles with her hoof, "I barely know who you are, tell me about yourself,"

"Oh...you know my name, now you know my country, what else is to know,"

"Married?"

"....." I stood and took the now empty bowls to the sink, "I don't talk about that,"

"Bu-"

"No," I just set them in the sink, something to take care of later, "No children, no friends, nothing from my old home, now come, you want to be to bar so early," I tore the blanket off of her, "Davai, go, go," I started shoving her out the door.

"Ach- hey, no reason to be rude,"

"Then do not ask me question again," I turned and locked up my home, "Is time,"

"Ginger, go and open door," She complied, as she walked one could still tell the bitter cold had stuck to her, "...and go look in office, should be blanket or sheet," Her ear twitched in acknowledgment. She quickly unlocked the door and pushed it open, a modest surge rolled in. This is barely half of what showed up last night. Ponies came and went drinks in hoof.

"Hey...." A tired looking unicorn mare said taking a seat at the bar, "I heard what happened,"

"Oh? what happened,"

"With the nightguard....I know this place is usually packed....from what I heard," She leaned onto the counter, "That guard you threatened, he's spreading rumors that you're a "Freak lover" "

"Oh....and who are you," I said angrily, "And what is "Freak lover?""

"...you know....batponies....someponies don't like them, I don't mind them. But a lot of ponies are suspicious."

"...Did you need drink?"

"Oh- uh.....screwdriver.....please," She slid the bits over the counter, as I gave her her drink, "Thanks.....I hope your business does alright,"

"Freak lover.....Kem oni sebya vozomnili, Sooka," I mumbled angrily. The prospect of scaring off half my customers was none to appealing, and for such a stupid thing.

"What? What happened, I can tell when you're mad, you start talking all funny," Ginger poke her head out of the office wrapped in another fur blanket.

"Is nothing....be ready to work soon," Everything was quiet, only a few tables full, only a slight lull in lew of the usual bustle.

Eventually another stallion in a guard uniform came to the counter, "Bloody mary." I quickly mixed the drink and slid it over the counter, as he paid. He took a deep swig before gesturing for me to lean in. Once I was close he spit his drink out all over me, "*Blah* OH SORRY, MUST BE FOR BATS,"

"MANDA," I reached out and grabbed him by the chest plate, "Bliad," I gave him a good smack, "Sooka!" Another, "You come here to spit on me, ya yob tvoyiu mat!" I got one more solid slap before A voice broke the scene.

"HEY, KNOCK IT OFF!" I felt the stallion get wrenched away, "It's enough," Before I could wipe my face several nightguards were at the counter, "We'll take care of it, go and get cleaned up,"

I gave them an angry look as I wiped my face, "Otebis'," I quickly made my way into the office.

"Whoa...what happened," Ginger said rising from a pile of blankets.

"Is nothing, go to bar, I need to clean." I pulled my shirt off and wiped off my face and neck, "Mudak...come into my business..." I quickly found a spare in storage and got redressed. I pushed out into the bar, only to see it filled to capacity with waiting Nightguards, "Chto za huy?!"

"VLAD HELP!" Ginger managed to call from the bar, "They came outta nowhere!" I quickly made my way to the bar, sliding my hand to find my gun.

"Hey! Come on,"

"Yeah I just got off, I need a drink,"

"I just heard about this place, come on!"

"Huh?" I said looking at Ginger, her face not one of terror, but one of frenzy as she hurriedly poured drinks.

"Vlad don't just stand there!" She moaned under the proverbial weight.

"Bliad.....LISTEN, ONE AT A TIME!" My voice cut the noisy bustle, "You will all be served quickly if you are in order," There was a quick hush before the rush of batponies took a collective step back, "Horosho, I TAKE THREE ORDERS!" As I yelled three of them approached.

"Black Russian,"

"Yeah,"

"Me too,"

"Uh....Ginger," I leaned over to her, "How much coffee liqueur do we have,"

"I DON'T KNOW!"

"Chyort....we may run out," I quickly poured the drinks and slid them across, a flurry of bits being thrown across the bar. Another three quickly took their place, "Black Russian?" The three nodded...."No.....White Russian," I could cut back on the coffee and stave off our eventual shortage, "Is the same this with cream,"

They looked around nervously before nodding. I quickly poured the drinks and passed them across. One of the more eager bats took a drink right there, "Hmmm, that is good!"

The next trio came forward, "Please something other than black russian...." I said to them.

"Uh.....what else do you-"

"Vodka..." A familiar voice cut out, "Just Vodka. A number of bits flew across the counter.

"Oh....is you, keep money, you paid last time," I pushed the bits along with a glass over.

"Thanks....." He took the bits and drink and hurried off.

"....so....vodka?" The first guard asked, "Or..."

I rolled my eyes and poured him a lime and vodka mix, "Try," I slid a shotglass over to him. He took a drink and quickly motioned for more, "Six bits..." The coins were almost launched over the counter.

"Uh...I'll have that," Said the last guard.

"Horosho, NEXT!"

Things calmed down after that, a steady trickle in and out as the guards changed shifts. The bar was absolutely packed, as soon as one would leave another would take it's place, "Hi...." A batmare strode up to take a seat at the bar, another snagging it before she could get there.

"Friend I-" I couldn't finish speaking before he was ripped backwards off the stool, the mare taking his place right after.

"Rude...." She hissed at the now grounded guard., "Hi...." She said with a low, smokey tone, "I heard this place serves good drinks,"

"Yes,"

"...so, what you got?"

I quickly pulled the mix for the nights most popular drink out and poured one, "Black Russian....apparently you people enjoy coffee...." I slid the drink to her. A few bits fly across.

"You sound funny,"

"....ok?"

"What's your name,"

"Vladamir,"

"That's a funny name...."

".....if you want to start fight I suggest you leave,"

"Why would I do that," Her hoof circled the glass, "You seem like a nice guy,"

"What do you want,"

"Nothing...." I started walking away, "Wait...stay..." I stopped and went back, "Where are you from?"

I set my hands on the counter".....do you need drink?"

".....please stay," She reached out and brushed my sleeve, "Please?"

"*Sigh*.....what do you want,"

"Talk with me, I heard you're a friend of the nightguard,"

"No.....I do not have friends,"

"...look around," I did, the room was still packed this late, "Luna said this place was friendly to us, that it was good, Luna told the entire nightguard, do you realize what this means?" She said in a hushed tone.

"That you can drink...."

"No! you don't get it, most ponies in Canterlot are scared of us, most ponies in general are,"

"Is not my problem....I serve drink, I care little to whom,"

"It does matter!" She pulled at my sleeve, "Even having this, a bar....it means a lot," She moved her hoof from my sleeve to my hand, "To all of us," I pulled my hand away.

"I'm going to go,"

"Wait! My name is Nightshade.....please remember," I walked to the other side of the bar, "Please remember,"

"IS CLOSING!" I said slamming on the bar, "Time to leave,"

This was met with groans and mumbled from the still modestly full bar, "But the sun's not even up!"

"Is point!" I yelled back, "Come back tomorrow!" Eventually all but two batponies left, "You two, what is this," They approached that bar.

"We are the ones who broke up that....fight....earlier, I just wanted to warn you: don't do that again, just call us and we'll take care of it," They turned to leave, "This place is under Luna's protection....and so are you," They left leaving me alone at the bar. Time to clean up and take Ginger home.....what an odd night. I took a look at the register, it looked like it was about to explode.

"But profit....profit does not lie."

Wednesday

*Knock* .... *Knock*..... *knock* Is not Ginger.....to early, different knock.

I quickly swung out of bed, found my pistol and hurried down the stairs. I pressed against my front door, hiding my gun hand behind the door. I slowly opened it, "Chto?" There stood a stoic looking bat pony mare.

"I was sent to inform you of an attack on your bar, may I come in?" I emptied my gun and pulled the slide back, pocketing the pistol.

I pulled the door open, "What happened?! What about my bar?" The batmare strode in, stopping in the middle of my entry.

"Hmmm charming, reportedly when you left your establishment last night someone threw a brick through your window,"

"What!? Who would do this?" I said growing agitated at my intruder.

"Who doesn't like the nightguard, who doesn't like Luna? The point is, whether you realize it or not you've picked a side here,"

"...WHAT!? You come in my home, tell me my business has been damaged, and now you tell me I am on a side!? What side, what is fight!?"

"....Do you really not know?"

"Racism yes?"

"Yes, I'll keep it short, Luna's resurgence has been recent, as has ours. There are many that still fear us or hate us, it's simple prejudice,"

"...and why am I on a side?"

"You really are strange; you threw a royal guard out that was harassing a batpony, one of the lieutenants to be precise-"

"I do not care! Leave me alone, Is your fight, not mine. Get out!" I shoved her out the door, "You people, just like back home," I slammed the door shut.

Fucking bullshit. I needed to check on the bar.

"What is this shit?!" I ran over to the bar, a window missing, glass strewn all over.

"Vlad!" Ginger ran from behind, "What happened?"

"I do not know, come," I hurried and unlocked the front door. I pushed in and looked around, glass everywhere, a few smashed bottles lay everywhere, "Bliad! FUCKING DAMMIT!"

Ginger entered with a gasp, "No...." She tiptoed around the bar, "Animals."

"Fucking fuck!" I checked the rest of my bar, aside from a few missing bottles and the window everything was okay, "Ginger go home, bar is closed."

"Bu-"

"Tomorrow, early. I talk with friends, they repair and restock," I gave a deep sigh, "But....for tonight is nothing we can do." With the window smashed I was going to end up staying for the day and keeping people out, "Go home, relax, I take care of this," She looked beaten, she gave a quick mournful look at the bar before trotting off. It was only noon, this was my day now.

I made a few calls, by tomorrow my drinks would be restocked and my window fixed, "...da spasibo, (Yeah...thanks)" I hung up, "*sigh* bliad," I looked around my bar, it pained me to see it in such a sorry state.

"Hello?" A voice rang out before a batmare walked in, "Anyone home,"

"If you come for drink, bar is closed..." I walked out from behind the counter, "Oh....is you,"

"Do you remember my name?"

"...do I care..." She stopped dead before lowering her head to the floor, ".....Nightshade,"

"...I heard about what happened, everyone on the nightguard did," She trotted careful past the broken glass, "Are you alright?"

"I was in war...this was daily life," I said trying to find an unbroken glass, "This," I threw my arm out across the room, "This is nothing," I finally found a glass and an unbroken bottle of cheap vodka.

"But...I mean, your bar," She took a seat at the bar.

"Is only things, nothing of great value,"

"....You still don't get it, this place is important to more than just you,"

"Oh," I said taking a drink, "Some fucking symbol I suppose?! For you and your people. Your people do not matter to me, none of you matter to me, I leave my home to get away from people like you, people like those who did this," She looked hurt, like she just realized something she never wanted to know, "I leave because people refused to leave me be, to let me live without conflict," I slammed the drink, "Is your struggle, not mine!" I hurled the glass at the floor, causing it to shatter, "ARUGH! Never ends!"

".....I'm sorry..." She shifted off the seat, "I thought you cared," She started out with her head hung low, "I thought you were different,"

"......come back, sit," I said to the quite room. The mare slowly turning back and taking a seat, now crestfallen and on the verge of tears, "Why did you come?"

"I was worried...."

"About what? Bar, bar is not harmed, is made out of brick and mortar," I found another two glasses and poured what I could find, "You people, to give such meaning to a shitty bar," I slammed another drink.

"It's not about the building....it's about not being turned away,"

I set my glass down and leaned over the table, head hanging to the counter, "I learn that prejudice....prejudice is bad for business, so are fights. So I throw idiots out, why does that mean I am friend of yours," I flicked my head up, "Why should I care?"

"...I don't know....we thought you did, Luna thought you did," She was yet again near tears, "Have you ever been thrown out of a restaurant because you were different....ever been called a freak by everyone," Her eyes were slowly being filled with tears, "Been told you were a reject, something that wasn't supposed to be allowed outside."

"You sound like my Anna," I said taking a drink strait from the bottle, "She....always worried about what others thoughts," I took another rather heavy gulp, "....she....she protested what happened in Chechnya, land of different people, taken by mine. Government say, are under their rule," I took another drink, the burning gone, replaced by hollowness, "They do not accept it, they fight back....they-" I could feel my eyes burning, "-They take my Anna, they blow themselves up, to make stupid point, they blow up train, they kill my Anna," I was crying by now, "What is fair about it eh!? Is fair that they take such a kindhearted, beautiful women from me?!" I lifted my head from the bar counter, "WHAT HAVE YOU LOST, WHY DO YOU THINK I GIVE A SHIT!?"

"....I'm sorry,"

I lowered my head again, "For what, was your fault?" I looked her in the eyes, "If is not your fault don't apologize,"

"...should I go?" She asked looking down at her drink.

"if you wish, I cannot stop you,"

We sat there for a while, I cleaned my face as did she, "...I don't want to go,"

"Then don't....you cause no harm, I do not care,"

"....of course you don't...."

"...what do you want!?" I shouted at her, "You want me to say this bar is only for your kind!? To kick out all others? My assistant, my patrons, to do exactly what you complained about only to other people?!"

"NO I-"

"Then what!?"

"I don't know!.....why is this so hard..."

"Because is life....life is hard,"

"I just- I just want one day...one day that is normal, One day I don't get stared at, one day I don't get called freak,"

"...."

"I just....I want to be normal,"

"...no one is normal," I said in a muted tone, "I'm leaving," I stood and started towards the door, "Follow me if you wish....I can tell you will," She looked down at her drink before jumping off the stool and following me out, "....is so early," The clock around five.

"..." She pressed into the side of my leg, "I'm sorry....for all this," She leaned even harder into my leg, "Without us....this would never have happened,"

"I do not care.....is only money," I looked around as I swung my coat on, "Come...we eat," We walked briskly down the road, her head never leaving my side.

"Is good?" I pointed to a number of restaurants, "I never eat this early,"

"I don't know....I've never been in any of them," She looked around, "Let's try that one," She pointed out a small but tidy cafe.

We walked there quickly pushing into the door, "Hi how can I- ....how can I help you," The man behind the counter seemed to jump as he looked at us.

"....Coffee, black," I said strolling to the counter and setting some bits, "You," I looked down at my company.

"Uh... I'll-"

"Sir...can I speak with you," The pony behind the counter lead me to the side, "Look...I can put up with one of you...but them," She said nodding towards my company.

I could feel my face contort in anger, "Do you enjoy money?"

He looked confused, "Uh....yes?"

"Then you take my money, you give us food, or is there problem?" I said leaning nose to nose with the stallion.

"Uh... no, no problem..." He shook his head violently.

"Good...." I slowly retracted myself from his face. We quickly returned to the counter, "order,"

Nightshade quickly asked for some long order, it was expensive, "Twelve bits,"

"Bliad...." I shelled out the coins and took the drinks, "Come...we sit," I found a booth near some windows, "Twelve bits....der'mo"

"It's good..." She said sipping her drink, "Thanks...."

"Is not food....but is ok," I hurriedly drank my coffee.

"no really....thanks, I heard what you said,"

I glanced back at the counter, "Ah...is mudaki, is my money not good?"

"Heh...I guess it is....you can be quite imposing when you need to be,"

"As said....was in war, it changes people, some more than others,"

"...What's it like,"

"Chto?"

"War...I've only ever read about it,"

Memories of Chechnya flashed through my mind. "...Is loud....painful....many people screaming at once, pray you never see it," I grabbed a nearby sugar dispenser, "I once see man walk down street," I made a side to side motion with the thing, "He get halfway into street and hit floor," I flipped the dispenser sideways, spilling sugar on the table, "He cries, "HELP ME, PLEASE HELP ME," to anyone who can hear him. My friend, he took his rifle and killed him, *BANG*" I slammed the table for emphasis. The was a short silence, I grabbed the side of my face and slowly pulled it down, "He was our enemy, but does not make it easy," I cleaned up the mess I made, "Had to be done,"

".....so....you killed.....people,"

"One....shooting at me, I shoot back, I think you can tell who won,"

"Oh...."

I gave a deep sigh, "When I come home from war I go back to Moscow, I work as police officer," I finished what was left of my coffee, "two years later I meet Anna, eight years after that I lost her.....I spend three years in bar in Novgorod, then I come here,"

"Are...did....the same people?"

"The war and my wife, yes, Chechen dogs" I stood quickly, "Come...Is still matter of food," I took her drink off the table, "What even is this?"

"It has caramel..." She said in a tone like a scolded child.

"....bah..." We hurried down the street.

I jammed my key in the door, "Is it," I said throwing my jacket on a hook, "Is glorious palace," It was about seven now, "Find seat...I make food," More oatmeal or something like that...wait, "Can....can you eat meat? I know your people are different,"

"...yes..." She smiled and pointed to her teeth.

"Oh.....very good," I hurried into my kitchen to make something simple.

"not really....they call us freak and murderers because of it,"

"Yes well fuck them," I yelled back, "Come to kitchen, we eat soon," She quickly appeared and sat at my dining table.

"What are you making,"

"...I do not know....beef something," I said throwing a few chunks of meat onto a pan, "Maybe twenty minutes,"

"Is done," I slid a plate of steak chunks and potatoes over to her, before taking a seat, "So" I said grabbing a fork full, "What is plan?"

"Plan?" She asked taking a bite.

"For night, I feel there is reason you come here,"

"I don't know....got anymore stories?"

"Many...but are of sadness,"

"....any that aren't sad,"

"No,"

"Oh...." We quietly ate our food.

"When I come here - they tell me welcome, land of happiness and friendship....fucking lies,"

"Yeah...maybe outside of Canterlot,"

"Is everywhere, prejudice is universal," I retorted. The conversation died again.

"....can I stay tonight," She chirped, breaking the silence.

I looked at her blankly, "Do you not have job?" She shook her head, "....fine, is guest room,"

"I was thinking...."

"No...." She popped her head up before sinking it deep onto the table.

"it's because I'm different...isn't it.." I held my hand up.

I took a quick bite before slamming the table, causing her to jolt upright, "No....this is why," I said pointing to my ring with the fork. Apparently she knew what it was.

"Sorry...again...Luna, I'm so stupid!"

"Calm down...you just have guest room," I finished my food and stood, "Done?" There was a few bites left on her plate.

"Yeah...." She pushed the plate towards me, I quickly ate what was left, "...I thought...your wife,"

"She is...."

"So you're not-"

"I cannot let her go....not yet," I felt my fingers turn the ring around my finger, "I miss her..." I wandered out into my entry with Nightshade, "You see this," I pulled a picture off the wall, "Is only picture I bring from home,"

"She's beautiful," She said being careful with her words.

"Yes...my Anna, was....." I set the picture back on the wall, "They make me identify her body....to see her like that" A brief flash of her body crossed my mind.

"I- I'm sorr-"

"STOP, IS NOT YOUR FAULT," I yelled taking a step towards her, "Just....don't be sorry, she never like seeing people sad," I said leaving the entry, "Is room here," I pushed the guest room door open. She stood there looking into the room, "Well?"

"No..." She said planting her hooves on the ground.

"Then leave," I walked past her.

"No," I stopped in the hall and faced her.

"Leave or be thrown out,"

"NO!" We had a short staring contest, "One night, nothing happens," She took a step towards me, "I wont try anything...just let me be close to you, for one night!" Her usual tone mixed with anger and fear.

"....Bah!" I turned to go into my room, the mare following close. I quickly undressed down to underwear and jumped into bed. She quickly followed, curling herself around my torso and gut, ".....loh sooka," I pulled a large fur blanket over us.

"Thank you..." She said turning to nestle her head into my chest, "Thank you for everything," her breathe lapping across my stomach. Apprehensively I moved my hand around her back and gently stroked her back.

"Is ok.....was nothing,"

"It wasn't nothing....I had coffee in public for the first time tonight, do you realize how amazing it felt,"

"*sigh*....is like you are child, seeing city for first time,"

"I'm no child...."

"Da and I'm sure you're eager to prove it...go to sleep," It was a warm night. Pleasant. It was only eight pm.

Thursday

...Is different.  Not at all my normal wake up. Something warm.

I pulled the blanket off of myself in one quick movement. Beneath it I lay on my back with a young batmare strewn sideways across my stomach. Great...

"Hey....is time to move," I pushed her slightly only managing to make her roll sideways and curl up, her back to me. It was a strange sight, to see how different and yet how similar their bodies were to any other of their kind. Featherless wings, a shorter plusher grey coat, and slightly bigger ears, and this is only what is seen. I reached out and touched her ear, rubbing the thin flesh between the fingers.

"Huh~?" Her ear twitched away from my grasp and her head slowly rose, "What?"

"Is time to move,"

She slowly looked around before finding me, "...m-morning..." She took some time to get her bearings, eventually realizing she was laying sideways atop me, "Oh..OH MY," She scrambled to her hooves, "I'm so sorry i-"

"Is fine....nothing happened to make you worried," I brushed her aside so I could stand.

"But..I...on you.."

"Is fine," I shifted off the bed and started finding my clothes, "Shower through door," I pointed out into the hall, " last door on left," I laid my clothes out and started into hall, "Towels in storage under sink, be quick, breakfast come soon,"

*Knock knock* "Vlad?"

"One moment!" I slowly got to the front door and unlocked it, "What?"

"Morning," Ginger said pushing into my home.

"...you come to steal my breakfast again?"

"No......sorta, what you cooking,"

"...like child...find seat," I walked her to the kitchen, her ears focused towards the hall.

"Are...are you alone?"

"No....one of the batpeople followed me home last night..."

"...oh...and you let her?"

"...Alternative was to break heart of starry-eyed young girl, could not do," We entered the kitchen and I laid out some hay and prepped some potatoes.

"Wow, how....unlike you," She said tiptoeing around her words.

"I am no monster, only indifferent," I said slicing some potatoes to make hash.

"Apparently not, big softy," I glared over at her.

"...is....welcome change, to see someone happy.....not since my Anna have I see one so happy," I started to cook.

"You keep saying that name...who is she,"

"....is dead,"

"Oh....family?"

"Yes..."

".....sister?"

"No,"

"...wife?"

"...."

"is that why you never wanted to talk about it? Why now,"

"....Being drunk....it tends to take apprehension and crush it to dust," I said plating the food.

"What happened last night?"

"...I drink in bar, mare show up, I remember being mad, very mad, then very....memories, something about her, she reminds me of her," I took a bite of the warming food, "A genuine hope for better things,"

Ginger just looked at me like I spoke a completely foreign language, "Are you feeling alright? Did she bite you or something?"

"Not that I am aware,"

"Then why are you acting like this? Stop please, it's not normal,"

"What is not normal,"

"You're not calling me stupid or a child, or, or, I don't know being mean!"

"....you do realize how stupid that sounds yes?"

"See! That's better," A soft clip clop could be heard in the hall.

In strode Nightshade, "Oh...I didn't know-"

"Take seat, I need shower next anyways," I stood, replacing my empty plate for a full one, "Nightshade, is Ginger, Ginger, Nightshade," The exchanged awkward greetings before I found my way to the bathroom.

The water warmed quickly, I stood in the shower for a short time, I could hear talking coming from kitchen. I decided to take my time and let them speak.

I got dressed quickly after my shower. Once that was done I wandered into the kitchen, "Is time- hello?" No one was there, "Is not good," I went back to my room and found a holster and my pistol. Could be paranoia but this didn't seem right. First place to check would be the bar obviously.

I hurried down the frosted street. It reminded me of foot chase back in Moscow. The burning in my lungs from the cold night air, the burning wind stripping the moisture from my lips. The bar came into sight, a small crowd waiting outside.

"Oh...look who it is," A white stallion stepped away from the bar, "Heard you fixed your window, didn't keep the bats out," He said cocking his head to the new window, Ginger and Nightshade looking out it.

"...If you wish to fight," I slid my hand into my coat, wrapping my hands around my gun, "I can promise you one of us will not be walking away,"

"Hey now...all we want is the bat, we need to put these freaks back in their place," he took another step towards me, "I mean you don't care about these things, or do you freaklover?" I pulled my gun from the holster and let it fall to my side.

"You stay...try to run and you will move no more," The others from the group slowly creeped away, "Ginger! Contact guard!" I yelled at the bar.

"Look at you...big man, hiding behind a gun. You're just like those freaks, cowards," He took another step forward.

"You take one more step you will never walk again, is last warning," I leveled my gun with his knee.

"Vlad, I called the guard!" Ginger yelled from the bar.

"Horosho,"

"You really are a freak, not just a freaklover, your a freak yourself," He took another step towards me, "Do it, I dare you!"

"Three,"

"Do it, do it, DO IT!"

"Two,"

"COME ON DO IT!"

"One," Bang, I could see the two mares watching from the window jump at the noise. The aggressive stallion slumped forward, his left foreleg crumpling into a blood spurting heap.

"AHHHHAHA- OH DEAR CELESTIA!" The stallion wailed.

"You push me...you fucking push me," I holstered my gun and went to check on him, "GINGER, GET RAGS AND STRONG GIN!" I pulled his leg to length and looked at the wound, a neat hole drilled strait through his leg. The bullet had passed strait through just missing the bone.

"YOU FREAK, YOU BUCKING FREAK!"

The two mares quickly came from inside with rags and makeshift disinfectant, "Ginger stuff a rag in his mouth," i said taking all but one, "Nightshade find any guard, be quick." She looked shell shocked, unable to move, "Nightshade...go," She slowly came back to reality and hurried off.

Ginger quickly stuffed a rag in the downed stallion, "Celestia preserve us...is he gonna die?!"

"No...is flesh wound," I poured the gin over the rags and quickly pulled them over the wound and wound them tight.

"What happens now?" She asked frantically shifting her hooves.

"We see him off, then open bar," I tied more rags onto his leg and poured the remaining gin over the wound.

"You still want to open the bar!?"

"I cannot afford being closed for long," I stood and threw my coat onto the bleeding stallion, "This changes nothing,"

"Vlad...you just shot somepony!"

"Your point, do I have blood on me?" I twirled around in front of her, "Well?"

"....no, Vlad you cant be serious right?"

"What is time?"

"...around six twenty,"

"Then we have time to clean, go and get bar ready," She slowly went back into the bar. The sound of beating hooves and wings cut the soft whimpering from the stallion. I quickly upholstered my gun, emptied the clip and gun and tossed the gun to the ground.

"Halt!" Several nightguards quickly surrounded me.

"Does it look like I plan to run?" The stallion kicked weakly, "You should worry more about him," I took a step back from the bloody mess.

Several guards quickly went to check on him, "OUT OF MY WAY," A thunderous but familiar voice cut the bustle, "GET OUT OF MY WAY!" from the growing throng of guards came one with a rather ornate helmet, "What happened here?"

"This one asked for me to throw another to wolves, I told him to stay away, he stepped towards me, I shot in leg,"

He furrowed his brow, "Nightshade, is this true?" The mare in question quickly stepped from behind the guard.

"Yes..."

"Hmmm, I hereby place you under house arrest," What, "As of this date you are not allowed to travel without a complement of three guards, your weapons will be confiscated, pending investigation you will be allowed to continue business," He lifted his helmet off, "And thanks...."

"Oh...is you again," I said to the vodka drinking stallion.

"Yes....Nightshade, does that sound alright to you?"

"Well, it might be a bit harsh...but all things considered," She said bashfully.

"ALL BUT THIRD COMPLEMENT ARE TO RETURN TO THEIR POSTS!" Within seconds all that was left was ten or so guards, "You, inside, we need to talk," I was quickly pushed into my bar, "Listen...you should be in the dungeon by now, but given the circumstances I'm going to be lenient, we will be operating under the assumption that the injured stallion is also the perpetrator of the attack last night and the night before, we may need some statements from you in time,"

"This is not legal is it,"

"Not entirely....Luna would most likely not approve, but seeing as you kept my sister from harm...It'll be fine," He hurried back out stopping next to Nightshade who had been waiting at the door.

"Thanks Libra," She gave him a deep hug, "I'll keep an eye on him,"

"You better," He hurried out the door. The scene now completely clear minus three guards standing at attention outside.

Nightshade quickly trotted to the bar, "Thank you," She said taking a seat.

"So...is your brother?"

"Yeah....sorry for not telling you,"

"...Is why you follow me?"

"What?! No!" She said looking betrayed.

"...GINGER!"

"What!?"

"Get out here!"

"Is it over?"

"Yes!"

"Fine..." She trotted lazily out of the office, "So...you going to the dungeon yet?"

"Shut up, set up bar," She rolled her eyes before checking tables and sorting bottles.

"....so you're just going on like nothing happened," Nightshade asked watching Ginger.

"I need money...your people need drinks, and to let you know....not that I have choice now, I guess I'm on your peoples side."

She gave a weak grin, "Well...you did defend a nightguard captain and his little sister,"

"Da, that stooka had his chance to leave...."

"I heard what he said....about giving me to him,"

"I lost friends before....not again,"

"I- we- friends?"

"...eh...sure, do not expect free drinks," She gave an amazingly wide grin before reaching up and giving me a peck on the cheek. She pulled back smiling like a fool, "...not sorry?" She shook her head never losing that dopey grin.

"No, it felt good,"

"Get out...." her grin immediately vanished, replaced with an extremely hurt look, "heh heh heh.....your face, is funny,"

Her face scrunched up madly, "You're such a jerk," Ginger yelled over to us, "So mean,"

"Ginger shut up!" I yelled to her, "Is funny!"

"...that was mean...." Nightshade said looking at the counter, "make it up to me?" She said looking like a hurt puppy.

"...bliad...." I found a glass and poured a white Russian, "Is even?"

"Maybe..." She sipped her drink, "Have me over again?"

I shook my head to the floor, "Fine...."

"OH KISS ALREADY!" Ginger shouted at us.

"Shut-"

"Ginger shut up!" Nightshade said, stealing my usual phrase.

"Screw you....just trying to help...."

"....is time to open bar I think," I left the counter and unlocked the door. A few ponies stumbled in. Was going to be quite after all that happened.

Things picked up after ten, throngs of nightguards quickly surged in and out, many trying to say that what I did was justified. The night became profitable.

"Is closing time," A gush of groans came from the still full bar, "....maybe I should change hours...."

"Yeah!"

"This is still early for us!"

"Barely sunrise....."

"...maybe next week, until then please enjoy your nights," The bar slowly emptied saving the two mares that stayed the entire night.

"Vlad I think I'm going to sleep in the office....is that ok?" Ginger asked looking absolutely exhausted.

"Is fine, be ready tomorrow,"

"You mean tonight...anyways see ya," She wandered hazily into the office.

"So what now," Nightshade asked as the office door was pulled shut, "I mean-"

"Head to my home, I pick up dinner,"

"But-"

"Key is hidden under statue in front porch,"

"....I...you...." She reached over the bar and pulled me into a deep nuzzling hug, "Thank you....so much!"

"Ach- ok ok, off!" I managed to pry myself away and start off to the door, "If Russia taught me one thing...is to be in good with family to higher ups,"

She gave a quick pout, "Mean..."

"Yes yes I know, now go, I be there quickly," She trotted off.

"Hail..." A nightguard trotted over to me, "Under orders we are to accompany you,"

"Oh...do not expect me to thank you," I started walking to a restaurant to pick up dinner.

"Morning, what can I...oh....what....whats going on," The stallion behind the counter asked rather nervously.

"Is nothing....need dinner to go, for two,"

I placed our order "Uh....sure, twenty bits,"

"Very good, spasibo,"

"Come again," I hurried off with two boxes of food in hand, guards forming a triangle behind me.

"Vlad?"

"Yes...is food," I had a strange urge to throw a jacket off, had it not been used to keep my enemy from dying.

She trotted out from my office, "Vlad what is this?" She pointed into my office.

I sauntered into the office, she was pointing at a locked case laying on the floor, "...are books,"

"Why's it locked?"

"....are fragile....are journals and stories from my family, some very old,"

"...Can I see them?"

"No....are written in old language,"

"...Can you read some to me?"

"....maybe, we eat first."

The food was ok, "So....how about now?" She asked standing from the chair.

"....go to bedroom, I find one," She gave a deep smile before prancing off down the hall. I quickly cleaned my dishes and hurried into my office finding an extremely weathered journal.

I wandered into my bedroom finding Nightshade curled in a bundle of blankets. I gave a deep sigh before stripping down and getting into bed. She laid on her stomach next to me laying her head on my chest, "....is old story....story of change," I opened to journal, "...to walk the empty streets of our once great city, to see it brought to heel by Kievian Rus, we refused, we fought for mighty Novgorod with our dying breath, we fight them in the swamps, in the streets, in the forest. We refused to let our land be raped by the oppression of the tzar," I looked past the journal, Nightshades eyes were wide open, staring right at me, ears perked to catch my every word, "....for years we fight to preserve what we held dear, to save our lands, to free ourselves and secure our independence as mighty republic. We fight for more than ourselves, more than our land, for an ideal, that we as sons of this land are entitled to our freedom, to our birthright as brave men and women of our beautiful city...."

Friday

"Vladamir, do you see him?"

"Take shot?"

"Take shot, I have pickup,"

I took aim down the street, "Good night sooka," I pulled the trigger, the man in the street stumbled to the ground screaming in pain.

"Der'mo," Gregor took aim and quickly finished the man, "You hit his leg, aim for chest next time idiot!" Now it was back to rolling around over shattered glass and waiting for the next five hours.

Is warm again...is nice...not that I would ever say that. Her head was resting on my chest just poking out of the blanket. I decided to let her sleep for now, her breathing felt nice against my stomach. I looked around, it was only about five twenty...I can sleep more.

*Knock knock* "Vlad they won't let me in...Vlad?"

"Uh....is time," I scratched behind Nightshade's ears, "Wake....we need to get up," I gave her ear a quick tug, "Get up,"

"owowowowo! Ok ok!" I let her ear go, "Ow....good morning to you too," She said lifting herself up and rubbing her ear, "It's not really fair to do that...I mean I can't do that kind of thing to you..."

"Life is not fair....is better this way," I slid off my bed, "I like control, better this way,"

"...are you..."

"Keep mind out of gutter..." I quickly got ready for shower, "Filthy mind for such a little girl,"

"...I'm not little...and I'm not a girl...I'm a full grown mare,"

"....I will never say that...."

"Why not?" I started off to the bathroom, "You don't like ponies?"

"*grunt* no....is gay...."

"...." She stood in the hall between my room and the bathroom, "Really?"

"Yes....grown men speaking of short horses......is gay," I pulled the bathroom door shut and started the shower.

Nightshade pushed into the room, "Really? Are you serious? I mean....it....it's such a weird thing to worry about..."

"Why is that...."

"Homosexual males are really, really, rare,"

"...Putin's ideal...."

"Even if they are, they're bound by law to have a foal..."

"...your land is strange...like Netherlands....except they had drugs..."

"I don't even know what that is," She said perkily.

"Oh der'mo....I just remembered....Can you check to see if Ginger is still at door?"

"Ok...I guess," She walked out into the hall leaving the bathroom door open.

"Bliad'. You let heat out!" I finished my shower and quickly left the shower, "Stupid girl....is freezi-" I finished toweling off my head and lowered the towel, revealing two mares staring right at me, "..."

Nightshade was blushing madly while holding a hoof over her mouth, while Ginger looked me over, "So....that's what it looks like," She trotted off, "Well aren't you proud," Me and Nightshade just sat and stared at each other, I eventually reached out and slowly closed the door.

"....Khristos....pochemu oni smotryat na moy penis?" I finished drying off and half dressed, "Chto takoye bol'shoye delo? Eto prosto chlen..." I muttered to myself as I got dressed.

"...Vlad? You ok in there?" Nightshade knocked on my door, "Sorry about...you know," I quickly finished dressing and pushed into the hall.

"...why you sorry...is what you wanted no?"

"Well...not...not like that,"

"But you did, say it; you wanted to see my penis," I said rather annoyed.

She got completely flustered, "NO! I- shut up....I'll say that when you call me a princess,"

"I sooner die," I closed my bedroom door, "Fine...we say nothing about it,"

"Fine...wasn't that big anyways,"

"Yes it was!" Ginger yelled from the entry.

I ran into the entry, "IS IT, GINGER, FIRED!"

"Nope," she said dismissively.

"You are no longer my assistant! Sooka!"

"Zatknis', idiot..."

It took me a moment to realize what she said, "....fine, you stay..."

"See...I listen," she rolled around on a pile of blankets on the floor, "Where do you even get these things?"

"...home...wait! Bliad' is like toddler!" I pulled the blankets out from under her and threw them on the couch, "Are expensive!"

"they are also soft...what are they made out of," Nightshade quietly jumped up on the pile of blankets while me an ginger were talking.

"...bear,"

"...a bear? Like a big, mean, kill-"

"Yes...a bear,"

"....How are you still alive?"

"I did not ki-"

"She's right you know, you lived a weirdly painful life," Nightshade said cutting in, "Does she know your stories?"

"...you told her stories," Ginger said giving me eyes like a wounded dog, "You never tell me stories..."

"...what do you want me to tell you? How I spent hours crawling over rubble and glass in Chechnya?!"

"YES!"

"Fine! I once spent sixteen hours in one building waiting for enemy that came ten hours late, crawling over rubble and broken glass, trying not to lose my mind, then I was shot at for ten minutes and then another three hours of waiting..." I said shouting slightly, "Was fun time! I bring drinks, we made party of it!"

"...that wasn't a very good story,"

"No it wasn't! Is why I never tell it!"

"...Breakfast?" Nightshade cut in again, "Breakfast sounds good right?" I hadn't realized how close I had gotten to Ginger, we were nearly butting heads.

"...you want to tell me what to do, I tell you what to do, go cook," I told Ginger as I walked into the kitchen, "Come little one, we see if she can cook," Nightshade slowly followed me.

"Fine!" She galloped past me, "I can mix a drink, I can cook..." Ginger said, losing confidence near the end.

"HA," I filled a glass with water, "I will be ready when you catch fire," I pulled a seat out for myself and pushed one out with my foot for Nightshade, "Sit, this will be funny," She did, watching Ginger fumble with the stove top.

"...This isn't even fair, it's not an Equestrian stove!" She looked through my cabinets, "What are these things?" She said shaking a box of grahm crackers, I just covered my face and chuckled. She threw the box behind her and onto the stove, "...why are you humans eat so weirdly!"

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* the box of crackers had landed on the top of my electric range while she went through my food, "Ha!" I got up switched off the range and poured my cup of water over the burning box, "Phew....that smell..."

"..."

"So....should we eat out?" Nightshade asked as I dumped the crackers in the sink, "I mean-"

"...no I cook," I found a rag and cleaned the water off the stove, "Just making point..." I set out some cereal for Ginger and started cooking bacon for the two meat eaters, "Hopeless....perhaps I should find you stallion, maybe then you learn what mouth is for," I turned from the stove to look at Ginger, her mouth hanging open with a trickle of milk running from it, "...*tch-* your face...." I started crying, "Oh, der'mo, pffffhhff,"

"Unbelievable...."

"Your fucking face! AHAHA!" I had to leave the pan, "Wipe your face before I die!" She quickly rubber her muzzle, "Oh kristos...." I went back to the ready food and plated it, "Oh god...so is a no?" I took a seat inbetween my guests, "is shame, was good look for you," I snickered to myself.

Nightshade was smiling with a rather nervous grin, "Are...are you ok? I don't think I've ever heard you laugh like that,"

"Yes...is fine, that was just very, very funny,"

Ginger finished her food quickly, "So...are we going to open the bar today..."

"What is day?"

"Friday,"

"...no, with all that has happened...and business has doubled since Monday, take day off,"

Ginger jumped off her chair and hurried out, "Why did I even come then?"

"To be fired, rehired, start a fire, and make me laugh, now go home," She mumbled something as she left, I turned to Nightshade, "...so...you are sister to guard,"

"Yep!" She bit the end of a strip of bacon, "This is good by the way,"

"Hmm, so...after what happened...should I speak with someone?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like the royal, to sort out what happened yesterday,"

"...If you think it will help, I have to be honest though I think you're safe,"

"I shot someone..." I said plainly.

"And didn't even blink before helping him...and given what has been going on...between you and nightguard..."

"Eh..." I shrugged, "I try to see royal, can do no harm," I took our freshly emptied plates to the sink and grabbed a bottle from an overhead cabinet, "How they say....to grease wheels?"

"What?" I plonked the bottle down on the table, "Ohhh...the good stuff,"

"...is coffee liqueur, is very common," I gave a quick look around, "Stay if you wish, I head out,"

"Here? Alone?"

"Yes, why not,"

"Well I-"

"I know what you think, we meet short time ago, things move fast...blah blah blah, I do not care, besides, what is to steal from this place?" She gave a wide appreciative grin, "Calm down....you are friend...remember that,"

"...not for long,"

"EH?!"

"Nothing!" She stood from her chair, "Go on get out of here, I'll take care of this place."

She pushed me out the door...I may have made a very poor decision.

"This way sir," The trio of guards escorted me through the castle, "And I'll be taking that," She snagged the bottle from me, "Do not worry, It shall reach lady Luna,"

"Da ok," We continued into a large waiting room.

"Wait here, I shall ask for a audience,"

"Be quick...I leave child terrorizing my home like idiot,"

"...ok then..." One of the guards left and the other two approached me.

"So, whats going on?"

"Yeah...you been ok?"

They asked trying to be friendly, "Is good," I said.

"Gotta be honest...I don't blame you for what you did,"

"If I heard it right you gave him plenty of warnings..."

I pulled over a nearby chair, "Eh...was idiot, I told him to leave, he did not,"

"Yeah...so you're not at the bar..."

"No...I come to deal with this today,"

"That's too bad, maybe tomorrow..."

"Yeah that Russian thing was good,"

"...why do you like them?" I asked.

The two guards looked at each other, "Do you not know? You know batponies are different right?"

"No...I thought you were just a sickly flying horse," I said sarcastically.

"...anyways, we like bitterness, "normal" ponies like sweetness more,"

"...oh...so is the coffee,"

The conversation took a quick lull, "...so...how did you find Equestria?"

"...I have nothing left back home, I hear of strange door in Newfoundland, I go to Canada and now I am here,"

"What's Canada?"

"only place that can compete with us in hockey,"

"What's hockey?"

"....I...I do not know how to explain to four legged person..." I said slightly flustered.

"She will see you know," The last guard came back into the lobby, "Were these two bothering you?"

"No, was good talk," I stood and started towards the big doors, "Is ok I leave?"

"Yes, we will be waiting for you here," I nodded and pressed through the doors opening into a rather enormous throne room.

"Oh...well," I hurried down through the room to the other end, admiring the stained glass as I walked.

"Hail Vladamir Sidorov," A voice boomed from the end of the room, "You come with concern,"

"Uh...hello...I suppose," I jogged to meet the voice, the royal was sitting in a rather large throne, "Wondering if you needed anything from me,"

"Regarding the stallion you repelled...it would appear that he was indeed the perpetrator of the attack on your business as well as the instigator of a few unruly patrons that might have appears recently,"

"Oh?"

"Indeed, as for ms Nightshade-"

"Huh?"

"Is she not part of why you came?"

"Not...intentionally," I said rubbing the back of my head.

"...she is quite enamored with you,"

"Yes, I can tell,"

"Your conviction is commendable," I felt my hand shoot to my ring again, turning it gently around my finger, "But...should you wish, you have my blessing,"

"...is...is poor time, perhaps in time..."

"Hmm, perhaps," She spread her wings and floated to the floor, "Come," She trotted past me to a set of windows, "The windows tell the tales of Equestria and it's people."

She pointed out some rather striking windows, "This...this is bad history isn't it," The glass depicted batponies howling in pain as the moon rose overhead.

The royal hung her head, "The Batponies....they are one result of the banishing of Nightmare moon." She walked me to another, "When Nightmare moon was banished...she changed all her followers to better serve the night...it is part of the reason for the social stigma against them,"

"I...I do not understand?"

"When Nightmare moon was banished the batponies were left without reason, they were brought to Canterlot to contain them," She walked further to a newer looking window, "With my return the batponies were given new life, but there are many who still see them as worshipers of Nightmare moon,"

"...Does not matter...prejudice is not my business,"

"And that is why they go to you, you do not judge them, you are seen as a defender, a friend of the night,"

"...is your doing?"

"It is, I do apologize,"

"...bring in much business, do not apologize," We slowly wandered back to the throne.

"I appreciate your understanding, you are doing a good thing,"

"I do nothing...I serve drinks,"

"It is what you represent,"

"A drunk?"

"..." She actually appeared flustered for a moment, "I...I was not expecting that,"

"...so....Nightshade?"

"Oh yes!" She looked relived to be away to a new topic, "Care for her, and understand you are her hero, whether you wish it or not,"

"...is not all..."

"Excuse me?"

"...how to say....is very interested in my body..." I gestured to my lower half, She just lowered her head and let her hair fall over her face, "...I leave now," I said turning away from her.

"Before you go. I wish for you to have this," A small box was levitated to me, "A symbol of my thanks for caring for my subjects," I slowly opened the box, inside it lay a pin, "May you always find friendship in myself and my subjects,"

"Spasibo, is very generous," I slowly walked out, "Huh...is nice," The pin was a silver crescent moon encircled by a wreath.

"What the hell?" I walked into my home, "Where is stuff?"

Nightshade popped out of my kitchen, "Just organizing," I looked around my entry, the blankets were folded and the room was near spotless.

"...this is what you do with free time?"

"You don't like it?"

"...is kind gesture...but I feel you have ulterior motive,"

"No...." She quickly met me in the entry adorn with an apron hanging to the floor, "...hi,"

"...perhaps you should spend this night at your home,"

"Why!?" the apron fell from her, "...it's not as sexy when I do it...is it?"

"..." I slammed my palm into my forehead, "How old are you even?!"

"How old are you?" She mimicked.

"Old...to old for you,"

"Wanna bet?"

"No,"

"Come on...just once,"

"No!" I held my hand up again, "I told you!"

"...She'd want you to move on," I felt a strange rage overcome me for a moment.

"...what do you know of anything,"

"She obviously loved you...do you really think she wants to see you unhappy,"

"...leave..."

"Vlad I-"

"Or stay...does not matter," I walked past her into my room. I quickly locked the door, "Think on your words...they have weight you do not understand,"

She started scratching at my door, "Vlad I'm sorry!" She pulled at the handle, "Vlad please, I'm sorry!"

"Think about what you...perhaps in time you will learn what is correct," I quickly undressed and laid in bed.

"Vlad let me in, Vlad I'm sorry! Vlad..."

"Even if you are correct about her thoughts...you overstepped your bounds...think on this," The scratching at my door slowly died away, I quickly fell asleep. It felt bad to leave her alone...but I must stand my ground.

To carry without weight.

"Vladamir...what do you think," I slowly walked behind her wrapping my arms around her, my hands resting on her stomach.

"I think...Mira, maybe Natalia," I rocked back and forth with her.

"And if is boy?"

"Gregor...."

"...yes, is good name...I know you miss him,"

"He saved me...was my brother, without him I would never have you,"

"We should visit him,"

"...perhaps when you get home,"

"I shall bring flowers," She wiggled away from me, "I will be back soon, is short day,"

"Yes...goodbye, until later," I let her go, the last time she would leave my home.

"...der'mo..." I rolled out of bed, "Yeblya sooka..." I looked around, the clock read a little before five am, "Fuck...I need walk," I got dressed sloppily, a coat sufficed. I pushed out the bedroom door, on the floor lay Nightshade, curled in a blanket, "Idiot...idiot child," I hazily scooped her up and laid her on my bed.

"Vlad~?" She asked half asleep.

"Quiet....go back to sleep,"

"Sorry..." She closed her eyes and quickly passed back to sleep.

"Idiot child...." I closed the door and walked outside. It was frigid. My breath visible from the moment I opened my mouth. I gave a quick snort which mimicked an angered bull. I walked hazily through the foggy morning.

It was quiet...A calm quiet morning, no one else around. It had an eerie feel.

It gave me time to think, of everything. My life, my past, my future.

"Good morning," I whipped around meeting a grim looking batstallion in the face, "Vladamir Sidorov, soldier, immigrant, friend to the night," He said pacing slowly around me, "Do you recognize me?"

I leaned in to take a quick look at him, "...Vodka..."

He gave a deep sigh, "I do have a name you know...not just my drink,"

"Apologies, no offense but all you horse people look similar to me,"

"And you humans look the same to me, Libra,"

"Yes...brother to the girl who follows me,"

"That's me...let's walk," He started off down the street, I eventually caught up with him.

"How long did you wait for me..."

"Not long, you walk very heavily, easy to hear,"

"Carrying forty pounds of equipment and heavy clothes will cause this,"

He stopped and turned to me, "Do you regret what you did?"

"...if you speak of war...no, was right thing to do,"

He narrowed his eyes, "I'm glad you understand me, your file was....extensive,"

"Oh? I would hope so,"

"Tell me, why did your country go to war, what purpose did it serve,"

"For my country...land, for me...one could say revenge,"

"And why's that,"

"Islamist Chechen take much from my family, family in Georgia, in Ossetia, all across Caucasus,"

"I understand..." He looked off into the distance, "Things here...maybe not exactly the same problems, but similar."

"Is sad...I remember visiting my uncle in Georgia, the mountains were beautiful...was bitter lie. Death permeates that land," He nodded.

"Let me ask you something else...what was she like,"

"Mind yourself..."

"I mean no disrespect," I took a deep sigh.

"...She wanted better things...like your sister, always hoping to live free of prejudice...she was from Serbia, came to Russia during Bosnian war, always said she thought it was pointless," I stuck my hands in my pockets, "Always say, "They are people, religion never change that, person is person" ...I tell her, people do not care, she tell me we should make them care," I took a deep breath, "Your sister...I see much the same idea, wanting to be free from ignorance that will never end, dreaming of an ideal that will never come, you see this yes?"

"I am well aware,"

A blew a stream of air our slowly, "A week ago...I not give shit about your people, I not give shit about anyone. Now...I do not know...your people have my sympathies, and I will keep open mind about serving anyone," I fished around in my pocket, "I was given this, is sterling..." I held my new pin out, "I never wanted to be caught up in this again,"

"You don't have to be,"

"What is alternative, lose my business, be branded traitor by all, all because I kicked out drunk from my bar," I stuffed the pin back in my pocket, "I see no alternative!"

"Leave...there are plenty of places to go in Equestria,"

"Oh just leave, leave everything I have built and go elsewhere?!"

"If you want to be rid of it-"

"I DO NOT CARE! I tell you all I do not care!"

"I don't mind if you lie...just don't yell at me while you do it,"

"What!?"

"You care about my sister, even if it's not the way she wants,"

"...is like child I lost..."

"She want's to be with you, you know,"

"No..I think she just follow me home for fun, steal my food, clog my shower,"

"Sarcasm doesn't suit you,"

"And being serious does not suit a fool like yourself,"

"Better to be an idealistic fool than a bitter, resentful, hung up, cynic,"

Things got quite for a short time, "...is not easy letting go,"

"It never is,"

"What did they take from you,"

"Our parents, driven from town into the wilderness, they never made it back,"

"And yet here you are, keeping them safe at night,"

"They aren't the ones who did it,"

"But are the people of those who did,"

"But they had nothing to do with it,"

"...for a horse-bat thing...you are good man, better than I, I think,"

"Not at all, I just hide it better,"

"Perhaps...perhaps...what do you want me to do with this,"

"This? how vague,"

"You understand my meaning...let us not drag on,"

"Move on...if not for her than for yourself, it's carved into your face like stone,"

"And you keep yours behind your eyes, perhaps in this I am more honest,"

"Maybe...anyways I trust you to make the right choice," He slowly trotted into the fog, "I'll see you tonight Russian,"

"Da....and perhaps as more than comrades if your sister has her way!" I jeered.

I started walking back home, his words slowly sinking in. I passed a frost covered window, a passable mirror.

I looked like hell, face cut deep with creases, a stubbly beard ever present, my eyes faded from their normal blue to a pale grey, I resembled my father in is fifties. I remember my picture with Anna...the man behind her...tempered by war, but no where near as old as myself now. I felt old...more than anything I felt old, too old for my actual age, to old for someone in retirement. I pulled my gloves off.

"Anna, Ya nikogda ne zabudu tebya, ya obeshchayu..." I slowly wrapped my fingers around my ring, "Ya budu lyubit' tebya , poka ya ne umru, eto ya obeshchayu." I quickly yanked the ring off, the flesh around it soft and tender, "I love you..." I set my glove on the window sill, the ring laying gently in the center, "I need not trinket to remind me..." I grabbed at my finger, now bare and un-ornate, "...I think you would tell me to do this...to help them...to make this better...does not make it easy," I was biting back tears, "I will make you proud...proud to say I did what was right,"

I started back to my home, every part of me felt like going back and taking the ring with me. It felt wrong. Like a weightlessness, I wanted to feel something digging into my finger, I missed the weight. But I took comfort in the idea that even without that weight, she would always be with me. My new companion a constant reminder, a mind just like hers. I think they would have gotten along. Or fought like cats, arguing who was more right about acceptance...foolish.

Saturday

I pushed my way into my home once more, a rush of warm air banishing the cold. It was almost eight. I felt tired, drain, hollow.

I walked lightly into my bathroom, cranking the water to full, "Time for change I think," I found a razor and quickly shredded away what was left of my beard. It gave me a full view of the creases that ran down my face. It was frightening to see them on someone my age. I pushed it out of my head and cleaned off my face. I looked better, from sixty to fifty. I gave a quick laugh before setting my stuff away and returning to my room.

Nightshade was just as I left her, hastily tossed into a sloppy pile of blankets and pillows. I just grabbed a blanket and made my way to my entry. I sat back on the couch and tried to fall asleep, only managing a few moments of calm before I heard the familiar clip clop of hooves on hard wood, "Vlad?"

I exhaled one hard exhale, "Yes.."

"What happened?" She asked hazily walking over to me.

"What do you mean,"

"I- you- are you ok?" She pointed at me.

I rubbed my chin, "I thought I should go without it for some time,"

"Ok...why was I in your bed?"

"you were asleep on floor, I go for walk, I throw you on bed, you complain?"

"No...I...I just thought you were mad at me,"

"Mad...no, not mad, perhaps slightly angry, but not mad, not at you," I pulled my blankets open, "Sit," She hesitantly climbed up and I wrapped the blanket around her, "Must say...I feel better, calmer,"

"...what just-" I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her against me, "-Hey!"

"Just...sit," We stayed there for quite some time, "I speak with someone while out, he give good advice," I eased my grip, "Was not easy advice to follow...but if my life has taught me anything, things that are difficult build character,"

"...are you sure your ok?" She asked looking at me with concern, "You aren't normally this outright and welcoming,"

"Yes...I think, who knows, perhaps trying to be more kind will kill me,"

"you're joking...right?"

"I hope so...I try to sleep, leave if you want," I laid back agaist the couch.

"It's like eight am, I should still be asleep for eight or nine hours....but why here?"

"I do not feel like moving..."

"Really, is that really why?"

"That walk...draining,"

"How old are you?! Tired from a walk..." She eventually pressed herself into me, "It's ok though, I don't care how old you are,"

"Funny thing is...I am actually not that old...I am....what, thirty something?"

"You don't know?"

"Eh, time is blur,"

"Thats...usually something people keep track of," She said with a bit of concern.

"You want me to do math....seventy nine.....thirty four....I am thirty four,"

"....Is that old? How long do you people usually live?"

"Eighty to ninety is average,"

"Oh...so you're not that old!"

"I suppose not...there are times though when I wish I could go back...never go to war, I go when I was just a child...missed two years of my life in that hell," The conversation died after that, either because there was nothing left to add, or because we were both exhausted. Quickly enough she was breathing rhythmically against my shoulder, her head half sunken into the blanket. I quickly joined her.

*BANG BANG BANG* "VLAD!?" Myself and Nightshade jolted from the sudden noise, "VLAD YOU'RE REALLY LATE THIS TIME!"

"Bliad'....what the hell?" I looked around and eventually found the clock, seven fifty, "Fuck...." I quickly stood up and rushed to the front door, "Ginger, take key, open bar, I be there soon," I threw the key at her and slammed the door shut.

"You better hurry!" I could hear her race off while I excavated Nightshade from the pile of blankets, now littering the floor.

"Go! Go! Go!" She scrambled to her feet like a new foal.

"WHAT WHAT'S GOING ON!"

"Late, get to bar, HURRY!" I pushed her out the door. Through the window I could see her sloppily running down the street after Ginger, almost slipping on ice several time, "Fuck....fucking fuck," I ran to my room and quickly got dress, "Fucking damn!" I burst out my door still pulling my boots on, un-showered but clean shaven, "Cannot believe this shit!" I quickly locked my door and started off down the street.

"Finally!," Ginger yelled from behind the bar, "Took your sweet time!" I made my way through the crowd in the bar.

"I do not run as fast as your people," I got behind the bar, "How is business so far,"

"Great, that special for the night was a good idea,"

"Special? Oh right....apple stuff," I looked around, more mugs than glasses, "Where is Nightshade?"

"I think she went into the office, don't even think of leaving me out here alone!"

"HEY EVERYONE, Ginger will be helping you tonight, also to any single people, she needs to get laid!" I shouted to the entire room.

"JACKASS!" I laughed as Ginger flailed and made my way to the office as a small surge of ponies hit the bar, "YOU PRICK!" I whirled into the office.

"Is revenge for not coming to get me sooner!" I pulled the door shut as I saw several stallions and a few mares lean against the bar, "Ha....perhaps now she can take food form someone else," I looked around the office, "Hello? Ginger sai-"

"Huh?" Nightshade popped out from behind the desk, "Oh sorry, I've never been back here before, it's nice," She had a piece of paper stuck to her back hood, "Oh...hey....get off!" She started kicking frantically at the paper, it refused to come off, "Get it off!"

"Is paper..." I walked over hand held her hoof still, "What is it even?" I quickly pulled the paper off and looked at it, "....oh....is still around,"

"What? What is it?"

"Old immigration form..." I crumpled it up, "Was like visa...is trash now,"

"Hmm ya know I thought about moving...they said it wouldn't be good though,"

"Who?"

"Everyone..."

"Hmmm, oh..." I tore off my gloves, "May not be most opportune time...but" I held up my hand and turned it back to front.

"...does..."

"Maybe," I pulled my glove back on, "I make no promise," She gave a huge smile and ran over, jumping on me and wrapping her hooves around my midsection, "EY! Easy..." I took a sloppy step back to stabilize myself.

"Sorry..."

"....let go now,"

"No!"

"Really....let go,"

"Nope," She said burying her head into my stomach, she quickly ripped her head back up and jumped off, hovering a little bit away, "...sorry...." She floated to the ground.

"Huh?" She wasn't looking at me, "What...?!"

"I....you...you kinda smell," I lifted my arm and gave a quick sniff, "Not....there...."

".....oh....well...."

"It....reminds me of school,"

"School!?"

"...I- I kinda used to sneak into the colt's locker room,"

"...you are strange one,"

"And you smell like a teenager....."

"...how old are you?"

"....around twenty three...."

"Child....and you remember that smell from all those years ago?"

"Well....it's not something you really forget, you never did anything like that?"

"No...my father would have beat me,"

"Oh, well...do you want to," She leaned over keeping her ass in the air.

"...I am a bit old to be playing games no?" I gave her a scolding look.

She just sat there holding that pose for a while, "...ya know...one of these day's its going to work...I mean between the maid thing...this...just asking....I mean, come on!"

"...Maid thing?"

"I wore an apron!"

"Wearing an apron makes you a maid? Well...you did clean my home,"

"See! Come on...just have some fun with me,"

"....I need to get back to Ginger..."

"AHHHHHHH! I will find out what you want! and when I do....." She tried to make some crude gesture with her hooves, "...you know what I meant,"

I quickly closed the office door and met Ginger at the counter, "You ass...."

"Ha...so, any takers,"

"...I hate you,"

"I know," I looked around the room, bats had already started showing up, "Is going to be good night,"

"So...you like..."

"GO AWAY!" Ginger yelled at the stallion at the counter, "You did this you know..." She turned to me.

"I help you, you need to relax anyways,"

"Says one of the most uptight people I know,"

"Hey...shut up,"

"No you shut up! Because of you I'm going to have stallions, and mares, lining up to try and get this," She bobbed her ass once for emphasis.

"You should be happy, maybe now you can...loosen up...heh heh,"

"....your a jerk...."

"And your a virgin!"

"So!"

"Your what....twenty seven?"

"Twenty six you jerk! And so what if I'm a virgin!"

"You are missing out..."

"Again...says the sexless widow,"

"Yes...but mine is choice,"

"And mine isnt?!"

"Ehhhh-" I swung my hand side to side, "I think not,"

"....your a jerk...."

"And your going to be stuffed later tonight..." Her mouth dropped when I finished, "Ha....is so easy to make you mad...."

Nightshade popped to the front of the bar, "Hey guys, whats going on,"

"Trying to get her laid," I nudged the still agape mare with my elbow, "You should shut your mouth...some may see as invitation," She quickly closed her mouth and went to the other end of the counter, "Ha....is so easy to bug her,"

"So....your worried about her....but not me?"

"I've seen where your intentions lie...."

"...so you just don't care?"

"No....things have been....difficult,"

"...Tonight...."

"...maybe,"

"No, Tonight!"

"I do not-"

"I'll force it if I have to...." Things devolved into a quick staring match.

"I will enjoy seeing you try..."

"....we'll drink for it...whoever stands the longest wins," I narrowed my eyes.

"Fine...after work, i hope you realize I have been drinking for much longer than you,"

"Yeah well- I'm determined!"

"Ha...we will see,"

"OK! is closing again," Another daily groan cut the low bustle, "We will be closed tomorrow, we revise schedule and reopen Monday at ten pm!" Patrons slowly funneled out except for a few that wandered over to Ginger before being promptly expelled.

"-RUT ME SENSELESS- I'LL RUT YOU!" She chased them off, "Celestia....Vlad look what you did!"

"What, it looks like you just chased off a good time,"

"Good time? Good time!? I'll show you a-"

"Excuse me," A roguish looking batpony stepped between us, "Sorry to interrupt, but wanted to say thanks, to you," He pointed at me, "For being a good business man, and you," He pointed at Ginger, "For being an excellent hostess, and might I say quite beautiful," I looked over at Ginger, her mouth was hanging open slightly and a deep blush was covering her face.

"Oh well..I...I'm sorry I lost my train of though..."

"Don't worry, my name is Astra..." He did a quick bow.

"Oh...uh...Ginger...."

"Ha...I leave you be," I walked into the office, "Is time to leave,"

"OH NOT YET! We had a deal!" She ran over to me and pushed me out of the office.

"Get off...I have liquor at home...I have no intention of drinking in my own bar again," I pushed her back and quickly hooked my arm under her and hoisted her up, "...you weight more than I though,"

"What's that supposed to mean!?"

"Your people look like they weigh nothing, is more like....seventy pounds,"

"...is that a lot?"

"No,"

"Then good," I pushed out of the bar, "...was Ginger talking to someone back there?"

"Ha...yes,"

"I think I know who it was..."

"Oh?"

"I think that was one of the lieutenants that works with my brother," She looked back at the bar, "It is!"

"Ha...I feel Ginger is about to learn why soldiers are so ridged...heh heh heh..."

"I don't get it..."

"Is joke about stiffness," She looked as oblivious as ever, "About penis stiffness,"

"Oh...OHHHhhh, oh....well...I've heard he is very nice,"

"Had better be...I may be seen as friend to your people...but they hurt her, let us just say I may lose that friendship,"

"You really think-" I just looked down at her angrily, "Alright...I get it," I hurried back to my home, the cold air was getting to me.

"Get ready, I find vodka," I set Nightshade down and went to the kitchen, "We play with black Russians until we give up," I slammed two glasses down and poured the drinks. Nightshade quickly jumped on the opposite chair and took hold of her drink.

"I'm gonna win this," She slammed her drink, "AHHhhh, more!"

"Ha," I took my drink, "Is going to be long night,"

"Oh dear mother of god....I can feel my liver...."

"Come on...more!" She slammed her glass on the table, "Come on...." She took the bottle and sloppily poured herself another drink, "One more...." She had trouble but eventually downed her final drink, throwing her hooves up in victory, "YEASH I DID IT!"

"Heh...fine...now what is plan?"

"YOOOuu, have to have sex....with MEee,"

"Ha....how?"

"You take your thing....and put it in my thing...."

"Idiot....do you not understand how this works," I used the table to stand, "Tell you what...you can try...." I managed to make it to the hall before collapsing on the ground and rolling over. Nightshade was quickly a top me.

"Don't you run...." She nearly ripped the fly off my pants, "Now....finally," She pulled my from my boxers and tried to manipulate my, "What's wrong.....isn't it supposed to do something,"

"Ha....Ha ha.....idiot...." She started rubbing me between her hooves angrily, "ACH- ow!"

"Come on....work!" No luck for her, I remained flaccid as ever, "Why is this like this?" She kept poking it with her hoof trying to get a reaction, "Come on....you said you would,"

"I cannot move....let alone....WHUA!" I felt her bite the tip of my member, her teeth digging into me, "OWWW! Yeblya suka!"

She pulled back, "COme oN, I thouGHT Stallions LIke it when you Did that," Her pitch and volume control all but disintegrated.

"Bliad', stop!" She did and crawled over to me laying her head on my chest.

"It's not fair....I won,"

"...I knew...even if you beat me....there was no way...."

"But it hurts....." She humped my gut slightly trying to rub herself ageist me.

"Ha......go to sleep, maybe tomorrow,"

"But it hurts!!!"

"Sooka....fine," I managed to snake my hands around and find her.

"AH! Ahhhh, more,"

"Ya ne mogu poverit' , kak nizko ya zatonul,"

"AH...do the thing more," I followed her directions until I felt her tense up and give a quick squeal, before losing all the tension in her body and going ragdoll on top of me, I eventually felt the drunkness overtake me and I passed out as well.

Sunday

"...eugh....taste of death...." Nightshade was laying across me, breathing lightly. Her chest rising and falling rhythmically. I felt a draft below my belt, "Oh...great..." I clenched my fists...my right hand was a bit tacky, "Oh shit...." I brought my hand up to my face, "Sooka......"

"Hmm~ Vlad?" She lifted her head up, "Oh hi...I had a really weird dream last night,"

"Did it involve me....with you?"

She looked at where she was, eventually looking at her back end, "Oh my...oh dear sweet Luna!" She rolled off me and onto the floor, "We- I-"

"Shut up...." With her off I sat up, tucked myself away, and stood up, "Der'mo....my head is killing me,"

I started off into the kitchen with Nightshade in tow, "I can't believe it....we actually did it...and I don't even remember it,"

"Is because we didn't...." I cleared the table onto the floor and laid my head on it.

"Huh...but..."

"To drunk to function, could not rise,"

"But...do you not smel-"

I gave an extremely rough cough, "You complained....I assisted....am not proud..."

"Oh..." She shifted her hooves, "...I....I might have been drunk all last night...."

"Maybe...you seemed sober at bar,"

"Yeah....about that, I might have found a bottle in the desk back at the bar...."

"My bottle? Is....is absinthe...I suppose that explains your stubbornness,"

"What is all this," She look at the floor, "What happened?"

"Ha...we drink to decide bet,"

She pushed the bottle on the floor with a hoof, "How am I still alive?"

"Stubbornness...or maybe you are preserved....so you do not remember bet?"

"I remember finding the bottle...then looking through some papers,"

"Ha...you tell me, "we do it tonight" I tell you no, you challenge me to drinking contest, we drink heavily...I lose,"

"What? How did I bea-"

"I may have let you win....I make most my drinks double, to give you sporting chance,"

"So....but we didn't do it?"

"Not yet....technically you still win bet,"

"But...your wife.."

I gave her an odd look, "I tol- oh wait....was after I found you in office," I lifted my hand up, "Was not easy choice..." She covered her mouth with both hooves.

"So does this mean-"

"Yes.....do not make big deal of it,"

"But- but- I- you- The thing!" She grabbed my legs and started shaking them, "We can do the thing!"

"...why you no say sex, or fuck, or....what ever...does not matter,"

"....my aunt told me only bad fillies swear,"

"...are you five?"

"No...jerk," She let go of my legs and went into my fridge, "I'm taking your juice!"

"...ok? I mean...you basically live here now, no?" He hugged the carton of orange juice so hard it spurt out the top.

"You mean it?!"

"Eh...is big house..." She bolted over to me and latched onto my side, "Hey- get off, you are covered in juice!"

"Wanna lick it off?" she asked, trying to act seductive.

"What....the....fuck?"

"Is- is that not sexy?"

"No....orange juice is not "Sexy""

"But..."

"No...is orange juice soaked girl propositioning me,"

"Well it's not my fault I'm not good at this! It's not like I've had any practice,"

"No boyfriend?"

"No, my brother never let me,"

"Ha...I was same way....as was father....me, he push me to fuck any girl I could,"

"Gross,"

"Ha ha...ha....yes.....yes it was, I remember one girl, smell of rotting fish, I leave her crying on bed."

"Thats....kinda aweful,"

"Was like rotting fish in summer! Was not normal,"

"Do I smell?"

"I do not know, let me check,"

I quickly sniffed my fingers, they smelled oddly of vanilla, "Wha- oh, hey wait-"

"Before you get mad, you asked me to do it,"

"But...no blood? Isn't there supposed to be blood?"

"....I....yes.....but I did not fucking wear you like sock puppet...." I flapped my fingers like a mouth.

"Gross,"

"You did not think so....and also you smell of vanilla, is strange....."

"Why's that?"

"Have you smel- never mind....I sincerely hope not."

"...wait....." She walked over to me and gave me a quick sniff, "Eugh....you smell,"

"As do you...you do realize you slept, seeping onto me right?"

"Don't say seeping....that sounds gross,"

"It was gross,"

"Thanks...."

"Is gross to have it dry on me....not that you-"

"Enough! Dear Luna....look lets just....wait...we can shower together right!?" She said perkily.

"...I suppose, but is read shower...I have not in days and you are covered in juice,"

"This is gonna be awesome..." We made our way to the bathroom.

"...is that normal?" She said poking me, "I mean..."

"Stop...and yes is fine....is gift from father," I turned the shower full blast, "Eh....fuck it...we have money today," I switched it to fill the tub, "Also....you need to calm down,"

"What? Why?!"

"Your face is glowing red and your back leg is trembling,"

"WELL I'M NERVOUS OK?!"

"Why you yell? Why you nervous?"

"I don't know, you make me feel funny when your...like this,"

"Ha...is quite intimidating," I swung side to side.

"Stop that...that weird smacking sound is...weird,"

"...you wanted to do this for entire week....what would you do if I said yes on Wednesday?"

"Uh....I don't know....stuff....this kind of stuff,"

"You have lived with me for three days, you would explode if you tried it sooner,"

"...shut up...sex isn't easy,"

"Hey you said it," I looked back at the tub, it was slightly overfull, "Oh der'mo," I quickly shut it off and drain some water, "is....ok ready, get in,"

"You get in, I'm smaller, you'll take up more room," I rolled my eyes and slowly submerged myself, "Ok....you can do this," She slowly swung her back legs over the wall of the tub and sunk in, "Ahhh...warm,"

"Here," I handed her a bar of soap, "Clean yourself,"

She didn't take the soap, "You do realize I cant use that right?" She waved her hooves in front of me, "I mean how would I hold it?"

"How do your people hold anything....fine, do not be squeamish," I stood and tucked my legs under me so that I could move my upper body freely.

"Ah- hey, what are you-" I dunked her head, "-Hey!"

"Quite you...you smell of citrus..." I quickly brought the soap to bear over her, she squired as I worked it across her back, "What did I say!"

"I can't help it..."

I hit a sensitive spot and her wings flung open almost hitting me in the face, "Whoa...what the hell?"

"Sorry....that happens,"

"....weird without the feathers...."

"Thanks....I know they aren't as nice as-"

"Did I say that!?" I dunked her head again, "I said is weird, not bad," I took the soap across her stomach.

"...you really think their nice...."

"Are ok...not a fan of flying things in the first place,"

"Oh...but their nice?"

"....yes, are nice," She leaned back into me.

"Know any more stories...."

"Uh....I know one of war again,"

"Is it nice?"

"...is war,"

"Is it good?"

"...is important to me..."

"I'll listen,"

"FUCK FUCK FUCK! WE ARE GOING TO DIE OUT HERE," Dima was clutching his rifle to his chest and screaming.

"Shut up Dima! Vosa, Vladamir, Gregor, Suppressive fire!" Our sergent stood to take some shot and was hit twice in the chest, "ACH- AAHHHH"

"Fuck, Gregor we survive this, you and me, we live through this yes?!" I yelled at him. He looked worried, "Gregor!?"

"ARHHH- FUCK! Vosa cover me!" He got in position to sprint, "Vladamir you take shot when I cover you ok?"

"Yes, be safe,"

"Like you said we make it out of here.....VOSA NOW," Vosa popped his rifle over the cover and began shooting towards the enemy, "FUCK!" Gregor sprinted into some adjacent cover. Vosa was about to take cover when a bullet ripped through his throat.

"FUCK ME, DIMA!" I pulled Vosa over to Dima, "Dima, DIMA, PRESSURE!" I moved his hands to Vosa and pressed his hands closed.

"Vladamir, are you ready,"

"Fuck! FUCK! YES!" Gregor popped out of cover and drew their fire, I looked over the wall and could see small muzzle flashes coming from a far off building, I took my rifle and drove two shots through the wall. A scream could be heard far off. Gregor let off and things got quite, "HA...CHECHEN PIECE OF SHIT!" I went to check on the others, Dima was slowly working to save Vosa, "HAHA WE SURVIVE YOU ISLAMIST PIECE OF SHIT!"

"Vladamir, we make it!" he sprinted back over to us, "I owe you drink when we get home!" A tank and APC soon arrived on scene and we grouped around it, "Ha...maybe now we go home!"

Vosa was loaded into the APC along with Dima, Myself and Gregor standing next to the tank.

"Vosa should be ok, is flesh wound," Gregor said pulling his hat back on, "I still cannot believe we made it,"

"Islamist fucks..." I was cut off by the crack of a sniper rifle, "What-"

"SNIPER-" Gregor pushed me down, catching a bullet in the collar before we hit the floor. The tank quickly moved forward, firing a shell into the offending building.

There I was, Gregor laying on me. His breathing ragged and blood pouring from his chest, "GREGOR!? GREGOR HOLD ON! MEDIC!? MEDIC!?" He grabbed onto my arm.

"Vladamir....is cold....why is always cold...." He said between bloody coughs, "Afghanistan was never this cold...."

"GREGOR! FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK!"

"- At least....at least....I- I- " He slowly slipped away, my mentor, my brother, my family, taken again by Chechen bastards.

"FUCK, GREGOR? GREGOR NO! I NOT ALLOW YOU, GET UP! ....Gregor get up....please.....please get up..."

"I was discharged after that...I served my time, Dima died shortly after, I find out Vosa made it, he lives in small town on Volga now," Nightshade hadn't said a thing the whole time, "You ok?"

".....can we get out,"

"....yes,"

I was dressed now, simple sleep pants and a shirt, "Vlad....can I,"

"....come," I lead her to the bedroom, "I-" Nightshade flew into me and wrapped her hooves around me, I fell onto my ass and my back was propped against the bed.

"...why....why did you tell me that...."

"...you asked,"

"I feel so bad.....I- i-," I could hear her crying, "Why do I feel so bad?"

"Is ok...." I stroked her mane, "Is ok...."

"It's not ok! Why do you say it's ok?"

"Is my life....is what happens,"

"But it didn't have to be....you...you could have-" I wrapped my arms around her.

"Shhh, shhh little one....is ok,"

"It's not ok....it's not....I...."

"Calm, calm...for every loss I suffer, i grow stronger, for every loss I gain so much more,"

"But..." I pulled her back and gave her a deep, loving kiss, her body tensing before losing all tension once more.

I let her off and let her head fall onto my shoulder once again, "Better?"

"...sort of....can we do it again?"

"No....not yet, you need to calm...."

"But..." I held her at length again, she looked away, her face tear stained and glowing red, "Stop it...."

"Is ok...." I pulled her close again, "Is ok to be embarrassed,"

"But....I..." She took a deep breath, "I want to be with you...but...I can't help you, I don't know how,"

"I do not need help...."

"But...you've....so much hurt...."

"I have had a lifetime to deal with them,"

"....can we,"

"Yes..." I shifted her over me and worked my fly open, I centered myself around her, "Are you ready,"

I felt her legs lock around me and her head pull tight against me, "I think so...just...be nice,"

I took a deep breath and slowly drove myself into her, stopping before breaking her, "Are you sure?"

"Vlad just fucking do it before I lose my fucking nerve!" I think that was the first time I heard her say that. I pressed forward breaking her, "AHHHHHHhhhh....ow, ow, ow, owie," I could feel her hooves starting to leave marks on my back, "Go...go make it feel better...."

"Shhh....I have you now..." I wrapped my right hand around her head and used my left to hold her in place. I slowly began thrusting inside of her, her voice cracking and squeaking as I did.

Eventually her cries turned to low moans, "Vlad....it..." I gave a quick thrust, "AH!....ahh it feels....more,"

I kept rhythm and could feel her slowly acclimating to me, my lack of release for these months quickly catching up with me. I gave a few more thrusts and she let out one long continuous moan. Her sex winking around me was enough to bring myself over the edge as well. I pulled her head back and quickly force my tongue in her open mouth, I took the dominant position and quickly felt the mare melt around me. A few spazmatic twitches later I was gone, as was she.

"Vlad...." She sounded weak, "I...I don't think my legs work,"

"...is ok...I think is time for quick rest," I slowly took myself away from her and cleaned up, I then laid her softly on the bed and crawled in next to her.

"....I....I like that.....a lot..."

"Heh....so did I, but is time for rest," I curled around her, her soft mane nuzzled around my face.

It was a very nice night.

Remebrance

Four months later

"Remember to keep pet on leash,"

"Oh course, come along little one,"

"I can't believe this....."

"Quiet you..."

"It's....more humid than I remember," I untied her leash, "Remember to stay close to me, is not exactly civilized out here,"

"But I thought you said you grew up here,"

"I did...was shit hole then too, inside city is different...but the swamps are...it's easy to get stuck out here," We hurried though the grass, eventually Nightshade took to flying a few feet behind me, "Perhaps you stay on ground, we do not need unwanted attention,"

"Fine...I'm gonna need a shower after this,"

"Yes yes, now come, is not much further," It felt strange to be home, certainly colder if less snowy.

"So...this church...is it nice?"

"Yes..." We pushed through the swamp eventually linking into a dirt path, "Aha, we are very, very close,"

"Why is it so far away from the city?"

"...so discourage grave robbing..."

"Oh....that's sad...."

"We catch one once, he joined the dead,"

"Oh....wait will there be other people?"

"Perhaps...my sister and her husband still leave here, I send them letter of my return,"

"...they wont....they wont hate me will they?"

"If they do I will remind them of their place..."

"You'd...your own family?"

"My sister was entitled brat...our family teach her humility, she forgets some times,"

"Oh....hey is that it?"

I looked forward, there it was, a small orthodox church, it looked in oddly good condition considering it's location, "Come we get inside,"

We pressed forward to the threshold, "Are you ok?"

"....yes...come let us go," I pressed into the door, "Zdravstvuyte Vosa," Vosa turned to me and nodded, his voice ruined during the war. He walked over to me and gave me a friendly hug, his smile wide and genuine, "Nightshade this is Vosa, brave soldier of Russia,"

"NIce to meet you..." Vosa knelt down and looked her over, deciding she was acceptable if a bit odd, "Is tha- horosho?" This made Vosa smile and nod.

"Vosa...yest' li drugiye," He shook his head, "...My budet bystrym, Come little one," We started out the back door to the cemetery.

"Wow....these are..."

"Carved by my uncle...can you tell which is his?" I pointed to an un-ornate stone cross, "I hope to make his grave more representative...but I have yet to find a craftsman such as him,"

"...this place....it's a lot of people,"

"Are many generations buried here," We walked towards the more recently deceased, "There...." We stopped quickly at our first target, "...Hello Gregor....has been long time,"

"....I though-"

"He had no next of kin....body was given to me in absence of family,"

"No family?"

"We were his family....standing side by side to the end,....come we come for reason," We slowly left Gregor, walking even further to the back. It was a long walk, near the end of the lot was a small cross with flowers planted around it.

"This is her's isnt it,"

"....yes...my aunt came after her death....she planted flowers each spring....is good to know she is still well." I walked up to the grave, "...Hello Anna....is good to see you," It was quiet, cold, damp, and quiet. "I told you...I would never forget you,"

"Vlad...." Nightshade shot a hoof out, "....Libra gave it to me...." I turned and met her hoof, my ring hung from a string across her hoof, "I...I thought you might want it back,"

I slowly took it from her, "....I let go....I regret....thank you...." I took it and hung it across the top of the cross, "Now at least it is home....in it's proper place," I quickly stood, I took a deep breath, "Good bye for now Anna....I will return..." I turned with Nightshade walking with me, I pulled her so that she was pressed against me as we walked, "Come....we get food, anyone say anything...I break them,"

She beamed up at me as we walked, "Thanks...it's really nice out here by the way...."

"...Spring is ok....winter is hell," We hurried off back to the great city, it felt better, a new chapter in my life, I think it's called...closure.

Bonus: Drinking game

Vlad old friend...you remember me right, we went through immigrations together? Doen't matter, I heard you run a bar or something, I'll be in town tonight and I thought we could catch up. I'll pay for everything if you agree to show up. Let me know soon man.

-Jack / Brass

"Little one....come, look at this," She quickly trotted over, "Here read this,"

She scanned the letter, "Oh neat, I didn't know you had other friends," I glared down at her.

"I do not even know this name, just says Jack.....I know no one named Jack,"

"Well....he sounds like he just wants to catch up,"

"Catch up what? I do not know this man....."

She looked back over the paper, "Says he'll pay....."

".....perhaps I give it though....Ginger can run bar that night,"

"Well if you're going I'm going," She said putting a hoof to her chest.

"....you would do that anyways," I walked past, glancing back seeing her frozen in position.

"You really know how to bring me down....."

"Hey there he is, the Russian!" A pair of men stood outside my bar, first in line ahead of several angry looking nightguards, "Man you open late!" I pushed past him and unlocked the bar.

"Sure.....find booth....I meet you once I have things set up," Short and loud.....only words I would use to describe him.

I hurried to the bar and quickly poured my regulars drinks, "Thanks Vlad, Luna keep you,"

"And you as well," I waved as the guard found a seat, "Where the hell is Ginger," Not five minutes after that though did she come running in.

"Sorry I know I'm late!" She skitted around the corner, "How's everything,"

"Good....you run bar tonight, I must entertain potential money pit...." I grabbed a few bottles off the rack and hurried over the the only other humans in the room, "Come little one," Nightshade perked up and joined me, "....who is Jack?" The loud one raised his hand. "You said you would pay...."

"uh...sure, how much,"

"One hundred bits for two full bottles," I said standing at the table.

"JESUS......augh fine...." He threw a small bag on the table....."Corey...you....you gonna pitch in?"

"Ha no....you invited me,"

"God dammit....Vinyl?"

"No way dude, I never pay for drinks,"

"Why did I invite you two....." He dug another small bag out and tossed it next to the other, "There....can we get drunk yet?"

"Is fine with me....." I slammed the drinks on the tables, "Let me get....five glasses," I went to the bar and quickly deposited the bits and grabbed the glasses.

When I arrived the loud one was talking with nightshade, "So....what are you?"

"She's a batpony you dumbass..." The other retaliated. I like this one.

"Hey don't call me a dumbass because I don't know....Why would I know that!?"

"You went through this place during immigration, you have to have seen them,"

"Well maybe if I was with one I might know more!"

"Vinyl's not a bat you....stupid," I gave a quick laugh and started passing around the glasses before taking a seat, "Thanks....name's Corey," He stuck his hand out, I quickly met him.

"Vladamir...this is Nightshade,"

"Oh right...and this is Vinyl Scratch,"

"Hey," The previously unseen white pony waved a hoof, "How's it hanging,"

"....I do not get it..."

"....how's it going?"

"Oh....is good," I quickly poured myself a drink, "And yourself?"

"Kicking, free drinks are always a good time,"

".....what?"

"Guys this guy is a strait up Russian...honestly I don't even know how you're speaking English right now," Jack said already slightly drunk.

"Was requirement..."

"Liar.....there isn't a damn thing required to get here......" He said accidentally spilling his drink, "Crap...I'ma find a towel or summthin,"

".....your friend.....is he special," Corey choked on his drink.

"Uh...I dont think so....just stupid sometimes.....so you really from Russia?"

"Yeah! From Nov-gor-od" Nightshade managed to pop in.

"Oh, I have family over there....not Russia but Estonia,"

"Oh? Is shit hole like Russia?"

"Ha...ha...ha.....kinda...." He quickly downed another drink, "I'm glad I only ever got postcards....so...you two dating," I pointed at me and Nightshade with the glass still in hand.

"....we-"

"Yes!" She pressed into me, "Yes. We. Are."

"Ha...I could tell, I have the same kinda problem...but I think yours might be a bit easier to placate," Vinyl bopped his arm with a hoof, "Ow- see,"

"Gotta keep an eye on you...."

"When would I ever cheat on you?"

"Oh when you go to Canterlot for "Business" likely story,"

Corey turned back to me, "See...she saw me load crates of horseshoes onto the train and still doesn't believe me,"

"Horseshoes?" I asked taking a drink.

"Yeah I make horseshoes down in Ponyville...like those," He pointed once more at Nightshade.

"Huh?" She asked not realizing why he was pointing at her, "What?"

"Size....five....solid steel with padded insole,"

Nightshade looked stunned. "How...how do you know my hoofsize!?"

"Did you not listen....he said he makes horseshoes..." Jack wandered back still drunk, "I heard him and I can barely....hear!"

"Hey...mind yourself....I will throw you out," I said rising slightly from the booth.

"No you wount- we're the besht of friendsh-"

"How do you know each other?" Vinyl asked trying to cut off the rambling drunk.

"I met this...commie...in Immigrations, everyone thought he was sooooo cool cause he sounds all funny..." He was losing control of his voice, it started turning gravely and low.

"Enough! We drink," I filled my glass and raised it up, "Hurry sooka"

"Heck yeah," Vinyl was the first to join in.

"I'll drink...to drinking," Corey added his glass.

"Vlad....I can't reach...." I looked back seeing Nightshade struggle to reach her hoof out to ours.

"Climb on table....." She did and finally joined us.

"Y-y- yeah! Drinking!" Nightshade yelled over the clinking of the glasses. The other two giggled and I just shook my head.

"Eh whasever-" Jack sloppily threw his hand up smashing his fingers between the glasses, "Ow....." We broke off at once and downed the drink.

"To not being single..." Corey shouted leaning towards Jack.

"Oh shu up you pony loving weirdos...." He slammed another drink, "Man I knew this place was bad....only the liquors worth it-"

"I do not care what you think, you pay..."

"You wanna bet? I bet I can out drink you to earn these!"

"Ha I-"

"I'll take that bet!" Nightshade shouted leaning forward.

"No little one-"

"Vlad I can do this!" She leaned on me once more before flinging off and grabbing a bottle. The rest of us watched as the two traded drinks.

"Ok...fine....keep the money.....I can feel my liver dying....." Jack cried almost falling off the table.

"Whoooooooooooooo, you jusht got shcooled little filly!" She threw a glass on the floor, "WHooooooooooooooOOooo!"

"Why you break glass!?" I yelled getting up to get a broom, "Sooka....I need more employee...."

"Ha! Here I got it," Corey pushed his way out of the booth and went behind the bar to grab a broom, "Worth it to see Jack get beaten by a little filly,"

"Whosh you callin little!?"

"Awww, she's an ornery drunk..." Vinyl laughed finally taking another drink, "I remember being like that,"

"Is only twenty two....barely grown..." I said taking a seat.

"I was her age when I started too, that was....about four or five years ago,"

"....Corey...what is age?"

"Uh....twenty eight," She said finally showing a bit of drunkenness.

"....fuck....I am old....."

"You don't look that old,"

"I am thirty four...almost thirty five....time....is gone so quick...."

"Vlaad....it's ok...I'll make you feel better," Nightshade managed to croak out before falling onto me and almost passing out, "Actually you make me feel good....I can't move so good right now....."

I could hear Vinyl laughing, "I deal with this every night...." I carefully propped her on the table.

"Alright...I'd better get going...Dragging this drunk ass back to the hotel is gonna take a while," he walked over to me, "Been fun Vlad," We shook hands, "Nightshade.....uh...yeah," He was about to give her a shake when she almost fell of the table. He quickly got around and hoisted the drunk man onto his back.

"Huh....are strong...."

"It's all the metal working....alright well keep in touch man," The trio quickly made their way outside.

"Well....was pleasant, come little one," I picked her up like a football.

"Vlad....rub my tummy and call me a bad pony..." I could hear several snickers from surrounding tables once she said it.

"...Kristos...Ginger, I leave, Take small bonus from till for night,"

"Sure....be sure to remember and call her a bad pony!" She jeered as I walked back towards home.

"Vlad....I don't really wanna be a bad pony....."

"...this is why I keep the alcohol locked away you know....."