As he rejoined the waking world, Zephyr became aware of his mildly discomforting position in the bed. He mentally notes that he typically sleeps on his back or side, so waking up to find that he slept on his stomach is a bit unusual, not that it hasn't happened before.

When he attempted to shift into a more comfortable position, Zephyr felt something move at his side and under his wing. He froze instantly in shock.

What just--

After feeling another shift, followed by what felt like a nuzzle to his side, Zephyr chanced a look. There, he saw Scootaloo under his wing with her muzzle buried right below where said wing was connected.

By this point, the internal panic was snowballing.

Here I am, a full grown stallion... for the most part, sleeping in bed with a filly I know next to nothing about. Sure, I spent a lot of time with her and her friends, but there was a limit to everything acceptable! I look like a bucking pedophile... I just hope I can get out and down stairs before she wakes up...

Checking the clock, Zephyr realized he had roughly half an hour to get out and help clean the remains of the storm up, as well as reset the wind currents before they started going funny again. However, when he lifted his wing to move, Scootaloo let out a small whimper and tried snuggling closer to his side. Another attempt to move away a bit and she follows, eyes still closed with a sad frown.

Jeez, rip my heart out and stomp on the pieces, why don't you? Why do fillies have to be so adorable, intentional or not?

Out of desperation, Zephyr decided to use what he likes to call his 'last resort'. He did it a lot in the past to quickly get out of bed when he lived with his mom, especially whenever she started getting impatient or if time was essential. By using his wings to throw himself out of bed, which was only possible due to their larger-than-normal size, Zephyr could get out of bed in record time. While it uses more energy than simply getting out, it's good for when he needed to leave in a hurry.

Except this time he's going to use his legs instead.

Alright, it's do or die now.

The launch off the bed was successful... If not for the fact that Zephyr forgot about not flipping himself in midair. He barely had time to realize his mistake before the unforgiving pull of gravity reasserted itself.

*THUMP*

While Zephyr didn't hurt too bad from the landing, the noise certainly woke Scootaloo up, judging by the panicked breathing. "Huh? what's going on?"

"Ow..."

Zephyr cracked an eye open to see Scootaloo poke her head out over the edge to look at him. "What were you doing?"

Normally Zephyr was proud to have a decent enough poker-face, but it was failing him horribly in the moment as he couldn't help an embarrassed smile. "Uh... good morning! I, uh, tripped when I came up here to wake you up."

The disbelieving look Scootaloo gave spoke louder than words.

"Eep... I swear I'm not a creep!"

"Why am I in your house again?"

Recognizing that the stress of the storm and the tiredness from crusading all day made Scootaloo's memories hazy, Zephyr humored her. "I brought you to my house because we couldn't get you home in time before the storm got bad. I do apologize for it, though." After rolling back onto his hooves, Zephyr noted her sad face. "What's wrong?"

"N-nothing! Nothing at all!"

The disbelieving look switched ponies and Zephyr refused to leave it alone. "You acted weird two days ago when I mentioned walking you home and you were rather reluctant yesterday about telling me where you live. I know I haven't known you for a long period of time, but at least let me hear your problems if you're having family issues."

Scootaloo shuddered a bit before looking around nervously, then sighed. "C-can you please keep a secret? I-I don't want my friends knowing about this..."

"I... guess so. I have no idea why you don't want your friends to know--"

"I-I don't have an actual home..."

...What? WHAT?!

"I live in an... orphanage."

Are you serious? Just what kind of game is fate playing here? Here is a filly who looks like she is on top of Equestria with her friends, only to constantly be reminded that she doesn't have an actual home... or family for that matter...

Scootaloo looked like she was close to crying, and Zephyr mentally cursed whatever forces caused her this suffering. Focusing on the distraught filly in front of him, all he could think of at that moment was giving her a hug.

"Scootaloo, you know you don't have to suffer this alone." She looks up at Zephyr with tears in her eyes."Think about it, you got two great friends who would give you the coats off their backs if need be. I highly doubt they would abandon you over you being an orphan after everything you've went through with them. Besides that, I'm sure somepony will take you in as their own one day.

"Besides, you're already living life to it's fullest as a filly. You never let your status get in the way then, so why let it anytime soon?"

She looks down at the bed for a second before looking at Zephyr with a cute, reassured smile. "Thank you..."

The funny thing is, after my colthood, I consider myself to be a pessimist. However, that way of thinking is NOT for a filly in any way, shape, or form. Not for one with her whole life ahead of her.

Looking at the clock again, Zephyr confirmed he has about twenty minutes left. "Since we got that sappy moment out of the way, need anything to eat?"

After quickly feeding feeding Scootaloo, Zephyr escorted her back to the orphanage before heading off to help with the storm cleanup. he made sure to tell the mare in charge of it why the filly never come back yesterday, and she expressed gratitude for the care.

Scootaloo ran off to meet up with her friends, with a noticeable skip in her step.

I still don't get why I did what I did last night. It feels like I was acting on an instinct that's long forgotten. I can't put my hoof on it...

Oh well, better than a headache.

The cleanup of the storm went swimmingly, though Zephyr had to get some additional help to clear the clouds away. Ditzy, while pretty good for it, almost crashed a few times and generally caused Zephyr a lot of worry over her condition.

After the storm cleanup was finished, Zephyr got to the farm. Big Mac quickly informed him that further help on the farm wouldn't be needed for the next few days. He then surprised Zephyr by giving a small sack of bits.

"Fer' yer' hard work and fer' the warning on the storm."

"Uh, it's no problem. Don't you need the bits more?"

"We're currently fine financially. Payment for a shipment of apples came in jus' now."

"If you are certain. Thank you."

After leaving, Zephyr checked the amount of bits he recieved. It was a decent amount, more for spending on small things.

I know exactly what I want to do with this.

Remembering that he has yet to try it, Zephyr decided to head to Sugar Cube Corner for the first time in a while, primarily because Pinkie Pie wasn't around to scare him. He was greeted by a middle-aged mare with a blue coat and frosty-pink mane.

She looked up from her current project and smiled warmly. "Hello, deary, what can I get you?"

"Just a chocolate cupcake for now."

"For now?" She looks at Zephyr inquiringly as she got the cupcake for him.

That earned a small smile from him. "You might see me again later."

After paying for the confection, Zephyr took a bite and immediately fell in love with the flavor. It tasted like it had some actual thought put into it, not like the mass-produced ones sold in Manehatten.

I wonder if these are the kinds of charms Nesium was talking about...

When Zephyr had that thought, a realization dawned on him and he was horrified.

I'm... getting attached to somepony in this town and vice-versa. The crusaders somehow managed to get inside my heart, and that's not good for any of us.

I hate to say it, but I need to watch my step again. Keep them at legs length as much as possible. I don't want anypony missing me when I leave after one year... it breaks my heart to do that to the fillies, but...

After exiting the building, Zephyr saw the crusaders off in the distance playing around, with Scootaloo in particular being very bright. With pain in his heart over his decision, Zephyr chose to avoid them, making a mad dash towards his house.

Resigned to his path, Zephyr let out a sigh before figuring he would stay the rest of the day inside.

After all, I can't get attached, or more attached, to anypony if I don't interact. The less hearts broken by me leaving, the better...

Dragging out his writing materials, Zephyr started composing another letter to his mom.

April 30, 20XX

Dear Mom;

I'll be brief, There has been a few things that happened to me since I last written to you and none of the are good for me or my health.

First off, when Fluttershy burst into my house to escape ponies chasing her with cameras, my headaches got worse yet again. However, when she said something (I can't remember what), my head felt like it was splitting open, and I heard... voices echoing in my head. I have no idea what this pertains to, but she has joined Pinkie Pie on the list of ponies I'm avoiding, though unlike Pinky Pie I have absolutely nothing against the mare. More of a self-preservation thing.

After that, I met a trio of fillies who call themselves the 'Cutie Mark Crusaders'. They do various things to try and earn their cutie marks, and I wound up looking after them to make sure nopony got hurt.

There's Applebloom, an Earth Pony who is the ringleader and Applejack's little sister. Sweetie Belle is the 'voice of reason', as I'm calling her, a Unicorn, and little sister to Rarity.

Finally, there's Scootaloo, a tomcoltish Pegasus who is currently unable to fly, though it doesn't bother her. I took her into my house when a storm became too severe. Yet when I saw her scared in her sleep, I felt some kind of protective instinct rise up in me, and I slept beside her 'protectively'...

Sadly, I feel I got too attached to these three fillies, them being so adorably innocent. Before you write to me about breaking their little hearts, I don't plan on doing that. I'm just going to avoid them until they forget about me, that way, none of us will be hurt when I leave.

That's about it. You should write to me once in a while as well you know? Would be greatly appreciated.

Love; Zephyr.

Depositing the letter in the mail box, Zephyr simply laid in bed for all of the rest of the day while forcing down his complicated feelings. There have been knocks at the door, but he never bothered answering.

After all, I want to make sure nopony will miss me...

Author's Note

Shorter chapter this time. Again, criticism is always welcome