“Time to pay off my tool debt! Oh, and to actually buy more tools.” I laughed to myself and shook my head as I approached the store. I entered the hardware store again to the sound of the bell jingle as the door swung open.

“Back already?” the clerk jerked his head with a look of shock, “No tools failed on you, I hope!” the clerk added with a bit of concern.

“What? Oh, no, the tools are great! I actually came by to give you the money I owed you for them.” I reassured the clerk as I set the bag of borrowed tools next to the counter, “I might grab a few more while I’m here too.”

“Wow, I figured you might’ve been skilled at fixing things, but not THAT skilled! I’m impressed.” The clerk nodded his head, “The name’s Pin Stripe by the way.”

“Pleasure to meet ya Pin Stripe, I’m Davin.” I couldn’t help but notice his cutie mark as we shook hooves; a silver airbrush spraying a stream of blue paint.

Peculiar...

“You too Davin, so uh, how’d you manage to come up with the bits so quickly? It’s been like, a couple hours at most.” Pin Stripe looked at the clock hung above the door.

“Actually, I just was lucky enough that it was a simple repair, and the mare I helped was very thankful.” I shrugged and pulled out the bag of bits, “How much do I owe you for the tools?” As I looked inside, there were quite the arrangement of colored bits. They had numbers engraved corresponding the colors; gold had a 1, blue had a 5, purple had a 10, green had a 20, red had a 50, and there was a single brown bit that had a 100 engraved on it.

“Don’t worry about paying full price for the tools you need bud, I’ll cut you a discount. 25 bits for everything you borrowed should cover it!” Pin Stripe pawed a hoof like it was no big deal, while I just gawked wide-eyed.

Ok, back where I’m from, a wrench set like the one I borrowed would run about 50 to 60 dollars alone. The jack would’ve been about 100. However, I don’t really have a clue how currency compares in this place, but still, that seems like an incredible discount. I can’t believe my luck this afternoon; first, I get a job offer from a new friend, then I’m already finding myself getting insane deals on tools. If my heart had been just a tad weaker, I would’ve fainted.

What in the world did I do to deserve anything like this? Oh. Right...

“Are you serious?” I could only continue to look surprised.

“Well sure! Not very often I get good business from a stallion who knows his tools!” Pin Stripe smiled.

“This is awesome,” I smiled back to Pin Stripe as I placed down 40 bits worth of coins onto the counter, “keep the change Pin Stripe, you got yourself a usual customer!”

I left the counter to look for a variety of tools; a torque wrench, 3/8” drive metric and imperial socket set, as well as a pack of standard screwdrivers and a work vest. After one final trip down an isle, placing all the new tools on the counter for purchase, Pin Stripe’s attention was distracted as a little unicorn filly walked into the store, followed by 2 other fillies; one wearing a bow, and a young pegasus.

“Hi Pin Stripe.” The unicorn filly squeaked.

“Well hello, Sweetie Belle!” Pin Stripe smiled down to the fillies, “What brings you three around here today?"

“I was stuck bored at home with Rarity, so I-” Sweetie Belle was silenced by the pegasus filly’s interruption.

“She got blamed for ruining a set of Rarity’s new scissors.” The Pegasus filly piped up, rolling her eyes.

“No I didn’t, Scootaloo!” The unicorn squeaked, “Rarity doesn’t even let me into her inspiration room anymore.”

“From ya tryin’ to help her out by cleanin’ it up that one time?” the filly with the pink bow cut in.

“Yeah, I just don’t risk it.” Sweetie Belle shuffled a hoof, “I just came over to get Rarity a new pair. The least I can do is try to cheer her up.”

“Well the scissors are near the back in the middle isle Sweetie Belle, take whatever you need, it’s ok.” Pin Stripe nodded his head and smiled down to the fillies.

Sweetie Belle trotted off to pick up a pair of scissors.

“You’re awful nice, Pin Stripe.” The filly with the bow smiled up.

“Thanks Apple Bloom. I try.” Pin Stripe chuckled at the compliment.

“Hey Pin Stripe?” The orange Pegasus jerked her head in his direction.

“Whats up, Scoot?” Pin Stripe tilted his head in question.

“Can I quickly borrow a screwdriver? The handlebars are coming loose on my scooter again...” Scootaloo faced the ground and shuffled a hoof nervously.

“You won’t forget to put it back now, will you?” Pin Stripe raised his brow at Scootaloo.

“No, I won’t forget this time. Thanks Pin!” Scootaloo smiled, and picked up a screwdriver from a nearby shelf.

The unicorn filly caught my attention as I walked past her coming the opposite way down the isle. She gave me kind of a disgusted look. I thought for a moment and shrugged as I trotted back up to the counter carrying a torque wrench in my mouth and placed it down on the counter next to the other tools and the vest. The two fillies who were talking with Pin Stripe stared up at me inquisitively.

“Who are you?” The pegasus filly pointed a hoof at me.

“Yeah, ah never seen a pony like you ‘round here before.” The filly with the bow raised an eyebrow as she examined me.

“My name’s Da-” I was cut short by yet again having someone introduce me, rather than introduce myself.

I sighed. The unicorn filly trotted up to the counter carrying a pair of scissors with magic of her own.

Oh c’mon! Why do I have to be the only unicorn without any knowledge of magic? Screw it, I’m going to find Twilight later and see if she can teach me. It would definitely make simple tasks I struggle with a lot easier, not having hands anymore and everything.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders, this here is Davin. He’s a mechanic!” Pin Stripe pointed a hoof in my direction; all I could do was shift my eyes and awkwardly force a smile.

Actually, the proper term of my profession is technician, but whatever. Either will be fine I guess...

“Oh! Y’all must be the unicorn mah sister was talkin’ ‘bout earlier!” The filly with the red mane and bow jumped in excitement, “the stallion who dun’ fixed up her cart, right?”

“Um, yeah that... That was me.” I was completely caught off guard, “Are you Applejack’s little sister?” I nodded my head and pointed a hoof.

“That ah am! Mah name’s Apple Bloom! These here are mah friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.” She pointed to the orange Pegasus and then the white unicorn.

“You’re a mechanic?” Scootaloo looked up to me wide eyed, grinning.

I looked to Pin Stripe, who also looked over to me. Pin Stripe raised his brow and gestured towards Scootaloo. I looked back to the orange filly and nodded. Why did I have a bad feeling about this?

“That’s awesome!” Scootaloo jumped to the air, her little wings buzzing, “Do you think you can help me fix my scooter?”

“Scoot, don’t go askin’ things from him, ya jus’ met him!” Apple Bloom cut in.

“That’s ok Apple Bloom,” I chuckled, “What’s wrong with your scooter?” I looked down to the orange pegasus and lifted a hoof in question.

“Well, you see, it’s just that the handlebars keep coming loose...” Scootaloo looked down and shuffled a hoof. “I’ve tried fixing it like, a hundred times too...”

“Alright I’ll see what I can do.” I gave Scootaloo a confident smile, which she returned, “I’ll meet you outside in a second.”

“Ok, Cutie Mark Crusaders,” Apple Bloom began, “let’s meet him outside. See y’all later Pin Stripe.” Apple Bloom and the two fillies waved their goodbyes and trotted out the door, Sweetie Belle was the last to leave; she shot me a very quizzical glance, and walked out the door.

“Bye for now. Stay outta trouble girls.” Pin Stripe also waved a hoof in goodbye.

“They’re an energetic bunch, aren’t they?” I raised an eyebrow at the brown-coated clerk.

“Yeah, they’re always coming in here looking for random things.” Pin Stripe shrugged.

“Huh...” I thought for a moment, “Well anyways, how much do I owe ya?”

“Hmm,” Pin Stripe examined the merchandise placing a hoof to his chin, “meh, 100 bits will do it.”

I blinked a few times in surprise, yet again, “Pin Stripe, you know I’m gunna have to buy you a beer or two sometime here.”

“Beer?” Pin Stripe raised a brow.

“Don’t tell me you guys don’t have beer here.” I facehooved and sighed.

The one good god damn stress reliever, if there ever was one in my books! I could cross the line for no reason and admit that sex works well too, but the stress and arguments that follow along with it kind of contradict its effectiveness.

“Um, I don’t think so Davin, whatever the hay ‘beer’ is.” Pin Stripe thought hard for a moment, then shrugged.

“Ahh damnit.” I stomped a hoof, “Beer is an alcoholic beverage, kind of like soda or cider I guess... It’s good and stuff. It was my favorite drink back home.”

“Oh, ok. So it’s kind of like strong apple cider.” Pin Stripe nodded.

“Well kinda, yeah. Just not as sweet. It's made with malted barley and yeast instead of apples.” I shrugged a hoof, “Anyway, you busy tomorrow night?”

“Nope, I’ve got nothing planned.” Pin Stripe shook his head.

“Cool. Well want to go for a few drinks then?” I offered, gathering up the tools.

A drink should both help me break the ice with a few of the, uh, ponies here, and also help me deal with things.

“Sure buddy, sounds like fun to me!” Pin Stripe nodded and smiled, “I’m a usual at the bar here in town, I could introduce you to a couple friends of mine down there.”

“Awesome, see ya tomorrow evening then, take ‘er easy Pin!” I placed 110 bits worth onto the counter and left out the door with the tools.

“Later!” Pin Stripe waved goodbye and counted the bits.

“He paid 10 bits over what I asked for, and gave me 20 extra before... Now that’s something you don’t see somepony do everyday.” He said aloud to himself and gratefully grinned.

As I walked out of the store, I paused to see the three fillies conversing with one another, seeming to be in a bit of an argument.

“Now what’s the problem Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo groaned, placing the screwdriver on the ground.

“Yeah, he seems awful nice and all, ah don’t understand why y’all don’t take a likin’ to him.” Apple Bloom raised a hoof in question and nudged Sweetie Belle.

“I just don’t like him,” Sweetie shrugged, “he seems weird.”

“Well you know you didn’t really say anything to him in the store.” Scootaloo beamed at Sweetie Belle.

“Yeah, maybe ya should try an’ at least say somthin’ to him!” Apple Bloom suggested, taking side with Scootaloo.

The so-called ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders’ noticed me trot up to them, and halted their argument, whatever it was about. Scootaloo was the first to pipe up.

“Hey Dav!” She exclaimed, eyes wide and smiling.

“Hey Scootaloo, what were you guys fighting about?” I asked with a raised brow.

“Oh, um, nothing really...” said the white unicorn with the curly purple and pink mane; the first time Sweetie Belle spoke to me.

She shuffled a hoof, not making eye contact.

“Yeah, anyways...” Scootaloo rolled her eyes, “My scooter is over here, I sure hope you can fix it.” Scootaloo picked up the screwdriver yet again, then lead the way for her two friends along with me.

We approached her scooter, and I could already tell the handlebars were crooked. Easy fix, right? WRONG. Maybe if I still had hands, then yeah it would’ve been no problem at all, but nope, it was a bitch and a half. I can’t even begin to think how freaking hard it’d be to rebuild a motor with hooves. Having hooves was pretty much like having a clenched fist all the time, so every little precise task just becomes about 20% more difficult.

Scootaloo’s scooter was more-or-less a skateboard, with a fixed pair of handlebars attached by a bolt through the bottom. All that needed done was for the bolt to be tightened, but trying to hold the bars straight with one hoof and tightening the bolt with the other, definitely was a challenge all in its own. Having a bit of magical ability would’ve made the job much easier, but of course I didn’t have that luxury.

I got the job done of course, but with some struggle. I tried to act like I wasn’t having a hard time with it in front of the three fillies, or the ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders’ as Pin Stripe had addressed them. It reminded me all too well of times customers coming through looking around the shop; always at just the right time where I’d be running into a problem, and I’d look like an idiot trying to correct myself. Ugh, I hated that. Sure, you know exactly what needs to be done in order to get the job completed, but if you look like you’re struggling, then you look like you have no idea what you’re doing.

“Why aren’t you using any magic?” Sweetie Belle asked, slightly glaring.

“I don’t know any magic.” I responded flatly, not making eye contact with the little unicorn.

Man, that little foal has got some attitude, I tell ya.

“Well ain’t that somthin’! Never heard of a unicorn not knowin’ a thing ‘bout magic!” Apple Bloom nudged Scootaloo.

“Your sister pretty much said the exact same thing.” I chuckled, quickly glancing over to Apple Bloom, “Believe it or not, where I’m from, magic doesn’t exist at all.”

“Well you should probably learn some.” Sweetie Belle stated with a bit of attitude, earning a glare from both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

I rolled my eyes and lifted Scootaloo’s scooter back up onto all four wheels using my snout, then gave Scootaloo back her screwdriver. “So why do they call you three the ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders’?”

I should’ve had better prepared myself for the impending barrage of an explanation, or just avoided the question altogether. Ah well, too late now.

“Because all of us don’t have our cutie marks yet, duh.” Scootaloo shook her head and scoffed.

“Yeah, so we decided to form our own secret society!” Sweetie Belle squeaked as she jumped to the air.

“An’ all three of us try new things together ta find out what our super special talent is!” Apple Bloom threw a hoof around both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

Oh man, here we go. I could’ve asked to skip me the memo, but I’m new here after all; might as well take in everything that I can, and not complain.

“We won’t leave any mountain unclimbed!” Scootaloo exclaimed confidently.

“We won’t leave a single rock unturned!” Sweetie Belle squealed, kneeling down and turning over a rock at her hooves.

“An’ we won’t rest until we have our cutie marks!” Apple Bloom perched up on her hind legs and pointed to the sky.

“Guess that makes sense then.” I said flatly, and blinked a few times as I tried to comprehend such a dose of excitement and pride out of the three little foals, “Well, your scooter is all fixed up Scootaloo. If you ever need help with anything like this again, you know who to ask!” I gave Scootaloo a pat on the back and a confident smile.

“Oh, thanks Davin, you’re the best fixer-upper ever!” Next thing I knew, Scootaloo jumped up to me and tightly hugged my neck with her little wings buzzing away.

Ok, I’m not much of a softie, but damn, it was probably one of the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

I smiled and patted her on the head as she broke from the hug.

“Ahh, it was no problem. You’re very welcome Scootaloo.” I gave her a gentle nudge.

Scootaloo smiled back and waved, “See ya later Davin!” She hopped onto her scooter, strapping on a helmet.

I started to trot off in search for Twilight’s.

“I’ll see you guys later, I’m gunna go try to find Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo dismissed herself from Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

“Alright Scoot, take care now!” Apple Bloom waved to Scootaloo as she took off on her scooter, wings beating furiously, sounding somewhat like a 2-stroke dirt bike.

Oh, memories...

“Ok Sweetie Belle, we gotta talk.” Apple Bloom glared.

“Fine.” Sweetie Belle sighed.

Twilight and Spike returned to the library, bursting into the door.

“I don’t see how the Princess needs you to send her a book, you would think she would have every book she needs in Canterlot.” Spike shrugged.

“Me either Spike,” Twilight began searching along the bookshelves, “nonetheless, she needs it.”

“Just seems fishy to me is all...” Spike peeked up from reading the scroll.

“What’s the book’s title again?” Twilight paused her search, and looked to Spike.

“Umm, it’s called ‘Advanced Mechanics of Locomotion’.” Spike studied the scroll, then looked up to Twilight, confused.

“Hmm, that is strange. Why in the wide world of Equestria does Princess Celestia need a book like that for?” Twilight rubbed her chin in thought.

“Who knows,” Spike shrugged, “and the book is over here Twilight.” Spike pointed up to a dusty blue book up a few shelves out of his reach.

“I’m sure it’s something important. Better not keep the Princess waiting.” Twilight used her magic to pull the book off the shelf and set it into Spike’s claws.

With a gasp, the book which Spike was holding disappeared into a wisp of green flames, then disappeared. Following, there was a rap on the door.

“Ugh, now what?” Twilight trotted and opened the door.

“Hey, Twilight!”

“Oh,” Twilight retracted her frustrated look, “hello Davin, how are you doing?

“I’m alright, I guess.” I sighed, “Just came from getting myself acquainted with the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

“Oh boy,” Twilight rubbed her brow with a hoof, “how’d that turn out for you?”

“Wasn’t bad I suppose, they’re pretty determined on doing absolutely anything to get their cutie marks.” I shrugged.

Those three honestly reminded me of the times Mark, Tom and I would go around shit-disturbing when we were in our college years.

“Yeah, they’re usually the ones responsible for ruckus around town.” Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Yeah I figured.” I shrugged, “Anyways, I came by to ask if by any chance, and if you have the time, you could maybe try to teach me some magic. I'd pay you for your time, of course!”

“Are you serious?” Twilight looked shocked.

“Yeah, I’m serious.” I drooped my head in shame, “I legit don’t know a single thing about magic. Applejack couldn’t believe it either. I told her about it already.”

“Oh, so that’s why you looked so confused when Pinkie, Rainbow and I pranked you!” She gasped and put a hoof to her mouth, “I’m sorry if my sarcasm back there offended you, I had no idea you didn’t know of magic!”

“It’s ok, Twilight. Don’t worry about it. I’ll adjust to this place sooner or later...” I scratched the back of my head with a hoof, “I hope...” I said under my breath.

“Ok.” Twilight smiled, “Well I’m sure I could help you learn some magic, but I’d have to start you off pretty basic; that usually takes up quite a bit of time.”

“That’s alright Twilight, I’d rather learn the absolute basics first, anyways.” I shrugged, “I mean only if you want to, and actually have the time to teach me.”

“Speaking of which, it’s getting late.” Twilight peered out of the doorway and gazed up at the darkening sky.

Damn I haven’t even found a place to stay! Damn I suck at planning ahead sometimes. Way to go Dav, yet again! UGH!!

“Damn, yeah it is.” I also took notice to the already darkening sky.

“Do you have a place to stay yet?” Twilight looked me dead in the eyes, raising an eyebrow, “I mean, you are new to town and everything...”

“Um,” I hesitated, “n-no, not yet. Do you know where, like, a hotel or something is around here?”

“Well I’d offer for you to stay here for one night, if you wanted.” Twilight shrugged.

Whoa, WHAT?!

“I really appreciate the offer Twilight,” I managed to creak a smile, “but I have got a lot on my mind at the moment and I need to reflect on a few things.” I looked to the ground and frowned.

I'd really rather not have Twilight feel responsible for having to take me in for the night. I already feel like a fucking asshole for making her feel guilty enough to even offer me stay at her place!

“Hey,” Twilight lifted up my lowered head to her level with a hoof, “are you ok?”

“To be completely honest with you Twilight, I don’t even know right now.” I couldn’t even manage eye contact with the mare.

“Did something happen?” She tilted her head in concern.

“More or less, yeah. It’s a long story though, Twilight.” I managed to look back to her eyes for a second, noticing the sincere concern she had.

'I’ll be fine.' Probably weren’t the most convincing words. Great. Now she’s going to take pity on me. That’s not how I like to deal with loss. Sure, it’s good to have friends and family to support you, but I just met Twilight and the others. I would be a burden by agreeing to stay the night! And for one thing, I don’t like to come across as a charity case.

“Davin, come in.” she waved a granting hoof, “Just stay here the one night. Give yourself another day to settle down.”

“Twilight, I really didn’t mean to come across as a charity cas-” She silenced me, pushing a hoof against my mouth.

“I insist. Just the one night.” She stared at me blankly.

“Ok.” I croaked, “Thank you Twilight.”

I hope this decision doesn't come back to bite me.

Author's Note

Alright, well it's the weekend, FINALLY! I'll be working on the next couple of chapters tonight, I'll be sure to have them posted as soon as I possibly can. Hope you guys are enjoying the story so far, because I don't plan on ending it soon, that's for sure! Remember to give feedback! That is... if you want to...

Stay awesome everypony!

Oh, I apologize in advance for the sad nature of the next chapter. Just a heads up...