Author's Note

What's up people, just wanted to give you all a quick heads up that only the mane 6 will be rule 63'd in this story. Hope you all enjoy reading.

Running Dry

Some would say that manual labor builds character, others would think that they were above this sort of thing. You were somewhere in the middle of those two ideas. It wasn't unbecoming of anyone to work hard yet it didn't magically make you a better person. Maybe you were only thinking about this sort of thing because of the heat. Being outside for so long must be it, otherwise you'd never think of this sort of crap. Not like the internal debate would solve societal issues.

Looking around the sizable garden it seems like you don't have much left to do. Only a few more weeds to pull and that would be it for the day. The animals that usually roamed all around were currently hounding Butterscotch for something to eat, they always seemed so hungry around dinner. It's not like they got fed a heaping amount of food three times a day or anything. Then again it might just be that they knew it would be the last time to see the pegasus for the day. Could be that they didn't want him to leave or something but who knows.

To be fair to the animals he was a really likable guy, or stallion, still not used to that. It's been about a week since you got here and he let you live with him almost no questions asked, definitely the element of kindness. Prince Dusk seemed kind of skeptical at first, but then Butterscotch said something about befriending a God of Chaos. That seemed to get his point across.

Honestly it was almost unbelievable that this timid little dude could do something like that, then again it's not like you know him too well. He could be a ball of yellow fury if you pissed with him. Don't see how anyone would have a heart cold enough to do it, especially in a world full of smiles 'n shit.

“Anon are you done in the garden? I just finished feeding all of the little critters so we could go inside... if you want to that is.”

“Sure Butterscotch, got done a second ago.”

Standing up you walk with the pegasus to his cozy little home. It was pretty small but nice nonetheless, had a damn comfy couch too. As the two of you approached the door Angel was standing there stomping his little foot.

“Oh Angel sorry we kept you waiting, you must be so hungry.”

The little bunny furiously shook his head and pointed directly at you. Knowing what the little bastard meant you chuckled.

“Alright you little fiend lets go, I won't hold you up any longer. Yo Butterscotch we'll be down by the bridge if you need us. Should be back in about twenty or so minutes.”

“Be quick you two I'll get some tea ready for us.”

“Sweetness, thanks.”

Heading down to the bridge with Angel you take a seat by the riverbank. The little bunny sits and watches as you pull out a pipe and a bag of green. It was always nice to just sit down, smoke, and enjoy nature. It was particularly nice to do with friends, not having many of those in this world yet an oddly sentient rabbit would do.

Packing the bowl and pulling out a lighter you inhale the first hit, only burning half of the green. Couldn't be a dick and just torch it, had to save a fresh one for the little guy. Holding the bowl for Angel he waits as you light the other half. Not taking as deep a breath as you he pulls away and holds it for an impressive little bit before exhaling.

The change was almost instant and never got old. His whole body seemed to relax, as if he just got the best massage of his life. The little angry fur ball was chill as fuck when he was baked. There even seemed to be a change when he wasn't high too. Don't get it wrong, he as still an ass, just not as much of one. The little dude got shotgunned the first time you came down here to smoke, been coming down with you ever since.

Butterscotch asked what you were doing it took a little to explain it to him. He eventually said it sounded like something Zecora would be pretty knowledgeable about. Whoever that was she sounded pretty chill. On the other hand Butterscotch refused when offered, said he didn't need any stress relief. It was pretty understandable, he was always real chill when at home. Got a little nervous in town though.

Angel decided to opt out after his second hit, since he was pretty small it made sense. A couple more for you and the bowl was burned out. Clearing the piece and going for the bag again something frightening met your gaze.

“Nooooo!”

Butterscotch burst out of the front door and rushed down to the bridge. Stopping at the odd sight he came upon. Angel was squeaking like mad and making some very obscene gestures.

“I told you I didn't notice okay? I can't be observant all the time. No I don't have anymore I told you that like three times already. Because it doesn't exist here smart one, don't you look at me in that tone of voice. I was nice enough to share up until now right? The hell do you mean 'thats not good enough?' I'm nice to your little fuzzy behind and this is the thanks I get, that's shit and you know it.”

For a moment Butterscotch couldn't help but wonder how you understood Angel, not many ponies could talk to animals. As far as he knew you couldn't either.

“Uhm... could I ask whats going on here, and why you're arguing with Angel?”

Both you and Angel turned to notice the pegasus for the first time. Casting a final glare over at the bunny and receiving one in turn you turn your attention to the yellow pony.

“Well I was smoking here with Angel like usual and after we smoked a bit I went to pack some more up and realized I was out. Made me panic and then I yelled. Then the little one decided to go off on me for not having any more. Sorry for scaring you dude didn't mean to.”

Standing there for a moment Butterscotch seemed to think about the current situation. After mulling it over for a minute or two a solution came to him.

“Well you said it was the bud of a plant right? So if you have some seeds you could always just grow another plant. I have a spot where you could plant a few to try.” Smiling at the quick solution to the simple problem Butterscotch awaited a response from you.

Looking in the bag there were about six seeds, thinking about it for a second it sounded like a good idea. If all went well there would be plenty to go around if any of these ponies wanted to give it a try. Sealing the bag and putting it back in your pocket Butterscotch got a surprise hug. He let out a little yelp that was so freaking cute.

“Thank you, thank you soo much Scotch! That's fucking genius! You're the smartest, cutest little pony I know. Thanks again.”

Looking down at him you notice that he's trying to cover his face with his bangs. He seemed a little red. Not wanting to make the dude any more uncomfortable you gently sit him down.

“Sorry Butterscotch, didn't mean to make that weird or anything. Just got excited is all, I wouldn't really get this opportunity back home. Made me get this stupid idea of spreading the stuff all around, give ponies another way to be happy you know. Helping those who feel down, lifting them back up. Pretty dumb right?”

“I.. uhm... no. That's not dumb Anon, it's really nice of you. Wanting to help ponies who need it. You never know your plant could be a medical breakthrough waiting to happen. So I say try it.”

“Thanks Scotch, I really appreciate that.” After flashing a smile there it was again, he was hiding behind his mane. Started hoofing at the dirt too, pretending it was the most interesting thing in the world. While it was a little different on a pony than a person you could recognize that look when you saw it.

The blushing along with the sudden interest in the ground and the extra shyness. This all lead to one conclusion, Butterscotch was developing feelings for you. God knows why, seeing as you've been mooching off of him for a week. That didn't really rank high on the bonus points scale. Maybe you should test the waters with a little flirting, see if the hypothesis is correct.

Kneeling down you gently pull the yellow pegasus into a hug. Holding him close the rapid heartbeat was obvious. “I really meant what I said Scotch, so if you need anything at all just say it.”

Slightly pulling back and brushing the bangs away from his eyes, teal orbs stared back. “You shouldn't hide behind your mane so much, isn't right to hide that pretty face of yours.”

Instantly he turned red as a freakin tomato and spun around to trot back to the cottage. “C...come on you two the tea's ready and some snack cakes too.”

Watching him trot off your suspicions were confirmed. Going after him a small smile donned your lips. The little pony had a crush on you and it was adorable. The shy ones were tricky though. The direct approach didn't work at all so it called for a different strategy. The best one you had found was flirt with them until they were sure you liked them too. At this point they would try to ask you out. It was best to make this easy as they were usually nervous wrecks. After that it was smooth sailing.

“That's sweet of you Butterscotch, don't know what I would do without you.”

“Oh, it's ah... no trouble really. Just wanted to be sure my guest is comfortable.” He smiled that warm smile of his. It seemed to radiate the kindness that practically dripped off him.He really was a sweet guy, maybe this world will be a little more exciting than you thought.

Entering the cottage tea and snacks were waiting on the table in the kitchen. Almost immediately you made for the snack cakes. The sweet confectionery treats were insanely awesome or maybe that was just the munchies kicking in, either way you made it through half of the treats before remembering Butterscotch probably wanted some too. Pushing the plate over to him an amused smile crossed his muzzle. After the pegasus picked up a single cake Angel started to work on the rest.

Sipping on the tea a problem came to mind. “Hey Butterscotch, I just thought of something. I'm no expert on growing plants of any kind so would you mind helping me out?”

“I wouldn't mind helping you Anon, but I only know the basics myself. Maybe you could visit Dusks castle tomorrow and see if he has any books on the subject. He would probably be excited to help grow a new species of plant life.”

“Ha, yeah he's probably gonna bust a nut when I mention growing an alien plant. But that sounds good. I'll head over tomorrow after breakfast and... you alright dude?”

“Oh, well yes. It's just you said... uhm. Could you please not say things like that Anon. It makes me a little uncomfortable. Not that I'm telling you how to talk or anything! No no, it's only that...”

“No worries dude, calm down. I get it and I can respect that. I'll try not to say anything to vulgar around you in the future.”

“Thank you Anon.”

“No prob.”

Casting a glance up at the clock on the wall, Butterscotch noticed it was starting to get a little late. He liked to get up early to be with the animals so nine was pretty late for him.

“I think I'll go to bed now. The birds always like to get up early and I wouldn't dream of making them wait long for breakfast. I'll see you in the morning Anon.”

“Sweet dreams Butterscotch. See ya tomorrow.”

His cheeks flushed before turning around to trot upstairs. Angel followed close behind and soon enough you were by yourself. Tomorrow was gonna be interesting, Dusk would be real helpful but the prospect of getting lectured on plants wasn't thrilling. It was gonna have to happen if this idea was gonna get off the ground though. Maybe he had some sort of personal research in the area that would be helpful.

Letting out a yawn it seemed the caretakers sleep schedule was rubbing off on you. Standing and stretching one last time before making the short walk to the couch. Being too lazy to just lay down you opt for a fall, the cushions greeted you with a soft pomf.

Tomorrow couldn't come early enough, the possibility of growing and helping out Scotch was making you giddy. Finally you wouldn't just sit around and pick weeds from the ponies garden. Maybe you should get him a gift, yeah, what better way to say thanks than a gift. Gonna need some bits first, have to start up a business. Before any of that you needed Dusks help... yup tomorrow couldn't come early enough.