Author's Note

Revised chapter one. In the process of updating all chapters, so formatting is currently different to the others. Credit goes to TheBritishPony for proofreading and editing.

Chapter one

You are Anon, the only human in Equestria.

You’ve been in Equestria now for about 6 months, ever since the one day you got teleported here by some unknown means.

After stumbling upon the inhabitants of this new world, you were able to convince them you are friendly and not a threat. The pony who found you, Starlight Glimmer, took you back to some massive crystal castle that looked like a combination of a treehouse and a giant middle finger, where she showed you to the pony who lived there, one Princess Twilight Sparkle. After letting you stay in the castle for about a month, Princess Twilight decided to grant you a nice house on the outskirts of the village, called Ponyville, that you appeared next to.

That is where you are right now, in your “new” kitchen making breakfast, which is just a simple omelette. You put the omelette on a plate and get ready to sit down to eat at your table, when you get a knock at your door. You sigh and walk over to it, opening it up to reveal a slightly-nervous looking Starlight on the other side.

“Hey Starlight, how’s it going?” Starlight takes a second before replying, “Uhh, hey Anon, I’m okay I guess. Do you mind if I come in?”

“Sure, I was just about to eat breakfast; if you want I could whip you up something as well.”

“That sounds lovely; just make me whatever, I don’t want to intrude.”

“Oh, that’s not an issue; I wouldn’t mind some company anyway. Most of my breakfasts just consist of me sitting here in silence, contemplating.”

“OK then, if you’re sure.”

You step aside to allow her entrance into your humble abode, where she proceeds to take a seat in the only other chair at your table. You walk in behind her and move to grab another couple of eggs to make a second omelette.

“So, what did you come to me for? Usually you tend to spend most of your time at the castle, reading or doing magic with Twilight.”

“I, uh, wanted to ask you a favour. It’s not a simple favour that I could ask just anypony to do, though. This one’s a bit more…. personal. I thought, since we’ve been close after you arrived and started to live in the castle, you were the only one I could really trust with this and not judge me. Among other reasons…” Starlight started to trail off on those last three words.

“What is it? I’m sure I could help; I've been asked some weird things before. I’ve come to expect it, being the only one of my kind here. Although most of the weird questions come from Twilight.”

“Well, it’s kinda complicated… I don’t even know how I'm gonna put this. Actually, do you mind if we just hang out for a while, I need to think of a way to ask what I need to ask. Maybe after I've had something to eat. I haven’t exactly eaten this morning.”

You turn around and look at her with mild curiosity, before turning back and dishing up her now-finished omelette. “Sure, I guess. Just let me know when you’re ready to ask me. I don’t have much planned today other than getting some essentials and maybe going to see Rarity at some point to ask for a new suit.”

“Thanks. If you’d like, I could come with you and help you with your shopping and stuff today? I don’t exactly have much planned for the next few days because Twilight and Spike are out visiting Twilight's parents and the princesses in Canterlot this week, and I decided to stay here instead.”

"Uhh, sure, but it won’t be terribly interesting. Especially when I head to Rarity's for the suit. If I even bother going there today at all. It’s not that urgent; it's not like I've got any events to attend that require me dressing up fancily."

"Great, when are we gonna go then?"

"Right after we finish breakfast, I guess. Speaking of which, eat up; it'll get cold if you don’t eat it soon."
As an answer, she started eating her omelette, using the knife and fork provided to her, using her magic skillfully to manipulate the two culinary tools. Seeing her eat made you feel at ease, and you finally started on your portion. It was cold after leaving it so long, but it was still enjoyable. This would've tasted better if I had some ham. I miss having meat, you muse to yourself.

After about five minutes, you both finish your meals. Starlight seems somewhat less nervous as you take her plate off of her and dump it in the sink along with yours ready to be washed up later... or whenever you get round to it.

"Enjoy that?", you ask with a smile.

"It was great, thanks. It makes a change to get out of the castle for breakfast. Spike is a great cook and all, but eating the same thing over and over again can get dull."

"Understandable. I remember when Spike used to cook for me too when I was living there. It was unfortunate that half of what he cooked I couldn’t eat. It was even duller for me because of that."

"Well, free food is free food, right?" Starlight says with a smile.

"Yeah... I'm not complaining, really; I'm happy that Twilight and Spike were so kind to me and let me stay with them. Being what I am and all."

"I feel the exact same way about her letting me stay there as well. I'm even more glad she did, because if I didn’t find you when I did, somepony else could have and it could've gone much worse."

"I'm really glad you found me too, and that you decided to talk to me and trust me despite everything. We should probably get going, and continue this conversation on the road. The faster I get this shit done, the better."

"I'm following you, then."

You quickly grabbed your shoes and put them on, followed by your black overcoat; It wasn’t the warmest fall day today, but at least it was dry, albeit cloudy. It wasn’t forecast to rain today either, according to the weather pegasi, which was another plus. Fully prepared, you open your front door, letting all the heat out of your house as you waited for Starlight to get moving.

Once you shut the door, you start walking towards the market with Starlight at your side; you don’t lock the door, as it doesn’t have a lock, and even if there was a lock on there, there wasn’t much need for one; unless anypony was planning on stealing your clothes, there’s nothing valuable in the house.

"So Starlight... what made you not want to go with Twilight this week?" you ask, trying to bring back up the previous conversation.

"Well, I've met Twilight’s parents already, and while I think they're nice, I didn’t really feel like going to Canterlot for a week when I knew I'd be bored all the time. While yes, I could go out and explore the city, or go to the castle library, I just generally wanted to stay here, maybe do some quiet reading, hang out with you... things like that."

"Well it's nice to know someone wants to spend time with me; I don’t see many other ponies besides yourself and Twilight, and I've been seeing you very little recently. I guess you’ve just been busy with your magic studies and whatnot.", you say while reaching over and ruffling her mane a bit. You could have sworn you saw a slight blush on her face as you did that. Eh, whatever.

You wonder why she would willingly choose to stay here; surely seeing Canterlot would be a much better way to spend a week than just staying home, reading and hanging out with friends? Especially so when you're pretty sure Starlight has never been to Canterlot before. You would've thought she'd jump at the chance. Deciding not to think too much on the subject, you just decide to shrug it off as you continue walking to the market.

After that, you just continue idly talking about various things of little importance with Starlight as you both walk together to the market to get your groceries. It was a very boring experience, made slightly better by the pony that decided to accompany you. After completing your grocery shopping at the market, you both go to Sugarcube Corner to grab something sweet. It was then that Starlight decided to speak up.

"What are you planning on getting from Sugarcube Corner?"

"No idea, really. I guess I'll just see what they have. They normally have something that I like, and as long as it’s not too sweet, I’ll usually buy it."

"Could we get some cupcakes, too? For some reason I just really feel like having one after seeing all the savoury food at the market so soon after breakfast."

"I was kinda thinking something more along the lines of chocolate brownies or muffins. Their cupcakes are way too sweet for my taste. If you want, I could get one for you."

"Are you sure? You’ve already made me breakfast today."

"Starlight, it's one cupcake. It's not going to burn a hole in my pocket. Besides, I'm offering."

"Ok then. Thanks, again."

You ruffle her mane once more. Man, these ponies are too cute.

As you approach Sugarcube Corner, you hope in the back of your mind that Pinkie Pie isn't here, or that she doesn’t see you here at all. That pink menace is way too happy and invasive for your liking. She's probably the one reason you would want to get a lock on your front door; at least then she'll hopefully stop randomly appearing and pestering you to go make friends around Ponyville, or come to one of her stupid parties.

You open the doors to Sugarcube Corner; just as luck would have it, Pinkie Pie is at the counter serving with a massive smile on her face. As soon as she sees both you and Starlight enter, her smile gets even wider, if that’s even possible. Your heart sinks as soon as you see her, and within moments she is bouncing her way over to you.

"NONNY! AND STARLIGHT! What brings you two here? Wait don’t tell me... you want me to throw you a massive party to celebrate Nonny's birthday!"

You give Pinkie Pie a deadpan look. "Pinkie , you don’t even know when my birthday is. I've been here less than a year. It may have even already gone by for all you know."

"Don’t you worry Nonny, I'll know when your birthday is! My Pinkie Sense will tell me! On the day, that is. But, I'll have a big party ready for you on that day!"

You just groan and walk to the counter. Pinkie instantly appears behind it, still smiling widely at you. Before she has a chance to say anything more, you quickly say what you want. "Can I have a regular portion of chocolate brownies and a box of four chocolate chip muffins, please."

You turn to Starlight. "What cupcake do you want?" Starlight then begins to look at the cupcake display on her left.

"Can I have one of the cupcakes with the purple icing and sprinkles, please?"

You turn back to Pinkie."Did you get that?"

Pinkie Pie nods vigorously. "One portion of brownies, one box of muffins and one amazing cupcake coming right up!" The pink pony then turns around and heads to the kitchen. Mere seconds later, she comes bouncing out holding a box with a bag on top. She then opens the cupcake display and grabs one of the cupcakes Starlight wanted with a pair of tongs. She then puts the cupcake in its own separate box, and then puts all three items on the counter.

"That’ll be five bits please Nonny, and one for you, Starlight!"

You pull out six bits and drop them on the counter "I'm actually paying for hers.", you say. Pinkie’s smile gets even wider still.

"Okie dokie lokie! You two enjoy them! Don’t forget Nonny, I've got a massive party planned for your birthday!"

You pass on your thanks at the first part, and just ignore the second as you turn around, carrying even more groceries now. Starlight says goodbye to Pinkie Pie before turning around, and following you out the door.

"You know, she's not that bad once you get to know her… and attend a few of her parties... and get over the whole “insanely immature and invasive” thing." Starlight says, as you walk towards Carousel Boutique.

"She probably isn't, but I'm just not the kind of guy that likes parties or over-invasive people. For the last five months, since I moved out of the castle, she's been pestering me for my birthday. I haven't told her, and I don’t plan on telling her."

"Hey, that’s a good point, you haven't even told me your birthday. When actually is it?"

You contemplate telling her, weighing up the risk of her telling Pinkie herself, or Pinkie finding out anyway without Starlight mentioning it.

"Do you promise not to tell Pinkie? Or anyone else for that matter?"

Starlight smiles and does that stupid 'Pinkie promise' thing with one hoof while walking on the other three. If that’s their way of showing they keep a promise, then whatever.

You glance around to make sure that there are no signs of a Pinkie trailing you or hiding in a bush somewhere. There aren’t. You lean in slightly closer and say quietly, "It's in exactly two weeks."

Starlight just nods. You figure that it's not like she should be surprised by it at all, it's not some really surprising secret, like if you go up to someone and tell them you're a thousand years old. Unless you're Princess Celestia or Princess Luna. After that exchange, you just walk in silence for another minute, randomly making sure that Pinkie Pie doesn’t appear out of nowhere with an ear-splitting grin and an “I've got you now” look.

…

Clear.

You decide to grab one of the muffins to eat while on the way to Rarity's, and you offer Starlight her cupcake, which she snared gratefully with her magic. You both happily enjoy your snacks as Carousel Boutique comes into view.

You and Starlight finish off your respective snacks just before you open the door to the boutique, making the bell ring. A few moments later, Rarity comes down the stairs.

"Welcome to Carousel Boutique. How can I help you today, Anon?" she welcomed with a smile.

"Hey, Rarity. I'm here to request a formal suit for any… formal occasions."

Rarity continued to smile. "I'd be glad to help you, Anon. Is there any special reason why you’d like a suit now?” Her smile got a bit wider as she glanced between you and Starlight, who was now sporting a slight blush that you could see out of the corner of your eye.

"Not really; it’s just for any special occasions that might crop up at some point. It's no rush, so feel free to have it ready whenever."

"Of course dear. What kind of style would you like?"

"Just a regular black suit consisting of black suede shoes, black suit trousers, a white shirt with long sleeves and buttons, a black bow tie, and a black blazer."

Rarity proceeded to jot all of the information down on a notepad she magic'ed up from somewhere. "That can be easily done, darling. I already have your measurements, so that shouldn’t be a problem."

Wait, no questions about what the hell suede shoes are or what a blazer is? Well, there must be similar suits here in Equestria, so she either knows what they look like, or she’s going to make an attempt based on what is already is on the market. After all, Rarity has made all the other clothes you own, other than those which you brought here with you, and despite wanting to “spruce” them up a bit, they still turned out fine, so you trust her with making something decent.

"How much would that be, Rarity?"

“I'll decide on a price once I've got it designed and ready to be made. I should have it done by next week. Unfortunately, I've got quite a lot on my plate, what with Sapphire Shores wanting me to design yet another set of outfits for her next show, so I'll be mainly focussed on that for the next week."

"Sure thing, take all the time you need. Thanks a lot, Rarity."

You turn around to Starlight, ready to walk out. She's just standing there with a slight blush, and a slightly vacant look on her face. You wave a hand in front of her and she blinks back to reality.

"We're finished here, Starlight, I'm ready to go. Are you okay?"

She shakes her head and starts to follow you out. "Yeah, I’m fine. I just had an… odd thought come to mind, is all."

"Well, I'm done with what I needed to do today so I'm gonna head home. You're free to join me if you want, or you can head back to the castle, or do whatever you do when I'm not around."

Somehow that light blush intensified quite a bit, and she just nodded, "I think I'll head back to the castle now. Do some more reading… or whatever. I'll see you tomorrow, Anon."

You boop her on the nose, because that blush makes her look absolutely adorable. "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow, then. Have fun." With that, she turns around and starts quickly trotting back to the castle.

You continue your walk home in silence, contemplating the events of today. Starlight was definitely acting quite weird, especially after you came out of Carousel Boutique. Normally, she's quite a confident mare. Today, she seemed quite… passive. You’re reminded about that thing she was going to ask you this morning, and your curious mind leads you to wonder.what it could be. Meh. I’ll probably find out tomorrow. If she decides to come to your house in the morning like she did today, you decide to just straight up make two portions of breakfast. If she doesn’t come, you'll just eat them yourself.

Eh, whatever. You figure that you'll just clean the house or read or do whatever for the rest of the day, as there’s not much else to be done. You hope that you don’t get a surprise visit from Pinkie today.

The memory of your earlier encounter triggers a thought in you. Actually, that’s not a bad idea. You decide to get a lock for your front door after all. With a new goal in mind, you set off for home to drop your stuff off, and then go find somewhere that will sell you a lock, or a padlock.