Chapters A horn blew across the courtyard of the Cloudsdale weather factory late in the afternoon. The doors burst open, and a cacophony of Pegasi emerged as their busy shifts came to an end. Among the hustle, I made my way through the crowds, waving farewell to my coworkers and making my way home.
As I closed the door, I allowed myself to let out a sigh, before hanging my hat and jacket up and making my way to my simple lounge. The room seemed more barren than usual. The sofa was haphazardly placed in the center of the room, with matching chairs scattered around. A lone bookshelf stood to the rear corner, and on the walls hung pictures spanning the course of my life, from foal to graduation from Cloudsdale Weather Engineering College.
An elongated gasp escaped my lips, as I sank into the soft cushions of my sofa and the weight of the day lifted from my shoulders and hooves. I had a little time to relax before I was expected at the local watering hole. I usually met with the guys to have a drink after shift, and then have some personal time at the weekends.
"Food." I muttered, as if trying to will a meal to appear on the table before me. Alas, nothing appeared, so it was looking like I would be required to cook. Summoning all of my willpower, I rose from the comfort of my seat, and shuffled through to the small kitchen. I was no master chef, but I could cook enough for me, and that was enough.
After wolfing down my food, I grabbed my scarf and trotted down to Main Street to our local bar. The Windigo was a cosy little bar, located between two large shopping complexes. You wouldn't normally notice it unless you knew it was there. The guys and I had a usual table, a small booth in the corner where we could unwind and chat to our hearts content. The barman, who we called Hearty, was an unusually shy and unenthusiastic pony for one working a bar.
We drank our ciders in the usual fashion, talking about our plans, families, ambitions. I was younger than most of the ponies I worked with, most already had families and were where they wanted to be in life. However I had always had a void that I couldn't seem to fill inside of me. I found myself listening to their chat, and longing for the kind of lives they lead. However Cloudsdale seemed to suffocate me in that sense. I was never fond of the bustle of the city, even as a foal.
Eventually, our little party got to the point where we were becoming rowdy, and I usually bow out at that point. I like to hang out with my friends, but when they get out of hand I can't be around them. Once again donning my scarf I walk my way home with thoughts of family and friends in my mind.
"I should write to mom soon, it's been a long time" I thought, making a mental note to compose a letter when I wasn't a little tipsy. It was hard to speak to mom ever since dad had left. He just upped in the middle of the night, grabbed his stuff and we never heard from him again. I was only young at the time, but I could tell my mom struggled without him around.
Laying in bed that night, sleep eluded me as I thought about my life, and how I was getting older with no real sign of anything advancing. I was working the same job I had gotten fresh out of college, with no sign of promotion or pay rise, and Celestia forbid I speak to a mare. I'm too awkward and shy to maintain a conversation with anypony I find attractive, never mind asking them out. I didn't consider myself bad looking, I was average build, grey coat and dark brown mane with a single stripe of red running through, which is unusual in it's own right. I needed a fresh start. I needed to leave Cloudsdale.
Morning broke with sunshine pouring in through my thin curtains, bright enough to rouse me from my sleep, but not quite to fully wake me.
"Ugh, can Celestia not have a lie in somedays?!" I exclaimed in frustration. It was my day off, and I was woken up at the crack of dawn again. Eventually I mustered the energy to pull my aching muscles from the sheets and shambled through to the kitchen for a drink. The thoughts of the previous night still rang through my head like a bell. I clattered the glass down a little harder than I meant, determination now filled me with a purpose I hadn't felt in a long time. I rummaged my bookcase looking for my Royal Equestrian Atlas, and began to search the pages for somewhere that looked ideal for me. I had ruled out anywhere with a large population, or anywhere too far from central Equestria as the cost of moving would bankrupt me. As I searched the perfect option became apparent.
Ponyville.
I immediately threw myself into planning. A home move is hard enough to coordinate, never mind a sudden one. I had removal ponies to contact, hand in my notice at work, pack, find somewhere to live in Ponyville, the list went on and on!
I scoured the Ponyville Times for property listings, lots available but out of my price range. My heart sank in my chest, as I analysed every ad in the paper for something, just something I could afford! Then the break I needed jumped out at me.
"One bedroom apartment to rent. Kitchen, Living room, Bathroom and spacious bedroom with Everfree views. Above a bakery to the rear. 300 bits a month"
I scrambled for a scroll and quill and hastily drew a letter to the landlord saying that I would take it, no questions or viewing needed. Bursting through the door in a mad gallop, I charged towards the mailbox, where I could see the mailpony emptying the letters of the day and pushed the letter into his bag.
"Wow, you in a hurry ther' pal?" He asked in a bemused tone.
"Very... important... letter" I gasped after my mad dash to reach him.
"Why didn'cha fly? Saved your hooves eh." I placed my hoof to my face. In the heat of the moment I'd forgotten I could fly. Dramatic tension strikes again. I mumbled a thank you before turning and giving my wings a flap to cruise home on the breeze. In my head, all that I could hear was "I'm moving to Ponyville" repeating, and for the first time in a while, a genuine smile crossed my face and I let out an excited cheer to the clouds.
Author's Note
Hi guys!
If you made it this far then thank you! I took a break from writing for a while, but thought I'd get back into is as I have more spare time now. I hope you've enjoyed the opening chapter of my story, and I hope you will stay with me as it continues :)
Cheers again!
RandomDerp
The day had finally come! My minimal belongings were packed and loaded into the carriage outside. I took one last look around the apartment I had called home these last few years. It was strange, the blank walls and floors looked different to the ones I had grown accustomed to, but I was moving on to better things.
With one last glance over my shoulder, I closed the door and placed the key under the mat. The removal ponies were already on their way with my belongings, which just left me to fly down to my new home. It was a pleasant day for a fly, and I rarely got to stretch my wings for more than a few minutes flying around the city. There's something freeing about soaring lazily through the clouds that you just can't find anywhere else.
With the wind in my mane, I could see Ponyville on the horizon. A small village, quaint looking and flanked by masses of apple trees on one side, and a large forest to the other. Just the change I was looking for.
My hooves touched down just after noon, the sun high in the sky and the air smelling fresher than anything I was used to back home. I felt at ease already. Or at least I did, until there was a loud pop behind me and I was showered with confetti and streamers.
"WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!" A pink blur screamed at me, as I noticed I had been given a party hat and blower without my knowledge.
"Normally I would bust out the welcome wagon, but Discord said he needed to borrow it for something or other, so I can't bring it out, but I can still sing if you'd want? But it's not the same without the wagon, there's normally confetti in the oven, and cake in the cannons... NO, WAIT THAT'S WRONG, I always get those two mixed up." She then frantically giggled while shaking my hoof far faster than I ever thought was possible.
"Hi there," I stammered, a little taken aback by how forward this pony was being, "I'm Storm Chaser, I'm looking for Sugarcube Corner if you know where I can find it?"
She let out a long gasp.
"So you're the pony who's moving in behind the cakes! We're going to be neighbors! Oh this is exciting, we'll have neighbor parties, and sleepovers, and we can have cans on strings so we can talk to each other in the middle of the night in secret codes that we'll make up and it'll be AMAZING!" Her smile was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile along with her and her slightly ridiculous ideas.
"It's this way, follow me!" Before I could even react, she grabbed my hoof and I was being dragged through the streets towards a brightly colored building with confectionery decor. I can't believed I'd missed this place from the air.
Sure enough, the removal ponies were parked around the side and were moving my furniture into my new place. I thanked the pony, who I had learned was called Pinkie Pie, and waved as she shot off into the distance.
"Well, if everypony is this friendly, I think I might actually like it here." I murmured to myself turning to get to work at setting up the house.
As the advert stated, it was fairly small but cosy. The living room was a fair size, and the bedroom was around the same size. The entire apartment smelled slightly of freshly baked cookies, something which I could never get sick of. I took my time arranging my furniture into a way that made sense to me, and sat down. I would finish unpacking at another time.
I soaked in the quiet of the apartment for a while, before my mind went back to my mom. I never did get around to writing her that letter. She didn't even know I was moving. I sighed and sat down at the table after gathering my ink, some paper and a quill and thought about what to write. I was never the most emotionally available pony at the best of times, but it was even harder for me to be when it came to speaking to my mom. Eventually I decided that whatever I wrote would have to do for now, there was plenty of time for me to catch up with her properly later.
"Hi Mom,
I know it's been a while since I have written, and I'm sorry I don't keep in touch more. I've never been great at keeping in contact, so please forgive me. I have news! I decided to move house, to a quiet little town called Ponyville, maybe you've heard of it?
It's a cosy little apartment behind a bakery in the town center, and I think I've already made a friend, so one more friend than I ever really had in Cloudsdale! Tomorrow I'm going to look for work, and I'm hoping there will be an opening for a weather engineer somewhere in this town.
I know you don't normally write me back, but it would be nice to hear from you. It's hard not knowing how you are, or what you're doing. "
I signed the letter off with my address and popped my scarf on to head to the post office, if I could find it. I took to the sky, as I thought it would be my best bet for spotting the building. Fortunately Ponyville was such a small town that it didn't take me long to spot the signature Equestrian Postal Service emblem upon a sign. Slowly I descended and trotted my way over.
As I entered, the building was very quiet. It was late in the day for a post office to be doing business, so it was to be expected that maybe I had missed the last delivery time. I trotted to the counter, and placed the letter down. A small bell sat in front of me with a "ring for attention" sign. Upon ringing the bell there was a loud thud, and several crashes from the back.
"One moment!" a mare called back, obviously a little flustered.
"Take your time" I called back, not wanting to rush her when it sounded like multiple valuables had just been decimated. After a couple of moments she emerged from the back, her hat slightly askew and her name badge hanging off slightly.
"Hi there! Welcome to Ponyville Post Office, how can I help?" She smiled sweetly, and I began to feel my nerves creeping up on me. She was very attractive, her coat was a grey, similar to mine. Her mane was golden blonde like the first light at the break of dawn, and her eyes... were slightly wonky, but there was something behind them, which made them shine like a precious gem.
"Are you okay Mr? You're just standing there?" She asked with her expression changing to one of slight concern.
"Hmm? OH! Sorry!" I stammered quickly, thinking of an excuse. "Just moved to town you see, a little bit spaced from all the pressure of the move. Anyhoo, could I please have one first class stamp and an envelope please?" I smiled, hoping that the awkwardness wouldn't haunt me for years to come.
"Two bits for a book of stamps and a pack of envelopes, is that okay?" She smiled again, and once again I was slightly awestruck.
"Perfect, thank you!" I dropped the bits on the counter and hastily slapped a stamp on the envelope and scribbled the address on. "I would also like to post this"
She took the letter and placed it into a sorting bag at the back of the room.
"So you've just moved here? Where are you from?" She asked as she re organized the back shelves.
"Cloudsdale, couldn't handle the city anymore, so I upped and left for a simpler life." I replied "I didn't expect such a warm greeting from the town though."
"Pinkie Pie?"
"Pinkie Pie." We both shared a laugh and it slowly dawned on me that I was actually talking to a mare I found attractive. New life: 1 Old life : 0.
"Name's Derpy Hooves" She extended a hoof, and I took it in mine.
"Storm Chaser"
"Well I'd love to stand and chat, but gotta get the sorting room cleared up before the boss gets back, he won't be happy if I've broken another fragile parcel." She gave me a playful wink, and then we said goodbye and I left for home. The smile never left my face the whole time.
Two new friends in one day, not bad going for the shy city pony just moved to the country. With the excitement of the day behind me, I crawled into bed not knowing if tomorrow would bring me more friendships, or if I would see some more of Pinkie and Derpy. My mind was awash with thoughts as I slowly drifted to sleep.
Author's Note
Well second chapter knocked out in one shift in the shop! Having a lot of fun writing again :)
Hope you all are still enjoying this story. Leave a comment to let me know how I'm getting on! :D
I stretched my legs, welcoming the morning with a groan before curling up under my duvet once more. It was a beautiful morning outside, however I could not yet bring myself to leave the warmth and comfort of my mattress. Life could wait another hour. Eventually, I surrendered to my awakened mind and crawled from my sheets. It had been a while since I had had such a restful nights sleep. No noise, no sore head from cider, just rest and comfort.
Upon making my way to my kitchen, I realized that while I had looked after my chores and sorted out my move, I had neglected to buy any groceries. Adulting can be hard sometimes. However, the smell of freshly baked delights permeated my nostrils, and I decided on something sweet from the bakery to sate my quiet hunger. I decided that given the lovely weather, my scarf could remain on it's hook, and I trotted out into the crisp morning air. After being up in Cloudsdale for so long, the air down on the ground felt thick, unlike the thin air of the sky.
A small bell rang merrily as I wandered into the bakery. I thought my apartment smelt sweet, but it was nothing compared to in here! The cakes and pastries were everywhere and my mouth watered slightly just looking at them. Cupcakes drizzled with icing, large buns with fruit seeded through, croissants the size of my face, you name it and it was there!
"Good morning! How can I help you?" A cheery voice resounded as a blue pony trotted through to greet me. A wide smile adorned her face.
"Hello, I've just moved in around the back and I couldn't help but come in and try what makes my apartment smell so sweet" I said, smiling just as wide back at her. Not that it was a contest, but with some ponies it feels like it is.
"Oh so you must be Storm Chaser! I'm Mrs Cake, your landlady I guess you could say" She let out a hearty giggle at the thought, "My husband is through the back, busy baking so I'm afraid he isn't available to say 'hi'"
"No problem at all, and wonderful to meet you" I shook her hoof, before turning my attention back to the treats that lay in front of me. Chocolate cake? Nah, too sweet. Croissant? Too fanciful for my tastes. Maybe just a breakfast muffin with butter? Perfect!
"May I please have a breakfast muffin, with butter if you have it?"
"Certainly! We have a new item to pair with it if you're interested in trying it? It's all the rage in Canterlot at the moment, it's called 'Hay Bacon', whatever that means." With a slight pause, I agreed. This was a time for me to try something new. I was handed a small number to place on my table, and with that I sat down by the window and lost myself in the morning life of the street. I always found it so satisfying to watch other ponies go about their lives. It was vaguely fascinating when you come to the realization that every pony passing the window each has their own lives as complicated and stressful as your own.
"Here you go sweetie, enjoy!" A small plate with my muffin and hay bacon was placed in front of me. A small butter dish and knife accompanied on the side. I thanked Mrs Cake once again, and prepared myself for my first baked treat in Ponyville. I carefully spread the butter which melted into the warm cake immediately, then I took my first bite. My mouth was awash with a symphony of flavors. The sweetness of the muffin was instant, with the slight saltiness of the butter creeping in after a moment. Upon chewing the hay bacon mixed in, with a hint of maple syrup which blended into the most delicious breakfast I have eaten in a while. I wolfed down the rest of the food and let out a satisfied sigh. With food like this, nothing could be bad in Ponyville.
As my food settled in my stomach, I went back to watching the ponies outside. Watching them go about their business and daily routines. A slight pang of guilt hit me as I realized that I still needed to find work here. I couldn't get by for long on my savings alone, so better get looking today.
I quickly paid Mrs Cake for breakfast before leaving on my quest to find myself some work. Fresh start meant fresh opportunities. Maybe I'd find something in the local weather station, or work on the apple farm! That would be fun! With high hopes I set about asking in several stores and businesses. Unfortunately most seemed fully staffed, and I was beginning to lose hope a little. A pony with my experience should get hired quickly, but it appears weather related skills aren't highly sought in this area. Even the weather station turned me down for an entry level position with them. It was hopeless.
The last stop of the day took me back to the post office where I had met that lovely mare the other day. I smiled, thinking of our interaction and I think part of me was hoping I would see her again today. Walking through the door, there was a larger pony standing behind the desk. He looked tired and a little unkempt.
"Hello! I was wondering if you had any job vacancies at the moment? I'm new to town and looking for work." I tried my best to come across as cheery as possible, hiding my slight disappointment that it wasn't Derpy I was speaking to.
"Experience?" He muttered, not looking up from his log book which he was frantically filling out.
"I have 5 years with the Cloudsdale Weather Factory as a Rain and Storm Technician, and a Degree in Weather Engineering with a minor in Storm Flight and the effects on Pegasi." I smiled once more. This time he placed his pen down on the counter and turned his attention to me fully.
"Can you fly in bad weather?" He asked gruffly. Customer service is clearly not his strong point.
"I have special training as part of my degree. No weather to be manufactured that we ourselves can't fly in to manage."
He smiled for the first time at this.
"Well, you're in luck. We've been looking for a pony to fly deliveries to the stormy regions in the North of Equestria. Dangerous storms around the mountains, think you could handle that?" He raised an eyebrow at me, as if checking me over. I know I may not look overly athletic, but I can fly better than most. I nodded confidently.
"Piece of cake! They don't call me Storm Chaser for nothing!"
"Excellent! Well in that case, could you come in on Monday to collect your uniform, and complete your training, paperwork, all the boring legal stuff, ya know how it is. Name's Sello, everyone here calls me Postie as a nickname, just whatever you prefer is fine." I shook his hoof firmly, and smiled once more.
"Can't wait to start sir!" I gave a wonky salute, and turned to leave. As I was leaving, I spotted a familiar grey mare flying towards me at quite some speed.
"LOOK OUT" She cried, but alas it was too late. She crashed into me headfirst sending both of us tumbling to the ground.
"Oh my Celestia, are you okay?!" She rushed over and helped me to my hoofs.
"Fine" I winced with a smile, trying to cover up the slight throbbing from my head, "Just a little dazed but I'm sure I'll live."
She smiled with relief.
"Sorry, I'm not the best of flyers. Depth perception is a little off because of my eye, it tends to wander, but it's quirky I find" She let out a small giggle, while abashedly running a hoof through her mane.
"Well I like it" I stood silent for a moment. I said that out loud. Oh Luna's starry flank I said that out loud. She giggled slightly again as I could feel the blood rushing to my face. Why am I like this?
"Thank you! Anyway, sorry I'd better get inside and finish my paperwork for today, but I'll see you soon yeah?" She smiled as she trotted past.
"Yeah, soon." I muttered to myself as she passed through the door behind me.
"Ugh stupid Storm Chaser, STUPID" I shouted, beating my hoofs into an unsuspecting cumulus cloud. I'm sure the cumulus had done nothing wrong, but I was determined to take out my embarrassment on it. With a sigh I collapsed onto the soft layer of cloud that had previously bore the brunt of my annoyance. I just couldn't believe I had acted so foalishly. While it may not seem like a big thing to any other pony, I always found myself obsessing over slightly embarrassing moments within my life, like that time at flight school when I tumbled headfirst into a ring and crashed into the teachers flank face first. Oh why did I have to remember that?
I rolled over and glanced down at the town, the bustle was dying down now. Ponies heading home and picking their foals up from school. Must be nice.
With a flap of my wings, I drifted from my fortress of solitude on the beaten cumulus and floated lazily towards home. After the weekend, I would be a mailpony for the Royal Equestrian Mail Service.
"All good things today" I said to myself as I landed by my door. It was open.
I pushed slightly on the wood and it lazily drifted open. I could hear some shuffling coming from inside my living room and nervously I crept towards the door, intending to catch whoever it was in the act.
I pushed the door open, and burst into the room ready for anything.
"SURPRIIIIISE!!!"
Okay, I was not ready for that.
Author's Note
Hey hey hey again guys! Thanks for keeping reading, if you're a new reader then welcome!
Please leave some feedback if you are so inclined, or even just a comment to let me know you're there... I'm so lonely....
Cheers!
RandomDerp
"SURPRIIIISE!" A group of ponies all screamed as I barged into the room. My ears immediately fell back in shock and I recoiled slightly from the shock.
"Hello again Stormie, every new pony in Ponyville gets a "welcome to Ponyville" Party, so here it is! I hope you like it, but still no sign of my Welcome Wagon, so I suppose I'll need to catch you some other time with that!" Pinkie giggled heartily, taking in my shocked expression.
"Wow, this is... unexpected." I manage to stutter, looking around the room at all the ponies taking up my humble lounge. Most of the ponies I didn't know, however I recognized a few faces from around the town.
The next hour was filled with delicious punch, cupcakes, muffins and introductions to ponies from all over Ponyville. Music blared throughout, and I had been forcibly adorned with a party hat by Pinkie. Eventually, I came to the end of the line of ponies attending, and could just relax a little. I was never one for parties, however this seemed a refreshing change of pace from the ones I used to attend.
The day began to wear on, the dancing and games coming to an end. Before long it was just myself and a few others remaining. The front door opened, just when I was expecting it to all come to an end, and in came Derpy, a cake tin perched upon her back. A filly of school age bounced along beside her, adorning a hearty smile, and immediately galloping off to join the three fillies hanging out in the corner wearing capes.
Her eyes scanned the room, and eventually she spotted me and waved.
"Hey Storm!" She called, trotting her way across the room "Sorry I'm late, but the post office was crazy today, and I had to pick Dinky up from school, and don't even get me started on Sparkl..." She was cut short as her hoof caught the edge of my rug and tumbled forward. I immediately flew forward and grabbed the cake tin that was now airborne, and I watched as Derpy dusted herself off with her wings.
"Woah, thanks for saving the muffins. I baked them myself especially for the party." She smiled warmly as I placed them on the table.
"No worries, are you okay? That looked like quite the tumble." I looked her over concernedly, but she appeared to be in good shape.
"Fine! I'm fine!" She giggled at my concern "It happens all the time, wonky eye and doesn't help when you're naturally clumsy anyway." She raised a hoof to her wandering eye. Her smile was contagious. It was strange how little effort it took to be content around her, like my world was melting from around me and all I could see was the golden twinge in her eyes.
"Oh jeez, do I like this mare?" I thought to myself while Derpy checked on the muffins.
"A little squished, but I'm sure they'll be fine." She smiled, while holding out the tin to me.
"MUFFINS!" A voice squealed from the blur shooting across the room towards us. With a sigh, Derpy held up her hoof and with a thud the small unicorn that had arrived with Derpy came to a sudden halt.
"Sorry about her. This is Dinky, my little foal. She loves my muffins and she will take it right out your hoof if you're not careful." I looked at Dinky, who was sitting on the floor, rubbing her horn with an exasperated look on her face. This was Derpy's daughter? I thought maybe younger sister, but wow she was young for a mother.
"Oh, it's lovely to meet you," I held out a hoof to the small unicorn, who was eyeing me up warily. She eventually took my hoof and pulled herself up.
"Muffin?" She asked Derpy, ignoring me.
"You will have to ask Storm here if that's okay. They are his muffins sweetie." The foals eyes turned towards me. They were huge, sparkling pools like you would expect from a puppy, or kitten. I couldn't say no.
"Sure, help yourself." I booped her nose with my hoof, and she let out an excited squeal, grabbing a muffin from the tin and shooting off in a blur of lilac.
"She seems sweet." I said, watching her go back to playing with the other foals.
"She is very," Derpy responded with affection glimmering in her eyes, "She can be a handful, but she always has the right thing at heart." I didn't doubt her.
We spent the next little while snacking on muffins, drinking punch and talking until long after the other guests had left. The sun had set and Dinky was asleep on my couch, snoring lightly.
"Oh wow, I didn't realize the time!" Derpy suddenly exclaimed standing up and gathering Dinky up onto her back "I should really get going, I have work in the morning and I need to get this little one ready for school."
"Okay, well thank you for a wonderful night, and the muffins. They are incredible by the way!" I shot her a genuine smile, which until meeting her had been a rarity in my life.
"Thank you, just let me know if you ever want any more," She shot me a wink, and quickly finished her punch "Right, I'll see you around Storm!" I held the door open for her as she left, and I don't know if it was the punch, or whether I was feeling confident from the long conversation that we had had, but the next words out of my mouth shocked even me.
"Hey, Derpy. Do you maybe, I dunno, want to get dinner sometime?" My ears pinned back realizing what I had just said. Oh I'm an idiot. I misread the whole situation. Time for the humiliating rejection.
"Sure! Sounds like fun!" She smiled, "Let me get back to you about when I'm free, and I'll get Sparkler to look after Dinky for the night."
With that she gave me one final wave, and took off towards her house. My mouth was agape. I had asked her out, and she had said yes. I closed the door slowly, the shock still setting in from my confident burst. A couple of minutes passed as I just stood in my hallway, until finally it all clicked in my head.
"WOOHOO!" I proclaimed to nobody in particular, thrusting a hoof into the air in celebration.
"Just as I had planned." said a voice from behind me, and as I spun round I noticed Pinkie Pie leaning in the doorway to my lounge, nonchalantly eating a cupcake.
"PINKIE, WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE?!"
A week had passed since I had asked Derpy out on a date. Ever since, I found myself walking with head held high, and a new found sense of confidence, which up until this point, I was unaware I even possessed. The confidence even carried through into my first few days of work. Sure, it wasn't glamorous with the beige uniform and whatnot, but it was a start!
The first day mainly consisted on me following Postie around, getting to know where packages are sorted and where I will collect my deliveries for my runs up North. It was all fairly straight forward, and I picked up up fairly quickly. I was shown a map which contained my route, stops, and where I could take shelter if the weather became too extreme for me to fly in. Apparently they had lost a couple of mail ponies on these runs, so the safety waivers never seemed to end. Still confident in my abilities though. Piece of cake for a trained Cloudsdalian right?
I was mentally exhausted after all the presentations and initiation meetings, and getting back to my cosy apartment was a blessing. My runs would begin next week once training was completed to a satisfactory level, but until then I was kept safe in Ponyville with just mounds of paperwork and sorting.
With a huff, I collapsed into the sweet embrace of my sofa.
"Oh, I missed you sofa." I groaned, stretching my form all across the comfort of its cushions. I was becoming more settled in my apartment now, it definitely had a much more 'lived in' feel to it. The cupboards were finally full of food, all my possessions were organised and put away. Felt like home.
I have been trying to get out more, meet new ponies and new friends. While my attempts have been mostly half-hearted, I have had some moderate success, at least for somepony as introverted as myself. While out shopping, I was introduced to a fun pony called Carrot Top, her enthusiasm was contagious, and I was quite taken in with her confident mannerisms. I was also blessed with the honour of meeting Princess Twilight Sparkle. Of course I was present for her coronation, but I never thought I would have a conversation with her.
However, my main focus thus far while shopping, has been date night clothes. I mean sure, I had some old rags from back in Cloudsdale, however none of them seemed fitting for the occasion... or fit me anymore. I scoured the streets for something smart, yet not too much, although I don't know how dressed up she will be...
Oh horsefeathers, I'm falling apart just thinking about it. I just can't remember the last time I had gone on a date, I might be a little rusty. What if she doesn't like me after? What if I make a fool of myself? My chest began to feel heavy with the thought of overdoing it... or underdoing it.
I fell from the sofa, pulling myself to my hooves and rummaging through my saddlebags. Twilight had been kind enough to give me the address of a skilled seamstress in town, what was her name again...
Eventually I found what I was looking for. A crumpled piece of parchment. Rarity! That was her name! I made a note to go see her in the morning, but for now, my bed is calling me.
My alarm clock sprang to life at the usual time of eight AM, and was greeted with my usual enthusiasm of punching it from its perch in my haste to silence it's screams. It always mocked me, especially this early. It knew I wasn't one for getting up on time, but each morning it took pleasure in rousing me from my comfortable slumber. With a sigh I lay on my back, staring into the ceiling in hopes of getting five more minutes, but I couldn't will my brain back to sleep.
With the enthusiasm of a depressed slug, I dragged my heavy frame from the bed and proceeded with my morning routine.
As I trotted from my apartment into the morning sun I could tell it would be a beautiful day. Barely a cloud in the sky, and the birds were singing. I took a deep breath of the morning air, which was crisp and moist from the dew present. A smile crossed my lips, and I set off into town. My big date was tomorrow evening, so I had high hopes for getting the perfect outfit. I hope Miss Rarity is as good as Twilight said she is.
"Carousel Boutique" it said on the parchment. I glanced up at the shop I was stood in front of. Name matched. From the window it seemed like she mainly specialised in female garb, however this was really my only remaining hope.
A bell chimed as I opened the door and stepped through into the main floor of the premises.
"Good morning! Welcome to Carousel Boutique, my name is Rarity, how may I help you?" I was confronted with a unicorn, with a measuring tape wrapped around her shoulders. Red stylish glasses adorned her face, and her mane was a stunning purple. Everything about her screamed fashion.
"Hello, my name is Storm Chaser, new in town, and I was wondering if you could possibly help me with an outfit?" I placed my saddlebags on the ground, trotting to the counter to properly speak to the mare.
"I certainly can darling, now what are you looking for? Maybe a dapper outfit fit for mingling with high society? Oh, or maybe something a little more 'trend setting'?" Her eyes lit up, horn glowing to rest the glasses atop her horn.
"Well actually, I have a date tomorrow night so I need something smart, but still fairly casual if you have any ideas?" I smiled as she dipped behind the counter and retrieving a few large booklets of fabrics, and different stitch options.
"Well," She started, flicking through the booklets, "In men's fashion, silk and cotton are VERY in right now, however plaid and flannel is on the rise due to the comfort, and it looks great as a shirt." I glanced over the fabric choices laid before me. I had never had this experience before. Usually when I'm clothed shopping I just grab something from the rack and that will do.
"I like the flannel. Do you think it's smart enough for a first date?" I questioned, hoping for an honest response. She squinted at the material for a few moments, debating in her head.
"Hmmm, I wouldn't say so, however if you go for plaid in a soft thin fabric it will look smart, and resemble the flannel look." Her horn lit up once more, and some parchment and a pencil began hastily scribbling on the desk in front of her.
"This is what it will look like when I am finished," The parchment flew over, and landed in front of you. It was perfect. Nothing too over the top, but still not understated in any way. The main colour of the shirt was red, highlighted with blue and yellow crosspatterns.
"Perfect, that looks amazing!" I stammered looking over her sketch once more.
"Excellent, well I'll just need to take a few measurements, then I can begin work. If you could step over here please." She gestured to a small raised platform in the centre of the room surrounded by mirrors.
"So tell me darling, just who are you taking out tomorrow?" Rarity asked as she began wrapping the tape around me.
"Derpy, Derpy Hooves." I smiled at just the mention of her name.
"Oh, that's just fabulous! She is a lovely mare, and such amazing children too! So polite and well mannered." The tape was weaving around me, with Rarity scribbling notes in her pad.
"I just feel lucky honestly! She's out of my league for sure. She's so pretty, and nice..." I lose myself in thought for a moment. I don't know why I'm admitting this to her. I hardly know Rarity, but I feel she can be trusted for whatever reason.
"Well, it certainly sounds like you are rather enamoured with her," Her tape now retreated to around her neck once more, "That's you darling! I will have it ready for you tomorrow, and I wish you both the best of luck." She gave me an honest smile as I gathered my belongings.
"Thank you Rarity! See you tomorrow!" I waved, trotting off through the door. After exiting into the street, I stomped my hooves in excitement, letting out a squeak and confidently walking back towards town.
"Well darling, the big reveal!" Rarity dropped the curtain standing between myself and the mirrors and I could hardly believe it. I looked... great! The shirt was a perfect fit and the colours were even more than I could have ever hoped for. She had even styled my mane!
"It's.... incredible." I stammered, looking myself up and down.
"Yes, very dashing if I do say so!" Rarity clapped her hooves in approval, "Now I think you're ready for your big date! Good luck and have fun!" She sang as you departed towards Derpy's house.
As I flew towards my date, I could feel the butterflies rising in my chest. It was tonight. It was happening! Equal parts excitement and nerves were welling up inside of me and I felt fit to burst. The flight was refreshing, and I arrived at Derpy's door just before I said I would pick her up. With a quick check over myself, I knocked gently on the door. It was answered by a unicorn who I hadn't met before. Her coat was similar to Dinky's, and if she bore a striking resemblance too.
"Hi," I started nervously. Don't let this be the wrong house. "I'm here to pick up Derpy." From upstairs there were a couple of loud crashes followed by some commotion.
"Come in, she'll be ready soon." The unicorn glanced at the ceiling, before standing aside to allow me to enter. Dinky was playing in the sitting room, toys scattered around, and she smiled upon seeing me.
"Hi Mr Storm!" She said excitedly, waving a toy in the air.
"Hello Dinky!" I responded with a similar smile, and she went back to playing almost instantly.
"So you must be..." I trailed off slightly.
"Sparkler, the eldest child." The unicorn responded sharply, looking me up and down once more with bemusement in her eyes. Awkward silence hung in the air for a few moments. I looked around, trying to think of something to break the silence, however I was saved by Derpy making her way down the stairs.
"Hi Storm!" I turned to greet her, and as my eyes fell upon her, I was blown away. A grey dress adorned her figure, not showing off too much, but not unflattering to her figure. Her cutie mark stitched into the side in sequins, and a golden flower in her hair, placed delicately behind one ear to hold it in place.
"H..Hi Derpy, you look great!" The words spilled out my mouth with the grace of spilled porridge. She giggled, and turned to Sparkler.
"You sure you'll be okay tonight? You know who to go to if there's an emergency? Do you have food?..." The questions went on for a while, punctuated by yes's from Sparkler. Eventually they ended, and Derpy gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, then blew one to Dinky.
"Bye! See you later!"
And with that, we departed on what was easily the best worst night of my life.
