“Have you heard?”

“Heard what?”

“That fox Digimon.”

“What about him?”

“I hear he’s with that plant Ivy.”

“What?! I heard he’s with Rainbow Dash.”

“Then why were all those Diamond Dogs after him the other day?”

“You don’t suppose….”

The gossiping fell to a muted whisper as the object of said gossip walked into the market. He headed straight for Applejack’s stall, and upon seeing the orange mare, smiled. “Ten of your finest apples, please,” he said to the apple farmer.

“Hey there lover boy.” Applejack smirked as she bagged his apples. “You’re gettin’ all the attention.”

“So I heard from Dash the other night,” the fox replied with a roll of his eyes. “How much do I owe you? What, is it like two bits an apple?” That was the usual price anyways, but it didn’t hurt to check.

“For you, a bit for an apple. If just for the entertainment.” She chuckled softly and hoofed him the bag of apples.

And uh...that was still twenty bits.

“I owe you for what you did the other day,” the fox said succinctly. “Though I don’t think I can pay you near enough for it.” And without elaborating at all, the fox shouldered his apples and walked off.

This only made the gossiping worse as mares started to talk in “hushed whispers” as he walked by.

“Dustin!” A voice called out, only for Rainbow Dash to drop from the sky. “Hey, I had a great time the other night.”

“Ah good, at least I can still be polite in pony-land,” the fox joked. “Glad you enjoyed yourself, I was hoping my social interaction skills weren’t as rusty as an unused blade like I thought they might be. And hey, for what you did, dinner and a show is the least I can offer.”

“And what a show it was... “ Rainbow sighed, uncharacteristically dreamy. “The screaming was great.”

Nearby mare’s eyes widened as they blushed and hurried away.

“Didn’t take you for a screamer, though,” Dustin mused as they walked through the market.

“Well when something surprises me that much, that’s what you’re going to get.” Rainbow giggled and whacked him with a wing.

“Fair point,” Dustin nodded. “Still, thanks for the revenge against Geralt. I needed that after such a long day.”

“Well you probably needed to relax after all those dogs and Geralt were all over you.” She grinned. “Oh, by the way, when’s your birthday? I wanna repay you for such a good time.”

“Ack, I’d need to look at a calendar to remember,” Dustin shook his head. “Besides, I celebrate weird anyways.”

“Define weird.” Rainbow raised an inquisitive brow. “Like… something big or small?”

“Something reversed,” Dustin countered. “I tend to give presents to my friends on my birthday.”

Rainbow dropped to the ground as if frozen. She blinked once. Twice. “Wat.”

“Yeah, age is just a number to me,” Dustin said breezily. “I find more joy in being generous to my friends than asking for things.”

“That’s…. Huh.” She seemed to be digesting the concept slowly. “I can see it I guess.” Suddenly she giggled. “Oh Pinkie is gonna lose her shit.”

“Not my concern,” Dustin pointed out. “Oh, that reminds me. I have a load of stuff to give to my friends now that I don’t need ‘em. Is Twilight in the library today, do you think? I can get the first thing out of the way easily.”

“Sure why not?” Rainbow shrugged. “I’ve got nothing better to do since I’m already off work. Can’t really think of a better time for a guy than spending time with two mares.” She waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“We’re just there to drop something off and to tell her to be careful with it, you pervert,” Dustin scoffed. “I should also drop by the bakery and tell Pinkie the bread recipe I remembered. Then I want to visit Ivy and give her the last present I have on me.”

“Oh I bet you have things to drop off.” Rainbow grinned. She giggled. “Seriously though, sounds good. Want some company?”

“Sure, I can see you enjoying this too much to leave anyways,” the fox smirked as they headed off to the library.

Dustin cast a wary eye at the beehive, as knocked on the library doordoor.

The door opened. And nobody was there.

“Down here.”

“Oh hey Spike.” Rainbow said as she gestured down at the purple and green dragon.

“Oh hey man, glad to see you, but the present I have is really more for Twilight,” Dustin scratched the back of his head. “Tell you what though, I think I have a sapphire on me that you can have as a snack if you can get her for me.”

“She’s here, but I won’t turn down free food.” He shrugged and turned away, leaving the door open. He ended up walking upstairs to the loft.

Rainbow just flew in. “You coming?”

“Yeah yeah,” Dustin said, digging out the blue gem as he sat at one of the tables in the main library room. He didn’t need to go too far in, he might even need to make a quick exit if Twilight got too...enthusiastic.

There was a trotting of hooves and Twilight came down the stairs, followed by Spike. “Hey Rainbow- Oh! Hi Dustin!” The purple unicorn jumped somewhat as she saw the fox. “Can I help you with something?”

“Actually I’m here to give you a gift,” Dustin replied easily, putting the blue gem on the table. “First, for Spike,” he said, nodding at the drake. Then the fox pulled his bag off and rummaged through it, touching several things before withdrawing a long, silver, rectangular object.

“This,” he said, “Is a 3DS, one of the game systems from my world. No cartridge inside it of any real value, but the materials and components it’s made of will probably interest a highly scientific mind like yours.” He placed it on the table before pushing it to Twilight. “All made without magic,” he tacked on. “My only stipulation is that if you take it apart, you do so carefully, so you know how to put it back together again.”

With each word he spoke, Twilight’s eyes widened. She suddenly snatched the 3DS out of his grip with magic and disappeared in a flash.

Spike looked up past the stairs. “Well she’s going to be busy for the next few days.” Spike shook his head then looked at Dustin. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she doesn’t do anything too permanent.” He said as he took the gem and took a bite out of it.

“Eh, it’s an older system, but I thought she’d get a kick out of the games it was loaded with and the computer system itself,” the fox shrugged. “If she keeps it intact she might get a chance to beat my Tetris score.” He picked his pack up again. “Well, that’s what I came for anyways. Ready to find the Pink One, Dash?”

“Looking for Pinkie?” Spike asked. “Not hard to find.” He chuckled as he started up the stairs. “Go ahead and shut the door on the way out, I’ve got a letter to write to mom. We need to get her here some time, she spends too much time working.”

“Will do, see ya Spike.” Rainbow waved with a wing and started towards the door. Dustin stood up and headed out as well. He was just about to close the door after himself, mission accomplished…

There was a flash next to him. Suddenly, purple hooves wrapped around him in a tight hug. “THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! THAT WAS THE BEST GIFT EVER!” Then there was the feeling of lips on his cheek. Then there was another flash.

“Holy Damn!” Rainbow cried out, then burst into laughter. “I think she creamed herself.”

“...You know, I’ve heard about nerdgasms, I never thought I would see one,” Dustin said in a shell-shocked sort of way.

“Seen? I think you felt that. Might want to take a bath, Got-Damn.” She stifled to snickers. “Now. Pinkie, right?”

“Pinkie, and I wouldn’t say no if you could get a raincloud to clean me on the way,” Dustin said in an even tone of voice as he pulled the library door closed.

As they walked Rainbow flew up and snatched a small cloud to drizzle on him. He was almost dry by the time they got to Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow opened the door for him. “Mares first.”

“Har har, it is to laugh,” Dustin rolled his eyes.

“Hello hello!” Came a male voice from the counter. A few ponies were snacking in the dining area, and behind the counter the bright red lizard, Guilmon, stood behind the register, with a white apron on. “Oh, hey Dustin, Rainbow, how’s things?”

“Oh you know, just giving out a few things I said I would ages ago,” Dustin commented idly. “Pinkie around? I have something to pass on that I think she’d be able to make real.”

Guilmon blinked at the fox. “Make? Sure.” He shrugged and turned his head towards the doorway behind him. “Hey hon? Dustin has a thing.”

“A thing?” Came a peppy voice. After a second a Pinkie, covered in flour like a powdered doughnut, emerged from the curtain. She trotted up next to the red lizard, her tail brushed up against his.

Guilmon turned and shot her a glare. “Hon! We have customers.” He paused and looked at the pair. “I think they’re customers?” His brow furrowed as his irritation at his marefriend evaporated. “Why are you here again?”

“Iiiiii have a recipe to pass on to Pinkie,” Dustin said, digging out a small piece of folded paper from his pants pocket and passing it to the pink mare. “For a wonderful loaf of italian cheesy bread that will disappear the day you make it because of how delicious it is.”

“Wait wait wait… Do you have the recipe for Fucking Crazy Bread?!” He leaned over the counter and stared wide-eyed at Dustin.

“Ah, no...it’s better than the store bought stuff,” Dustin said with a sigh. “Mom would make it when it was warm out. Perfect blend of spices and parmesan cheese baked into the loaf. Dipped in olive oil with herbs in it...mmm! Molto bene,” he said solemnly. “Just a piece of home that I figured you’d appreciate.”

Guilmon closed his eyes and took a deep breath in. He opened them and looked at the vibrating Pinkie. “Honey?”

“Yes, you may.” Pinkie nodded with a giggle.

Guilmon virtually leapt over the counter and kissed Dustin while giving him a bone crushing hug. “I love you!”

“Should I be jealous?” Pinkie asked with another giggle.

“With how the day’s going, probably.” Rainbow snickered, with her hooves crossed over her chest.

Dustin...had no idea how to respond. It wasn’t like he wasn’t used to getting hugged or kissed, he just didn’t know what to do when it was a guy and was that tongue?

“You good?” Guilmon asked as he backed up and went to return to his post behind the counter.

“I think you broke him.” Pinkie commented as she sat down on her haunches. “The recipe?”

“Oh,” Dustin finally latched onto something normal. He managed to stand up again and held the square of folded paper out to the pink mare. “It wasn’t hard remembering everything that went into the bread, but figuring out the spice blend for traditional italian spices was a bit more tricky,” he admitted. “I don’t recall seeing a canister of that on Rarity’s spice rack, you see, so I had to think on that one.”

“Shouldn’t be hard to recreate.” Guilmon hummed. “Pinks, take the thing.”

The recipe was already gone and only the hint of the poofy tail was seen disappearing into the kitchen.

“Figured.” Guilmon chuckled and shrugged. “Can I get you two anything?”

“I’m good.” Rainbow was still grinning at what would no doubt turn into amazing gossip.

“Nah, but let me know when she nails it, I’ll take a loaf if you want to repay me that badly,” Dustin added.

“I’ll definitely let you know.” Guilmon nodded enthusiastically and waved as Rainbow turned towards the door.

As the door shut behind them Rainbow pretended to be interested in her hoof and tried not to smile as she asked. “So, what was next. Ivy’s present?”

“Ah...yeah. I already have everything I could want off of the games I brought...so I figured I could turn one into a present for her,” Dustin nodded. “Maybe she’ll get some of my luck. I know she’s a Pokemon fan like me, so I’ll give her the game and a system to play on.”

“Oh, how sweet.” Rainbow giggled for the umpteeth time today. “Well, lead the way.”

It wasn’t hard to find Octavia and Vinyl’s home, considering that he’d been there just the other day. Dustin knocked on the door and hoped Ivy was calmed down by now. Hopefully. She’d definitely scared off Geralt for the time being, according to his fox nose.

The door opened and Vinyl popped her head out. “Oh hey, you’re alive. Yay. S’up?”

“Nahmuch, just here to give Ivy a gift,” Dustin told the DJ. “She around?”

“Yep!” Vinyl’s head retreated. “IVY, YOUR COLTFRIEND’S HERE!”

“Vinyl! Shut up!” A flustered and slightly pink Ivy, peeked her head out. “H-hi Dustin. I’m glad you’re alive.”

“For some reason they thought you were dead.” Rainbow commented with a glance at Dustin.

“Ah, well I’m not, and I come bearing gifts for your part in chasing Geralt off,” Dustin said, kneeling down and shrugging his pack off so it was on the ground in front of him. The fox dug around in it for a moment, briefly taking something out and nodding his head, before holding it out to the plant.

It was...a solid black rectangle?

“My spare 3DS XL,” the fox explained. “With Pokemon Ultra Moon loaded on it. I’m keeping my main one and Ultra Sun with me, but I figured this way we could play the game with or against each other.”

She went full pink. Almost hesitant she took the gifts. “Th-thank you….” She managed to squeak out. She retreated for a moment. Then stretched up and kissed his cheek, before snapping back and abruptly slamming the door.

“Well, that’s my good deeds done for the day,” Dustin said with a smirk as he stood back up, shrugging his pack back into place. “And coincidentally, all the things that I thought to give out given. So...thanks for coming with and keeping me company, Dash.”

“Not a problem. Thanks for keeping me entertained.” Rainbow grinned and flew off in a flash.

Well...he knew Rarity would keep Geralt and the bitches out after yesterday. It seemed only logical to head home now that his good deeds were done. Plus the females might still be sniffing around town for him. Somewhere safe to rest his head seemed like a good idea right about now.

As he reached his ‘second home,’ he saw a particular wolf standing outside the door. He looked okay, at least physically. “He- Hey Dustin.” He smiled weakly. “Rarity wouldn't let me in.”

“After the shit you pulled yesterday?” Dustin drawled. “I’m surprised she didn’t take you to the barber to be shaved before tarring and feathering you.”

“I think she was planning on it.” He winced and visibly shivered. “So….. It might not mean much. I did go really overboard. Unleashing thirsty dogs after you might’ve been too far in the name of training.” His ears pinned back. “I guess I’m trying to say, I’m sorry?”

Dustin stared at him.

Hard. It was like he was trying to see into Geralt’s soul and it made him a little uncomfortable.

Finally he smiled. “Apology accepted,” the fox said with a smirk. “It’s fine. I’m already planning my revenge.”

“How scared should I be?” Geralt leaned back, clearly nervous.

“Vinyl’s energy drink for her ‘gig’ tonight is spiked,” Dustin said evenly. “When she gets home she’ll be in the throes of lust, and we all know how she feels about you. Now, you get to dodge a thirsty female.”

That had been fun to arrange with Dash when he explained his plan.

The wolf actually paled. His light blue coat turned white. “You don’t say….”

“Mhm, I figure turnabout is fair play,” the fox’s smile was downright evil. Saying that she ‘knew a zebra,’ Dash had flown off, and when they reached the house where Ivy lived, all she would say was ‘it was under control.’ Until Dustin threatened to tickle her, then she spilled the beans.

“Welp, I’m going to find a new place to sleep tonight.” Geralt walked off somewhat stiffly. To his credit, Dustin kept his laughter internal until he walked into the boutique.

Then he laughed his ass off like a hyena, leaning against a wall as tears threatened to spill down his face. The look on his face! Priceless.

“Did he leave Darling?” Came Rarity’s melodic voice from behind the door. Had she been waiting there?

“Oh yeah, he’s gone, and I approve of your defending my honor Rarity, but I do believe the mayhem Dash and I have unleashed will stop him from doing that again.” Dustin had needed a minute to get his breathing under control and stop laughing, but once he did, he walked into the next room and sat at Rarity’s table, glad to be sitting at last.

“Oh wonderful. And what are your plans for the rest of the evening? Should I expect somepony? You may want to use protection.” She grinned devilishly.

“Nah, nothing like that,” Dustin waved her off. “Though Geralt might need that before the night’s over. Dash spiked Vinyl’s drink, so when she gets off work, she’ll be horny for her wild wolf.” He long knew that one of the best ways to pay Rarity back was juicy gossip material.

“Oh goodness.” She gasped with her hooves to her mouth. “That’s... interesting.”

“Mhm,” Dustin smiled. “Such a shame that the big bad wolf is seeking other places to lay his head than with his mare, don’t you think?”

“Oh I agree, after what he did…. Oh, horrid.” She snorted.

“Ah well, what’s a bit of revenge between training partners,” Dustin snickered as he leaned back in the chair. “After all, escaping from horny females is what he did to me to train me in teleporting, so I figure turnabout is more than fair play. He teleported as well, so clearly he could do with some training.”

“Though isn’t there a limit to how far somepony can go? I mean, this is the second time he sicced females on you, correct?” She asked, somewhat concerned.

“Which is why this revenge is perfect,” Dustin smiled, closing his eyes. “It wasn’t just one drink that was spiked.”

Rarity’s eyes widened, only for a knock to sound on the door.

“Ah, I guess you have a visitor,” Dustin noted, sitting normally again as he picked his pack up. “I’ll be in my room unwinding after my long day.”

Rarity went to open the door, only to see Rainbow Dash. “Dustin? Would you like a Soundproofing spell?”

“I’m not that loud when I game, Rarity,” Dustin scoffed, heading up the stairs. Oh...he hadn’t even looked? That presented an opportunity to Dash.

“Thanks Rarity.” Dash grinned and silently flew up after him.

“Are you sure?” Rarity asked as she shut the door behind the pegasus.

Dustin flopped down on the bed, spread eagle as he stared up at the ceiling. Today had been...weird. And it was only Friday. Still, he’d done everything he needed to.

There was the lightest of depressions at the foot of his bed. “Hey Dustin, I had a great time today. Care to end it on a good note?” Dash was at the foot of his bed with the sultriest pair of bedroom eyes he’d ever seen.

“Dash!” Dustin squeaked, his hands going to his crotch. He’d kicked his pants off when he came to his room because they tended to chafe a little and...now he was regretting that. “What...what are you doing?” He was more than a little confused because he wasn’t aware she liked him at all.

“That excited to see me?” She grinned. “Also, I’m thanking you. Properly.”

“Ah...I should be thanking you for helping me prank Geralt,” Dustin tried turning it on her. Maybe logic would work?

She took a step forward. “That was just for fun… and revenge…. But mostly fun. This. Is different.”

Dustin gulped. Okay, his pants were hanging off the chair across the room. He was fast. He also knew Dash was faster and there was no way he was getting them on before she got him. And he didn’t have a good enough handle on teleporting to not end up anywhere embarrassing, which would be anywhere in public without his pants.

“Going to make a move, or am I going to have to?” Dash winked.

Maybe if he stayed still she’d give up? Worth a shot.

She trotted right up to him.

Their faces were inches apart.

Then she booped his nose with a hoof.

The fox blinked before crossing his eyes at her. “Was...that it?” he asked, untensing and relaxing. All that build up for that? Honestly.

“What? Expecting a kiss? More?” She grinned. “Please. You owe me… at least four dates before anything like that. Though, I’m not opposed to the idea.” She hopped off the bed and flew over to open his window. “Lemme know if you ever wanna go out again some time.” She winked, flicked her tail at him, and shot out the window.

...Mares were more confusing than Earth girls had ever been. He honestly expected...well, whatever. Apparently he was a friend with benefits to Dash now, or could be.

“Oh COME ON!” Came a high-pitched cry from beyond his door.

Author's Note

Thadius0 kicked me out of my writer's block. Two chapters in one day. Maybe we can make it three.