Author's Note

I wanted to update both this and my other story at the same time but I have been a bit under the weather.

(Currently at work when publishing so ima do a re-read and fix errors when i get home.)

Plus with work I haven't been able to rest very well.
Either way I did a update

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Please leave any and all feed back in the comments. :) I promise I read them all.

Act 4 - Whatever Makes You Numb

It was silent. Leo was sitting in a fold out lawn chair looking out at the lake. Two older gentlemen were talking, about how when the wind comes in from the south the fish just seem to bite better. The simplicity, the calm it was one of his happiest memory’s.

Thats how he knew something was very wrong, looking at the two old white haired men. “So Leo, how was your winter?” The one on the right asks.

“Who are you? Your not john..” Leos face isn’t one of anger or hate or fear. He knows this isn’t right. And stares down the man, for what feels like hours, until the form relents and the world starts to shimmer and fall apart.

Before him the old men with him on the lake were gone. They had been replaced with one Black and Blue mare. The one an only Princess Luna.

“We sought to relive you of your nightmares, this is pleasant. Did you have many moments like this on earth?”

“Oh, so your using magic to mess with my head huh?”

“What?! No, its so you can have a sound sleep. Is tha-“

“What gives you the right to see whats in my head huh?”

“Our title! It is our role as Princess to watch over the dreams of our subjects.”

“Ya well, not mine. No more.”

“Our you not our citizen?”

“That may be, but I REFUSE To let you in here, these are a private matter. My nightmares are just that MINE, and you will leave them. I don’t need your help”

“Your nightmares are... You really do need help Leo. Why do you reject someone who would help you?”

“Fine then, I WONT Accept your help. Better? That a more proper way to say it? And why? Why should I let you help? You maybe a Princess but I don’t know you. I don’t know any of you!”

“Why are you so defensive? We have only offered to help!”

“You wanna know why? Is that what you want Princess-?”

“Yes”

“Too bad”

—————————————

As his eyes shot open, Leo couldn’t help but realize that for the first time in a very long time he felt well rested. Although, he would never tell that to Luna. Was she even real? Was it just another weak nightmare messing with him? Then a loud grumble sounded from his stomach, realizing how much he had to do today.

‘Okay, first white ponies place for the clothes.. wait how am I going to pay for.. hope she will take a IOU. Then Twilights to become a lab rat. And then.... maybe I can trick the pink one into a trap of some sort.’ Leo tried his best to map out a decent schedule for his day while frying up some more eggs. He was getting sick of eggs..

After finishing his meal and tossing the dishes into the sink he noticed that it was overflowing with un washed kitchenware. ‘Well it not like I am in a rush’ , so he cleaned them, took a shower, then took off.

————————————————

“Oh right no one here starts working this early” he grumbled as he sat down on a park bench. Looking at the empty market stalls. ‘I don’t even know where, uuh crap why are names so hard. The white one’s shop even is.’

A light pink mare with white and green hair was walking by, she was one of only a few ponies up this early. She seemed to be in her own world as she stumbled her way past the bench.

“Hey, excuse me miss?” Leo said as she walked by, she stopped and looked over her shoulder at Leo. “You don’t happen to know where the.. Where I might find a clothing store? The mare who works there is white with purple hair?”

Her otherwise plain face soured as Leo fumbled over his question. “Rarity’s Boutique is what your looking for.” She said said with a huff before going about her business. Motioning down a street Leo can only hope is the right way. ‘Well that solves one problem’

Shuffling his way down the road he notices other ponies are starting to walk about and open up their stores. ‘Heh must be nice’. He remembered how Non described the place, but seeing it was a different experience all its own.

The odd manikin horses that paraded the outside of the building looked like they belonged in some weird creepy porcelain carnival. But there was no mistaking it, this was Rarity’s place.

Calmly Leo when to knock on her door, hearing voices from inside made him fell better about being so early. ‘Well at least I wont be waking anybody up’. Three quick knocks on the door made their intended sounds.

After a few moments the white unicorn answered the door “Well you are certainly up early!” She started to say before she realized who it was. “Yeah, I am a bit of a early riser.” Leo said looking down to meet the eyes of the now worried pony.

“Oh, well um. Your clothes are done. I am sure you can’t wait to get something clean on you. Why humans feel the need to cover themselves up is beyond me.”

“Well if you ever saw one of us naked you’d understand.” Leo said with a chuckle. Looking around the inside as he was allowed to walk in. It was so clean and to Leo, the while place felt like a jewelry store you couldn’t even afford to look at.

Rarity cleared her throat and with a light blush she responded. “Yes well, let me show you what I have made so far.” As the clothes float over held in her magic aura, landing softly in Leo’s hands.

Slowly looking at the clothes in his hands Leo noticed there where three shirts. Two plain black and a white collared shirt. Two pairs of what seemed like jeans but were a much brighter blue and felt too soft. A few pairs of socks. “Hey, I can work with this.” Leo said rather pleased. “Now I don’t have a job yet but..”

Then before another word was able to leave Leo’s mouth Rarity chimed in “Oh don’t you worry about paying me. You need the help darling let me help.”

Leo’s response was a lower grumble. Looking at the clothes in his hands he was silent for a moment. “No, I don’t do hand outs.” He said not in a angry tone but a stern one all the same. “Give me a bill, and ill pay it as soon as I can.”

“Oh its quite alright, besides if you need as much clothing as Non says humans do you’ll be back here in no time.” She says in a vain attempt to still be generous.

“Nope, either you give me a bill or I don’t take the clothes.” Rarity’s face changed from pleasant to confused and a bit frustrated.

“Now I am just trying to be generous to somepony who needs it. Why is that a problem?” She asks her tone matching her expression.

“Simple.” Leo coughs a bit and straightens himself. “Its either Ill be indebted to you from your generosity, or Ill owe you money. Money I can pay back, generosity.... unlikely.”

“Darling, you don’t do go things expecting some pony to repay you.” She says regaining her composure. “You do it to help and forge friendships.”

Leo was unmoved, his face holding a light frown as he looked down at the white unicorn. “Your like Pink right? Not gunna let this go until I relent?”

“Pink? Oh! You mean Pinkie, yes she can be quite ‘pushy’ when it comes to party’s. But she does mean well. Just like I do with my gifts.” She says letting her hoof come down, to emphasize her point.

With a long sigh Leo drops his gaze to the clothes in his hands. His grip on them tightens. “Fine then.” After a another short pause he quietly says “Thanks..”

“Oh don’t be so down! Besides your having your welcome to town party today! I do hope to see you in some of your brand new clothes!”

“Uhhh yeah, I gotta meet Twilight for something.” Leo says as he starts to shuffle out of the shop, holding onto the clothes. He doesn’t even hear Rarity call after him asking him something.

—————
Slowly and with his clothes under his arms Leo makes it to Twilights little library. Knocking on the door with three quick knocks its answered by a rather short dragon.

“Hey Leo, good to see you outside the hospital.” Said Spike, motioning for Leo to come on in. “So you agreed to twilights experiments? Thats a new one.”

“Good to be out” Leo walked in and took his coat off using it to store his new clothes before tucking it under his arm again. “So whats she going to do exactly?”

A shrug was his response, then Spike turned to walk upstairs calling up “TWILIGHT LEO AGREED.”

“Ohmygoshohmygosh” and the sound of hooves hurriedly making their way down the stairs.

“Thanks so much for agreeing to this Leo, There is no telling how much this could end up helping us understand the world you come from. Not to mention how magic works in our world and-“

“It’s fine. Haven’t found any work yet so not like I have anything else to do.” Leo decided cutting her off might be the right thing to do. Else she would never stop.
“So what kinda stuff are we doing?”

“Not too much, blood samples, skin samples and a few scans and some notes on certain things like memory, problem solving. Just so we can measure change overtime.” She topped it off with a smile that looked like it hurt.

“Thats not bad, I have had to deal with worse. Lets get to it then.”

What followed was exactly what Twilight said, memory games puzzles that measure IQ and odd things. Finishing up the day with some blood tests.

“So how are things going living with Rainbow Dash and Non?” She asked as the syringe filled with a small amount of blood.

“Fine.” Which had been Leos answer for most of Twilights questions. Or some variation of ‘Okay’ or ‘Could be worse’.

This had been unfortunate, Twilight had hoped to get Leo to open up some. “You sure? You don’t sound to thrilled about it?”

“Besides being woken up from their LOUD love making at night. Yeah, its fine. About as good as I would expect.” That comment made Twilight blush and stutter out “Oh, yeah that must be awkward.”

“Yeah, not exactly jazzed about it.”

“Well I mean, they do love each other. Its only a healthy way to express it.” Twilight says sounding more upbeat.

“Sorry but the idea of a human fucking a pony makes my skin crawl, beasteality is not my thing.” The two now facing each other and the pricked spot on Leos arm being covered by a cotton ball.

“WE are not animals.” She says with a huff looking right into Leo’s eyes. Unnerving him some.

“Well.. thats.....” unable to look her in the eye he faces away “Your kind doesn’t talk where I am from, so even though you may NOT be. You all look the part it just....doesn’t feel right.” Turning to look back at her, and seeing her pet owl perched. “Id be like you ended up somewhere and no one was a pony. And the only other pony you know was in a relationship with a sentient owl.”

Nodding Twilight looks back from her pet to Leo. “Yes, I understand. Its hard for you to accept but.. pony’s are pretty open minded. They often have relationships outside our species. Not like with animals, but with other creatures like gryphons or dragons. The only thing thats important is that they are both in love.”

“Wow, thanks for that very special episode Twilight.” With a huff he continued, “As nice as that is, I know better then to get into relationship ever again.”

“What wrong with finding your special somepony?”

“Because it’s always doomed to fail.”

“What? Thats ridiculous, surely you cant mean that.”

“Twilight, people hurt one another all the time. Eventually they get sick of each other... or just one does and then wanders.”

“Well my parents haven’t gotten sick of each other, In fact I don’t know of a single PONY who hasn’t stayed together and made a marriage work! And Non and Rainbow Dash are happy whats so wrong with that?” Twilight began to raise her voice.

“Well how nice for you PONYS. You all get to trust each other, and just wait it’ll happen. Or maybe its just a human thing, so just watch Non and Rainbow real close. And just wait.” Leo said standing up, his voice having been raised.

“Maybe its just a you thing! Your so sour who could stand to be around that!” Twilight said with a shout. Both their eyes widened, Twilight could see the anger in Leos eyes wash away and be replaced with something else. He almost looked hurt to her.

“Uhhhhhhh” Spike standing in the doorway with some water and snacks breaking their silence. The two looked to him then back at each other.

“L-leo I didn’t mean-“

“Shush it.” Leo said regaining his composure, “Don’t wanna hear it. Maybe magic pony land is perfect, and I am just a broken toy. Huh?” He says looking down as Twilight refuses to look him in the eyes.

Leo walked out having drank the water that spike offered him. At a loss for what to do next standing outside the library.

‘Well there seems to be either go the party or avoid the part to wander around getting more dirty looks from the towns-folks. Wait.... where is this stupid party supposed to be?’ “Ha!” Leo laughed putting his hand to his head as he walked back toward Rainbow’s and Non’s house. ‘She never told me where it was going to be! If I just go back and stay at the house I’ll have an excuse. Thats the first bit of good news I have gotten all day! Hell how about all week! Year even!’

Leo did think himself lucky, For the entire walk back through town. He hadn’t realized how much time he had spent at the library. It was late evening and the sun was just starting its decent. As he walked up to the unlocked door and opened it the room inside was completely dark. Perfect, Leo had figured out a nice little path he could follow to the couch. So he started to walk in and not two steps in he hit something.

“Ow”
“Ow?”

“What the?” Leo quickly switched the light on and was greeted by a loud “Surprise!” Being called out from various ponies which now filled the house. All except a light brown earth pony who was rubbing his front hoof.

Leo’s happy day just couldn’t last, he knew it wouldn’t be that easy. It never was. ‘Why did I go and get my hopes up like that’.

“Hehe we sure did surprise you huh?” Pinkie pie said poking Leo until he turned to face her.

“Yeah you could say that Pink.”

“Come on lets get you to meet everypony!”

Then Leo was forcibly introduced to a bunch of ponies in quick succession. His eyes traveling to the snacks table every few minutes. Trying his best attempt at small talk.

“So Non says Earth has like 7 billion of your kind on it? How is there that much space?”

“There really isn’t”

“S-so h-humans eat meat? N-not ponies though right?”
“If you think i’d eat you, why did you come to this party?”

“Leo huh is that short for something?”
“Yup”
“What?”
“Leon, but don’t ever call me that.”

“Oh I hope you didn’t leave anyone important behind.”

“Me too”

The Ponies started to really grate on Leo, their questions were getting annoying. Normally he would have some ‘liquid courage’ to help in these situations. But the pink one was determined to get him to say something to every. Single. Pony. It was time for a break.

“Hey pink, you think I could get something to eat? I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”

“Okie- Wait didn’t you eat at Twilights? Wait WHERE is Twilight? She was supposed to walk back with you” Pinkie breathes in really fast. “Oh my gosh did something happen.”

“Well, we had a bit of a disagreement.” Leo says rubbing his hand on the back of his neck.

With a loud gasp Pinkie looks taken aback, “And you UNINVITED her from the party!”

“What? No I just walked out. I just think she doesn’t wanna come.”

“Thats silly, friends have disagreements all the time. I’ll go get Twilight, and we will fix this whole thing up!” Then she zipped away.

‘Okay you do that, I am going to devour that table of snacks.’ As he begins to fill a plate up with cakes and cookies. He looks at the drinks available and see punch and a barrel marked cider. ‘Oh that would be too good to be true’. Pouring himself a cup he drinks. ‘My god, it IS alcohol! Okay pony land has booze, weak booze but it’ll do.’ Setting down his plate he quickly downs four cups in quick succession. ‘Gotta make up for lost time.’

—————-

“So THATS what happened?” A confused Pinkie asked Twilight.” That doesn’t seem so bad. Plus he’s not even mad about it now.”

“I don’t know Pinkie he seemed really upset about it.” The two of them were on their way back toward the party. “I mean why does he have to be so negative about everything. I even got a letter from Princess Celestia this morning saying that he’s been refusing Princess Lunas help with his dreams.”

Bouncing along side of Twilight Pinkie ponders for a moment. “Well, maybe he’s just afraid that he’ll hurt somepony.”

Before Twilight has enough time to work through what Pinkie Pie has said Rainbow Dash lands right in front if them causing them to stop short. “Hey thought you guys would be at the party already, whats up?” Non was panting trying to keep up with his marefriend.

The four finished the walk back fairly quickly, Twilight retold the story if what happened today. Much to the embarrassment of Non and Rainbow. “I didn’t think he’d hear us. That’s definitely something he could have done without.” Non said rubbing the back of his neck.

“So? It is our house, I don’t wanna change our whole routine just cause he’s around. Besides, he expects us to break up, who even says stuff like that.” Rainbow Dash responds.

“Its just until the town sets him up with a house. Which how is that going Twilight?”

“Not the best, there is only one place vacant, but it was built to be a store so it really doesn’t have things a home should.”

On that note the four make it back
to the party and as the walk inside they are greeted by something they didn’t expect. Most all the ponies were silently listening to Leo as he seemed to be telling and lightly acting out some sort of story.

“Then the Spaniard started to move like a man possessed saying ‘My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die!’ Fencing back toward his enemy.”

Some of the Ponies listening intently, others were a little uncertain what was going on with the human. His words were slightly slurred and his movements were slow, but to most of them he seemed nicer.

“Whats wrong with him?” Twilight asked looking to Non. “He’s drunk, we gotta get him outta here.”

“Why? he looks like he’s enjoying the party finally.” Pinkie said happily bouncing, feeling victorious.

“He may seem happy now but, when humans get drunk a small thing can set them off. He could get violent for no reason. His mood could swing back and forth in a second, or he could really hurt himself.”

“Awww, but he looks so happy.” Pinkie wined a bit as she pouted.

“Doesn’t matter lets get him.”

As soon as the story was over, the went over Non decided it would be best to start and try and lead Leo out of the party. “Heyy there guy, got a bit tipsy huh?”

“Maybe...” he responded making himself stand up some.

“How many cups of cider have you had?”

“Pffft not enough to look at your ugly mug. Hheh” Leo continued to laugh until non asked again.

“How many cups have you had.”

Blinking a few times he squints his eyes in thought. “Uuh 4 then it was another 5. At least 14. Maybe” He managed to slurr out, “stuffs fruity.”

“Thats quite a bit, how is he still walking?” Twilight asked, looking to Non for an answer. “Hey Purple.” Leo said, in a tone that quickly turned flat.

“I can explain that later, come on Leo we are gunna go outside.”

“Yuus” he said as he grabbed a plate full of cupcakes and stumbled toward the door.

Once outside Non, Twilight and Pinkie were trying to explain to Leo that he had to go to Twilights to sleep off until the party was over. While Rainbow Dash ran damage control inside. Leo however was having none of that.

“I’d rather sleep in the forest.”

“Is it because of earlier, because I am sorry abo-“ but Twilight was interrupted by Non.

“NO, you should want people to be happy. Leo was just being a jerk.”

Barley above a whisper Leo says “Well this jerk speaks from experience.”

“How about he stays with me for a few hours?” Pinkie chimes in. “I mean I am supposed to watch the Twins tonight anyway. The Cakes are out it would be just us in the shop.”

“Will you go with Pinkie Pie?” Non asks Leo.

“Sure, Pink ish fine. Don’t want a babysitter though.”

“Then its settled, don’t worry we will pick up the party for you Pinkie.” Non says with a nod, silently thanking the pink mare.

Pinkie starts to walk Leo toward her home but decides to ask Leo a question. “Why do you call me Pink?”

“Cause your Pink, and your names Pinkie. Pink ish easier to say. That okay?”

“Hmmmmmm.” She does put on a good act for the dunk. “Sure, but that means were friends!” She says poking his leg, then hurrying them along to the sugar cube corner.