Author's Note

So sorry this took so long. I haven't made a serious story in quite a while so I really wanted to work on this but as you'd have it, I've been very busy as of late. I'm working on some personal projects with friends and I would go as far as to say that it may be one of my biggest projects yet but still, I apologize for having this take long. That's about all for me for now. I really hope you enjoy this chapter, and I certainly you'll look forward to future chapters. Good stuff planned in the long run. Have a good read now, and have a better day.

At you, not with you

“Good job, Anon. Looks like you really do have what it takes.” Starlight commends you.

“Thanks.”

It’s Monday afternoon and you just finished your first day’s work of teaching students about poetry and literature. It wasn’t too difficult. It was actually rather fun when things started to get philosophical. Of course, that came rather late into the session as the first few parts were introductions. Everyone seemed pretty excited after realizing that there’d be a new teacher and subject in their flexible curriculum. They got especially intrigued when they found out a new creature was gonna be their teacher. Standard questions were thrown your way here and there, questions like “How old are you?” which you refused to answer until such a time came. In the collective chatter, you’d even heard some gossiping about you as they giggled like schoolgirls. Did some of them take a liking to you in that way? It was flattering, but nothing more.

The rest of the dominoes fall as expected. You’re a little happy that they enjoyed the subject, but right now, the rest of the day follows.

“So when do I get paid again?” you ask Starlight as you gather your class lists, schedules and materials to head to the faculty.

“End of the week at a hundred bits. We’ll significantly bump up your salary in four weeks though.” she explains.

Ah, loyalty bonuses. A little early from what you’ve come to know, but you’ll take it.

Not that it matters much anyway. You have...a few more pressing matters to think about.

“Hey, it’s okay. I know it’s not much but Trixie and I will help you with the expenses in the meantime.” Starlight notices your contemplative expression.

“Thank you again, Starlight. But I’m not worried about that.”

“Oh, you looked like you were lost in thought for a second there. If you don’t mind me asking, what were you thinking about?”

“I don’t know…” you feel reluctant to tell her about it.

“C’mon, Anon. I used to be the school’s guidance counselor. You can tell me anything.”

“Hmmm...fine. I...have a date tonight.” you reveal.

“O-oh, really?” she starts to snicker to herself.

“Hey, what’s so funny?”

“It’s nothing. I’m just a little amused. You’ve barely been here for a few days and you’ve already managed to get yourself a date.” she explains herself.

“Well, I didn’t expect it myself either.”

You can’t believe Cheese already managed to set you up after that short of a time. Of course, it’s a blind date. You don’t really know who you’re gonna see, but you’re fairly certain he’s thoughtful enough to find females that aren’t too picky about race. At the very least, he was kind enough to inform you about it a day before it happens.

“In any case, I’m happy for you. I still remember what it used to be like with me and Trixie when we were starting out.” you both arrive at the faculty office as you make your way to your designated area.

You drop all your stuff on the table and stretch your muscles around a bit from the exhausting day, “It must’ve been sweet, I’m sure.”

“It still is.” Starlight forms a smile on her face as she reminisces the past.

You take a look at the wall clock in the room. 4 PM, early enough to prepare for the date at 7 PM, “Well, I better get to it then. Don’t wanna be late now.”

“Have fun.” she calls out as you leave.

“Thanks, mom.”

You swear that by the corner of your eye, you see a hefty pout.

6:55 PM and you’re all set waiting for your date at the same diner you had lunch with Fluttershy. Apparently, the place is quite a lot fancier at night, though you’re not so fancy yourself. You look decent with the standard white t-shirt and jeans, but not dashing. You didn’t really plan on dressing up for the occasion anyway, but you still need to get some clothes for every occasion from Rarity soon.

“Good evening, sir. Waiting for somecreature?” the same pony waitress from before.

“Actually, yes. Yes I am. And if it’s not too much to ask, could I have a rose in this vase instead? If you have any at all, that is.” you gesture your hand towards the daisy in the vase at the center of the table. You’re not really interested in dating anyone right now, but you’ll at least be courteous enough to show this lady a good time.

“We have some in stock just for occasion, sir. I’ll get one right away.”

“Thanks. Say, what’s your name?” you ask with the feeling that you’ll see her a lot more often from now on.

“It’s Pearl, sir. Pearl Shores.” she reveals.

“Anonymous, long for Anon.” you return.

“Well then Mr. Anonymous, good luck on your date. And have fun.” she waggles her eyebrows at you as she leaves to bring you your rose.

You feel your spirits lift with that little exchange.

“Hey there!” you hear a familiar voice from beside you.

“Oh, hi Pumpkin. What brings you here? I don’t suppose you’re my date for tonight.”

She giggles at your response, “Actually, I am.”

“O-oh, I had no idea you were, ummmm…interested in me.” you feel your cheeks turn a shade of crimson.

“Nah, I’m just here for the free grub.” she plops herself down on the empty seat in front of you.

“W-wait, really?”

“Not really. I decided to be your first date because you seemed a little off when you had dinner with us last time. And no, I’m not really interested in looking for my special somecreature yet.” she explains herself.

“Oh…” well now you just feel even more flustered.

In your moment of embarrassment, you feel a hoof from across the table comforting your hand, “Hey, it’s okay. I know it’s not really a date, but we can still have a good time. But before everything, I just wanna ask, is everything alright?”

“Y-yeah, I’m doing just fine. I guess I’m still getting used to how the ball rolls, but I think I’ll settle well.”

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to take your word for it. If you say you’re fine, then let’s enjoy ourselves tonight, yeah?”

“Yeah.” you agree, as you could use some fun right now.

“That’s the spirit!” Pumpkin cheers.

“Here you are, sir!” Pearl arrives with your rose in her magic.

Swiftly, she switches out the daisy in the vase.

“Are you two ready to order?” she asks as she holds a notepad and an inked quill in her magic.

You notice Pumpkin eyeing the rose curiously.

“Could you give us a minute?” you tell her.

“Certainly. Just give me a holler when you’re both good to go. I’ll be around serving other tables in the meantime.” with a beaming smile, she trots off.

“Is that for me?” Pumpkin asks with a slight blush on her cheeks.

“Well, it was, until I found out you’re my date tonight. But I guess it still is.”

“Well, I must say I’m flattered. You sure know how to treat a mare right. If I was looking for a coltfriend right now then you’d be off to a great start!” she praises.

“Well, you’re not though. But thanks.”

With a giggle, she continues, “I know, I know. But that doesn’t mean you can’t change my mind.” she throws a stunning set of bedroom eyes down your way.

You feel yourself heating up again at her mere gaze.

Noticing your timid expression, she relents, “Alright, that’s enough out of me for now. So, what do you wanna eat?”

You had a good time with Pumpkin. Nice conversations about whatever came up coupled with good food seemed to make your day. You’d even go as far as to say that the Sweet and Sour Pork with fried rice alone might’ve been able to make your day. Overall, that certainly ended better than you expected.

After paying for the meal and leaving another generous tip for the great service, you find yourself outside the restaurant with Pumpkin.

“You enjoy yourself tonight?” you ask her.

“Sure did!” she beams a wide smile up at you.

“Glad to hear it.” you run your hand through her mane as an affectionate gesture.

Pumpkin seems to be lost in her thoughts of contemplation after you retract your hand.

“Bit for your thoughts?” you ask her.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just found something on the ground over here.” she replies.

“Hmmm? What is it?”

“It’s right here. Come closer.”

You kneel down and observe the stone terrain before you.

“Where? I don’t see anyth-”

Pumpkin gives you a quick peck on the cheek before bolting towards the direction of Sugarcube Corner.

“That doesn’t mean anything!” she shouts at you just as she’s traveled too far for you to see her.

You catch yourself smiling from her kiss. Though quite chaste, it’s a nice way to end the night.

That was probably the last time you had a fairly joyful day. It’s been about three weeks and Cheese didn’t give up easy when he found out that Pumpkin didn’t hook up with you after that date. You had at least six more dates after that night with Pumpkin. You didn’t really care to count, but if one thing’s for sure, it’s that you got set on a lot of dates in a short span of time.

Your multiple dates came in variety too. There were changelings, griffons, hippogriffs, the works. Despite being from different species, they all seemed like nice ladies. Though you didn’t settle with anyone since you’re not really looking to find someone you love. You already found one after all…

That’s why every date you had, your thoughts would always be clouded with the future that could’ve been. Questions kept popping up in your head, questions like what Pinkie and Cheese are doing while you’re on your date, what you could be doing with Pinkie had this not been the world you’d gone into, why this is all happening…

You feel like you’re being played like a damn fiddle!

Your dates always seemed interested in you, but at some point, you got tired of it. You eventually went to ‘The Brown Keg’, the local bar in Ponyville. You’re not really a drunkard, but you could really use a drink after everything.

Thankfully, alcohol is well over surplus in supply in the economy, so it’s relatively cheap. Cheaper than meat, at least.

“Another one?” the bartender, Beerstein McBooze, asks you. He’s a humble fellow that’s aged well with his wisdom. He’s just like the classical cool bartender you’d find back on Earth, complete with the round glasses and mysterious aura, except this time it’s a brown Earth pony stallion.

You’re not a lightweight when it comes to drinking, but you’re not a heavyweight either. You’re rough around the middle, just right so that you don’t have to spend terribly too much drinking.

Well, you’ll be spending plenty of all your bits if you keep going here. This isn’t exactly your first night here after all.

Your colleagues don’t really mind too much about your drinking. Some of them even drink too every now and then. And even though you drank on a few weekdays, your performance in teaching your students was still admirable. Alcohol does pair well often with literature.

“I think I’ll just take another bottle to go.” you answer him.

You toss him a bit as he slides over to you a bottle of Kirin Beer.

You take a swig before standing up from your stool to leave, “Thanks again, Stein. I’ll see you around.”

“You too, big guy. And take it easy now. As much as I want you coming back here, I think we both know it’s better if you don’t.” he jokes as he returns to wiping the counters.

You chuckle at his words as you wobble your way back home.

You’ve been wandering for a while now and you feel like you’re going in circles. You don’t even know what time it is anymore, but it’s certainly well beyond midnight. Your vision’s a little blurry and hazy, distorting your perception of the world, but you tread on.

With less than half a bottle of beer left, you start to feel the magic of alcohol losing its grasp on you. Though you’re not terribly drunk, you’re certainly more than a little tipsy, enough to send you into an emotional breakdown since you haven’t passed out yet.

The last barrier of restraint is broken as you start to tear up.

What the hell are you doing? Everyday you’re just fucking around while your lifelong love is happy with someone else. All those years of clinging on to hope of a better life after death were meaningless, weren’t they? Is this the universe’s way of punishing you?

It all feels so empty and futile. You’ve even resorted to drinking already. God, you’re pathetic! You even feel pathetic! You’re a mess! You’re a mess! You’re a mess! You’re a mess.

You raise the beer bottle and take another sip, but your sorrow turns into rage as you do, and so you frustratedly throw the bottle onto the ground.

It shatters, as it should, just as you should wallow in your self-pity.

That distant voice of conscience in you pleads you to blame yourself so as to not lash out on others.

You try to divert your anger just as Cheese Sandwich pops in your head.

You’re incredibly enraged, but he’s a decent fellow, and you shouldn’t be mad at him just because he’s with Pinkie.

Your anger takes a turn and you find that you’re mad at yourself. You hate yourself because things turned out this way.

You notice a small reflection of light on the ground. You gaze towards it to find that a rather large shard of glass from the beer bottle is glinting in the moonlight.

Do you hate yourself that much?

You kneel down and pick it up. You examine it with difficulty since your hands are shaking greatly from fear.

Are you really gonna do this?

You think about everything. Everything that’s come to be, and everything that most probably will be.

That’s right, you’re mad at yourself because you didn’t do this a long time ago.

You should’ve done this a long time ago.

Things are better this way…

You raise the shard to your neck as you look up to the night sky. You relish in the sights of Luna’s night sky decorated with the moon and the stars. Slowly, you close your eyes, your hand still shaking from the situation you find yourself in.

“Fare thee well, my friends…”

…

And…

…

…

…

Nothing…

Why…?

Why, damn it! Why!?

Why can’t you bring yourself to do it!?

“God dammit!!!” you scream as you break the shard of glass by throwing it at the ground once more.

The waterworks are now broken as you flood in tears, bawling and wailing at how insignificant you feel.

“A-Anon!? What happened?”

You feel someone embracing you as they attempt to drag you away from where you lay a pathetic mess of intoxication.

You feel yourself growing weaker and weaker with every tear you cry away. You relish in the comfort of the warmth of whoever’s carrying you as you continue to breakdown. The warmth proves to be soothing, as you feel less and less lonely while you press yourself against them until you eventually fall asleep.

A mild headache pierces your head just as you slowly awaken from a deep slumber. You don’t remember a great deal from the night before. All that you could piece together in your head among all the hazy recollections is that you went out drinking, contemplated suicide and then someone helped you get to your bed. You’re sure about that last part as you find your arms wrapped around an adorably sleeping lavender pony.

She feels warm. You haven’t felt something this nice in a while. You take a big whiff and curl yourself tighter with the mare in your hands.

She shifts and mumbles slightly every now and then at your every subtle movement.

As you ponder how things ended up like this, you find that your questions are about to get answered as the mare before you yawns and rubs her eyes with a hoof.

“Good morning.” you greet her as she opens her eyes to find herself trapped in your embrace.

“Good morning, Anon.” she casually returns.

“So, uhhhhh...could you tell me how this happened?”

“I suppose you were a little too drunk to remember.” she chuckles at your confusion.

“Yeah, I might’ve had a bit too much last night.”

“Seems like you did. You were taking a bit longer than usual to come back so I decided to wait a little longer. Then I heard you scream after a while and then I ran out to find you. You looked a little lost so I took you to your bed.”

Huh, that sounds just about right. Still, that doesn’t explain one other thing.

“Mind if I ask why you’re here with me?”

You notice her grimace at your question. Her hooves tighten around your torso as she buries her muzzle into your chest.

“It was only for a brief moment, but...I s-saw you before you screamed.” Starlight reveals as you notice her eyes dampen a little.

“Starlight…”

“I know you’re not okay, Anon!” you can feel her overwhelming concern for you.

“I’m sorry…” you hold her even tighter.

“I know something’s wrong and you’re not telling anycreature about it!”

“...”

You lay there hoping to comfort the silently crying Starlight by stroking her mane.

“Please don’t leave us all...I know it hasn’t been long, but nocreature deserves to go out like that…”

For a little moment, only her tears can be heard echoing throughout the room.

Slowly, she composes herself to faint whimpers. With a gentle hand, you cup her cheek to look her in the eyes as she looks up.

“Thank you, Starlight.”

She sniffles before asking you, “F-for what?”

“Everything. For not giving up on me even if I seem like I’m already losing it. For being here despite all I’ve done. For caring. Thank you. I…I promise I’ll find another way.”

“I’ll help you find it, Anon! I’ll do what I can to help you be better.” she exclaims with her glimmering eyes of concern.

Goddamn ponies. Always so friendly and empathetic. That’s what you love about them though.

Looking into more important things, suicide’s thrown out the window now. You promised, after all. You suppose there’s still a part of you that keeps promises, a part of you from the past that is presently fractured.

You’re not even sure if you’ll ever try that again, or if you’ll even manage to buck up and actually do it, but it’s still a shame that the option isn't on the table anymore.

“Sorry, I got a little emotional there. We should probably get up already.” Starlight wipes her tears away with a hoof.

“Why? It’s a Saturday. It’s Saturday, right?” you have no idea what time it is, but Saturday is Saturday. Besides, it’s probably just rough around 8 AM right now.

“It is, but somepony’s here to see you. She should be here by now.” she gets up from the bed, fixing the sheets and pillows off their creases with her magic as she makes up the bed with you giving a little assist on the parts she hasn’t tended to yet.

“Oh, and who may that be?” you ask her with your piqued interest.

“Why don’t you go find her? I’ll make breakfast for all of us so you can go ahead and keep her some company while you wait.” she says as she trots off, leaving you to your own devices.

“Cool, I guess.” you say to yourself.

A little roam later, you hear faint noises coming from the library. Sounds like chatter.

Entering the labyrinth of books, you find a purple Celestia accompanied by a Chad dragon.

“Hey there. What brings you two here this fine morning?” you greet Twilight and Spike.

“Good morning, Anon. It’s been a while.” Spike greets back. Twilight is simply staring at the crowded shelves of books, entranced in the thoughts of her life before all this.

“Sorry, Twilight and I were just talking about our days when we still used to live here. I know she’s always so serious with her royal duties, but she can be pretty sentimental too sometimes.” Spike excuses the reminiscing Alicorn.

You take a few steps closer to engage in proper discussion as Twilight is returned to the present by the sounds of your movement.

“Oh, good morning, Anon. I didn’t quite notice you there for a second.”

“I don’t suppose you’re here on business now, are you?” you ask her.

“Actually, I technically am.” she states as a matter of fact.

“You’re both here for me, aren’t you?”

“That’s right. Starlight sent Twilight a letter last night.” Spike reveals.

Twilight looks a little disheartened as she holds Spike back on the sidelines with a hoof.

“Anon, I don’t mean to be this blunt, but do you need help?”

“How do you mean?” you feign ignorance, despite knowing you’re only delaying the inevitable.

“Anon...Starlight told us about what happened last night…” she pauses, waiting for your input at her revelation.

“Well, what do you want me to say? ‘Gosh gee willikers, Twilight. I sure am in dire need of assistance to help me get through the rough patch I’m in. I would be plenty grateful if you were to do something about it.’.”

“I want you to say the truth! This is serious, Anon!” Twilight didn’t take too well to your response, but you can still feel the concern and worry in the bark of her words.

“...”

With the thoughtfulness behind Twilight’s glare and the hope of resolution in Spike’s eyes, you relent.

“I’m not fine, Twilight. I’m really not. But I would prefer to deal with it on my own.” you answer her with all due honesty.

“But you don’t need to!” she answers back.

“I know that, but I think it’s better this way.”

“Anon…”

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned all my life it’s that there’s some things that only you can do about.” despite your reasoning, Twilight pushes on.

“This isn’t one of those things, Anon. We can help you. There’s plenty of creatures here that can help you with whatever you’re going through. I can send my best student to be somepony you can depend on.” she goes on and on.

“Twilight, please. I’ll do what I can to make myself better, but I don’t need or want your help.”

“We have several programs on mental health and depression. Spike can stay here with you for the meantime.”

You can tell Twilight’s going off right now. So can Spike. Maybe it’s because she’s hyperventilating. Either way, you need to shut her down.

“Look, Twilight. You won’t take no for an answer, and I’m not saying yes. You should leave now and tend to more important matters with your royal duties. As a matter of fact, you should look into how inter-species relationships could ruin Equestria. I’m no scientist, but you’re looking at either a severe decline in population or the rise of several health problems from species that have never existed before!”

You managed to shift the topic away from you, but it seems you yourself went off a little with that last part.

Twilight and Spike start to give you a curious stare, her concerned demeanor shifted to one of deep thought.

“I’m...I’m sorry. It’s...it’s just...damn it…” you opt to leave the room. Spike attempts to follow you but he stops with the wave of your hand.

Starlight enters the room with a tray of sandwiches and tea just as you leave.

“Anon...he’s quite the odd one, isn’t he?” Twilight remarks as she stares off towards the door that you left from.

“He’s stubborn, I’ll give him that much.” Starlight sighs as she hands Twilight and Spike some breakfast with her magic.

“Reminds me of somepony from a long time ago.” Twilight giggles, which Starlight returns in kind.

Twilight eyes the tray. Five sandwiches and five cups of tea total. With a sip of tea, she goes on, “Say, how did you know that I would come right away. Your letter only said to come as soon as possible.”

“I know you’re busy with a lot of work, but I also know you’re still a good friend even after how much everything has changed.” Starlight puts a hoof to Twilight’s withers.

For a brief moment, the two smile at each other.

Starlight’s joy falters as reality kicks back in, “Twilight, what do we do about him? I came to you because I don’t know what to do anymore. I can’t be with him all the time.”

“I know that, Starlight. But I came prepared. I had an idea.”

Somewhere in the castle, a lonely human stares off into the grandeur beauty of the landscapes of Ponyville. In one of the many balconies he stands on, he gets lost in thought.

“That was certainly a very passionate rant against inter-species relationships. Makes me think that you’re only so against them because you don’t have one.” a voice calls out from behind.

That voice, it’s so familiar. So...motherly.

You turn around to solve the mystery, and you’re greeted by a pleasant surprise.

It’s...your Princess of the Sun. She looks the same from how you remember her, save for a little ruffle and mess on her mane. It’s like she just woke up.

You don’t get a lot of familiarity these days. This...this is just what you needed. It feels like you’re still in a time where everything was okay.

Your body moves on its own. Stepping forward, you kneel with a leg, and hug her by her tuft.

“My my, that’s certainly a very forward way to greet somepony you’ve never met. Might this be the custom tradition of your species?”

“Never met, hehehe…” you chuckle to yourself as you relish in her soft touch. It’s almost like all your problems are melting away.

“Well, I’d rather say ‘never formally met’.” she corrects herself.

You catch yourself in contact for too long due to your lack of companionship, and you awkwardly let go, “O-oh, I’m sorry about that.”

“No need for apologies, mister. I myself haven’t received much affection lately.” she says in her calm and serene voice.

“Wait, what do you mean ‘never formally met’?” your brain finally registers what she had just said as your mind kicks in to the present.

“Well, as I’m sure you can agree with, unique anomalies and oddities will always shine in the limelight even if just for a little while.”

“I take it you’ve heard about me from the grapevines.” you presume.

“Talk of the town, even.”

Huh, it seems word of you really did go out far and wide. Even Celestia herself managed to find out about you.

“That still doesn’t explain how you’ve informally met me.”

“Considering you’ve been here for quite a while now, I’m fairly certain you’ve at least heard about me and my sister.” she starts.

“If size is anything to go by, you must be the former Princess, Celestia. And your sister must be Luna.” you still opt to keep your cards hidden in the meantime. She seems to buy your little act.

“That is correct. After hearing of your presence, Luna couldn’t help but look through your dreams. It was a mere contingency plan at first given that your chaotic potential was unknown, but even after certifying your harmlessness, her curiosity got the better of her.” she reveals.

“Y-you mean she’s still looking through my dreams?” you stutter. You don’t really mind Luna doing that, but knowing that she’s actively doing that did catch you off guard.

“Indeed. Your dreams are precisely why I decided to come out from the shadows to meet with you. They’re also why my sister pleaded with me not to come see you. She didn’t want you to know she was looking through your head.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Please tell her I couldn’t really care less.” you’ve got a few more important things to deal with right now.

She nods in confirmation, then a moment of silence passes in the room, “So, uhhhhh...what now?”

“Your world is a crooked, crumbling place. You’ve gone through quite a lot, and the future only seems to be getting bleaker and bleaker. But know that every dark tunnel has its end. Hang in there, Anonymous. More is yet to come.” she canters past you, and stretches her wings.

“Wait, will I see you soon?” you call out.

“Very soon.” with a beat of her wings, she’s off.

Hopefully soon enough.

Roaming back into the castle, you hear joyous conversation within the library. You slip past and head straight for your room. You don’t really feel much right now. Not hunger, not sorrow, just emptiness and exhaustion of everything.

Flipping the locks on your door, you slump onto your bed and shut your eyes.

With your body gaining more than enough rest, you wake up.

The setting sun prompts you to look at the clock on your desk. 5 PM, early enough.

You don the jacket that you’ve had since day one and slip past your door. You should really visit Rarity soon.

Hearing hoof steps, you eye the corner. It’s Starlight.

“Hey, Starlight. Twilight gone?” you ask her, surprised by your presence as she jumps a little.

“She left with Spike a few hours ago.” she looks a little skeptically at your slightly bulging pocket, “Wait, don’t tell me you’re gonna go out drinking again.”

Opting to avoid confrontation, you turn around and start walking away, “Starlight, I’ll be fine.”

“Anon.” she trots right behind you.

You turn around and kneel down to cup her in her cheeks, “Starlight, I promise I won’t do anything crazy. But I need this right now. I’ll even try to be back early this time.”

You lay down your cards on the table hoping that she’ll take your bargain.

With her trust in you telling her to let things be the way they are for now getting to her, she lets up.

“F-fine, I trust you. But please, come to me when you’re not feeling okay.” she speaks quite clearly despite her cupped cheeks.

“Noted.”

With that, you dash on towards the bar.

“What’s wrong, Anon? You haven’t touched your drink all night.” Stein asks you.

When you came here, you bought a warm meal first to get the juices flowing, especially since you didn’t have breakfast or lunch. After that, you bought a beer and have just been staring at it since.

“I don’t know, Stein. Guess I’m not feeling it today.”

“But it’s Saturday. Everycreature could use a drink on a Saturday.” he exclaims, confused by your lack of will to wash away your troubles.

“He’s right you know.” a feminine voice calls out from behind.

“Ah, Redheart. It’s been a while.” Stein greets her.

“Hey there, Stein. Anon, how’ve you been?” she greets the two of you.

“Nurse Redheart? I haven’t seen you in the longest while. And I certainly didn’t expect to see you again here.” you return, still a little surprised by this unforeseen encounter. It had been quite some time since you’d last met her on the train, and if things should sail now just like it did then then you’re in for a good time.

“Having a few drinks every now and then is good for the health so I stop by here often. It also relieves some stress and tension so that’s something I could use.” Redheart explains as she takes the stool right next to you.

“You two know each other? Well then, this calls for a toast!”

“Drinks are on me, Stein. I got a feeling tonight’s gonna be a good one.” you offer.

“Back in the mood for a drink aren’tcha? That’s the spirit. Let’s bring out a classic Brandy, why don’t we?” shuffling through the cupboards, he brings out a brown bottle of alcohol as he pours some of it into three shot glasses he just prepared.

He raises his glass into the air, “To better business!”

You follow suit and pick up yours, “To finding happiness!”

“T-to finding love!” Redheart cheers on with a little reluctance as you all toast your glasses together.

Gulping down the bitter alcohol, you say, “C’mon, Stein. The night’s just started! Keep em comin’.”

You find yourself exhausted after hours of inebriated fun with your human friend. You’re a little tipsy, but you made sure to only drink the moderate and healthy amount of alcohol so you’re not really drunk. Anon, however, is definitely smashed. You can tell by how he’s slurring his words. It’s kind of cute, even.

“C-‘cmo’n now, Sh-shtein. Jus...jush one more bottle.” he pleads.

“Ah, sorry friend. It’s time to close up shop. Seems the two of you are the last ones here.” Stein points out.

“That it is. I think it’s time we take out leave.” you suggest to a half-asleep human. Naturally, he does not respond.

“It’s a shame our friend here isn’t much of a heavyweight. I haven’t seen him this drunk before, I don’t even know how he’s going to be able to go home at this rate.”

You ponder the possible routes that could solve your dear problem, only to ultimately choose the inevitable option.

“I suppose I’ll just have to carry him home.” you propose, gaining a rather surprised reaction from your bartender friend.

“Really? All by yourself?” he questions your idea.

“I hear Princess Twilight let him live in her old castle here in Ponyville. It’s not too far from here so I think I can carry him there.” you explain to Stein.

“Still, are you sure about this?” he gives one final query of reassurance.

“Do we really have a choice?”

He heaves a sigh of relentlessness, “You’re right, I’ll give you that much. I’d help you, but, well, shop won’t close up by itself now won’t it?”

“It’s fine, Stein. Just make sure to give me one on the house next time.” you quip with a little giggle.

“I’d bark back but I’d say you probably deserve one if you can actually pull this off.”

“I’d probably need it too. Bye, Stein. Let’s go, Anon.” you bid him farewell as your human friend grumbles from being assisted to stand.

“Mmmmmmmm…”

He must be half-awake right now. With a little luck and effort, you manage to get him to lean on you just as you both leave the bar through its entrance.

Unfortunately, you find that Anon grows heavier and heavier with every step that you take. You’re losing a proper grip on him, and the angling and position makes it even harder to move, let alone keep him from falling.

“C’mon, Redheart. You’ve carried heavier stallions to their rooms in the hospital before.” you give yourself a pep talk.

“Talking to ourselves now, are we?” a voice calls out from the shadows.

“W-who’s there?” at the dead of night like right now, you don’t really expect anycreature to be out and about in the streets.

“You look like you could use a hoof, missy.”

Revealed by the moonlight, a batpony with a coat that’s as dark as night emerges in front of you.

“It’s fine, really. I wouldn’t want to have to troub-“ before you can even finish your sentence, she’s already trotted up to you and positioned Anon to flop over her barrel. Just like that, she’s taken him from your hooves with ease, and she doesn’t even seem to be phased by his weight on her.

“W-wow…” you can’t help but be surprised at her feat of strength.

“So where to, missy?” she pipes up with an eager attitude.

“O-oh, right. Do you know the way to Princess Twilight’s former castle here?” you ask her.

“Certainly! Off we go now.” she proceeds to trot off with a skip to her step without waiting for you to keep up. Hurriedly, you follow her.

The way to the castle is followed by silence. Well, silence except for the batpony stranger’s humming of a tune.

She enters the castle without even so much as a knock, but to be fair, it really is quite late. You probably would’ve done the same.

What intrigues you is that once she’s inside, she doesn’t survey the area to look for a place to put him in. Instead, she immediately turns corner after corner inside the castle. You’ve had your fair share of times being in this castle, but you haven’t even gotten a proper layout of even the first floor. Just who is this batpony?

“Hey, wait up.” you silently call out to her, but whether she hears you or not, she just keeps on going.

Eventually, you’re led to a room that seems to be Anon’s. At the very least, you can tell that this room is definitely being occupied, and you doubt there’s somecreature else that lives in this castle that hasn’t come back yet.

You watch her flop him over to the bed. She kindly even pulls the sheets up for him.

“Thank you so much. I’m not sure if I could’ve ever done that if I was on my own.” you give her your thanks with a curt little bow.

“No need for congratulations, missy. Help is what you needed and it was something I could give.” her reply reminds you a little bit of your job as a nurse.

You come a little closer to the bed to look at Anon’s peaceful expression of slumber. You can’t believe you managed to pull that off. You and a little help, you mean.

Oh, you almost forgot.

“Sorry, I didn’t quite catch your...name.” turning around, you find that your savior has already disappeared without a trace. You didn’t even hear her leave. How strange.

With a job well done, you decide to call it day as your body seeks the comfort of a fluffy bed.

You take one last look back at Anon before you go. He looks so content that you even have half a mind to sleep right next to him.

Shaking the thought off, you silently trot away.

That is, until you feel something tug at you.

“Huh?” looking back, you find that Anon’s holding you in place with his arm. He still appears to be asleep, though.

In the short amount of time that you unsuccessfully attempt to pull yourself free, you feel your body dissipating what little energy it had left.

Unfortunately, he pulls back, landing you on his bed as you’re locked in place in his arms.

…Well...maybe you’d rather say fortunately.

His embrace feels soft and warm. You can even feel the melodic beats of his heart. You feel...safe.

Given how tired you are, how late it is and how comfy you feel right now, you feel slumber slowly consuming you until you fall asleep happily.