Author's Note

Enjoy ;)
Also don’t be shy, leave a comment on anything relating the story. I’d love to talk with the small following we got.

4 Generosity & Kindness

The day starts off perfect! I wake up in bed feeling nauseous and exhausted from the lack of sleep, my own body feeling much heavier than usual. I lift my head to face the clock, 1:23 pm, yep that sounds about right given last nights sleeping trouble. I pull myself up for a second only to fall victim to the beds warm embrace, eh maybe tomorrow I’ll get up. Resting peacefully waiting for my sickness to subside, I hear hoof steps approach my room door. If I had to place a bet on the pony behind It, I’d say Twi. There’s three knocks before a voice speaks up.

“Hey Joey, you sleeping? I’m coming in” It’s Twilights voice clearly as she opens the door after a few seconds, stepping into the room. Well my bet hit, where’s my money punk? Yea I’m talking to you reader, cough it up.

“You feel okay Joe? It’s awfully late for you to still be in bed, honestly I wasn’t sure if you had come home yesterday” I can’t see her as I’m facing away from the door curled up into a cocoon of blankets.

“Pinkie was very touchy Twi, very touchy” My voice much deeper and croaking as I speak, it’s morning voice. “And .......” I say the rest too low for Twilight to understand.

“What Joey?” She takes a few steps closer to the bed now within my range, she just doesn’t know it yet.

“...... would” I do the same as before but this time finish the sentence just loud enough for her to hear the last word. She takes the bait hook line and sinker, and moves right up to the bed, her ear facing me with her head to the side. “Gotcha!” I yell as I grab her suddenly pulling her into the blankets.

“Whaaaaaa!” Twilight squeaks as she becomes the former human turned blanket monster’s meal, consumed by the covers.

“Twilight you knew she’d be all touchy! Why didn’t you warn me or tell her I’m uncomfortable with that stuff?” Twilight manages to pull her head from above the covers to face me looming over with a stern expression. “Such treachery declares punishment!” I yell as I tickle the purple miscreant.

She yelps as I start the assault, her only possible first response being laughter. “Please please sttoooopp, I’m sorry Joey I’m sorry!” She manages to make out between laughs, I seize the attack. Although I might find uninvited contact discomforting, if I know it’s coming or wish to cause it, I find myself content.

“Speak your plea, the jury will hear your words” I say in a British tone, still hovering over Twi.

“You can’t lie! It was good for both of you! Pinkie likes cuddles and stuff like that and you needed to get to know Pinkie better, it was a win win scenario!” Her face in worry, expecting another onslaught from the human, I however was in thought.

Hmm, she’s probably right but, still it pisses me off she’d set me up like that. I look to Twilights face to see her in anticipation to my response and also.... embarrassment? I look to see the situation we find ourselves in, me in my pajamas over the unicorn as she’s pinned under the covers beneath. My face reaches a similar color as Twilights, I sit back allowing her to get up. We both look away from each other in silence.

“Sorry, that was inappropriate of me” I say rubbing the back of my neck.

“I’m sorry too, I should have warned you about Pinkie” We sit there for a few seconds before Twilight turns to me, “You guys had fun though right?”

I think back to yesterday’s events, first remembering the tasks we did before realizing what occurred at the end of the day in Pinkies room. Her warm cuddles against my side along with the gentle rhythmic motion of her heart, it’s pace matching mine at points, her soft cotton candy hair. My blush grows larger as I cough, “It was nice”

Twilight notices my strange attitude, “Well it seems like something happened now didn’t it?” Her face covered with a large shit eating grin, damn you Twilight. I try to change the subject.

“Nothing big, also I couldn’t sleep last night like before, to be honest I think it’s the collar, ever since I put it on I started feeling shitty again. Does that make sense at all?” My subject change being an important topic anyway so better to figure this out then for Twi to pester me.

She frowns, “I worried this could happen”

“What could happen?”

“Well it’s likely the magic within you is the reason you feel so sick, and wearing that collar keeps it all bottled up. We should find a way to safely release your magic in case it becomes too much”

I rub my hand against my forehead, as I let out a big sigh. “Well fuck, that’s just swell” How am I supposed to live like this? I’m going to be a ticking time bomb if a don’t blow my magic load every so often or else who the fuck knows what happens! “So do you have any ideas as of now, cause I don’t want to find out what will happen if we don’t do something”

Twilight looks away in thought and hops off the bed pacing across the room. “Nothing right now but you are a different species so maybe you’ll be fine? The only other pony to suffer with this type of magic was just that, a pony” She says while shrugging her shoulders. “I’ll look into maybe finding someplace where you can take it off safely, I’ll ask Celestia for advice. Also Spike got your medication yesterday, it’s on the kitchen counter” She starts to walk out of the room but stops just short of the entrance. “Don’t worry Joey, I’ll figure something out” giving me a reassuring smile before heading out of the room.

Left with my thoughts I get out of bed and begin getting ready for the day. I grab a handful of clothes to wear that were handcrafted by Rarity. Although they were very plain in style, the comfort and fit was plenty good enough for me to enjoy wearing. My choice for today was a brown button up long sleeve shirt with some dark blue jeans, my socks all black. I freshen up and head downstairs to have some breakfast.... well lunch at this point or not really even lunch but that doesn’t really matter. While eating Spike sits down with me munching on a ruby which I still find preposterous. How does he eat those?

“Hey Spike, is Rarity busy today? I need to pay her back sometime for making all-“ I wave my hand over myself, “this clothing” He gives me a stare before saying, “She’s home but I’m not sure if she’s busy. If you plan on going there it’s not going to be without me” he says pointing his thumb to his chest.

I chuckle, “You seem awfully worried about me stealing your pony, you shouldn’t be so possessive” I reach over to rub his head only to be smacked away.

“If I let you go alone your gonna say a bunch of embarrassing things about me to Rarity!” He says, pointing at me in accusation.

“Me? Gossip to Rare? I would never” I give my best act of disbelief to Spike.

“Rare?! You can’t call her that! She’s a sophisticated mare, she deserves more respect!” Spike clearly getting angry.

“I had this plan right? I call her rare, and she responds with ‘rare? What a strange nickname’ and I say ‘well I’d say your quite the gem’. She’ll be fawning over me with that little jester” Grinning as I finish elaborating my plan. Spike doesn’t like the idea, and he proves this by beginning to climb over the table toward me in anger. “Spike I’m kidding chill out, you can come with me!”

This stops him for a second, before he jumps off the table and faces me. “Your not allowed to call her rare or hit on her or do anything that you know I won’t like!” He puffs out his chest with his stubby arms crossed.

“You got it partner!” Giving two thumbs up with a large grin. Spike ignores my stupidity and heads into the library section of the home to get ready. I get one more glass of water to help fight my morning sickness and follow Spike into the other room.

Twilight is helping a group of 3 small fillies look for a book, well I guess look for a book it is a library. I wave to her pointing toward the door. She understands my gesture and nods to prove it, me and Spike head outside.

“Let’s make getting there quick Spike, I hate being outside with this collar” He gets the message and quickens his pace, guiding me toward Rarity’s home. This proves to be futile as I notice a certain hick pony from the day I hung out with Rainbow eyeballing be up.

“HEYA YA FREAK! YA OUGHTA LIVE IN THE EVERFREE WERE YA BALONG” He bellows toward me, standing some 20 feet away. His yells draw attention toward himself and then to his focus. I feel myself grow small as a large majority of the ponies around find themselves looking at me, some with pity due to his insult, few with agreement of the hick, and the rest not sure what to make of the situation. I know what to make of it as I start to feel sick, wanting to be anywhere but where I am now. Me and Spike hurry our pace away from the ponies, his yelling still audible, “YER A MONSTER! JUS LOOK AT YERSELF!”

We eventually get out his sight silencing his ignorance, my fists clenched in frustration. Spike speaks up first, “That guy really was something wasn’t he? What a fool!” he says not looking toward me but continuing on forward.

“Fucking prick is what he is, I’m sick of this attention, I’m sick of the fucking collar, and I’m FUCKING SICK OF FEELING SICK!” I let my anger get the best of me completely losing my composure. My outburst draws a few looks from around but the reaction that impacts me is Spikes, fear ridden across his features of such anger from me. It’s the first time I’ve lost myself here, also first time anypony has seen it as well. Spike turns his head away from me, his mood changed to a timid version of before.

“Spike I’m sorry, that... that was uncalled for, I really let that guy get to me” I rub my neck looking away to the scenery as we walk. Spike doesn’t say much after that, he’s probably scared of me. Maybe I am just a monster in this world? I mean I’m a walking talking suicide bomb apparently and it doesn’t help that I stand out terribly, I just wanna go home. My posture deflates as we reach Rarity’s home, Spike knocks on the door and takes a step back.

The door slightly opens to show half of the face of a white mare, “Why hello dear, oh and my little Spikey Wikey as well! Well come in, come in” she opens the door the rest of the way motioning us to enter. Spike seems much more cheerful now in the presence of Rarity then he was before, practically clinging to her side. “Well what brings me the pleasure of seeing you two fine gentlecolts today?” Her tone appearing flirty however, it’s well known to the two of us it’s just the way she carries herself.

“Since you made me a bunch of clothes for free and have been so helpful as to making me comfortable here, I was wondering if I could help you out today as repayment. Spike wanted to come along as well, you know how he is” I wink to Rarity right in front of Spike.

“What’s that supposed to mean?! I know you forget your manners around elegant mares and felt like I should keep you in check” Spike crosses his arms at this notion standing tall, well as tall as he can.

What a simp

I chuckle at my own thoughts, “Sorry for such short notice but, I’m willing to do whatever, as long as it isn’t sewing or stuff like that because then I’m useless”

“Hmm” Rarity stands there deep in thought for a moment before having an epiphany. “Oh I know! How about you help deliver all my orders I’ve finished? And for the last one take this blanket I had restitched for Fluttershy, it’s no charge so make sure to do this last. You could help Fluttershy today as well after that, how’s that sound!” She excitedly says, proud of her plan.

“Is that really it? I mean I can help more, you made me all of those clothes Rarity. I’d feel bad if all I did was run a few orders”

She shakes her head no, “Trust me darling, your fine with just this, I hate having to deliver these anyway, the muddy streets always mess up my coat” she lifts her head in disgust at just the thought of having muddy hooves.

I laugh a little, “Okay, then I’ll take these ones first and return with the pay, then I’ll take the Fluttershy one and get out of your mane” I smile before looking at Spike. “Are you sure you don’t want him coming as well? I mean if he was any closer to you he’d be attached!”

This draws a few laughs from Rarity before she turns and starts shooing Spike toward the back, he lingers some. “No dear, I still need somepony to be my model and sadly you just don’t fit the size I need Joey” She takes Spike into her hoof guiding him into the other room, “Thank you Joey, your a lifesaver to this old mare”

I grab the few orders and stuff them into a large saddle bag, then wrap it over my shoulder. I walk out the door with a list of names as well looking to it for the first pony. Painfully enough for me, I don’t recognize most of the names and addresses on this list and end up needing to get directions from ponies constantly for each location. The task becomes quite difficult to me given the continued questions back toward me with each encounter. Usually they either ask something like ‘what are you?’ or ‘are you someponys pet?’ or my favorite ‘you look like you could use a break, would you like to come to my house for a drink?’ the last question only coming up once but still just as awkward. All this social interaction starts to wear on me quickly, eventually boiling over.

As I deliver the last ponies order and ask for payment, the mare stops for a second and stares at me seductively. “Well I’m a little short on bits you see and I’m willing to pay in another way if you wouldn’t mind? I’ve always wondered what your hiding under those clothes...” My patience runs dry, as I stand my ground.

“Well I’d prefer if you paid for this order with bits” I snap back at the mare, my frustration visible. Instead she ignores my anger and walks along me brushing her tail against my privates. I push her away immediately and stare wide eyed. “What the fuck is your problem?!?” I back away quickly fearing she might make another advancement. “Don’t... don’t touch me”

My heart rate is through the roof as I have to place my arm against the support beam on this ponies porch to hold myself up. Her attitude quickly shifting to fear, “Are you okay? Look I’m sorry I’ll go get the bits” she heads back inside while I have to lean against the wall, slowly sliding down til I’m in a sitting position. My heart painfully throbs, it feels like it could explode at any second. I struggle to breathe causing tears to run down my face as I start to hyperventilate, I pick myself up and stumble away from the home toward an alley between buildings.

Thankfully the mares house is located on the outskirts of town and no pony notices my behavior. I curl myself into a ball against the wall, my body shivers uncontrollably as I weep into my legs. I stay like this for a few minutes as I slowly begin to calm down, my breathing coming in long labored breathes. My own head tortures me, I start to think about the relationships I have here, judging their actuality.

Twilight probably just sees me as a test subject I mean look at all the stupid shit she’s done to me. I bet she keeps me around just for learning about humans. Rainbow feels bad for me, just pity friendship, and Pinkie? She just wants to use me for her own pleasure.. *shudder*

I wipe my face and try to regain my composure, this has been a terrible day already. I pick myself up once I think I’m okay and head back to Rarity’s placing my own bits in her bag for the last order, I couldn’t possibly go back and face that mare. I quickly head in once I get back and place the saddle bag down before grabbing Fluttershys order and head back out. I know where her home resides as it was the first place I was taken to when I arrived here.

After a long walk I arrive at the timid ponies home and knock on the door. Fluttershy opens the curtains to her window to peak outside, I wave to her and she heads to the door to let me in. “J-Joey, h-how are y-you?” Her nervousness clear, I wouldn’t blame her. Imagine some alien you barely know showing up at your home uninvited? Even if she considers me a friend, she still doesn’t really know me, even Spike... I let my mind wander to my earlier outburst. Fluttershy notices my sudden change of behavior along with my lack of response as she shifts to a more confident self, pushing me into the home and onto the couch. She sits opposite of me pouring herself and I some tea.

Before she can pour mine I stop her, “I’m sorry I don’t like tea, could you get me some water?” She nods and takes my cup to the kitchen pouring me a glass before coming back and setting it down on the table between us. I guess she isn’t so shy when she sees someone struggling, what a nice gal.

“Are you okay Joey? You don’t look to good, are you sick?” Fluttershy’s motherly instincts kicking in as she’s prepared to get up and feel my forehead. I shake my head no, “I’m fine Shy, I came here to bring your blanket Rarity fixed” Fluttershy perks up at this news and takes the blanket from me with a smile.

“Thank you Joey. I was going to come get this later, you saved me the trip” She says with as much excitement as you’ll see out of the mare. I’d smile but there’s nothing left in me for the day so I settle with taking a drink from my glass and humming ‘uh huh’.

“Joey if something happened or if you don’t feel good you can tell me, it always feels better to talk to someone” She reaches out to put her hoof on my hand. I instinctively pull back, my quick reaction startling us both, I look away.

“Sorry, listen I just.... I want to go home, like home home” My voice almost reaches a whisper by the end. I look to the window admiring the Everfree forest just outside of Fluttershy’s cottage.

I don’t belong here, and I hate living like this, it’s just too much for me

Homesickness and stress overtakes me as I slouch deeper into the couch. Fluttershy seems quite bothered by my melancholy behavior and comes over to sit next to me being careful not to get too close for my comfort. She looks to the same window I find myself staring into.

“Well there isn’t much I can do about that...” She starts, putting her hoof to her chin. “Oh I know, an animal fact might cheer you up! Did you know that some parrots will help each other out even without expecting a reward?” She looks to me, “Not saying you or me are parrots but, it’s nice to think that even though they might not know each other or really understand each other as well as we might be able to, they still work together selflessly” She finished with a small smile facing me still. “What I mean to say is Joey I don’t need any help today but, I’ll be sure to tell you when I do but know this, you don’t owe me or anyone anything” I look at Fluttershy confused by her understanding of my purpose here. She giggles, “Twilight sent me a letter asking if I needed any help earlier”

I sigh, “I should get going then, thanks for the water” I say while making my way to the door.

“Joey?” I stop just before the entrance still not looking her way. “I meant what I said earlier, you don’t owe us anything. Me and the girls are here for you and your our friend, we care about you” Her last words hitting home. If I stayed and talked I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to keep myself from breaking down, today’s earlier fuck ups evidence of my fragile state.

“I’ll remember that Shy.... and thanks-“ I turn toward her closing my eyes to hide the tears brimming in my eyes, “-for p-putting up with me” and I give my best smile.

I quickly exit the cottage and head back to Twilights taking a route around town on the outskirts of the Everfree. I try to focus on anything but my thoughts, my head currently a war zone for control. Eventually I come to a stop near the same location Rainbow tackled me the other day, I lay back down in the same spot, resting both hands behind my head. Focusing on my breathing in order to avoid letting my mind wander while also calming myself. I slip for a moment, thinking about something not rather negative but, something I had done to Rainbow two days before my accident.

It was a week and a half since I’d gotten stuck in Equestria and the only pony I really knew personally at any level was Dash. Her constant boasting grew a competitive fire within me to silence her bragging so in response we generally spent every other day hanging out doing some sort of competition. Eventually this turned to pranks on the other once one of us had lost, the first prank being that of Rainbow tying my shoes together while her little orange follower helped distract me. The distracter was some filly who’s name I’m blanking on but her appearance was easy to remember being the fact she had such contrasting colors. Her mane being purple and her coat orange, and I do remember her having short stubby wings as well. I’m getting off topic, let me tell you my revenge.

I chuckle thinking of my return fire, the same attack that landed me my tackle the day after the incident. I had the help of Pinkie Pie who was kind enough to lend me some party steamers, balloons, and some colorful lettering for me to spell out the punchline. I’d left the trap in Twilights library after close one night and invited her over for a “gift” to show my appreciation. Her face was priceless as the words just below the ceiling hanging on a beam read ‘proud you came out!’ with me standing just below blowing my party horn, hands raised to the sky. I rub my upper arm thinking back to how much of a beating she put on it after.

The memory brings a smile to my face, a fleeting ray of sunshine on my otherwise cloudy day. I get up and continue my way back to Twilights, the trip taking a few minutes without any interruptions, well I couldn’t tell if there was as by this point I was numb of my surroundings. Once back inside, I headed up into the living quarters and continued up into my room falling onto my bed. I was tired yet, couldn’t sleep.

The medication

I get up and gather the container looking at it’s details while walking back to my room. Although I don’t recognize the name on the bottle, it’s description is that of a ‘sleeping enhancement’. Good enough for me as I swallow the recommended amount and leap back onto the bed face first. It’s magic working immediately, sucking me into the void.

Something pokes me in my side, however I’m too tired to give it attention and roll over on my side away from it. It’s intensity increases on the next poke followed by Twilights voice, “Joe, you walked right past me earlier and ignored me! Then you go right to sleep at-“ she looks to the clock, “4:30? What’s the big deal?”

I grumble a bit before rolling over facing the nerdy purple poker, “It’s been a long day for me Twi and the medication works, slept like a dead man”

She ignores my strange analogy, and hops up on my bed sitting next to me. “That’s great but, you didn’t give me an answer”

I start to get frustrated, “I said it’s been a long day, I don’t want to go into details” I put emphasis on the words long day to further my point across. Twilight however seems to have had a bad day herself as she proceeds to put her face right up to mine, her eyebrows in the shape of a v.

“Joey just tell me, why is it such a big deal to tell me stuff?”

I push myself up now clearly mad, Twilight was getting on thin ice. “Twilight... drop it”

SHE huffs and hops off the bed, “You can’t just expect to solve everything yourself Joey! I’m here to help... I want to help, we want to help. Just give me and the girls a chance”

Her persistence pays off as I’m pissed, I get woken up to Twilight pestering me trying to figure out my problems. “You know what? Here I’ll tell you, I’m fucking tired, I’m tired of feeling sick, I’m tired of all this attention, and I’m tired of this fucking collar!” I pull at it violently scratching the skin on my neck, I ignore the pain and continue, practically yelling now. “Today some disgusting pervert mare tried to fuck me! She wouldn’t give me the damn bits for Rarity’s work and instead touched my fucking dick! That’s sexual harassment and here, in Equestria what is it.... nothing! Nothing at all because I’m just some freak who some ponies think might be an interesting night in the sack!”

Twilights shrinks down into her own disappointment of her local ponies and of disappointment in herself for pushing me. Her ears flat against her hanging head, tears start to drip down her face. “I... I d-didn’t know” she chokes out. “I’m so s-sorry”

She sits down covering her face with her forearm, “I s-should go...” Her now defeated form starts to drag itself up to leave the room. Guilt fills me from my outburst, I need to fix this.

“Twi... I....” I cause her to stop, she looks at me through her teary eyes. I look away while patting the bed next to me, lifting my arm for a hug, “come here”

She loses it now bawling as she leaps into my side crying. This is like the third time I’ve made this innocent pony cry, she didn’t do anything wrong this time!

She just wanted to help you, fucking moron

I hug her tightly against my side, the guilt of my actions stirs within me, I feel disgusted with myself. “I’m really sorry Twi, I really really am” I say just above a whisper. “If somethings really wrong... I promise I’ll tell you” She looks up from my side to face me.

“*sniff* Pinkie Promise *sniff*” She says going back to my side wiping the tears and snot from her face onto my shirt, yucky.

“I don’t know if I’m allowed to do that without a Pinkie present Twi” I say with a light smile. She gives a single huff, it’s the closest she can give to a laugh currently.

“A regular p-promise then” I hug her tightly again.

“I promise”

We stay like this for a while, Twilight after some time is laying on her side facing away from me, head on my lap. My hand brushes through her mane, scratching her head between brushes. She’s fallen asleep, her facial expression so peaceful, resting without worry. Meanwhile I remain disgusted with myself, sick to my gut of the way I acted with Twi and Spike today.

Relative to the folk living here, I’m unstable, dangerous, and a monster. These ponies would be better off without me...

I quickly realize what I had just thought shaking my head. No no no, nope, we are not going there. I just need to get acclimated here, I’m just stressed out with all this change. I keep telling myself thoughts like that for a while, trying to rebuild my composure, after some time removing the pony from my lap and placing a pillow under her head. I leave the room and find myself something to eat, I pour myself a bowl of cereal, my stomach not feeling like eating that much after today’s events. I enjoy the sugary treat along with a tall glass of water before I’m greeted by Spike returning home.

“Hey Joey!” He smiles clearly in a good mood. He almost skips over to the table I’m eating at and lays down a letter, it’s sealed with an Equestrian royalty stamp.

“What’s got you all giddy?” I say raising one eyebrow.

He blushes, “nothing really, just... just had a nice day!” He blurts the last bit suddenly.

“You guys fuck?”

His face becomes red, steam visibly coming out of his ears. Hilariously, his tail became lit at the end at the same time. Spike shakes the flame out while looking at me, “What?!? No! What the heck Joey!”

His embarrassment and the look on his face is enough to make my shitty day, I start to laugh. “That’s not funny!” His response only furthering my laughter, tears brimming in my eyes as I have to hold my stomach in pain.

“Oh my god! I’m crying, this is too much” I wave my other hand like a fan toward my face attempting to cool myself down. Spike stands there, anger across his face waiting for me to finish. I finally settle down after a bit, “You were *heh* you were so shook your tail was on fire”

“Laugh it up big guy, but I’m the winner here” He boasts. I turn my head to the side smiling.

“How’s that?” I consider finishing my question with something like ‘she jerked ya off?’ but I refrain wanting to know the actual reason.

“Rarity kissed me!” He says hand on his head staring all dreamily, I swear he even had hearts around his head.

“Yea probably on your head” (his forehead pervert)

“So? A kiss is a kiss?” He says crossing his arms.

So defensive

“Well I’d argue with you normally but after today? Let’s just say good job little man” I finish and give him a fist bump. “Way to go champ”

He cringes at my nickname, “Yeaaa... maybe don’t call me champ, feels kinda weird”

I chuckle, “Dad vibes?”

“Dad vibes”

We both laugh a little and chat some more at the table. After some time my curiosity goes to the letter Spike brought along with him earlier. “So what’s with the letter?”

He looks in its direction saying, “oh it’s for Twilight, says I’m not supposed to read it”

I frown, “That’s lame, well let’s go get her to open it”

Spike nods in agreement as we get up from the table and head toward my room, Spike following close behind letter in hand. I stop in front of the door before Spike looks to me confused then puts his hand over his open mouth in shock. “Did, did you two...”

“What? No you pervert, she got tired and fell asleep talking to me so I let her sleep”

“Me pervert?” He points to himself. “I’m not the one who says all the raunchy stuff”

We both argue at a whisper before I stop and put my ear to the door thinking I heard a noise. It’s quiet.... so I open the door slowly to see if Twilights still sleeping on my bed, she’s out cold. I grab the letter from Spike and bap Twi right on the nose, payback for earlier. She stirs awake, looking to me and Spike then placing her focus on the letter I present toward her. Her eyes open wide when she notices the stamp, quickly grabbing it from my hand with her magic. Unfolding it toward herself she read for a minute before placing it down staring at me with a smile.

“Joey! Read this” she points to a specific point with her hoof, my eyes focus on the words.

‘In payment of the damages done upon the endangered human, he is hereby granted citizenship in Equestria and given the deed of one property along the outskirts of Ponyville, just along the Everfree. Included with these gifts, a steady payment of 700 bits per month shall also be provided’

I’m shocked, I mean I was sort of getting used to living in the tree home. I look to Spike and Twilight for their reactions. While both are happy for me they seem clearly bothered by the loss of my company. “700 bits a month? You’ll easily pay rent with that and have plenty to spend!” Spike says grabbing the letter into his own hands to read again.

“We should look into the property tomorrow, aren’t you happy Joey?”

I stand there conflicted, although I find myself usually comfortable by myself, this new surrounding has become quite the new comfortable. I honestly enjoy my current living situation if we mean just the home and roommates. I give Twi a small smile, “Yea, I’ll stop being in your hair so much”

Frowning slightly Twi places a hoof on my arm, “I like your company, just because you have a home now doesn’t mean you have to become a stranger. You can always come over whenever you want!”

I guess this is for the best when you think about it, hell I can even take my collar off when I’m home alone. All this money and a home without needing to work seems like a bunch of boredom though, maybe I should just be like a helper for Twilight and her friends? I mean today was tough, reeeal tough but, that’s really been the first time I had a bad day since the first day here. I need to toughen up and get used to this new life otherwise I’m just asking for trouble.

“I’ll be sure to find time with my busy schedule” I joke.

She rolls her eyes, “Oh sure, busy businesspony. Between your two jobs you oughta take a break and hang out with me and Spike”

I chuckle, “I don’t know, with the new merger I’ve really been swamped lately” I say scratching my neck. Twilight gives her best puppy eyes, breaking my role play. “Alright alright, jeez no need to pull out the big guns. I still owe you all help, aaand I’ll need something to do...” Twi shoves me lightly giggling.

“Yep! And we love having you around Joe, I mean it... even with our few bumps” She says the last part with a smile but her discomfort with the recent situation still showing with her flat ears.

“And I can come over whenever right?” Spike asked.

“Well duh” I rub his head causing him to instinctively swat my hand away, “I always got time for my dragon bro” holding out my fist as I say this. He meets my fist with his own, still keeping the other hand on his hand for protection.

“Well since we can’t check out the place tonight, now what?” I ask. It turns out, what was next was some board games to pass the time and me finishing the night packing up some of my clothes into a bag before taking some more of that magic medication. It works it’s wonders and I’m out like a light again.

Hopefully tomorrow can be a better day.