Starry Never Left the Forest

"Aisle 32, next to the microfilm section."

The young filly nodded and turned to the direction of my hoof. Barely keeping her excitement in check as she scampered her way to the comic section.

"And no galloping!"

I shook my head as I swiveled in my chair around to the other end of the desk. A nervous teenaged colt was trying not to look me in the eye as he sheepishly pushed the overdue copy of Cherry Blossoms and Sweet Nights.

"You know our policy on late returns, Blueberry."

"But...my sister kept hogging it!"

I raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.

"I'm so sorry! I...I just almost lost it. But I have it here, right?"

I sighed, and opened the inside cover. I glanced at the library's notice, reminding readers that fines may be assessed if books were ever late or lost.

"...don't let it happen again."

He barely gives himself enough time to say thanks before scurrying away.

Azure Rose peers from behind the wall of the tiny administrative office in the corner. She smiles and waves. I always take the time to wave back before plunging back into work.

Rose always came off as one of the nicest mares I had ever met, always willing to lend a hoof, whatever the occasion. It was thus no surprise that when I requested the busier shifts, explaining that I did not like to let my mind idle, she unquestionably obliged.

I always wanted to ask her about her affable demeanor, and the genuine joy that seemed to relentlessly pour forth from her, but I had always hesitated at the last second. After all, what right did I have to question her, if she had never questioned me about my past?

"Staaaryyyyy~..."

Speaking of which.

"I thought I told you now to call me that!" I forcefully hissed out.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever, buttercup."

"What... I ... I already have a migraine. Joy. What the hell do you want?"

"Why, yes, it is nice to see you too after so long. You got a moment? 'Cause I just so happen to have a little something in my pants that I've been waiting to show you for a real long time..."

"All these years, and you finally grew a pair? Congratulations. Now piss off before you blow my cover!"

"Woah, hey, it's just a photo-"

"Well, I'm flattered, comrade, but I really don't need your nudes, either." I could barely hide my grin. By tartarus, I suddenly couldn't control myself!

I had spent years collecting reasons to resect my past from my life, and I could only watch helplessly as it all washed away by the tantalizing, foalish glee of eternal comradeship.

I could've -- should've -- been angry at him for doing something this stupid or reckless. Again.

But at the end of the day, my ire only ever lasted for so long.

After all. I was always having way too much fun making him blush to care.

"Wiseass. Look, I- I rarely ever said this, but I'm being serious here!" Exasperated, he started digging into his pant pocket.

He's beings serious? Wow. Someone call the papers. Golden Morning. Being serious. This better be good. Or...who am I kidding. This is going to be either hilarious, horrifying or both.

I hesitantly lead him towards the door, knowing damn well that it was going to be both.

"...then we better take this outside."

***

"His name is Joachim."

"Oh. Yeah. Joachim. Right. Great guy..."

It'd been a while since I'd as much as looked at a photo of one of these guys. It was hardly good for my blood pressure. I feel like I could almost place him at some raid somewhere years back. He almost seemed a little familiar.

Then again. At the end of the day, they all were "just a little familiar".

"So who the fuck is Joachim?" I tried to cut straight through the bullshit, impatiently flicking the photo onto the table like a worn-out six of spades.

"Glad to see you haven't lost your touch..." He grinned, chortling bemusedly before leaning in.

"Now, I really am sorry that I had to break your cover, but I really think that you're gonna like this one..."

Something was so natural about...all of it.

The carefree demeanor. The four-letter pleasantries. Staring at Golden's hoof on the table as he went on and on about which eighty kilo sack of hugo boss and excrement we're bumping off this time. The jackknife in - not on - the table was the only bit missing.

Nothing's better than finding oneself at home.

"Joachim von Eagleclaw?"

"Real piece of work, and that's if you even get to him."

"If...If you could..."

I leaned in, and lowered my voice. Something reminded me that somepony might've been listening in.

"...so how are we getting to him?" Slowly rubbing my hooves with apprehension.

But Golden let the moments tick by. Painfully slow.

I stared him down, clenching my jaw and grinding my hooves together as I felt the apprehension build.

...

He bursts into laughter. This bastard. I'd beat him in a staring contest any day of the week. Of course the guy wouldn't ever admit it. We both know he'd use it to try and one-up me.

"For crying out loud! There's no need for that!" He waived off my hoof-wringing.

"We just gotta get a wagon, grab this asshole, then dump him. It's a dump job, that's it!"

"...that's it?"

"Look. I know we're not the same ponies that we used to be. But this one is a no-brainer! I mean, I got word that this guy is sipping a cider on the other side of town as we speak!"

I got the sinking feeling that this might be our last time. It was a good run, I thought.

But those words rang hollow as the realization sank in.

Nonetheless. If Golden knows where he is, then existential crises can wait.

"Then what are we waiting for?" I rose from my seat.