I was not having a good time. Everypony around me was though, and that only worsened my mood. Why was I irritated in the first place? It happened to be the worst season of the year. Winter. Usually I would be relaxing in my hilltop abode in the ever sunny city of Applewood. That is, if I wasn't stranded in the currently snowed in metropolitan hellscape that is Manehattan.
To make matters worse, instead of doing everything in their power to rectify the issue, the maintenance and weather ponies were no help at all. Most of them had been given a whole week off work for Hearth's Warming, and the few workers who were tasked with clearing the rails were fighting an uphill battle. In their infinite wisdom, the Equestrian Rail Service decided to save bits on snow plows.
Normally this wouldn't be an issue. Normally a cold front doesn't come in from the Celestia sea, magnifying the scheduled snowfall into what west coasters would deem a blizzard but according to the hearty east coasters is 'just a bit of extra snow'. All the while, the insufficient single snow plow was being operated by a rotating shift of ponies. Most of which seem only to care about getting out of the cold as opposed to doing their actual job.
So there I stood at the now abandoned train station, my usual brilliant orange coat and professionally styled light gold mane frazzled and grimy from the snow I had to drag my luggage through. My eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep, intending to be early for my train ride out of the city.
My left eye twitched as I witnessed a pony lock up and leave their post at the ticket booth. "Bucking horseapples," I whispered under my breath. I closed my eyes and took ten deep breaths, in through my nose, out through my mouth. When I opened them, my eyes were still bloodshot, but I felt plain resignation instead of the riotous indignation of just a moment prior.
Accepting my fate, I slung my luggage onto my back once again, and prepared to reverse my arduous trek back to my hotel and pray to the stars above that they still had an opening. While the walk back wasn't quite as difficult, it was definitely more infuriating. Around me ponies of all ages, foals, mares, and stallions all played in the snow. Some of those grown ponies were likely some of the rail workers on holiday. I narrowed my eyes in contempt at their carefree spirits when they should be doing their jobs. Instead they got to enjoy a week of free time with their progeny and special some-ponies.
Most ponies might call that family. I hated that word. My brow furrowed as a memory came bubbling to the surface unbidden. A time when I felt truly happy, a feeling I have only just glimpsed in nearly two decades. Sure, I'm not always bursting with rage at the world, I know how to relax. However that isn't the same as being happy. Not like I was back then. "Buck me," I swore a bit louder than my usual whisper.
"Um... miss? Did you forget something?" Standing behind a front desk was a light grey unicorn with a dirty blonde mane tied up in a bun. If she heard the swear, she made no indication of it.
I seemed to have gotten back to my hotel automatically. Clearing my throat and my mind, I tried to look as professional as possible. "I have not forgotten anything, no. I simply require to extend my stay until I can procure a means of transport out of the city. Do you happen to have any vacancies left?"
Sucking air in through her teeth, the receptionist began to nervously fidget in her seat. "I'm so sorry miss, but we're totally booked for the week. If you want, I could call ahead to some other hotels for you. I'm sure one of them has a vacancy, and I wouldn't want to send you out on a blind search of the big city in the snow."
While I sagged from disappointment, I still gave a grateful smile to the mare. "That would be much appreciated, thank you." At that, the receptionist began dialing the rotary phone behind the desk while I made my way to one of the lobby sofas. Glancing around I spotted a long outdated stack of magazines, barely holding onto their flimsy binding, many having devolved into nothing more than a loosely coagulated stack of pages.
Not seeing any point in disturbing the sad excuse for literature, I resigned myself to willing the lobby's grandfather clock to tick faster. While my exercise in futility ultimately bore no fruit, I did at least fall into a state of mesmerization tracking the back and forth motion of the counterweight in the glass case of the mechanism. It wasn't until the receptionist physically walked over to poke my side that I was broken from my trance. "Miss Harshwhinny? I've been calling your name, are you alright?"
Blinking back my confusion at the sudden interruption, I offered a twitch of my lips that some may consider a smile by the loosest definition of the word. "Yes, I'm alright. Any good news?"
The mare bit her lip and furrowed her brow in concern. "Well, I did find a single vacancy at the Marritrot downtown, but you'll need to hurry over. They weren't willing to reserve the room for anypony so it's first come first serve."
That shocked me out of my stupor enough to force me to my legs. With what I'm sure was an expression bordering on mania I got snout to snout with the receptionist. "Where is it? I need to get there yesterday!"
The light grey mare took a few steps back giving a nervous smile before offering a map with a marked out route to my destination. "Here. I drew this up while I was calling your name earlier."
I wasted no time grabbing the map in my teeth before bolting out the door, my floral print luggage bag jostling on my back, but not falling off. Even in my mad dash, I was always mindful of my surroundings. I paused for just a moment to check my map before bolting south along the snowy sidewalk. While my fetlocks were getting soaked in slush, my sweater kept my core and forelegs nice and warm as I quickly trotted by. At each turn I made sure to double check that I was going the right way until I was able to see my destination in the distance. At which point I broke out into a full gallop.
By the time I made it to the front desk, I was struggling to breathe, but I managed to pant out some semblance of communication. "Room... free... on... phone... still... avail... able?" I took in a few more deep breaths, tried my best to fix my mane with a hoof, and hoped I managed to look somewhat halfway professional as I faced down this new receptionist. From his unimpressed nearly vacant stare, I surmised I was further from presentable than I would have liked.
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"
After calming my lungs, I decided to elaborate further than my initial statement. "Ahem, yes, my apologies. I've just come from the Hayatt near the train station where I had been staying for the duration needed for my job..." after giving a more detailed summary of my struggles, I once again looked this stallion in the eyes and asked if they still had a vacancy.
"Sorry ma'am, about five minutes before you came in another pony claimed that room."
This couldn't be happening. "What would you have me do then? Freeze my tail off all night in the street?" My frustration at this situation was starting to project in my voice. I normally kept a cooler head, but this day was trying my patience more than most.
The stallion at the front desk didn't look as though he particularly cared what happened to me. "Look, worse comes to worse, you can make yourself comfortable on our lobby sofas. I'm sure there will be more than a few other ponies throughout the city doing the same. If you don't fancy a sofa, there is an orange orchard on the outskirts of town. There may be a barn or silo there you could sleep in. Now, if there's nothing else, I have other duties I must attend to. Good day." Without allowing another word of protest, he turned and walked out of his desk and to a window sign that said 'no vacancies. With a quick flip, the sign now faced the outside through one of the massive street view windows.
I just stood there, gobsmacked until I heard a voice I hadn't heard in at least a decade. "Snowed in? What do you mean snowed in?" My ears swiveled in the direction of the unfamiliarly familiar disturbance. "Do you have any idea... what do you mean not enough snow plows? Well I hope your new air ship crashes! Honestly, how could you not plan for this?"
Turning my head slowly, I made out a grey coat, pale amaranth mane and tail, and a flank with that pink thread and golden scissors cutie mark. Along with her ever present gold ringed amethyst earrings, the mare currently using the wall mounted hotel phone was unmistakable. "Prim?" My nostrils flared, my tail tucked between my legs, I felt my hooves nervously pawing the ground, preparing to bolt at a moment's notice. All the while my mind was running a mile a minute. Not on solving my petty issue of freezing to death, but how to deal with this ghost of my past.
What is she doing here? Is she looking for me? No, that's absurd, she was just talking to somepony about something snowed in. Is she trapped in the city too? Wait, doesn't she live here? At least she did ten years ago. Buck, but what is she doing here now? I looked around, taking in all the options I could find as I began to sweat bullets. Can I hide? Should I run outside? No that would draw her attention. Don't make any sudden movements. Ponies pay attention to sudden movements. Just slowly make my way over to- My thoughts were interrupted when I tipped over the potted plant I was hoping to hide behind.
Luckily it was one of those tacky fake plants. Even more luck, Prim hadn't noticed, still too engrossed in chewing out whoever was on the other side of the phone. not taking my eyes off the mare, I set the decoration back up in between the two of us before continuing my slow pace back... until I bumped into a luggage cart, sending it rolling across the floor. While it didn't spill it's whole overburdened contents, a single round luggage case tipped and fell over on its side, rolling at an angle to the luggage case putting it on a direct collision course with the subject of my attention.
I froze, too afraid to breathe or even blink. My fight, flight, freeze instincts have betrayed me. All I could do was stand and stare at that cursed cylindrical case as it slowly yet surely rolled up to and tapped Prim Hemline on her back left fetlock. For a fleeting second I thought I was in the clear. I almost let out my breath, but then she turned, we locked eyes, and she hung up the phone. For what felt like an eternity we just stood and stared at each other. If I didn't know better I'd say she was just as scared as me. But then she blinked, and then she smiled. "Whinny!" That was the last thing I heard before I blacked out.
The next thing I knew, I was curled up in silk sheets on a warm bed. The scent of spiced apple cider reached my muzzle, and I reflexively smile. Smells like Running Stitch's recipe... About ten seconds after my brain processed that thought, every muscle in my body stiffened and I began to recap my most recent memories. Getting up early to catch the train to the west coast, the train being snowed in, the hotel, the panicked gallop, the other hotel and then... "Oh, no." Please Betelgeuse, Canis Majoris, Antares, Cygni, Persei, please let me wake up in a stranger's basement and not... her, bed. Please, if you would ever answer any of my prayers, answer this one!
My prayer complete, I slowly opened my eyes, trying to take in all my surroundings. The silk sheets were a silvery grey, the room was immaculately clean. The walls were plastered with pictures of various exotic locales hanging in ornamental frames, the wardrobe was made of finely crafted mahogany, and the floors were stained cherry wood. On the nightstand beside me was a tarnished metal frame holding the one thing I prayed never to see again. Objectively there was nothing wrong with it. The two fillies it featured were beaming at the camera. Any other pony might even call it cute. It drove an icicle into my heart.
I cringed at the memories that came to my mind's eye before trying to compose myself. "I shouldn't have prayed to Betelgeuse, he was always a trickster like that detestable draconequus. Or maybe Antares thought this would be some sort of karma, the dastard. Either way, I should look up some new stars to pray to since those six seem to be less than useless." My theological mutterings were interrupted when I heard a door creek open. "I know you're there, Prim."
The grey mare in question nonchalantly strolled in as if she hadn't been sitting outside the door for the past five minutes. "Well good day to you too, Whinny." Dear Celestia, her voice was just as condescending as the last time I heard it. "How is my favorite pony doing after all these years?"
I leveled my best icy glare her way. "I would be doing better freezing in the pits of Tartarus." That got the slightest flinch out of her. Most ponies wouldn't notice, but I can read her every action like an open book. "Now, if you're done abducting ponies against their will I believe I shall be on my way. I'm sure there is still one hotel lobby with a half available cushion and I'd like to claim it before I'm forced to sleep on some hard floor."
She actually smiled at that. "Now now, it was hardly against your will. Why, I assumed you'd fainted from joy at finally reuniting with your fam-"
"Don't you dare finish that word." I didn't yell, nor raise my voice in the slightest. It still gave her pause as her ears drooped in submission. "You of all ponies know you lost all rights to call yourself that."
"W-Whinny?" Her voice was fragile as a Fabernéigh egg.
"It's Harshwhinny, miss Hemline, and I'd thank you to remember that." Finally regaining my voice, I hopped out of that trap of a bed and made my way to the exit. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I shall take my leave, unless you intend to keep me here by force. In which case I am prepared to win yet another test of strength and skill. Though, unlike our bouts in the past, I won't hold myself back."
Her eyes were moist with unshed crocodile tears. She always was better at acting than me. However, before I could reach the door to my salvation, I was blocked by the object of my ire, desperation clear on her face, even to an outsider. "Please! Don't go yet! It's still freezing out there! Just stay the night and you can try a hotel tomorrow, or maybe the train, but please don't leave!" Prim Hemline bowed her head and a few drops of moisture fell from her muzzle. "Not again."
Despite myself, I actually felt a twinge of guilt. Still, I wouldn't be dissuaded. "Miss Hemline, this behavior is not becoming of a Manehattan socialite such as yourself. Now return my belongings, step out of my way, and never bother me again."
Prim's eyes went wide for a moment. "Cider!"
I raised a single eyebrow. "Come again?"
"Mother's spiced apple cider! I made a batch while you were out. It's fresh, and warm and delicious. If you insist on leaving, at least stay for a mug of your favorite cider!" Prim Hemline looked like she just spouted out the best idea since the advent of the sewing machine.
Despite my gut twisting into knots at the thought of staying even a moment longer, my nostalgia and stomach got the better of me. With a deep breath in and out, I looked my pony-napper in the eyes. "One, mug..." at the sound of my growling belly, I added, "also, whatever you have that passes for food."
Prim looked like she just won the lottery. "Yes! Yes of course! I'll get started on dinner!"
"Nothing fancy mind you. I'd be fine with daisy sandwiches." As my now host scurried across her sizable kitchen preparing ingredients, she paused to pour out two large mugs of what smelled like the nectar of the stars. I took my seat and impatiently waited for her to bring my mug over. However, it seemed she was going to draw this out as long as possible. "This is going to be a long night."
One home made pot of the best drink in the galaxy and a silently eaten artisanal salad later, I was at least nineteen percent asleep, and quickly loosing my battle with unconsciousness. "Whi-I mean, Harshwhinny?"
"What is it Prim?" Catching that slip up too late, I just ignored it. Mare, that cider might not have alcohol, but it sure relaxes the muscles.
Prim Hemline took a moment before responding. "I know you said you wanted to leave, but... are you still feeling up to trudging through the snow, just to find some crowded hotel lobby to fall asleep? If anything happened to you out there, I'd never forgive myself."
I snorted, half in derision, half in amusement. "That's rich coming from you, considering what you did." That got her to bodily cringe. Good. Let her feel some of the pain for once.
"Please, just stay the night. If you still want to leave tomorrow I'll help you look for a place to stay, or I'll just... leave you alone, but please, don't put yourself in danger." Prim was practically begging. How pathetic.
"Fine... One night." Prim almost immediately brightened. "But I'm not sleeping on that bed of yours. I'll take the couch. It's your old pullout futon right?"
"Yeah, I've kept it in good condition all these years. It was one of the few things I couldn't bring myself to throw out after..." She trailed off looking to the side, and while I despised her, I could at least understand. That was one of the many wounds we shared. No need to elaborate.
"Well, good night then miss Hemline." And with that I made my way to the living room and proceeded to set up the pullout futon within the nearly fifty year old couch. Prim got out the spare sheets, and just as I suspected, the original blue and white striped plaid comforter. The sheets and pillow cases were a simple cotton polyester blend, but that original piece of bedding is practically an heirloom at this point. As if it could be handed down to anypony now. That thought left a bitter resentment in my gut. It didn't mix well with the warm cider. In the end, I just slumped back into the tender embrace of slumber.
After a night of sleep that happened to be much nicer than I would dare admit to, I was awoken by the unmistakable scent of blueberry pancakes. It would seem she has resorted to playing dirty. "I suppose you think you're being clever. I promise, you're not."
Though my eyes were closed, I could still hear the shit eating grin on her face. "I'm sure I have no clue what you mean. I'm simply making myself breakfast."
Though I tried maintaining my stoicism, my ears betrayed me with a minor flick. "You mean to tell me you made my favorite breakfast food right in the other room and had no intention to keep me in your clutches longer than absolutely necessary?" Not caring about my image any longer I sat up to glare across the room at my captor.
Her face had reverted to it's familiar disinterested expression. "Have you forgotten it's also my favorite breakfast food? If you want some pancakes I suppose I could whip up another batch but if not, these fresh pancakes are mine alone." She tilted her head up ever so slightly to look down her muzzle at me.
Don't fall for it. You know she's just trying to bait you. My thoughts were interrupted by a loud grumble from my stomach. I said nothing but Prim's mouth curled ever so slightly upwards. "I also have sourdough toast with elder berry jam."
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in and out. It's a free meal. No need to talk. Just get breakfast and leave. I opened my eyes and she was openly smirking. She knew she'd won this round, but she wouldn't win the war. "If you insist, I shall join you for breakfast Prim Hemline." After getting dressed I double checked that Prim had brought my luggage out of hiding. Sure enough, there it was leaning against the wall next to the door. Good. After I eat I can just bolt out without another word.
"So what brings you to Manehattan in the first place? I didn't get a chance to ask you last night." Deciding it wouldn't hurt to exchange small talk, I indulged her interest.
"The mayor petitioned the committee to host the next Equestria games. I was sent to evaluate the city's capacity to do so as well as confirm the mayor's claims regarding the details shared in his letter to the committee." Having indulged the mare to what I felt was satisfactory, I took my first bite of the freshly made pancakes smothered in butter and drowned in syrup. I will never admit it, but these are the best pancakes I've had in over a decade.
Almost as if she could read my mind, Prim spoke up with that infuriating condescending tone of hers. "I take it my cooking skills have not dulled in the past decade if your wagging tail is anything to go by." Panicked, I turned to look behind me and, sure enough, my traitorous tail was sweeping back and forth across the cushion I was sitting on. "Anyway, what did you make of our fair city?"
Grateful for the change in topic, I quickly swallowed my heavenly pancakes. "Ahem, if you must know, I find this locale lacking on several fronts."
That got a curious raise of Prim's eyebrows. "Is that so? Do tell. How may we Manehattanites improve our fair city?"
Back in my critical element, I began to let my preliminary report flow. "Well for starters the horrid stench of the city's sewer system suffuses stadium square. You may have the infrastructure to hold the games but nopony would want to attend, let alone compete in such conditions. Then there's the thespians throwing themselves thoughtlessly throughout the streets, demanding bits for standing statuesque silently swathed silver." I shook my head at the absurdity. "Simply stupid."
Prim let out an amused chuckle. "Is that all? Or should I expect a full ten page report of articulate alliterative analysis?"
"Oh that's just the beginning, but I'd rather not bore you with the details." Taking another bite, I couldn't help but notice her smile was no longer condescending or amused, but a soft smile of contentment. Before I could catch myself, I found my lips mirroring hers. That is until I realized what she was doing. Can't let my guard down like that. I ate the rest of my breakfast in silence.
I would have preferred to sit and enjoy my meal, but for the sake of my sanity, I needed to leave as soon as physically possible. "So what's your plan for the day?" I just glared at her while I chewed the last bites of my pancakes. "Fascinating. Well, in case you didn't hear last night, I have quite a bit of time on my hooves. I was going to host a Hearths Warming pageant. Show off some original takes on the traditional costume designs, but my sponsor pulled out at the last minute due to the snow in, and the rail companies were less than no help."
My glare continued with a little eye twitch. "And I should care about this why?"
For the first time since I saw her last night, Prim frowned at me. Not only that, her whole body sagged. Suddenly she looked as old as I felt. Something was viscerally wrong with this picture. "Well, I guess I was hoping after you found a hotel room to stay in, maybe we could spend some time together? I miss you Harsh, and I know you still hate me for what I did, but... could you at least give me the chance to make it up to you?"
I bit my tongue until it started bleeding. Those damn puppy dog eyes. How can she still have those at her age? Taking several deep breaths, I manage to calm my nerves. Once I was calm, I focused all my attention on the mare across the table from me. "Tell you what Hemline. If I can't find a hotel room today and the trains still aren't running, I'll stay until I can find a room or I can get a ride out of the city. However, if I can find a room or leave, I will. If that happens, I hope to never see you again, and I will do everything in my power to never visit this accursed city ever again."
Despite my caveats and clear disdain, it looked as though I just promised Prim the world. Further surprising me, she had already finished her breakfast while I still had half a pancake left. When did she learn to eat so fast? "In any case, I should be leaving soon. If I'm lucky I'll never see you again and I can go back to my life and career."
Still, Prim had that damnable smile on her face. She acts like nothing happened. The feather-bucking audacity. Deciding to sacrifice decorum for expediency I shove the last bits of pancake into my maw, stand up, and bolt out the door, grabbing my luggage on the way out. It was only after I got about a block away that I allowed myself a moment of peace to catch my breath.
I thought I had finally escaped that ghost of my past when a maddeningly familiar voice sounded from just behind me. "Really miss Harshwhinny, you should take better care not to over exert yourself." Turning around, I was forced muzzle to muzzle with my own personal nightmare.
"Why did you follow me!" I hiss out, not wanting to make a scene. While I fix her with my best death glare, she just looks down her muzzle at me.
"Tell me miss Harshwhinny, how well do you know this city? Because I know it like the frog of my hoof." In demonstration, Prim examined the soft underside of her hoof in disinterest before looking back to me. "I simply assumed you would like a local guide to expedite your errand. Especially since it's already twenty five past ten."
"Fine. Lead the way miss Hemline." As I followed Nightmare Moon incarnate, I fought to stay calm in her presence. Conversation might not be a terrible distraction. "So, why does my gracious guide insist on maintaining professionalism when just last night you were acting like a possessive school filly?" I could tell my face had resorted to its natural state of annoyance, but Prim had a confident and sophisticated air about her. I'm sure to any outsider we'd look like quite the odd couple. Shaking my head of that intrusive thought I focused back on Prim.
"If you must know, I have built up a reputation here in this city. I know it may seem alien to you, being the one to impress as you travel from city to city, but some of us must maintain a separation from our personal and professional lives. Thus, out in public, we are nothing more than a wayward mare and her guide." Something felt off about that phrasing, but it was a decent enough explanation, not so subtle jab at my career notwithstanding.
"If you say so Prim." That got her to stumble for half a step before righting herself almost instantly. Good to know she still reacts to the same triggers. That brought a devilish smile to my face.
"Do you know how annoying that phrase is?" That actually broke through her mask of professionalism. Even better than I thought.
"I'm sure I haven't the foggiest." For the first time in a while, I was genuinely enjoying myself.
"You know what I'm talking about! You always say that like it's some casual saying, but you know exactly what that phrase means."
It was my turn to wear the shit eating grin. "If you say so." At those words it looked like the grey mare would curse me out. Maybe then she'll leave me alone.
Sadly, I had no such luck. Right as her face was turning red, she just blinked, snorted, and laughed out loud. While we were still trotting along, she just let loose like a mad-mare. Soon enough I was joining her infectious laughter. It got so bad we had to stop in the middle of the sidewalk just to catch our breaths. Once we did, I noticed we were slumped against each other. Blushing at the contact I quickly got up and brushed the snow off my coat and sweater.
"Ahem, yes well... is the hotel close by Prim?" As soon as she got control of herself she followed my example, taking extra care not to let her sweater get stained. I've been splashed with too many mud puddles to care about stains at this point.
"Closer than you might think." Prim's smug grin and a tilt of her head prompted me to turn around. Sure enough, we were standing right in front of the Manehattan Grove Hotel. Rather we were standing in front of the decorative crack on its east facing wall. While it's usually harder to see in the day, I could still make out the rainbow of colored lights. "I know it might seem unusual but when the 'Rainbow Crack' hotel becomes a local land mark, you've got yourself perpetual free advertisement."
I gave Prim my best glare of incredulity. "Ponies really call it... that?"
Prim just looked at me like I had two heads. "What's wrong with a nickname for an establishment? The Grove doesn't really inspire interest. Add that to the subpar location and eccentricities become an outright necessity."
Not wanting to waste any more time on a pointless argument I just rolled my eyes before heading for the entrance. The interior wasn't overly opulent, yet it still managed to display a simple elegance and grandeur with their high ceilings, and polished marble floors. It was almost enough for me to forget the pest refusing to leave my side. No matter. There's bound to be at least one room available today.
As I made my way to the front desk, my shadow deigned leave me be, opting to lounge across one of the red velvet sofas scattered throughout the lobby. That actually brought a smile to my face as I greeted the pony at the front desk. "Good day to you sir, I was wondering if you have any vacancies."
The maroon stallion with a blonde mane returned my smile, but there was still the signs of insincerity I was so used to seeing. "Terribly sorry miss, but we're completely booked for the next four days at the minimum. Though, if the railway representatives are to be believed, many of our guests will be stuck for the rest of the week. Apparently Manehattan isn't the only snowed in city. Baltimare, Fillydelphia, even Hoofington traded in its near constant rain for a heavy snow fall this year."
While disappointing, it wasn't unexpected. That eastern cold front was almost supernatural. If the Storm King hadn't been petrified and shattered I'd have blamed him. "That is unfortunate, but would you happen to know if any other hotels in the city might have vacancies?"
The stallion's smile became just a hair more strained. "Once again, apologies miss, but the only vacancies I can think of are lobby cushions. I called every hotel just this morning and it seemed that any vacancies that may have opened up were claimed by the early risers."
My eye twitched. So not only was I taken against my will, I was also robbed of an opportunity to find a room. I gave the sofa Prim was lounging on my worst death glare before taking a few deep breaths to calm down. This front desk pony doesn't deserve my ire. Maintain your decorum. "Thank you anyway. I hope you have a pleasant day."
His smile actually looked genuine as I departed. "Same to you miss. Good luck with your search. If worse comes to worse, you're welcome to our lobby." Well that's at least a backup plan.
As expected, prim was by my side the instant I passed her sofa. Well at least her body heat keeps one of my sides warm. I just wish this space heater didn't have that damn face with that damn smile. "Aww, tough luck miss Harshwhinny. Perhaps the next hotel will have that ever elusive vacant room you so desire." Ah yes, I almost forgot that damn voice of hers.
"Just be a good space heater and shut your trap." Much to my annoyance, that just got a chuckle out of her.
"So I've been promoted from vermin to space heater have I? What a great honor!" She tittered into her hoof. She actually tittered. Electra, Fafnir, Deneb, grant me patience to not murder this mare.
The next few hours consisted of repeating inquiries about vacancies, being told any vacancies that opened up were immediately filled by the ponies who camped out in their lobbies. I stopped asking for calls to the other hotels after the third failure. That didn't stop Prim from becoming increasingly insufferable as the day went on.
"You know miss Harshwhinny, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result."
"I always hated that phrase," I grumbled. "There are plenty of instances where expecting different results from the same activity is completely sane." To my surprise and relief, Prim had no witty comeback.
Instead she offered a genuine question. "I suppose you're right. But if that's the case, how would you describe insanity?"
Now it was my turn to be smug, and I made sure she could see it plastered on my face. "In my opinion, insanity should be described as having a tenuous grasp on reality. Much like yourself and how you seem to think I wouldn't despise you after the horseapples you pulled." Stars above that felt good! I kept riding my emotional high until I noticed a cold spot on my left flank. Looking to my side, I saw a lack of grey fur. Looking behind me, I spotted my annoying space heater. "Prim? Why did you stop?"
The mare in question was just blankly looking ahead until she dipped her head. "Do you really feel that way Whi-... miss Harshwhinny?" That got me to turn around to face her directly.
"What do you mean? I've made it abundantly clear that I don't enjoy having to spend time with you." Why am I explaining this? "Why do you think I'm out here trudging through this flurry, freezing my fetlocks off? Why I keep inquiring at every hotel?" Just turn around and leave! This is my chance to be rid of her! "The only reason I entertained your idea of sleeping under the same roof as you was because you bribed me!" Just shut up and leave her! "Why shouldn't I hate you? Just because it's been ten years? Because you made your mother's cider and offered a bed?" Don't say it. Just shut up! "You broke my heart Prim!"
My ears were ringing and the only indication I could tell I was panting was the condensate puffing up in my face. At least until the cold air forced my tear ducts to leak extra moisture blurring my vision. I could feel the eyes of passerby on the two of us but at that moment I didn't care. I just started taking deep breaths to calm down and blink away the extra moisture in my eyes. Not wanting to show any more weakness, I turned back around. Still not moving, but now at least I don't have to look at her.
When she finally spoke, I could barely make out what she said. "You're right, Whinny. I know I hurt you, but... what else can I do?" Her voice was still soft, but it was closer. A moment later and my left flank was slightly less cold. "I know I can't make up for betraying your trust like that, and I wouldn't expect to ever share a bed with you again but... I miss you Whinny."
We were moving again. Trudging in the snow side by side in an oppressive silence. Normally the streets of Manehattan would be abuzz with the sounds of ponies and carriages. Today most ponies were either inside their warm homes or darting out for a quick errand before galloping back to shelter. "I should have brought snow boots."
"What?" Prim looked at me like I just spouted a non sequitur.
"I wasn't exaggerating when I said I was freezing my fetlocks off." My hooves were starting to go numb
"Oh, right..." Prim went back to focusing on the ground.
Now we're back to the awkward silence. "Why did you bring me back to your place?"
That got her attention. Prim didn't look my way but she at least brought her head back up. "What do you mean?"
I rolled my eyes at her deflection. She was always bad at that. Never stopped her though. "I mean why did you decide to take me to your house instead of, oh I don't know, just leaving me at the hotel? Even if you just wanted to make sure nopony... did anything to me while I was out, you didn't need to take me out of the building. You could have just dropped me on a sofa and left. So why take me back and leave me in your bed?"
I tried searching her face but she kept up her annoyingly stoic expression she wore among those vying for her approval. "To be honest, after you fainted, I was tempted to just bolt. Despite what you might think, I'm not oblivious. I haven't forgotten the last thing you said to me." Prim's ears drooped and I couldn't help but wince at the memory. Sure I was pissed, but I didn't need to be that cruel.
"Ahem, anyway, after I checked you were okay I was going to leave but... I don't know. I just felt like I needed to do something to help, something to at least start to make up for my mistakes. Though, I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a part of me that was hoping you'd be happy to see me." She slumped back down, studying the side walk as we went. "The offer is still open you know. You might think I'm just trying to bother you, but I really have enjoyed the time we've spent together however short." At that, the corners of her mouth twitched up ever so slightly.
I bit my lip and thought hard about how to respond. "If... I am being completely honest. I would have to admit not all of the time spent in your company has been entirely... unbearable." Now she was outright smiling. Not a smirk, a grin, or one of those fake toothy smiles. A genuine smile that just barely, but still reached her eyes. Those deep violet cerise eyes. For just an instant, I was thirty years younger and looking right at the love of my life and my best friend in the world... and then the moment passed and we both looked away, my cheeks slightly warmer than they were a moment ago.
It was about that time we arrived at the steps leading up to the train station. "Well I guess this is our last stop for the day," Prim said, disappointment dripping off her words. "Hey, if the trains are still down, you wanna grab some late lunch? I know a fantastic establishment nearby, my treat of course."
Despite my bitter memories surfacing, despite my heart screaming at me to deny her any hope, my mind sees nothing wrong with the prospect of another free meal. I give the slightest of smiles. Not much, but it's genuine. "Sure. If I'm still stuck here I'll let you treat me to a late lunch."
"Here we are. The best Hayburger in Manehattan." Suffice to say, the train station was utterly abandoned, closed signs outright nailed over the ticket booths. In any case, my companion's claims left me with a raised eyebrow.
"Just Manehattan? Why not claim its superiority to all others in Equestria?"
Prim rolled her eyes but she was still wearing the same smile she had since the train station. "Despite what you might think, I haven't been to every Hayburger in the nation. But I have sampled every establishment in my home city and I can say that this," she pointed once again to the restaurant, "is definitively the best Hayburger in Manehattan."
I narrow my eyes as I put on my shit eating grin. "If you say so."
That got a glare, but she was still smiling. "I will get you one of these days, and you will finally know the frustration you cause me."
She just makes it too easy. "If, you say, sooo," I sang out in the most annoying tune as I could manage. While Prim was angrily pouting, she still couldn't hide her smile. Why doesn't her smile fill me with rage? Shaking my head, I decided not to worry about it for now. For now, I had a free meal to extort. Entering the establishment honestly left me disappointed at the lackluster interior. Oh well, I suppose the taste of the food isn't always reflected in the atmosphere of the establishment.
While we weren't the only patrons in the building, it did still appear to be a slow day. A waiter came by as soon as we sat down at a small two pony booth. After Prim ordered the two of us a hayburger and fries we were left to ourselves once again. "Why do you keep looking at me like that Prim?"
"Like what?" She had been stealing furtive glances between studying the grain in the wooden table ever since we sat down. With a single raised eyebrow I made sure she knew just how little I believed that. "Look, it's stupid." My second eyebrow joined it's companion. "Wh-Ugh! Fine! You wanna know what's on my mind?" My first eyebrow lowered as I gave her a half lidded flat stare. "Okay, fine, whatever. Just... I was just thinking about... how this feels like a date. Or rather that... I feel like I did on our first date." Now I was giving her a hard glare. "Look! You're the one who asked! I didn't want to make it weird but then you forced it out of me!"
That got a smirk out of me. "You always were too easy. That said..." I trailed off, thinking of what I wanted to say. I took up Prim's habit of studying the table for answers until I was saved by our food arriving. With any luck, Prim will have moved on by the time we finish eating.
Unfortunately luck was not on my side. As soon as we were back out on the freezing streets she immediately piped up. "Soooo, you were saying?"
"Hmm? What was that?" Here's hoping feigning ignorance can get me out of this conversation.
Judging by Prim's expression, that wasn't likely. "You know exactly what Whinny." That stopped me in my tracks
"What did you just call me?"
That got a glare out of her. "Oh don't give me that. You've been calling me Prim almost all day. If you get to use nicknames so do I."
I had to take another deep breath to calm down. Not easy in this freezing weather, but I managed. "One, you never told me not to call you that. Two it's not a nickname, it's literally your name. Three I specifically told you not to call me that."
"Actually, you didn't."
"Excuse me?" She wasn't smirking. She was being completely serious. "Do you not remember what I told you last night?"
Now it was apparently her turn to raise an eyebrow. "Actually, you just told me your full name, called me by my full name and told me to remember your name."
"W-well I'm telling you now!" Why am I making such a big deal out of this? "Look... okay, fine. You can call me that, but only when we're alone."
"Deal! Now, Whinny, what was it you were going to say back at the Hayburger?"
I decided to look anywhere but her face as I began walking. "I d-don't remember."
"Horseapples!" She spat as she caught up to me.
Not having the energy to keep up a fight, I gave in. "Fine, just give me a minute." While I tried to organize my thoughts, Prim was keeping track of time, and sure enough after a minute had passed, at least according to a count in her head, she started nudging and poking me until I spoke. "I was thinking that... while I don't, and never will feel that way about you again, I do have to admit your company has been somewhat enjoyable." My cheeks felt warm and I refused to look her way, but I could feel the aura of giddiness radiating off of her.
Despite that, when I looked back, Prim simply wore a soft, yet genuine smile. I couldn't help give out a soft sigh. "You know, the offer is still open, and you did say if we failed to find a vacancy you would take me up on my offer."
For the first time in a decade, the thought of sharing a room with this mare didn't utterly repulse me. I suppose she isn't exactly the mare who hurt me. Still, we'll never be what we were again. I looked over to Prim as we walked in an amiable silence. I couldn't help but smile at the pony I hated for so long. But in the end, she was my very first friend.
Before long, we made our way back to her rather modest home in the old residential district. Celestia had long since set the sun and we had to navigate via street lamps. Thankfully, even in a snow storm, we were in the city that never sleeps. Furthermore, while the snowfall was still near constant, there wasn't a single draft of wind among the corridors of streets. In the faint light of Luna's moon, the immaculate snow cover brought out a hidden beauty of the city I'd never thought possible.
That said, I was just as eager as Prim to get out of the cold and warm up. "I bet you're glad to finally be able to let that luggage case off your back. I don't know how you've been carrying that thing all day."
I rolled my eyes as I let my luggage fall from it's place and land upright next to the door just as it had been that morning. "It's called being in shape. I swear, you may have a model's figure, but you're all skin an bones."
"Oh, so you've been eyeing my figure have you? Oh my, how scandalous." Her coy smile and half lidded stare sent an unpleasant shiver down my spine. Unfortunately, she took it as a sign to keep going. "Well, if you'd like a closer look, I do think we could both use a warm bath after trudging through the snow all day. What say we share one? Would I be right to assume you still enjoy tangerine scented bath salts and smooth jazz?"
That was far enough. "Prim, stop." I could only hope my tone and scowl got the message across. From her deflation and folded back ears, I assume it did.
Once again, she looked so defeated. "I'm sorry Whinny, I just... I thought... I'm sorry."
While I felt like I was being emotionally blackmailed on some level, I just couldn't help but comfort my... friend. So I closed the distance between us and enveloped her in a full body hug. "Listen, I don't hate you Prim, not anymore. I miss the old days too, but I can't go back to what we used to be, not entirely. It still hurts, but I miss my best friend Prim." I held her at hoofs length and cupped her cheek in my hoof, turning her head up to meet my eyes. "It may take a while for me to fully get over it, or it might always hurt. I can't tell the future, but for now, could we just be friends again?" While my eyes started tearing up, I still gave her a small yet genuine smile.
I was glad to see her return it before pulling me back into a hug. "Yeah Whinny, I think I'd like that. I'd like that a lot." Having said all we needed to, we just held each other for a few more minutes before separating. "So I guess that's a no on sharing a bath then?" Prim chuckled, and I joined her.
"Yeah, I'm going to need a rain check on that."
"Well then how about you go ahead and take the first bath while I get started on more of mother's spiced apple cider?"
"Sounds like a plan." The rest of the night we spent reminiscing and properly catching up on a decade of lost time. Around midnight, Prim bid me goodnight and didn't even try to tempt me into her bed. Instead she just helped me set up the fold out futon and left. That night I slept better than I had in years. I felt lighter, like I had finally let go of some anchor weighing me down.
The next morning, Prim made us french toast with powdered sugar. I swear it's a mystery how she eats like this and doesn't put on weight. Regardless, we ended up making plans for her to show me around her city. I had already written my assessment when it came to hosting the Equestria games, so I could just enjoy myself for once instead of having to critically analyze every little thing I came across.
We started off the day just trotting around while she pointed out the various landmarks and tourist traps until we made our way to Bridleway. As it happened, the theaters were still putting on various performances. While Hinny of the Hills was sold out as always, there were still some lesser known productions with more than a few empty seats.
We decided to see a historical fiction piece about some ponies wanting to form an independent colony. While I found the premise laughable, I had to admit Haymilton was quite entertaining. Curiously, it consisted entirely of musical numbers. Most musicals only have a few songs between various dialog scenes. Not only that, but it utilized a modern take on music instead of sticking to traditional lyrical composition. To top it all off, Prim and I were balling our eyes out by the end, and even as we made our way out of the theater.
"I don't understand Whinny. I've never cried at a play before, musical or otherwise. Not even an opera."
"Don't ask me Prim. I can't remember the last time I cried that much over anything." As we looked each other in the eyes, we couldn't help but laugh even as tears continued to flow. "I suppose it's just credit to the playwright." Still, however ridiculous, it felt good to get all that out of my system
We spent the remainder of the day just walking and talking. As we made our way around town, working off that french toast breakfast, I couldn't help but notice all the ponies and their foals playing in the snow. Despite not three days ago regarding such displays with contempt, I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at their carefree attitudes. That is, until something cold and wet hit the side of my head.
Turning in the direction of my assailant, I found a smirking Prim Hemline holding yet another snowball in her hoof. "What are you going to do about it?"
Before she could react, I scooped a ball of snow in my hoof and threw it square in her face in one fluid motion. The shock to her system was so great she dropped her own ammunition to wipe herself off. By the time she could see, I had amassed a half dozen more balls of frozen fury. As soon her eyes were cleared of snow, she fixed me with a death glare and spoke three words. "This. Means. War."
With that declaration, she jumped back, and started gathering up snow, dodging my projectiles until she had a sizable pile to hide behind. Not wanting to give up the advantage, I swiftly did the same before restocking my ammo. Around the time I had made three more snow balls, I heard a soft 'plomp' from the other side of my makeshift snow fort. After a peak out the side, I spotted prim doing much the same. It seems she was hoping to get a free shot off. Not today.
We ended up loosing track of time exchanging blows and taunts. It wasn't until the street light overhead turned on that I realized we had been having a snowball fight in the streets of Manehattan for what was probably hours, but only felt like minutes. "Hey Prim?"
"Yes red coat?"
"First off, my coat isn't red, it's orange. Second, it's getting dark, we probably shouldn't stay out much longer unless we want to catch a cold." Really we should have headed back quite some time ago.
"Ugh, very well, mother! We shall call a truce for the night."
The next few days went by in much the same way. It was the most fun I'd had in I don't know how long. I had my best friend back, and I got a free vacation. Alright Antares, I guess it turned out fine in the end this time, but I'm still not praying to Betelgeuse again. I'll be sure to pay proper tribute when I get home. That thought gave me pause. What is home anymore? I still have a place in Applewood, but is it home? My late night musings were keeping me awake, tossing on the guest mattress.
Accepting that I likely wouldn't be getting sleep that night, I got up to get some water and to try meditating. That is, until I saw the cracked door to Prim's bedroom. Thoughts of feathery down and silk sheets came to mind. As if on autopilot, I quietly made my way down the short hallway and into Prim's bedroom. Tossing in her own bed was my best friend and former lover.
I had to gulp down a whimper. Surely she wouldn't mind right? But then, would I be sending the wrong message? Sleeping together in the same bed, naked? Sure we're mostly naked most of the time but this felt different. Despite my misgivings and mental warnings, my legs brought me to the empty side of the bed. The same side with the photo frame on the night stand. What once filled me with loathing now sent a pang through my heart. Seeing the two of us as fillies, beaming up at a camera. Everything was so simple back then.
With a sigh, I turned to leave until I was stopped by a hoof on my flank. "Whinny?"
"H-hey Prim. Sorry for waking you, I was just... I couldn't sleep." I decided to study the intricate flooring instead of make eye contact with the half awake mare.
I was about to move again when she spoke up. "You wanna sleep with me?" I had to do a panicked double take before Prim held up her hooves in defense. "Hey, hey, I didn't mean it that way. I just meant that, well I was having trouble sleeping too, and I could use a friend. You know, for cuddles and the like? We used to share a bed as fillies during sleepovers. So... if you're okay with it, I'd appreciate the company."
I had to admit that did sound nice, still. "If you try anything, I'm out."
She just smiled at that. "I wouldn't dream of it. I just got my PFF back. I'm not about to risk that for anything." With her confident reassurances and a moment to calm my nerves, I slowly got into bed and slipped under the covers. As soon as I was settled on my side facing Prim, I felt a hoof on my barrel. "So would you like to be the big spoon or little spoon?"
The question caught me off guard for a moment before my brain could fully process the situation. "I... I think I'd like to be the little spoon." Not wanting to prolong any awkward moments, I flipped on my other side and scooched closer to the other warm body in bed. Before I could second guess myself a hoof wrapped itself around my barrel as another hoof squeezed under my pillow before a warm body came in full contact with my own, and I melted. Everything was right with the world. I was home.
