>You lie still in your bed, the knocks from the front door echoing throughout your treehouse.
>They would have woken you up if you got any sleep to begin with these days.
>Ever since Anon's cruel treatment of your innocent advances, you haven't been able to get more than an hour of sleep at a time.
>Your mind refused to let more than a minute pass without reminding you of how STUPID you could have been to even think someone like Anon would ever like you.
>That ANYONE would like you.
>The knocks at your door refuse to stop, compelling you to sit up in your bed with a groan.
>You knead your eyes with purple hooves, the sleepless nights you've endured evidenced by the deep, dark shadows underneath them.
>Letting out another low groan, you throw off your covers and begin your trek to the front door.
>During the melancholy of your past few days, you've forgone any attempts at cleanliness.
>Your mane is tangled and unkempt, your coat blotchy and sticky with dried tears.
>You don't care though. There's not a lot you care about anymore.
>Bracing yourself for another one of your friend's efforts at getting you out of the house, you trudge to the still-pounding door and open it.
>The last person you expected or wanted to see, Anonymous, stands in the doorway, fist raised as if to continue knocking.
>He lets out a regrettably audible "oh shit" under his breath as he takes in your disheveled appearance.
>Looking him over, you can't help but think the same sentiment.
>Across his bare arms are an assortment of abrasions and scratches, a few band aids over the more concerning ones.
>His face was not spared attention either, a large bruise blooming on his cheek and a bandage across the bridge of his nose.
>From the way he stands and holds himself, you're sure the injuries extend further than just what you can see.
>"Hey uhm- hey Twilight. Can I come in?"
>While a part of you is elated to see the man who stomped on your little pony heart in such a vulnerable state, you feel an overwhelming sense of anger at the callous being who would harm your precious Anon.
>Maybe if you found who did this and brought them to justice, Anon would be so impressed that he-
>No. Such a stupid idea, Anon hates you. EVERYONE hates you.
>"Twi?"
>With as emotionless a visage as you can muster, you stare back up at your maimed tormentor.
"What do you want."
>"I, uh..."
>Anon frantically looks over his shoulder, up into the cloudy sky, before continuing at a louder volume.
>"I wanted to tell you, Twilight Sparkle, that I am very very sorry for how I have been acting. I've been a..."
>He again nervously combs the sky with his gaze.
>"I've been a big jerk, and a dork, and a really mean nerd. And I want to apologize."
>Your mind reels from the unexpected sentiment.
>Anon never apologizes to anyone! Not even that time he burned down one of Applejack's trees!
>Could this mean he... actually cares about you?
>Your heart flutters slightly before stilling itself as you remember the sting of Anon's "pranks" in the days prior.
>You eye him warily, fully ready for him to start calling you names or fart on you or something.
"Anon, I do appreciate your apology but you really hurt me w—"
>"AND"
>Anon yells over you in a grimace, his eyes shut completely tight.
>"And I wanted to show how sorry I am by asking if you would go on a date with me. As my sp- fuck. Special somep-pony."
>It looks as if it physically hurt him to spit out the last two words.
>His shoulders slump, drained.
>Your eyes bulge and jaw drops, any attempts at remaining stoic vanquished by Anon's request.
>Your response comes out faster and at a higher pitch than regular.
"R-really? Special someponies with me? Oh wow Anon of course, I'd love to-"
>Catching yourself, your giddiness wanes as you think carefully about his past behavior.
"Oh... was this another joke?"
>You hang your head as embarrassment washes over you again.
>Of course it was. It always was. He'd call you a friend and leave just like every other time. How could you keep falling for it, so stupid so stupid s—
>Anon, sensing your mood change, breaks into a panicked sweat, yelling more at the sky than at you.
>"waitwaitWAIT Twilight wait I really meant it. No jokes. I l-like you and want to go on an actual date, as m-more than best friends."
>You look back up to the terrified? human on your doorstep.
"More than best friends?"
>"Yeahyeah I won't call you best friend anymore. So, date?"
>Despite the rushed nature of Anon's confession you feel the emotions you abandoned days ago trickle back to you.
>Even if it was a prank, you could at least enjoy it while it lasted right?
>And Anon did seem sincere enough, albeit a bit frightened.
>You allow a small smile to creep to your face and nod to the human, speaking to his shoes.
"Y-yes Anon. I would like to go on a date with you."
>Anon lets out a wheeze of relief while you stare at the floor demurely.
>"Great. Glad to hear it. You ready to go? I was hoping we could knock it out today."
"Oh, today! Sure Anon, just give me a minute to uh..."
>You trail off, suddenly self-conscious about your slovenly appearance.
>Anon just stares at you patiently.
"Y-you can come in if you want. It won't be long."
>Muttering something while looking over his shoulder, Anon strides across your mantle.
"Don't... don't go anywhere."
>You give a forced, pathetic chuckle as you clop your way up the stairs to your room.
>Anon takes no notice, sitting himself on the floor of your foyer and putting his head in his hands.

>Deciding against a full shower, you instead opt to just brush your mane and tail into a more acceptable condition.
>You may be a little smelly from not showering since your spaghetti date with Anon, but you know he won't mind.
>It takes some time to remove all the tangles, but you finish feeling confident.
>Trotting back to Anon with a bit of pep in your step, you're greeted by Spike's voice.
>Spike has his collection of trading cards sprawled out in front of Anon, holding each one up to make sure Anon gets a good look at it before setting it back down in a seemingly determined spot.
>"-and see this dragon can make little plant guys and this dragon is actually a person but not all the time and this dragon can turn back into an egg and-"
>Anon winces as Spike shows him each of his cards.
>"Yeah Spike, those cards look really... powerful."
>Spike, either unthwarted by or unaware of Anon's sarcasm, presses on through the collection.
>Anon's forced smile becomes a grim line when he sees you enter the foyer.
>Standing up while patting Spike's head, Anon gives his parting words to the miniature dragon.
>"Hey, gotta go bud. Thanks for showing me the cards."
>Spike looks pleased as punch, hastily gathering up his stash before waddling off back to his room.
>"Anytime Anon! Come back later and maybe we can play some!"
>As Spike passes you, he takes note of your no-longer-tangled mane.
>"Good to see you're getting out of the house Twi, have fun!"
>Anon watches Spike hustle off before silently opening the front door and walking out, leaving it open.
>You say your thanks and goodbyes to your dragon assistant before following Anon, closing the door behind you with your magic.
>Your human companion has yet again begun to stare at the sky, looking from cloud to cloud.
>Still unable to meet his gaze, you address the ground between your hooves with your question.
"So... where were you thinking?..."
>Anon doesn't even look at you, keeping his head aimed at the clouds above as he shouts out his answer.
>"We're going to take a walk through the park, get something to eat at Sugarcube Corner, and then THAT'S IT."
>You're startled slightly by Anon's aggressive outburst and erratic behavior, but say nothing regarding either.
"Ooh okay. S-sounds fun."
>Your heart beats faster at the prospect of spending an entire afternoon with Anon. Alone! As his special somepony!
>You need to hear it again. Just to be sure he's not joking, of course.
"Anon c-can you call me..."
>Overcome with a sudden bout of embarrassment, you pause before forging ahead, your muzzle burning.
>You finish your sentence in a half-mumble.
"...your special somepony again."
>He looks a little more exasperated than you expected, but he obliges.
>"You're my special somepony. That good?"
>Your blush deepens and you double your wager.
"and scratch my ears..."
>Anon purses his lips and gives your ears two quick scratches before glancing at the sky and then his watch.
>"Oh look, we're going to be late. For the park."
>And with that, he begins to walk off towards the edge of Ponyville.
>You shiver, the too-short physicality of Anon's touch only increasing your need.
>Taking up a trot, you follow closely behind him, putting off your desires for the time.

>It is a bright, pleasant day in Equestria, the sun smiling warmly upon the landscape.
>The occasional breeze pushes the few clouds in the sky along their lazy path and gently brushes against your coat and mane.
>This kind of agreeable weather makes you regret staying shut in, and for once, your brain isn't constantly broadcasting your failures to your mind's eye.
>You glance up to your right at your special somepony, Anon.
>Well. You suppose he's technically your special somehuman.
>Doesn't have the same ring to it.
>Your walk to the park is uneventful, though the way Anon is limping makes you a little concerned over the injuries he might be hiding.
>He just keeps his hands in his pockets and his eyes to the clouds, completely ignoring you.
>In short fashion, you arrive to one of Ponyville's many nature sites.
>The one Anon chose was simply the closest one to your treehouse, and it was essentially just a set of grassy, rolling hills intersected with neat little dirt paths and flower beds.
>Any place was special if Anon was with you though.
>The concept that you were on a date with Anonymous sinks in again, and you smile inwardly.
>A real, actual date, with a real actual person!
>And you didn't even have to beg this time!
>Even if it was a prank, you could live off this feeling for months.
>Anon doesn't even acknowledge that you've arrived at the park.
>He pauses briefly in consideration of which of the paths to take and then begins limping down one chosen at what you assume is random, again without any attention paid towards you.
>The brisk pace he takes catches you by surprise, and spurs you to action.
>You trot up a little closer to him and nudge against his leg.
"Anon... why do you keep looking at the sky? It isn't schedule to rain until next week."
>Anon jolts slightly at the unexpected touch to his calf before answering your question in a flat, uninterested tone.
>"Just uh. Enjoying the weather."
>You hesitate, expecting a further explanation or any attempts at conversation.
>When none comes, you nudge him again.
"Would you mind slowing down? You're acting like there's a hurry, we've got all day."
>Anon lets out a deep sigh, before slowing and scanning the horizon.
>"Yeah. All day."
>Locking onto something in the distance, he points in the direction of another one of the park's paths.
>"There's a bench over there we could kill some time on."
>You furrow your eyes slightly at Anon's less than cheery behavior and try your best to lift his spirits.
"Oh wow, that sounds great! I'll lead the way Anon, come on!"
>You trot out in front towards the direction he pointed, purposely dragging your tail against the side of his leg as you pass him by.
>You feel a shiver run through his body as he reflexively flinches, then freezes until your tail finishes its caress.
>Anon follows at what you feel is a considerable distance, but you both arrive at the bench all the same.
>Seated on the comfortable planks, you give your benchmate a concerned stare as he again gazes up to the clouds.
"Anon, what's really going on? You've been acting very weird lately."
>The human lowers his head to meet your stare and just shrugs.
>"Don't know what to tell you Sparkle. Guess I'm just a weird guy."
"But you keep looking up like something's going to fall on you! And where'd you get all the bruises from?"
>Anon breaks eye contact, looking out across the park.
>"I. I fell. Down some really strong stairs."
>His answer doesn't satisfy you in the slightest, but you shelf it for later, switching to your main topic of concern.
"You've also been really distant on our date so far... Do you... not actually like me? Is this another prank?"
>Anon picks up on your mournful tone and quickly turns to you, his actions frantic.
>"NO! Nope, not a prank not a prank. I'm here entirely of my own volition... babe."
>He gives a cheesy, awkward grin before sighing and opening his arms.
>"How about a hug? Because we're special someponies. On a date together."
>That sounds absolutely heavenly.
>Anon still doesn't seem completely truthful but... that hug...
>You push your reservations to the side and leap into his arms, nuzzling your muzzle tightly into his torso and inhaling.
>He lets out a pained gasp before reluctantly wrapping his arms around you, pinning you to his chest.
>WOW
>SO THIS IS WHAT INTIMACY FEELS LIKE
>The sensory overload of his arms gripping you, his fingers trailing through your coat, and being buried in his scent are too much, and your brain short-circuits.
"aaaa~..."
>Anon mutters something your ears don't process, holding the hug for only a few more precious seconds before releasing you.
>You hazily look into Anon's eyes, drooling onto his shirt.
>That was WAY too short.
>Clumsily, you paw at his chest with feeble hooves until he concedes.
>Swearing under his breath, Anon wraps you up again in his strong, capable hug.
>Your brain melts again, and closing your eyes, you relish the feeling of physicality with something other than your pillow.
>Anon's embrace covers you like a blanket you happily snuggle into, nuzzling against him with low purrs.
>The sleep deprivation you've been suffering suddenly rushes back to you in a tidal wave.
>He's so warm you could just... take a nap...
>He probably wouldn't even notice...

>You awaken from the most peaceful slumber you can remember to the sensation of a finger rapidly tapping on your snout.
>"Twilight wakeupwakeup she's coming over Twilight do something aah shitshitshit-"
>Blinking blearily, you slowly gather in your surroundings.
>You're in Anon's- wait. You're in Anon's lap! It wasn't a dream!
>He's since stopped hugging you but you're still on a date with Anon, and judging from the sun's position, only slept an hour or two.
>And look, here comes your friend Fluttershy! Things couldn't be better!
>Anon's panicked poking continues, further shaking you from your post-nap fatigue.
>"shiiit Twig say something, she's almost here fuckk"
>The hushed, spooked tone he's using is one you haven't heard from him before, and you quickly scan the landscape to make sure you didn't miss anything.
"Who, Fluttershy?"
>Fluttershy is ambling over to the both of you in a half-trot-half-glide, a slightly concerned look on her face.
"What's the big deal, aren't you two friends?"
>"FUCK no, she tries to rape me everyd- heeey Fluttershy."
>Anon cuts himself off as the yellow pony enters earshot.
>Did he say rape?
>"There you are mister! I've been looking all over for you. Uhm, hi Twilight."
>She bashfully attempts to avoid eye contact with you, her eyes betraying her with sporadic flicks.
"Hi Fluttershy, what are you up to today?"
>"Well, umm. Ever since you and Anon became best friends I've been really sad thinking about all the k-kisses with Anon you get. So I thought I'd... uhmm... try to change his mind..."
>While speaking, Fluttershy removes a saddlebag from under her wing and extracts a tinfoil-wrapped pie tin from within it.
>"T-this is for you Anon... pl-please be my best friend?"
>Fluttershy pitifully hands the dish to a disgusted Anon, who immediately sets it on the bench next to him.
>"Yeah, I'm not eating that."
"Anon! It looks like she worked really hard on that!"
>Anon gives you a frustrated stare before tearing open the tinfoil to reveal the pie beneath.
>In one fluid motion, he rips off the top layer of the pie's crust and shoves the whole tin underneath your nose.
>"Smell it."
>It looks like a perfectly fine cherry pie, albeit with the cover removed.
>Fluttershy grows a blush and stares at the ground while tapping her front hooves together.
>"ehh... Twilight y-you don't have to..."
>Anon shoots her a glare before sternly looking back to you.
>"Smell it."
>Hesitantly, you do as Anon says and give it a sniff.
>It... smells like a freshly made cherry pie?
>There's a slight hint of what you think is fish, but you know for a fact that's the same saddlebag Fluttershy feeds the otters with.
"It smells fine Anon, you're just being weird. And there should be nothing wrong with Fluttershy being your best friend anymore right?"
>As you turn to Anon with your inquiry, he is hysterically shaking his head "no."
>Fluttershy jerks upright, alternating her stare between the two of you.
>"R-really? You aren't best friends anymore? Anon...?"
"Well since we're special someponies now, that means Flu—EEEEP!"
>In a bid to silence you, Anon surreptitiously creeps a hand to your cutie mark and squeezes, hard.
>Used to human physiology however, he greatly misjudges the sensitivity of that location, your shriek shocking everyone present.
>You pant heavily, reeling from the strength of Anon's grip.
>So. Strong.
>Despite the urgency of your yelp, it didn't feel that bad though.
>...maybe if you asked him, he'd do it again?
>However, Anon's attention is fully devoted to the yellow pony staring at him with watery eyes.
>"sp-special... s-someponies?..."
>Anon flinches, looking to the sky.
>"heh, yeah Flutters she uh. beat you to it."
>Fluttershy's bottom lip has adopted a quiver so strong it's in danger of falling off her face.
>Her eyes slowly build with tears, their aim locked onto Anon.
>Fluttershy doesn't manage more than a whisper, her voice hoarse in anticipation.
>"b-but.. I a-always have... I always a-asked..."
>"Sorry, but me and Twilight are..."
>Anon pulls an extremely pained face before finishing through clenched teeth.
>"...dating. As special someponies. Please leave."
>The floodgates lifted with Anon's confession, Fluttershy breaks into heart wrenching, inconsolable sobs.
>"AAAannoooonnn... I... I l-love yooou Anonn..."
>As she wails her heart out, Anon again takes several glances at the air above him.
>"Yeah. Can you go love me somewhere else? We're busy."
>Producing a doppler-like effect with her cries of rejection, Fluttershy takes to the air, or rather, to an inch off the ground, and flies off.
>As she leaves, Anon anxiously turns and yells to a nondescript cloud.
>"SHE WASN'T PART OF IT! FLUTTERSHY WAS NEVER PART OF IT!"
>You had remained silent the entire confrontation, partially recovering from the shock of being manhandled in an extremely sensitive area and liking it, partially from a lack of familiarity with confrontations.
>Watching Fluttershy leave you can't help but feel sorry for her.
>You forgot to tell her about the best friend kiss thing too.
>But Anon really...
>Your heart swells as you take in the full impact of Anon's actions.
>He defended your relationship! He said you were dating!
>It was real this whole time!
>Your eyes shine with a newfound adoration as you beam a goofy smile at Anon.
>Unable to contain yourself, you wrap him in a hug.
>Anon declines to reciprocate the hug, still watching the skies expectantly.
>Apparently deeming himself safe, he disentangles your hooves from his torso and sets you on the ground next to the bench.
>His actions bring you back to Equus, and you ponder his shout for the first time.
"Uh, Anon? What did you mean by "Fluttershy isn't part of it"?"
>Anon stands up from the bench, wincing in pain and rubbing his ribs.
>"C'mon Sparkles, let's go eat."
>And with that, he sets off towards Sugarcube Corner at a brisk limp, the pie forgotten.

>You are unable to elicit any information regarding Anon's outburst from him.
>You are also unable to wipe the goofy grin from your face as the memory of Anon rejecting Fluttershy replays in your mind.
>He really rejected her for you!
>Well. Maybe not "rejected."
>More of just used your relationship to act really mean towards Fluttershy.
>But that counts!
>He totally acknowledged being in a relationship and that totally counts.
>Your mind races as Anon walks forward silently, with slumped shoulders.
>In your trek to the cafe you attempt to grab his attention by rubbing up against his legs, but he doesn't even seem to register it.
>Anon's bruised body draws some eyes as you walk through the streets of Ponyville, leaving you unsure if it's his injuries or species that is the main attractor.
>In short fashion, you both find yourselves at Sugarcube Corner's front door, Anon having not said a word since departing from the bench.
>Anon sullenly pulls open the door and promptly freezes in place, eyes transfixed on something within.
>Still smiling, you rub your tail on Anon's legs as thanks for the gesture and walk in.
>Inside, your friend Rainbow Dash is casually leaning against the front register, sporting a smirk large enough to rival yours.
>On seeing you enter, she gives a quick glance to the mare behind the counter, Pinkie Pie, another of your friends, before addressing you gleefully.
>"Hey Twi! How's the date?"
"It's been better than I ever could have imagined! Isn't that right Anon?"
>You turn around to find Anon still at the door, frozen in fear, staring at Rainbow Dash.
"Anon?"
>"Coming, loverboy?", Dash jibes.
>Both the mares at the counter attempt to cover painfully obvious snickers with their hooves.
>Slowly, Anon obliges, entering the room with sluggish movements.
>As Anon advances, Dash's sneer becomes larger and more sinister.
>"So dweeb, how's the day with Twilight been? Glad you came to your senses?"
>Anon gulps, looking at the well-furnished floor.
>"y-yeah. real glad.."
>Dash stares smugly at your date before stepping to the side, motioning to the counter.
>"Well, don't let me get in the way of you two."
>You've known Anon and RD to have their squabbles in the past but never before have you seen Anon so cowed in another pony's presence.
>You look between him and Dash in amazement as he shuffles to the counter and apprehensively orders a plain cupcake and a "whatever she's getting."
>At the gentlemanly gesture, your grin returns, and you order the same thing he had.
>Pinkie hands you both your goods with a grin of her own, winking as you take your seats.
>You and Anon slide into a booth, sitting opposite each other.
"Pinkie makes the best desserts Anon, good choice."
>"yeah.."
>You tuck into your cupcake, eager to eat something other than the packaged noodles that made up your diet during your recluse phase.
>Anon just stares glumly at his cupcake, unmoving.
>Through bites of your confectionary, you steel yourself and again attempt to pry into Anon's mind.
"Anon, what's wrong? You've been mopey all day, is there something that's bothering you?"
>He maintains his stare on his treat, then opens his mouth as if to say something.
>Before he has a chance to vocalize anything, Rainbow Dash slides her way into his booth, bumping up against him.
>Anon's eyes widen, his breathing noticeably becoming irregular and forced.
>"Hey guys! Mind if I join you? Was getting awfully lonely up at the front with just Pinkie."
>You stare crossly at the technicolor pegasus, answering her sternly.
"Well actually Dash, I think Anon was just ab—"
>"Just about to tell you how pretty you look today. Right Anon?"
>Dash pokes Anon's stomach lightly while staring expectantly, teeth bared in a mocking smile.
>Anon mutters something inaudible to his cupcake.
>Dash pokes him harder, twice.
>"Speak up dweeb, we can't hear you."
>"I said your hair looks really cute today Twilight."
>Initially taken aback by Anon noticing the work you put into untangling your locks, you reorient yourself and narrow your eyes at Rainbow Dash.
"Dash, what's going on h—"
>"Do another one Anon."
>"Twilight, your eyes are p-pretty."
"Dash?"
>"Okay, now pick her up and rail her over the table."
>You stop dead, hoping you heard her wrong.
>"...fuck off Dash."
>"Nuh-uuuh, you have to do what I say. Go ahead and reach across the table, pick her up with your big burly human arms, hold her down flat across the top, and hilt your fat dick into her wet pussy until her moans—"
>Anon stands up in the comparatively small booth, fed-up and red-faced.
>A crimson blush spread across your muzzle as you visualize Dash's description.
>He really could just reach over and...
>"Dash I fucking TOLD you I'm not fucking a PONY alright?"
>Anon shoves Dash out of the booth, knocking her to the ground with a reflexive "hey!"
>"Anon you dweeb, the deal was t—"
>"The deal was to fucking take Twilight on a date, which I'm doing. I'd rather you keep throwing rocks and dive bombing me all damn day than to even THINK about sticking my dick in a horse. Christ."
>The burn in your cheeks switches from one of vulgarity to one of embarrassment as Anon's words sink in.
>He asked you out because of... Dash?
>"And don't think I haven't seen you fucking following me all day, making sure I'm "doing it right" and that I don't make her cry. I can tell which cloud you're in because your fat ass sags it down by a yard. Now if you'll excuse me, Rainbow Fag, I'm going to go uphold my end of the bargain."
>Not waiting for a response, Anon scoops you up into his arms and is out the door.
>You let out a yelp of surprise but the now-familiar embrace of Anon's arms calm you down.
>As Anon wordlessly navigates the streets of Ponyville at a jog, you think back on the day's events and Anon's behavior.
>Even though you told yourself it'd be fine if it was a prank, you can feel your eyes dampen.
>He really didn't care after all. Of course. Such a stupid pony, of course he didn't like you. No one does.
>No one in their right mind would EVER want to be special someponies with such a stupid idiot.
>Your tears fall and stain Anon's shirt as he limps past blurred building after blurred building, your sobs muffled by his torso.
>By the time he reaches the treehouse the front of his shirt is entirely saturated.
>As confidently as he walked through town, he opens the door and crosses the mantle into your abode.
>Careful not to jostle you, he ascends the steps to your room and walks over to the edge of your bed, where your sheets still lie strewn and crumpled.
>"Twilight."
>Anon's murmur rips you from your self-derision, and you gaze up at him with waterlogged eyes.
>"This is.. this is just part of my deal, okay? Don't make it..."
>He trails off, failing to maintain eye contact with your inquisitive stare.
>Then carefully, so as to not impale himself on your horn, he leans in and plants a quick kiss atop your forehead.
>"Sorry."
>Relinquishing you from his warm grasp, he lowers you onto your mattress and pulls the blankets up to meet your quivering form.
>"Get some sleep. You look like shit."
>Without another word or glance, he leaves.