>Maybe it was the way her hair bobbed as she skipped.
>It wasn't uncommon for you to stare at Pinkie Pie as she skipped around town gathering supplies for her parties.
>You were always waiting with a thumping heart and clenched fists for her to come to your stall.
>She was something special, truly unique.
>A piece of everyone's puzzle. She fit a nook in the community's heart.
>And yet, you sit wondering what about her skipping made your heart skip with it.
>Maybe it was how she was always smiling. Or perhaps it was the way she nodded as she went, as if agreeing with the universe every step she took.
>Whatever it was, your cheeks always became rosy when she came around.
>She finishes talking to the wrapping paper stall and comes bounding towards you.
>You sit up straight and pretend not to take notice, adjusting some of the items on your stand.
>She beams at you all the way to your crappy wooden stall.
>"Hiya Nonny~!" she booms with enthusiasm.
>You smile at her voice, you can't help it. She has an effect on you.
>The stand creaks a bit as you lean on it, folding your arms.
"Hello there Pinkie."
>"How's my FAVORITE human today~?!" she asks loudly, followed by a giggle.
>Your cheeks feel warm.
"Never better Ponks. Need another piece of junk?"
>She flashes a wide smile at you.
>It's a very rare kind of smile, the kind that welcomes you and holds you close. One that fills you with incredible self-love and boasts a genuineness that could never be anything less than breathtaking.
>Most ponies smile at you, but few ever break down your boundaries like her's does.

>"That's right! The party cannon went through another spring and 6 inch gear. You got the goods?" she says in a playful, yet well informed manner.
>Though you wouldn't know it looking at her, she knows a thing or two about engineering for the sake of parties.
>You grin and lift a finger to her as you duck beneath your stall and reach for the lowest drawer in the back of your stall.
>Inside is a plethora of small springs and gears, just the right size for party confetti cannon.
>When you go to salvage, you always put parts like these aside.
>Her eyes shine as you place the parts she requested onto the counter.
>"Oh yes indeedy! Those are the parts!"
>She scoops them with her forelegs into her bag and pulls out a bit purse.
>"Schow glutch shdoo I gowe chu?" she asks with the purse still in her mouth.
>You put a finger to your chin and pretend to be in deep thought.
"Hrrmm. I'd say... 15 bits!" you say in playful tone.
>She spits the coin purse onto the counter with a determined expression.
>"FEH! I could get a DOZEN of these things for less than that junk monkey!" she replies with an air of poshness mimicking Rarity, "Most I could pay is 2 bits, maybe 3!"
>A grin pulls your cheeks further up your face.
"3 bits?! Are out of your skull? Has the sugar finally gotten to your brain? 10 bits, at least."
>"Make it five!"
"Seven, take it or leave it!"
>She puts her hoof under her chin, stroking an invisible beard.
>"Only if you throw in a bottle cap pony!"
>You almost forgot about your little bottle cap ponies.
>When most of your income comes from salvaging reusable parts of machinery and furniture, it's nice to make something more fulfilling.
>There's a lot of cider bottle caps at the junk yard, so you always make tiny pony figures with them.
>Almost nopony buys them, except Pinkie.
"It'll be hard to part with him, but alright. You've got yourself a deal." you say with a smile.
>You grab her hoof and shake her foreleg while the two of you giggle.
>She leaves seven bits on the table and take a bottle cap pony off the stand.
>"You drive a hard bargain Mr.Anon!"
>Her eyes almost hurt as their happiness burns into your heart and warm your spirit.
"Don't mention it. Same time next week?"
>"Yep yep yep! See you later alligator!"
>She turns away and skips at a lightining pace back towards town.
>There she goes.
>A pink fluffy tail disappears around the corner and just like that she is gone.
>You shoulders slacken and your arms fall limp by your sides.
>An emptiness fills where she once was in the street and in your heart.
>Like an exhale from the soul. 

>You pick up the seven bits you just made off Pinkie.
>Truth is, you usually sell intricate parts like those for 20 bits a PIECE, but you really can't help yourself with her.
>You drop the gold coins into your bit purse and sigh a bit.
>It's enough to buy a meal, but business hasn't exactly been booming.
>Nopony has any use for your junk, but hey it's what you've got to offer.
>You'd think a human would have an easier time finding work in a world of hooves, but the truth is your talents are no match for magic, flying, and pure earthpony strength.
>Bottlecap ponies rattle as you pull a tarp over the stand.
>The crowds have left the market area, and another work day goes by.
>Other shop keepers are grabbing their inventories and hitching up carts.
>You don't bother. Who's going to steal trash?
>Dust kicks up and shows the beams of the sun erupting between the trees as you walk down the western path away from Ponyville, getting closer to the Everfree forest.
>The little shitty hut you call home just barely borders the edge of town, and is well off the beaten path.
>It's made of wood, and had a decent paint job at one point. These days, however, it is used and abused.
>You walk past large piles of scrap you haven't gotten to sorting yet and walk through the creaking door.
>The inside is better than the outside, but only minimally.
>You have a filthy work room with plenty of metal working equipment. It wasn't made to look pretty, so who cares?
>A few steps away in the kitchen, however, it is a different story.
>The kitchen is spotless, and very empty feeling.
>Funny thing about kitchens, if you don't have food they're hard to get dirty.
>You sigh as you head to your bedroom/living room.
>A bare minimum bed faces a dreary living space with hardly any furnishings.
>Home sweet home.
>A clank of springs echoes in the empty room as you fall back on your bed.
>The calender on the wall says today is a Friday.
>Friday night and nothing to do.
>Nothing new here.

>The pop of your neck and the crack of your spine as you sit up makes you feel more loose.
>Your stomach rumbles.
>Maybe you should go out to eat tonight, just to break the cycle.
>Your feet slap the ground and you get ready to go.
>Locking your house wasn't really a necessity. Not much to steal.
>You zip your jacket a bit and head out towards civilization again.
>There aren't many places that provide an omnivore with proper sustanance, but you'll figure it out.
>Definitely not going to that fast food joint again. You still can't believe you ate the whole hay burger.
>The autumn night feels cool on your face, and the flickering lights of Ponyville have come into focus.
>The lanterns that keep the nightlife alive create warm orange glows on the streets, and ponies crowd the streets once more.
>Most of them are wearing scarves, some even jackets.
>Feels nice to not be the only one wearing clothing for once.
>As you approach a diner you know has some good edibles, you see Sugarcube Corner to your right.
>The lights are on, though the business is closed.
>You wonder if Pinkie is there.
>Thinking about her makes you feel a little less cold.
>Doesn't change much though. Nothing really does.
>You walk into the diner and sit at the bar. The boothes and tables have no leg room.
>A western omelete may not cost very much, but it does your spirits well. Eating cereal and salads for every meal gets depressing after awhile.
>The steam from your hot chocolate rises up and warms your face.
>A feeling of melancholy philisophical thought mixes with drowsiness and makes you stare out the window into the blurred orange lights silhouetting ponies and making their breath visible.
>Life is trudging by again. It puts you in a bad mood.
>But to survive is enough for now, you suppose.
>Your train of thought comes to a crashing stop as a pony presses her face into your view.
>Pinkie Pie wearing a blue striped hat and a blue scarf smiles at you.
>"Nonny!" she yells muffled through the glass.
>You recover from her surprise and grin nervously.
>She waves at you to come outside.
>Maybe tonight you do more than survive.

>You leave 4 bits on the bar and head outside.
>A bit of soreness jumps from your lungs as you fill them with cool autumn night.
>Pinkie Pie looks up at you happily, her nose a deeper shade of rose due to the cold.
>She seems excited to see you.
>Nobody is ever excited to see you.
>"Oh my gosh Nonny! It's such a cawinkidink to see you in town! What are you up to?"
>For a moment you think about lying, saying you're off to some recital or event, but Pinkie can see right through those fibs.
"You just saw it," you respond with a sigh, "I'm probably just gonna head home now."
>Pinkie's ears flop down a bit.
>"Aww, really? But it's friday night!"
>You nod at her, breath steaming out of your nose.
>She doesn't need to remind you very much.
>Her concerned expression becomes a smirk with a raised eyebrow.
>"You're frowning!" she shouts pointing at your face,"Well that won't due Nonny! You need some fun in your life! I need to see you smile!"
>You flash her a rather forced smile.
>As much as she warms you up, tonight feels like a burden. Your body protests doing anything more than going home and sleeping.
>She shakes her head rapidly, at almost dangerous speeds.
>"Nope! I don't believe that smile for a second! We're gonna have some fun tonight Nonny!"
>Blinking slowly and thinking deeply, you figure you have no choice in the matter.
>With a light sigh you smile a bit and nod.
"Okay Pinks. You win, let's do something."
>Your body may be tired, but she could convince you to do anything.
>An expression of surprise darts across her face for an instant, followed by excitement.
>"A-alright! Let's go!" she says with a very high hop before skipping ahead.
>It takes a second for your brain to register she intends for you to follow her blistering speed-skip.
>"C'mon Nonny~!" she shouts
>With a cough and crack or two you start chasing after her into the town.

>With every corner she turns you get more and more lost.
>She moves the way she speaks, a mile a minute.
>Her ability to bob and weave through the crowd is impressive. She moves like a specter, dancing between the blurred faces of other souls in the crowd with ease.
>You, on the other hand, need to constantly watch where you're going and try not to knee anypony in the mouth.
>After a few close calls, you realize you've totally lost track of Pinkie.
>You swivel around, looking for her striped hat and pink tail in the crowd, but it's hard to make out anypony in particular.
>Did she just leave you behind?
>Maybe you should search a couple blocks bac-
>With a large slap something slams into your back.
>You take a few steps to keep yourself from falling over and realize that the thing that hit you is hanging on.
>"ONWARD MIGHTY NONNY!" Pinkie yells from your back, pointing down a path towards a large house with bright lights and a large crowd.
>You chuckle, relieved you found her, and start jogging towards the beacon of multi-colored lights.
>She giggles as you pick up speed and holds on tighter.
>It might just be the jogging, but your blood pumps through your body with a warmth that makes your cheeks red, and your numb fingers tingle.
>The two of you smile and laugh, pretending the crowd of ponies is your ocean, and that you two are your ship.
>After plenty of pirate lingo, you finally port at the crowded house.
>You hear thumping music rattling the walls, and a cocophany of ponies socializing.
>This is one hell of a party.
>You are very out of your element.
>Pinkie hops off your back and begins to walk towards the house.
"Uh, Pinks. What exactly is this place?"
>She giggles a bit before turning around with a mischievious look on her face.
>She gives you a daunting stare, as if daring you to approach more.
>"This, my trusty steed," she says motioning the house, "Is a legendary night waiting to happen."
>You feel your heart leap. This'll be an experience.

>This isn't exactly your scene.
>Ponies wearing winter clothing gather and dance to thumping music that surrounds you in this three story house.
>The cottage may be large, but the party is larger.
>You find a spot to lean against the railing of the main staircase.
>The hot cider in your hand tastes delicious, but you know you should pace yourself.
>You still need to get up early tomorrow to salvage.
>Pinkie's hat can be seen bobbing through the crowd towards the main stage where a dj is performing.
>You pull your warm mug to your chest as you watch the hat hit the stage, and watch Pinkie climb up.
>Her tail wiggles as she sets her self up on stage.
>The crowd hushes down as she grabs some things from behind the stage.
>Her presence alone is enough to calm the crowd to entire silence.
>Everypony who parties knows Pinkie.
>Like a queen addressing her subjects, Pinkie looks out into the crowd and smiles.
>Under her hoof she holds a ukulele, and with a swing of her forelegs she begins playing slowly.

> "Oh~ Ponies of young and old,
> gather to my song,
> peek your heads from the outter cold,
> and try to sing along~"

>she plays in a sort of shanty kind of way, making it easy to become smitten by its waving tones.

>"Ya see~, I see ponies work all day,
> Without a bit of fun,
> But if you'd be willing to come play,
> I think we can fix what was done!"

>A lot of the crowd has joined in with her. This isn't her first time singing.

> "So leave your world behind you,
> and sleep if you feel tired,
> But if ya want some fun and brews,
> just lift a mug of cider!"

>At this point the whole crowd sings with her in a deep choir. Pinkie smiles as she lazily rocks to the slow nature of the song.

> "Yes lift a mug of cider!
> If it makes you want to shout!
> Yes lift a mug of cider!
> Let all your voices out!

>The crowd drunkenly sways to the tune. The ukulele slows as Pinkie sings the last of the song.

> "And when you find the night is done,
> you'll go home warm and happy,
> because when you have a bit of fun,
> your life will never be crappy!"

>With the last line, the crowd grows silent.
>Pinkie takes a deep breath.
>"THIS PARTY IS GONNA BE LEGENDARY!" she yells to the crowd.
>As she yells, her party cannon goes off from behind the stage, launching confetti and party favors over the crowd.
>The crowd goes balistic with cheers and excitement as the streamers come down.
>What you just witnessed was truly special. Pinkie didn't just help the party, she gave it her blessing.
>One of the party favors floats to your feet.
>You're surprised that it made it all the way to the back of the room where the whole party is taking place.
>It's a simple paper mask, one of many. Most of the ponies in the room have already put their's on.
>Yours is a white pony frowning, kind of like those theatrical masks.
>Looking at its expression feels very real.
>Like it is looking at you without eyes.
>You tie it around your neck and let it hang on your back.
>You'd rather not look at that sad face right now.

>After that introduction, the crowd goes back to dancing.
>The thumps and bumps to a catchy synth and beat.
>It's hard not to feel the attraction.
>You tap your feet and bob your head, keeping an eye out for Pinkie who dove back into the crowd.
>Everypony seems to be having a great time, but you'd rather sit out.
>Even though you tower over the ponies, your social awkwardness is crippling.
>Being a human means all eyes will be on you if you step out there. It's enough to keep you planted where you are.
>As you stare into space Pinkie Pie jumps up into your view.
>"NONNY! HELLOOOOO~?"
>Yet again the little pink pony breaks your concentration.
"There you are! That was really something you did up there."
>She smiles and motions for you to come closer.
>You bend down a little bit.
>She motions you again, a little more violently.
>You roll your eyes and crouch even lower so that you're at eye level with her.
>She looks into your eyes and smiles.
>You raise an eyebrow and smile awkwardly back.
>Suddenly she places her hooves on the sides of your face and brings them together over your nose.
>You lean back from surprise. Something cool was just traced across your face.
>Pinkie giggles with her hooves still up, covered in flourescent orange paint.
>"There you go! Now that you've got your war paint you're ready to dance!"
>The mirror on the wall reveals the orange streak Pinkie left across your face.
>With all the lights in the house, it glows with a lantern's hue and brightens your demeanor.
>Pinkie pulls on your sleeve and starts to drag you out into the dancing crowd.
>You try to fight it, but the little mare is strong for her size.
>The crowd engulfs you and you find yourself a bit overwhelmed.
>Your heart starts beating faster, and you tighten your grip on your cider.
>All you can hope is that this is over quick.

>You become very aware of your breathing as Pinkie continues to pull you through the crowd.
>Social anxiety is no fun in day to day stuff, but in a party like this it can be petrifying.
>Pinkie finally releases your arm and lets you stand up straight.
>You're in the middle of it all, with ponies dancing wildly around you.
>Let the twitches begin.
>Teeth start grinding.
>Hands start clenching
>And everything starts sweating.
>Why are you here again? You don't like it here. This place is not in your comfort zone at all.
>Your nervous thoughts are interrupted by Pinkie's yelling.
>"Nonny! Wake up Nonny! What is up with you?"
>You snap back out of it and look down at her.
"S-sorry, parties aren't really my thing."
>Pinkie gasps
>"WuhwuhwuhwuhWHAT? Everypony loves parties!"
"Well, uh, I'm not a pony so... yeah. I'm not really interested in dancing. Crowds make me kind of antsy."
>You nervously try to shift back through the crowd.
"I guess I'll see you next week Pinkie! uh, I have to get up early tomorrow anyway so..."
>She bites your sleeve again, making you turn and face her.
>She looks up at you with shining eyes and a soft smile.
>Your breathing slows.
>She motions for you to lean down again.
>As you get down to her eye level the music starts to become more distant, the crowd more blurred.
>Everything moves slowly.
>She puts her hooves on your cheeks again.
>"Don't worry about the crowds, just focus on me. Mmkay?"
>Even with the loud crowd and booming music, she speaks to you softly. Her tone is like a motherly coo that makes you stop twitching.
>Your chest feels fuzzy and warm.
>You nod slowly without a word.
>She smiles again, but this time differently.
>Most of the time she gives big toothy grins, but this one felt more collected, more accidental.
>Maybe even more happy, in a way.

>The previous song ends as you sit back up, still looking down at Pinkie's smiling face.
>As the next song starts slowly you can feel your surroundings falling away.
>All you see is her and a blurred mess of lights and figures.
>The song is some kind of techno-gospel-funk that has a very catchy beat. [spoiler] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvY7Nw1i6Kw [/spoiler]
>Your arms start to gain momentum.
>Your legs start to lift more.
>Your joints loosen.
>Pinkie starts to giggle.
>"That's it Nonny! You're getting it!"
>Pinkie kicks her legs and twists her body in unison with you.
>You start to move your torso more, clicking your heels against the floor.
>Maybe it's the cider, but your social anxiety has shruken to nothing.
>The movements you make are graceful and self-aware.
>Like the bumping house doesn't even exist and you and Pinkie are dancing alone in the fresh fall air.
>She moves her body wildly, banging her head flicking her tail.
>The crowd presses together.
>Pinkie gets pushed into your chest, standing on her hind legs.
>You look down at her surprised by the sudden movement.
>Her eyes meet yours and she starts to giggle.
>She puts her hooves on your chest and starts to shake her hips to the beat.
>Without really thinking you put your hands on her shoulders and follow her lead.
>The two of you sway your hips, kick your legs, and flick your heads in unison.
>You close your eyes.
>Your heart is racing, but you're not nervous.
>Every part of your body feels warm.
>Especially the big dumb grin on your face.

>The music slows for the bridge, and so does your dancing.
>You exhale with a smirk and drop your head down.
>As your eyelids peel back you lock eyes with Pinkie.
>She isn't smiling, but rather just looking up at you with big wondering eyes.
>Like the music, the world around you slows.
>An intent stare locks mutually between you.
>You give her a nervous smile, never breaking the stare.
>Her eyes become bright as she smiles back.
>In that moment everything stopped.
>The ponies that blurred around you slowed to a halt.
>The confetti in the air stopped their arcs.
>The music became nothing more than muffled noise soaking into walls.
>In that moment your heart skipped several beats, and you didn't care where or when you were.
>It didn't matter.
>But the moment passed and the music began to pick up its pace again.
>With that, the two of you began to move once more.
>Pushing against eachother, the party moved with the same passion.
>The song came to an end and a new one began.
>Then another, then another.
>After awhile you became winded, sweat rolling down your face.
>You motion to Pinkie you're going outside.
>She smiles and nods.
>As you navigate through the crowd you feel the refreshing cold air hit your face.
>You finally break the crowd walking out the front door and onto the stone street.
>You let out a large breath, making a large cloud of mist drift into the air.
>The sweat rolls off your brow and down your nose.
>It feels cool and relaxing.
>A bit of orange from below catches your eye.
>The jacket you're wearing is totally splattered with orange paint.
>Just below your ribs is the stencil of two hooves where Pinkie planted her legs while dancing.
>You stratch the back of your head.
>This was your only jacket.
>You shrug.
>You'll figure out what to do with it later.
>You feel a tap on your lower back.
>"Well? Wasn't that AWESOME!?" Pinkie yells with a bit of a squeak.

>You laugh loudly, turning around.
"Are you kidding?! That was incredible!!"
>Pinkie smiles proudly.
>"I knew you'd like parties! Nopony can resist a Pinkie Pie supreme-party-o-rama-spectacular!"
>You chuckle to her long-winded response.
>With a sigh you turn looking down the road towards your house.
>You've gotta be up early tomorrow.
>Pinkie looks up at you inquisitively.
"Alright Pinkie. I think it is time for me to go home..."
>Pink's ears drop down a bit.
>"Aww. Are you sure Nonny?"
>You think for a bit, but before you can make up your mind you catch Pinkie's eyes.
>Her expression catches you off guard.
>It almost looks upset, as if she was hoping for more.
>You sigh again.
>It's no use, she has a power over you.
"Okay, Okay. I can stay out a little while longer."
>Immediately her ears stand back up again and she wraps her forelegs around your waist, pushing her face into your stomach.
>"YAY! Let's go Nonny!" she yells as she releases you to skip ahead.
"W-wait, uh, Pinkie!"
>She stops herself and turns around to look at you.
>You don't really know what you're doing.
>But something odd has come over you.
"Do you think we could go someplace that... I choose?"
>She blinks a few times and smiles.
>"Sure Nonny! Take the lead!"
>You smile and nod at her, but your legs don't move.
>You have no idea where to go.

>The two of you walk through the now rather empty streets.
>All the businesses that were open late have now closed, and most ponies are either back home or at parties.
>It's hard to think of a place for the two of you to go.
>Pinkie lives life on a much more epic lifestyle than you do. She knows all the clubs and parties around town.
>But you? You barely know anything in this town other than the markets and such.
>Well, you know one place, but it is hardly action packed and exciting.
>But something tells you Pinkie won't mind.
>Even more than that, something in you wants to go there most of all.
>With a sigh and a skip, you start directing Pinkie through the streets towards your destination.
>She follows without question, skipping happily just behind.
>After a while, the street lamps become more rare, and you and Pinkie walk in darkness.
>"Nonny? Where are we going?"
>Before you can answer, your hands meet a chainlink fence.
"Right here!" you say as you jump the fence.
>You reach your arms over the fence to help Pinkie up.
>She jumps on top of the fence before losing her balance and landing on you.
>You hit the grass hard and Pinkie flops face first into the wet grass next to you.
>After a moment, the two of you start to laugh.
>The damp grass seeps through the back of your jacket and you choose to stand again.
>Before you is the playground of the school house, completely engulfed by the deep black of the night.
>Yet even with the night's shadows flowing over, you can still make out the silhouettes of the swings and equipment against the clear night sky.
>Pinkie stands back up next to you.
"This is it, the most happening place in town." you say sarcastically as you wander over to the swings.
>Pinkie giggles and starts to skip around the playground.
>"I didn't know you liked to swing Nonny!" she says playfully.
>She lines herself up with the tireswing next to you and charges it before jumping in.
>It flies around a bit before finally resting again.
"Yeah, well. I come here a lot to clear my head. The lamps don't come out this far, and the swings are nice to sit in and just coast."
>Pinkie is lying down upside down on the tire, she looks at you with a smile.
>"Now what in Equestria would Nonny need to clear his silly ole' head about?"

>There are a lot of things that go through your head, but not many of them are positive.
>You don't really know what you're doing here.
>You don't really know why you're here.
>And you don't have the slightest clue on how to change it.
>Most of all you think of the ponies around you and their seemingly infinite happiness.
>Joy comes to them like it is nothing, nopony seems to have any truly deep issues.
>Their optimism and ability to face the world no matter the challenge makes you question yourself more than it should.
>As if their happiness makes it hard to be happy.
>It isn't healthy to compare yourself to others, you know this. But life can seem dark when everypony else is glowing so bright.
>You take a deep breath.
"Life, I guess."
>Pinkie shakes her head.
>"That doesn't help me Nonny! I don't believe that for a second!"
>You lean forward in the swing and comb your hands through your hair.
"I don't know Pinkie. Just the ponies around me, and personal stuff about me, you know?"
>She looks at you with a confused look.
>"What do you mean?"
>You search your mind for a way to explain yourself.
>But that in itself is the problem, you don't know how to explain who or what you are.
"It's like, nopony understands me deeper than anypony else, you know?" you begin "I don't want to sound like a whiny teen, but it's really my biggest problem."
>Pinkie stares at you.
"Certainly I know ponies well enough to be friends, but nopony in this damn town seems to want to talk about something deeper than just friendship problems. Nopony wants to talk about finding themselves."
>Pinkie sits up right with her back against the stars. It's hard to make out her face, but you can still see the blue of her eyes.
"I dunno. It's just I've never met somepony that really GETS me. One that knows what's best for me, and will take a chance or two on me. It just seems like I'm not worth much around here."
>You look at her shadowed face.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to vent. I've kind of been running it through my head for awhile..."
>Pinkie puts her hoof on your knee.
>"N-no, don't be sorry. I think I understand." she says quietly.

>Your eyes adjust more to the darkness, and you can make out the faintest features of her face.
>The curve of her cheeks, her mouth and brow, they all become more clear.
>Pinkie looks down at her hoof with glazed eyes.
>Her mouth curves into a subtle smile, one that could have been missed had you not been looking right at it.
>"I know everypony in ponyville, and have the bestest friends a mare could ask for." she begins, "But there are some super secret parts of ourselves that some friends just don't get."
>She looks up at you, her blue eyes reflecting the cosmos above you.
>"But you just gotta keep searching for that special somepony that understands you. I have one."
>At that final word your heart feels a twang of pain. You didn't know Pinkie had somepony special.
>"My sister maud gets me, I think. She's really special to me. When I need somepony to talk to, I go right to her. I know she loves me through and through." she says with a nod looking away.
>You exhale with a bit of relief, though you're not sure why.
>But something about the way she said that last sentence didn't sit right with you. It seemed weaker than the rest of the conversation.
>She turns back to you.
>"I'm actually gonna go see Maud tomorrow. I haven't visited in FOREVER!"
>Her color has returned to her, and she beams at you again.
>You sigh with a smile.
"I still dunno Pinks. It's easier for a pony like you to find somepony special. It probably won't happen for me."
>You look up at the stars.
"Some of us are just too different."
>Pinkie bops your shoulder.
>"Don't say that Nonny! It'll happen someday! You just gotta keep your eyes peeled and keep looking!" she says pulling on her eyelids.
>You chuckle.
"You really think so?"
>She nods rapidly.
>"I have no doubt!"
>You sigh. Guess you don't have a choice in the matter.

>The two of you sit quietly for a bit, staring up at the stars.
>As the heavens slowly shift, your mind wanders, thinking about what Pinkie said to you.
>She's probably right, there is someone, or something, that would understand you out there.
>But the unfortunate truth is you'll probably never meet them.
>You don't travel, you don't socialize. All you do is work and sleep, and hope to survive another day.
>It's all so depressing.
>You take a deep breath and begin to speak again.
"So you're heading up to Maud tomorrow?"
>She looks over at you, smiling wide with excitement.
>"Yep! I'm gonna hop on the 6 o'clock train! I sent a letter to Maudy letting her know."
>You raise an eyebrow.
"6 o'clock? Why such a late train?"
>She giggles.
>"Well DUH! I don't want to get there while they're harvesting rocks! I'll get there just after quitting time."
>You're still not entirely sure what a rock farm is, nor do you know how one harvests rocks.
>But one thing is for sure, Pinkie can't wait to go back.
>"I'll stop by your stand before I go tomorrow! I'll probably need replacement parts for the cannon anyway. Putting masks in it tonight was kind of a bad call, pushed the thing too far!"
>You chuckle, grabbing the mask still hanging from your neck.
"I don't know, I think the masks were awesome!" you say, putting the sad face over your own, "Totally worth breaking the cannon for."
>Pinkie flashes a big toothy grin.
>She hops out of her swing and turns to you again.
>"Okay Nonny, it's really late now. I haven't even started packing yet! I need to get home before the cakes start to wonder where I am."
>Pinkie Pie has a curfew? If she does she doesn't respect it very much.
>You squint your eyes and look at the school house's clock.
>3:47 am
>You've gotta be up in 3 hours.
>Great.

>You stand up and stretch your arms, closing your eyes as you crack your back.
"Okay Pinkie. Guess it's time to say goodnigh-"
>In the middle of your stretch something hits you in the gut, knocking the wind out of you.
>Pinkie Pie holds you in a super tight hug.
>If passion could be measured in pounds per square inch, Pinkie would win by a landslide.
>You blush as she rubs her cheek against your stomach. You don't exactly get many hugs, and when you do they aren't like this.
>But if you've learned anything tonight, it's that you can run from the new or embrace it.
>Maybe that's why you did something you hadn't done in a long time.
>You lean down an lift up Pinkie with your arms.
>The two of you rub cheeks as you squeeze her in a genuine bear hug.
>Despite being nervous that you took it too far, she hugs you back.
>She seems to have enjoyed the mutual bond the two of you have forged tonight.
>After a few seconds, you let her go.
>Her mouth curls up to her cheeks again, and without another word she trots into the depths of the night.
>As she disappears from view something truly strange happens.
>Usually when she leaves, you feel hollow. Like a candle being blown out, all that was left of the flames of passion was the whisp of smoke that was you.
>But this time you feel something more akin to embers.
>As if you've started something that won't so easily be snuffed.
>You smile as you begin to walk home in the dark.
>The smile turns into skipping, and the skipping into dancing through the streets.
>You find yourself laughing at the lamps, cheering for the street, applauding the stars.
>What a performance tonight was.
>Truly the universe deserves a standing ovation.
>Your heart leaps and your body with it.
>When your head finally hits the pillow in your bed, it takes you no time to fall asleep.
>Tonight, your empty room doesn't feel so empty.

>The ringing of your alarm proves to be your biggest enemy this morning.
>You sit up halfway, eyes still closed, with only your exhaustion on your mind.
>7 o'clock. Why are you waking up so early on a Saturday?
>Usually today was salvage day, meaning you went to the junk yard and picked up the resellable scrap.
>It was hard work and usually took a few hours to do effectively. After wards you'd open your shack for business and work until 7 at night.
>A 12 hour day for little to no pay. That was your life.
>But usually you went to bed by 10 o'clock latest, not this 4 am stuff you're so alien to.
>You lie your head back down, combing through your hair.
>You close your eyes again and sigh.
>For a moment, your mind dips away, but you come back to consciousness quickly.
>You sit up and shake your head.
>Laying back down in your bed is dangerous when you're this tired.
>You don't want to...
>The light in the room seems to have shifted from when you looked at it a moment ago.
>You check your clock again.
>11:37 am
>Your heart flies into your throat and a surge of adrenaline sends you flying out of bed.
"SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT"
>You hop into a cold shower for all of 30 seconds then slap on your clothes and your painted jacket.
>You don't bother attempting to make breakfast, you burst through the door and start running to town.
>Guess you won't be salvaging anything today.
>You make a half groan, half snarl sort of noise as you run.
>You can't believe you did that.

>You slam into your cart and rip the tarp off.
>The drawers in the back fly open as you quickly set up shop for the day.
>You still have a lot of junk here, but you could be missing out on some more expensive stuff sitting in the yard right now.
>It's no fun to miss salvage day, at least in the junk yard you can walk around and have something occupy your mind.
>Manning the stand just makes time move slowly.
>You remember back to last night.
>Remembering those warm lights and bright stars brings a smile to your face.
>And Pinkie is supposed to come visit you near the end of the day between 5-6.
>Today might now be so bad after all.
>Even though you're probably gonna have to salvage tonight.
>A shiver rolls down your spine.
>It's very cold out today, almost winter weather.
>It is early November at this point, so winter isn't too far off.
>You'd love to get your jacket cleaned, but it is your only one and you work outside.
>You can't be without it, even for a day.
>The hours pass by slowly, and a few ponies come to browse your wares.
>One buys a pipe for 5 bits, another some horseshoes for 4. One even buys a bottlecap Pony for 3 bits.
>You've made a little money today, but bits aren't really on your mind right now.
>The large clock in the middle of town reads 4:28.
>Not much longer now.
>You wait with anticipation, standing behind the wooden bar twiddling your thumbs.
>As the clock rounds to 5, you feel butterflies in your stomach. She makes you so jumpy.
>Or maybe that's just the fact you haven't eaten all day.
>But as 5 turns to 5:30, and 5:30 to 6, nopony comes to visit you.
>You heart beats quickly, and your demanor changes.
>You don't feel light anymore, you feel very very heavy.
>When the clock rings 7, you finally come to terms with the fact that she simply isn't coming.
>You put your head down on the counter.
>Well, this is a pain you're more accustomed to.

>The gray tarp flops over the stand without much grace.
>You pin its edges and make the whole thing taught.
>Your fingers loosen as you sit up.
>With a deep sigh you look up at the sky becoming dark.
>It appears that last night was a one time deal.
>But it isn't like Pinkie to leave you out to dry like that.
>You crack your neck and your stomach lets out a yelp.
>You haven't eaten at all today.
>But you made some good money.
>You walk towards the diner, maybe an omelet will cheer you up.
>It never did before, but maybe this time will be different.
>The cold handle of the diner's door chills your hand as you grab it.
>But before you can go in, the aroma of buttery baked goods fills the air around you.
>You bring your attention to Sugar Cube Corner.
>Pinkie's domain.
>You don't really want to show your face.
>But Pinks should be long gone by now, she took a train an hour ago to see her family.
>You look down at the bits in your hand.
>You're not in the mood for an omelet anyway.
>Bells ring as you push the door open.
>A rough breeze blows in, making you shove the door closed behind you.
>Mrs. Cake smiles at you.
>"Hello! Welcome to sugarcube corner. You're Mr. Anon, right?"
>You nod at her.
>She smiles knowingly.
>"Oh Pinkie told us about that wonderful night you had with her. Sounded awfully sweet."
>You blush a bit.
"Heh, y-yeah. It was pretty nice."
>You walk up and point out a buttery looking muffin.
"That one please."
>She begins to wrap it up for you.
>You sigh.
"So Pinkie went to visit her family huh? Must be a lot quieter around here." you say jokingly.
>Mrs. Cake looks at you confused.
>"What are you talking about? Pinkie hasn't left her room all day."
>Wait.
>What?

"Are you sure?" you ask in a bit of a confused tone.
>Mrs. Cake drops the muffin into a paper bag.
>"Oh yes, quite sure. She came down for breakfast but she hasn't been down since."
>You start wondering about Pinkie.
"Was there anything... up.. with Pinkie today?"
>Mrs. Cake shakes her head.
>"Oh it's just so hard to read that girl. She seemed fine to me this morning. All smiles. Why?"
>You scratch the back of your head and feel the bits clenched in your other hand.
"Can I get a cupcake too?"
>Mrs. Cake tilts her head a bit.
>"Um, yes of course." she says, confused by the sudden change of subject.
>She places a blue and yellow cupcake into the bag, and you place 7 bits on the counter.
>That's more than half of what you made today, but something tells you you'll need it.
>You grab the bag off the counter and look at Mrs. Cake with a friendly smile.
"I'm just gonna go check on her, okay?"
>Mrs. Cake nods slowly.
>"Go on ahead. But I wouldn't worry much. She spends a lot of her weekends in her room. It isn't too rare."
>You've heard stories about Pinkie before, about a darker part of herself.
>It was mostly rumors, and they were really hard to believe considering the way she acts around ponies.
>But you fear the worst as you quietly climb the stairs up to her room.
>When you meet her door you're unsure what to do.
>Your first instinct is to knock, but it makes you uneasy to think about her slamming the door in your face.
>Come on Anon.
>Now is the time to be brave, to be bold.
>You grab the handle of her door and push.
>You peer in slowly, keeping your eyes peeled for a Pink pony.
>Taking a first step in, you notice a red ribbon from a postal scroll on the dresser.
>You look around for a trash bin and find one next to the dresser.
>Inside is a crumpled scroll.
>You start to read.
>"Dearest Sister...."
>"I'm writing to tell you..."
>"....farm is very busy..."
>"...postpone...
>"....with love, Maud."

>You had your suspicions that this is what happened.
>After the way Pinkie spoke about her sister, you could tell there was a lot of emotional investment in this trip.
>And you know how denial can be.
>While it doesn't explain everything, you feel a lot more confident in the steps you take.
>You move quietly through the room, trying not to disturb anything.
>The room is a bit messy, but totally devoid of anypony.
>A cross wind catches your attention.
>The doors to the balcony are open.
>The first step you take is a bad one.
>Your balance goes out the window as you stumble over some of Pinkie's party supplies on the ground.
>You slam into a table, making the items on top of it rattle and clink.
>Rubbing the back of your head, you stand and face the table in the darkness of the room.
>The outside moonlight shines against the metal cider caps of a platoon of bottlecap ponies.
>To your surprise, there's well over a dozen.
>You don't even remember selling her that many.
>But as you lift the pony figure, your signature welding made it clear it came from your stand.
>You assist the ones that fell over from your fall and look at them for awhile.
>You breathe deeply and let out a sigh.
>Most of the things you sell end up out of sight, or tucked away in some drawer somewhere.
>You've even found some back in the dump.
>But these pieces were displayed like trophies.
>You stand there in silence for a moment, tenderly brushing one of the figures off.
>Even without trying Pinkie can make you smile.
>Which reminds you why you're here.
>You put the figure back down and begin moving towards the balcony.
>Outside sits a lonely pony that you hardly recognize.
>Her mane droops down to her shoulders, and her fur almost seems like it's lost its color.
>She sits there quietly, petting a small gator in her lap while looking over the dimly lit town.

>It's not obvious whether she has noticed you or not, but she hasn't turned to face you yet.
>As you step out onto the balcony you clear your throat loudly.
>Pinkie lifts her head a bit, making her flat mane wave gracefully.
>She turns a little to look at you.
>Between the strands of straight hair you see a beautiful blue eye looking through.
>But it's beauty is only surface level, as the emotions behind betray its beauty.
>Unlike her normally wide and bright expression, she seems very reserved. She doesn't even seem that surprised that you're here.
>She just doesn't seem to care.
>"Hi Nonny." she says quietly.
>You've heard about this side of Pinkie, the depressed pony within.
>But you never expected her to be so real.
"Hey Pinkie, how's it going?" you ask.
>She turns away, looking at gummy in her lap.
>"Not so good." she whispers with a bit of a sniff.
>You scratch the back of your head.
"Yeah. I saw the letter..."
>Pinkie doesn't respond, she just continues to pet gummy.
>Seeing her like this makes you want to grab her and take all her problems away.
>But you don't think a hug will help.
>You look back into her dark room.
>She won't get any happier in a depressing place like this either.
>You scratch your chin.
>An odd idea comes to you.
>She helped you when you needed it.
>Now it is your time to return the favor.
>You put a hand on her shoulder, making her gasp a bit before looking up at you.
>A big smile beams from you.
"Let's do something Pinkie!" You say excitedly.

>Pinkie looks away.
>She doesn't seem interested at all.
>But Pinkie didn't give up on you when you were like that.
>And you won't give up on her.
>"I just want to sit here for awhile Nonny." she replies.
>You blow air out of your nose.
"Oh no you don't, you're not gonna just sit here all night. It's Saturday night Pinks!"
>She sighs without responding.
>You sit up with a determined smile.
>The room is a mess, so it's hard to find anything.
>But you do manage to find a yellow scarf lying amongst all the sheets and streamers.
>You walk back to Pinkie and throw it around her neck, tying it in the front.
>She doesn't move much, but she does look over her shoulder at you.
>You crouch down in front of her, your face inches from hers.
"Last chance to come along."
>Her mane is cast over left eye, and her head is tilted so that she always seems to be looking up at you.
>She blinks and looks down again.
>"I don't really want to go anywhere..." she states again.
>You sigh and shake your head with a smile.
>To Pinkie's surprise you take Gummy out of her lap and set him down inside.
>He doesn't protest, in fact he doesn't do much of anything.
>Pinkie seems confused by your actions.
>You smile down at her.
>In one swift motion you scoop her up with your arms and hang her off your shoulder.
>She isn't too heavy, and you have some muscles from lifting metal junk all the time.
>Her surprise manifests itself in a small yelp as she hits your right shoulder.
>You chuckle.
"Guess I'll have to carry you out!" you shout as you open the door to downstairs.
>"Nonnyyyyy stop!"
>You laugh
"No way! You're just wasting away in that room!"
>You open the front door.
"I'm not gonna just sit here and let it happen!"

>Ponies stare at you as you run past, Pinkie dangling over your back.
>You don't mind, you're used to the stares.
>And at the speed you're running, nopony gets to look for very long.
>You barrel down the familiar path to your house.
>There are a couple of supplies you need before you bring Pinkie where she needs to be.
>The piles of trash on your lawn fly by as you boot open the door.
>You drop Pinkie in the main living room and head for the work room.
>She doesn't move, she just sits in place, looking around your depressing house.
>The chest in the back of your work room holds the only junk you wouldn't sell.
>They wouldn't bring in much anyway, but they are cool little knick knacks that you couldn't help but keep for yourself.
>You pry it open and begin digging.
>A small chipped statue of Celestia gets pushed aside.
>An old wagon wheel is placed against the wall.
>Broken jewelery and old glasses are place on the table next to you.
>Only when your hands meet a plastic dome do you stop digging.
>You pull an old white helmet out of your box of treasures.
>Its scratched paint and beat up decals simply make you like it more.
>It's an old crash helmet, you found it while scavenging awhile ago.
>It really is one of your most prized posessions in this shitty house.
>Usually you'd leave it hidden away, but today is a special occasion.
>As you pass your coat hook back towards the living room, you spot the mask Pinkie made for you.
>You grab it and hang it from your neck.
>Pinkie looks at you with tired eyes as you return to the living room.
>Without a word you crouch down and pop the helmet on her head.
>At first it tilts over her eyes, as it's a little too big.
"Ah buck. Just hold still."
>You reach to help her, and catch her mouth curling a little.
>It may have only been a temporary smile, but it's enough to keep you going.
>You lift the helmet from off her eyes and smile.
"Let's go ya silly pony!" you say as you throw her on your shoulder.

>You run down a well worn path, away from Ponyville and your house.
>It cuts through a small part of the Everfree forest, and the dark trees usually make for an uneasy walk.
>But you don't have anytime to look, you're on a mission.
>Every bump and stick in the road is familiar.
>Nopony goes down this trail but you.
>As the trees clear, a musky smell fills the air.
>It's not terrible, like trash, just a little gross.
>But you don't even notice it anymore, and in a bit neither will Pinkie.
>You stop at the tall chainlink fence and put Pinkie down.
>This isn't like the one at the play ground, this one is way taller.
>You look down at Pinkie.
"Just stay here for a minute okay? I'm gonna undo the lock on the otherside."
>She simply nods without a word.
>Even now she continues to be very reserved and soft spoken.
>You hate it.
>With a big jump and some struggling, you climb up to the top of the fence.
>As you bring your legs over to climb down, your grip begins to loosen.
>You tighten every part of your body as a reflex, but it doesn't help at all.
>The moment of weightlessness you experience right before falling is always the worst part.
>You know you're going down, but in that second you're not moving.
>You're just there.
>Then comes the gravity, pulling your back towards the ground.
>As you thump against the ground back first, you hear Pinkie gasp loudly.
>She pushes against the chainlink fence.
>"NONNY! Are you okay?!"
>You sit up dazed.
>That hurt like hell, but you don't have any time to register it.
>You're just happy to hear her voice again.
"I'm good! I'm good!" You yell back as you slightly limp to the locked doors.
>You stretch your back and reach for a hammer hidden under some nearby tires.
>This isn't your first rodeo.
>You tap a small nail into a dented part of the latch mechanism and wiggle it.
>The lock's latch resets, and it pops off the door.
>Time to explore.

>Pinkie slowly trots in.
>You turn and look at your kingdom.
>Mountains of assorted mechanical trash and scrap litter the immense yard.
>It's a little muddy, but the trash itself is mostly just metal, furniture, and other commodities.
>You've turned this place into your play pen. You've had to spend a lot of time here before, so you've found a few ways to burn time.
>You're hardly here at night, but without the lanterns of town the dump looks like a glistening paradise, reflecting the moonlit night.
>It's not as clear as it was last night, there are a lot more clouds.
>But the full moon still illuminates the sky and gives the metal a sort of mystical glow.
>Pinkie walks next to you.
>You turn to her and smile.
>Keeping your eyes peeled you sift through some of the nearby trash.
>With clanks of metal and cracks of wood, you find an old metal bath tub.
>Most of the pipes have been ripped out, so all that's left is the tub.
>It's pony size, so it's small enough for you to lift.
>You scratch your chin and look at Pinkie, nodding.
"This'll do just fine."
>Your breath seems to be a lot more visible than before.
>It's chillier than you thought it would be.
>Just as the thought crosses your mind, a lone snowflake falls onto Pinkie's helmet.
>A light flurry of snow starts to fall slowly from the night sky.
>Pinkie's demeanor is improving even more.
>You motion for her to follow you as you step onto a pile of trash.
>She complies, walking a little bit in front of you as not to be left behind.
>Suddenly the weight of the moment hits you.
>The world seems to move in slow motion, and you watch Pinkie climbing metal and wood scraps, heading towards the top of the mountain of trash. [spoiler] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptPXxAds1Jc [/spoiler]
>The snow falls delicately around you and her, shining with blurred lines across your view. 
>You follow slowly, bathtub held above your head.
>The mask ruffles against your back, and your breath flows into the winter air.
>Everything is heavy, like the metal you stand on or the snow clumping on your back.
>What you do tonight will carry significant emotional weight as well.
>And you want to make sure it's perfect.
>And let Pinkie know what you think.
>And how you feel.
>You hear an anthem in your head as you approach the top.

>Pinkie stares down the mound of scrap, a bit confused by why you're both here.
>You stand next to her, surveying the area around you.
>The tub clanks on the scrap next to you as you set it down.
>You lean over the edge a bit.
>It's set up just as you remember, though a little aged.
>A row of metal plates and ad-hoc ramps lead all the way to the bottom and curve through the hills that follow.
>The snow begins to stick, and coats everything with an inch of cold, slippery joy.
>That ought to make it a lot smoother.
>Pinkie looks up at you with a puzzled expression.
>You'rejust happy she's showing her emotions again.
>It's certainly a lot better than the deadpan corpse you've been literally carrying around.
>You take a deep breath in and let it stir in your lungs a bit, puffing out your chest as you do it.
>Then with relaxed motion, you let the air steam out into the night.
>Your hand slaps the top of Pinkie's crash helmet.
"Alright! Let's get to work while the night is still young, eh?"
>You've offered her no answers to the multitude of questions she has probably accumulated at this point.
>But you like it that way.
>You pull the mask off your back and prepare to put it on for protection.
>But as your hands grasp it, you feel a few chips come off.
>A few shreds of paper mache fall into the dump pile.
>You must have landed on it when you fell before.
>With a bit of a panic, you dust of the fragments of paper to get a proper look at the mask's current state.
>To your surprise, it smiles at you.
>The frowning face's left side has cracked from the mouth up to near the lef eye, and the right side has some minor cracking as well.
>It results in a rather haunting smirk, where the sad eyebrows don't match the grinning mouth.
>Yet, with the eyebrows pushed in like they've just heard their dog died, it almost makes the face look grateful.
>Like they're about to cry out of joy, not grief.
>You smile softly at it.
>You never thought that this visage could reflect an emotion as complicated as feeling saved by someone.
>Pinkie through you a lifeline last night, a way to retreat from this depressing life you live.
>Like a drowning man looking up at his savior, you could have kissed her when she stopped you from going under.
>The strap tightens on the back of your head.
>Now you return the favor.

>You grab Pinkie under her forelegs and set her down in the front of the tub.
>Her helmet becomes a bit tilted, but she resets it.
>You check the tub one more time, making sure there's no legs on the bottom that could halt progression.
>It's smoother than ice.
>You crack your back and carefully position yourself behind Pinkie in the tub, sliding your legs around her on either side.
>The two of you sit there in silence for a couple seconds.
>What a couple of asses you must look like right now.
>Just the thought of how odd you two must look makes your stomach jitter and your fingers twitch.
>Not out of anxiety, surprisingly, but rather out of pure joy.
>It's nice to be different for more reasons than your race for once.
>But this silence simply won't do.
>Thinking on your feet, you pull a can out of the dump pile and throw it into Pinkie's lap.
>You also grab a piece of hardware with some wires sticking out and hold it to your ear.
"CHHHHHHHHHHH. Engineer Anon to Captain Pinkie do you copy?" you say into your palm to distort it.
>Pinkie turns her head.
>"W-what?"
>That's not good enough, you're not gonna take that as an answer.
"CHHHHHH. Captain Pinkie do you copy?! I can't hear you very well. Make sure you're talking into your transmitter!" you say, looking away as if you were in another room.
>Pinkie doesn't respond.
"CHHH. CAPTAIN? ARE YOU STILL IN STASIS?!"
>Your question is met by silence again.
>The captain is still in stasis, unfortunately.
>But the trusty engineer will wake her up, no matter the costs.
>You muster some courage and put your hands at her sides.
>What you are about to do is alien to ponies when feathers aren't present.
>You wiggle your fingers rapidly, clawing gently into her.
>At first, she simply lifted her shoulders with a gasp, but after awhile it starts to wear on her.
>Her shoulders bob, and she starts making little squeaking noises.
>You've gotta continue the de-freezing process engineer! We need more power!
>You kick your fingers into overdrive, wiggling them as fast as you can.
>SHE'S ALMOST OUT, GIVE IT A LITTLE MORE.
>BUT YOU'RE ALREADY RUNNING ON FULL CAPACITY.
>As your fingers begin to hit speeds high enough to cause heat, she suddenly bursts.
>A roaring laugh erupts from her as she lets it all out.
>There was no way in hell Pinkie Pie wasn't ticklish.
>Even if it took awhile to get.

>Her laughs echo off the empty piles of trash around you.
>It was a sound you feared you'd never hear again.
>Your heart leaps in bounds as her giggles and chortles fill your veins and prods your spirit.
>But you have no time to dwell, you must strike while the embers are hot!
>You put the pseudo-radio to your head again.
"CHHHHHH Ah! Captain! I was afraid I lost you there for a moment. Are you ready for take off madam?"
>She picks up the can in her hooves.
>"Y-yes, Engineer Nonny. I think we're ready to go!" she says with a bit of energy, "But, um. Where exactly are we going?"
>You shrug your shoulders and tap her helmet.
"Who cares? You've got your helmet..." you say and shake her helmet, no doubt messing her mane, "You can see ahead of you..." you put your hands over her eyes facing away from you, then peel them away.
"And most of all..."
>You scoop up some of the inch of snow that has fallen.
"The conditions are perfect!" you say as you put a finger of snow onto her nose from behind.
>She offers you a giggle as reinforcement.
>With a smile you put your hands behind the tub.
>You've never done this with anypony before, but there are first times for everything.
"So I think it's time..."
>You push the tub forward with a mighty lunge.
>It slides effortlessly towards the edge of the scrap, towards the plates of metal you placed before.
"... for take off!"
>The tub leans forward and finally falls.
>For a moment you are weightless once more.
>Your arms are coming back from the push, and your body braces for the ride ahead.
>Pinkie's mane brushes your face as inertia pushes her towards you.
>Your hands grip the sides of the tub, and you brace yourself for Pinkie's inevitable bouncing.
>This time you're in control of everything, and this time you'll keep her safe.
>You were out of your element last night, but now you're totally submerged in it.

>The hill is far steeper than you remember.
>More scrap was probably added since the last time you were here.
>As the tub hits the first plate of metal, your speed increases exponentially.
>Pinkie Pie slides back in the tub and slams in your chest.
>Fortunately you were ready for it.
>Your sled zooms down the hill of trash with extreme grace, and intense speed.
>Pinkie Pie lets out a cheer.
>"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
>Her fresh enthusiasm makes you giddy, and you start cheering with her.
>The tub hits the flat surface of the path between trash heaps, scraping the ground as it flies by.
>Cold air smacks you in the face, with only the occasional smack of Pinkie's mane or scarf to dampen it.
>You're going really fucking fast.
>Now you're not too sure how you're going to stop it.
>But for now you just enjoy the ride.
>Your tub slides up the side of another pile while maintaining velocity horizontally.
>You're treating the mound like a half-pipe, using it for more inertia in different directions.
>The tub slides back down into the valley between two mounds, before flying up the side of the opposite one.
>At this point the tub is no longer heading straight, but rather is actively spinning across the snow.
>There's just not enough friction to maintain control.
>Pinkie's hooves go up in the air.
>She's laughing like crazy.
>You focus on the ride rather than the landing.
>You don't want to miss a second of this.
>A loud clank interrupts your train of thought.
>The tub starts to spin wildly, much faster than before.
>It must have hit something sticking out of the ground.
>"WOAHHHHHHHHHHH!!! YEAHH!!" Pinkie shouts with a fit of giggles.
>The world blurs around you, and Pinkie is pinned to your chest with her legs in the air.
>You can't tell what's around until it is too late.
>The tub slides off one of the mounds and goes airbourne.
>Pinkie's helmet flies off and soars past your head.
>While you're in midair you wrap Pinkie in your arms and pull her to your chest.
>If she flies out of this tub, you're going with her.

>The tub slams onto the snowy ground, continuing to spin.
>The mud must have frozen over because there's very little friction now.
>Your arms remain tight around Pinkie who grips you with her forelegs.
>You can feel her heart beat and breathing through your jacket.
>Her heart beats rapidly, yet her breathing seems very controlled.
>She's not scared, but she's definitely excited.
>That makes one of you.
>You'd be lying if you said you weren't nervous about where this tank is going to end up.
>Mostly, you just hope Captain Pinkie and her loyal Engineer don't end up floating in space after a tragic crash.
>But just as your worries began to get to you, the tub's spinning slowed.
>The two of you ended up in a little crater by the mound you jumped off.
>The tub simply spun out over time.
>You lift your head and release Pinkie, who pops up as well.
>The shock you feel is overwhelming.
>Not just because the two of you survived the fastest and wildest sleigh ride you've ever been on.
>But also because Pinkie has her color back, and her mane is curly again.
>You must have curled it a bit when you shook her helmet before.
>Speaking of which, that thing is long gone. Your first reaction is to sigh and be depressed about it.
>The helmet did mean a lot to you.
>But it wasn't doing anything at the bottom of your chest.
>If that was the only casualty, then you gladly accept it.
>When the initial shock of survival wears off, you begin to chuckle.
>Then you begin to laugh, then you begin to break into hysterics.
>Pinkie Pie joins you in a storm of laughter.
>The ice echoes it back.
>And you become surrounded by a cacophony of exuberance.
>A tear rolls down your cheek from the glee that has penetrated your very bones and seeped into your soul.
>You've never laughed like this before.
>But something tells you it won't be the last time.
>Not while Pinkie is around.

>Not a lot of words are exchanged in the next few minutes.
>Just a plethora of laughing.
>The tub lays softly on its side, slowly being buried by the light snow.
>It appears Captain Pinkie and Engineer Nonny are deserted on some odd snowy planet.
>Protocol suggests snowball fights and snowman building.
>Snow slams into your face without warning.
>Pinkie giggles in the distance.
>"Gotcha Nonny! For somepony with hands, you're not very quick to the draw!"
>Ah yes, it appears your captain has already begun proper procedures.
"Oh yeah?" you respond, grabbing a handful of snow.
>With a high lob you pelt Pinkie right on the cutie mark while she's turned away.
>"EEP!"
>You laugh, readying your arsenal once more.
>She dives behind a pile of scrap as your artillery shells her previous location.
>You see a mass behind the scrap pile near the forest.
>Now is your time for a blitzkrieg.
>You load up on snow balls, getting ready for a quick barrage.
>Occasionally Pinkie throws one in your direction, but none of them are accurate.
>She doesn't even know where you are.
>You peer around the corner and see Pinkie's mane just above her cover.
>You must strike while you still can!
>THIS WAR SHALL BE WON BY SHEER MIGHT ALONE.
>You dart out from your cover and charge the enemy ranks.
>As you jump her boundary, you unload on the figure behind it, releasing every snowball in a flurry of frozen flak.
>But as you land on your stomach, you realize the pony you hit was not Pinkie Pie, but rather a snowman set up as a decoy.
>In the dark shroud of the night, you could hardly tell the difference!
>Suddenly a shadow moves over head, and you lie on back to see it coming.
>Pinkie flies over head like an owl diving in on its prey.
>She's armed to the teeth, totally covered in snow which she stuck to her mane.
>Her plan isn't to throw anything at you.
>She's going to body slam you while covered head to hoof in snow.
>Like a frosty suicide bomber.
>Clever girl.

>She lands on your chest with a loud crunch as the snow compresses under her.
>The snowy cloak she had dawned immediately fell off on impact, and buried you in a thin layer of snow.
>She bounces off your chest, giggling as she rolls towards her snowman decoy.
>What she left behind was a cloud of sleet and snow.
>It crawls up your nose, and goes down the back of your jacket.
>You shake your head, trying to keep the snow out of your mask.
>If you thought you had the advantage before, you have certainly learned better now.
>You can't even see your chest under the snow.
>As you sit up, the loose snow falls into your lap and down your jacket even more.
>You shake your head, spraying snow everywhere. You slide your mask up to the top of your head as well.
>It was pressing snow into your cheeks, and really made your face cold.
>Pinkie giggles at you, sitting in the snow by her snowpony.
>"Snowflake totally fooled you! Now you know why I'm the captain! heehee~" she says cheerfully.
>You smile at her as you stand out of your snowy grave.
"My my, isn't somepony happy? The sleigh ride really did the trick." You say proudly.
>Pinkie looks down a bit with smile.
>You could swear she was even blushing.
>"Yeah, well... I'm a lot better off than before, thats for sure."
>Your raw cheeks stretch again, pulling a grin over your face.
"You're a really silly pony you know that?"
>The snow starts to seep into your pants as you sit down across from Pinkie, looking at her snow pony.
"Ya know, Snowflake seems to be missing something."
>Pinkie turns and looks at the snow golem.
>You scratch your chin and nod.
"I know what's missing."
>With a little effort you sort through the mounds of trash again.
>You make a kind of gasp when you find exactly what you were looking for.
>Scrap shifts out of the way as you pull out a tiny orange traffic cone.
>It's obviously scaled for ponies, so your hand wraps around it all the way.
>You toss it to Pinkie, whos eyes light up immediately.
>It's the perfect piece for a nos-
>"I get it! We'll make Snowflake a unicorn!" Pinkie shouts, shoving the orange cone into the forehead of Snowflake and burying it in.
>Or a horn, it's a perfectly good horn too.
>You'd forgotten that pony faces don't really match your own. Snowponies don't have carrot noses.

>You chuckle a bit.
>Pinkie sits down again with an odd expression.
>It's very alien to a face like Pinkie's.
>She smiles delicately and lifts her head, looking at you.
>Her eyes reflect the clouded sky above, and the silhouetted trash mountains that contrast it.
>"Nonny..." she begins in a cheerful, yet quiet tone.
"Hmm?" you respond, your heart pumping a bit faster now.
>"Why did you... you know... come to my room tonight?"
>You blink a few times.
>That wasn't a question you expected to be brought up. You thought it was fairly obvious that she meant a lot to you at this point.
>Then again, you were never very vocal about it. Maybe she really doesn't know.
"Well, uh, you never showed up to my stand today, so I thought I'd go check on you is all."
>She giggles a bit.
>"You did a little more than check on me Nonny. Why would you do all this for little-ole-me?"
>You empty your lungs out your nose.
"Okay, well, why did you bring me to the party and make me stay with you? Why'd you go to the playground with me?"
>Pinkie is taken aback a bit by your question.
>She's definitely blushing now.
>Her eyes close and she flashes you a smile.
>"When I saw you in the diner, I thought you could use a party! If anypony needed it a party it was you Nonny!"
>She's hiding something.
>But if you want her to put it all out on the table, you'll have to do the same.
>You peer down at your palms.
"Remember what you were talking about last night? About finding special ponies in this world that understand us?"
>She nods, her expression turning a bit more melancholy.
"That's the reason we're here in the first place, isn't it? Because your family postponed your visit?"
>Pinkie stares up at the clouds above.
>"They've delayed it 4 times already. It's like they have no time for me anymore." she says lightly.
"And that's why I dragged you out of your room. You needed me tonight, the same way..."
>You pause, realizing what you're about to say.
>Thumps of your heart pound into your ears.
>With a deep breath you continue.
"The same way I needed you last night."
>She looks at you again.
"Ya see, I never had any special ponies that understood me. But after last night... I think I do."
>"S-so you're saying..."
"You're really special to me Pinkie Pie. You're the most special pony around here and I love spending time with you."
>Pinkie stares at you with a shocked expression [spoiler] pic [/spoiler]
>Whether it is good or bad does not matter at this point. You need to let it out.
"During the week, it felt like my only friends were my junk stand and the trash in it."
>You scratch the back of your head again, staring at the snow drifts around you.
"But once a week, for a couple of minutes, you would come along and prove me wrong. You'd make me feel stronger, happier, even wanted."
>You sigh.
"I know it's sappy, but you really mean the world to me. So that's why I went to these lengths, because I wanted to repay even a fraction of what you've given me."

>Your sights realign with Pinkie's.
>She stares at you with an odd expression.
>Her eyebrows don't give you any hints, and her mouth hangs slightly open.
>She isn't smiling, but she isn't frowning.
>She's just sitting there, not saying anything.
>Your heart begins beating into your throat, and you comb through your hair nervously.
>Maybe you said too much, laid it on too thick.
>Your ticks start firing up.
>Teeth grinding and fists clenched.
>Your head dips down and your knees come up.
>Like an allergic reaction you close your eyes and wish this awkward moment was over.
>Somehow you feel claustrophobic in this open area.
>Far worse than in the crowd at the party.
>Like somepony put their hooves onto your lungs and started to push.
>You just want it to be over.
>For the love of Celestia, just say something.
>The crunch of snow in front of you makes you gasp.
>A hoof pushes against your chest..
>Another hooks behind your neck.
>You look up at their owner.
>As you do, you get pulled forward, filling your vision with pink.
>Pinkie's moist lips push into yours.
>Your shoulders jump, and your heart stops.
>Her warm breath flows into your mouth and fills your lungs.
>Her tongue flicks yours, and she pushes deeper into you.
>You feel her laying on your chest, her heart against your own.
>Your twitches cease immediately.
>Your joints loosen, and your put your arms around her.
>The fur on her back feels warm and soft under your hands.
>Her mane tickles your ears, and her tail flicks between your legs.
>Her mouth tastes sweet, and she smells of vanilla.
>She passionately continues to press her lips into yours, her tongue entering more and more with each advance.
>You wrestle her's with your own, licking and pushing. You taste her more and more.
>You hug her closer, pulling her as tight to your chest as you can.
>She wraps both forelegs around the back of your head.
>The sounds of spit and short shallow breathes fill the air, and your body moves on its own.
>You drown in her, allowing yourself to sink into her very pneuma.
>You don't feel scared, you don't feel anxious.
>All you feel is Pinkie's lips, her heart, and her hooves.
>This is nirvana.

>After several minutes, Pinkie finally seperates from you, pulling herself up.
>You blink a few times and readjust to the world around you.
>Were you always laying flat on the ground?
>That was one hell of kiss.
>You've been kissed before, but never like that. You've never experienced anything as passionate as that.
>Pinkie looks down at you, her hooves still planted on your chest.
>She stradles your body, and her mane hangs down, filling your view with pink curls.
>You look up drunkenly at her, still recovering from the intoxicating kiss you just recieved.
>She smiles down at you with grateful eyes.
>Ones that mirror the mask on your back.
>You flash back a stupid grin.
>She lays down, resting her head on your chest.
>You bring a hand up and begin combing through her mane.
>She sighs deeply as you scratch behind her ears.
>The snow falls lazily around you in silence.
>You have no idea how late it is, but it really doesn't matter.
>You don't think Pinkie is making it back for curfew tonight.
>She closes her eyes and breathes slowly.
>You stare at the grey clouds as they pass by overhead.
>After a couple of minutes, you're sober enough to speak again.
>Not that you have any idea what to say, but you'll give it your best shot.
"That was... incredible Pinkie..."
>She giggles a bit under her breath.
"But, I had no idea you felt that way!"
>Her hooves jump up to your shoulders, and she pulls herself up to your face, rubbing her cheek against yours.
>The fur on her cheek tickles you a bit while she does it.
>"I'm glad you enjoyed it Nonny..." she begins, "And my cannon hasn't broken in two months."
>You think about what she said for a moment before letting out a snort.
"You mean to tell me you were visiting my stand... just for me?"
>She tilts her head up, as if she were contemplating something.
>"Well, you and the bottlecap ponies. heehee~" she says in a cutesy tone, followed by giggles.
>You laugh out loud.
>Not because of the joke, but out of sheer happy shock.
>She came just to see you.
"Why didn't you ever tell me? Why did you wait so long?"
>You see her blush a bit.
>"Well, you're a human Nonny." she says in a matter-of-fact tone.
>You snort.
"Yeah, I know that."
>She rolls onto her back, still on your chest. She looks at you upside down.
>"I know silly! It's just, I thought you'd never like a pony. I thought it would be lost cause!"
"So what changed? Why invite me to the party that night?"
>She surpresses some embarrassed laughs
>"Like I said before, you seemed like you needed a party, and I was on my way to one..."
>She looks both ways before whispering to you.
>"Plus Gummy said I should!"
>You smile at the pink pony still rolling around on your chest.
>She smiles back.
>And your heart skips another beat.

>You carefully sit up, holding Pinkie near as you do.
>The cold air doesn't phase you.
>After what played out here, you're all heated up.
"So..." you say in a low tone.
>"So..." she echoes.
"What does this mean for us?"
>She leans into you, pushing her face against your chest.
>"Hmm."
>She closes her eyes.
>"I wouldn't mind kissing you more... after tonight, that is."
>You chuckle.
"And I wouldn't mind going to more parties with you."
>"And I wouldn't mind visiting your stand more!" she says in an amused voice
"And I wouldn't mind eating cupcakes with you sometime!"
>"And I wouldn't... Wait gimme a sec..."
>You chortle as she takes a moment.
>She lifts her hoof up with a smile.
>"I wouldn't mind selling junk with you!"
>You chuckle and look at her inquisitively.
"Why in Equestria would you want to sell junk like I do?"
>She shrugs
>"C'mon Nonny! You made it so much fun tonight! Why wouldn't I want to sell junk?!"
>She grabs your face
>"Nonny, can I sell junk with you tomorrow?" she asks in a mocking manner.
>She opens and closes your mouth to puppet talking.
>"Of course you can Pinkie!" she says in a deeper voice, attempting to mimic your own.
>"Okidokiloki Nonny~! I'll come by at 10!"
>You inhale to speak, but Pinkie interrupts you, mushing your cheeks together.
>"Sounds good Pinkie! It's a date!" she giggles.
>On the last word she blushes and takes her hooves off your face.
>"At least, I think it's a date..."
>You raise an eyebrow.
"Are we dating or are we not? I'm confused." you confess
>She laughs loudly and pulls you close.
>"We definitely are now you silly billy."
>You sigh.
>It's nice to have it spoken to allieviate confusion.
>So you have another date with Pinkie Pie at work tomorrow.
>You tried to let her know that Sundays are usually your days off.
>But you can't really think of a better pony to spend time with anyway, so you'll let it slide.
>The snow continues to fall, and by this point you're buried up to your shins.
>You know this night has to end at some point.
>But you just want it to last a little bit longer.
>Even if you can't feel your ass anymore.

>After awhile, Pinkie stands up again.
>She looks up at the stars and sighs.
>She turns and looks at you.
>"I guess, I've got to go now. You didn't tell the Cakes where you were taking me, and it's gotten super late!"
>You smile.
>It's true, you never did say anything to Mrs. Cake. For all she knows, you grabbed Pinkie and ran out the door with her.
>You're just hoping guards won't be waiting at your house to charge you with fillynapping.
>"So..." she says with a smirk, "Tomorrow at ten, right?"
>You smile back.
"It's a date." You say, mimicking her shotty impression of you.
>She giggles.
>Her eyes close and she leans in, pressing her soft lips into yours.
>Her breathing becomes heavy and she blows hot air into your nose.
>She pulls away, breath flowing out of her nose into the cold night.
>As she turns to leave her tail flicks you in the face.
>She trots up to the gates.
>A baby blue eye looks over her shoulder at you still sitting in the snow.
>"Goodnight Nonny~" she says with a voice like velvet.
>Your heart beats quickly again, making your chest thump.
"G-goodnight!"
>With that, she smiles and skips back into the darkness on the path towards town.
>You sit in the snow a bit longer, letting your heart return to normal.
>With a crack in your knees, you stand again and adjust your jacket.
>The snow crunches beneath your feet as you begin to walk back home.
>You can't get rid of this stupid smile on your face.
>The blood rushes through your vains with an alien warmth.
>10 o'clock huh?
>You clap.
>Excellent.

>The neat scrap piles just outside of your house glisten white from the moon which continues to peer through the clouds.
>Snow has piled up on most of them, but some still have some metal showing.
>You push your door open and step inside.
>The house creaks in darkness, and the wind from outside whistles over the cracks in the walls.
>You throw your jacket over a chair and walk into the bathroom.
>The light flickers to life as you walk towards the shower.
>You slide the mask off the top of your head and set it down on the counter.
>The pipes squeal as you turn the handle to let the water begin to flow.
>You slide your sweaty t-shirt off and throw it on the floor.
>Your hair feels oily as you run your hand through it.
>A reflection stares back at you, catching your eyes as you look up.
>But it appears to be someone else.
>Of course all the parts are in the right place, his hair matches yours, and so do his eyes.
>He's filthy, just like you're usually from playing with scrap all day, and he is most certainly human.
>But the smile on his face throws you off.
>You never smile in private, it's usually something you either plaster on for the sake of others, or something that certain ponies make you do.
>It's not something you just naturally do.
>And yet, your reflection looks at you with happy eyes and a smile to match, slowly getting obscured by the steam's fog on the glass.
>As you remove your pants and check the temperature of the shower, you think about what happened tonight.
>It seems like ages since you carried Pinkie out of her room and into the night.
>And what happened between then and now is actually quite life changing.
>You've always been a simple guy, not really doing much out of the ordinary, and you always stuck to a routine.
>But now Pinkie is in the mix, and she's anything but simple. And it's not like she's a minor part of your life anymore, she's actually a huge chunk of it.
>The hot water stings your back a bit, but it feels good against your cold, numb flesh.
>Does this mean you have to change parts of your life, parts of yourself, for Pinkie?
>Water trickles down your shoulders onto your chest and drip to your feet.
>You chuckle a bit.
>No, Pinkie doesn't want YOU to change one bit.
>And you could use a little excitement in your life, even if they are only glimmers between working.
>Another squeak of the handle tightening deafens the sound of water sprinkling and replaces it with delicate drips on wet tile.
>You just hope you'll have time for her, and her for you.

>You click off the lights and let your night vision adjust.
>Do ponies have night vision?
>It wouldn't surprise you.
>You don't really know much about equines.
>The sheets of your bed surround your recently dried body, and the matress squeaks as you land on it.
>Nothing beats a warm bed after a hot shower.
>You take a deep breath and lay on your back.
>The warmth of your bed rejuvinates your body.
>Your eyelids become heavier and your vision blurrier.
>As things start to fade to black a melancholy feeling washes over you.
>Tonight was incredible, more incredible than you could ever imagine. Yet, now it is coming to an end.
>It's like the feeling you get after hanging out with a best friend one last time before you move; it doesn't matter how much fun the two of you had it has to come back down to earth at some point.
>And while your chest is toasty and fuzzy, and your cheeks feel like they're shining, you can't help but sigh.
>Maybe you won't be able to keep up the intensity. Maybe this night will be the night your reflect fondly on in the future after some tragic loss of communication.
>But to dwell on such things is useless, and from the black comes a glow of pink.
>Your busy brain begins to silence itself, and you turn to your side, snuggling into your pillow and blanket.
>The taste of her lips and smell of her mane fill your mind.
>And with it, you lost track of the world around you.
>You drift into the ether with a deep sigh.
>The wind creaks the house some more, and you're finally asleep.

>You are Pinkie Pie.
>It may be late, but you still have work to do.
>You push your head into your party chest, prodding for a very specific substance.
>The crinkle of plastic on the tip of your nose makes you gasp.
>You bite down on the plastic and pull it out of the chest, making streamers fall to the ground around you.
>You ignore them as you toss the plastic bag into a wagon tucked in the corner of your room, filled to the brim with supplies for tomorrow.
>Those balloons are super-duper necessary. They'll really lighten up the stand.
>You trot across the room to retrieve a roll of blue streamers you let loose.
>With great effort you roll it as tight as you can once more.
>Hooves get in the way of such things. Sometimes you wish you had a unicorn horn. You could wrap the streamers around that!
>The magic might help too.
>After a few minutes of rolling the streamers almost look good as new.
>You toss the roll into the wagon as well.
>Just in case.
>You catch Gummy's eyes across the room.
>He's sitting on your bed, keeping an eye on you. Such a good gummy.
>He opens his mouth and lets out a ginormous yawn. His toothless grin and vacant stare make you giggle. He's one cute gator.
>But as his jaw shuts, you get an overwhelming feeling well up in your throat.
>You let out a long yawn yourself.
>You're used to staying out late from all the parties, but tonight was different.
>It all came together this evening.
>You've always liked Anon, mostly because he was so easy to talk to.
>Most ponies in this town respect you for your parties, which is awesome! You love throwing parties! You love going to parties! You love making ponies smile!
>But...
>You hop onto your bed next Gummy. He grins at you blankly.
>He's worried about you.
>You kiss him on his forehead to reassure him, but you know he doesn't buy it.
>Gummy knows all about you, he's a very smart gator.
>He knows that you love your friends, and he knows that you love the ponies in town.
>But he also knows that nopony looks at you as a lover, as somepony to hold close.
>With a tilt of his head he continues to recall what you've told him in the past.
>He knows that everypony in this town sees you almost as a mascot, somepony that represents them, even if none of them try to get to know her.
>"Oh that's just Pinkie Pie!" they all say, without even giving a second thought.
>Never considering that when you don't care enough to ask about somepony's day, that maybe that pony feels alone.
>Those crowds that made Nonny so nervous before, they feel so empty to you. Full of faceless ponies who will love your party, but leave without caring who threw it.
>But with Nonny there, it felt a lot more safe.
>A lot more personal.
>When you speak with him, you find you're not so alone.
>Because he really cares about you.
>Gummy stares up at you while you stare into space, lost in thought.
>You smile down at him and pull him close.
>His scales feel cool on your body.
"He said I'm special to him Gummy!" you say for the hundreth time that night, "He really did! And he listened to me when I talked to him the other night! And he took me sledding and he gave me a helmet and-"
>You cut your train of thought there, realizing you're repeating what you've told him so many times before.
>Gummy licks his eye.
>He gets the point.
>Gummy is a super smart alligator! You're thankful he's such a great listener.
>You slip under the covers of your bed, snuggling with him.
>His hard armor on your belly counters the soft sheets surrounding you.
>With a sigh you start to feel more drowsy.
>Tomorrow is the first day with Nonny by your side.
>Thoughts of him flush your cheeks.
>Hurry up and get to sleep already!
>Tomorrow can't come soon enough!

>You are Anon.
>Your winter boots feel very tight.
>They haven't been broken in yet. and the cool weather probably doesn't help.
>The light snow from last night has melted a bit, leaving patches of mud and grass visible on hills and walkways.
>A delicate thump in your chest reminds you of the weight of today.
>When the trees clear you check your watch.
>9:53 am.
>You're right on time.
>Ordinarily, you'd get to the stand and expect to see a couple of customers.
>Today, however, you're not sure what to expect at all.
>Whatever Pinkie's plan is for your cart, you're pretty sure she'll leave disappointed.
>It's not as if she has high standards either, your business just isn't usually a booming one.
>You turn the corner towards the street your stand is and are surprised by a sweet aroma in the air.
>At first, you can't find your stand. The dingy old wooden counter is no where to be seen.
>It's only after you spot Pinkie do you realize your stand is still there, it's just not at all how you left it.
>What was once a faded brown paint job has been revived and turned into a deep beautiful oak finish.
>The chipped sign that read "Scrap and Parts" has gotten a finish as well, and the words have been painted over with a solid white coat.
>Balloons hang from the sign reaching towards the morning clouds.
>Pinkie is tying another to the base.
>After the initial shock wears off, you run over to her.
>She looks up from the knot she's working on, mouth still around the string.
>"OH! SHY GNONNY!" she says through gritted teeth.
>She's wearing her scarf and rubber yellow boots.
"Pinkie! Wha-What happened to the cart?! Did you do this all on your own?"
>The knot tightens and she sits up with a proud look on her face.
>"Yep yep! It's the first step!"
>You tilt your head a bit.
"First step? First step of what?"
>She smirks with a mischevious look on her face.
>With a bit of a hop, she approaches the counter and throws a piece of paper from her nearby wagon onto it.
>She unrolls it with her hooves.
>"The first step to the best day of selling junk EVER!!" she shouts.

>As she unrolls the paper, you see bits of paint and stain on the fur around her hooves and on her chest.
>With a smile she slams her hoof down onto the paper, 
>"This, my dear Nonny, was the first step! Painting the stand to make it look less depressing and more happy!"
>She points at a crude drawing of her holding a paint brush next to your stand.
>"I couldn't wait to ask for permission, of course." she says in a matter-of-fact way, "You understand, right Nonny?"
>In all honesty you don't, but you would have given it to her anyway. You nod in affirmation.
>She flashes a toothy grin, "GRRRREAT! So then we move on to step two: We unleash the secret weapon. Then, we can make it to step three, where ponies come from all over to buy your junk!"
>You scratch the back of your head.
"Uh, okay. Sounds like a solid plan, I think. What's the secret weapon?"
>Pinkie raises her eyebrows a few times.
>"Oh, that's an easy one!"
>Pinkie reaches behind the stand and places a tray onto the counter.
>Immediately the aroma you smelled before hits you like a truck.
>Nutty, sweet, and full of vanilla.
>"Pinkie Pie's Perfect Peanut Pecan Pralines Placed Precisely in Pudding! Or PPPPPPPPP for short!" she says with a wink.
>You chuckle.
"I'm not sure how much shorter PPPPPPPPP is, Pinkie. But those look incredible!"
>You weren't lying. The pralines were half submerged in small cups of vanilla pudding, and they looked like they were baked to delicious flaky goodness.
>Even though you haven't even had lunch yet, those cups are almost irresistable.
>Pinkie has a look of immense satisfaction as she recieves your compliment.
>"I don't make these very often! But when I do they sell like hot cakes! And hot cakes are in season right now, so they should sell even BETTER!"
>You laugh out loud and sigh.
>Pinkie's logic is as amusing as it is flawed.
"So you really think these'll sell my junk?"
>She nods.
>"Nonny, with your junk and my pastries, we can rule this town!"
"All right!" you say loudly, walking around the stand.
>You bend down and hug Pinkie tightly.
>She lets out a soft sigh and returns it.
"Thanks Pinkie."
>She pulls away a bit and kisses you on the cheek.
>"Don't thank me yet!" she whispers into your ear.

>After the two of you break away she rummages through her wagon full of supplies.
>You spot streamers and confetti, paint and stickers, anything and everything you need to start a party at a moment's notice.
>She pops out wearing a straw hat and bowtie.
>How the hell did she tie that thing so fast?
>She tosses a hat to you as well.
>You put it on your head, but feel a strange bump in it.
>You push your fingers underneath the hat and pull out a bushy black moustache.
>In the search for an explaination you turn to Pinkie, only to find her staring up at you wearing that same moustache.
>She nods at you.
>You raise an eyebrow, as if to ask if you really have to.
>A serious look goes across her face, and she nods slowly.
>Guess there's no choice in the matter.
>You stick it on over your lips.
>It tickles your nose, but it's not so bad. Still a little confused as to why you need it though.
>"Okay!" she whispers, "Let's put step two into action!"
>She rummages through her wagon again before pulling out a fan.
>She holds it in her mouth and begins flapping it wildly by the tray of baked delights.
>Her violent motion attracts more attention than the smell.
>After a minute of flapping haphazardly Pinkie releases the fan, sending into the lower stratosphere. Or, at the very least, three streets over.
>She's certainly attracted the attention of the crowd, but maybe not for the reasons she was hoping for.
>She inhales deeply.
>"COME ON DOWN TO THE JUNK SHACK! WE'VE GOT EVERYTHING YOU COULD EVER WANT! COME ONE COME ALL! COLTS, FILLIES, YOUNG AND OLD!" she yells in a salespony's tone.
>She points at a stallion passing by.
>"YOU SIR! You look like somepony who's got good taste!"
>The stallion looks around, confused as to whether he is the one being addressed.
>"Uh... me?"
>"Yes YOU kind sir! You're a savvy gentlecolt, are you not?"
>He scratches the back of his head.
>"I, uh, I'm not sure what you mea-"
>"Of COURSE you are!" she interrupts, "So savvy, that you wouldn't be caught dead without some junk from Nonny's Junk Shack!"
>"I wouldn't?" The stallion stammers.
>"NO YOU WOULD NOT!" Pinkie says with a smile.

>Pinkie awkwardly guides the stallion towards your stand.
>"This is Anonymous, the hooman! He runs the place!"
>The stallion looks at you with confused and slightly panicked eyes.
"Uh. Hello."
>"Why don't you show our stylish customer some of our wares, Nonny!"
>This takes you a bit off guard.
>You aren't exactly one for improv.
"Uh, well we have nuts and washers. Plenty of scrap metal for any wagons and stuff. Uhhh. Sometimes we have tools in stock..."
>Pinkie continues to smile, but her eyes show hints of concern.
>She seems nervous that you're losing the customer, not that you were ever sure you had them in the first place.
>Her eyes dart to the left portion of your stand.
>Ah, of course!
"We also have these bottlecap ponies for-"
>You cut yourself off mid sentence as you gaze over the army of bottlecap ponies you made before.
>Originally they were just assorted cider caps, but all of them have been lovingly painted a rainbow of colors.
>They really pop now, and almost could pass as real toys.
"Uh... we also have the bottle cap ponies!" you say with some forced enthusiasm.
>Pinkie rotates her hoof, signalling for you to say something more about it.
>You think quickly, and memories of salesmen you've seen in the streets come to mind.
>They always used buzzwords that didn't mean anything to sell a product, maybe you can do the same.
>You speak slowly and carefully.
"Uh, yeah, these LIMITED EDITION bottlecap ponies, made only of the finest, uh, bottle caps. They... are a great use of recycling! Each of them is hand made!"
>At that Pinkie seems to have found the leverage she needed.
>In one swift motion she hops onto the stand and addresses not only the stallion, but the street as a whole.
>"You hear that! Made by hand! The only pair of hooman hands in Equestria! Imagine owning a piece of art made by such a rare speciman!"
>You feel the momentum growing.
"Y-yeah! There's plenty to collect! You can try and get them all!"
>"And for every two bottlecap ponies bought, you get a free cup of Pinkie Pie's Perfect Peanut Pecan Pralines Placed Precisely in Pudding free of charge!"
>At this point the entire town is staring in your direction.
>"So come on down, Ponyville, and enjoy these limited edition, super rare items while supplies last!" Pinkie yells, throwing confetti into the air as she does.
>The entire street is quiet, and only Pinkie's gasping for air breaks the tension a bit.
>Suddenly the stallion clears his throat and approaches the stand.
>He lifts up a light blue bottlecap pony and tosses it around a bit.
>"Wow! These are actually pretty cool!"
>Your heart stops, and you feel a tingling run through your body.
>He actually likes it?
>"I know a little colt who wouldn't mind having a few of these. And you said a cup of that Perfect pudding thing comes with them?"
"Uh, yeah that's what she said."
>"Excellent! My little brother will love this!" he responds excitedly, reaching for his bit purse, "How much are they?"
"Oh, they're one bi-"
>"4 bits each!" Pinkie interrupts
>The stallion smiles.
>"Sounds fair to me! I'll take two!"
>He tosses 8 bits on the counter and scoops up a blue and red bottlecap pony.
>Pinkie puts the PPPPPPPPP into a baggie and he trots away with it happily.
>What the hell just happened?

>The street is just as surprised as you. Many of the ponies seem a bit puzzled, but some of them appear rather curious.
>Pinkie smiles, relishing in the attention.
>"Another satisfied customer! Who else wants a piece of these LIMITED EDITION figures? You know you want to!" Pinkie announces.
>By the time she finishes her statement, a small crowd of ponies begins to gather.
>You clench your fists. Your anxiety certainly doesn't like the attention.
>But your wallet might.
>Pinkie continues selling your figures with ease, explaining how impossibly rare human made crafts are to come by.
>Over the course of the day dozens leave the shelves, and some even sell after the 9P pudding things run out.
>The bits flow in without a care in the world.
>4 here, 8 there, sometimes even as much as 16!
>You've never seen this many bits in your life!
>When the time comes to close, your stock of bottlecap ponies has been obliterated, leaving only a few spare colors.
>Pinkie walks over to her wagon with a sigh and whips the hat off her head.
>It's been a long day for her, yet she doesn't seem very tired.
>You open your earnings drawer to see how you did today.
>As it slides open, glimmering golden coins reflect up onto your face.
>There are more coins than your wildest dreams of avarice could ever concoct. 
>They jingle and rattle with every movement of the drawer.
>It's impossible to count in one sitting. There has to be at least 200 bits in this thing!
>A wave of guilt rolls over you.
>This money doesn't belong to you, Pinkie did all the work for it.
>At least half belongs to her.
"So should we divide the profit now? It'll take awhile but..."
>Pinkie giggles to herself.
>"Oh Nonny. I don't want any money. And it was your figures we sold silly billy! All I did was talk!" she says with a wide smile.
"And paint everything and bring the hats and moustaches..."
>She puts up a hoof
>"Nonny you need that money a lot more than I do. It's yours!"
>You're nearly moved to tears.
>As you push the coins into your purse, filling it to its brim, you develop a scheme to pay Pinkie back.
>And you think you know just the thing.

>Pinkie starts to drag the tarp over to the stand.
>Her eyes dart to the stand and back, motioning for you to help her.
>You pick up the tarp and lift it over the stand.
>The canvas tarp needs a little adjusting, but after a bit of fidgeting it tightly fits around the entire counter.
>You clap your hands together, dusting them off.
>Pinkie trots over to her cart.
"Ya know..." you say in a confident voice.
>She looks up at you,
"You and I may have speant the last couple nights together, but neither of them were planned."
>She giggles.
>"Mhmm! But spontaneous stuff is fun!"
>You nod.
"Yeah, but, wouldn't it be cool to do something we actually thought about prior?"
>She twists her head so it's upside down, her cute blue eyes looking up at you.
>"Like what?" she gasps, "Like a party?!"
>You shake your head.
"No, no. Like going out, just the two of us."
>She blinks a few times, a bit puzzled.
>You roll your eyes with a smile
"Like a date!"
>Her head twists back and she makes a serious expression.
>"Oooohhh. A date..."
"You understand better now?"
>"So we would go get dinner someplace together?" she says slowly
"Yeah, exactly!"
>"And we would put on fancy clothing?" more excitedly
"Uh, yeah sure!"
>"And we could spend the whole night together too?!" she spouts, a little closer to yelling than talking.
"Yes?"
>"That sounds AMAZING Nonny!"
>You scratch the back of your head. You didn't think a date would be so alien to her.
"I'm glad you think so."
>She smiles and grabs her wagon.
>"Okidokiloki! Let's go on a date!" she says before letting out a small gasp, "I need to get my dress ready! There's not a lot of time!"
>She hitches up her wagon and turns to you one more time,
>"We'll meet here at eight, okay?"
>Pinkie has hijacked your plans and made them her own.
>But that's alright, this night is for her mostly.
"Okay, sounds good!"
>Pinkie nods and starts to hop away.
>She stops and speaks over her shoulder.
>"Are you planning on wearing that mustache to the date?" she asks.
>You put your hand up to your lip, feeling the fuzzy fake mustache you've been wearing all day.
>How'd you forget about it?
>Pinkie giggles as she wanders deeper into town, getting lost amongst the crowd and buildings.
>You sigh.
>This date is gonna be higher end than you thought.
>Now you have to do some prep work.

>Ponyville may not be the biggest town in Equestria, but it is certainly packed with plenty of places to go.
>By the sound of it, Pinkie was expecting someplace fancy.
>It's not that big of a deal financially for you. After today's haul you're set for a couple weeks if you spend wisely.
>The main issue is finding the right place, getting your suit fixed up, and getting cleaned up yourself.
>You're not really a fan of dressing up and acting fancy.
>The jacket you're wearing feels warm and comfortable, and your boots sturdy, albeit tight.
>It's not that dressing up is a bad thing, you just like practical things.
>Regardless, you need a restaurant to dine at this evening with Pinkie.
>But you haven't step foot in a fancy restaurant in years, your income just doesn't allow it.
>You stop walking aimlessly in the middle of town, near the town hall.
>The sky is a deep orange, and the clouds glow with a mixture of yellow and reds.
>It's like an oil painting up there.
>Your gears feel jammed as you attempt to envision a place to go.
>You don't have time to search through the fancier places and checking their menus.
>It'd help a lot if you had somepony to give you a suggestion.
>Suddenly the jam clears, and your gears start turning again.
>You do know somepony that could help, and you need to see her tonight anyway.
>May as well kill two birds with one stone.
>You nod to yourself in agreement, rubbing your cold chin as you do it.
>With a bit of a twirl you start to head out of town towards your house.
>Ponies wander by on either side of you as you make your way down the road.
>Some walk alone, but most have a friend, or perhaps somepony more, walking by them.
>The vast differences in colors of their fur, and styles of their manes always intrigued you.
>They are all so different on the outside, but they're still all ponies.
>It's admirable, really. Ponies really value having one another to depend on.
>From what you hear, a lot of other species in Equestria aren't like that.
>But they accepted you right away, even though you aren't a pony.
>Maybe there's something in the water.

>The door rattles a bit as it finally clunks open.
>This cold weather makes all the wood in your house a bit more rickety.
>You're only stopping in for a moment, however.
>You rub your numb hands together, hoping to get a bit more feeling back to them.
>It's a lot colder when you don't have the sun shining on you.
>The thumps of your rubber soles echo in your empty bed room.
>You're not really concerned about the little chunks of snow you're tracking over the the wood floor.
>It's already a pig sty, no need to start being cautious now.
>The wooden handles to your closet squeak in a way only old wood can.
>It timidly rasps open as the dank smell of the closet leaks out.
>An odd smell to describe, but it reminds you of other closed off places of the house, like the basement or the attic.
>It's like if mildew and hard wood had a baby, it isn't pleasant, but it isn't terrible.
>Inside the closet are multiple jackets for different occasions.
>A leather jacket for tough winter work and scavenging, a windbreaker for doing maintnence during the riany seasons, and a fine jacket for looking good.
>Not that you ever use it.
>But near the back is a special set of garments that are hardly touched, let alone used.
>You grab the hanger and bring it towards you. The plastic cover fluttering behind.
>A feeling of fondness seeps through the cracks of your thoughts as you look it over.
>A black suit with a red tie. Simple, classy; It was everything you needed for tonight.
>It isn't perfect, however. Neglect has left it in poor shape. There are more tears and holes than you remember.
>Your fondness fuels a sting in your chest. A bit of regret hits you, disappointed that you let it reach this state.
>As you reflect, you look back to your room.
>You wonder how Pinkie would react seeing your room like this. The bed is unmade, the drawers stick out at random lengths, and clothing is discarded across the floor.
>Not even your bed is made.
>Just a part of your practical lifestyle, you suppose. Throwing clothes on the ground is just easier, and why make your bed when you're just going to get into it again?
>But how would Pinks react?
>You smile a bit.
>She'd probably clean it herself, not out of disgust but simply out of being willing to help.
>A sigh pushes your chest up then down.
>You don't want her to have to take care of you like she's been doing lately. What with her helping you sell trash, and the parties.
>Even though you helped her last night, she was still the first one to make a move.
>It wouldn't hurt to carry yourself a bit better, yeah?
>You make a mental note and throw your suit over your back.
>You'll clean it later, you don't have the time right now.

>Before you dart back outside you check a clock in your work room.
>It's already 6:30.
>You've got to run.
>The door slams behind you and your feet slam into the crunchy ground with resounding thunks.
>It seems the ground is still pretty frozen.
>You don't mind, that just means less mud on your suit.
>Hopefully the boutique is still open.
>You burn rubber through back alley ways and a few short cuts.
>Rarity is probably packing up for the day, but she IS the element of generosity. Or at least, so you've been told.
>Either way, she's your best bet tonight.
>After an impressive display of bobbing and weaving, you break through the evening crowd and spot the boutique.
>The lights are still on.
>With that relief in mind, you take a moment to catch your breath.
>The frosted air stings your lungs, and scrapes your throat. You don't exactly do cardio on a regular basis.
>Several minutes of gasping and wheezing later, you've regained your composure, something very important when around Rarity.
>You approach her door, yellow light eminating from the windows.
>If you lean towards it, you can hear the ticking of a sewing machine tapping away gently.
>You reach for the handle, but stop yourself.
>Gotta watch your manners.
>You carefully rasp on the door, being sure not to knock too loudly.
>The sewing machine stops, and the sound of rustling fabric and creaking furniture bleeds through the door.
>You take a deep breath as you hear hooves approach on the other side.
>The door's lever handle clicks, and the passage slowly opens up to a crack where you see a white coat and blue eyes.
>Rarity peeks through the crack, originally glancing at waist level then adjusting her sights.
>When she locks eyes with you she opens the door a bit more. Her expression becomes one of curiosity.
>"Ah~ Mr. Anonymous, what a surprise! How may I help you?" she says in a very civil tone.
>Her lady-like demeanor catches you off guard. You're not exactly one for rhetoric.
"Um, good evening Ms. Rarity. I was wondering if I could get a little help with my suit." you say as decently as you can.
>She looks at the suit you pull off your back with a puzzled expression.
"I know it's late and all, but I need it for something really important tonight..."
>As the last word leaves your mouth Rarity smiles.
>Your suit is snatched from your hands by unicorn magic, and the door swings open behind Rarity.
>"Say no more! I'll have it ready for you before you know it! Oui monsieur!" she says with great enthusiasm.
>You follow Rarity inside and close the door behind you.
>Well, that was surprisingly easy.

>The boutique is beautifully decorated.
>Even in such a large building, Rarity has managed to keep a constant theme while keeping it practical for her line of work.
>She leads you towards the back, past many pony mannequins partially garbed.
>Most have scraps of dresses and suits hanging off them, but some have nearly completed pieces.
>The curls and waves of their fabric makes the garments feel organic.
>Rarity's ability to create stylish yet comfortable clothing gives you confidence.
>You wonder what Pinkie will think about you wearing a suit. She's never seen you in anything but casual clothing.
>And you've hardly seen Pinkie in any clothing whatsoever.
>Yeah, tonight will be interesting to say the least.
>"So Mr. Anonymous," Rarity begins as she brings your suit towards her cloth palettes, "What is this important event you need to look so dashing for? So important that you had to knock on my door ten minutes after closing? Hmm?"
>Her tone reminds you of a prying mother; Very interested in what you're doing, but with the air of already knowing the answer.
>You put your hands in your pockets and look around the boutique. You know Rarity from around town, and she made you the clothing you have in your closet.
>The two of you were never SUPER close, but you at least believe that you are friends.
>Maybe.
>You know most of the ponies around town, especially the big names like Princess Twilight and her pack of friends.
>But nopony was as interested in you as Pinkie. They'd all say hello and be very friendly when speaking with you, but Pinkie actively came to you.
>You can't really blame the others though, you never exactly visit them either.
>Hmm.
>Guess there's no time like now to be more friendly with her. She did say she was already closed, she's doing this out of generosity alone.
"Uh, you can call me Anon if you wish. I'm sorry for making you work later, I had a last minute date planned a little over an hour ago." you admit.
>Rarity's ears perk up for a moment, then relax. She pulls your suit away from the other fabrics with a new sheet of black. It's identical to your suit's color.
>"Ohh~ A date? Well that WOULD explain the emergency tailoring." She says in a playful manner. It's hard to tell when she's serious or not sometimes, "So where are you and the lucky lady going?"
>You scratch your head.
"A-actually, I was hoping you could help me with that. I've never exactly been on a date around here."
>You feel yourself blush.
>Rarity giggles to herself.
>"Oh, I think I know a place or two." she says with a knowing smile, sewing away at your suit.

>Rarity flicks her horn a little, moving the fabric and sewing needle in a way only magic can.
>You sit down on a nearby bench, relieved by her response.
"Thank you Rarity! I really appreciate it."
>You cringe a bit as you finish the sentence. She never said you could drop the 'Ms.'. It may not be much, but it is still considered rude.
>She smiles without looking over to you.
>"It's really no trouble dear, but I'll need a bit of information from you as well!" she spouts.
>Information? From you?
"Sure... what exactly do you need to know?" you respond, your voice letting on your confusion.
>She giggles to herself.
>"About this mare of yours! What is she like? How does she dress?"
>This interrogation catches you off guard.
>You must be more friendly with Rarity than you remember.
>It's an easy fix, after all she knows Pinkie very well.
>You take a breath.
"Uhm, well, the mare I'm dating is-"
>You cut yourself off.
>A feeling of uneasiness floods over you.
>If Rarity doesn't know about you and Pinkie, that must mean Pinks never told her.
>Which is odd, because you know their friend group tells eachother everything.
>So why doesn't she know?
>Is Pinkie keeping this a secret?
>A cold tingle rolls through your veins. Maybe she's embarrassed about the species difference, or by your occupation.
>These feelings disappear as quickly as they came. Pinkie wouldn't be embarrassed by you. She isn't embarrassed by anything.
>There must be a reason why her friends don't know.
>Maybe she just hasn't had the time to tell them, and if that's the case it really isn't your place to spill the beans.

"...the mare I'm dating is... different." you say slowly.
>Rarity looks over her shoulder at you.
>"Different?"
>You put your finger under your chin.
>You need to phrase this carefully.
"Yeah, she's very different. Like nopony I've met here before. She's happy, usually, and full of, well, life!" you continue
>It's difficult to describe Pinkie to one of her best friends without giving it away.
>Rarity smiles
>"Oh she sounds wonderful. When did the two of you start dating?"
>Ha! An easy one.
"Oh, this is our first formal date. We really started seeing eachother only a few days ago. We've known eachother for awhile though."
>Rarity flips your suit to begin working on the back.
>"Ahh, so this makes the occasion far more important than before."
>You nod in affirmation.
>Rarity sits for awhile, digesting the information you have given her.
>"So how do you feel about her?" she says a much softer tone.
>This question doesn't take you off guard, anyone could see it coming from a mile away.
>But it's a very difficult question to answer.
>You haven't really thought about it, let alone how to put it into words.
"I feel..." you say weakly.
>Rarity continues to stitch your suit, the sewing machine activating from time to time.
>You find it very hard to gather the proper words.
>But pressure in your chest rises up, and you begin speaking without thinking at all.
"I feel like a broken down machine.." you begin in a delicate voice.
>Rarity stops sewing for a moment.
>"a... machine?"
>You nod.
"Yeah, like the ones I see out in the dump. They used to have a purpose, but now it seems like life just leaves them in the same ditch, praying that their decay will be slower tomorrow than the day before."
>Rarity continues to sew, but you can feel her confusion. This doesn't seem to have anything to do with her question.
>But you ignore it and continue forward.
"I feel like I was sitting in a ditch, and every day would go by and nothing would change. I would just more rust, and with it more problems. All the other machines around were working fine, going places, but I was just in that ditch."
>You put your hands in front of you, pointing at the ground.
"But once a week or so, another machine would come up and check on me. She would polish my gears, check my oil, and get my engine running again, even if only for a little while..."
>You sit back on the chair.
"Yeah, but like those old machines back in the dump, when she left my engine couldn't keep going. Without her there to keep an eye on my sprockets, everything just got gummed up."
>Rarity lifts her head a bit.
"And one night she ran me for a little longer than usual, and a lot of gunk was cleared out of my system, but then she disappeared."
>You look down at your jacket, still plastered with chipping paint.
"So I decided to go check on her for once, and it turned out she was missing a piece herself."
>Rarity has stopped sewing now and is staring away from you.
"I knew the feeling, so I gave her the piece from myself. I only had one, but if she is there to share it, we can both keep our engines running."
>You sigh.
"So I guess, to get to the point, I feel like we need eachother. I need somepony to keep my engine running, and she needs a piece that only I can provide. We may not be made from the same parts, but some of them are still compatible."
>You look to Rarity.
"I feel like, with her, I have a purpose again. My engine runs. It's the only thing seperating me from the junk at the dump."
>Rarity sits in her chair quietly, and a long silence fills the room.
>You scratch the back of your head.
"I'm sorry, that may have been too much. This is really hard to talk about..."
>Rarity shakes her head, and you see something glisten against the light then splatter against the floor.
>"Don't you DARE apologize for that Anon! That was... why it was-..." Rarity shouts with great emotion.
>She turns to face you.
>Her makeup has spilled into her tears, but through her weak lips you spot a smile.
>"It was truly magnificent Mr. Anonymous. It was the most romantic confession I have ever heard in my life!" she says, her voice wobbling.
>The shock of Rarity's response makes you blush.
>You don't really know how to respond. After all she is crying, but she isn't sad.
>Seriously, what the hell are you supposed to do?
>You stand up and walk to her.
"Ah geez Rarity, I didn't intend to make you cry, I was just talking from the heart an-"
>She pushes a hoof into your stomach.
>"I told you NOT to apologize." she says through a sniffle.
>She takes a deep breath and calms herself down.
>"I am no good with such romantic things. I'm a mess at weddings as well, haha" she says in a much more proper tone than before.
>She sniffles another time and uses a hankerchief off to the side to wipe the make up away from her eyes.
>"You should go to 'Fig'. It's a nice restaurant with great atmosphere and delightful food." she says, finally releasing the information you needed, "It's the kind of place that you would wear a suit to."
>She lifts your suit over to your hands.
>All the holes and discoloration have vanished.
>The patches are invisible, and the fabric looks as fresh and crisp as the day you got it.
"This is, this is amazing. Thank you Rar- erm, Ms. Rarity."
>She shakes her head.
>"Oh please, you can call me Rarity, Anon. I appreciate the formality, but I like to think we know eachother better than that. Especially after what happened here." she says witha bit of a chuckle.
>You smile at her.
"Thank you Rarity, because of you this night can go on."
>You reach into your pocket to pay her, but she shakes your head as you do it.
>She nods at you with a smile, motioning for the exit.
>You head for the door.
>When you put your hand on the handle, you crush something beneath your foot.
>At first glance, it looks like yellow chalk, but on closer inspection you find that it is actually a lemon drop.
>Weird.
>Come to think of it, there's candy wrapper in the waste bin, and scattered across the floor.
>Was this Sweetie Belle's doing?
>You don't have time to dwell on it.
>As you're about to close it behind you Rarity shouts to you again.
>"You'd better take care of her Anon! If she comes crying back to me I'll come after you too!" She says in a motherly way.
>You smile and close the door behind you.
>The gears start turning and you stop cold in your tracks.
>Son of a bitch.
>She knew the whole time.
>You blush as you realize just how effective Rarity's false-ignorance was.
>That would explain why she was so quick to cry...
>You laugh to yourself. She's the element of generosity, not honesty. If that's the only way to get the dirt on you, then so be it.

>Time is rushing past you, and it seems more and more impossible to make this date on time.
>You crash into your house without even closing the door behind you.
>Your shirt hits the floor as you wander through your work room. You don't have time to bother with your clothes right now.
>As you button up your dress shirt, the clock in the kitchen stares at you with a grim number.
>7:44
>The noise you make as you peer upon its face is some kind of combination between a sqeak and a grunt.
>With a surge of adrenaline, you throw your black pants and belt on, and put on your pair of dress shoes.
>You hold your tie in your mouth, muttering swears.
>When the final button is fit, and your shirt tucked in you pull the red tie out of your mouth and frantically begin knotting it.
"Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit" you repeat to yourself, as if it will slow time.
>You grab your freshly tailored jacket and dart out the door.
>The front door slams so hard you hear metal rattle inside, but you'll have time for scrap later, right now it's all about this date!
>Dirt flings in large chunks, still frozen from the winter night.
>At this point the sun is down, but you don't stop running.
>You promised Pinkie 8 o'clock, and you're going to deliver!
>After so much rushing around, your heart is thumping into your ears, and your nose feels raw from the cold air.
>And even though your breath burns your lungs, you continue running.
>Your footsteps grow distant, and you descend into thought to try and ignore the pain.
>Running isn't something you do often. It's not exactly your first choice for travel. You generally just walk everywhere.
>It's not odd right? Seems like everypony around here does the same. But then again, being like everyone else isn't something you do seamlessly.
>You can't remember the last time you had a deadline that really mattered to you like this. It wasn't uncommon for you to come to work late.
>A cramp in your left leg dips you back into reality for a moment before you turn a corner in Ponyville.
>The orange lanterns of Ponyville illuminate the familiar streets once more.
>You see your stand, sitting alone in the night.
>Either you're early or she's late. Doesn't really matter though, you're there first!
>With one arm propped against the stand for support, you lean over gasping for air.
>Frigid mist goes in and out of your lungs, and with each breath the pain lessens and lessens.
>As you finally regain your composure, you realize your shoes are both untied.
>You stare at them for a moment, basking in your apparent stupidity.
>Did you really not even bother tying them earlier? That was a risky game you were playing.
>You take a knee, careful not to kneel in anything too dirty, and begin tying them.
>As you finish up the second knot, the sound of hooves approach you.
>Before you look up you hear a voice.
>"Sorry I'm late Nonny! I had a lot to do!"

>Pinkie's voice brings you to attention.
>You lift your head.
>As Pinkie fills your view, your mouth opens slightly. You wanted to say it was okay she was late, but it never makes it out.
>Pinkie looks very little like what you're used to.
>Her dress is a light blue with yellow accents added. Unlike what you expected, it isn't very puffy. It's actually incredibly elegant.
>It flows across her body with a bit of padding near her rear, making the dress flutter a bit behind her.
>Yet even with this elegant flow, it still maintains Pinkie's fun personality, with cute bows where the dress creases, and frills that lead to striped leggings.
>But the dress takes a back seat to how she looks on her own.
>Her mane is heavier, and has more volume than normal. It curls infront of her face delicately, and the curves and waves are more emphasized than normal. A small bow resides right by her ear, keeping the mane out of her eyes
>She's added a little shadow to her eyes, but other than that she's kept herself the same.
>In a word, she was breathtaking.
>You sit there for a moment, looking at her with your jaw hanging like a fool. Your eyes dart all about her, trying to take it all in.
>She giggles, her smile punching you in the heart.
>Her unexpected transformation has petrified you.
>She leans in and gives you a short kiss. Your joints loosen once more. She pulls away, allowing you to stand.
>"How do I look?" she asks in a goofy tone.
>You shake your head, placing your hands on your hips.
"I don't even know how to say it. You look amazing Pinkie!"
>she chortles
>"You look great too Nonny!" she says in a supportive tone.
>The first of many smiles appears on your face.
"Thanks Pinkie. That's a really nice dress, did Rarity make it for you?"
>Pinkie nods
>"It's SUPER fancy! But I can't jump in it at all! How am I supposed to skip?" she says, her tone showing a bit of disappointment.
>Only Pinkie would complain about looking that good at the price of skipping.
>Still, it does feel a bit weird having her all made up like this.

>Pinkie turns around, facing the road ahead.
>You see her eye from just under her curled mane, her expression one of comfortable joy mixed with an intoxicating kind of seduction.
>She tilts her head, motioning for you to get moving.
>With a sigh and a smirk, you walk next to her and the two of you go deeper into town.
>The night air feels as crisp as the glaring stars above.
>Though your suit is stylish and thin, it actually gives you a fair amount of warmth.
>Ponies pass you by, many in groups or pairs.
>Many look at you, and some even bump their friends to look as well.
>The thumping in your ears begins to quicken its pace.
>You crack your knuckles without thinking, and you lift your shoulder a bit.
>You don't need twitches tonight. You really don't.
>Pinkie bumps your leg with her butt, getting your attention.
>You look down at her blue eyes, brightly looking back.
>She smiles and bumps you a second time.
>"Don't you worry Nonny! Tonight is going to be fun!"
>You bump her a bit too, your hands releasing a bit.
"Yeah, I know. It's gonna be great."
>Pinkie smirks
>"I can't wait to go to this 'Fig' place, it supposed to be really super-duper fancy! Like napkins in the lap fancy!" Pinkie says with excited eyes
"Oh my! Napkins in the lap? I may be underdressed for such a high end place!" you say in a joking tone.
>"It's crazy!" She says lifting her hooves in a bit of a skip. Her hair bobs around like springs.
>You chuckle, your raw cheeks pulling up another smile.
>After a moment of thought, you come to a realization.
"Wait, Pinkie... how did you know where we were going?"
>She thinks about it for a second.
>"Rarity told me that we should go, so she made a reservation for us! If anyone in Ponyville knows where we should go, it is her! She's, like, mega-supreme-fancy! Like, napkins in the lap AND tons of silverware!"
"Dang. That's pretty frikken fancy."
>"Mhmm!" Pinkie replies, turning away.
>You supress a sigh.
>Rarity seems to have planned this date out more than you have. You didn't do much at all.
>It doesn't matter too much, but you really wanted to treat Pinkie to a nice night on your own.
>Oh well, not gonna be able to change it now.

>The stores you're used to disappear as you wander into an unfamiliar part of town.
>Ponies you pass have transformed from normal folks to the upper crust, many wearing outfits just like yours.
>The orange lanterns have been replaced with beautiful yellow torches, which illuminate wealth street.
>The street earned its nickname for the high-end establishments packed in for a handful of blocks.
>Around you is the sounds of celebrations very different from Pinkie's parties. Glasses clink, friends chuckle, and the sound of classical music seems to flow from each place of business.
>All around you is the night life of Ponyville's most wealthy population.
>Your collar itches.
>Pinkie scans the area, her baby blue eyes darting between ponies and buildings.
>Suddenly she gasps and points down the road.
>"There it is! 'Fig'!" she yells
>The ponies around you turn their heads to the sudden shouting.
>It makes your stomach churn.
>You look to where Pinkie is pointing.
>Near the end of the street is a large black building with the word 'Fig' plainly painted on a circular sign.
>It has a weird curly font, and it bleeds sophistication. The building looks so plain, but it costs alot to look that simple, yet elegant.
>It's outside patio is made of fine, stained wood, and the tables are glass. It looks so delicate, you fear putting a mug down would be enough to crack the tables.
>The crowds of ponies seem to be paying attention to you, even if they are trying to be discrete about it. You don't blame them, obviously. It's probably their first time seeing a human.
>You just hope it isn't a class thing on top of that.
>Pinkie starts to skip a bit through the busy street, getting a lot of odd glances as she goes by.
>You follow close behind. Your brow feels sweaty, and you know you must look a bit panicked.
>The jewelery stores are bordered by high-end clothing stores and fashion outlets.
>It all feels so fake. Why would anypony need all this stuff? Ponies hardly even wear clothing, why does it have to be so fashionable? It just doesn't make sense.
>Before Pinkie approaches the door, you open it for her. Around here, a show of some manners is probably a good thing.
>You follow Pinkie into Fig. The smell of fresh food hits you like a truck. It smells incredibly tasty.
>Pinkie approaches the check in desk while you look around a bit.
>The first word that comes to mind is 'chic', the second word that comes to mind is pretentious. The whole place is colored an off-black, and it has a urban-rustic look, if that makes sense.
>Everything is made out of either dark-stained wood or off-black iron. It looks like an abandoned factory screwed an aged barn and birthed a restaurant. To say you're out of your element is an understatement.
>It's kind of exciting though, in a certain light,  and you'd rather be here with Pinkie than with anyone else.

>Pinkie returns to you with the hostess, a small red unicorn wearing a black and white garment.
>The hostess looks up at you, and you can't help but sense a bit of surprise in her eyes. She tries to stay professional, but it is evident she's never gotten this close to a human before.
>"Right this way, Sir and Madam." she says slowly and respectfully. The most the ponies at the dinner say is, "Party of one?" then leave it at that.
>The two of you follow the hostess to a table in the bar. The chairs are a little too small for you, as usual, and your legs get squished under the black table.
>"Here is the drink menu, a waitress shall be with you in a moment." says the hostess, hovering you an eggshell colored piece of cardstock.
>She trots away to another table.
>You look at the drink menu and your head already starts to hurt. Even the drinks here are odd and in many different languages. You were never one to drink wine, and you don't really know the rules here.
>With a flick of your wrist you toss the menu in front of Pinkie.
"I have no idea what to get on that. I have no idea what any of that stuff is." you say honestly with a smirk
>Pinkie looks it over for a moment with a puzzled expression.
>" 'Canterlot Gardens Cabb-er-nett Sau-vig-nann'," Pinkie reads aloud, painfully mispronouncing every word. "Nonny do you know what a Sau-vig-nann is? Is it sweet and tasty?"
>You laugh at her horrible pronunciation, and she giggles at it as well. You chest feels a bit lighter.
>You take the menu back from her and lift your nose in the air.
"I don't think that it is the one for you, dear," You begin in the most snobbish accent you can manage, " I sincerely believe you should purchase the bottle of Ass-Ear-Tea-Koh"
>Your accent and butchering of the word makes Pinkie put her hooves over her mouth to hold back laughter.
>Her struggle to keep in laughs makes you chuckle yourself, and you see a tear well up in Pinkie's left eye.
>After a couple deep breaths Pinkie regains her composure.
>"Yes yes, of course good sir. Indubitably." she responds in a very lady-like tone.
>The two of you chortle together for a moment before your waitress arrives. She's a young earth pony with a white coat and hazel-brown mane.
>"Good evening, my name is Olive Vinagrette. I will be your server tonight. Can I start the two of you off with some drinks?"
>You slide Pinkie the drink menu, condemning her to being the first to order. You flash her a mischevious look.
>She stares at the menu, blowing her mane out of her eyes once.
>"Hmm..." she says, looking puzzled.
>She looks up at Olive and smiles
>"Do you have chocolate milk?" she asks happily.
>You snort a bit, almost letting out a laugh.
>Olive squints her eyes, attempting to register Pinkie's answer.
>She looks to you for an answer, but you just dart your eyes from her to Pinkie repeatedly.
>"Y-yesss. I believe so..." Olive responds finally.
>"Coolio! I'll have a big glass of that please!"
>Olive raises an eyebrow and darts her eyes to you.
>You take a deep breath, unable to hide your smirk.
"I'll have that as well. Two glasses of your finest chocolate milk please!" you say in your pompous accent again.
>Olive looks at the two of you for a moment then moves again.
>"Uh, Yes sir. I'll have it out soon." she says in an unsure manner.
>You'd bet money she thinks somepony is pranking her right now.
>When Olive leaves Pinkie smiles at you.
>You shake your head with a stupid grin.
"Chocolate milk huh?"
>Pinkie laughs out loud, making the table behind her turn their heads a bit.
>"Yeah! It's the perfect drink! It wasn't on the menu, but there's no way some place as fancy as this doesn't have chocolate milk!"
>You chuckle again. Only Pinkie Pie would come to a place as high class as this and order a chocolate milk.

>That was probably an 8 bit chocolate milk, and Pinkie drank 3 of them.
>You're not even upset about it, watching Pinkie chug three chocolate milks was like watching a sword swallower. You know what she just put in her body wasn't very healthy, but goddamn was it mesmerizing to witness.
>The whole time she was doing that you were sitting there in awe, occasionally muttering 'No way' and even clapping lightly when she finished the last one.
>She lets out a decent belch which seems to shake her for a moment before she snaps out of it.
>"Excuuuuuse me!" she says in her lady-like voice.
>Suddenly Pinkie blushes, and turns to her right.
>You hadn't even noticed, but Olive was standing next to you, staring at Pinkie Pie as well.
>Wonder how long she's been there...
"Oh, hello Olive. We might be ready to order, I think."
>Olive looks at you for a moment, then back to Pinkie.
>"Do... Do I need to get another one of those?" she asks
>Pinkie shakes her head, and her blush goes away.
>"Nope! I think I've filled my chocolate milk quota for today!" she says with a bit of a giggle.
>Olive blinks a couple times then smiles a little.
>"I'm surprised that you even have room after that much milk!"
>You put a hand up, waving it dismissively.
"I wouldn't be. Pinkie has a  bottomless pit for a stomach, especially when it comes to chocolatey things."
>Pinkie nods proudly.
>Olive giggles a bit in a light, airy way.
>Despite her outward appearance, the laugh actually comes off as genuine and not just courteous.
>"Well, what can I get for you for dinner?"
>You look at the menu.
>A simple salad will do you fine. There's no meat on the menu, so nothing else really strikes your fancy.
"I'll just have the house salad," you say, then turn to Pinkie, "What would you like Pinks?"
>Pinkie licks her lips and slides the menu towards Olive
>"I'll have the Spaghetti Alfredo!" she says quite loudly.
>More heads turn, looking at you and Pinkie.
>Olive smiles widely.
>"Right away!" she says before trotting off.
>As she heads back into the kitchen, you turn to Pinkie. An odd though has been bothering you.
"Hey Pinks?" you begin
>Pinkie tilts her head.
>"Yeah Nonny?"
>You put a finger on your chin.
"Without hands, how do ponies eat spaghetti? Sure unicorns can pick up forks and stuff, but what about you? Do you have to tape silverware to you or something?"
>Pinkie laughs loudly, again causing a bit of a stir in the otherwise quiet restaurant.
>"Oh," she says in an almost seductive tone, "I have my ways."
>Whatever that means.

>"So, um, Nonny..." Pinkie begins before slowing down.
>You raise an eyebrow while sipping at your chocolate milk.
"Yes Pinkie?"
>Pinkie's demeanor has changed. Her smiling face has become very plain, and her bright eyes dart away from your line of sight.
>"I... uh. I wanted to ask you something."
>You tilt your head a bit, and you feel a bit of jitter in you heart. Like a pump of adrenaline that never flooded to the rest of your body.
>Pinkie's nervousness hurts you as well. It sits on your back like an immense weight, and it makes you concerned.
"Go ahead Pinkie. Ask anything."  you say softly, attempting to make her feel less uneasy.
>Pinkie looks you in the eyes and blushes before turning away again. This is very new. She never seems to have a problem expressing herself, but right now she's sealed up.
>"Y-you're, attracted to me right?" she asks slowly and quietly.
>What?
>That's it?
>You tilt your head, raising an eyebrow as you do it. You thought that Pinkie was going to send a zinger your way based on how she was acting.
>But no, it was a question that was not only easy to answer, but had been proven before. It's like watching a fuse enter into a big firework, then having it just disappear in a puff of smoke.
"Of course I am Pinkie? What kind of question is that?" you answer in a relieved tone.
>Pinkie continues to tilt her head down, looking up at you with sad, yet wondering, eyes.
>"I know you think I'm cute, or pretty, or whatever, but I mean the OTHER kind of attraction..."
>The gears in your head start to turn, and you begin to realize why she's been blushing.
>"Because, it's the third night we've been together like this... and I feel really happy when I'm with you..."
>You feel your cheeks turn red as well, and you sit up as she finishes her question.
>"... and I want you, but not just in a marefriend kind of way, but also in a lustful kind of way..." she says quietly, "So I want to know if... you feel like you'd like... one day to, you know."
>She looks you in the eyes and slows her speaking.
>Your face feels like it's been burned.
>With a deep breath, you smile at her and begin to speak.
"Pinkie..." you begin.
>Pinkie leans over the table, clinging to your words as you say them.
"I want you as well." you say in a strong tone, "And I'd love to have some extra fun with you one of these nights." you continue, boldly accepting Pinkie's offer.
>Pinkie's cheeks flush with a hue of red you've never seen before, and she covers her smile with a hoof. She tries to contain herself, but she still let's out a little squeak.
>Your cheeks have a healthy blush to them as well, and you chuckle to yourself quietly out of giddiness.
>It's a mystery as to when the two of you will actually have that moment together, but it's nice to have the understanding so early on.

>For a moment it's quiet; the two of you look at eachother in a delicate fashion. You don't stare, you watch.
>You watch her eyes as they look you up and down, you watch her hair as it bobbs gracefully with every subtle movement.
>You watch her mouth as it curls into a mild smile, one that she rarely had. Her expression was not one of extreme excitement, nor giddiness.
>It was one of emotional intoxication; with her drooped eyelids and tilted head, she seemed completely overwhelmed with the feelings around the table.
>Your concentrations were finally broken by the smell of food nearing your table.
>Olive places a tray on the table with delicious looking food on it
>She sorts the dishes, placing the salad in front of you, and the spaghetti in front of Pinkie.
>"And there you are! Bon Apetit! Feel free to call if you need anything more!" Olive says happily.
>You nod at her as she trots away and quickly turn to your meal.
>At this point you're very hungry. All the running you did today really made your stomach rumble.
>You pick up your fork and begin eating your salad.
>Even though there isn't meat in it, it's actually still pretty filling! The croutons absorb the balsamic vinagrette on top, and the lettuce is fresh and crunchy.
>You lift another forkfull to your mouth when you notice Pinkie hasn't even touched her food yet.
>Pinkie is just staring at her pasta with a squint, occasionally tilting her head a bit.
"Is something wrong with your food Pinkie?" you ask
>Pinkie suddenly smiles.
>"Oh yeah! I just figured out where to start from!" she responds with glee.
>She needed to analyze where to start from? You suppose it makes sense, she doesn't want to get pasta sauce all over her nice dress.
>Your original question comes to mind, and you wait patiently for her to begin eating. You're very curious to know that answer.
>Pinkie takes a deep breath, batting her eyelashes a bit as she does.
>With great grace and precision, she shoves her muzzle into the spaghetti.
>It takes you off guard, as the act was almost violent.
>Without warning she lifts her head, holding dozens of strands of pasta in her mouth.
>At this point you're at the edge of your seat. You never even put down that forkfull of lettuce.
>Pinkie's eyes go in slightly different directions, and with great effort she starts to suck in the pasta.
>You watch in speechless wonder as she slowly but surely sucks in the entire plate of spaghetti from only the first bite she took.
>She makes a loud slurping sound as the strands finally enter her mouth fully, and after only one bite the entire bowl is gone.
>She swallows it all whole, and after it's made its way to her stomach she lets out a huge sigh.
>You're not entirely sure how to respond.
>You want to say something witty, something to make her laugh or something.
>But all that comes out is:
"Holy shit that was impressive."

>Pinkie giggles.
>"I'm glad you liked it!" Pinkie responds, her face covered in red sauce.
>You reach over the table with your napkin and wipe it off her mouth and cheeks.
"So do all earth ponies eat it that way, or just you?" you ask, still wiping some sauce.
>"Just me!" she says with a bit of pride.
>You take your napkin and wipe the last bit off her nose, then poke it right in the middle.
"Boop! Just you..."  you say with a large grin.
>She smiles back at you, but before you can say anything more the hostess approaches your table.
>"Excuse me..." she begins, grabbing your attention.
>Her tone sounds very authoritative, and it isn't pleasant like Olive's.
>"You two are going to have to leave." She says very sternly.
>As her statement hits you, a wave of confusion washes over you.
"Leave?" you respond.
>"Yes, leave." she says back just as coldly.
>You shake your head, never breaking eye contact. Even sitting down you're still taller than her.
"I'm sorry, but for what reason?" you ask in a proper tone, attempting to remain as civil as possible.
>The hostess suddenly seems to have lost some of her courage.
>"Well, you see sir, it's just that you and your guest have been acting inappropriately..." she responds in a less commanding voice.
>Her comment pierces a part of you that you hadn't been in contact with for a long time.
>You ignore it an move on; you don't want this night to turn sour.
"Pardon me," you begin, still in a civil voice, "but have we broken any rules of the establishment?"
>The hostess seems even more disarmed.
>"Well, I suppose not but-"
"I have money to pay for the food I ordered, so is there an issue there?" you interrupt.
>She shakes her head.
>"No sir, that's not an issue."
"Then I don't see why we should have a  problem miss! We're simply enjoying are meal, why would we have to leave?"
>The hostess seems to have completely lost her foothold in the conversation, and she does not respond.
>Suddenly a masculine voice from across the room interjects.
>"It's because you and your marefriend have been nothing but trouble all night!" it booms.
>You turn your head to the source of the shout, an older stallion sitting a few tables down. His coat is a dirty brown, and his mane is silver with a thick mustache above his lip.
>You lock eyes with him, leaning to your left to get a better look.
>His face shows his discontent with you.
"I'm sorry," you say, "Could you say that again?"
>He scrunches his face.
>"You and that marefriend of yours have been ruining this night for the rest of us! With all the noises and messes being made! It's disrespectful!" he shouts
>You shake your head. The whole restaurant is looking at you and Pinkie, judging you immensely.
>Yet, you don't feel upset or scared, you're too focused on the stallion across the room.
>He speaks again
>"I know you aren't from around here, judging by your appearance. I didn't expect anything less. In fact, I thought you were rather well behaved for a monkey." he says with great force.
>His comment doesn't hurt as bad as you'd think. You've been insulted for your race many times before in much worse ways. While you don't like his attitude, you're still set on extinguishing the situation.
>"But SHE should know better! How can she expect to come into an establishment like this and act the way she did?! It's an outrage!"
>The crowd mumbles to eachother in agreement, all of them glad somepony said it.
>Your teeth clench, and your grip tightens. Next thing you know you're standing.
>This feeling of frustration is one you know well, but not in this form.
>You're not in the crosshairs anymore, but it just makes you more enraged.
"What are you talking about?! Do you know who she is!?" You shout, displaying your hands in Pinkie's direction, "This is Pinkie Pie! Part of Princess Twilight Sparkles close knit friend group and multi-time savior of your sorry ass. How can you say such things?"
>The stallion rolls his eyes at you, and turns to address Pinkie.
>"I should have known better than to speak to him about this. Miss Pie, you may have friends high up, and you may be respected in the communities for your 'parties' but that gives you no right to act like an uncultured animal!"
>Pinkie suddenly sinks in her chair, facing away from the stallion.
>You feel your heart beat in your ears and eyes.
>"Honestly! How anypony can stand sitting at dinner with you is BEYOND me! It's apalling! I suppose that's why you chose somepony outside of your species to accompany you, huh?" he says with venom.
>The world around you is silent.
>You hear nothing but a sniff from where Pinkie is sitting next to you.
>You see the shine of a droplet of water hit the floor, and Pinkie's head dip down lower, her hair covering her eyes.
>The world moves around you.
>You feel cloth in your hands, sweat on your brow.
>You teeth are so clenched, they feel like they may shatter.
>There's a weight on your arm.
>As you fade back to reality, you tighten your grip on the stallion's tuxedo.
>The entire restaurant is taken aback by your sudden movement.
>You hold the stallion above his chair and hold him close to your face.
>His face is not like before. Before it was strong and stern, even cathartic. Now it is encompassed by fear.
>It would be easy knock him out, after all you're twice his size, but that wouldn't make the night better.
>Even through your blinding rage you keep yourself from making a mistake.
"You listen, you pompous fuck." you say under your breath, emphasizing every word.
>You drop him back into his chair, his garment mangled from your grip.
"You ALL listen!" you say loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear, "I came here with Pinkie because I wanted to treat her to something special. I wanted her to go on a real date with a real, respected restaurant, but above all that I wanted her to have fun!"
>The restaurant is silent, and every eye is on you. You don't flinch, you don't twitch. Their stares mean nothing to you.
"And up until this point, what I wanted was coming true. We were enjoying eachother's company... More, I bet, than you're enjoying the company of the pony sitting across from you."
>Eyes dart around the room, and you swivel to get a good look at everyone.
"But you couldn't have that, could you?" You say, passion burning in your chest, "No you couldn't have a gorgeous, fun, and incredible mare like her have as much fun as we were. You had to drag her down to your level."
>Pinkie looks at you with a shocked expression, her eyes still filled with tears.
"I know that I'm different. I know that she's a bit different but only she-"
>Your thoughts are interrupted by a sudden realization.
>Only Pinkie would let you have this much fun in such a fancy place.
>Only Pinkie would drink 3 glasses of chocolate milk.
>Only Pinkie would worry about being able to skip in a dress.
>Only Pinkie would ask about making love instead of leading you on.
>And you know what
"Only she would give me a shot. She was the only one who stuck with me long enough to get out of a bad place. Not because she pitied me, but because she genuinely cared about me." you say without thinking.
>Pinkie looks at you intensely, absorbing every word.
"And if that isn't the most classy, respectable, cultured thing anypony can do, then I don't know what is."
>You look across the crowd, their expressions are different. Their dour, judging faces replaced with puzzled ones.
"You all think you're superior just because you act differently in a place like this." you say, scratching your head, "But really, you're all just fake, and I can't believe I was dumb enough to bring Pinkie here."
>You turn to face her.
"Pinkie is the most genuine, honest, and real pony I've ever met, and she's worth getting a few nasty stares."
>Pinkie lets out a tear with an enormous smile, and jumps up to your shoulders, hugging you around the neck.
>She holds you tightly, and her tears stream into your collar.
>You embrace her as well, holding her close to you.
>Without another word you leave money on the table and begin to walk out with Pinkie in your arms. 122 bits was your total. You left a really good tip.
>You look to Olive who is moved to tears. She hides behind her tray a little.
"Sorry about all this." you say as you make it to the door.
>Olive smiles at you, and you swear a few others in the crowd smile too.
>You walk out into the frosty night, the ponies in the restaurant murmuring behind you.
>You look down at Pinkie in your arms. She is staring up at you with an awkward smile. It's hard to make out what she's thinking.
>But you start to connect the dots.

>The door to your house creaks as you open it, and the howling wind outside has started to pick up.
>Pinkie walks into your house before you. The inside is incredibly quiet.
>Few words were exchanged on the way here. Mostly Pinkie just rested in your arms as you walked through the night.
>You didn't notice anypony look at you on the way home. You're sure there were stares. There always are.
>There always will be.
>But now that you look at the back of Pinkie's head, and the door behind you has closed, you feel like your floating.
>Not like a cloud, rising in the sky, but like a bubble. You aren't moving up, nor down, but your feet don't touch the ground.
>Your passion remains in your blood, but it has no direction at this moment. Your rage has subsided, and you don't know what to feel.
>Pinkie turns and looks at you, her eyes peering upward towards your own.
>Your heart stops for a moment.
>Was it really the way her hair bobbed when she skipped?  You can't believe that's what captured your attention. No, it was something more.
>Pinkie has an impact on everyone she meets, and somehow so do you.
>She smirks at you, curling the small streaks of mascara left from crying prior.
>You smile back, knowing how messy this night became.
>She walks up to you slowly, then motions for you to crouch.
>You take a knee, and Pinkie takes a step.
>Your lips lock, and your passion finds a new purpose. Maybe its original purpose.
>She pushes deep into you, putting her forelegs over your shoulders and pulling you in as far as she can.
>You put your hand on the back of her neck, and feel her tongue on yours.
>Her mouth still tastes a little salty from the food earlier.
>Pinkie's breathing gets heavier, and she breaks away from the kiss.
>With an exchange of looks, and a bit of trust, Pinkie nods at you.
>She walks towards your bedroom, tail waving from side to side.
>You follow in behind her, closing the door as you enter.
>She removes her dress gracefully, and you undo your tie.
>All of Rarity's wonderful craftsmanship falls to the floor, and Pinkie stares at you as you wander towards the bed she is sitting on.
>She lies on her back as you crawl over her.
>The two of you lock lips again, and your world becomes pink.
>Your passion bubbles to the surface, and so does Pinkie's.
>You never imagined this moment would come. Three days ago, this was not even a wild fantasy.
>Yet somehow, it went far beyond any expectations you could have had for it.
>And you know Pinkie feels the same.
>The two of you explored each other for a long time.
>Inside and out.
>...

>You stare at the ceiling of your dark room.
>The wind outside whips and roars as it rattles the wooden walls and window sills.
>It doesn't bother you, though. It just makes your bed feel even cozier.
>Tonight was very different, in a good way. You had a lot of firsts.
>First time you've threatened someone, first time yelling at a crowd, first time going on a romantic date, definitely first time making love with another species.
>But most of all, it was the first time you've ever felt like this.
>Pinkie sighs, blowing on your chest.
>She lays on top of you, snuggling under your arm and putting her head on you upper chest.
>You're not worried about what went wrong tonight. The way she smiles now is completely peaceful.
>She's happy.
>You're happy.
>And that's that.
>Your heart thumps at a wonderful beat, and Pinkie makes you feel strong.
>But every time you look down to her gaze, you stop thinking. The world ceases to exist and it's just her.
>You open your mouth.
"Pinkie?" you say, the sound of your voice cutting through the otherwise quiet room.
>The sound of your voice makes her eyes open, and ears twitch.
>She looks at you with those same blue eyes she's looked at you with so many times before.
>An uncontrollable smile creeps across your face.
>Your heart doesn't ask your brain permission.
>It speaks for you.
"I... think I love you..." you say slowly.
>You let out a small laugh.
"I think I really do Pinkie. I love you."
>She smiles and closes her eyes, then kisses you on the cheek before pulling in very close.
>She whispers in your ear.
"I think I love you too Nonny. You always were my FAVORITE human" she say quietly
>She starts to giggle under her breath.
>You start to chuckle too.
>You lay on your side, embracing Pinkie in the darkness of the room. The quiet laughter persists for awhile.
>Pinkie's tears spill onto your bare back.
>Yours drip into her mane.
>They feel warm as they stream down your cheeks.
>Your tired eyes finally close, and Pinkie's breathing slows.
>Only Pinkie could see who you could be.
>You were junk to everypony else, but to her you were more.
>One man's trash, right?
>But only you could love her the way you do, and keep her happy even during her worst times.
>She is yours, and you are hers.
>That's all there is to it.
>Not too shabby for a piece of junk

Fin