My Life as a Post-Adolescent Pony

by Unicorncob

15 - Fairytale of Manehattan

The next day, Rivershine made good on her promise and came over to help me decorate my own place. Naturally, she was a little perplexed to see I hadn't made a start yet, but that didn't seem to bother her. We started by getting my tree out of the way, which was easier than I expected for a number of reasons. It opened like an umbrella and sat comfortably in the stand it came with, and with our practice the night before, putting the lights and tinsel up was free of hassle and accidental nose boops.

I couldn't help but feel disappointed about the latter.

"This is all new stuff, huh?" she asked, noting how clean my decorations looked. "Fresh start?"
I hesitated for a second before answering, "Something like that. My parents are still holding onto our holiday heirlooms."
"Where are they living?" she asked. Crap.
"Oh, they're, um, out of Equestria," I said, which technically wasn't a lie. Thankfully she didn't press further.

The house was looking much more festive when we were done. We even found a little spot for my snowponies underneath the tree. Despite them being unfeeling plastic husks bought on the cheap, I couldn't help but feel like they were happy down there. As I promised, I thanked River with a free mug of hot cocoa.

"And a marshmallow?" she said, grinning at me. "What a good mare I've been this year."
"Thought you deserved a bonus," I shot back, before we clanked the mugs together. I tried not to think too hard about how mine was connecting to my hoof like it were magnetised. For the sake of my brain having way too many questions about my equine body, I just chalked it up to 'Pony Magic.'

A few days later, we began the trip to Manehattan. As the days counted down toward Hearth's Warming the snow got heavier, to the point it was starting to stay on the ground, but my hoodie managed to keep me good and toasty. Wasn't sure I could say the same about River, since I caught her shivering once or twice despite her scarf. Maybe I could ask Rarity to make her up a nice coat?

Thankfully, the train was nice and warm, so she was good and relaxed when we sat down. The car had some tinsel strewn above the windows, and the speakers were playing Hearth's Warming songs. We got ourselves a cup of coffee each from the trolley, and I found myself staring out the window. The grassy plains and fields were slowly turning white from the snowfall, and it made my heart flutter.

"You like riding the train, huh?" I turned and saw River smiling at me, and my cheeks nearly went hotter than my coffee.
"I-I've just always liked snow, is all," I said. "Ever since I was little, watching everywhere get covered in it always gave me this great feeling. School's out, presents are coming, great food, stuff like that."
"I hear you," she grinned, sipping her coffee. "There's totally something magical about it. Really gets you in the spirit of the season."

We took a moment to really let the view sink in, just as a particularly jaunty tune came on the speakers. A real hoof-tapper with horns that sounded like its players were having a blast.

Take a look at everything around you,
All the smells that surely will astound you.
Open up your heart, it will surround you,
In the magic of Hearth's Warming Eve!

Now that was a number I could get behind. One that just wanted you to have a good time instead of yanking at your heartstrings. I found my head bobbing to it, and I even caught Rivershine singing along.

"The little things that make it better,
Little Ponies spreading cheer.
Give a toy, a hug, a sweater,
Memories that last all year!"

She turned and saw my dung-eating smirk, and it was her cheeks' turn to flush red. "What? It's my favourite Hearth's Warming song."
"Oh, don't mind me," I said, smirk unwavering. "Just wishing I had a video camera to show this to your parents."
"At least I don't dance with four left hooves," she said, nudging me. "Like somepony."
"How do you know?" I asked. "I might just be a great dancer, for all you know."
"You could barely walk twenty feet without falling on your face some months ago." She returned the dung-eating smirk. "Oh yes, I saw you shambling around town. Though, gotta give you credit--you're a fast learner."

As she started tapping her hooves to the musical solo, I couldn't help but think about how she worded that. Did she know something? About how I got here?

She lives in Ponyville. Of course she's gonna notice a weirdo like you.

I shook my head. Right, I was just overthinking things. Besides, I didn't want to ruin her good vibe with an interrogation.

Though, when I got confident enough to dance with these hooves, I was gonna kick her butt on the floor. Some day.

---

Manehattan certainly made an impression on me when we arrived. The moment we stepped outside the station, I was bumped and nudged by passers-by rushing for a train. I watched a pedestrian and the driver of a taxi carriage exchanging choice words. The former was a griffon, so he was able to add some very friendly gestures to get his points across.

"Welcome to Manehattan," said Rivershine. "What do you think?"
"Definitely reminds me of my old hometown," I said. "Only the air is a bit cleaner here."
She grinned at that. "So, we've got a few hours to kill. How about we just wander around a bit?"
"You sure wandering's a good idea in this city?"
"It'll be fine," she assured me. "My folks live in Bronclyn, and no matter where we are, I know how to get there."
"Yeah? How?"
"Follow the smell."

With that, Rivershine began giving me a personal tour of the big landmarks around the city. She showed me the Crystaller Building, which had a giant horse head on top, and the Mare Statue, which was a giant green Pony in a robe carrying a torch. I was convinced both of them were put there specially to mess with me. Then we moved deeper in, ducking and weaving through the rampant crowds, until we found ourselves in what she called Bridleway. She told me how this district was the hotspot for plays in musicals for Equestria. I wasn't sure if I wanted to question how deadpan she sounded, going on like a beleaguered guide on her third group of noisy schoolkids for the day.

Since we were close to the shopping district, she put a pin on the tour guide bit and we got to perusing. There were toy shops and jewellery stores of course, but I didn't think there was a big enough crowd for rock pouches to warrant its own business. And quite a successful one, according to the number of customers inside. Then some barrel-shaped stallion in a top hat calling himself Stinky Bottom tried to drag me toward his cart full of discount hats. Rivershine approved of my quick scuttling in the opposite direction.

"What kinda stuff are you looking for, anyway?" I finally asked when the two of us ducked into a music shop named Beat Roots to skim some records. "Who do you need gifts for?"
"Oh, just my parents and a couple of friends," said River. I noted her split-second glance in my direction. "You?"
"Same here," I half-lied. Even if I found something here that my parents would be interested in, I wasn't sure how I was going to get it to them unless the Equestria Postal Service could travel between dimensions. Something else I'd have to ask Twilight about when I saw her next.

Twilight, right. Maybe I should get something for her, just to show I'm not sore at her about the whole 'plonking me in a new world without my consent' thing. Applejack helped me get on my feet... hooves, so maybe something for her. Rarity's been so nice to me as well, I should at least repay her with a little something. I never thanked Pinkie for that house party either--even if I didn't ask for it, it pointed me in the right direction for some answers. Rainbow Dash seems cool, though if only I could place where I first met her. And Fluttershy... well, I'd feel really bad if I left her out. And Discord would probably kill me.

I added the six mares to my mental gift list. Nothing too big, just some nice little knick-knacks to say, "Thanks for not leaving me face-down in the dirt."

I glanced toward Rivershine, She was top of the list, and had Big Gift Priority. I couldn't deny that I was getting feelings for her, but as good as I was getting at reading Ponies, she was still pretty enigmatic. Only letting out hints she allowed me to catch. I was hoping a thoughtful gift would, if not outright confirm how she felt for me, at least push her feelings into the reciprocating direction.

That left only one question thumping my brain: What in Tartarus should I get her?

"Ooh, vintage," River muttered, lifting a record. "She'd like this." I craned my neck over and saw a very extravagantly dressed mare posing on the sleeve, smile on her very pointy face. On the top was the name 'Sapphire Shores.'

Good for whoever she was mulling over, but I wished she'd give me a hint to what she wanted.

"You a fan?" I asked, deciding it was a good time to try and delve in.
"She's okay," she said with a shrug. "Coloratura is more my jam. Her stuff's got more bite, y'know? Razzle Dazzle goes so hard."
"Oh, absolutely," I said with a nod, pretending to understand what she was talking about.

Okay, that's one idea: Find out whoever this Coloratura is and get River something related to her.

"Ooh, her new album's out!" Somehow, without me noticing, River had moved herself to the CD section and was looking up at a life-sized cardboard Pony. This one showed a significantly less-pointy mare, with a curly dark mane and a studded pink jacket with a popped collar. Presumably another singer.
"Coloratura?" I guessed.
"Yup," she grinned. "Apparently she went back to her old pop style but added some more soul to it. It's been getting great reviews." She frowned at the empty shelves. "Too bad it's already sold out."

Well, that was easy. Now that I know who to look for, I just had to find something related to her.

"Anywho," she finally said, her chipper tone returning, "wanna hit up the flea market?"
"There's a flea market here?" I asked. "In the big city?"
"Well, it's near Bronclyn. C'mon, I'll show you."

---

The flea market wasn't nearly as frantic as the shopping district, but there was still a sizeable crowd. Somehow, part of me was expecting Equestria's idea of a flea market was a store that sold tiny bugs that made you itch. But sure enough, it was a collection of stalls selling previously owned goods looking for a new home. Books with yellowed pages, toys with wear and tear, jewellery that needed a bit of polish, the works. Definitely a lot cosier around here.

"Much quieter around here, huh?" asked Rivershine as we slowly walked along. "Mom and Dad used to take me here all the time."
"City centre too busy?" I guessed.
"Not really, I just really liked coming here." She looked like she was going to elaborate, but her face brightened up as she looked ahead. "And would ya look at that?"
"Look at what?" I followed her gaze, not finding anything particularly eye-catching.

She trotted ahead and stopped at an older mare and stallion by a stall of small wooden sculptures. They exchanged hugs and talked fondly with each other before she beckoned me over. The mare was a Pegasus on the stocky side, with a lime green coat and a mane as blue as her daughter's in a loose ponytail hanging over her shoulder. Her cutie mark was of some musical notes, the heads shaped like hearts. Her purple eyes hosted light-hearted curiosity.
The stallion was a tan-brown Unicorn, with a short darker brown mane, and he had legs that could definitely trample me if I stepped out of line. His yellow-eyed gaze was a lot more judging, his bushy brown moustache twitching a little. I didn't know Ponies could have moustaches. His rolling pin cutie mark surprised me; I had him pegged more for a bodybuilder than a cook of some kind.

"This is Sharp Sight," she said once I was close enough. "Sharp, this is Lakesong and Hard Dough. My mom and dad."

Uh oh.

"Um, nice to meet you," I said, holding out a hoof.
"Such a gentlecolt," said Lakesong approvingly, shaking it. "River was just telling us about you."
"Told us how you saved her from a timberwolf," Hard Dough added in a hard Bronclyn accent, lifting his own tree trunk-sized hoof to slap it on my shoulder. "You're a good stallion, Sharp."
For that moment, all I knew was gratitude and leg pain. "Th-thanks..."
"Wow, lucky you," said River. "Dad normally starts by trying to kill any stallion who comes near me."
"That's no invitation for you to mess my daughter around, got it?" He narrowed his eyes.
"Yes, sir," I squeaked.

And for reasons that were completely unrelated to the way Hard Dough was glaring at me, I suddenly needed the bathroom.

"Where's Pudding?" River piped up, in a tactful attempt to change the subject.
"Oh, he's around here somewhere," said Lakesong just as quickly. "We were going to have another once-over before heading back to the neighbourhood - the Method Mares are doing a little show in the park tonight."
"No kidding?" River's face lit up. "Looks like we picked the right day to show up, Sharp."

My blank face got some surprised looks from the parents.

"He's from out of town," said River.
"It's a great time," said Dough. "We've got plenty of time before it starts, so we can show Country Boy here around the market for a bit."
"Country Boy?" I repeated, blinking.
"Don't take it personally," his wife said, rolling her eyes. "He thinks everypony outside Manehattan is from the country."
"Well, ain't they?"

I wasn't from this city in particular, but I wasn't about to try and tell a Pony the size (and no doubt strength) of a train that I was from another dimension.

"Yo, check it out!" I turned and saw a chocolate-brown Pegasus colt swoop up to us, his green quiff bobbing in the wind. "I got a Fluttershy rookie card! Oh, hey sis!" he added upon seeing Rivershine.
"Hey, squirt," she smiled, ruffling his quiff with her hoof. "Nice find."
"Cloud Sprint had no idea what he had," he said, adjusting his quiff. And then he spotted me. "Who're you?"
"This is my pal from Ponyville, Sharp Sight," River answered for me. "Sharp, this is my baby brother, Pudding Pop."
"Aww, cute name," I blurted out. Pudding puffed out his cheeks with a glare.
"I ain't cute, wise guy!" he growled. "I'm a buckball star in the makin'!"

Before I could ask what a buckball was, Rivershine started ushering me forward. "C'mon, there's some neat stuff around here if you know where to look. Then we'll hit the park for the show."

I simply let myself follow River's family. Country Boy was about to get a lesson in Manehattan culture.

---

After picking up some knick-knacks in the flea market, Rivershine and her family led me into Bronclyn. I wasn't surprised to see them getting a warm reception from their neighbours, River getting a few welcome-backs, but all the hellos and nice-to-meet-yous getting thrown in my direction I didn't see coming. I was a complete stranger, but I was being welcomed like a family member. And not the politically incorrect one you had to put up with during the holiday get-togethers.

"Ever since Coco Pommel brought back the Midsummer Theatre Revival," Lakesong explained to me as we walked, "the neighbourhood's really gotten its sense of community back."
"You can take Charity Kindheart outta Bronclyn," Hard Dough added, "but ya can't take her outta the locals."
"Theatre Revival?" I repeated. "Is that what we're going to see?"
"Why would they have the Midsummer Theatre Revival in winter?" asked Pudding Pop with a raise of his eyebrow.
My cheeks warmed against the cold. "Oh, it's not a thing that happens for all seasons?"
"Nah, the Theatre Revival is summer only," said Rivershine. "This is just a little thing the Method Mares are doing while they're in the neighbourhood. I'll take you to next year's Revival though. I think you'd like it."
"I'll see what I think of this performance first."

We entered what a plaque called the Kindheart Theatrical Park, which was a large space dominated by quite an impressive outdoor stage. Quite a crowd was gathered before it, settled down on cushions and biting into warm snacks provided by nearby carts. We got seats on some warmed cushions and Hard Dough treated us all to a cup of hot cocoa, which made the mug I made Rivershine the other day taste like dirt.

"Your mom mentioned somepony," I murmured to River next to me while we waited for the show to start. "Coco Pops or something?"
"Coco Pommel," she corrected. "She's a fashion designer who used to help with the Revival as a filly. And after Charity moved away, Coco, well, revived it. Then the locals all got together to restore the park here."
"Did you take part with that?"
"We all did," River smiled proudly. "Even Pudding got his hooves dirty. He loves buckball and everything, but he loves acting just as much," she added in a hush.
"Is he now?" I whispered.
"Dressed up all the time while I was still living with the folks. And Dad said his school did a Hearth's Warming pageant last week, and he absolutely killed it as Commander Hurricane."
"I just got to wear a cool costume, is all," Pudding piped up, leaning toward us from River's other side. "And I got the coolest lines. Was just a dumb play besides that," he quickly added, puffing out his cheeks.

I'll take 'Theatre Kid in Denial' for five-hundred bits.

It wasn't long before the play began, and I got to see the Method Mares at work. At first, I was dubious at first to see that it was a four-Pony show (and only two were actual mares). This play was about a grumpy Unicorn named Snowfall Frost creating a spell to delete the day of Hearth's Warming itself from the calendar, but three spirits of Hearth's Warming visit her to show her the error of her ways and make her appreciate the holiday.

A story with a lot of characters, both named and background. But somehow, the Method Mares made it work. When I reminded myself that there were only four Ponies up there, I was surprised all the more. Their wide range of costumes, voices and physical acting really drew me in, and I could follow what was happening perfectly. The fact I'd seen a similar story told back in my old world didn't even matter. This was far more impressive.

When it was over, I found myself clapping my hooves as the actors took their curtain call. I certainly wasn't the only one, of course, but I didn't think I'd enjoy a play as much as I did.

"Impressed?" asked River.
"Very," I admitted. "Ponies really are capable of such amazing things."
"I hear that." We both looked over to see Pudding applauding quite a bit for a colt who wasn't that into performing.

When we left the park, we heard the loud, deep chimes of bells nearby. Quite a lot of them.
"Wow, it's that late already?" asked Lakesong. "That play went on for a while."
"Maybe we should get home?" I suggested. Rivershine didn't look so eager.
"Oh, uh," she muttered, giving me a sheepish grin, "I think the last train for the day left an hour ago. Whoops."
My pupils dilated. "Huh? Then how are we getting back?"
"We're... not. Not tonight, anyway."
"Then you can stay with us for the night," said Hard Dough. "Your room's the same as you left it, River. Well, except you can see the floor now."
"How dare you," River grinned.
"Well, that's you taken care of," I said. "It was great to meet you all, but I should go and find a bench before they're all claimed."
"What're you talkin' about?" asked Dough. "When I said you can stay with us, I meant both of you."
I halted mid-step and looked at him. "You did?"
"You've done good by our daughter," Lakesong agreed. "The least we can do is give you a roof over your head for the night."

I felt a tug at my heartstrings. Maybe it was just holiday spirit, but the offer was too generous to turn down. Especially not from such nice Ponies.

"Don't get any ideas," grumbled Hard Dough. "It's the couch or it's an alley."

I chose couch. And life.

Comments

[Avercast]

Pudding Pop is a really cute name indeed!

[StarzGecko]

I felt bad that he is meeting a wonderful family and yet can’t be able to show River his family

[Unicorncob]

11415053
Don't let him hear that, he'll pout so hard

11415277
Fate is cruel sometimes but hopefully it'll show him some mercy

[StarzGecko]

11415412
Don’t lose hope. There’s always a holiday miracle that can come in a time we not expect to happened in this sad moments.

[Viper Pit]

hard dough is kind of a softy huh

[Unicorncob]

11415725
Shhh don't worry about it

11415882
He'll never admit it
Just like his boy

[Luckyfanisaac]

I simply let myself follow River's family. Country Boy was about to get a lesson in Manehattan culture.

I couldn’t help but think of this.
1:45