Author's Note: Thanks to everyone who's been sticking with the story and to the new viewers who come on board as these chapters are released. It really makes it worth the writing to know that I can give people something entertaining to read. Sorry if this particular chapter’s not all that interesting, but don't worry, I've got plans. Open to criticisms as always.
Once Dash and I finish our meals, we decide to head back to work so we can punch-out for the day.
Upon getting back, we walk in and Sunny greets us. "So, how did it go, you two?"
"Um, I'd rather not talk about it." I say, not looking at either of them.
"Yeah, me neither." Dash says, feeling just as awkward as me.
"Why not? What happened?" Sunny asks, slightly concerned before putting on a sly face. "Did you two have any fun?"
"Sunny... it's just kinda personal, is all." I say.
"Oh, so you two DID have fun." she smiles smugly.
"Knock it off, Sunny. NOTHING happened, alright?" I stomp a bit, being very annoyed.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I was only teasing." she looks back at her paperwork. "Like you can't even take a joke."
I take out my card and punch-out of work before turning back to her with an apologetic look. "*sigh* Sorry, Sunny. I can really have a bit of a temper sometimes. I didn't mean anything by it, I swear."
"It's all right, Blue. I understand."
"Well, bye girls. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Bye, Blue."
"See ya, Blue." Dash says, still feeling a bit awkward.
I close the door behind myself and take a breath before walking. After I leave, I start thinking. 'It's only two o'clock right now. Still a lot of time left in the day. Wonder how I should spend it. Only thing I can think of is to go home and do some more reading. Oh! I know! I could go visit Fluttershy. I remember her saying she lived in a small cottage just near the Everfree Forest.' I then decide make my way over there for something fun to do.
As I get to Fluttershy's, I stop, noticing the Everfree Forest just about a 100 hoof away. 'Soon... Soon...' I think with a determined look on my face. I walk up to Fluttershy's and knock on the door.
"Coming." says a small voice from inside the cottage. "Oh, hello, Blue." says Fluttershy.
"Hey, Fluttershy. What's up?" I greet with a smile.
"Oh, um, nothing really. You can come in, you know... if you want to." she says meekly.
"Sure, Fluttershy. I'd love to." I walk in and look around the interior of the room. Man this place sure is cozy. I notice a lot of animals around the place. "Man, Fluttershy, you sure do have a lot of animals here."
"Oh, yes. I just love taking care of animals."
"How do you do it all, Fluttershy? There's gotta be at least a dozen animals here."
"Fifteen animals to be exact. There's even more all around the house outside."
"Really?" I ask, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
"Oh, yes. I don't really mind though. I love taking care of all these animals and making them feel good(get those thoughts out of your head.). It can be hard at times, but all it takes is some love and a little patience."
Just then, a small, white rabbit hopped up to me. "Hey there, little guy." He was giving me this angry look. A look that said, "Try anything, and I'll break you."
"Hmm. Real charmer, isn't he?"
"Oh, please excuse Angel; he's just over-protective of me, is all. Angel, you really shouldn't worry so much. Blue is just a friend." she told the rabbit reassuringly.
"It's all right, Fluttershy. I can respect Angel wanting to protect what he loves. Don't worry, buddy. I won't try anything." I reassure him. He then smiles at me, giving me a look that said, "It's all right, bro. We cool."
Fluttershy giggles. "Blue, I was just about to go outside and feed my chickens. Do you want to help?"
"Sure, Fluttershy. Sounds like it could be fun." I follow Fluttershy outside to her chicken coop.
Several minutes later
"Remind me never to do this again." I say, deadpanned. I was standing covered in egg yolk, chicken feed, and feathers. "Now I get why I never had a pet, because I suck with animals."
"Oh, Blue." Fluttershy reassures. "Don't worry about it. You just need to get some practice working with animals, is all."
"Maybe, Fluttershy. Would it be too much trouble if I used your shower? I don't think I can wait to get home to mine."
"Not at all, Blue. Just go inside and head up stairs. It'll be the first door on the left."
"Thanks." I immediately make way inside and up the stairs to take a shower.
After finishing my shower, I head downstairs to see Fluttershy tending to her animals. "Thanks again for letting me use your shower, Fluttershy. It would have sucked to fly home with all that stuff stuck to me."
"You're welcome, Blue. Anything for a friend." she smiles warmly.
"Well, I think I'll be going now. Bye, Fluttershy."
"Bye, Blue."
'Well, that was fun.' I think sarcastically. 'I think I'll just go home and read some more. I can only take so much craziness in one day.' Before taking off, I look at the Everfree Forest one last time. 'You better be ready for tomorrow night, because I'm coming for you.' I then take off flying towards my house.
Once I get home, I walk upstairs to my room and get to reading more on the Everfree Forest, this time reading up more information on the various creatures that reside there. There's timberwolves, cockatrices, manticores, ursas, and hydras. In a fight, I could probably beat anything up to some manticores, anything bigger might be a little out of my league, though. But I suppose I'll just have to wait and see, won't I?
I read for many hours, until I finally start feeling drowsy and put the book away before snuggling into bed and start slowly drifting off to sleep.
'Just one more day. After over eight years, there's only one more day.'