Love and Tolerance

by Final_Draft

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Love and Tolerance
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic © Hasbro & Lauren Faust
By: TOO S0BER

Light.

Despite my blinds being closed, light penetrated through the slightly swaying slats that separated my one room studio from the rest of the world. And thanks to where I chose to sleep last night, those rays shot right towards my eyes.

Ugh, I groaned, and cracked my sleepy eyes open a bit, and used a forehoof to stem the intrusion. After a moment I stared at the hoof, realizing that it still was a hoof.

Well, I frowned. So much for hoping to be transformed back to normal in the morning.

I released another silent yawn and glanced at the clock – it read: 6:24 A.M.

Again, I groaned and rolled my eyes. Did becoming a weird pony creature also make me a morning pers – er, pony? This must have been a world record as far as I was concerned; waking up, twice in a row, before nine o'clock in the morning. Wow, just... wow.

I snuggled back down into the folded comforter that made my improvised bed, intent on wasting a few more hours on sleep.

Last night, after Ashley had surprised me by showing up at my door at half past one, and revealed that shocking revelation, I stayed by her side. I held that initial hug, which was my only response at the time, until Ashley had worn herself out. The emotional turmoil combined with the physical walk over here must have exhausted her completely; she fell asleep in my arms, and occasionally sobbed as I gently laid her to rest on my couch-bed hybrid.

When I had removed myself from her grasp, she had whimpered in her sleep, “No... don't leave me... please...” she was definitely asleep, but must have sensed that I wasn't immediately by her side anymore.

I toyed with the idea of sleeping up there with her, the unicorn's head resting on my back with me being an improvised security pillow. But the thought of the awkwardness – and knowing that I would have had to wake her up unintentionally – kept me from seriously pursuing the idea. I didn't want her to think it was some kind of intrusive advance or something; I mean, I doubted that she would see it that way, but in my mind the risk was too great. I had a real chance here now, or at least I thought I did, and I didn't want to ruin it before it could get started.

It pained me to do so, but it had to be done. I had made my improvised bed by folding up an old comforter into a square in the kitchen, but not before I retrieved a family quilt for Ashley. The towels had helped to dry her significantly, but tonight was a cold night, and she would need that warmth.

I lay on my side, trying to ease myself back into oblivion...

But, damn it, just like yesterday sleep wouldn't come. I must have laid there, my hooves curled underneath me, and my head resting on the soft comforter, for maybe five minutes.

I took a deep breath and a sighed, then slowly removed myself from the impromptu bed. Standing upright, I stretched similarly to how a cat would; lowing my front down to the ground while thrusting my rear in the opposite. Then reversed that position, my joints cracked a few times in the process. Of their own will, my wings also unfolded and reached for the ceiling. The muscle tension felt so good as they pulled and went taught, and I repeated that process once more.

No wonder cats do that so often, I thought rather cheerfully in my splendor. It feels so good.

Aware that Ashley was still asleep, I tip-hoofed as silently as I could to the bathroom when I was done stretching like a feline.

I postured in front of that mirror again, and stared at myself. My pony self. My two toned brown mane was still in a ponytail braid, and I smirked at the irony of a ponytail. Not completely sure why, I just did. I caressed the braid with a forehoof; it felt so different having long hair. All my life I had hair no longer than about half an inch, and literally overnight I'd gained as much as... what?... several inches approximately... at least; maybe even as much as a foot.

When I was done with the mane, I ran my hoof along my cheeks, as well as underneath my 'chin'. The fur was soft... very soft. Too damn soft. I rubbed my cheek even harder, until it became slightly uncomfortable, while I pondered this revelation. The only thing my brain connected such softness to was marshmallows...

I froze, and stared wide-eyed at myself in the mirror. What the hell was I thinking!?

I blinked, “Marshmallows...” I said, then half chuckled. I recalled something goofy that Marcus said yesterday...

“Right now, I wouldn't be surprised if it started raining chocolate milk from cotton candy clouds.”

I smirked and shook my head, the mirror mimicked my every motion. He's such a goof, but Marcus is also such a nice guy. He does a great deal for Ashley and I, and I couldn't help but admire that. There were so few people in the world like him, and I'm just so lucky to have hi –

Whoa!

I froze those thoughts as a huge blush incinerated my face.

Whoa, whoa, WHOA! Hold it right there buster! My eye twitched uncontrollably, ears folded back and... there was this disturbingly hilarious look of disgust and shock that stared back at me in the mirror. I held that gaze for maybe a second before my psyche cracked, and I started chuckling at myself. Oh God! That face! My face!

A few moments of fits of poorly muffled laughter later, and I again went to staring at myself, a mild grin replaced my old grimace. Once more I took a mental step back and examined myself. It was still new, but could that have been a random mood swing? I couldn't really tell. At the moment I couldn't recall having instances where my thoughts cascaded like that.

I sighed, and closed my eyes to take several deep breaths, my focus on the expansion and recession of my fur covered chest. Focus. Focus is what I need. For that I needed routine. What did I do in the mornings, or rather, whenever I decided to get my lazy butt out of bed, usually?

It dawned on me that I hadn't brushed my teeth since yesterday – blegh; that explains the rancid, pasty feeling in my mouth, which I somehow missed until just now. I licked my lips in response, and made what I thought looked like an icky face; and had to control another grin that tried to escape.

Plan formulation time! Yay.

I reached over the counter top and bit the head of my tooth brush, then deposited the tiny piece of plastic and nylon on the counter. The medicine cabinet was directly above me, I reached up with my left hoof and opened the mirrored storage space – and grimaced. Why did I keep the toothpaste on the top shelf? Oh, that's right, I used to be a six-foot tall human being.

I snorted at myself before trotting back into the kitchen. Underneath the table, I had some four-legged, rectangular stools that acted as extra seating for company and such. I hooked my hoof around one of the stool's legs, and began dragging the thing towards the bathroom. Thankfully the thing didn't make any obnoxious noise, which allowed a sleeping-like-a-rock Ashley to continue to snooze away. This became evident as the pony ears twitched and twisted at the subtle snoring noises she was making (I failed to suppress a d'aw).

Somehow it didn't cross my mind that I was creepily staring at Ashley again. Watching her sleep on her side like that, gray, fur covered hooves partially draped over the side of the bed. The way her eyes looked, closed tight with none of the tell-tale subtle movement of consciousness. I smiled, and thought about how peaceful she looked; that was a great thing in and of itself because it meant Ashley was either having some mildly pleasant dreams, or none at all. I was worried that she'd have some form of nightmare or night terror because of what had happened.

In that pause, I noticed that the blanket had been partially shrugged off. I moved over to her side quietly, and took the hem in my mouth. With a gentle tug, I stretched the quilt up to the base of her chin. As a reward, her cracked open maw closed, and transformed into a contented smile; adorably, she snuggled down under the quilt, and moaned softly.

Awww...

I could have just stood there and watched her sleep all day, buuut that would have been very creepy, and hard to explain. So, I went back and finished scooting the stool into the bathroom.

Climbing the damned thing was extremely difficult. I ran back into my rut the previous day of falling over and over. Every time when I thought I had a good hold, my hoof would slip, and thanks to lack of any way to grasp, I would immediately plummet into the bathroom floor.

“Arrugh!” I growled when I landed on my back for the umpteenth time. In a momentary fit of rage, I flailed all four legs angrily in the air while shouting a litany of just about every curse I knew. This was utterly ridiculous! How the fucking hell am I supposed to adapt to this!? The answer was just beyond me.

Frustration burning away at my face, I unfurled my wings and propelled myself upwards, trying to land on the stool like a helicopter pad. In my haste, I nearly toppled the whole thing over when I folded my wings back down and fell.

“Whoaa –!!” the stool and I wobbled precariously, tumbling back and forth for several seconds. None of the tilting leans went so far as to topple – but damn that was close!

I heaved a sigh of relief, glad that I didn't fall over. I reached up with my wing, and deftly grasped the tube of toothpaste – at least that was easy. After hopping off the stool and scooting the thing back into the kitchen I grasped the tube lightly in my hooves, and bit the cap. I rolled my jaw with the cap in my teeth, trying to be as gentle as I possibly could. That last thing I needed was squirting myself in my overly large cartoon pony eyes with toothpaste!

Fortunately the thing came off without incident, and I replaced the now cap-less tube on counter, nudging it closer to the tooth brush with my nose. The position looked right, and I steadied the tiny plastic handle with my left hoof.

“Okay,” I tried to assert some confidence in this crazy new task. “just a little pressure should do it...” I pressed lightly on the container... nothing came out. Applying a little more pressure yielded no result either. What is this, toothpaste or concrete? Urgh. I frowned at what seemed like some kind of cruel cosmic joke.

All right, to hell with subtlety... I rose my hoof high, and brought it down with force. Surely the paste was just being a little stubborn.

Well, the stuff came out all right... it even landed right on the brush head.... and handle... and the counter top... and my hoof as well.

Damn it...

I groaned, and hung my head on the counter, swimming in my thoughts. Honestly, adapting to being a pony must be the hardest thing ever! Hooves instead of hands. So short that I can barely see over the dash of a car. And of course the fact I currently have no clothes! Strength cut in half, at least. Hell, not even a guy anymore. I think the only thing that didn't change was my age.

I sighed again... and finally felt the sticky goo on my forehead.

Oh, don't tell me...

I looked up at the mirror, and stared bemusedly at myself.

I did...

My forehead was covered in the minty green goop, and the bangs of my mane were infested as well.

Wonderful, I thought. Just... wonderful.

It's gonna be another one of those days...

I walked out of the steamy bathroom after washing, towel wrapped in my mane and tail. Wings definitely made the job easier manipulating the towels. And managed to clean up that mess after a few attempts.

“That's much better!” I said aloud, glad to be rid of that pasty feeling my mouth as well as having a clean forehead.

“What is?”

“Gyah!” I nearly jumped out of my fur when Ashley answered my statement as she stared at me. “Oh, you're awake... uh... sleep well?” I asked awkwardly, and suddenly felt a wave of embarrassment as my face heated. Damn it face!

She cocked an eye brow at me, but she chose not to ask, instead replying with, “Yes, just fine...”

Ashley didn't look so sure in her statement though, I could see it in her eyes as they stared at the floor downcast, along with her folded back ears. Instantly I recalled the events of the night before, how Ashley informed me that her parents had chased her away. My own head reacted; my ears mostly, bending back like Ashley's were right now.

“Are you...” I coughed and cleared my throat. Was this the right time to even ask this? Guess I'll find out. “Are you... doing okay?”

Her sad gaze melted away and she stared at me flatly. Wow, what's with me and saying the wrong thing at the wrong time? I cringed back and hastily apologized. For the longest time I just stood there and she just continued to stare at me. Finally Ashley decided to break the silence.

“Would you mind if I used the shower?”

“No, of course not. All yours.” I stepped aside for emphasis.

She stopped right next to me, our eyes locked on one another. Ashley smiled warmly, and hugged a
hoof around my neck, “Thanks Sam...”

“Er, I, uh... no problem?” I stammered pathetically as my face burned... again. And was it just me, or was my voice slightly squeakier than usual? I thought about that a moment, and mentally facehooved. Usual; I honestly thought the new voice was usual. Urgh. Everything I did, I said, or I thought was a constant reminder.

Ashley trotted into the bathroom and closed, and locked, the door. A few minutes later, I heard the water start, and went to lay down on my couch. Once more I nosed down on the changer, and turned on the T.V.

I smiled as I saw the same news mare from before. Seems like they weren't going to fire or let her go because of what happened. Although the anchor man still seemed slightly... what? I wasn't sure what his thoughts were, but they were not 'I am okay with this'. He seemed unsure, and that was putting it lightly. It kind of annoyed me really; I mean yeah, this is weird and new and stuff, but she's still the same person.

The news was really mostly the same as yesterday. Reports and statistics on the car crashes, the injured and death numbers – which I tried hard to ignore. I really, really didn't want that on my mind today. That was the worst part of it, but all of the news was still just sad and bad. All of it was minor stuff, but even so it was like days where one thing after another happens, and they simply build up.

I flipped the channel, practically desperate for something else to watch that wouldn't dampen my mood so damn much. Flipping was slow, as I couldn't watch the screen and press the button at the same time anymore. I nosed the button for what felt like the hundredth time – and paused as a familiar musical tone made my fuzzy ears twitch, my attention drawn like piece of metal to a magnet.

It was that show Marcus and Shelby liked so much. The ones with the ponies that I so eerily resembled. My eye twitched as the girlie music played and the smiling characters trotted around the screen. I blinked as I tried to comprehend the appeal the show had for someone like Marcus. It made sense that my little sister loved it, she was young and a girl, but Marcus? I just don't know, and once more, I'm not sure I wanted to know.

But...

It was a pretty cheery show. It was better than watching the depressing news right now. I settled back against the couch and relaxed to watch their crazy antics. I had no idea who the characters were, but I saw the orange one with the stetson hat working herself to death on some farm. Laughed when she catapulted the rainbow one clear across town, and cringed as she misheard all the ingredients the pink one with the crazy hairdo said as they made cupcakes – and made half the town sick as a result. Wow, it was... pretty entertaining...

I blinked, and my smile waned.

Did I... did I just admit to...?

A knock came to the door, and it jarred my brain from its current train of thought. Thank god.

I shrugged off the towels and hopped off the bed. No longer did I bother with the security chains – they were a pain in a butt to undo now. The door swung open and I was greeted by Marcus standing there with his usual grin.

“Wassup Sam,” he greeted.

“Not much,” I casually said as I craned my neck to look up at him.

My friend entered as I stepped aside. I busied myself closing the door again as Marcus sat down on
the chair.

He eyed the screen then looked at me, “I thought you didn't like this show?”

Well, that caught me off guard, “Um,” I stammered needlessly. “I don't, there was just nothing else on.” That was only partially true; there was plenty on, but the music just caught my attention, and I wanted something happy to distract from the negative news.

Nonetheless he cocked an eyebrow at me and smirked coyly, “Oh you don't huh?” Marcus teased as he crossed his arms and sat back.

I stared flatly at him, but didn't respond.

Marcus blinked, and stared at the bathroom, then back to me with a quizzical expression on his face. I blankly stared back, and had no idea what he was getting at. Call me dense, but whatever was puzzling him was just lost on me. He jerked a thumb at the bathroom, and my ear twitched at the still running water.

Oh...

“Ashley's here,” I plainly stated.

Marcus blinked, then mouthed the words.

I nodded to confirm, and repeated, “Ashley is here.”

“I... didn't see her car? How did she get here? And when?” he asked, his eyes locked on my face for answers.

“She showed up last night at around one thirty in the morning,” I started the story, and went on to describe what transpired. That I think she must have walked or galloped to get here – which was confirmed by him not seeing her car. How she told me that her parents shooed her away. During that part of the conversation, Marcus's face turned grim, and he clasped his hands in front of his face as he contemplated this.

At the conclusion my own eyes drifted to watch the floor in silence.

“I see,” Marcus said simply, then groaned. “I can't believe they would do that to her! I mean, she's still their daughter! Where's she supposed to go!?” Marcus raised his voice and he looked outraged by the very idea. It drew my own gaze from the floor as he continued, “Come on! This pony thing doesn't change that! What is wrong with those people!?” he concluded his rant by smacking his palm into his face.

I completely agreed, but his outburst surprised me. Marcus never got that upset at anything, so seeing him act out like that was just... weird. He was always so calm and collected, but obviously Ashley's treatment got to him in a big way.

It caught me so off guard, that I nearly fell over; I had been leaning away from him so much that my balance was nearly gone. Marcus must have realized my shock, because when he glanced my way he visibly tried to calm himself.

He sighed, then exasperatedly apologized, “Sorry, but this kind of stuff just boils my blood...” he shrugged nonchalantly.

I blinked and re-steadied myself on my hooves, “Same here, but I don't think getting pissed off about it is going to do anything. And besides, she won't end up on the streets. So long as I have a roof over my head, Ashley, and you, have somewhere to go.” I hardened my gaze slightly as I smiled, “I won't let my friends go on the streets.”

I almost regretted that statement when that thought came to my head. Would I still have a roof over my head? The fact of whether I could do my job or not still hung in my mind. Sure, I thought that maybe it wouldn't be a problem earlier, but the fact was that I just didn't know. I'd have to wait until I actually showed up to work and tried.

With that dark shadow over my head, I tried to change the subject, desperate for a different topic, “So, what brings you here?”

“Oh,” Marcus had been staring at me intently, my question jarred him from some thought. “Well I was hoping to take you out somewhere...” he trailed off as I stared flatly at him – and my damned face blushed again! Wa-was he asking out on a... what the fuck!

“What!?” I nearly screeched in disgust.

“No!” he waved his hands defensively while shaking his head vehemently. “No, no, no! Not that kind of out! I meant getting you things to make life a little easier!” He rolled his eyes.

Oh, that made a lot more sense. That would have been extremely weird.

“Not that it'd be something I wouldn't mind doing...” he said with a smirk as he looked at me.

A pillow suddenly soared through the air and smacked him upside the face, and he recoiled backwards into the chair, laughing the whole time.

Jackass...

Marcus and I cruised down the city streets in his black SUV, the world scooting by at a rapid pace. Or at least it would have appeared that way, if I could see anything but just the cloudy sky. Car trips are now extra boring now that I was too short to look through the window. Damn it.

“So,” I decided to break the silence. “where are we going again?” I looked over at the sunglasses wearing man.

“It's a secret,” he hummed the last word demurely, taunting me with hidden knowledge.

I huffed in my seat and crossed my forelegs as my suspicion grew. I've already had enough secrets kept to last me a damned lifetime. Why couldn't he just tell me? Surely it was just going to some generic store or something; why did it have to be a secret?

“I'm a little surprised Ashley didn't want to come...” Marcus said with a frown, his voice laced with disappointment.

We had waited patiently for the unicorn to get herself out of the bathroom. I guessed that it was her first time drying off in the awkward manner, and I was right; she exited with herself still mostly wet and draped in towels. Marcus had generously offered to help dry her. Ashley initially refused, but gave up when she couldn't quite get it herself.

Once that was done, he proposed another day out, with some kind of plan in mind. My crush had politely declined, which made me kind of want to say no as well; I wanted to stay with her and make sure she was okay and wouldn't try something stupid. She had guessed at my thoughts, and simply said she'd be okay. I still argued and wanted to remain, but Marcus got impatient. He had scooped me up in his arms and carried me out the door. My shock only wore off when fresh air came in to contact with my furry face, and I almost didn't register Ashley's laughter, but he didn't set me down until we were at the car.

“Yeah, I guess...” I pouted, still upset at him for carrying me like some medium sized dog or something. The action poked at my dignity, and I felt my temper rise again. “I can walk on my own thank you...” I side glanced bemusedly at the driver, and growled slightly.

“Well, Sam,” he said flatly as he concentrated on the road. “as much as you may not like it, things have changed. The sooner this transition is done, the better things will get.” Marcus gave me a concerned look before placing his attention back on the road. “This thing might possibly be permanent...” he trailed off.

His words sunk into my stomach like a sack of stones. What if this was permanent? I stared at my forehooves again, and wondered if I'd ever see palms in their place. I didn't want to stay like this forever! I wanted my old self back! Life as a small, techni-colored pegasus... mare... from some little girl's show was not appealing! My head grew heavy as my ears folded back at the depressing thoughts.

I felt a massive hand engulf my left shoulder, and glanced at it. He was doing it again, trying to keep me from spiraling down a never ending abyss. A small smile tugged at my muzzle as I continued to gaze sadly at the floor. Totally didn't want to imagine dealing with this alone, and I again felt lucky to have him and Ashley.

“Thanks...” I muttered, more or less better.

“Any time,” Marcus answered, and the car lurched as it came to a stop and the engine died. “well, we're here!”

I poked at the seat-belt's button and the leather strap rose past my head, then I reared up on the dash on my hind legs to look out the window.

We were in a parking lot, maybe half the size of the one at the mall. It was a strip mall, a large, single story complex that had multiple segregated stores and restaurants. They contained all the usual, a grocery store, some book and game outlets, shoe store... but there was one that held my gaze and made my eye twitch.

A PetSmart.

He brought me to a pet store.

I twisted my head to give him an incredulous look, “A pet store?” I all but spat the words, then growled through my teeth, “Marcus, I am not a pet!” I glared at him as he still sat in the driver's seat.

“Yeah, and,” he said coolly as he removed his glasses. “it has things that will make your life easier.... as I just got through explaining. Now stop being such a foal and let's go.”

I glared at his back as he exited the car, and sighed exasperatedly as I manipulated the car handle in the same manner as yesterday. Jumping out and bracing the door shut, I followed him into what I considered to be a most degrading venture.

We entered the store, the sliding glass doors parting as a blast of cool air condition made my long hair dance, and immediately I was assaulted by the stench of a pet store. Or anywhere that sells pet related stuff, whether it was PetSmart that sold only pet related junk, or the dedicated section in a more generic store. There were some patrons around, with their pets as well; mostly cats and dogs from the little rat chihuahuas and other medium sized pets, there was one golden retriever that was just a bit larger than me! I almost cringed behind Marcus at the sight. Some dogs didn't like me, and I did not want to become a chew toy!

I nearly eeped when the mutt growled at me. His owner apologized profusely, and we just rubbed it off as no harm, no foul. Although I started keeping a wary eye and a large berth on every animal that was half my size or larger.

We moved about the store as Marcus looked this way and that; I just followed, since I didn't want to be here in the first place. He picked up a plastic bottle, and I had to ask.

“What's that stuff?”

“A shampoo that's supposed to keep ticks and flees away,” Marcus replied while he read something on the back of the bottle.

My eyes briefly widened. I craned my neck to stare at my orange hide; flees and ticks would suck, no, they'd be unbearable. Constantly biting and scratching and itching... ugh! That was a very good idea. With that in mind I didn't care that it was meant for dogs...

Well... almost didn't mind; the thought of using dog stuff was still a little degrading.

We walked around for a little bit, Marcus gazing up at various other things, but he didn't appear to make any more solid decisions. I was a mite busy watching the other pets pass by with wary eyes. One lady commented on Marcus having an unusual dog – and I scowled at her while he laughed. A store clerk came up to us shortly thereafter and asked why I wasn't on a leash...

Okay! That was it!

“I'm not on a leash,” I started off calm and cool, with a friendly smile, and then rapidly raised my voice and let the grin give way to an annoyed grimace. “because I'm not his fucking pet!” I glared up at the store clerk, and he hurriedly walked away.

I snorted at his departure, and stared flatly back up at Marcus, asking without words: Can we please leave now?

He seemed to read my mind – or my obvious facial expression – and said, “Hang on, I wanna check out a couple more things...” I let him walk off to another part of the store, as I decided to look around myself since I couldn't do much else.

I trotted around the store, feeling pretty indifferent now about all this pet stuff, just trying to distract myself from the fact that I was essentially an animal in said pet store. I maneuvered down the general care aisle, and did a double take, then backpedaled a few steps. In my vision was a flat fur brush with a wide handle and a strap. Recalling the old hair comb, and how difficult it was to use the damned thing, I sat in front of its display. With a hoof and a wing, I put the brush on my wrist; it fit comfortably, and with a few shakes I confirmed that it wouldn't slide off easily or move around.

I stood back up, still staring at the brush, and read from the box. It was supposed to be suited for both long hair and short fur. Supposed to easily and painlessly remove tangles, loose hairs, etcetera from your pet's coat, while relaxing and massaging them. I hummed, and looked from the printed box to the demo on my hoof. Was it really that good?

That awkwardness washed over me, and I looked back and forth down the aisle – I was alone, no humans or pets or ponies staring at me – for now. This felt wrong somehow, that I was about to use something meant for a dog or cat on myself. Yes, my body was a weirdo pony creature now, but still...

I frowned as I thought about Marcus calling me a foal again, and sat back down to stroke my other foreleg.

And the strangest sensation trickled from my limb as the brush traveled from shoulder to wrist, and I involuntarily gasped delightfully. Wow, it really did feel good. It was soft, soothing, and my arm practically melted in its embrace. Why aren't human brushes this good!? Pets are spoiled, no doubt about it.

Another test was needed. I raised the brush to my mane, and began stroking slow and smooth.

For lack of a better word, I was blown away. The sensation on my scalp was almost heavenly as the beyond soft, but still firm, bristles gently tugged out knots and straightened my mane. My ears folded back, and I nearly purred – but I hardly noticed. The thing that did catch my attention and made me stop – but not until after several brushes – was the repeated clopping of my rear hoof on the linoleum floor, and my wings unfurling.

Um, okay, I was enjoying this way too much. I hurriedly checked the aisle again as a fierce blush broke out on my face. There was a dog staring at me, his head cocked to the side with a floppy ear perked up.

I stared back with my unnatural, yet natural, eyes, and muttered weakly, “Well, it does feel good...” I had to admit. I glanced back at the dog with a weak smile.

The dog did a strange motion, his shoulders moving up in a shrug, and he nodded twice.

My eyes pinpricked as I stared at him again in shock. Di-did he just understand me?

I pointed a hoof at him, “Can you,” then pointed that hoof at me, “understand me?” I finished and waited, giving my utmost attention to the canine.

He cocked an eyebrow, and nodded again.

Thud.

Oh my God! I can understand animals! And they understand me!

Every previous concept of reality and how it was supposed to work, what little left there was, just got flushed down the toilet with that. What, did life take cues from Dr. Dolittle now too!? Ugh, I need a drink...

Frazzled by... I can't even think about it right now... I grabbed a box of the brush and hurried my way down the aisle, eager to find Marcus and leave before the Nutty Professor or Ace Ventura showed up. I glanced nervously at the occasional pet around the store and... some of them gave me what looked like quizzical looks. Gyah! I'm starting to feel like Alice in friggin' wonderland here! Now I'm sure of it; I am crazy!

I chuckled out loud as I felt a bead of sweat drip down my temple, “It's all in your head Sam,” I chanted, trying to hold on to sanity, “It is all in your head!” a crooked smile played on my face. Right, and the fact that you’re a pony, with wings... and the opposite sex... over night... out of the blue...

I suddenly felt very tired as my eyelids grew heavy, the stress and anxiety sapping me of my strength. I'd managed to trance myself so much that I was in a completely different part of the store. Things for larger animals, such as travel cages and those padded tower things that cats use, decorated an open area where things too bulky for the shelf were displayed. And there were several basket beds that I recognized from the houses of relatives that had larger dogs. I wonder...

I trotted onto a small expanse with fake green grass, and paused. The phony greenery felt so weird, even foreign, and it brought an involuntary frown to my face. I really didn't like this stuff, for some reason, and suddenly craved to have the real thing under my hooves. My wings gave an irritated flap before I continued up to the bed as I tried my damnedest to ignore that annoyance.

As suspected, it was a large woven basket with a very comfy and puffy looking red and blue checkered pillow lining; a poke with my hoof confirmed it – the bed was very soft as the material readily gave way, but offered slight resistance. I thought back to last night and how I'd slept on the folded comforter; it was not a very good substitute for my couch bed. And if memory serves, the hybrid itself wasn't that great either... and if my suspicion was right, Ashley would be with me for a while. Maybe I should...?

I scoffed and snorted at the thought as my head straightened. My gaze turned to the brush held in my wing. It was bad enough I was getting the, admittedly awesome, brush, but the bed? It again felt so wrong to be thinking this way! I was about to walk away when it dawned on me that I was being ridiculous again. It wasn't a made decision yet, and it wouldn't hurt to just try it. Right?

I smiled wanly, and set the comb next to the basket, “Nah, it won't hurt.”

Easily I stepped my way into the basket. Already there was the plus of not having to leap like an athlete just to get into bed. Again I prodded with a hoof, testing the cushion's softness, and it felt almost like a stiff cotton candy – which would still be really soft. The oval shape meant I would have to adjust my position, and I circled inside a couple times, trying to judge where would be best before I plopped myself down. When I did, the wave of comfort was immediate, and I sighed in relief as my eyes closed, a warm smile on my face. Damn, pets really are spoiled; how come nothing humans make for themselves feel this good? Or at the very least, nothing cheap. I took a peak at the price tag, and this thing was a mere thirty dollars.

Pondering this while I laid there, a plethora of thoughts crossed my mind. If this really was a permanent thing, then buying the pet versions of things might be significantly cheaper. This bed was the perfect example. My hybrid/couch cost over three hundred – I think – while this thing was a tenth of that cost. I didn't pay attention to the price of that shampoo Marcus was undoubtedly still toting around, but in all likelihood the hair and fur care product would be bought for a song by comparison. I didn't know anything about fancy salon brushes, or the least little thing about what the professional stylists used, but the comb that was lying at the base of the basket was undoubtedly less expensive.

Alarmingly quickly my thoughts began to fog as my body relaxed, and practically melted, into the bed, and I drifted off to sleep. The last motion I felt was my tail as it curled up to my left side. And like the last nail in a coffin, I crossed the threshold.

I grumbled unhappily as something attempted to steal my sleep away. My body was moving, and I felt the soft jostling as I rocked in the bed.

Damn it, I thought with irritation, and as a result my closed eyes squinted shut. Five more minutes...

There was another slight jar, and the movement utterly halted. My ear twitched as, seconds later, the sound of the creak of wood from added weight resounded from behind me... and then nothing else. I waited intently while I debated whether to just go back to sleep. Eventually though, I came to the conclusion I should get up...

Wow, how very unlike me. I hate getting up...

Displeased as can be, I cracked my eyes open, and was greeted with an almost familiar sight.

The fake grass was still there, as were the rows of metal shelving that displayed the store's product for sale, but it was farther away and smaller slightly. I frowned as my eyes opened fully, with several blinks to come to complete focus. My muzzle yawned as I brought my head up, and then I rubbed my foreleg over my eyes. That was a good nap.

I sensed eyes on me, and turned my head to the left. Marcus was sitting on the bench with me and the bed, staring at me with a cocked eye brow and a smirk. Our eyes connected, and I realized what he had caught me doing. Well, it wasn't 'caught' as in I did something wrong, but just a 'well, this is embarrassing' kind of caught. So, in response, I blushed.

“Getting comfy are we?” his smirk widened.

“Uh, I, er...” I stammered pathetically as my ears pasted, and I looked around for some kind of excuse or distraction. Naturally there was nothing I could call on to divert attention from the fact that I was sleeping in a dog's bed. Urgh...

I sighed in resignation, “Okay, fine, you caught me,” I held my hooves up, like I was ready for the cuffs, “This bed is very comfortable.” I eyed the bed somewhat affectionately.

He tilted his head a little, “Do you want it?”

Again, I am conflicted. I do want it, but it's a pet thing! The shampoo was kind of understandable, what with the fur coat, and flees; my spine shivered at the thought of the tiny, annoying insects biting me all over. And in a way, the shampoo was a need, not a want like the bed and the comb. That, and it'd be another step as accepting this thing as permanent; and that was the last thing I wanted. I needed to go back to being the old Sam, not staying this new pony pegasus thing.

“Well...” I was still debating, and my voice reflected that uncertainty as my forehooves slowly rubbed circles on the fabric, and my eyes looked distantly at nothing.

Doing what he did best, Marcus seemed to read my very thoughts, “We'll keep the receipt. The return policy is good for, like, ninety days or something like that. Besides, if you change back after that time, then you're only out thirty bucks...” he gestured nonchalantly with his hand. “but, as I said before, we need to keep in mind that this may be permanent.”

I sighed deeply as he finished that sentence. The 'p' word again...

Knowing that he was right, and that I really wanted it, I nodded my head without a word.

He motioned that he was ready to go, and I hopped off the basket bed. Marcus picked up one that was still in the box, while I retrieved the comb. He saw me grab it, and smiled approvingly while I shied away a bit. I mentally checked myself, and wondered why I was being so uptight about this. I groaned, and decided not to think about it. Marcus walked off towards the registers while I lagged behind a bit, just considering my thoughts...

… when a strange beeping noise caught my attention.

My ear swiveled and twitched as I walked, as though it was confused. It sounded close, but at the same time several yards away. What the hell?

I turned my head in the direction I thought it was coming from, “Hey, Marcus, do you hear a weird beepi – ?”

I was cut off as an electric surge burst into my body from my neck, and I yelped in mild pain as my body seized and fell to the floor, twitching slightly. Augh! What the fuck!?

I glanced around with my eyes close to tears – what the hell just assaulted me!? One second I'm walking, minding my own business, and then I get a damned electric shock! I looked around frantically, not sure whether or not whatever it was would come back and attack again – when a faint red light caught my attention. It was planted on the very corner of the fake grass, and it looked kind of like one of those solar powered outdoor lamp things.

I squinted at the thing as it beeped, “What the...?”

The rhythmic beep went solid, and I yelped out as another electric shock advanced down from my neck. “Ack!” I scrambled away towards the bench, and eyed the thing in fear and confusion. The red light winked out and went solid blue.

Then it dawned on me what the thing was. The little tower thing was a motion detector, and it made some kind of perimeter. That was confirmed when I looked at the other three corners, and found identical sentinels – all of them with a solid blue light on. It was one of those high tech fencing systems to keep pets in a contained area.

My brows furrowed. But, those things only work if the pet wears a...

My eyes widened and I rose a forehoof to my neck – and felt the nylon weaving of a Velcro collar and a small metal control box.

I blinked as my jaw dropped. What the fuck...?

Snickering caught my ear's attention, and I turned to find Marcus stifling laughter with his free hand. Oh, I should have known! He must have snuck the damned thing on my neck before moving me on to the bench! Oh I'm going to kill him dead!

“Marcus!” I yelled out as my face went red and my eyes screamed murder.

He laughed out loud and covered his forehead with a hand, “I'm sorry! It was just, oh man, I couldn't resist!”

I clenched my teeth in righteous anger, “Get. This. Off of me!”

Still laughing, he strode over and set down the purchases we were going to make, and promptly removed the collar from my neck. As I glared at him, it took every ounce of self control not to buck his teeth in right then and there, while he was within easy reach. Marcus knew he was in danger, and quickly put some distance between me and him.

“Not too mad,” he asked with his shit-eating grin. “are ya?”

I answered his question by narrowing my eyes dangerously. Yes, I am mad!

He rubbed the back of his head, while still grinning, “Okay, maybe that was a bit much...”

“Ya think!?” I nearly bellowed as I got to my hooves, and my wings twitched on my back.

“Eh, I regret nothing...” he chuckled, and once more made his way to the registers. “I'll make it up by buying this stuff for you.”

I followed along as my anger and annoyance dulled. As we traveled, murderous thoughts crossed my mind as I considered bucking him as hard as I could in the back, or using my flight speed and momentum to body slam him. In the end my fury just cooled too quick. I did not consider it funny at all, but I guess that that kind of retribution would have been a little excessive. Maybe I'll overdose his food some time with hot sauce or something. Kicking him in the back might cause severe injury, and the collar, while it hurt like a bitch, it did not cause me real harm other than a bruised ego... and maybe a slight decline in dignity.

I'll get him back.... count on it!

There was a small line at checkout, and the cashier went on break right as we came up. Moments later, an extremely unexpected replacement came up.

Another pony stepped up with a PetSmart vest that was a size too large. Red coat with a two toned orange mane; just behind the counter I could make out a matching, frizzy tail swishing back and forth. She smiled wanly as she climbed up what I assumed was a wooden stool behind the count, and she had vibrant emerald green eyes.

“Welcome to PetSmart!” She greeted warmly, and asked us if we found everything okay. I was blown away by her professionalism. 'Yep, I'm a pony, what of it?' basically. Then again I suppose that working a job dealing with customers all the time, it wasn't that hard to do. I'd have to do the same when I went back to work.

Marcus said hello, and held up the large, bulky bed for her to scan. A feathery appendage picked up the scan gun wired to the checkout computer... and I gawked. Another pegasus! For some reason this made me smile, and I decided to spark up conversation.

“So, have you tried to fly yet,” I asked, and caught her name tag. “Amanda?”

At first she didn't seem to know where the voice was coming from, as she twisted her red ears and head, trying to find the source. Dumb shortness. I waved up an orange forehoof, and she smiled once I caught her attention. “Oh, no, not yet, but I'm not so sure I would want to. I've always liked running... but...” she shrugged and held up her forehooves indifferently.

There was a grumble from behind us, and I turned to look. I barely caught the words as some old man with balding gray hair and glasses said something about not being checked out by a farm animal. I gave him an outraged stare.

“And what is that supposed to mean!?” I tersely announced my displeasure at his comment.

He grumbled something else about dirty animals, and began to walk away.

“Oh yeah?” I stomped my forehooves on the linoleum, and lifted my wings slightly. “How about you say that to my face, you old fart!”

He briefly paused before grumbling unintelligently, then continued towards the door. Jeez! What is with these people!?

I turned back towards Amanda, and the red mare had her eyes downcast, a frown splayed on her muzzle and her ears back. She left out a heavy sigh, and continued to wordlessly, and miserably, check us out. My ears twisted towards the old man's voice as he talked to a thin, dark skinned man with a business tie on. Oh seriously!? That old coot is complaining to the manager!? My blood began to boil.

I watched out of the corner of my eye. The old man was seething, and I inwardly smirked. The manager was calm and cool, trying to console the old bastard. Eventually he rubbed his hand on his forehead, and I heard him politely ask the old codger to leave. He grumbled and threw his hands up before gaiting out the door.

Then the manager walked over towards the cashier's counter. Oh boy, here we go...

“If you folks don't mind, can I ask what that was about?” He stood neutrally as Marcus, Amanda, and
I shared our sides of the story. The manager nodded where appropriate, and eventually cupped his chin and sighed.

“I see...” he said sadly, then looked to Amanda. “don't mind people like him. Sadly, they're everywhere...” the PetSmart manager rolled his eyes. “And I apologize to you folks,” he gestured towards Marcus and I, “for the inconvenience. But next time, come find me or another manager instead of replying to people like him,” he smiled slightly. “Okay?” he gave a reassuring pat on Amanda's small shoulder, and that seemed to cheer her up. Then he went about his business.

When he was out of earshot, “Well at least your manager seems to be sticking by your side.”

Amanda sighed lightly, but kept her smile, “Yeah, Evan's a good manager. Luckily he knows where to draw the line with the whole 'the customer is always right' thing... but you didn't hear me say that...” Marcus and I chuckled as we finished and went to leave.

As we made our way back to the car, I felt somewhat relieved. I thought for sure the manager was coming to make trouble for the pony cashier, but it was quite the opposite. That old man was way out of line, and this Evan guy saw right through it. Somehow I doubt that I would be as lucky. My own managers repeatedly jump through hoops to please any and every customer. Still, it was refreshing to see.

We both entered the vehicle and drove off to Marcus's next destination.

Maybe there's hope for the future after all... only time will tell.