//------------------------------//
// Chapter I: Day 2 
// Story: Hope in a Hoofful of Scrap 
// by MiriOhki 
//------------------------------//

Saturday, May 2, 2020

I threw myself awake to the buzz of my alarm and slapped at the clock. Or tried to anyway. I only succeeded in hurling myself to the floor. Damnit, my sleep-addled brain grumbled, “I'm going to be la... wait a second.” I finally realized that it was day one of a stockpiled vacation. With a groan I dragged myself back onto my bed and stared at the ceiling fan, dropping my foot onto the alarm to shut it off before dragging it back under the covers.

I never knew what to do with my vacation time the vast majority of the time, so someone suggested I use some of it for my birthday. I didn't particularly care that it was two and a half decades after I was born in a US military hospital in Germany, mostly because I didn't really have many friends to spend it with. Admittedly it was my own fault, considering I didn't get out much. Between closing shift at the hardware store I worked at, reacting badly to alcohol making trips to the bar pointless, and at times finding the computer I put together and the people on the other side of the cable modem far more interesting to talk to than the vapid pop-obsessed coworkers I deal with on a regular basis, I didn't have a lot of use for vacation time except to decompress and take in the occasional Cubs or rare Bears game when they managed to be in this neck of the woods.

I was contemplating just going back to sleep when I realized it was already mid-afternoon and unless I wanted my sleep cycle to be completely botched up, I might as well get up for good, maybe do a kata or something to drag myself awake. I took some aikido and judo when I was younger, one of many hobbies I tried and eventually dropped, though I still used it as some exercise, just because I couldn't really afford to go to the gym. So I grabbed my bluetooth headset, put it on, then dragged myself to the living room to work out.

“Homebase 1, Thunderbird. Get all messages,” I said through the headset as I worked my way through a series of exercises. I had given up a lot of tried hobbies but one of the few that stuck was fiddling with gadgets. I had never bought a desktop computer, preferring to build my own, and if there was anything I had pride in, it was Homebase 1, my main desktop. I was a 90 WPM typist easily but the gadget junkie in me went the Star Trek route and put the most accurate voice-recognition software I could find on it.

As I finished my kata, I thought for a few moments, then shrugged. “Homebase 1, Firefox. Open bookmark, Ponytube, Season 1, Episode 23.” I was never a major brony, but sadly, Sturgeon's Law seemed to have hit TV hard since I was a kid. That is, 90 percent of everything is crap. Reality TV, ditzy celebutantes, and to top it all off, it was an election year, so you had your two faced rats pandering for your soul as well. Secondary reason I gave up on TV, the first being it got too expensive. I was mostly a youtube/netflix fan when it came to it, though a few flavored youtube knockoffs popped up, including Ponytube. Dedicating an entire site to a retired kiddy show like that sounded weird, but at least, unlike 'reality' TV, it didn't try to be something it wasn't. And the writing was actually rather catchy, at least for the first few seasons. Just don't get into the flamebait that was the last season, particularly the finale.

I went to my desk and sat back, looking out the window at Pike's Peak. Or tried to. Thick clouds concealed the Rockies. Maybe we'd get some rain for a change. Could sure use it. I got tired of listening to the “Water Restriction Warnings” ages ago. I opened IRC and logged on, wondering if anyone was awake or just idling as often seemed the case, then opened Writer and started doing some idle story work before I gave it up as a bad job for the day. Damn writer's block. 

I stood up from my chair to go to take a soak and before I knew it, I was face first right into the ground again. I struggled to stand again and wondered why everything seemed shorter as I stumbled toward the bathroom. It was only after I tripped over the cord to the vacuum cleaner that I left in the hall that I realized that the cord caught my foot way too high. I stood up, to realize that for some reason I was trying to maintain balance on my toes. Now I was not in the best of shape, so this ballerina act definitely was not a good idea, but for some reason, I couldn't get my heels to stay on the ground to save my life. Grumbling in exasperation, I continued to the bathroom to get one hell of a shock. I stumbled for the third time in the last five minutes to see a redhead in the mirror.

I have some Irish ancestry, but my hair's always been a dark brown. Definitely not red, and really not the kind of red you'd see on your average fire engine. But even stranger was that my eyes had turned from brown to almost an orange color. What in the hell was going on here? One tug on a forelock definitely told me it wasn't a wig. At this point, I didn't know what was going on, but I didn't need a bath to wake up anymore.

I stood there for a long moment, before the other changes started to filter through my mind.  The t-shirt I fell asleep in, one that was a little tight on me before now hung rather loosely like it was a couple sizes too big. Which to be fair, it was at this point. A case of the shivers rippled through me as the movie I watched the other night, an old Stephen King.. sorry, Richard Bachman flick called Thinner, popped into my head. “Great. I'm becoming an emaciated ballerina? Or is that redundant?” I muttered to myself.

Heading back to my desk, I pulled open the emails I hadn't gotten to yet, pausing at one from one of my old friends, Jake Carlson. Ex-friend was more apt. We got into an argument a few years back that escalated, until he decided to take it a bit too far. He might have regretted it, but it was a very sensitive topic for me and I decked him. By the end of the fight I broke his nose and my hand. The last time we talked was when he called to say he wasn't going to press any charges.

I couldn't bring myself to open it yet and went onto the next one, from a LGBT group I ended up joining a few weeks before the aforementioned fight. To be honest, it was the reason for the fight at that. I admit I was bi-curious, but the main reason was that I had never felt right as I was. I had read up on transgender issues, and felt that that was pretty close to the mark, though not quite right. Unfortunately, Jake had read over my shoulder one night, misinterpreted things, said dumber things, and ended up with a broken nose for his efforts.

Moving on, it was mostly junk and fanfic idea spammage, until I saw one from Sandy Akers. I froze as my chest twisted a bit inside. Sandy was the only girlfriend I ever had. Unfortunately, both of our families were moving within months of each other, and we drifted apart, though we did send the occasional emails to one another. I wasn't really sure I wanted to read this one right now, but I pulled together my courage and opened it.

Dear Sam

I'm sorry I haven't written in a while. How are things going there? I just got back to Ft. Carson, and am officially out of the army tomorrow. At least all the paperwork's done now, so it's just a formality. I wanted to see if I could swing by and see how you were doing. Would you mind if I came by this evening? Give me a call if I can.

Love, Sandy.

I knew she had been in the Army but thought she was going to be a lifer. I guess it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. I paused, before reaching for my phone. I decided to call her before I lost my nerve.

I struggled to fight the urge to set the phone down, picking her number out of the contacts. I heard it ring a few times and with both relief and worry, I heard it pick up on the other end. “Lieutenant Akers.”

“Sandy? It's me, Sam. Long time no hear,” I said, my mouth a bit dry.

“Sam! You got my message?”

“Yeah. Just now. Yeah, if you want to swing by, go ahead.”

“Sounds good. Mind if I change out of my uniform?”

I paused, then blushed a bit. “You don't have to. I'd like to see you in it if you don't mind.”

Sandy laughed from the other side. “One last chance before I hit civilian life, huh? Sure, why not. I'll be there in about 10 minutes.”

“Alright. Might want to avoid Powers though, it's back under construction again.”

“Sheesh. When isn't it? Alright, make it fifteen I guess.”

“Alright. Drive safe, Sandy. Talk to you when you get here.”

“Will do,” she replied then hung up.

I smiled a bit wistfully. It'd been ages since I saw her face to face. Face! I paused and dug out a Cubs cap to put over my head. I put my computer back on standby and pulled off the earpiece, setting it aside. I made my way to the living room, pacing a bit nervously. I then heard the doorbell and scrambled to the door, stumbling again. Damn feet! Heels! On the ground! Now! I thought to myself as I opened the door...

And fell in love once again as I looked at her. Ok, I admit it. I've always had a thing for a woman in a uniform. And when it was the woman I loved... and probably still love, I tried my best not to embarrass myself any further. I gave her a salute, eliciting a laugh from Sandy as she stepped in and hugged me.

“It's been far too long, Sam.”

“You too, soldier. Come on in, have a seat, relax. Can I get you anything?” I asked as I let her in, turning to the kitchen and trying to calm down.

"If you have any tea, that'd be great," Sandy said as I turned the corner into the kitchen to hear her grunting, straining and swearing about recalcitrant boots.

I smiled. "I'll help you with those," I called out, returning with a couple mason jars of iced tea. "Sorry, dishwasher's acting up." I handed her one of the jars and set the other aside before sitting down at her feet, starting to unlace her boots.

"You are a godsend, Sam," she said as she sat back on the couch, looking around. "Wow. You need a decorator bad."

I shrugged as I finally worked the one boot off and started with the other. "Haven't had the time, money or inclination, I suppose," I said, trying to fight the catch in my voice.

Sandy, unfortunately for me, was far too observant to let that go, however, and as soon as the other boot was free, she practically dragged me onto the couch, throwing her arms around me. "Think you'd mind a live-in decorator then? I think I know someone who just found herself at loose ends and wouldn't mind a new job. Could save her from apartment hunting." She smiled and placed a soft kiss on my lips.

I was more than a bit stunned at the offer and swallowed as I looked into her eyes. "I.. um.. I could be convinced, perhaps. Might have to work out terms, though," I joked weakly.

Sandy grinned and kissed me again before standing. "I'll be back in a second, Sam," she said as she stood and hustled off to the front door, leaving me stunned... but a bit ashamed to admit, my eyes locked on a very gorgeous derriere despite what a set of BDUs tried to hide. 

As she stepped out the door, I shook my head. "Cut it out, horndog," I almost snarled at myself, trying to haul my mind out the gutter it rarely inhabited. I stood and tried to ignore the tightness of my shorts as I took a sip of my tea, before putting the jar in my lap. "Take that."

Sandy came in with a blue plastic bag with a store logo on it. "Happy birthday, Sam," she smiled as she sat down on the couch. 

I blinked and smiled as I took the bag. "You didn't have to, Sandy." I said as I opened to reveal a couple video cases. One was a Blu-ray compilation of The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. I had mentioned losing my copy during a move and never having gotten the chance to replace them. The other ended up making me blush a bit.

"I know you like that show, and I guess I got a little hooked on it, but I hadn't seen much," she admitted, pulling the MLP:FIM Equestrian Collection out of the bag. "When do you go back to work?"

I was a little surprised to find out Sandy was a fan, but at least it wasn't a joke on her part. "Not for a week and a half actually."

"Finally using your vacation time, huh? About time. Well since I will be out of the army in.. eight hours, how about we celebrate?" she asked. And I was one hundred percent sure it was meant completely innocent. If you believe that, I've got a bridge in New York to sell you.

She laughed and stood, cracking open the pink boxed set open. She tapped a few buttons to turn on my TV and theater system. While she struggled to get the adhesives off the MLB box, the tv showed the title screen of a Ranma 1/2 DVD. She chuckled softly. "Why am I not surprised?"

I knew why Sandy was not too surprised. She was the only one I ever confided in voluntarily when it came to my possible leanings, and often teased me, though without malice, about being a blue-belt Ranma Saotome. Sandy fessed up a few months ago to being glad "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" got repealed years ago, and thought I'd make a hot woman. Some part of me agreed but never responded with more than amusement. She switched discs to one of the MLP discs before moving to hop into my lap, dislodging my Cubs hat.

"Heh. Love what you've done with the hair," she chuckled. "Should I start calling you Ranma?"

I blushed but tried to play it off. "Nah, I think I got a bad batch of shampoo. Ended upturning my hair this color."

"It looks good on you, Sam," she said, kissing my cheek while wiggling a bit in my lap. I bit my lip a bit, trying to tell the annoyance between my legs to go back to bed.

I held Sandy close, resting my chin gently on her shoulder, while desperately hoping an obstinate part of my anatomy wouldn't decide to lift her up like a car jack. That would kind of ruin a wonderful reunion.

I tried to concentrate on the show, despite having seen it several times, before she said, “I got you a birthday present... I was wondering if you'd like to give me one?”

I blinked a moment, freezing. “Uh, well what would you like?” Ahh, something to get my mind off... that. Good. Maybe I can get through the day without making a total ass of myself.

She turned toward me before giving me the most blistering kiss we ever shared, or at least that I could remember. My eyes widened as I trembled against her. “I was thinking, if you wouldn't mind so much, if I could maybe have your virginity?”

I was utterly stunned by the request. Yes, I was, and yes, she knew it. I don't know if she knew why I still was, except for the fact that I had told her enough to show that I hadn't found anyone that was worth a casual fling, and she knew I didn't do casual. But still, it was an unusual request. At least I thought so, but perhaps I was a throwback to a more chivalrous age. “I... would be honored, Sandy,” I said, feeling embarrassed to even consider it, despite the fact that my lower half was cheering.

“It'd be an even trade,” she admitted and I blushed a bit deeper as I realized the implication.

“Are you sure?” I said a bit weakly, stunned by it.

Sandra turned to face me. “I've wanted you for a long time. I've loved you for a long time. And I just wanted you to know that there's nothing coming between us anymore. I'm not in the army anymore, and I don't care what you do anymore. Hell, you can be a house-husband if you want.”

I chuckled a little at that idea. “Well I don't really care that much for working at that hardware store. Never did, but it was a paycheck.”

She moved to straddle my legs and look into my eyes. “So can I have my present?” she said with that smile I always loved.

I answered her with a kiss full of love and longing.

The kid's show played in the background, while a far more adult endeavor took place between its audience.





I stared at the ceiling, still lost in the afterglow, holding Sandy atop of me as my hands ran along her back. “Any regrets?” I asked softly.

“Only that I didn't drag you with me back then,” she replied, kissing my neck gently.

I nodded softly as my hand continued to run along her back, before I finally got the nerve to let it wander toward her flank, gently squeezing it. She giggled and kissed her way up along my neck, toward my ear, and higher.

It was about then that both of us realized something was not quite right, as I could feel her lips right where my ear was.. or rather, where it should have been. Conversely, my hand wandered her derriere, only to find a new, and wholly inappropriate appendage. At least to any homo sapiens. She stared up. I looked over her shoulder. Both of us gasped in shock. Something was definitely rotten in the state of Denmark. We looked into each others eyes worriedly, before I hesitantly reached back toward her ass, while her hand moved toward the top of my head. Simultaneously, we both gasped as I felt my ear being tweaked and I ended up gently tugging on her new tail.

Jerking in shock, we both ended up falling off the bed, her landing atop of me on my back as my face was mashed into the carpet. “What the hell!? You have one too!”

I pushed myself up a little to look over my shoulder. And yes, sticking out of my butt was a bright, red, puffy tail. I looked up at her to notice that her ears were newly aligned and sticking out of what was a bushy, two-toned mane. And it was definitely a mane. No other word was appropriate. My eyes widened even more as I reached up and gently poked my finger toward her forehead. “What?” She said nervously, already close to hyperventilating.

It was then that I gently touched my finger to the tip of a three inch white horn protruding from the top of her forehead, barely sticking out from that mane. Her breathing sped up, until she passed out atop of me, driving my head back into the ground and sending me to join her in unconsciousness.