II
Her fur was always soft and irresistible to touch, but today was different. She was using a different type of shampoo, I could easily tell that. It ran through my fingers and glided back into place as our hug ended with a quick kiss on the nose before she silently stepped out, patiently waiting for me to end my shower. Normally, she would have asked to join me, however today she seemed tired, winded almost. I couldn't imagine what had gone on at her job today, she always surprised me with stories about customers every day she came home. I continued my shower, water streaming down my face and over my body as I washed, humming a little tune as I went about business. To my surprise I found my mind wandering aimlessly to random subjects as I faded in and out of focus, mindlessly washing. It flashed to first meeting Minuette, adjusting to Equestrian life, dealing with Pinkie's shenanigans and others. Not to mention the adventures and scares I had witnessed over the last nearly two years of living here. And not once have I had a thought about returning home to Earth. The shower heads squeaked as I stopped the water's flow and stepped out of the shower, towel in hand. I sauntered towards the window and began drying myself off, before stopping to have a good look. I was definitely muscular, that's for sure; but sleek and toned were better words.
It dawned on me that I had everything I wanted in front of me right now; my breath starting as I remembered a scarce peach of parchment that I had taken with me from Earth. A list, from my mother. Given to me when I first reached 18, she had given me a few things that she believed would lead me to happiness, forever stained on that now slightly brown piece of parchment. I tucked the towel on the hanging rack and donned some fresh clothes left by Colgate before exiting the bathroom, a slight cloud of steam following me. I made for the living room, my bare feat thumping on the hard wood.
"Boo!" a female voice called out behind me.
Before I could react, I was tackled to the floor and enveloped in fuzzy blueness.
"Hi to you to! How was your day, babe?"
Colgate rolled her eyes jokingly and leaned down for another kiss before hopping off and trotting away.
"It was all right I suppose. Nothing to special. What about yours?~"
The last word of her sentence twanged off her lips with a sensual ring that I had to smile and chuckle at. She always knew how to make me laugh. Must have been taking lessons from Pinkie Pie.
"Eh, I walked around town most of the day and hung out with Pinkie before hopping home."
"Sounds fairly normal for you on a day off," she replied with a flip of her tail as she trotted around the kitchen. Sizzling and crackling filled the air as the blue mare happily hummed to herself, myself leaning in the entryway.
"I'll be right back. Gotta get something from the room."
Without responding, she waved a hoof and continued to set about her business. Snorting, I turned and began my march towards the bedroom. It was a quaint, comfy room with a bed big enough for the both of us, even though Colgate always hogged the sheets. Rarity had given me some style tips as the room was redecorated upon my moving in. I reached the dresser across from the bed and began pawing through the contents looking for one specific thing.
After about 5 minutes of continuous pawing, I found what I was looking for: an old envelope, stained by time and unopened. Labeled with my name I held it in my hands, blowing gently to remove the thin layer of dust. The room fell silent as I tore the envelope open, gently holding the parchment, inscribed with my mothers hand writing.
My mother had always been a music enthusiast, doodling little notes and bars around the letters contents, of which was a single phrase:
Even without words, music can reach the darkest depths of the heart and soul.
The proof is there, to make music that doesn't need words to express real feelings.
That's because some feelings are indescribable.
Happiness is, defined by the individual, not their choices.
I smiled warmly as a lone tear streaked down my cheek. Mom always knew best.
My reminiscing was interrupted by a knock at the door and a following squeak. Colgate entered, a slightly confused smile on her muzzle. She walked up next to me and peered at the note I was holding.
"What'cha got there?", she said curiously, picking the note up with her magic. I knew Colgate wouldn't be able to read English, but it was worth a shot.
"A letter my mother gave me when I was younger," I replied.
She blankly scanned over the note, clearly not able to understand the writing.
"C'mon babe. Dinner's ready." She motioned towards the door, her long two tone tail wrapping around me before releasing with a flick.
I always loved it when she did that, apparently being a symbol of affection and love as well as intimacy in Equestria. I followed her out of the room, closing behind me with a small click. I padded downstairs, note tucked safely into my pocket.
Music had always been a huge part of my life, helping me cope through some of the toughest moments, mental and physical. I mused silently as I meandered downstairs towards the kitchen, the smell of delicious food wafting about, tempting me. Smells of cooked greens and drinks filled my senses as I was met with a wandering blue mare, patiently waiting for me, a warm smile on her muzzle.
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Dinner was quiet and delicious as usual, we talked about things we saw in town, gossiped about random topics, including Twilight's freaking out about becoming an aunt. Colgate had often talked about foals, but seeing as how I am human and she a pony, I'm positive it wouldn't work out. I myself often wondered what it would be like to raise a son or daughter in Equestria. I've done a tiny bit of research into the schooling and educational systems in Equestria, and they aren't that different from Earth actually.
My mind wandered to Twilight becoming an aunt. Would the foal be an alicorn due to her mother? Or a regular breed of pony like an earth pony, unicorn or pegasus. Everypony in town was talking about it, it being the biggest announcement since Twilight crowning and coronation. I myself was excited as well to see the new foal in the coming months. I panned around our tiny house, scanning the furniture and decorations, admiring the little niche corner I had created for myself in the new world.
The blue mare across from me talked on about how work went that day, and the interesting patients she had. I like listening to her stories, even though I didn't care much for dentistry as a field of profession, I still liked to listen. A resounding crack and rumble of thunder broke our conversation as the sky turned dark almost instantly, rain pelting the ground. Shuffling towards the front window, ponies scattered and ran back to their respective homes, fillies and colts dashing around, protected by their mothers. Turning to my right, the blue mare had a warm smile on her muzzle as she cracked her neck and hopped down from the window. Glancing at the clock, she hummed to herself a little tune, its origins unknown to me. Colgate didn't have that much time to hang out with me or friends before she had to go to bed for the following work day, since she always worked mornings.
"Hey babe," I called, hoping to catch her attention before she disappeared again. Almost immediately sensing a question in my voice, she half turned her head with that same warm smile on her face.
"What's up?"
"Just wondering if there's anything you wanna chat about or.."
My words were cut short by the most adorable giggle ever.
"It's nothing Jackson. Just a rather unique filly I met at work today."
I raised an eyebrow at her comment. Minuette had always been very good with kids.
"A filly?"
"Yup. She actually comes in regularly."
"Ah so you've met her mom too?" I asked quizzically.
"No. Never seen that filly with a parent. Kinda worries me."
I furrowed my brow, looking for a possible explanation. It wasn't my place to question a filly's place, but it did raise some curious thoughts.
"I'm sure it's just an independent young thing. You should head to bed sweetie." Glancing at the clock almost in unison she eeped at realizing what the time was. Half bouncing, half trotting over to me she pulled me in for a huge kiss, her magic gently bringing me to my knees as her body fell against mine. I'll never understand how ponies keep their fur so soft. Her body was delicate as I ran my hands along her sides, wiggling under my touch.
She reluctantly pulled away and sauntered up the steps, flitting her tail as she went. As I waved her goodnight, I took to my favorite window side chair and pulled up my old earth guitar.
It was worn down but still delivered its sound beautifully as the rain pattered around the roof. I strummed and hummed a tune, closing my eyes and remembering memories long gone by. Minutes passed, opening my eyes to the dimly lit living room, the rain gently knocking at the glass windows.
I set the old guitar down and stretched.
Fancy a walk?
I shuffled towards the door, grabbing my heavy winter coat and slid out the door, it closing behind me with a soft click.
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The evening was chilly as the rain easily drenched my jacket, which kept me warm. I expected as much from a jacket of this quality. Ponies were still out surprisingly, seemingly not bothered by the slight drizzle, as Applejack called this type of rain. I strode through town on my usual stroll route, my gaze lazily wandering from pony to pony. I spotted some faces I knew, upon eye contact responding with a friend hello or a wave before carrying on about their duties.
I could have sworn I heard a harmonica whistling thru the air as I padded through the small town. I had really come to admire and love Ponyville for what it is, not dreaming of the lavish, exotic nature that oozed from Canterlot. I enjoyed the country life more anyway, I guess that part of me I learned from my mother and Applejack. I had to stop myself from waxing lyrical about the early days of my life here in Equestria, chuckling as the rain continued to mat my hair down, layering the earth around me with a glistening coat of moisture, helping to nourish the ground. Ponyville was fairly quiet for this time of evening
I turned towards the outskirts of town, before my ears caught a incredibly faint whimpering on the wind. Stiffening instantly, I tried my best to zero in and trace the sound to its origin. It led me further and further out of town, towards a bridge that crossed a small stream, whereupon it intensified. I wondered what the sounder might be: could it be a small animal trying to stay warm? Or perhaps it was simply my mind playing tricks on me. A small defensive yelp was heard as I hopped off the bridge and into the brown sludge surrounding it, my shoes becoming soaked.
There, huddled in a little corner was a tiny pegasus filly with no cutie mark. Her coat was a vibrant sea foam blue, with a white mane and tail and brilliant red eyes. Her coat was dusted and dirty, wings folded tightly against her body. She looked up me, eyes locking instantly, filled with tears and emotion. She didn't react to me being of another species, but studied me at first, before huddling tighter again. I inched closer, cooing as to keep her attention on me, making her understand that I meant no harm to her. Before I could get a closer look at her, she lept at me, emotions fully taking over as my shirt was quickly doused in a mixture of tears and water. I then realized a horrible truth.
She was freezing.
I opened my jacket and brought her close to me, trying to make my body heat transfer to this tiny pony.
"Everything will be ok, ok?" I said reassuringly as I trudged out of the mud and began trotting back towards town. The small ball of fur and feathers clung to me like a new born. I came to a decision to bring her home, since it was shorter and closer then the town hospital. The rain began to pick up as I walked briskly through town, making care to avoid ponies wandering eyes. I could feel the poor thing shivering against my chest as I walked hastily, weaving thru buildings. She didn't make a sound while I carried her and was greatly appreciative to the fact that she didn't discriminate based on species. I slipped out into the street again, wondering what would make a filly so tiny as her wander off, especially this time of night and in this weather. She couldn't have been more then 8, maybe 11 earth years old judging by her size. Seeing my little house in the distance, I quickened my pace again, feeling the rain pick up. I didn't want this young one to spend one more night alone out in the elements.
I made it home, sliding inside and closing the door behind me with a louder then usual thud, making sure to remove my muddy shoes. Looking down at the filly I had brought in, she was shivering and needed warmth immediately.
"Colgate! I need you down here now, honey!"
As soon as the word honey was uttered, I heard a thud upstairs and the sound of hooves trotting the down the stairs.
Looking to my left was a concerned and slightly annoyed blue mare.
"Babe, I really need my sleep but what's so impor.." Her words cut off as her eyes met the shivering filly in my arms.