Chapter One : An Unwanted, Yet Needed Visitor
Pickett Midnight had messed up. Oh she had messed up big time. She had hurt her right forehoof, the burning cut on her cheek was still bleeding, water soaked her body from the merciless storm that raged in the skies, and dozens, and dozens of royal guards were hastily chasing after her.
Pain, frustration, fear, and panic filled her being. She couldn't stop the tears from running down her cheeks, only making the bleeding cut burn to an almost unbearable level, her fatigued body feeling like it could faint any moment now.
The job was simple. Find a noble, entertain him with a ‘magic show’, rob him blind, get outta there.
Little did she know that said noble was actually a high ranked guard in disguise who would end up beating her ass, forcing her to run, to flee as squad after squad chased her injured flank. And her damned pride, which she really hated right now, prevented her from just dropping her loot and giving herself in.
And now she had barely managed to escape, only for one bad thing after the other to happen. Her legs were shaking, her breath heavy and her eyes foggy. She was in no condition to run, but she didn't care, she had to, she had to get somewhere, anywhere!
Pickett grimaced and flinched when she hit a bump on the road, tumbling down and rolling over the dirt. Great, now she was covered in mud as well. Standing up with her right hoof in the air, she could hear the guards calling for reinforcements, getting closer…
She had to find help.
She spotted a house, a quaint little cottage in the more rural area of Canterlot. It looked more like something one would find in Ponyville, with the white stone walls and thatched straw roof. It had a rather modest yard. A small birdbath out front, surrounded by a simple bed of flowers. A light could be seen from one of the windows, but she couldn’t see anypony through it. And that? That was perfect.
Tumbling and grunting in pain, she made her way to the cottage, circling around the house, she kept her eyes open for a darker room that seemed accessible enough. Bingo! The storage closet, and… window was locked. Dammit, she had no time for this! With a mumble and an obnoxious pain overtaking her mind, she used her magic to carefully unlock the window, doing so after mere seconds before jumping in and closing it down, panting heavily and sweating bullets as her soaked body just lay there next to a broom.
She did it…
She actually did it.
And now? It was finally time to close her eyes and rest. Heh. You did it again Pockets. You did it again…
When Pockets awoke, she noticed a couple of things. One, she wasn’t cold. In fact, she was feeling pretty snug and warm. Upon feeling around with her hooves, she could feel something soft. It took her sleepy brain a few minutes to work out she was in a bed. And a damn comfy one at that. Seriously, this was like the best bed she’d ever slept on.
The next thing she noticed was a silver band around her right hoof, and a curious sound coming from somewhere in the house. Some kind of humming?
“What the…” She mumbled as she groggily got up, her whole body aching like hell as she tried to clean her foggy eyes. She rolled off the bed, hissing in pain when she was reminded of her hurting hoof. Making sure to not step with it, she wobbily made her way towards the door, peeking through it to try and find the origin of the humming. She also happened to glance down, noticing that her hoof was wrapped in gauze and bandages, and that her mane and coat were oddly clean.
Putting that aside for now, she followed the voice until she reached a few rooms away and down some stairs. Peeking inside, she saw a brown-coated pegasus stallion humming to himself as he stood at the kitchen sink, his tail and rump swishing back and forth with the tune as he appeared to be washing dishes. There was also a delicious smell wafting from the stovetop.
Pockets couldn’t help but do two things. First…
Damn that booty.
Second, she took in a deep sniff and sighed in bliss, before realizing what she had done and, out of panic, closing the door with a rather loud slam. Oh crap… oh crap she’s done it now. She was so getting caught. Quickly, she tried to find a window, spotting a… rather small one on the wall the bed rested against or, well, the cloud. Luckily though she was the size of your average pony teen, and with a little smirk she began to make her way up to her freedom.
That is until she remembered that she had to use all her hooves for that. And well? Instead of just hopping out the little hole on the wall, she found herself struggling and mumbling as she tried to climb up, flailing her legs around and squeaking desperately.
“You know,” a calm, smooth voice said from behind her. It had a rather distinct accent too, one she couldn’t quite place. “There are easier ways to leave. But you might wait until after breakfast eh love?”
Pockets eeped and fell on her butt, biting down on her lip to stiffen her pained scream. Slowly she turned around to take a look at whoever was talking, giggling awkwardly and just preparing for the worst.
“Honestly,” the pegasus stallion from before sighed. From the front, she could see his brownish-green eyes. His mane was a darker brown than his coat, more of a chocolate, compared to the dark tan. A pink, frilly apron obscured his Cutie Mark though. “You know if you needed a place to crash. There are better locations than my broom closet.”
“Uhm… hi.” She blinked, caught completely by surprise, “I… take it you were the one behind all of this.” She mumbled, looking down at her bandages and th silver band, “Well this is awkward.”
“Well i had to do something,” the pegasus shrugged. “Oh, I also returned those stolen goods you had on you to a local Guard station.”
“Wait what!?” Pockets screamed, getting on her hooves only to fall again on her face, “Gah… w-why… wait dumb question. Better question, why didn’t you leave me with the guard then?”
“Well, maybe you had a reason for stealing, maybe I just took pity on an injured kid… I dunno… maybe I was just bored,” he shrugged. “Now come on, that porridge I made should be ready.”
Pockets deadpanned, hard. “I’m a grown up mare.” Porridge did sound good though…
“If you say so kid,” he called back. “Now come on, or I’ll eat your share too.”
“I’m not a kid!” Pockets shouted back as she wobbily moved to follow him, frowning at the stranger. She didn’t trust him, Something was very wrong in here. This stallion just randomly took her in and took care of her injuries even after finding out she had stolen a bunch of crap. That? That didn’t sound right at all. “M-My name’s Pickett, by the way. You know, like the fence. But most ponies just call me Pockets.”
“Huh, cause you’re a thief?” he chuckled. “And selling stolen goods is also called ‘fencing’. How about that.”
“Yup. Didn’t took you long to find out, most ponies just think it has to do with the fact that I’m ‘pocket-sized’.” She snorted and followed behind with the utmost care. “S-So… I guess I should thank you for helping me. Most wouldn’t, I know that much… so yeah, thanks. I’ll leave as soon as you want me to.”
“Eh, I got a reward for finding the stolen goods, so I’ll be keeping that,” he said as he took a seat at the table. “Oh right, my name’s Inspired Words.”
“Pretentious much?” She quipped with a gentle grin, one that died quickly as she realized that prooobably was kinda rude, “I… I mean… ahh.. J-just ignore me. I’ll just take a seat here. Yup.” She muttered, trying her hardest to avoid his gaze out of embarrassment and shame. She even had this adorable little blush on her cheeks, gaze shifting left and right nervously.
“Don’t be, of all the books I’ve written, I’ve hardly published a thing anyway,” the pegasus huffed. He pushed a bowl towards with with steaming porridge filling it almost to the brim. There was also a pot of honey and a mug of piping hot coffee.
“Oh wow… uhm… y-you didn’t have to you know? I could just grab the coffee and leave.” The unicorn mare replied, her shiny ocean blue eyes wide as platters as she stared at the meal.
“Uhuh, I’m pretty sure they can hear your stomach growl in the Crystal Empire… a thousand years ago,” he snorted. “Just eat already. I didn’t poison it or anything. And in case you were wondering, i didn’t do anything beyond clean and dress your wounds either.” A small smirk tugged at his lips. “Foals don’t really do it for me.”
“Hah, hah.” Pockets rolled her eyes and just grabbed the porridge, grumpily grabbing the spoon with her magic and eating it. And when she did…
Oh wow. That was good.
Immediately she began to practically devour the dish from the incredible hunger she was feeling, making a mess all over her face before finishing it all in a matter of mere minutes, humming in bliss and sighing in relief, “Damn… not bad, not bad at all.”
“Well, you eat like a kid,” Inspired chuckled. “Still, thanks I guess. Figured my cooking was passable at least.”
“Passable?” She snorted, “Please mister pretentious name, don’t get all humble now. That tasted great!” As she spoke, he noticed just how messy she had gotten, porridge all over her face.
Inspired just shook his head. “The bathroom is upstairs, next to the bedroom you were in.”
“Uhm… are you sure I can use it? I really don’t wanna be more of a bother to you” She mumbled out with a little embarrassed blush. Yeah… sometimes she really did act like a child.
“Just go,” he waved a wing. “And don’t steal anything.”
Okay yes. This was getting weirder and weirder by the second. She could question why he was being so damn nice, but… eh. Why question it now? She just had to take a bath and then leave! Simple as that!
She made her way up the stairs with gentle steps, making sure to not hurt her injured hoof. Soon enough, Inspired could hear the water running, and a rather melodic humming coming from the upper floor.
“Wonderful, she’s musical too,” he muttered to himself as he started to pack away dishes.
As he kept on doing that though… a pained scream caught his attention, followed by the sound of something breaking.
“Oh what now?” he sighed and ran up the stairs. “Hey! Kid!” he called out, banging on the door. “You okay? Blood is real hard to clean so please don’t be dead.”
“G-Gah! I… I slipped and fell on my injured hoof!” She groaned out in pain, “Hurts like a bitch, can’t even get up!”
The stallion sighed, both from relief and annoyance. “Right. Glad to hear it.” he turned and started to walk away from the door… Before sighing and turning back around. “You need help… don’t you?”
“N-No…” Pockets mumbled, “Maybe… yes…” She finally sighed in defeat. She wouldn’t risk completely losing her hoof just for being stubborn.
“Oh for fuck’s sake…” the stallion nudged the door open and was greeted with quite a sight.
“W-Wait not ye—!”
Pockets was there, inside the tub. Her head on the bottom of it, her butt high in the air, legs spread wide open and facing Inspired. And he had a very clear look at a certain part of her anatomy…
“Oh for Celestia’s sake!” he exclaimed and looked away, his wings blocking his eyes. “At least sit up you little pervert.”
“I told you, I’m stuck!” Pockets said right back with the brightest of blushes, “G-Gah! Nevermind, I can do this.” She mumbled and tried to squirm her way out of the tub, before gasping and squeaking in pain over, and over again, her eyes getting teary just from her efforts.
“Oh for the love of…” he was tempted just to throw her out of the window. But keeping his eyes closed, he inched closer and reached out with his wings…
He felt something rather… soft and wet… and then a soft, lewd moan made him realize what he had just made contact with, followed by an embarrassed gasp and then a growl as those powerful thighs clenched on his wing out of instinct, “W-WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?”
“Ow!” he winced. “Well I can’t bloody well see can I? Fricken crazy sheila. If you want help, let go of my bloody wing!”
Pockets did just that, huffing and crossing her arms, “Well then just freaking open your eyes! It’s not like you haven’t freaking seen a pussy before, right!?”
The stallion opted to remain silent.
The unicorn blinked and quirked a brow at this silence, replying with one simple question, “You haven’t, have you?”
“Oh just shut the hell up,” he grumbled as he took a quick peek to get his bearings before closing his eyes and helping her sit upright. “There. You happy now?”
Pockets hissed from the pain as she tried to move her hoof, taking a few deep breaths before nodding, “Yup… you can see now don’t worry.”
The stallion sighed as he opened his eyes. “Shoulda left you in the damned cupboard,” he grumbled. “Right, so what do you need help with, aside from giving an old stallion a fucking heart attack.”
“I... “ Pockets sighed and shook her head, “Nothing. I’ve been way too much of a bother already. I’ll just go and find a place to crash at.” She muttered and began to wobble her way out, hissing and grunting as she did, “Maybe I can find an old friend of mine and s-stay there… thanks for the help Inspired.”
The stallion sighed and easily lifted the smaller mare. Flying above her, he picked her up and deposited her into the tub, tapping the cloud above her to deposit warm water.
“Wait…” The unicorn blinked in confusion, “What… what are you doing? I thought you wanted me gone...”
“Don’t put words in my mouth,” he grumbled as he reached for a bottle of shampoo. “Now close yer eyes.”
Pockets blinked as she stared at him with a rather adorable pink blush, barely hidden by her dark fur. “Alright…” She took a deep breath and clenched her eyes shut in a rather amusing way, putting way too much effort into it.
He just shook his head as he poured some shampoo into his hooves and started to scrub the dirt and grime from her name.
“Bloody Tartarus, did you live in a sewer before this?” he commented, discovering her mane was actually a royal purple, instead of an almost black.
“I actually don’t have a home so… kind of.” She mumbled out, “Blehg! Got some shampoo in my mouth…”
He just remained calm as he continued to scrub. “Now, mind tellin’ me why you picked my house to hide out in? Plus, I hope thieving is all you did. I won’t house a murderer.”
“Yours was the prettier looking out of all of them?” Pockets tried to lie with a rather nervous, silly grin.
“I’m serious kid,” he said sternly and she became acutely aware how close those strong hooves were to her horn. “And don’t think about lying to me.”
“Okay, okay. No need to get feisty.” Pockets mumbled and rolled her eyes, “First of all, your house looked the least safe out of all the ones of the neighborhood. I knew I could sneak in without setting off any sort of alarm. Second of all, no I have never killed anything but flies, because they’re annoying. That’s my golden rule, never hurt anyone… except I broke it last night by hurting myself… a lot.”
He had paused as she told her little tale, and it was a tense few moments before he continued washing her. “Alright. I believe you.”
“You know… I could help you secure it. If… if you want.” Pockets mumbled out as she kept her eyes almost painfully clenched close, “Of course that’d entail me hanging around for a bit more.”
“What do you mean, ‘secure it’?” he asked, now moving to rubbing her back.
“Any thief can sneak into your house with just the right tools, which mind you, aren’t hard to get.” Pockets sighed as she felt his hooves get to work, squirming slightly and squeaking like a toy when he hit a small cut on her coat, one of many she had gotten last night, “I know a thing or two about robbing places, if I can get in, I can stop others from getting in as well.”
“Hm, well I haven’t got anything worth stealing,” he said as he noted the injuries. “Unless my would-be robber is a bookworm.” he filled a wooden bucket with water. “Right, close yer eyes again.” She did so as he dumped the pail over her to rinse the soap from her mane and coat. “There, pretty as a pint-sized picture.”
Pockets couldn’t help but both blush and pout angrily (and thus adorably) as she crossed her arms, “You’ll never stop with the short jokes, will you?”
“Then stop being short,” he smirked back. “Now, I assume you can dry yourself off?”
“Only after I’m done cleaning the rest of ‘me’ up, yeah.” She couldn’t help but chuckle, looking down into the water and smiling, “Again… thanks for everything. Now go on, I’ll be fine. I have parts I really doubt you’re gonna want to scrub for me… unless I’m wrong. In which case you’re very much welcome to keep helping me~” She smirked with a playful wink, only to receive a washcloth to the face as he walked out of the room with a huff. “Byeeee!” she exclaimed as she waved him off.
Once she was clean, she ambled into an adjoining room as per his request. Once there, he gave her a small nod.
“Up on the bed with you,” he said and patted that amazingly comfy mattress.
“Wait, what about you?” The mare tilted her head curiously, “Where are you going to sleep at? Because if this is your only bed I can just go sleep on the couch or something. Better than most beds I usually sleep in.”
“I get it, your life sucks,” he said with a sigh. “I’m going to treat those cuts before they get infected. And yes, it’s gonna hurt more than a buck to the teeth. Now up here, brat.”
“First of all, don’t freaking call me brat…” She mumbled as she made her way towards him, “Second of all. Never said my life sucked. Just that you’ve only heard the sucky parts. Third of all… yeah I got nothing I’m just scared as hell now.”
“Ever been burned by dragon fire?” he asked as he closed the door and fetched a jar of the foulest-smelling substance she’d ever had the displeasure of smelling. And that was saying something.
“N-No, and I’m not planning to.” She blurted out as she tried really hard to not puke, “But come on, it can’t be that bad. I am a freaking strong mare and I can so deal with anything!”
Oh she was about to eat those words.
The second that goop hit her wounds, they burned like the fires of Tartarus. Pockets demanded Celestia banish her from the sun, because that’d likely be colder! She bit down on the pillow to stiffen her screams, which even so still made Inspired flinch from how high pitched and loud it was. Still… he could easily see she was trying her hardest to put on a brave face, a half-smile attempting to force its way into her muzzle.
“Yeah, I warned you,” he said as he continued. “But it works. Believe be. Stings like a bitch, but you’ll be right as rain in a day or two. I suppose i can deal with you until then. You’re small, so you don’t take up much room.”
Pockets could have snarked, yet she was too busy trying not to scream. Her eyes became teary, and her body trembled, her shaky hooves holding onto the bed sheet for dear life. And yet still, she smiled. Even with all the crazy burning pain, she smiled.
“Almost done,” he said, and she noted his tone was a lot softer. “Just have to dress them with some bandages and…” A few minutes later, he was done, though Pockets almost looked like a mummy now. “Now, think you can wait here for a moment? Then I’ll take a look at that hoof.”
“S-Sure…” She whispered out, rubbing her cheeks against the pillow to try and get rid of the tears. She could smell ink and coffee in the pillows. He left the room, and she was all alone for a moment. But he soon returned.
And he was carrying a bowl of ice-cream on one of his wings.
Pockets’ eyes widened and almost as if miraculously, her forced, pained grin turned into a wide smile, one of the widest Inspired had ever seen in his life, “Is… is that for me?”
“Yeah sure,” he chuckled and placed it on the bedside table next to her. “I’m surprised, I curse like a motherbucker when I use that stuff.”
“Hey… can’t have you thinking of me as weak.” She giggled softly, grimacing slightly from the still burning cuts yet soon ignoring all that as she got her first spoonful of the sweet delight. Once it reached her mouth?
This must be what heaven tasted like.
She moaned in delight and kept on eating more, and more, and more, enjoying every bite like if there was no tomorrow. The sweet taste of the apple, not overwhelming, not too faint. It was just right. And she simply adored it!
“I take it that you like it?” he snorted as he used the distraction to look at her hoof. It didn’t appear broken, though it was swollen. And falling on it earlier likely didn’t help things. “Yeah, you’ve jacked this up pretty good. Looks like a sprain, so you should be right in a few days.”
“Good to know.” Pockets said with her mouth still full of ice cream, gulping it all down with a sigh “I can still work on your house on the mean time, pay you for all your help with a little more security and whatnot. After all, you may be surprised of how many thieves are also bookworms. Just look at me!”
“You can read?” he asked, sounding surprised.
“No, I’m a dumb little kid who doesn’t even know how to- OF COURSE I CAN READ!” She huffed and folded her forelegs, “Idiot…”
“Fishing for a reaction from you is too easy,” he smirked as he took the empty bowl. “Now, it’s early and i have some errands to run. Think I can trust you to stay here and not steal my stuff?”
She simply deadpanned in response. Her body was completely covered in the bandages, and she could barely even move an inch, “Seriously?”
“I’m not underestimating your determination,” he said as he turned around. “You know where the kitchen is, so if you get hungry or thirsty, just raid the fridge.” he picked up some well-worn saddlebags and put them on. “I’ll be back in an hour, maybe two. And don’t worry… i won’t tell the Guard you’re here.”
And with that, he exited the room and she soon saw him flying off through the window, headed towards the city center.
Pockets sighed as she just lay down, closing her eyes and wondering what the buck she was going to do now that she was at a complete stranger’s house, bandaged from head to hoof, unable to do anything but use her magic. And even then, most complicated spells hurt her head, meaning she just couldn’t teleport around and leave…
Plus truth be told, this was a rather nice place. And considering one of her only friends and parental figure was in jail at the moment, she… truly had no place to go. Maybe, just maybe… maybe she could just stay there for a little longer.
Plus… didn’t he say that he had a bunch of books lying around?
Inspired let out a weary sigh as he nudged open the door to his home. Well, time to see what that little brat stole. So far his home seemed to be in one piece. He’d left a small pouch of bits on the side table near the door… those were still there. And a quick inspection of the kitchen showed what little food he had left was there… Huh.
As he passed his study, he frowned and turned back… only to have his eyes widen.
“That little muffmuncher stole my bucking books!?” he yelled. “Seriously!?”
Then he heard a strange faint noise from the room upstairs… something had fallen off. His ear flicked and he headed for his bedroom. If that thief was still here, he was going to tan her hide.
Flinging the door to his room open, he looked around… and honestly did not expect what he saw…
Pockets was flailing her arm around as she tried to grab hold of a fallen book, a rather tidy pile of many other books not far from her bed, books he easily recognized as his own, “Almost… got it!”
“What the shit?” was all he could say as he stared at the petite mare.
Pockets blinked and looked up at him, before smiling softly as she tilted her head cutely, “Hiya! Back so soon already? I was just… checking some of your stuff up!” She mumbled as she kept on stretching her leg, almost grabbing hold of said fallen book, “You don’t mind right?”
“...What are you doing?” he deadpanned, motioning at her leg. “You’re going to reopen your wounds.”
“I’m fine!” Pockets squeaked and stretched a little more, “Almost got it… almost got it!”
“Pop quiz,” Inspired said, his flat tone continuing. “What’s that thing on your forehead?”
Pockets remained silent for a few seconds, her face slowly turning into a confused expression… and then it hit her. “Oh.” Her horn started to glow and so did the book, bringing it closer to her, “Oh I… I knew that of course. Just that I have to stretch and whatnot to keep my muscles working, yeah that. You know, typical injured stuff.” She mumbled with a faint blush of embarrassment, laying back on the bed and opening the book once more.
“Mhm,” he nodded and turned around. “Also, don’t get your hopes up. Those books are all crap.” And with a small huff, he turned and left the room. He needed to put the groceries away.
“You know…” The unicorn called from inside the room, “As far as I’ve read… I’ve actually liked it a lot. Yes it’s not perfect or the best book ever, but it’s one of the funnest, most heartfelt things I’ve read in awhile. The only crappy thing about these is that they never got published.”
“Tch!” he just clicked his tongue and left the kid to her reading. She could hear him trotting down the stairs, before sounds were coming from the kitchen.
Pockets sighed and rolled her eyes, before continuing her reading, chuckling softly at the funny parts, gasping when suspense came into the mix, and cheering inwardly whenever the hero succeeded. And she kept on reading for the rest of the day…
And when Inspired came to check on her? She was cuddling up with the book, snoring softly as a strand of hair fell on her face.
He let out a sigh, cleaning up the loose books and setting them neatly into stacks. He idly looked at one title. A romance novel he’d penned about Princess Platinum.
“No idea what you see in these,” he muttered as he set it aside and poked her with a hoof. “Hey! Wake up. Dinner’s almost ready.”
Suddenly, the sleeping mare grabbed his hoof… before pulling him into the bed with rather surprising amount of strength and hugging him, “Hmm… soft…” She mumbled out, resting her head on his shoulder.
“H-hey!” he frowned, blushing lightly and poked her again. “Oi, I said wake up!”
“Hmmm?” Pockets muttered out as her eyes slowly opened up, “What… what’s going…” And then she realized, her eyes wide as platters as a blush overtook her cheeks, “H-Hi. Uhm, this… this is awkward.”
“Ya think?” the pegasus deadpanned. “You mind letting me go? Otherwise dinner is going to burn.”
“S-Sure, sorry.” She nodded and moved back, fiddling with her hooves, “By the way, I-I finished it.”
“Finished what?” he asked as he stood up, fluffing his wings.
Pockets pointed at the book that had fallen on the floor once more, “The story. I… really liked the ending. Can’t wait to know what happens with Princess Platinum. She’s a really fun and complex and cute and badass character. I like her, a lot.”
“Yeah well, good luck there,” he muttered. “Cause I never wrote another one.”
“Wait seriously!?” Pockets immediately sat up with a look of utter shock on her face. No, that couldn’t be it, it couldn’t! “B-But why? Tell me you’re at least working on the sequel!”
“Nope, never did,” he replied. “Sorry kid. But I guess you’ll never know.” He stood up and started heading for the door. “Now let’s go, dinner’ll be ready soon.”
Pockets sighed and flattened her ears, slowly moving out of the bed and half-hopping her way to the kitchen, “Well that’s a bummer… but it’s fine I guess. I’ll just have to make my own version of the story and finish it then!” She grinned. Yes she knew she not a writer in any shape way or form, but she was going to give it a try dammit!
“Pfft, you?” he snorted. “If you wrote it, you’d turn Platinum into some kind of degenerate.”
“Well that’s one way to treat a fan of your work.” She huffed and rolled her eyes, “Fine, think whatever you want of me. Won’t stop me from writing. Heck! I’ll do drawings to accompany it!” And yes, she also sucked at those.
“Oh, you can draw?” he asked, thinking she actually could.
“I’m like, the best artist ever. Then again, I have this kinda alternative style of drawing, it’s so weird and unique many think it’s not even art.” Pockets puffed her chest proudly with a rather adorable goofy grin.
The stallion sighed and rolled his eyes. “So you suck then.”
“Be thankful I’m keeping my innuendos away for your sake.” Pockets deadpanned right back at him, “Anyways, let’s just eat before this becomes a snark-battle eh?”
“Yeah yeah,” he muttered as he dished up what he’d brought for dinner. A bowl of baked potatoes. Leafy greens and a side of alfredo pasta. He’d also bought some non-alcoholic cider. “Here, I know it isn’t much.”
“No, no, it’s cool. I still appreciate it.” Pockets smiled as she started to munch on the pasta, “So what were you up to all day huh?”
“Shopping,” he replied. Single word. Nothing more.
“Oh… huh.” The unicorn blinked before shrugging, “Well anyways. I’ve actually been kinda busy, was checking your house out while you were gone. And… woah boy, don’t you need to get some shit done.”
“I thought you were too sore to move,” he pointed out, not looking up from his plate.
“I didn’t. I just moved the bed with me on it. It’s… actually kinda light, way too light really.” Pockets pointed out with a quirked brow, “I think this accident may have like, given me super powers or something. My magic’s usually not that strong… wait.” She put her fork down, and her eyes widened up, “What if I’m destined to be the new Princess? Oh my gosh that would be awesome! Princess Midnight, the Princess of Ice Cream and Fun!”
“It’s a cloud mattress,” he replied calmly, promptly raining on that particular parade. “Why do you think you’re wearing that cloudwalking charm around your leg?” he wing gestured to the silver band she’d forgotten she was wearing.
“Oh, right. I thought it was just one of the things I had stolen really.” The unicorn replied with a snort, “Welp, there goes that idea. By the way I’m still wondering what your plan is. I won’t sleep in the bed if it means you’re sleeping somewhere way more uncomfortable by the way. Unless you’re counting on me leaving tonight.”
“Forget about it,” he said with a dismissive wave of his hoof. “Your injuries will be fine in a day or three. And I don’t sleep much anyway. I can handle sleeping elsewhere.”
“Nope. You get me food, you clean me up, you patch my wounds and now you want me to take your bed?” The unicorn snorted, “Nah dude. I’m sleeping on the sofa, don’t worry about that.”
“It’s fine, I have a cloud in my study to sleep on,” he said.
“Oh, okay I guess that works.” Pockets mused and shrugged, “I’ll sleep in your study then. Should help me put your books back in place.”
“Just keep the bed,” he muttered. “Damn kid. I’m tryin’ to be nice here.”
Pockets smirked, shooting him a wink , “And I’m trying to be a good guest. So just suck it up buttercup and let me have this. The least I can do with how much you’ve helped me.”
So the end result was him carrying the protesting unicorn to his bed, tossing her onto it and leaving the room to go into his study downstairs.
“That’s cheating!” Pockets shouted with a pout, “You’re a dirty cheater!”
“Such is life,” he called back.
“I’ll be having revenge for this!” Pockets shouted, “Just wait and see!”
It was well into the late hours of the evening, maybe one or two past midnight. Inspired sat at his desk, staring at a blank page as a still-unused quill sat in the inkwell next to him. The white paper continued to mock him, even after he picked it up and threw it across the room with a frustrated growl.
“Still nothing,” he muttered as he blew out the candle, sitting in the silent darkness.
The next morning, Inspired woke up, did his morning rituals and put the kettle on to make some coffee. Then he trotted upstairs to check on his resident invalid.
When he walked into the room, he… noticed something rather peculiar. The unicorn had slept with something on her head,a notebook of sorts. He didn’t want to question where that had come from, but with the way she was drooling? Chances were that she was going to ruin it. With a sound akin to a sigh mixed with a chuckle. He took the book from her head and went to place it on the bedside table…
Though curiosity got the better of him and he opened it up…
‘Princess Platinum’s Super Adventure of Awesomeness!’
‘Princess Platinum was a super duper awesome Princess that lived in the land of Mysteria. It had been several years since she had defeated the evil demon Hanon! And peace finally roamed throughout the land…’
As he read, he noticed the little drawings spread throughout the pages. They were bad… but at the same time kinda cute, like a kid’s drawings really. And although at first the pages seemed to be nothing but what looked like a filly’s attempt at fanfiction… soon he noticed that the unicorn wasn’t half bad, the story taking a few rather unexpected, more mature turns. She got the character's’ personality fairly well. And even though she was far from what a professional could do… it was obvious she had been trying really hard to make something decent. And the drawings reflected this somewhat, getting slightly better with each passing page.
“Huh…” was all he said as he set the notebook on the table. Well that was certainly interesting. He turned back to the mare and then suddenly blushed. Dammit! This brat had no sense of decency though. He muttered under his breath as he pulled the covers over her.
“Please don’t leave…” She whispered to herself, yet it was still loud enough for the Pegasus to hear, “Please… I don’t want to be alone again.” She shifted in her sleep, her eyes clenching slightly, turning into a soft, pained expression.
“You and me both,” He sighed and picked up a book, taking a seat next to the bed. “I’m here,” he said softly as he started to read…
Pockets’ mumbling and stuttering began to calm down, her sudden movement reduced to soft breathings as the sleeping mare was appeased once more… truth be told, she was rather cute when she slept, half-cuddled into a little ball as her messy hair rested on her face. And in the middle of the reading, she even used a hind leg to scratch herself behind the ear just like a dog would do, only to turn around and face him directly, a soft smile growing on her tender lips.
It took a good five minutes before he realised he was staring at her. He shook his head and snorted, trying to turn and focus on his book.
“Thank you…” A whisper came from the seemingly still asleep mare.
He just gave a dismissive snort and kept reading.
And so minutes passed, until Pockets finally decided to open her eyes, saying nothing, just listening attentively. She couldn’t help but feel… calm, relaxed, at ease. Something she hadn’t felt in a long, loong time.
“So, you actually awake now?” the stallion suddenly said, not looking up from his book.
“Have been for the last four pages.” Pockets whispered right back, “But… mind continuing? It’s… nice, you’re a very good reader. It’s like if your voice was made to read. I… kinda like it.”
He was reading aloud? Damn, he tended to do that, just to fill the quiet house with some noise. “Fine,” he groused and turned the page, his voice falling into Reading Mode. It was much less gruff and forced snark. More smooth and light.
Pockets smiled again as she heard him speak. Soon enough, her head was leaning against him, her eyes closed as she simply listened. This brought back so many memories… of both her ‘father’ and Miss Wide Heart who took care of her as well reading her bedtime stories when she was but a filly. Then again, her dad used to add his own twists to the stories, turning classics like Red Riding Filly Hood into a ghetto story about betrayal and stuff. They were rather hilarious.
And soon, he came to the end of the chapter. Setting the book aside,he turned to look at her. “Good enough?” he asked. “Because ah need to check yer wounds.”
“Mhm.” She nodded and opened her eyes… before pecking his cheek, “Thank you.” She whispered before laying on her stomach and resting there, giving him full access to her injuries.
He fought down the blush that graced his cheeks and snorted. “Yeah well…” He huffed and started taking off her bandages. The cuts had already healed over. And the swelling on her hoof had gone down as well. That goop sure did it’s trick. Inspired made a reminder to thank the Changeling that sold it to him.
“Right, I think you should take another shower,” he said. “Then I’ll redress your more serious injuries.”
“Alright. Are you helping me out with this one as well?” She quirked a brow playfully.
“Just get in there,” he grumbled and folded his forelegs.
The unicorn giggled and got on her hooves, actually able to walk somewhat. “Alright. See you in a bit!” She smiled and walked out the room, shaking her rear slightly with a nice happy hum. He blinked for a moment and looked away.
“Bloody little pervert,” he muttered under his breath.
The moment Pockets got into the tub, she couldn’t help but take a deep breath… before facehooving hard and rubbing her eyes, “What the fuck are you doing Pockets? You don’t even know this guy that well, you shouldn’t freaking trust anypony that gets all kind with you. You know that leads to trouble!” She mumbled and just lay there, looking up at the ceiling, “I really need to work on keeping my feelings on check. I don’t want to end up falling for this guy as well… even if he is pretty sweet, as grumpy as he may act, and… well his writing is pretty good, I like it a lot. He’s kind, helpful, gentle, and dat booty though… gah! Stop it, stop it Pockets!” She smacked herself and then huffed, “Okay, no falling in love! You’ll hang out with him for a couple of days max, and then you go home okay? Okay!”
“What the hell was that?” Inspired muttered to himself. “Why the Tartarus were you looking at her ass? Cute as she is, she’s a bloody kid.” He groaned and put a hoof to his head. “I’ve been cooped up inside for too long. Maybe a scene change? Cloudsdale? Or Maybe Ponyville?”
He tossed the bandages aside and fetched fresh ones. “Gods, why did I even save her in the first place? Cause I felt sorry for her? Cause I wanted somepony around the house?” he sighed and looked at her notebook. “I wish you were still here… you’d know what to do. You always did…”
Knock knock knock.
The sound snapped him out of his monologue and her looked towards the door. “Yeah?”
“Royal guard, please open up. We have some questions for you sir, we’re asking all over the neighborhood.”
Ahhhh crapbaskets.
“C-Coming,” he called and knocked on the bathroom door. “Oi!” he said with a loud whisper. “Stay in there and don’t come out!”
“Shhh! I know, don’t blow my cover!” Pockets said right back as he heard some shifting happen, the running water reaching a halt, “Go, go!”
He headed for the door and after a moment, opened it up.
“Now, what do yeh want?” he said, trying to sound annoyed. “I’m a busy stallion and don’t like to be bothered this early in the bloody morning.”
“My apologies sir.” A tall slim earth pony mare guard said, carrying some sort of paper with her, “But we’re having trouble finding a suspect from a case a few days ago. Was wondering if you could help me.”
“I barely leave my house,” he muttered and took the sheet. “What suspect?”
The guard raised the piece of paper. A wanted poster, and Pockets’ face was plastered all over it, “This twenty two year old mare stole one of Celestia’s most prized possessions, a necklace, enchanted one. We can’t get into details but if you have heard or seen anything…” A hundred thousand bits. That was the price on Pockets. A hundred. Thousand. Bits.
“That’s quite the reward,” he said, looking at the poster. “But, wasn’t the stolen necklace returned? Quite a price for a failure of a thief.”
“The necklace wasn’t amongst the stolen goods sadly.” The guard shook her head, “We believe she hid it while escaping. This necklace holds enough power to turn a regular unicorn into an alicorn-level mage. It must be retrieved immediately.”
“Huh, quite the pickle you have there,” he said. “Sorry, but I haven’t seen anything Ma’am.”
“Are you certain? Reports indicate the loot was found around here. And likewise, this is the last area where she was spotted. Although there’s the theory that she may have died on the run, which would be… well… unfortunate.”
“It always is when a senseless death occurs,” he replied with a biting tone. “Too bad the Guard weren’t so concerned when my only sister died in the Changeling invasion a few years back hm? Oh, the princesses were attacked, forget the little pegasus mare that had her life energy sucked out of her!”
The mare stiffened up and gulped, rubbing the back of her head nervously, “O-Okay… I feel like that’s about it with the questions. Th-thanks for the help sir. Have a good day.” And as soon as she said this, she ran as far away and as fast from the uncomfortableness as possible.
He snorted and closed the door behind him. Taking a deep breath, he peered out the window and watched the guard flee. Once she was out of sight.
“You’re clear,” he called out.
“Oh good…” Pockets mumbled as he heard a few things tumble down,” You can come in by the way. Not like I have anything you haven’t seen before...”
“What have you done now?” he sighed and stepped into the bathroom.
And found all the stuff that had been on his cabinet on the floor and sink. From the looks of it, Pockets had the bright idea of hiding inside the cabinet… then again she did have the size for it.
He took a deep breath and exhaled. “You’re stuck in the cupboard… aren’t you?” he asked calmly, borderlining on deadpan.
“Maybe?” She replied with the least convincing smile ever.
“That’s twice now,” he said as he took her hoof and started easing her out of the tight space. “Twice that I’ve lied to the Royal Guard for your sake. And yet, maybe I should hand your flank over for that hundred-thousand bit reward hm?”
“The moment you even consider that I’ll just get the hell out of here and you’ll never see me again buddy.” The unicorn deadpanned and grunted slightly from the pull. Oh wow… she was pretty damn stuck.
“Or,” he grunted as he tugged a bit harder. How the buck doid she even get in here? “You can tell me where that necklace is. I’ll discreetly return it and we’ll be done with this crap…” she wasn’t budging, so he took her hoof and pulled as hard as he could.
“N-Necklace? What are you even ta-gah! W-Wait! Almost.. Almo— EEP!”
Thud
She landed right on top of him. Her chest against his own, their muzzles inches away from each other, his eyes gazing right into her deep blue, hypnotizing own. He could feel her rapid heart beat, her warmth, her soft fur. And as she looked down at him, she couldn’t help but blush brightly.
And she couldn’t help but notice his own blush as they lay there for a few awkward moments, before the stallion coughed and then rolled her off of him onto the floor. He grunted and got to his hooves, fluffing his wings up and snorting.
“So, out with it,” he said. “Where’d you hide the necklace? The Guards are searching the whole damned city for you.”
Pockets just stared at him dumbfoundedly for a little while, before shaking her head and clearing her mind, rubbing the back of her head, “Okay… I have no idea of what you’re talking about. I don’t remember any necklace and all the stuff I robbed was on the pile you found.”
“Oh, so let me guess,” he snarked. “It was some other thief that stole a necklace that powers up unicorns to alicorn level hm?”
Pockets thought over it for a few seconds, before nodding, “Yesss… maybe. I have no idea but your theory is better than mine.”
“You have got to be bloody kidding,” he sighed. “Look, I don’t know what your deal is. But I won’t help some little unicorn with curing her magic envy!”
Pickett just stared at him, her ears flattening, a soft sigh escaping her muzzle, “You… don’t believe me do you? Fine… I’m just surprised it took you this long to not trust me.” She said softly, trying her best at a smile and nodding, “I’ll just go then. Won’t have you risking your safety for me. If what you’re saying is true then the guard must be looking for my head far and wide. Best I can do is try and find out the truth and whatnot so… yeahp. Thanks.” She nodded and turned towards the door, ready to leave.
“Swear it to me,” he said suddenly.
“What?” She blinked and stopped her advance.
“Swear it to me that you’re telling the truth,” he said firmly. “Look me right in the eyes and tell me that you didn’t steal that necklace.”
Pickett turned to him and looked straight into his eyes, her expressions soft, yet trustworthy, not a hint of lies or deception on those glimmering blue eyes of hers, “I promise that I didn’t steal that necklace, in fact, I don’t even know what that necklace is or does.”
“Gives a unicorn, alicorn magic,” he stated plainly.
“And now I’m sad that I didn’t get my hooves on it.” Pockets said with a blink before snorting, “Kidding… so, are you still keeping me around?”
“You’d just come crawling back when you get hungry anyway,” he muttered. “Right, now clean up. We’re going out.”
“Wait for real? Where?” The unicorn asked as she hopped back onto the tub.
“The Guard station,” he simply said as he walked out of the room.
Pockets froze. Her eyes shot wide open and her mind was filled with panic. She simply raised a hoof and took a deep breath… before hopping out of the tub and trying to dash her way out the door.
She never made it past there, as he was still on the other side and caught her. “Oye, and where are you going?”
“Nope, nope, nope!” She kept on repeating, trying her hardest to duck, hop, and slide past him.
“Hey!” he said, raising his voice. “We can’t help if you have to remain in hiding. You just asked me to trust you yeah? Well, now I’m asking you to trust me in return. Let me sort this out for you?”
“So they can ignore you and just grab me and take me away? No thanks!” She grunted out and kept on trying, her horn glowing slightly, flickering as she attempted to teleport, “I trust you bud, believe me. But I’ll never freaking trust them!”
“Then don’t, just trust me,” he said, flicking her horn with a wing. “Look, I have a plan okay?”
Oohhh, that was not the smirk of a stable stallion…
“... Nope!” She began to focus harder on her horn, channeling as much magic as she could muster into it. She could do it, she could teleport away!
Then he leaned over and licked her horn.
The unicorn couldn’t help but blush and let out the lewdest, most sensual moan he had ever heard, her magic dying down immediately. “W-What the heck!?” She squeaked and stepped back, crossing her legs and covering her horn with her hooves, “That thing is sensitive you idiot!”
“I know,” he replied, wiping his mouth. He was not going to admit that her horn was kind of tasty… a little sour, yet still sweet, “Now, if you’re quite done acting like a bloody idiot. We’re going to sort this out. I just need a few items first…”
“I have no way out of this one do I?” She mumbled as she rubbed her horn clean of the saliva.
“Nope,” he replied as he vanished into his walk-in closet. A few moments later, he emerged, wearing a heavy overcoat, a wide brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses. It was almost impossible to tell there was a pony under there.
“Uhm…” Pockets blinked and turned to the calendar, “Yeah no, it’s not Nightmare Night yet. Then why the hell are you disguised as ‘one hell of a shady pony’?”
“Reasons,” he commented. “Now come on, this outfit is hot as hell.”
“This plan already has ‘failure’ written all over it.” Pockets mumbled as she walked right behind him, “You sure this is going to work?”
“Eh… it’s valid enough maybe,” he shrugged. “Just gotta sell it the right way.”
“And how confident are you in your selling skills?”
“Fairly,” he mused as he walked out the front door.
Pockets narrowed her eyes, yeaaah that wasn’t convincing at all, “And with fairly you mean…”
“Luck is on our side,” he beamed.
“Oh yaaay…” Pickett said unenthusiastically. Yeah she just couldn’t help but have her doubts about this.
And about an hour later, the pair stood before the Guard station, and with some… minor pushing, Inspired shoved her inside, following afterwards.
And as soon as she stepped in… The sound of many guards raising their blades, lances, bows, and shackles was heard. Pockets maaay or maay not have dealt with every single one of them at some point or another.
“Wow, aren’t you the popular one,” Inspired chuckled.
“H-Hey guuuys!” She giggled nervously and rushed to hide behind Inspired, “Okay, you distract them and I’ll run away as fast as I can. We meet in fifth street and—”
He rolled his eyes and stepped forward. “Okay guys, can we talk about this for a moment. I have some information regarding your case.”
“What the hell is going on in here? I swear…” Came a feminine huff as a mare of yellow coat and black mane appeared from the multitude, her cutie mark two lances crossed together over a shield. She spotted the mare, recognizing her face almost immediately, and then she looked at the stallion, before narrowing her eyes, “Alright you, move away from the suspect and let us do our thing. It’s ten in the morning and I’ve been awake for six damn hours, I haven’t had my coffee, and I just had to deal with a gang of drunk idiots who kept on groping me and I swear I almost got arrested for murder. So you don’t want to mess with me.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Inspired replied and looked at a guard. “Don’t stand there slackjawed, get this poor mare a coffee!”
Many of the guards just looked at each other in confusion… before rushing off to go do just that. The mare quirked a brow and furrowed her brow at him, eyes fixed on him and the thief mare suspiciously, “Alright smart guy. What are you playing?”
“Well, I have some important information for you Miss…?” Inspired rolled a hoof.
“Lines, Captain Secure Lines.” The mare huffed, not amused in the slightest, “And what is this ‘information’ you claim to have. Also hornhead, you dare to take another step and we’re shoving you in a cell right this instant.”
Pockets stopped moving. She had been tip-toeing her way out while the other two were busy talking. It just hadn’t worked.
“Pockets, sit. Stay!” Inspired said before turning back to Secure. “Right, well as I was going to say. I believe you have the wrong pony.”
“Oh so you're telling me the pony that was caught red-hooved stealing from a guard in disguise that had just came out of a magically reinforced vault to transport one of the most dangerous devices out there, is in fact innocent.“ Secure deadpanned, just as a young guard came into view to give her her morning coffee, “Thank you Frisk.”
“Well yes,” Inspired nodded. “Now, explain something to me. One, did anypony actually see her take the necklace?”
“The guard that was assigned to it said the necklace was gone when she bumped into him. “ Secure replied, taking a sip of her coffee and grimacing slightly. It was still hot.
“Well, then what?” Inspired asked. “Did he even think to see if she was alone?”
Secure’s gaze narrowed at the thought, “Are you implying she worked with somepony else?”
“Well that’s one theory at least, or the most plausible one,” Inspired said. “Now look. I’ll admit I have no proof of this. Beyond her telling me that she didn’t steal the necklace. I know you guards have lie-detections spells, and if she is right, then the necklace isn’t hidden, but still in the hooves of somepony else.”
Pockets gulped nervously. Lie-detector spells were not a good sign. They'd take her out of the necklace deal and put her in a dozen more different cases. “I… I'm not sure—”
“Deal. But only because you're cute, you amuse me, and you got me coffee.” Secure snorted as she turned and motioned to follow them. With the powers of coffee to her side, she was starting to feel more like her usual self.
“Now, I do have a request,” Inspired asked, looking around as if he was being watched.
“Hm? If it ain't something dumb then shoot.” Secure replied, not taking her eyes off the path.
“Well, if she is right,” Inspired said. “You see, I have… rather a crippling social anxiety. It’s almost impossible for me to leave the house, unless I’m dressed like this,” he said. He sounded so… natural at it. “And I know that the punishment for theft is either dungeon time, or community service.” he’d studied up on laws when writing a crime thriller. “So, I’ll pay her bail, in exchange that she become my assistant. Does my shopping, goes to pay my bills. That sort of thing.”
Pockets’ jaw fell to the floor. First of all that was a blatant lie and a very good one at that. Second of all… she didn't even know how to pay a bill! Did she have to go talk with a guy named Bill and pay him money? She had no idea!
But Secure said nothing. Instead she just opened a door and motioned them to step inside. Inspired stepped in, with Pockets following close behind. And once Secure went in as well, she locked the door and sighed, rubbing her eyes. “Pockets what the actual buck is wrong with you? I swear...”
“Hey! I know I fucked up this time! But come on you can't believe that necklace story bullshit.”
“I never did. I know you well enough to know that if you actually had it half the world would be Ice Cream by now…” Secure mumbled and rolled her eyes, before turning to Inspired, “Now you. Spill the beans. You don't even have crippling anxiety do you?”
“...I'm sorry wut?” Inspired blinked. What the actual fuck was going on here!?
Secure looked out the door window and closed the curtain, “Alright this stays between us. Me and Pickett have been friends since two years ago when she saved my flank from a street gang. I've been saving her own over, and over, and over again ever since. Now speak bud.” She turned to Inspired and narrowed her gaze, “Who are you and what unfortunate event lead you to get involved with this twerp?”
“Heeey!” Pockets huffed.
“Inspired Words, and I found her in my closet. Your Guards fucked her up pretty bad,” he said with a small frown. “She had a head wound that definitely came from the edge of a lance, or maybe a pike. Her right foreleg was twisted and strained, not to mention emotional and mental fatigue.”
“She resists arrest and the stolen object was of the upmost importance! “ Secure shot back, “I keep on telling her that if she gets caught, she has to give herself in or that would happen! But nooo. She's too cool to go on trial, so I have to bust my butt to save her.”
“Sounds about right,” he snorted. “Two days, and she’s been a total pain in my ass. She looks like a damned kid, is a shameless pervert and ate all my ice-cream.”
“Heeey!” Pockets pouted as her ears flattened, “I'm not that bad… “
“Yes you are Pickett. Anyways… in regards to your request Mister Words.” The Pegasus mare mused and tapped the table, “The fine for stolen goods and even vandalism, at least for her, is rather high. I could help you but it'd still be quite a bit. “
“You knock down a statue by accident and break its nose and nobody will ever let it go.” Pockets said flatly at the ‘vandalism’ part.
“No, I fully intend to have her work it off,” he said. “So, what’s the magic number officer?”
“Half of the reward.” Secure replies with a snort, “Still up for it?”
“And I bet I can’t use the reward huh?”
“No necklace, no reward I'm afraid.” Secure shook her head, “In all accounts, this sounds like more of a loss than a good decision."
He sighed and shrugged. “Alright, I’ll have the bits tomorrow. Nopony walks around with fifty thousand bits in their purse.”
“If you say so then sure.” The guard mare shrugged, before turning towards Pickett as her expression turned into a deadpan, “And no. You can’t rob a bank to pay for your fee.”
“I was not thinking that.”
“Yes you were.”
“No I wasn’t. You have no proof.”
“My proof is that you’re you.”
“Okay that’s solid proof, can’t rebuke that.”
Secure sighed and rubbed her temple with a wing, glancing at Inspired, “See what I’ve had to deal with all these year?”
“I’ve had to deal with it for two days,” Inspired said back, his tone just as flat. “Also, mind answering a question for me?”
“Shoot.” Secure said as she closed her eyes and laid back.
“How old is this mare?” he asked plainly, pointing at Pockets. “Truthfully.”
“Mentally or physically?” Secure quirked a brow, “Physically she’s twenty two. Mentally she’s almost a toddler.”
“Heeey!” Pockets complained, getting up in the mare’s face. “That’s not right.”
“She’s a perverted teenager then.” Secure shot right back, pushing Pockets away with a wing.
“Yeah, I can see that,” Inspired nodded. “So, now the question remains is who stole that necklace. It’s been what, three days? He or she is likely out of the city and halfway across Equestria by now.”
“That’s my worry.” Secure mused and tapped her chin, before sighing and looking at the clock on the wall, “Yeah there’s no time to ponder who did what. I got a meeting with my boss in a few minutes so we better get the paperwork done. It’s just you accepting you’ll take care of Pockets. And me agreeing to go check on you periodically to make sure you haven’t lost your mind.”
“Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt,” Inspired muttered. “Very well, I can handle a little paperwork. And while I was lying about my social anxieties being crippling, I’d rather not stay out more than what is necessary.”
“I'll do it quick don't worry about it.” Was Secure’s response as she stood up and motioned for them to follow as she stepped out of the room, “So I have to visit once a week. What days are good for you? I take it you must be a busy stallion.”
“Not really, swing by whenever you feel like it, as long as it isn’t too early or late in the evening,” Inspired replied. “That said, I doubt I’ll get to sleep in with Miss Midnight around.”
And that cued the first moment he’d actually said her name…
“Success!” Pockets cheered in victory, “I am no longer the kid!”
“Don’t get your hopes up brat,” Inspired replied flatly.
“Aawww” The unicorn pouted and flattened her ears.
Yup. Secure knew this was going to be a looong month… She needed another cup of coffee already.
Once they were back home, Inspired unlocked the door and headed inside, almost immediately discarding his now-useless disguise.
“So…” he asked as Pockets walked in, now a mostly free mare. “When were you going to tell me you had friends in the Guard, and were likely in nowhere near as much trouble as I assumed?”
“I don’t have ‘friends’ in the guard. I have one almost-friend who can only do so much for me.” Pockets replied with a sigh as she all but threw herself on the sofa, “And to be honest I wasn’t expecting things to go that well. Usually her boss is around and he would have put me behind bars immediately. He’s been after my tail for months now.”
“Oh?” Inspired chuckled as he removed the rest of his garments and spread his wings. He had… a rather nice pair actually. Pockets was stuck staring at them for… quite some time actually. And she didn’t even try to hide it, babbling her words as she tried to talk.
“Kid… what’s your problem now?” he said as he tucked in his wings and turned around.
“N-Nothing... “ She cleared her throat, blushing brightly, “Okay well. Her boss is an idiot, that much I can say. He’s one of the best at his job, and he’s scary as hell. Captain Blitz himself, the gifted guard of Celestia’s forces.”
“Huh… sucks to be you then,” he mused. “So, at least you’re now free-ish. And i have somepony to dump all my annoying chores on.”
“Woohoo…” Pockets said flatly, not enthusiastic about that last part in the slightest, “Well. Guess it’s better than jail time. You know…” She turned to him with a rather shy, coy expression, “Y-You don’t have to pay for my bail out… seriously. I’m not worth it. I’m more trouble than anything.”
“Yeah well… I don’t mind having you around,” he replied, his wings twitching as his face grew hot. “This house has been quiet for too long I guess.”
And then?
She hugged him. Oh she hugged him close and tight, smiling softly, “Thank you…”
“Yeah yeah,” he grumbled, looking away and trying to keep his cool. “Just… don’t be too much of a pain alright?”
Pockets chuckled and pulled back, pulling a strand of hair away from her face, “You’re such a grump, you know that?”
“The grumpiest, took years of practice, meditating with the Grump Masters atop the peak of Mount Canterhorn,” he nodded seriously. “I am now a master of the Grump. Second only to Princess Luna.”
“Geez, you’re also the Queen of the Drama Queens.” She quipped with a giggle and booped his nose, “Then again, I think all writers are like that.”
“It’s in the job description,” he nodded. “Now… can you cook?”
“Uhm…” Pockets blinked and tapped her chin in thought, “Maybe? I’ve… never tried it really.”
You have got to be kidding? She didn’t even know… How does she function?
“Right, follow me,” he said, walking towards the kitchen.
“Aye aye captain!” Pockets grinned and did as said. With how much he had helped her? She was ready to do about anything for him… and her freedom of course.
“Okay…” he said as he stood behind her, his wing guiding her hoof as she stirred the pot of bubbling cream. “Now, keep that pace up while a chop a few herbs. Don’t go too fast or too slow, otherwise it’ll burn.”
“Got it…” Pockets whispered as she focused all of her brain power into the pot and the spoon she had to keep moving around. She couldn’t fuck this up!
He let her go as he moved and diced up some chives and spring onion,before sweeping them into the pot. “There, now stir it for a bit more, until the sauce thickens up.”
“Wow this… is not as bad as I thought it’d be.” Pockets pointed out with a chuckle, doing as told, smiling proudly at herself and her work.
“You’re doing quite well,” he nodded. “Guess that dexterity of yours is paying off.” he took the ladle from her and lifted it, sipping the sauce and then raised an eyebrow, offering the ladle for her to taste
Pockets leaned closer and gave it a little lick… before eeping and crunching her face when she burned her tongue, sticking it out and tip-toeing in place as panic started to take over, “Hot hot hot hot hot!”
“Heh, dork,” he chuckled as he added a pinch of salt. “Not bad at all, for your first attempt at making alfredo.”
“Alfredo?” Pockets blinked in confusion, her voice sounding incredibly silly due to her burnt tongue, “Who’s dat?”
“It’s what we’re making,” he rolled his eyes as pointed ta the pot. “Care to use your fancy magic and carry that to the table?”
“Yup!” She nodded and did as told. Her magic was working far better now, and levitation problems didn’t really felt like much now. Heck, she was sure she could teleport outside if she wanted to.
But why would she wanna do that?
Placing the pot on the table, she giddily sat down on the other side of the table and happily awaited to taste their creation.
He got out some little dinner bread rolls and some butter, before setting two bowls on the table and scooping some creamy pasta into both of them.\
“Alright,” he said and passed her a fork. “Let’s see how well you did hm?”
“Woo!” Pockets squeaked and started to bite down on her own dish. Oh…
Oh that was good.
Oh that was very good~
“Hmpf! Oh Celestia this is amazing!” Pockets moaned and started to eat more and more of it.
“It’s pretty good,” he nodded. “I mean, I did help you. But you did most of the work. I think as long as you follow a recipe, you’d do alright.”
“Hey, I think that’s the best reaction I’m gonna get from you, grumpy.” Pockets giggled after she gulped down her second bite, “So… mind if I ask you something?”
“You just did,” he quipped.
“Oh shush!” The unicorn chuckled and rolled her eyes, “My question is… if you haven’t published anything and you’re a writer. Then how the heck are you planning to pay my bill?”
“I have some money saved up,” he said, looking away for a moment. “Don’t worry about it.”
Pockets quirked a brow, not trusting his excuse for a second, “You know. After all you have done for me… you can talk to me about anything.”
“It’s not your business,” he said sharply, getting oddly defensive. “Just leave it be alright.”
Pockets sighed and nodded, taking another bite, “Alright… but offer still stands eh? It’s not good bottling up. I learned the hard way.”
“I said leave it,” he muttered as he ate. Though the food tasted a little bitter to him now.
The unicorn’s ears flattened and she couldn’t help but whimper softly, “Sorry... “ Truth be told. She only wanted to help. She only wanted to find a way to pay him back for the help… seemed like this wasn’t the way. In fact, it seemed like the complete opposite.
“It’s… fine,” he lied. “Look, I just don’t like talking about it.”
“I know… not bringing it back up again. Promise.” She did her best at a friendly, comforting smile, “Please just try and enjoy the food mkay?”
He sighed, now more annoyed that he’d upset her. He was annoyed that she was nosy, and annoyed that he’d lashed out at her. She didn’t know…
“Look, later alright,” he finally said. “It’s… not a conversation for dinner.”
“I told you. It’s fine.” She giggled and nodded at him, throwing one of the pasta noodles at the air and grabbing it with her muzzle, humming happily.
“Suit yourself,” the stallion harrumphed. “Sorry for yelling at you…”
Pockets shook her head and smiled, “Sorry for pressing on it. Now keep on eating or I’ll actually get grumpy at ya!”
“Like you can out-grump me,” he mused as he kept eating.
Oh, it was on! Pockets frowned and crossed her forelegs, still moving the fork with her magic as she huffed and pouted. In her mind? She looked like the grumpiest of grumps. But in reality…?
She looked adorably grumpy.
“Feh! That’s too adorable to be grumpy,” he replied,before realizing what he said and looked down at his food.
Pockets blinked, before narrowing her eyes and leaning closer, “Adorable you say~?”
“Oh shut up and eat your dinner,” he grumbled as he shoveled more pasta into his mouth.
Pockets giggled and did the same, smiling widely as she looked at him, the one who saved her from the thieving life, the one who as grumpy as he was, was taking care of her. It felt… nice.
Huh. When did it get so warm in here?