> Renovation of the Heart
>  by CosmicBlues
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Although the holidays had come and went, the weather was - like an unwanted house guest - there to stay. In typical January fashion, the winter winds and chills of the bygone year took its time to transition to the warmer spring cycle that so many longed for. In a house one would hardly call homely nor hospitable, did Moondancer peacefully slumber away.

The inside of the home was dark despite the sun reaching its zenith in the sky. Moondancer had made sure to hang a set of heavy drapes over every window so the pesky sun wouldn’t disrupt her sleep after a long night of studying. Such was the norm these days.

Yet, despite the darkness, one could still see the state of the inside of her home if they strained their eyes: Cobwebs in corners full of previous feasts, books towering almost to the ceiling, cluttered notes full of illegible scribblings which only the writer could possibly understand, fat cracks along the wallpaper on the verge of peeling off, dust on every piece of furniture and even half-finished plates of food were strewn about. 

It wasn’t the most elegant sight to behold, but to Moondancer it was home. She was cozying up on the couch, adorned in her sweater and wrapped in a cocoon of blankets when three loud thumps reverberated against her front door.

Moondancer stirred from her sleep and groaned. Maybe if I ignore it they’ll just go away, she thought. Silence once again reigned supreme and for a moment it seemed that she would get her wish. Then the knocking at the door commenced once more but louder and with greater intensity. 

“Moondancer!” Minuette’s muffled voice called. “Moondancer, open the door!”

Surprised by the owner’s voice, Moondancer’s eyes flew open. “Horseapples,” Moondancer muttered and made to untangle herself from her makeshift bedding. In her haste however she had snared a hoof in the blankets and tumbled face first to the hardwood floor. 

The tremors of her fall disturbed the neighboring book tower and crumbled. Of course Moondancer wasn’t so lucky as to escape her hubris, no. Every tome stacked high had landed upon her frame. Despite containing soft paper pages it seemed that every book on the pile was intent on thumping her with their covers and spines. “Ow!”

“Is everything all right in there? I heard a noise!” Minuette exclaimed.

“Just a sec!” Moondancer replied. Her battered body hurt all over as she somehow managed to stand up. In a moment of panic she swiftly levitated the pair of glasses over her face as she had done so many times before and sighed a breath of relief. At the very least her spectacles were spared from her little mishap. 

Moondancer made her way to the front door while deftly avoiding any of the messy obstacles in her path. Before she opened it, she composed herself and made to set her now rats’ nest of hair atop her head with a hoof. It didn’t help, but it made her feel like it helped and that’s all that mattered to Moondancer. 

She unlocked the door and cracked it open, but before Moondancer could even peek outside, the door slammed open from Minuette’s magic. 

“Finally. I’ve been trying…” Minuette began but stopped. After getting a look at her friend she blanched. “Oh gosh, Moondancer you look terrible.”

“Jeez, thanks. Great to see you too,” Moondancer replied while rolling her eyes.

A blush appeared on Minuette’s cheeks. “Sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it. You’re just not as, uh, groomed as you normally are is all,” she weakly chuckled.

“Uh huh,” Moondancer replied. She tried to hold a steady face but it quickly grew into a smile. “Great to see you, Minuette.”

“You too.” The two mares pulled one another into a hug. In the midst of the embrace Minuette was overwhelmed by the odor emanating from her friend but held her tongue.

“Well come on in I guess,” Moondancer said as she led her friend inside. She headed into the living room, deftly maneuvering her way past all the books and trash. Minuette followed in tow and continued her silence as her eyes wandered over her host’s home. Standing in front of the chaos that was her living space Moondancer used her magic to deftly set all the books into neat piles. 

“Don’t mind the mess. That chair is quite clean I can assure you - probably,” Moondancer said. She plopped herself on her makeshift bed while Minuette looked over her seat. It was beat up and riddled with lumps where the cushioning had long since given out. There also seemed to be stains faded from time; from what, one could only guess.

“I’ll stand, thanks,” Minuette said.

“Suit yourself. So what’s up with the wakeup call anyway? Shouldn’t you be going to work right about now?”

“Moondancer, it’s like four in the afternoon. Were you still sleeping?” 

“Is it really? I’ve been so engrossed with my research that I guess I didn’t noticed the time fly by. Oh well.”

“Well, it’s good to hear that you’re enjoying your job at least. It’s a little dark in here though, don’t you think? Let’s get some sunshine in here.” Minette eyed the heavy drapes covering the window and in one swift motion yanked them aside with her magic. The soft golden light from the afternoon sun washed over the cluttered room; Moondancer winced when the light revealed the disheveled mess that she was. 

“I love what you’ve done with the place; really screams cat-lady,” Minuette began.

“Now, I already know what you’re going to say - but hear me out - the paper I’m working on right now is much more important though. It’ll be discussing the scientific findings on crystal magic and the benefits of being crystalized!”

“That’s great, really. But don’t you think you’re neglecting yourself just a teensy bit?”

“What do you mean? I eat and sleep just fine. I even showered yesterday!” Moondancer said; she lied as easily as she breathed.

“Well you smell like hot garbage.”

Moondancer pulled her sweater to her nose and inhaled deeply. “Uh… maybe that was the other day then.”

“Your home seems so small compared to the library. Wouldn’t it be better to do your research there instead? Oh, better yet, what about Twilight’s old house? That place was ginormous and seems perfect for somepony like you.”

“Well I was using it for a little while but I noticed that, while I was staying the night, it didn’t have any privacy.”

“What do you mean?”

Moondancer blushed and rubbed a hoof over neck. “Well you know,” she said. “Except for the bathroom, there aren’t any drapes or curtains of any kind. It’s all windows broadcasting what I’m doing all day.” 

“Couldn’t you have just used a spell or something? Or better yet, just install drapes onto the windows?”

“Exactly. I don’t know how Twilight could stand it but a mare needs some privacy you know?” Moondancer cleared her throat and continued. “Well I couldn’t just block out the windows for thirty minutes or so a few times a day that would look strange and ponies would start talking; the drapes have the same issue. The primary source of light in that place is from the sun and some weak light fixtures. I felt like an animal on display at the zoo!” 

It took her a second to realize the implication but Minuette connected the dots. “Oh... Ohhhhh. Well that explains some of these books at least,” Minuette said. She levitated a comic book at random in front of her which depicted a mare being ravaged by a group of diamond dogs. “Ah yes, quite informative. Looks like a fun time.” 

“Give me that!” Moondancer ripped the book out of her friend’s grasp with her magic. “Anyways, I couldn’t just leave all my documents there alone. What if I had a spark of inspiration in the middle of the night?”

“Among other things,” Minuette snickered.

Moondancer’s blush came back in full force and she tossed the smut behind her. “Yes.”

“The Crystal Empire isn’t going anywhere. You get a little too invested in your projects Moonie and have crazy bad tunnel vision.”

“But the crystals Minuette. You wouldn’t believe the wonders that lie past the northern borders of Equestria. For the last three months I’ve been up north combing over their tomes to understand their magic. An empire that has complete temperate control of the surrounding tundra biome resulting in spring weather every day. Buildings made of crystal that form from the ground itself. And its people! They’re not made of crystal but instead given magical properties from the crystal heart!” Moondancer was all but prancing in her seat as she regaled to her friend the majesties of the Empire. 

Minuette sighed. “I know this is important to you but you’ve been out of commission since you got back. Don’t you think you should take it easy for a bit?”

“Take it easy? What for?” 

“Seriously?” Minuette raised her eyebrow and continued. “Well, and I do mean some offence, this place is a trash heap!”

“What! Everything in here is just a part of the process. Your untrained eye just doesn’t appreciate the intricacies of a scientist’s work station.”

“Mhm. And that sandwich in the corner. It looks like it’s ready to be your next little science project. Is the moldy bread a part of the process?” 

“Well… no,” Moondancer blushed. “I think it may have been some lunch I had forgotten about.” 

“From how long ago?” 

“I… don’t even remember if I’m being honest.” Moondancer nervously glanced over to a Minuette who was busy rubbing her temple with a hoof.

“Moondancer -”

“Okay, okay. I admit I may have gone just a teensy bit overboard with my research.”

Minuette sighed. “Well, at least you acknowledge it. I came over here to check up on you. Nopony knew what was going on, not even your sister. You came back to Canterlot but nopony had heard a peep from you for a month; we were worried.

“Has it really been that long?!” Moondancer’s eyes opened wide while her hooves clutched at her face.

Minuette trotted next to the downtrodden mare and pulled her in for a hug. “We know it’s just who you are and we love you very much. But everypony needs a break now and then. You’ll burn yourself out if you keep pushing yourself too hard.” Moondancer relished the embrace and hugged her friend tighter. 

“I feel like such a dingus. Oh Celestia, I feel so bad now. The last thing I wanted was to make any of you feel like you didn’t matter to me.” 

“We understand you’re a busy mare with your science stuff at the university. How about this though; we can have a girl’s night out with Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine. The three of us were going to hang out this Friday night so they’ll be ecstatic to hear that you’re coming. I think some downtime is exactly what the doctor ordered! First round will even be on me. What do you say?” Minuette said. She pulled away from Moondancer and draped her foreleg around the other mares shoulder.

Moondancer giggled and nodded her head, “Alright, alright you sold me on it. I’ll go.”

“Great!” Minuette clopped her hooves together and jumped off the couch. “Oh! We can even go to that pub you like; The Black Cauldron I’ll let the girls know so just keep your schedule open this Friday, got it?”

“The Black Cauldron? Now I definitely have to go,” Moondancer said. When she recalled all the homely food and sugary treats her stomach grumbled. 

Satisfied, Minuette shook her head with a small smile and made her way to the door. “This Friday, got it?”

“Got it!” Moondancer replied. 

“And Moondancer?” 

“Yeah?”

“Try to freshen up a bit beforehoof okay? It’s very mature in here if you catch my meaning.”

“What and deprive everypony of the hot garbage aroma? I worked really hard on it. Lots of blood, sweat and tears – mostly sweat though.” 

Minuette raised an eyebrow. “Don’t forget the musk from just absolutely ravaging your – “ 

“I’ll be nice and clean by then; promise,” Moondancer interrupted, a nervous smile on her lips.

Minuette returned her friends smile and left her friends abode.
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Evening was alive and well in Canterlot as city lamp posts illuminated the bustling streets. Remnants of sunlight bled into the impending night, leaving traces of brilliant purple over the skyline as the star sank past the horizon. The weather was still frigid with snow perched upon buildings or piled onto sidewalks, yet not even the cold could bring ponies spirits down. 

The weekday work cycle had, at long last, come to an end. Friday had arrived and brought forth promises of rest for the exhausted ponies that inhabited Canterlot. A day just like any other, yet it enabled one to forget their troubles - if even for just a moment – and sometimes that’s all you needed to carry on. 

For many people, home was the only place they wished to be after a hard day’s work. However, payday was a cause for celebration. Streets were packed with creatures of all sorts as they traversed through the city. Shops of all kinds were visited by last minute customers picking up various sundries for themselves or their families. The liveliest of all though were the bars and pubs; a hub for the downtrodden and for the weary.

The Black Cauldron was one such magical place where alcohol was shared freely between coworkers, friends and even strangers alike. Multiple voices blended into one another in a symphony of sound, and boisterous laughter thundered over the conversations within the dining halls of this purveyor of spirits. Standing across the street from the lively pub, Moondancer adjusted the scarf around her neck and shivered. 

Levitating a pocket watch from her small saddle bags she saw that the time was a quarter past seven. Moondancer was a few minutes early but waiting at home and counting down the clock was driving her up the wall bananas. So, she donned a black turtle neck sweater along with a red scarf and headed on out ahead of schedule. The sweater provided some much needed warmth to bear the evening cold but she would be happier with some cider in her belly. She sighed and a fat, wispy cloud lazily dissipated in front of her muzzle. 

It'll be just like old times, Moondancer thought. Minuette would get a pint of beer, Lemon Hearts some vintage red wine, and Twinkleshine would prefer a cocktail that’s cloyingly sweet. They would be eagerly talking about work and discussing the latest gossip they’d found. Twinkleshine would be enraptured by the stuff that Lemon Hearts had overheard from the castle. Minuette would probably go on and on about her coltfriend if she had a few too many and we’d tease her by asking when the two of them would just get married already. The smile on Moondancer’s lips fell.

The past week had been sobering for Moondancer to see just how isolated she had become again; especially after she felt that she had put this behavior behind her. She was frustrated with herself, but it was overshadowed by her feeling of shame. It felt as though she let her friends down again by closeting herself away. Minuette assured her that nothing could be further from the truth - and Moondancer knew better - but those negative thoughts lingered in the back of her mind.

“Ugh, this is so stupid,” Moondancer muttered as she kicked at the ground. A few of the ponies around her directed funny looks her way but she hardly noticed them. She thought back to the week leading up to their get together and grimaced.

After her friends visit Moondancer tried to continue on with her research but lacked the drive that she once had. It felt like she was just going through the motions. Minuette was right, Moondancer thought. Minuette is always right. She needed a break. So, instead of sulking about the past, Moondancer decided that if she wasn’t going to continue with her work, then she would instead focus on tidying up her home.

Starting was the hardest part as the saying goes so Moondancer began the following day by collecting all the trash that she had accumulated. The rotting food was the first thing to go, many of which she had merely nibbled at and forgotten about. Colorful crinkled wrappers and empty paper takeout bags were pulled into the air by her magic and tossed into the garbage. Sorting through all of the trash put a spotlight on Moondancer’s eating habits that she hadn’t really noticed until now. There wasn’t much in the way of fresh produce in the remnants, while pastries on the other hand, were not so lucky as to escape her wrath. It got her thinking; she didn’t eat too much yet she didn’t feel as though that she lost weight.

A passing glance in the mirror was enough to spark her curiosity. Moondancer pulled her sweater off and under her scrutinizing eye she couldn’t ignore the fact that her flanks had gotten a tad bigger, while her tummy put on just the tiniest hint of pudge. She made a beeline for the scale in her bathroom which only confirmed her suspicions; she had gained some weight. It wasn’t much if Moondancer was being honest with herself – just a few pounds – yet it was something every mare loathed. 

“Buck me!” Moondancer whined. “Why do sweets have to taste so good?” She made a vow to watch her diet there on out and cut down on any and those vile delicacies. Of course, only after they went to The Black Cauldron. Maybe... probably… it would be a work in progress.

With all the food stuffs and trash thrown, that just left the dishes. The kitchen was relatively clean except for the pile of dirty dishware that had been accumulated, but it was nothing that a simple spell couldn’t handle. Moondancer willed her magic and the plates and drinkware all floated on their own in unison into an assembly line next to the sink. They moved into the soapy water and were scrubbed, then dried and finally put away in the appropriate cabinet. 

Moondancer’s living room was coming along nicely after all that clutter was discarded; she could even move freely without tripping over herself – something she had taken for granted. The next thing on her itinerary was organizing the books but as anyone with a sizeable collection of tomes can attest, one simply cannot just pack books away. It was an unwritten rule somewhere in the universe that only after skimming through the pages of said book were you then allowed to shelve them.

It took the better part of an hour to place just a handful of books back into their correct spots. It wasn’t technically studying if she was just revisiting subject matter that had no correlation to her own research. Moondancer repeated this cycle until finally she came across a thin paperback. She was honestly picking up the books at random from the piles but what she saw quickened her pulse. It was the very same comic that she had snatched away from Minuette just the day prior.

Junkyard Bitch was plastered on the front cover along with an image of three burly diamond dogs groping an attractive unicorn mare. Moondancer gave a lecherous chuckle and flipped through the pages, each more explicit than the last. One panel in particular though caught her interest. The mare was spit roasted between two of the mutts while the third was on his back, eagerly thrusting his hips beneath her. 

Moondancer stared at the page as she imagined taking the mare’s place. The diamond dogs forcing themselves on her without a second of respite. The musk of their cocks swirling inside her head as one swabbed down her throat. The other two dogs fervently pounding away at her pussy and plot in unison; stretching her holes with every thrust. It all finally culminating in a fevered pitch as they frantically sought their climax, shoving their bulging knots inside her and shooting their seed, not even noting Moondancer’s discomfort; to them she was just their breeding sow. Juices dribbled down her leg and onto the floor beneath– her switch had been flipped.

Moondancer lied down on her back against the cool hardwood floor with her foreleg propping herself up, while her hind legs spread wide open; presenting her puffy labia. The book was placed to her side to have an unobtrusive look while her hoof snaked itself past her small teats and prodded at her pussy. There was no one to see her display of course, but it made her feel exposed all the same; in that moment all that mattered was getting off. 

In her haste however, she had lied down in the pool of juices, smearing the mare-cum into her coat. Moondancer deeply inhaled the pheromones that ran rampant inside the living room and quickly grew drunk from the stench. It was hard to think coherently for the mare as a haze spread inside her mind like a thick fog, demanding that she give in to her primal instincts. A wet squelch could be heard from her loins as she rubbed her swollen labia in achingly gentle circles. Like a ripe fruit, her pussy flowed with her essence when pressed. 

The dildo was somewhere in here. Where was it again? Moondancer thought. She tried to recall where her toy might be but the thought eluded her. She strained what little brain power was afforded to her at that moment and remembered the box underneath the couch contained just what she craved. Her eyes darted to the piece of furniture and saw that it had disappeared. The mare let out a frustrated whine as she continued to pleasure herself. Buck me! They’re in the tub. Of course. Why didn’t I just wash them yesterday? 

Buck it! I’m not stopping now, I need this. Moondancer spread her labia down the middle with her hoof and grinded the appendage into her entrance. Although slow going at first, she quickly built up a rhythm; her hoof slick from her excitement. The muscles inside of her passage contracted, grasping at a phantom invader while Moondancer bucked her hips in search of more stimulation. She picked up her pace and began rolling her hoof with vigor. 

It wasn’t enough for her though as magic tendrils manifested themselves on her soft teats, massaging the mounds. It couldn’t compare to the touch of a real lover though; it was too artificial – ethereal. It lacked the warmth and passion of someone attentively listening to their lover to find just the right spot that would make them sing. Moondancer skipped the process all together and tweaked her nubs alternating between gentle and hard twists. The small amount of pain was welcomed by Moondancer as it only amplified the sensations of her body.

Just like clockwork, her clit winked after being coaxed from her groping. Moondancer returned to her previous form and her hoof circled around her swollen lips; first clockwise for a spell then counter clockwise- rinse and repeat. Her breath hitched and she moaned out expletives whenever she touched her sensitive clit, the stimulation like lightning racing through her spine and straight down to her core. The sensations were overwhelming but Moondancer chased the pleasure, her head fluttery and light.

That’s the stuff. Just like that! Moondancer thought. Now we’re getting somewhere. 

Same old, same old. Fast, then slow. Fast; slow. She gasped and cooed, writhing on the living room floor as she played with herself. Moondancer was - at that point - quite familiar with all the ins and outs of her body. It was all just a part of the everyday routine for the mare; nothing special, nothing new.

Oh Celestia! Buck, I’m going to cum. Her voice could be heard in the entire house as the sound of her ecstasy reverberated off of every nook and cranny. Moondancer’s tummy felt like it was getting tighter with every passing moment. At that point the comic book she was using was long forgotten about as she focused on the sensations her body was enjoying. 

She moved with conviction; like a mare possessed, she tossed and turned with her hind legs trapping her foreleg. Moondancer was almost there, she just needed that little extra push. In a moment of spontaneity, she flipped herself over with her head flat against hardwood floor and her flank waving high in the air. While she continued to fiddle with her loins and teats, she willed her magic upon one of the books lying on the floor. The tome flew across the room and was poised above the mare’s cheeks, winding back in an arch and held still. With her free hoof she pulled her soggy tail aside, presenting her eager, flooded cunt. Quick as lightning, the makeshift paddle struck against her plot.

Moondancer’s eyes shrunk to the size of pin pricks as she came. Her mind went haywire, from the sensations. Her muscles locked up in response forcing her to ride out the orgasm as her body become hypersensitive. She felt liquid spilling from her loins and trickle down her legs. She choked out a guttural moan; lost in her climax, Moondancer was unable to control herself. 

Her hind legs eventually did give out though and she plopped to the floor. Moondancer’s heart jackhammered inside her chest, her lungs in stasis as she rode out the sensation. A second passed then five, ten and even thirty. All good things pass however, and Moondancer eventually came down from her high. Like a mare surfacing from the sea she sharply inhaled the air to inflate her lungs. Moondancer’s body exhausted and for the moment she was perfectly content to lie still, a smile on her face – she was at peace.

Dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin, and all the rest; I thank thee, brain chemicals, Moondancer thought. Except for her laborious breathing, silence permeated inside the room as she basked in her afterglow, her body twitching here and there. It was ruined of course by the neighbor’s dog obnoxiously barking in the distance - most likely celebrating its owners return from work. Moondancer lied there on the floor, coated in her own juices and sighed. 

All the cacophony that she was able to tune out during her session came back in full force: The dogs barked, garbage collectors depositing bins into their haul, birds sang outside, her clock ticked away, and water dripped from her leaky sink. Sensations came back to her body in full and only now did her aching hindquarters thank her for abusing them so hard. The pain throbbed in tandem with her heartbeat and she knew that she would be using an ice pack for a while.

I haven’t cum that hard in a while. The pain seemed like a great idea at the time but already I regret it. Forgot to get a towel again too, and now I’m paying for it. I just hope I didn’t splash any of the books again. She peeked a glance at the damp book she used and cracked a smile, Beginners Guide to Stamp Collecting. Well, nothing truly lost there.

She didn’t want to get up, but after a few minutes had passed she grimaced. The soreness she felt was uncomfortable but manageable, however, a building pressure throbbed inside Moondancer. It wasn’t painful by any means; an annoyance more than anything else. Moondancer’s bladder now screamed at her like a foal throwing a tantrum, demanding her immediate attention. 

I have to pee, Moondancer thought. Her legs fidgeted to hold it back, unwilling to stand up from her semi-comfortable spot, but it was a losing battle. 

The mare let out an irritated groan as she pulled herself up and all at once it hit her. Moondancer’s bladder was a dam ready to break – holding it back a herculean effort. She scurried over to the bathroom down the hall, kicked the door open and flipped the light switch. There, sandwiched between the sink and the fixed bathtub, was the toilet. She threw herself atop the porcelain chair and relief washed over her body as a steady stream splashed against still water.

To Moondancer’s right – where the tub rested– smoky grey tiles coated the side of the walls and transitioned to an eggshell white paint that covered the rest of the room. The toilet was between the bath and the sink, the latter of which having scattered miscellaneous items resting atop it, such as a mirror leaning against the wall, hair ties, a tooth brush, and a soap dispenser. A teal bath mat was placed next to the tub and was even fitted with a matching curtain on the rod above it. All in all it was a typical bathroom.

With her bladder now emptied, Moondancer made to wash her hooves in the sink, though it was a small pittance compared to the rest of her body. The grime, smell, and sweat accumulated from the past couple days – particularly from today’s session- was beginning to feel unbearable on her coat; a shower was definitely in order. When she pulled the curtain aside however, her memory came back to her. Sitting inside were several dildos of diverse colors, shapes and sizes pleading to be washed. 

Of course, Moondancer thought. It's always something. She used her magic to open the sink cabinet, pulled out some mild dish soap and got down to scrubbing; the next several minutes spent cleaning the silicone phalluses. It was a modest collection that contained replicas of various species:  pony, diamond dog, griffon, changeling, and even dragon were all present. Variety was the spice of life as they say, and she definitely appreciated having options.

Finished with her chore Moondancer teleported the now dry toys back to her room, the tub now free. After a long shower she emerged from the restroom feeling refreshed and clean. By now a pit formed in the middle of her stomach and made its displeasure known with a growl. The afternoon sun was long since gone; shadows of the afternoon now progressed into darkness. A quick flip of the light illuminated the room, her excitement exactly where she left it on the floor. 

Moondancer frowned and stepped around the mess towards the kitchen. The magic had long since dissipated and the dishes were thankfully all neatly put away by now. She opened the refrigerator and was displeased to find that its contents was severely lacking. While an opened box of baking soda, some bottles of condiments and milk two weeks past its expiration date sounded like a recipe for a delicious smoothie, she decided to pass. 

It seemed that her pact was going to have to wait just a while longer. Opening the pantry, she picked up a packaged bear claw and tore open the plastic wrapper. She nibbled on the unhealthy snack as long as she could but work could only be put off for so long.

With renewed vigor, Moondancer once again tackled her chores. The laundry was washed, bathroom scrubbed, furniture dusted, her room tidied and the living room organized and sanitized all within just a few measly hours. Truthfully, with magic the tasks she had piled up were just a small annoyance at best, but when reluctantly doing something it becomes easy for the mind to wander. Moondancer was just relieved that it was over and plopped herself on her couch to relax. It was late into the night by the time she finished but it was still just a tad early for her to make for bed. So, she lied there with an ice pack on her plot and stared at the wall, lost in thought as she listened to her clock tick away. 

Is this really it? Moondancer thought. There was always something exciting to learn; something new to discover. My routine was fulfilling at the time – but now? Now it all appears so mundane. Until that point my days played out much the same: Wake up, masturbate, eat, go to the bathroom, work, eat again, bathroom break again, continue work, check mail, and masturbate one last time before going to bed. It’s all just so… predictable.

Moondancer yawned, exhaustion setting in as her eyes become heavy. I still have a few days left before the meetup but I’ve got nothing scheduled before then. I’ll just rest my eyes for a bit…after that I’ll get right to making a list. She never did though as her mind went still and the mare peacefully drifted to sleep.

Halfway through the week on a lazy afternoon, Minuette payed one last visit to a bored Moondancer. She came bearing three things; the first was good news as Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts both eagerly awaited their meet up on Friday. The second a gift; fresh homemade stew for the two of them to enjoy. The aroma was mouthwatering: carrots, potatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms and an assortment of herbs and spices all conglomerated into a hearty dish that Moondancer relished. The third was company for dinner; Minuette wanted to ensure that her friend was eating something that wasn’t junk food, insisting that Moondancer keep the pot containing the leftovers. 

The two mares chitchatted here and there about inconsequential things while they ate their dinner, Minuette even commending Moondancer for taking her advice on cleanliness, but the two mostly focused on the meal in front of them. Moondancer didn’t mind, she was just happy to have some company after being cooped up in her house for so long. Time flew by as sunlight waned and dusk grew ever more prominent. If she was being honest she didn’t want the mare to leave so soon, but understood that Minuette was a busy mare that had a vastly different work schedule than herself. Minuette saw her friends troubled expression and promised that they would hang catch up more at The Black Cauldron, informing her of the agreed upon meet up time. The two hugged, said their goodbyes and that was that; Moondancer was alone once again.

The rest of the week was uneventful for Moondancer. Reading was a momentary distraction. Masturbating, a fleeting moment of respite. I love it, but is this all? I’ve almost completed my research and it should be one of my biggest accomplishments, but then what? Another mystery, another project, another paper and on and on it goes. I feel like I’m running in- 

“Moondancer!” A voice called out.

Moondancer was broken from her trance and looked on towards the source of the noise. Down the street Minuette broke into a gallop, quickly crossing the distance between them and jumped on top of her friend. 

“Wah!” Moondancer cried. Her glasses went askew upon her face but held steady under shaky hooves. Minuette wrapped herself around her friend and hugged the hermit in the midst of the passing crowd. 

“Great to see you again, Moonie!” Minuette exclaimed. 

“You too, Minuette.” Moondancer patted her friend’s withers and tried to detach herself from her friends grasp but was held firmly in place. Other ponies around them began to stare at the scene that they had caused, but Minuette could care less about all the eyes watching them. 

“Sorry for the wait. Friday’s are a total pain in the flank when crossing the city.”

“Uh…no. I just got here myself actually,” Moondancer lied. She adjusted her glasses and looked every which way for her other friends.

Walking at a much more reasonable pace, Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine lazily caught up and stood next to their overenthusiastic companion, giggling at their antics. Moondancer could now feel passing ponies’ eyes on her and groaned as her cheeks heated up. 

“C’mon, Minuette. Ponies are watching,” Moondancer whined.

Satisfied with the embarrassment that she brought upon her friend, Minuette released her captive and pranced in place. “Sorry, I’m just so excited that the gangs back together.” 

“Yeah, it’s great to see you again!” Twinkleshine exclaimed.

“We missed you, Moondancer.” Lemon Hearts said.

“Likewise. I’ve missed you girls,” Moondancer replied. Now that she had a moment to collect herself, Moondancer could see that her friends were dressed in a similar fashion as herself, each adorned in scarfs and sweaters to help stave off the cold. 

“It’s been forever since we last saw you. A few months I think.” Twinkleshine said.

“Several actually,” Lemon Hearts said. 

“Oh gosh, we have so much catching up to do! What was the Crystal Empire like; take any pictures? Is it true all the ponies over there are see through?”

“What, like a vampony? How can you take a picture of something that’s invisible?”

“No, no it’s more like their coats are see through. Like glass.”

“Um…well, you see,” Moondancer wavered under her friends’ inquisitiveness.

“That’s sounds horrifying! So everypony is just a walking, talking bundle of organs and guts?” Lemon Hearts continued. 

“Well, we all are if you really think about it,” Twinkleshine rebutted. “But you can’t see their guts only their bodies. They have a minor translucence is what I heard. That and they’re built different if you catch my meaning.”

“Oh, okay… I don’t get it. Do they have extra eyes or something?” Lemon Hearts joked.

Twinkleshine gave her an incredulous look. “C’mon filly, use your imagination.”

It took a moment for Lemon Hearts to process her friend’s words but when she did a small blush appeared on her face. “What? No way!”

“All that magic is supposed to do wonders is what I heard,” a dirty grin appeared on Twinkleshine. “Goes to all the right places.”

“You’re just messing with me again. Moondancer, is she talking out of her plot?”

“Yeah, Moondancer. Meet any cute stallions up north that volunteered to be test subjects?

“T-that’s not… I mean,” Moondancer sputtered. Truth be told she did investigate the pony anatomy of their northern neighbors. Of course it was all sanctioned by Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and she had only sifted through medical data from hospitals. That being said, she might have snuck a few glances here and there at some stallions - nothing wrong with window shopping after all - and her face heated up as she recalled how gifted they all were. “No comment.”

“Moondancer, you minx! I was just teasing but now you got to give us the details,” Twinkleshine said while Lemon Hearts just giggled to herself.

Before Moondancer could muster some sort of lackluster response, Minuette looped her forelegs around the three mares, pulling them all into a huddle. 

“Girls, give the mare some air! Wait till we’re all at least a little sauced before you ask the big questions like that. Besides, days, weeks, months; what does it matter? Moonie’s here now isn’t she?” Minuette interrupted.  “I’m ready to celebrate her return and what better way to do that than sharing a drink with a friend! First round will even be on me, so let’s get our tails inside and out of this cold, huh?”

Twinkleshine and Lemon Heart nodded and pulled away from their friend. 

“Okay, Mom. We’ll put a pin on this topic for now but you're definitely giving us the details later, Moondancer. Luckily my uncle is running the place today so I should be able to get a table for us.” Lemon Hearts meandered past all the ponies waiting outside and over to the pub entrance.

“Well, If you’re buying…” Twinkleshine trailed off as she followed after Lemon Hearts. “But, not all of us have a coltfriend to snuggle up with. Let us single mares dream at least!”

Moondancer watched as the two entered the building, the uproarious crowd inside as loud as ever when the doors opened. She looked over to Minuette, who still had her held in place with a foreleg, and the mare gave her a wink. 

“Thank you…” Moondancer quietly said.

Minuette released her friend and shrugged. “What for? It is freezing out here, ya know. Let’s get all warmed up inside and we can talk more comfortably… alright?”

“Yeah,” Moondancer sniffed and a smile broke out across her face. “Yeah, that sounds pretty good right about now.”

Minuette trotted ahead of her compatriot and held the door open, “Ladies first.” 

Moondancer rolled her eyes and shook her head as she made her way inside; her smile never faltering.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Black Caldron was surging that evening as patrons of all races clambered around each other in crowded booths and tables over mugs of frothy amber gold. The bar area was populated by those looking to slake their thirst and were welcomed to wallow with those looking to share their woes. Those few that couldn’t shake off the chills huddled to the middle of the room next to the hearth as they greedily drank their spirits. Somewhere in the pub, laughter swelled as a particularly good joke was shared amongst friends. With practiced ease, servers brought food and cups to their patrons as they danced through the chaos. Sitting in a corner booth, Lemon Hearts sat next to Twinkleshine and waved at Moondancer, beckoning her to them.

Moondancer was surprised to find that her friends had already laid claim to some seating but she wasn’t about to complain. She made her way over to the table with Minuette leading the way. Sparing a glance back at the entrance, creatures of all sorts settled in, awaiting a table to be available and looked on enviously as she bypassed the line. Meekly, Moondancer averted her gaze and looked back onwards while narrowly avoiding crashing into a passing waitress. 

“Told you I’d get us a seat!” Lemon Hearts boasted. “Uncle Brew always pulls through for me.” Moondancer scooted into the booth next to an already seated Minuette, placing her bags beneath the table and unfastening her scarf, while Twinkleshine gave Lemon Hearts an unimpressed look.

“That’s because Uncle Brew likes to keep an eye on his favorite niece and keep her from getting into any trouble.” Twinkleshine teased.

“What? How? I never get into any trouble!” Lemon Hearts cried.

Minuette shared an amused glance with Twinkleshine.

“He’s probably just worried about you because you can go overboard so easily.” Twinkleshine said.

“When you’re tipsy you get just a teensy bit flirty with ponies,” Minuette interjected. “It’s honestly super cute because you’re not subtle, like at all. 

“Don’t forget constantly tripping over her words. She’ll just forget what she was saying midway through her sentence.” Twinkleshine added.

“I know my limits! Besides, I’m merely a connoisseur of wine.” Lemon Hearts argued. 

Moondancer snorted. “Well, that’s one way you can put it. I think alcoholic is more fitting, though.” Lemon Hearts head snapped to Moondancer and gaped like a fish.

“Besides,” Twinkleshine continued, “It’s why we’re so close to the bar in the first place. Nopony wants to mess with the barkeeps niece if she’s being watched like a hawk.”

“I am a prim and proper lady,” Lemon Hearts pouted.

Moondancer smirked as she popped open the menu in front of her. “Is that right?” 

“I so am!” Lemon Hearts protested.

“So…you two order yet?” Moondancer asked.

“Nah, not yet. The old stallion wanted to give us a minute to settle in,” Twinkleshine said.

Minuette reached over the table and placed a comforting hoof over Lemon Heart’s. “Don’t worry Lemon Hearts, you’re still our friend; crippling addiction or not.” 

Lemon Hearts pulled her hoof back and blew a raspberry at her friend. “Yeah, yeah. Just remember that the first round is on you.” 

Minuette grinned. “I pity the stallion that you sink your hooves into. Just remember that they’ll expect you to put out if you really rack up the bill.” 

“You wound me! I’m no mere gold digger. I just think a stallion should pamper his mare from time to time is all. It should just be a given without having to ask. Whether that’s getting flowers and chocolates, or spontaneously being surprised with a night out; it’s all in the same ballpark.”

“Oof, so high maintenance. You’re definitely going to have to raise your tail then if he pulls out all the stops like that,” Twinkleshine teased.

Lemon Hearts shrugged. “Not all of us have such low expectations of our suitors. I’m a busy mare and have certain criteria that need to be met when I’m being courted.” 

“How’s that working out for ya?”

“…” 

“You’re silence is speaking volumes.”

“S-shut up,” Lemon Hearts stuttered. “Like you’ve had any better luck with dating.”

“I’m not gonna be putting all these crazy expectations on somepony I just met. Going out to see a movie or a day out in the park is just fine with me.”

“It’s that wishy washy attitude you have that makes it impossible to have a serious relationship. You attract the ponies that don’t have any real goals or drive.” Lemon Hearts gave each of her friends a pointed look. “We’re not fillies anymore, so sorry that getting milkshakes at the local diner isn’t my ideal date. What you want is a real stallion and not some colt making his means of living by working at the grocer or retail store.”

“Ouch, my feelings.” 

Moondancer looked on in amusement as the two mares continued to bicker just as though she had never left. How she had missed this feeling. Her friends were the rock in her life that kept her centered, but never did she want that to be taken for granted. It didn’t seem to Moondancer that they were under that impression at all after their reunion. 

“So, did you miss it?” Minuette enquired.

“Hmm?” Moondancer asked, broken from her thoughts. “Miss what?” 

“This, I mean. I’m not sure if it’s as interesting as your science project, but we did miss you Moonie.”

Moondancer leaned back into her seat and sighed. “I think I definitely needed this. Books alone can only keep me occupied for so long I suppose.”

“It’s nice to know we’re second to dusty old tomes then for occupying time.”

“Well, more like third if you want to be specific and run down the list.”

“Ah, yes. I guess mast–”

Moondancer gave a playful shove to MInuette’s shoulder. “I meant sleeping you dingus. To be honest though, I’ve put a hold on my research for the time being.”

“Can you even do that? Won’t the committees and all those ponies expect results? Isn’t that the point of grants?”

“Those blowhards know I produce results,” Moondancer rolled her eyes. “Besides, they wouldn’t dare rebuke me after all the work I put in; especially after I give them the nitty gritty details about certain enhancements those old badgers will be quite thankful to hear about.”

“Yeah, those blowhards!” Lemon Hearts chimed in.

“Yeah, what a bunch of bucking blowhards! Complete dicks the lot of them… Who are we talking about, Moondancer?” Twinklshine asked.

“Anyways! Glad to have you back Moonie. As you can see not much has changed since you’ve been gone.” Minuette said.

“Not everything. While you were doing all your science stuff I finally got around to getting a new fridge.” Twinkleshine said.

“What was wrong with the other one? You didn’t puke in it again did you?” Moondancer asked.

“No! How little do you think of me anyways?

“Well–”

“Shove off! It just kept going on the fritz and wouldn’t stay cool anymore. Didn’t do anything to it. Wouldn’t have been so bad but I just filled it up; a weeks’ worth of groceries just gone. The light was on so I thought it was fine, but nope. I don’t know all the techno jargon but this new one is cutting edge,” Twinkleshine bragged.

“Well how’s it hold up? Oh, does it make ice?” Lemon Hearts enquired.

“Does it make ice? Filly, you better believe it makes ice! It has its own water dispenser too; I’m no longer constrained to drinking tap water like you mere peasants,” Twinkleshine boasted. 

The mares at the table all shared their enthusiasm for their friend’s newest appliance. Minuette and Lemon Hearts continued probing Twinkleshine for the details on the deal she made with the store, the material it was made out of, how much money she was going to save in power bills and so on. All the talk got Moondancer to ponder about her own shabby fridge.

How old was my fridge again? Must be going on ten years now at the very least; the rubber sealing is coming off and the handle on the door is barely holding on as is. Extra space would be nice but having ice and purified water on demand sounds enticing. Maybe I should start shopping around for a new one as well. Oh, I can invite Minuette to help look around for one and we can even make a day of it. We can try out that new restaurant that just opened up downtown and maybe hit a bookstore on the way back. She’ll love it since it also has its own bakery that specializes in… Why am I getting excited about a new refrigerator? 

“Girls, I have some troubling news.” Moondancer interjected herself into the others conversation and the three ceased their chattering. “I think we’re old now.”

Looks of bemusement contorted on each of their faces after her words were processed. 

“We are not old!” Lemon Hearts exclaimed.

“We’re eagerly discussing the pros and cons of a fridge. I’m pretty sure that meets the criteria for being old,” Moondancer said with a hint of amusement at their reactions. The nuisance of aging was there for her too, but was inconsequential when compared to the actual work that Moondancer dealt with every day.

“Come on it’s not that bad. Wanting to save some bits is hardly mutually exclusive to being old. In fact, I’ve been meaning to shop around for a new one myself.” Minuette said.

“You’re right, it’s just a fridge.” Twinkleshine chuckled. “It’s not like we’re some fuddy duddy’s that drink tea, read a book and then turn in early after we get home from work.” 

“You’re kidding! You’ve never had one of those days?” Minuette asked. “When work really wears me out it’s nice to just cuddle up with a book on the couch. That and the back rubs I get really help a girl relax.”

“Yeah, yeah you’re coltfriend is the best. I’m sure Abacus is all broken up about it too; a real saint. I bet that nerd’s hooves never linger a second longer on your plot than is necessary either,” Twinkleshine said.

Minuette shrugged her shoulders and rested her head on a hoof. “Well I never said it’s exclusively beneficial, but I’m sure I’ll survive. His enthusiasm lets me know I’ve still got it, but more importantly that he wuvs me.” 

Twinkleshine gagged. “Blech. So work’s been that busy then for you then?”

“Eh, you know how it is. Everypony puts off going to the dentist until after the holidays are over. It makes my days go by faster I guess, but it gets old real quick. What about you?” 

Before she could answer however, a portly yellow unicorn stallion with a thick gray mustache, arrived in front of their table clutching a notepad with his magic. 

“Sorry about the wait,” he began but stopped when his eyes scanned Moondancer, a smile breaking across his face. “Well, well if my eyes don’t deceive me. Hello there, Moondancer. I haven’t seen you with the girls in ages.” 

“Good to see you again, Vintage Brew,” Moondancer began. “Yeah, I was—”

“Moonie was up in the Crystal Empire, Uncle Brew!” Lemon Hearts interrupted.

Vintage Brew smirked at his niece’s enthusiasm and chuckled. “The Crystal Empire? Now if that’s not a place worth sightseeing then I don’t know what is. Were you away on vacation or something?”

Moondancer cleared her throat and adjusted her glasses. “Quite the opposite in fact. I was researching the geo-magical biome that sheltered the empire within the inhospitable tundra environment and also the lasting beneficial applications of their crystalized arcane arts upon the common equine anatomy.” 

Vintage Brew scrunched his face and looked as though she had lost him. “Who’s it, what now?” 

“Uh… I was studying crystal magic and seeing if ponies could benefit just from visiting.” Moondancer said.

“Oh. Well what’s the verdict then? Should the missus and I take our next vacation there?” 

“Well, currently I can confidently say that being exposed to the crystallization process is beneficial. Whether that has lasting effects outside of the empire is yet to be determined though.” 

“Such as?”

“Well, while under the influence of the magic there are very minor rejuvenation effects always in place. So minor aches and pains would more than likely disappear overnight. Your stamina would also see a small boost as well-- it’s how the ponies were able to constantly mine with minimal food and sleep. Granted they were all earth ponies so their musculature and physiology is a tad different from us unicorns.”

“Sounds like the perfect place to start my new year’s resolution then. I could afford to lose a couple pounds don’t you girls think?” Vintage Brew chuckled as he patted his belly. “But, well, my body ain’t so young anymore.”

“Your wife definitely would notice the difference. It’d be like your honeymoon all over again.” Twinkleshine added.

Vintage Bew pounded a hoof on the table as he barked out a laugh, drawing the attention of the neighboring patrons. Lemon Hearts blushed while her face scrunched up in disgust as she tried to dismiss the thoughts of her relatives being intimate.

“Gross!” Lemon Hearts bellowed.

Vintage Brew’s laughter eventually petered out though as he wiped a tear from his eye. “Alright, alright. I’ve talked your ears off enough tonight. What can I get you girls this evening?”

Moondancer ordered some cider for herself while her companions asked for their predicted beverage of choice. They placed their orders one by one, but when it was Lemon Hearts turn, Vintage Brew noticed her downtrodden tone.

“What’s got ya down sweet heart? You were just in high spirits a moment ago.” Vintage Brew said.

“Uncle Brew, the girls and I aren’t… old, are we?’

Vintage Brew smirked. “Why of course not you silly filly. What’s got you thinking like that? 

“Is it weird to be excited when talking about appliances? Like, a refrigerator for example.” 

“Well that depends. When I was younger the washing machine I had at the time was, pardon my Prench, a piece of shit. The hunk of junk never worked right from the get go and always gave me a nasty shock when I turned it on, but it was the best price all: free.”

“What’s shit?” Twinkleshine asked.

“Ah, that? Something nice young ladies like yourselves shouldn’t say. That’s just one of the words I picked up from, Greg. Has a real oomph to it. Real colorful vocabulary on that one. Good listener too.” Vintage Brew said.

Lemon Hearts face was still crest fallen. 

“Bah, ain’t nothing wrong with getting excited about all that then sweetheart. It don’t make you old, ya’ll are just real adults now.” Vintage Brew proudly declared.

“I don’t know.” Lemon Hearts said dejectedly.

“Now, look here young missy. I’m nearly pushing fifty-four on my end so take it from this old geezer when I say you’re all still in the prime of your youths. This just means you lot are in a place in your lives that you don’t have to settle for things, but have options instead. And that’s a great feeling you never want to lose. Ya understand?”

Lemon hearts sniffed, “Thank you, uncle Brew.”

“Anytime. I’ll have your drinks right out and let you girls enjoy the rest of your evening.” Vintage Brew merged right back into the chaos of the pub as he made his way back to the bar.

“He’s right!” Twinkleshine slammed a hoof onto the table. “I’m – we’re not old. We are just successful mares looking to upgrade our quality of life!”

“Exactly!” Lemon Hearts exclaimed. 

The jovial mood once again returned to the group, the gloomy atmosphere dashed away as quickly as it arrived. It was a topic that began in mere jest but quickly soured their discussions with a dark overcast. It seemed to Moondancer that her compatriots were a bit too fixated on such trivial things but she wouldn’t begrudge them. Her obsessions were borderline neurotic at best so, normal was subjective she mused.

“Anyways, it’s not like I’m actively going to shop around for house junk. My savings were thankfully enough to take care of it.” Twinkleshine said.

“I’m surprised.”Minuette said.

“What about?”

“That you were able to save up anything. You tend to burn through your bits as quickly as you get them after all.” Minuette chided.

“Y-yeah, well even I have rainy day funds. I’m not a foal.”

“You couldn’t decide what to spend it on, could you?”

“Ugh. There was some concerts that I wanted to go to but that had to be canned.” Twinkleshine sighed. “Why does fun stuff cost bits?”

“I’m sure being able to eat fresh food also played a factor in your decision.”

After a pregnant pause Twinkleshine answered. “Maybe a little.”

“Aren’t you still having fun in your choir group? That’s a free concert right there.” Moondancer asked.

“Yippee,” Twinkleshine droned. “It’s an on and off thing with them. Right now we’re setting up gigs for the spring but practice has been non-existent. If not for work I’d be bored out of my mind.”

“What do you mean?” Moondancer asked.

“I’ve had to pull extra shifts for the past month since a couple of my guys got into an accident.”

“Oh. Sorry to hear that. Are they okay?” Lemon Hearts said.

“Yeah, they’re fine… sort of. Well, one of the companies that operate at the warehouses dumped a loaded container onto the unoccupied flatbeds that we have. But they can’t do that unless it’s in a designated loading area, so my guys are on break and this load drops onto the bed of their cart that they’re sitting on and the force launches them into the air. Both are earth ponies so they took the hard way down. One of them got lucky with just a broken leg, but the other had a fractured sternum.” 

Lemon Hearts sucked in air through her clenched teeth. “Yikes.”

“Yeah, yikes. Now I’ve gotta fill in the gaps they left since they’re on leave.”

“C’mon, it’s not their fault.”

“Nah, I don’t blame them any. The problem is that they’ll be gone for a while if they even return. They’re sitting on a huge lawsuit and it’s sure to be an easy settlement from the company that donked them.”

“Surely it can’t be that hard to find replacements?”

“Yes, and no. I just give some of the others more hours since they’ve been asking for ‘em but I want a whole crew. Canterlot isn’t a great place to look for ponies that want to do heavy lifting. The pay is good but a lot of them see it as beneath them.”

“And the fact that you can die is also a factor,” Minuette said.

“Eh. How would I know the difference? I’d be dead!” Twinkleshine laughed. “I’ve actually been meaning to ask Greg tonight if he knew anypony that would want the job. He always hangs out with some minotaurs and they can do twice the amount of lifting an earth pony can.”

“Greg?” Moondancer asked. “There’s that name again. Why does it sound so familiar?” 

“Oh, yeah! You’ve been away for some time but Greg was the new guy that Uncle Brew was talking about. He’s that alien that showed up a few years ago. The hooman, remember?” Lemon Hearts said. 

Homo sapiens, if Moondancer recalled correctly, was the actual name of his species. Queer two legged creatures much like a minotaur yet their evolutionary cycle evolved from apes instead. At the time it was shocking to learn that a being existed beyond equestrian understanding. 

“The human, you mean? After being gone for so long why would the alien be working at a pub? This sounds like a lame setup to a joke.”

Lemon Hearts shrugged. “I don’t know, uncle Brew just hired him since he seemed like a decent sort. He’s a bit of the private type though. Oh, he’s coming right now with our drinks. Why don’t you ask him yourself?”

Moondancer looked over to the bar and lo and behold there he was. The human all but furless except for the black hair atop his head. He was fitted with a white buttoned top, with its long sleeves rolled up to his elbows and black apron adorned over it, a pair of black pants and some type of brown shoes to insulate and protect his sensitive feet. 

While unrelated to the average minotaur he certainly shared some key characteristics with them. He stood about a head smaller than a grown male while also displaying excellent musculature that his top fit snugly against. Greg had quite the imposing stature as creatures idling about quickly made to move out of his way while he balanced their drinks on a tray. 

The human stood before the tables end right next to Moondancer allowing her to examine him up close. She noted that his skin, that she had at first thought to be smooth, was covered in many dark hairs that matted his arms and even the back of his neck. As it was, Moondancer was at level with his chest but had she been standing, her head would barely reach to his stomach; such was their difference in stature. 

“Alright, I have got a glass of pinot noir here, a hurricane, a pint of beer, and a mug of hard cider,” Greg recited. Each of their faces lit up one by one, giving away exactly which beverage belonged to whom. 

“Hi Greg!” Lemon Hearts cheerily said. “How have you been?”

The human’s lips curled into a painted smile as he placed the drinks next to their respective patrons. “Hello again, Lemon Hearts. I’m doing quite well thank you for asking. I see that you’ve brought along Minuette and Twinkleshine as well this evening.”

“Hiya, Greg,” Minutte said with her lips wrapped around the edge of her pint. She took deep gulps of her beer, sighing in satisfaction as she pulled back with a frothy foam mustache.

“Hey, Greg good to see ya,” Twinkleshine said as she stirred her drink. “I’ve got a quick question if you can spare a sec.”

The human rested the platter against his side. “Oh? Well, what can I help you with?”

Twinkleshine sipped at the colorful concoction. “You seem like a strong guy, you ever want to pick up some work over at the warehouses? It’d be unloading containers and the like for transport onto trains and carts. The pay’s good. There are hazards here and there but nothing a tough guy like you can’t handle.” 

“Tempting, but I think I’ll pass. I don’t think that I am the right fit for such a precarious living nor do I think I am as strong as you believe.”

“Psh, so humble,” Lemon Hearts fluttered her eyes. “Uncle Brew tells me that you arm wrestle with the minotaurs all the time. Greg can really hold his own, girls. He even beat a few of them; so strong.”

Laying it on real thick there. Moondancer cocked an eyebrow and took a sip of her drink. The crisp taste welcome after being without for so long. What was that again about having standards?

“Thank you for your flattery. But still, I must decline. I could pass the word around with my pals and see if they’d be interested though. Would that be alright?” Greg asked.

“Ah, crud. Really? Well, if you change your mind give me a heads up.  Just let your friends know then when you get a chance. I’d definitely owe you one,” Twinklshine said.

“I’ll most certainly do so.” 

“Oh, oh!” Lemon Hearts began and let out an airy giggle. “Sorry, I’m such a ditz. This is our other friend, Moondancer!” Lemon Hearts stretched out her forelegs to present her in a grand display. “She’s the one that we told you about before. Equestria’s leading scientist, just like Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Moondancer’s eyes widened as she was put on the spot and choked on her cider. Granted she had a small understanding about him from Twilight’s letters and published works but that was that and this was this. It was one thing to hear and read about an alien, but it a whole different matter to meet one. 

“Umm… hello.” Moondancer’s voice cracked. She cleared her throat of the obtrusive liquid to the human’s amusement and continued. “Hello, Moondancer, my name is Greg.”

“I think you might have that one backwards there, chief,” Twinkleshine joked.

Moondancer’s face flooded red as she realized her mistake. “Moondancer! My name is Moondancer… Nice to meet you.”

“You too. Though I would’ve thought that everyone would be over the shock of meeting me by now. It’s kind of refreshing in a way.” Greg replied.

“Uh… yeah,” Moondancer led off. 

She continued to flounder under his gaze when Minuette nudged her. “Wasn’t there something you wanted to ask him?” 

Moondancer squinted her eyes at her friend. Oh, I’ll get you back for this. “So, a bar. What’s up with that? Heh, heh.”

“What about it?” Greg slowly asked.

“Yep… anyways, great to meet you.”

“Well…I’ll just give you girls a few to look over the menu and be back.”

“Thank you, Greg.” Lemon Hearts said.

Minuette reeled her head back and tipped her pint, chugging the last vestiges of her beer. She let out an audible sound of satisfaction and clanked the cup onto the table. “Keep ‘em coming, Greg.”

He nodded and retrieved the empty cup from her. With the tray still tucked underneath his arm Greg made his way back to the bar; Lemon Hearts eyes glued to his rear the entire time. 

After it was clear the human was out of ear shot Moondancer ruffled her mane and groaned. “Why didn’t any of you tell me that the human was working here?! I wasn’t mentally prepared to converse with the scientific discovery of our generation just like that.”

Minuette patted Moondancer’s back. “There, there, Moonie.”

“I looked like a complete fool! Ugh. He was nice enough I suppose but I acted like a--”

“Like a complete spaz, you mean?” Twinkleshine jabbed.

Moondancer gave her a flat stare in return. “Yes.”

“Don’t be so hard on Moonie girls. She was obviously distracted by his exotic allure.” Lemon Hearts swooned. 

“Here we go again,” Twinkleshine took a sip of her drink. “He’s not into you. I don’t know how dense you can be.”

“Greg’s an alien. I’m sure he just doesn’t understand the cultural differences of our species flirting styles.”

“Or he’s just too nice to let a mare know that she’s coming off way too strong. Besides, what was it you said earlier about dating and what not?”

“There are exceptions to the rule. He’s quite handsome if I do say so myself. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with a simple roll in the hay every now then is there?”

“I guess he’s cute. But I’d rather not mess with somepony that works at a place I frequent.”

“Psh. Well, what about you Moondancer? What do you think?”

Moondancer didn’t have much of an opinion on his appearance. The feeling of embarrassment still burned bright but even then there was something else within her that was stirring. She had read everything there was printed relating to the alien and conversed adamantly with Twilight over letters about him years ago. It was surreal to actually see what she had read so intently about, yet even the photographs she had glimpsed didn’t do it justice. 

It was like looking at endless possibilities. Barriers that were once thought impossible to bypass became mere speedbumps; no longer walls. A groundbreaking discovery that should have pushed technological boundaries a generation. Yet, everything stayed very much the same. Nothing had changed. 

Moondancer adjusted her glasses, “He’s polite.” 

“…And?” Lemon Hearts swirled the wine in her levitated glass.

“But I don’t really know if I’d call him attractive. He’s certainly in good shape but beyond that I couldn’t say if he’s my type.”

“And what even is your type? Let me guess: hardcover, thick spine, and pages that go on for days?”

“I’m a busy mare. My…”

“Research, research, research,” Lemon Hearts sighed. “You’ll never get a special somepony with that attitude.”

“I’ve been doing just fine without one so I think I’ll manage. But how did you girls get so chummy with him anyways?”

“Oh, we’re more of acquaintances really. None of us were kidding when we said that Greg was reclusive. We’ll see him every now and then when he’s working his shift or if we ask him to lend a hoof in fixing something, but that guy is almost as bad as you when it comes to going out.”

Moondancer ignored the hermit jab and pressed on. “So he’s a repairstallion then?”

“Yeah, Greg is pretty good at fixing stuff and every so often somepony will ask him to help with one thing or another. He’s really funny about it though,” Twinkleshine said.

“How so?” Moondnacer asked.

“I had him install some new cabinets for me but he just refused to take any money I offered. Said that it was no charge since it was just a hobby of his. I couldn’t leave it at that so I made him a pie and we called it square.”

“Same here. I had to firmly make him stay for dinner after he took a look at my plumbing.” Minuette said.

“Wow, I didn’t know you and Abacus were into that type of play. But, to each their own.” Twinkleshine snickered.

Minutte rolled her eyes but Moondancer was flabbergasted; not at her friends poor joke but at the human. He had been gone from Equestria for years traveling the world and only now just resurfaced. It was preposterous for her to believe that he would be content to simply work at a pub and repair the occasional housewife’s garbage disposal. He was far too important for that. 

She wanted to speak to him again but the human never returned to their table; the place was busy after all. In his place, a pegasus mare delivered Minuette’s drink and promptly took their dinner orders. The girls continued their small talk but Moondancer’s mind slowly began to wander. With how much bigger Greg was comparatively to every creature, it was easy enough to track him amidst the chaos. 

A look never hurt anypony, she thought. 

Moondancer snuck a glance wherever she could. Snuck because she would never hear the end of it from the girls if she was caught. Especially from Lemon Hearts who would jump at the chance to tease her about colts. The best way to go unnoticed seemed to be when she sipped at her cider by tilting her head back; obfuscating her eyes. While quite effective it also quickly put Moondancer on to her third drink. 

“Really packing those away huh? Don’t want to turn into Lemon Hearts now,” Twinkleshine said.

“Hey!” Lemon Hearts pouted.

“I just missed hanging out with you girls," Moondancer said. "In such a social setting it is permissible to overindulge in spirits when celebrating is it not? Where I to be drinking alone at home, most would just deem me an alcoholic – like Lemon Hearts. Better to take advantage now while I have the chance.”

Lemon Hearts nodded her head along in solidarity at Moondancer’s explanation, missing the jab entirely, while the others seemed too just more or less go along with it. Moondancer wasn’t the biggest drinker by any means and even now could feel the slow creep of inebriation taking hold. Hopefully their food would arrive soon which would help soak up the alcohol in her system. Delicious and hearty; The Black Cauldron’s macaroni and five cheese blend got her stomach grumbling.

“Moondancer?” Lemon Hearts said.

“Mm?” Moondancer hummed.

“You were gone for such a long time.”

“Uh… yeah?”

“Did you make it back in time and have a nice Hearthswarming with your family at least?”

“Where did that come from?”

“Just curious is all. Weren’t you still in the Crystal Empire around that time? Working during the holidays is always so drab.”

She wasn’t kidding. Unfortunately Moondancer had to push her return trip back to a ludicrous degree with her train departing on Hearthswarming eve, thanks to a blizzard plaguing the region at the time—the shield only protecting so far. There was no place she’d rather be than home, and it was a miracle, but she somehow managed to make it back in time to celebrate the holidays with her family.

Truthfully they believed that she wouldn’t make it; thinking she meant to skip Hearthswarming all together as they had not talked for over half a year. All was forgiven when they saw her in the door way, shaking in the cold and covered in a light dusting of snow. For just a day Moondancer felt that she could let her mane down and the worries and woes of work could be forgotten. Everyone had their fill of food and drink as they reminisced about the past, recounting the highs and the lows, but never wallowing. 

She treasured moments that she could surround herself with loved ones the most. It was of her own doing yet days like those felt rare. Too rare.

“Something wrong?” Minuette said.

“No,” Moondancer shook her head. “It was… nice.” She was finally reunited with her friends after being sequestered for so long. While every now and then though she would see the human walking about doing one thing or another, it was not the time for her inquisitive nature to take hold. It would be a mystery to unravel for another time.

There was a definite change in tone at the table that even the ever dense Lemon Hearts could notice. They were saved from it though with the arrival of their waitress levitating plates of steaming hot food. Moondancer was thankful for the small breather and hoped her friends would busy themselves with devouring the feasts before them. She dug into her dinner with gusto and relished the carnival of flavors that she sorely missed. The other mares followed suit, emulating her zest as metal utensils quickly clanked against porcelain. It was a meal well worth the wait.





The evening moon rose ever higher in the starry night sky as the four mares continued to band together in their drunken exuberance. Moondancer couldn’t remember the number of drinks that she had for she given up counting them what felt like hours ago. While they certainly all ate their fill, food could only help with the alcohol so much as they all pushed beyond their usual limits. Minuette clung to Moondancer as she cuddled against her side, listening intently while Lemon Hearts regaled to a starry eyed Twinkleshine the latest castle gossip. 

“So as it turned out, it was Princess Luna’s possum, Tiberius, who was stealing Princess Celestia’s apple cakes all along. The little guy was easily able to make out like a bandit from the royal kitchens every night with none the wiser, but to be fair, possum’s sure do love apples.”

“That’s… it?” Twinkleshine asked.

“Well—and you didn’t hear this from me—Celestia takes the business of her cakes very seriously. These were zap apple cakes; quite the rare treat indeed. Why, she believed that her own sister was stealing and eating them herself and a small cold war of sorts had brewed.”

Minuette’s hold on Moondancer tightened through their friends thrilling tale. “They didn’t fight did they? Nopony got hurt, right? What happened?!” 

“Relax. I think we’d have heard if it actually came to blows,” Moondancer patted her captor’s mane and the mare melted into her. Staying awake was becoming more difficult as time went on and the warmth her friend shared didn’t help the matter.

“No. The worst that had come of it was Luna insinuating that Celestia was fat, and she in return mentioning that Luna was acting like a foal. Just passing passive aggressive comments here and there. It was a cold war after all.” 

“That’s terrible!” Minuette cried.

“Yeah, terribly boring. I’m fallin’ asleep over here.” Twinkleshine droned.

Minuette shushed the heckler and motioned for her to continue. “They’re okay now though, right?”

“They’re just fine now. Princess Luna gave him a stern taking to and the two apologized to one another for their uncouth behavior,” Lemon Hearts said.

“C’mon, you’ve gotta have something juicier than that,” Twinkleshine whined.

Lemon Hearts sloshed the wine in her glass to drive the tension, but spilled some on the table in doing so. She had a small giggle fit at the mess before her, chortling and snorting at her own clumsiness. “Weeeeell there was one more tidbit that I thought you’d enjoy. But I don’t know. It seems that my stories are not appreciated as much as I thought.” 

Twinkleshine willed the small decanter on the table into the air and refilled her friends wine glass.

“Much better,” Lemon Hearts said after taking a sip. She leaned forward and glanced about to ensure no one was eavesdropping on the four of them. When she was satisfied that no one was, she continued in a hoarse whisper, “This next one is super-secret girls. But you all seem pretty tight lipped.”

“Hold on now, you don’t have to say anything if it can get you in trouble.” Moondancer protested.

Twinklshine’s face soured. “Shush!”

“No, no it’s fine,” Lemon Hearts said. “Nopony will ever know I said anything. Besides it’s nothing bad I can assure you, it’s more… scandalous. Prince Blueblood entertains many nobles from Canterlot but it seems that he took a particular liking to one such gentlestallion. Late in the night a passing maid had seen the two of them in the throes of passion before they entered Blueblood’s quarters. It was quite the little slumber party the two of them had as my source claims the sound of their lovemaking reverberated all the way into the hall.”

Twinkleshine hopped in her seat, “See, now you’ve got my attention!” 

A lecherous grin appeared on Minuette followed by a chuckle that Moondancer could only describe as gross. “That’s hot. What else did she see?”

“Nothing else unfortunately,” Lemon Hearts exhaled. “Well, that’s not entirely true. The next day, after the two had long since left the room, she rushed to volunteer to tidy up the prince’s chamber. Lo and behold there were was the evidence of the night before in the form of balled up tissues and stained bedsheets.”

“Who was the other guy?” Twinkleshine probed.

“She couldn’t exactly make out who it was but I’m sure the servants will figure it out after they put their heads together. Maids love to talk after all.” Lemon Hearts giggled and took a swig of her drink.

“I bet… he’s a bottom.” Minuette said.

“Who?” Twinkleshine asked. “Blueblood?” 

Minuette was glued onto Moondancer and rubbed their cheeks together, much to her friend’s annoyance. “Yeah. He’s probably a total power bottom. Oh he’s getting railed, but Blueblood lets the other guy know that he’s in charge; the poor colt screaming his name as he squirms and tries in vain to hold back his shot.” 

“Well, we know who wears the pants in your relationship. Now I actually do feel bad for Abacus.” 

Minuette’s breath grew heavy as she used a hoof to wipe some drool from her face. “You’re bucking right I do. When I get back home that stallion won’t know what hit him. I am a typhoon of hormones that’s raring to absolutely destroy his pelvis.” 

Moondancer felt that she had indulged friend quite enough. “Okay, one: too much information. Two: you’ve really got to let go because I’ve got to pee and your squeezing isn’t helping.”

“Nooooo, don’t go,” Minuette mewled. 

“Want us to come with,” Twinkleshine asked.

Moondancer pried herself from a pouting Minuette and stood from the table, “Nah, I’ll only be gone for a minute.” 

Relishing her new found freedom she stretched her limbs, the lingering warmth from her friend rapidly dissipating. Finally limbered up she made her way to the restroom, stumbling past other patrons.

It was no easy feat. She could feel the effects of the alcohol coursing through her as the simple task of walking had become a challenge. Well, walking itself was the easy part, it was walking with balance that was hard. Her vision was unfocused and it felt like her head was spinning, yet still, nature called. An ornate clock hanging on the wall let her know that it was half past eleven after she rubbed her two remaining brain cells together; almost closing time. Every creature was still preoccupied with their drink and food or with the company of their friends that most probably didn’t even realize how late it had become, herself included.

With great difficulty she remembered in her drunken stupor that the restrooms were located on the other side of the pub. In a hallway next to the emergency exit lay her prize. Weaving between any obstacles in her way, Moondancer surprised herself by reaching her destination without making a fool of herself and bumping into anyone. She pushed the door open and entered, noting that a stall was fortunately unoccupied at the end. 

The pungent scent of cleaning chemicals and flowers flew right at her causing her stomach to churn. Normally inoffensive, she could usually ignore the odor but it was impossible when her senses were this hypersensitive. Moondancer took a moment and steeled herself as she gagged, just barely pushing past the revulsion and urge to vomit. In one of the stalls someone could be heard spilling their guts.

It seems I wasn’t the only one that took offense. “You, uh, okay in there?” Moondancer inquired.

The retching ceased followed by laborious breathing. A strained voice hailed back, “I don’t know genius, what’s it sound like?” 

“Sorry. I guess not then,” Moondancer muttered. The voice though became preoccupied with vomiting once again and ignored her.

Moondancer stood in front of her own stall and kicked the door open. She noted that it was relatively clean enough - clean being used rather loosely. Graffiti littered the walls but other than that it was quite sanitized. She made haste, not wanting to be in the putrid environment anymore then was absolutely necessary.

In a flash her business was taken care of. Moondancer washed her hooves at the sink and took a look in the mirror. She pushed her glasses aside and rubbed at her eyes to help them focus; she even splashed some water in her face hoping it would help. It didn’t; only accomplishing getting the front of her sweater soaked.

“Buck!” Moondancer growled as she patted herself with some paper towels. The damage was mitigated as they absorbed some of the water but they were thin and cheap; basically tissues. Now only slightly wet she rested her glasses back on her face and exited the restroom, muttering angrily under her breath. 

“I’m telling ya, she’s fine…” a voice said. Before she could register the noise, Moondancer bumped right into two sturdy walls of muscle, knocking her onto her plot.

“Hey, watch where you’re going ya cunt!” one of them barked. 

Moondancer picked herself up and eyed her new friends; a pair of female minotaurs. Despite being dressed in bulky winter wear, it was apparent that both of them were incredibly brawny as was typical of their species. The one on the left had drooping eyes, clearly having trouble focusing, but was relatively calm. Her compatriot was in much the same boat, but stood hunched forward with an accusatory hand pointing at Moondancer. It seemed that it was her grating voice that she had heard.

“Watch it yourself, you overgrown cow” Moondancer muttered. As soon as the words left her mouth Moondancer realized that she had made a grave mistake.

“What was that?” The minoataur’s nostrils flared as she popped her knuckles. “Wanna run that by me again?”

Foolishness on Moondancer’s part for letting her mouth get ahead of her like that but she wasn’t as helpless as the minotaur thought - quite the opposite in fact. Proficient in many of the arcane schools of advanced combat magic’s, she could easily subdue her aggressor. Moondancer gathered the magic within and let it charge into her horn, light growing in strength as it shined on as a beacon in the hall. If they wanted a fight, they’d get one. She readied a spell, waiting for her opponent to make the first move when the minotaur’s friend slapped the back of her compatriots head.

“Ow! What the tartarus was that for Minerva?” she asked, rubbing at the spot where she was struck.

“Astrid, are you stupid?” Minerva asked. “Stop getting all pissy with Aurora.”

Aurora? Moondancer thought. Muddled by her friend’s proclamation, Astrid squinted her eyes and leaned closer as she inspected the pony before her. The minotaur’s breath absolutely reeked of booze and inebriation but Moondancer stomached it as best as she could. Her magic was wound up and ready to strike at a moment’s notice, just waiting to be unleashed. After a minute of being uncomfortably close to one another though, Astrid stood stock straight, the anger leaving her face, replaced instead with shame. 

“Oh gods, Aurora I almost knocked your head right off.” Asrtid weakly chuckled. “You know how I get when I’ve had too many.” 

Moondancer let her magic wane. “I’m… what?”

“Astrid, you know the poor mare can’t handle her drink. Why do you always insist on egging her on?” Minerva chided.

“Bah, the little amount of booze that mare drank was nothing, besides, she looks fine. A little goofy with those glasses though.” Astrid said with a cheeky smile. “You didn’t throw up, did ya?”

You also probably weigh an extra two hundred pounds on your friend, but whatever. Seeing an opportunity to take advantage of their confusion and end this peacefully, Moondancer decided it was best to play along. “Uh… yes. I wasn’t feeling good. You know me!”

“You see! Should’ve said something. We could’ve held your mane back while you upchucked.” Minerva laughed. “You okay now though?”

“Just fine,” Moondacer said through a strained smile.

“Let’s head back then. Place is gonna close soon so we’ll get round or two and head out.”

Moondancer realized that she couldn’t leave the way she came. They would expect her to walk back to a table that she had no idea about and their other friends would see through the ruse if they interacted at all. She could toss them aside without a second thought, but why? Over some petty words said in haste? No, it would be better if she sequestered herself for a moment and let them forget about her in their drunken haze. “I’m feeling much better but I’m going to take a breather outside. Get some fresh air to help clear my head, you know?”

“Oh. Yeah, sure thing. Do you want one of us to come with?” Astrid asked. 

Moondancer slowly inched her way to the exit behind her. “N-no, no. It’ll be just a moment and I’ll head right back. Promise.”

For a moment it seemed that she was straining herself to protest her supposed friend’s intentions of going out alone but in the end her lethargy won. “Well… okay. It’s cold enough to freeze my tits off out there though so don’t linger too long.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Moondancer pushed open the back exit and was hit by a small gust of wind. The air was crisp and the cold seeped into her very bones, amplified by her damp garment. Even the minotaurs winced despite their heavy clothes. Moondancer gave a small wave before she embarked into the elements outside. 

A light hummed above the outside doorway and gave some manner of illumination in the late hour of the night. The door clasped behind Moondancer and she was once again, alone. Afraid that the two of them were still watching her through the glass on the door itself, she huddled against the wall and hid from any would be prying eyes. 

One Celestia, two Celestia… she thought and continued until she reached thirty. Only then did she chance to precariously peek through the glass herself. Inside, the two minotaur’s were still where she left them saying something or another and just stood there in the hall.

Come on, leave already!  It was only now did Moondancer realize that the real Aurora was still in the bathroom and could finish up at any moment. They would both be outraged to be sure and would most likely give chase to the one that had fooled them. 

Such a predicament was avoided though. After what felt like an eternity the two of them left the hall and hopefully back to wherever it was they came from.

Moondancer sighed a breath of relief and white wispy air floated in front of her muzzle. Wow, way to let a drunk mare enter a back alley all by herself. Real great friends you’ve got there Aurora. At the very least they stayed behind for what, like a minute? Her respite was short lived as another gust of wind pelted at her frame, icy talons sinking into her, ripping Moondancer from her thoughts.

Buck its freezing! Now that the two meatheads are gone… she thought as she reached for the door handle only to find that it was nowhere to be found. Huh?

Moondancer wasn’t seeing things; the door it seemed was lacking any sort of handle. 

“You’re kidding me!” she said in disbelief. It seemed that her grand exit was a one way trip with no way back inside. Moondancer in a frenzy nudged the door and rattled its frame to ultimately no avail. She whipped her head around and saw that the alley she was in was quite desolate. It was the back ends for the neighboring businesses to receive inventory and dump trash so it had little reason to be inviting. 

Darkness loomed in every direction and was swallowed up into the walls, blending the environment into a mishmash of shapes and sizes indistinguishable from one another. Moondancer shivered as reality set in that she would have to walk all the way around the buildings to get back inside. Resigning herself to trudging through the cold she took a single step only for her ears to swivel towards the sound of clunking metal. 

Moondancer’s head snapped for the source and focused on the shadows before her. From the darkness, something was there and crunched the snow beneath itself as it lumbered in her direction. The shape was impossible to pinpoint but she could tell that it was bipedal and tall. She charged her horn once again and stood firm while her pulse quickened. Whether it was a vagrant, an animal or who knows what else she would not be caught unawares. 

“W-who goes there?!” She spouted.

Soon enough from the darkness, emerged not a foul beast, but the human Greg with a black metal cylinder tightly clasped in his hand. Adorned with a blue parka he certainly was dressed for the weather, but it was no wonder why she couldn’t make out his silhouette. His arms in the air he wandered closer to her and held them in front of himself in a placated manner. 

“Woah, easy there. You’ll hurt someone with that thing you know. Primarily me,” Greg slowly said.

Moondancer let out a breath she didn’t even know that she was holding and released her magic. “I thought you were… well… You scared the hay out of me! What are you even doing out here?”

“I… work here? Someone’s has to take the trash out you know?”

“In pitch darkness?”

“I’ve got a flashlight right here,” Greg shook the metal tube in his hand. “Well… did have. The batteries died while I was taking care of the garbage.” 

“Oh.”

Greg walked right on next to Moondancer and she found that her earlier assumption was correct. Her head barely reached his stomach as he towered over her. He slipped the flashlight into his back pocket and dug his hand into his front. He withdrew a slim, silver tin case and popped it open. Inside it was a few homemade wrapped cigarettes. Before he picked one out he glanced back to Moondancer.

“Sorry, I didn’t even offer. Want one?”

“Um, no I don’t smoke.” 

“Yeah, it’s a terrible habit anyways. Do you mind if I…?” he trailed off.

“No… I don’t mind, I mean. Go ahead.”

“Thank you kindly.” Greg held one of the cigarettes between his lips and struck a match. Quickly, he held the flame clasped in his hand to the other paper end and sucked in air; cherry red, the cigarette lit up. After his lungs got their fill he slowly exhaled fluffy white smoke away from the two of them. The odor of the tobacco was pungent despite the care he took to shield it from Moondancer, but she held her tongue. 

It seemed that he had a contemplative look etched onto his face but Moondancer waved it off as a trick of the light. “This is driving me crazy. I’m trying to recall your name. Wait a second, don’t tell me. Hmm,” he snapped his fingers. “Greg, right?”

Moondancer groaned. “Ugh, kill me now.”  

He chuckled and took another drag of his cigarette. “Look, Moondancer was it? Come now, it wasn’t that bad.”

“Easy for you to say. I looked like a total sperg.”

“So? Take it from me, caring about what others think and say about you is overrated. I’m somewhat of an expert on the matter,” he said.

“Thanks, I guess? I can’t get the door open, can you help me?”

“Think nothing of it.” He moved to the door and nudged it with the tip of his shoe. “Yep, that’s closed alright. Shouldn’t be a problem for you though what with being a unicorn and all. Unless… you don’t know how to teleport?”

Moondancer scoffed. “I’ll have you know that I am quite familiar with self-spatial transport magic. I’m just not very coordinated at the moment. Chances are I’d end up teleporting into the door with my body stuck halfway between both sides.”

“Well that would certainly give anyone some pause,” Greg scratched his cheek before he continued. “Why not just use magic to push the door open from the inside then?”

Moondancer stared at him and blinked. They stood there in what was uncomfortable silence while internally she screamed her head off. He coughed into a balled fist and rubbed the back of his neck to help break the awkwardness but she held steady. Moondancer said not a word as she turned to the wall and thudded her head against it.

“You… didn’t think of that?” Greg asked.

Her only response was a groan as she continued to tap her head against the cool brick wall.

“One of Equestria’s leading scientists everyone.” He clapped his hands.

She couldn’t see him but she just knew he had a smug grin on his face. “You know it’s not very polite to laugh at a lady. A mare scorned and all that nonsense.”

“Maybe. They say that fresh air is supposed to clear one’s head but maybe it doesn’t work for everyone.”

“A tad late for that wouldn’t you say?” Without turning she waved at him.

He looked at the cigarette in his hand and shrugged. “Hey, I did ask after all. You said it was okay. No take backs!”

“Sorry, I didn’t realize that the alien was so keen on abiding by playground rules.” She looked over to him saw he stuck his tongue out.

“Them’s the brakes. I don’t make the rules I just follow them.”

Moondancer snorted. 

“Okay miss grumpy, I apologize for my remark. Feel better?” Greg said sarcastically.

Moondancer shook her head. “Not really. I want to very much kick your shin.”

“And that would make you happy?”

“For that specific moment it would.”

“So vicious. I point out your mistake and suddenly I’m the bad guy?”

“You’re arguing with a mare so the answer is automatically yes. I don’t make the rules either, I just follow them.” 

Greg chuckled, turned and rested his back against the wall next to Moondancer. “Truly a universal constant; can’t argue against that. So what is one of Equestria’s best and brightest doing mucking about in the cold like this?”

Despite his word choice Moondancer could feel that he hid no ill meaning behind them. In the initial reports she received it painted him as a more restrained individual. Yet, that politeness and modesty seemed to be extended only in public. 

Moondancer turned towards him and rested her side against the wall. “I was trying to avoid some unsavory sorts-- minotaurs to be exact.”

“Oh, those guys. They’re a bunch of pricks but it’s in their culture to be obnoxious. Ignore them and they usually leave well enough alone. Test might and mettle against one another and all that junk for the respect of the clan.”

“Yes, that’s usually typical of warrior cultures and their like. From the way Lemon Hearts spun it I assumed you were downright in love with them.” 

“Lemon Hearts doesn’t listen to even half the things I say since she’d rather molest me with her eyes.”

“You noticed that? Yeah she’s not very subtle about it is she?” Moondnancer giggled. “She thinks you’re just playing hard to get.”

“I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve already flat out told her no. Cute girl but man, even from how little I do interact with her, I can tell she would just be a pain in the ass after a while.”

“That’s not a very nice thing to say about one of my dearest, closest friends.” Moondancer tittered.

“Am I wrong?”

“Absolutely not. That mare is as high maintenance as they come.”

“Then I stand by what I said,” after another drag of his cigarette he continued. “But I think we got off topic there. Getting a good look at you, it doesn’t seem like you’re the sort to be looking for trouble with anyone really.”

Moondancer coughed into her hoof, “Well I may have instigated them just a teensy bit.”

“In what regard?”

“Um… in the sense that I called one of them a cow?”

“You fucking what?” he giggled.

“W-well she bumped into me and then had the nerve to call me names! I didn’t mean to walk into them but they should have watched where they were going.”

“Oh man, that was probably one of the worst things you could’ve said to her. I’m surprised they didn’t flatten you right then.”

“Psh, she wishes. The two of them mistook me for a friend of theirs though so they backed off. But if she even tried I would’ve turned her whole world upside down.”

“Truly ferocious.” Greg said.

“I-I could have! Besides she started it that, that…”

“Fucking bitch?”

“Yeah!” Moondancer’s head tilted. “I think? What’s that?”

“Words to describe someone who’s rude or downright insufferable.”

“That fuh-king bitch.”

“You’re getting there but you gotta say it with some oomph!”

Moondancer cleared her throat and tried again. “What a fucking bitch.”

“You’re almost there, but I didn’t know I was talking to a mouse here,” he pounded his chest. “You’ve got the words. Express it with some spirit!”

“Bitch. Fucking bitch,” Moondancer trotted in place and bucked her hind hooves. “That fucking bitch! Who does she think she is? I would’ve knocked you onto your plot you stupid meathead!”

“Yeah! That’s it.” 

“Yeah!” Moondancer continued to prance until, in her uncoordinated state, she slipped on some ice that she swore wasn’t there before. Fast and hard she fell onto her belly into the wet snow. Moondancer didn’t mind as she could hardly feel the impact nor the cold at that point. Splayed out on the ground the urge to laugh overwhelmed her.

She should have felt embarrassed to have made such a spectacle of herself yet she didn’t care. The reunion with her friends, her encounter with the minotaurs and her talk with this strange being was too much for a single night. Moondancer’s everything just felt drained.

Greg cocked his eyebrow as he leaned over her. “Need a hand?” 

“I do just fine with my hooves, but I could use some help getting up.” 

“Yeah, yeah, your pony vernacular sure is a hoot.” 

When she reached for his hand a squeak escaped her as he quite suddenly lifted her back upon her hooves. The sudden movement caused her head to spin and Moondancer sought purchase in his arm. Despite putting all her weight into him, his strength was unwavering as he stood firm.

“You okay? Nothing broken right?”

“Y-yeah, I’m fine,” Moondancer blushed. “Just got a little light headed there.”

“We’ve both dawdled enough. Think it’s time we headed on back in. Hold on, I’ve got the key.” He sifted through his pockets once more and produced a key ring. 

“I think I needed that to be honest.”

Standing next to the door Greg sorted through the assortment of keys. “What, to be knocked onto your butt?”

“No. Maybe. I don’t know. I guess all of this. I… thank you.”

“For what?” Greg looked back to Moondancer.

“It’s nice to be able to just live in the moment from time to time.”

“Okay weirdo, let’s get you back inside where it’s warm.”

“Hey… about earlier.

“Hmm?”

“At the table what I was trying to ask was, why work here?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I figured you would have stayed with Twilight or Celestia and Luna after you couldn’t find what you were looking for out there. So why settle for this?” Moondancer waved her hoof around her.

“That’s tough to say, but if I had to pin it down, it would be because it was my choice. I will not be beholden or a burden to someone no matter how nicely it’s trussed up.”

“I guess if that makes you happy…” Moondancer said.

She looked over to him and saw that his grin was gone. His face was expressionless as he stared into the glass window. He inhaled the remainder of his cigarette and squashed the lit butt beneath his boot.

“We better get going, we’ll be closing soon.” Greg opened the door and held it open for her.

“Yeah,” Moondancer weakly replied. She walked inside and Greg followed suit. 

“You should probably head back to your friends now. They’re got to be wondering what’s taking poor delicate Moondancer. I’ll escort you back to ward off any big bad minotaurs.”

Moondancer rolled her eyes, “Like I said before, I can handle myself.”

Greg began to make his way to her table and Moondancer followed closely behind him. “Yeah, exactly, I would ward them off from you. They have no idea the world of hurt they’d be in they crossed you. It’s a thankless job but I’ll make this sacrifice.” 

Moondancer rolled her eyes. “What, a gentlecolt. Yeah, I’ll let them know that Greg refused to help a poor drunken pony in need as he left me out in the cold. Smoking his tobacco and berating a defenseless mare such as myself for his own sick amusement.”

That seemed to return a semblance of a smile on the man’s face.

“Alright I see your point but you could have left at any time with your magic. That other stuff was just an added bonus.”

“I’ll have to tell Lemon Hearts this. Just think, she’ll finally know what gets you your kicks.”

“Please, don’t give that girl any weird ideas.”

Moondancer giggled. “No promises.”

His larger build demanded that others moved out of his way as he passed them which made it easier on Moondancer. She could keep up well enough with Greg’s pace despite his size but noticed he took smaller steps with her in tow. She wasn’t joking about her drunken state and any faster than what they were going at and she’d more than likely have crashed into something already. Before they even arrived she could hear her friend’s conversation above the chatter around her.

“The- the best part about Abacus though. The best part,” Minuette slurred. “Is that he always knows when something’s bothering me. He just knows without me saying nothing and tries to cheer me up. He’ll make me breakfast for dinner and then he’ll give me all the cuddles I want.”

“Yeah, we know he’s wonderful!” Twinkleshine barked. “Abacus this, Abacus that. If he’s so great he should put a ring on it already! You are a catch and he needs to seal the deal!”

“Oooh, he’s just so dang shy. I’m sure he’s just looking for the perfect moment.”

“You two have been dating since high school and been living together for years. You’re already pretty much married! Might as well ask him yourself.” 

“Twinkleshine, that’s not proper,” Lemon Hearts said disapprovingly. “A stallion must propose to the mare, silly. I agree with you Minuette, Abacus is just looking for the perfect moment that you two will remember for the rest of your lives! The shy types are always the most romantic.”

“No, you got that all wrong. They’re the most depraved. Prim and proper in the streets, freaks in the sheets!” Twinkleshine shouted.

“That’s not—Oh, Moondancer you’re back!” Lemon Hearts said, “And you brought Greg too. I was just thinking about you sweetie. You wouldn’t happen to be a mind reader would you?”

“Nope,” Greg said. “Just making sure your little friend Moondancer makes it back to her table safe and sound. We talked for a bit until she could clear her pretty little head up. Why, the poor girl can hardly walk straight. I just had to help this slovenly woman in need.”

Lemon Hearts cupped her cheeks. “Such a sweetheart!”

Moondancer glanced over to him and saw his smirk. She hated that cocky face he was making but the alternative was letting them know that she locked herself out like an idiot. 

“You four okay to get back home, though? It’s already pretty late.”

“I wouldn’t mind an escort back home. You’d protect us from any dangers wouldn’t you? I’m sure I’d find some way to pay you back.” Lemon Hearts licked her lips.

“Hah, we’re fine. We can take care of ourselves I’ll have you know.” Twinkleshine slurred.

“You girls need anything else then?” Greg asked.

Minuette raised her cup in the air while she rested her cheek against the cool table surface. “Another round, please!”

“Yeah! Keep ‘em coming,” Twinkleshine said.

Moondancer could see the concern in his eyes and subtly shook her head when he looked her way. She could see that they had went overboard and were barely holding on as is. As much as she knew that the others would disagree it was time for them wrap up their evening and head on home. Greg nodded his head in what she had hoped was understanding.

“Uh… sure. Be back in a sec.” Greg said. He gave one last look to Moondancer and made his way back to the bar.

Moondancer plopped down on the cushioning and reclaimed her seat. Her drink had long since been forgotten about and had turned warm—not that she was in the mood to finish it anymore. Just as she was getting comfy again the sound of someone clearing their throat caught her attention.

Here we go, Moondancer thought.

“Well?” Lemon Hearts said.

“Well, what?” Moondancer said. She knew exactly what Lemon Hearts wanted to ask but would much rather try her best to avoid the discussion. Minuette was essentially asleep at the table while Twinkleshine seemed to be swaying in her seat as she stared off into the air, unawares to the world – Moondancer was trapped.

“So, how was your trip to the bathroom? You feeling any better?” Lemon Hearts sweetly asked.

“Yep. Much better now.”

“You were gone for quite some time…”

This doesn’t feel familiar. “Yep. I just can’t hold my alcohol as well as you it seems. Your years of experience has dwarfed my own.”

“Hilarious. But what do you think about Greg now that you’ve had a chance to ‘talk’?”

“He’s interesting I suppose. Not at all what I was expecting.”

“You can only learn so much from a book Moondancer. Sometimes the only way you can learn is with a more hooves on approach.”

“Yeah, I don’t think I’m really interested.”

“Oh, please. You didn’t sneak a peek at his frame and see just how toned he is?”

“Well…” Moondancer thought back to his display of strength and the memory made her face heat up. While that was well and good it was their banter that had her intrigued. There was not many that she found interesting enough to have an actual conversation with. He seemed to have a sense of humor that that she found refreshing, yet at the end there, it seemed that what she said greatly upset him. “I—uh.”

“Well what’s all this then?” Vintage Brew asked.

Thank Celestia, Moondancer thought. In the midst of her interrogation it seemed Vintage Brew snuck up on them. There he looked on with a stern face with Greg standing beside him.

“Hey, Uncle Brew.” Lemon Hearts said.

“Lemon Hearts, we’re gonna be closing soon but it looks like your friends are in no condition to be walking anywhere. Especially this late at night!” Vintage Brew exclaimed. “Greg brought it to my attention that you and your friends were in a bad way over here and he was right from what I can see.”

“Greg… you tattled on me?” Lemon Hearts pouted while the man just shrugged.

“Don’t you go putting the blame on him, he’s a good lad. How are ya supposed to get home this late at night?”

“Well—I mean,” Lemon Hearts floundered under his gaze. “It’s not my fault they can’t hold their drink!”

“Don’t you take that tone with me young missy. You ought to take care when you know you’re drinking with light weights.” 

“Bunch of horse apples,” Lemon Hearts muttered.

“What was that?” Vintage Brew cocked an eyebrow.

“N-nothing.”

Vinatge Brew sighed. “Whose home is the closest?”

“I believe mine is, Vintage Brew.” Moondancer said. She gave him directions on how to get there and he nodded his head.

“Definitely the closest then. Do you mind a little impromptu slumber party? I can escort you girls back but I’m still needed here to close up so I can only make the one trip.”

“I don’t mind but, uh, I think that might be a problem. Minuette might have fallen asleep already.”

On the table, Minuette splayed herself on as much surface as she could while she snoozed away. Moondancer tried shake her friend awake but to no avail.

“Aw ponyfeathers.” Vintage Brew looked back to Greg, “I know it would be asking a lot but, would you mind helping me take the girls home? I can carry the sleeping beauty but I’d be no good if some goons came up one us.”

Greg nodded, “Sure thing, Mr. Brew.”

“Thank you, lad. Sort the girls out while I get my coat, when I get back we’re leaving.”

Vintage Brew wasted no time as he retreated back into the pub, muttering under his breath the whole while. Moondancer looked over to Lemon Hearts who crossed her forelegs and continued to sulk. When their eyes met she could see the glint in her eye that told her that she was off the hook—for now at least. It was awkward to continue the conversation with Greg right next to them and not even Lemon hearts was that shameless.

“You’re such a meanie, Greg!” Lemon Hearts whined.

Greg rolled his eyes, “Hey, it may be Canterlot, but it’s late and your friends are in no shape to be walking home.”

“I agree with him,” Moondancer said. “It’s safer to just have you all spend the night at my home than wander about in the city with who knows prowling at this hour.”

“As much as I hate to admit it, I agree. We should have left a while ago honestly but we all got swept up with the mood,” Lemon Hearts moaned. “But regardless, I just wish my uncle didn’t have to get involved. I’m too old to be scolded like some filly.”

“So you’re not mad at me?” Greg asked.

Lemon Hearts crossed her hooves in front of her, “You’re not let off the hook that easy mister. I’m still mad even though you did do the right thing and will continue to be so for the remainder of this evening.”

“I think I can live with that. If you girls brought any bags with you best to pack them up now.”

Moondancer did as he advised and reached under the table for her saddle bags; a task made difficult with Minuette’s limp frame in the way. It also seemed that her hind hooves had somehow tangled with the straps, but with a little elbow grease, Moondancer pulled her pack free from the sleeping mare. 

A quick once over the bag led her to discover that someone had spilled something on it. She pulled the pack close to her nose and could pick up the faintest odor of cheap beer. Great, she thought. Moondancer decided it was best to worry about it later instead and strapped the bags back on. She pulled her scarf straight and wrapped it around her neck all the while ignoring the smell of liquor. While she herself was ready it seemed that Lemon Hearts was having trouble coaxing Twinkleshine to get up.

“Twinkleshine, c’mon, it’s time to go. You’ve had enough already.” Lemon Hearts said as she strained to pull her friend out.

“Nu-hooo. Get your hooves off me. I’ll tell you when I’ve had enough!” Twinkleshine shouted.

Others in the pub were beginning to take note of the scene she was making. Some quietly laughed while others deemed it was a sign that it was time to wrap up their own outing. Whatever the case, it was embarrassing for Moondancer to have her friend throw a tantrum like a foal.

“A little help please?” Lemon Hearts pleaded.

“Twinkleshine, please stop being so difficult. You’re making a scene.” Moondancer asked.

Twinkleshine’s lip curled and her brow furrowed, “Up yours!” 

“Should we pull her out still?” Greg asked.

Moondancer rubbed her head. “Not the best idea. When she gets like this it’s a huge pain in the flank to deal with her. Plus, she bites.”

Greg grimaced. “What do you want to do then?” 

“Give me a moment to think.” Moondancer knew what she had to do but sorely wished that she didn’t have to do it. When Twinkleshine got like this however, there was no reasoning with her. “Can you carry her?”

“I’d rather not be bitten but I could haul her, yeah.”

Moondancer, one final time, focused her magic into her horn and took aim at Twinkleshine. Said mare ceased her flailing with Lemon Hearts when she noticed the pulsing lights and narrowed her eyes at its wielder.

“Oh you better not, Moondancer, or I’ll bop you so hard that—“ 

Moondancer shot her magic, directly impacting and dispersing into Twinkleshine’s face. The mare’s eyes slammed shut as her body went limp. Immediately Moondancer felt the fatigue from casting in her state. She planted a hoof firmly onto the table to steady herself before she fell. The room danced around her in blurry afterimages while her sense of balance just disappeared. Her stomach was doing somersaults and she gagged. 

Greg hovered behind Moondancer and placed a hand upon her back. “You okay there?” 

“Just… fine,” Moondancer mustered. “I need a moment to recover after that.”

“Sure, but what about her?” Greg pointed his thumb at Twinkleshine.

Moondancer refrained from losing her dinner and nodded. “Yeah, she’s fine too. I just put the stubborn mare to sleep.”

“It’s for the best.” Lemon Hearts said. “I’d rather not be here all night wrestling with her.”

“If you say so,” Greg said. He pulled the unconscious Twinkleshine out of the booth and in one quick motion hefted her atop his shoulder. 

“She’s not too heavy right?” Moondancer asked.

Greg adjusted Twinkleshine’s frame, “Why, Moondancer, are you insinuating that one of your dearest and closest friends is fat?”

“Not at all. I only ask for the well-being of said friend.” Moondancer cocked an eyebrow. “Besides, I’m not one of those weirdo’s that gets off on verbal abuse like so many others.”

“Point taken.”

Lemon Hearts cleared her throat. “I don’t know. I for one think the mare could stand to lose a few pounds; not that I’d say it to her face.”

She didn’t get to continue her tirade as Vintage Brew returned. The stallion was adorned in a heavy green coat but what caught Moondancer’s eye was the wooden club that he carried on his side. 

“W-what happened to the other one?!” he shouted. “I was gone for not even a minute.”

“It’ll be easier to deal with Twinkleshine this way, Uncle Brew. Besides, Greg can handle a silly few extra pounds.” Lemon Hearts sweetly said.

“Well, looks like you just volunteered to carry the other packs then since you’re so keen on making more work for the rest of us.”

“But it was--,” 

“I don’t want to hear any bemoaning. C’mon, hop to it,” Vintage Brew stomped. He placed the club on the table and made to pull out Minuette. Lemon Hearts pouted but did as her uncle demanded, placing the bags upon her back. 

“Ugh, Minuette spilled her stupid beer all over them! It’s gonna soak into my sweater.”

“Quit your bellyaching.” Vintage Brew said as he placed a slumbering Minuette over his own back. Satisfied that she was secure he levitated the wooden club over to Greg. “Alright lad, I’m not so young that I can swing this thing without making a fool of myself but I figure that you’re no stranger to one of these. Take it.”

Greg grasped the instrument with his free hand. The weapon was a little more than the half length of his arm but Moondancer had no doubt that it could cause serious damage if it came down to it. The man tested the balance of the club’s weight by waving it in the air a few times before strapping it to the waist of his pants.

“Everything settled then?” Vintage Brew asked.

They all voiced their affirmation. 

“Good, then let’s head off.” 

The stallion led the way out of the pub and the others followed suit. Once more Moondancer felt the lingering winter chills as the group left the front door. A look around showed that what was once a bustling business district mere hours ago was now all but deserted. City lamp posts offered what little light they could provide for its traveling denizens but the dark was ever present.

Occasionally they would pass by a small group here and there. Many of which seemed to have the same idea and were walking home themselves or were alternatively looking to keep the party going; traveling to the next bar or club at this hour.

It was odd to see Lemon Hearts so quiet but Moondancer surmised that she was probably afraid of upsetting her uncle anymore. Vintage Brew continued to lead the way with his niece glued next to him while Greg walked next to the straggling Moondancer.

“You okay there?” Greg asked.

“Hmm? Yeah, just fine,” Moondancer replied. “I guess I was more worn out than I initially thought.”

“Honestly, I thought you were about to succumb to a mana blackout.”

Moondancer nodded. “I almost did. I’m actually surprised you know the term.”

“I’ve seen it a few times before and it’s never pretty. Last guy I saw it happen to was trying to impress some ladies with his party trick; he was glued to the toilet all night after it went awry. Couldn’t cast magic for a day without whining about his head feeling like it was about to crack open.”

“That’s the typical reaction. Unicorns use their magic with their horn but if we don’t focus it correctly, there is the possibility that we can explode.”

“Wait, really?” 

“No, not really,” Moondancer giggled. “Imagine pouring water into a funnel. It’ll go down properly if at the right pace, but if you just dump it in all at once you’ll cause a spill over. The problem is that the spill occurs within our bodies and it takes some time to absorb all that mana back properly. It’s an imbalance that throws us all out of whack causing nausea, headaches, vomiting, and so on.

“He didn’t put as fancy as that. He just said that it was like a magic hangover.”

“It pretty much is but you have no choice but to ride it out. No amount of liquid or food intake can help alleviate it.”

“You ever get one before?”

“Once… a long time ago.”

“It sounds like there’s a story there,” Greg nudged her side with his finger. “C’mon, share with the class. I even promise not to laugh—too much.”

Moondancer vividly remembered it: the birthday party, her humiliation, the night spent delving deeper into a spiraling drunken oblivion. Glass fragments littered the floor from broken picture frames. The pounding at her door as others attempted to help ease her pain. Wailing that continued well into the evening until finally the mana blackout occurred from a half-baked spell.

Greg cleared his throat, “Just got real quiet on me there.”

“Did I?” Moondancer looked away from him. 

In front of her she could see Lemon Heart’s ears were perked up. The mare subtly peeked over her shoulder so as to not alert Greg, and looked into Moondancer’s eyes. It seemed that she had been eavesdropping on their conversation. 

Moondancer shook her head, “Sorry…It’s just a touchy subject for me.”

“Hey, you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. Pretend I never even brought it up.”

“Sure.” Moondancer looked back to Lemon Hearts. The mare flashed Moondancer a reassuring smile and nodded before turning back her head in front of her.

Occasionally, Twinkleshine would murmur under her breath as she slept over Greg’s shoulder but the conversation came to a screeching halt. Moondancer was relieved that he had the tact to not press for further details about that night but she didn’t want to make him feel like he offended her. She pulled at her scarf in order to appear busy but Moondnacer could tell that she was only fooling herself. 

“So…” Greg began.

“So… what?” Moondancer said.

“So what’s the deal with airline food?” he drawled.

“I don’t know. What’s airline food?”

“The beginning to a loaded question is what it is. It’s the start of a joke from my world. A very bad one at that but it’s not supposed to be funny. Its use is more of a way to… transition to another topic,” he sighed. “One of the things that I miss from my world is that everyone knows about these little jokes and references them in conversations all the time.”

“Oh, you mean memes?”

Greg gave her a skeptical look. “You know about memes? The internet isn’t even a thing here so how’s that possible?”

“I don’t know what the internet is but what you were describing was memes, otherwise known as a cultural identity. Similar to genes that make up your biology, memes mold an individual’s identity through a combination of one’s environment and the collection of ponies that inhabit that space.”

“Huh, never knew that,” Greg rubbed at his chin. “Well anyways, I was never really big on traveling before I got here. It was expensive and didn’t seem that interesting unless you were going to an ancient ruin or something. I figured most people did it as a status thing just to say that they had been there and to flaunt it at others.”

“Well, that’s still true of ponies here. Nobles and their like travel to parties that are hosted in other countries to rub it in their friend’s faces all the time. Travel though is made cheap, for the most part, because a good chunk of the population can already fly. Train and ship fare is then made cheaper to incentivize and entice travelers to use a service that would be otherwise slower than themselves. There’s a lot more to it than that but that’s the gist of it.”

“Should we expect this all to be on the mid-term, professor?”

Moondancer’s smile returned. “Sorry, sorry. Please continue.”

“Continuing from where I left off as I was so rudely interrupted,” Greg playfully said in mock anger. “When I first got here I kept making these little jokes and references, even if I knew that others would have no idea what I was talking about. It was a way to pretend that everything was still normal, ya know? I still do it every now and then but it’s mostly kept within the confines of my thoughts.”

“Why not share it anyways? Are you embarrassed by your own homeland’s culture?”

Greg waved his hand. “Nothing as silly as that. It’s just no fun to make a joke that the other person has no way of understanding; it makes me feel like an ass.”

“Implying that he already isn’t one,” Moondancer snickered.

“And just like that, the meme has performed its duty.”

Moondancer cocked her head. “What?” 

“You were all down in the dumps just a moment ago, but it looks like all it took was a little meme magic to fix what ailed you.”

Now that he had mentioned it, Moondancer noticed that it was true. It seemed that somewhere in the midst of his small talk she lost that glum feeling that had briefly beset her. 

“I –uh, thanks.”

He gave her a mock salute, “All in a day’s work, ma’am.”

“Alright, I think we’re here,” Vintage Brew interrupted. “I don’t have the foggiest which one it is though.” 

“It’s that one right there, Uncle Brew.” Lemon Hearts pointed.

Moondancer trotted ahead of Greg to see a welcome sight indeed. Across the street, the house was clumped between two buildings and cast in perpetual shadows. The lawn was covered in snow but the occasional cluster of grass poked through. A dead, withered tree loomed on the right side of the home. Some sort of plant life had taken root on the roof where the tiles had gone missing. The chimney looked to be on the verge of collapsing yet somehow stood firm. It was good to be home. 

Greg quickly caught to Moondancer’s side and surveyed the buildings. He let out a whistle and chuckled.

“Yikes, take a look at that one right there; what a dump. Now that’s the type of house you tell scary stories about to kids. I bet property values are probably taking a hit from that eyesore too.”

And just like that her admiration of the human took a nosedive. “That’s my home,” Moondancer grumbled.

Greg’s eyes widened as he sputtered out a response, “And what a lovely home it is I might add! Believe it or not, dump is actually a compliment where I come from. Some would say another word for it would be cozy even.”

Moondancer was astonished to see that he had a small blush on his face. It seemed that even the laid back human could feel embarrassment. “Uh huh.”

She foraged ahead of the group towards the dark front porch. Moondancer produced the key from her bags and opened the front door. It loudly creaked open in objection with a high pitched whine. Inside, it was pitch black, but she knew the interior like the back of her hoof. In a flash she got to the light switch and flicked them on, casting the dark out. When the others flocked inside, Moondancer was actually relieved that she had followed Minuette’s advice and tidied up. 

As soon as she entered the doorway Lemon Hearts quickly made to dump all of their collected bags. “Finally! That junk was starting to get heavy.”

Greg and Vintage Brew looked around but withheld any comments about her décor. Greg, it seemed was taking extra care to not say anything at all. In a way, Moondancer found it endearing that he felt so torn up about he had said, but it was nothing she hadn’t heard already from so many of her neighbors. 

“So where do ya want ‘em?” Vintage Brew asked.

Moondancer was too exhausted to care about etiquette and unfastened her bags, letting them fall wherever they may to the floor. “It’s big enough for both of them so just put those two on the couch. I’ll get them some blankets and have them sorted out.”

Vintage Brew and Greg went to unload their passengers onto the piece of furniture, one resting on each end. Moondancer wandered down to the hallway cabinet and pulled out a pair of thick winter quilts. When she was sure the others weren’t looking she smelled the fabric. Freshly washed that week but she was still anxious about any lingering odors. 

Moondancer then went to rest one blanket over each of her sleeping friends. When they felt the quilts cover them, Minuette and Twinkleshine both nestled deeper into the cushions of the sofa.

“Alright then, it seems that’s a job well done.” Vintage Brew said.

“Thanks for the help, you two,” Moondancer lifted her glasses up and rubbed at her eyes. “Would you guys like some coffee or anything before you head out?”

“Thank you for the offer but its best we got out of your manes. Besides, we still gotta head back and finish closing up the pub before it gets too late.”

Greg scratched at his cheek unable to look her in the eye. “Yeah, what the boss said.”

Vintage Brew went over to Lemon Hearts and pulled her into a hug. “You take care now, little missy. And stay out of trouble.”

Lemon Hearts returned the hug. “I will; promise. I love you uncle Brew.”

“I love ya too Lemon Hearts.” he said. Slowly, he pulled away and turned towards Moondancer. “It was great to see you again, Moondancer. Come again to The Black Cauldron soon, ya hear?”

“I’ll be back, you can bet on it.” Moondancer said.

“Bye, Greg!” Lemon Hearts chirped.

“Yeah. Bye, Greg.” Moondancer droned.

“See you two later then.” Greg said.

Satisfied, Vintage Brew nodded and made to leave the house. Greg went to follow suit but lingered by the door frame. 

“Hey, uh, Moondancer. Sorry about what I said. It’s actually a lovely home you got here.”

Moondancer sighed. “No harm done, apology accepted, yada yada.”

“Doesn’t really feel like I got let off the hook. Really instilling confidence here.”

“Greg, it’s late. I’m tired. I forgive you so please close the door so the cold will stop coming in.”

“C’mon, what’s the holdup lad?” Vintage Brew exclaimed. “I’m freezing my plot out here!” 

“Gotta go. See you girls later.” He closed the door behind him leaving Moondancer and Lemon Hearts left to their own devices. Moondancer wouldn’t stand for any of that after her little interrogation at the pub.

“Well, good night,” Moondancer began. “The chair reclines back if you’d like to sleep more comfortably. If you need another quilt the cabinet is down the hall. You already know where the bathroom is.”

Moondancer began to walk to her bedroom before she was stopped by a hoof on her shoulder.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Lemon Hearts asked.

“To bed? It’s late and I feel a splitting headache coming on after what I did at the pub.” Moondancer explained.

“Come on, Moondancer, that chair is so uncomfortable,” she whined. “I had gotten all kinds of knots and cramps from the last time I slept on it. Honestly I thought you got rid of that horrid thing already.”

“Yeah, well, you’re not sharing my bed. You get all hoovesy in your sleep.”

“Pretty please,” Lemon Hearts begged. “I promise I’ll stay on my side this time. You won’t even know I’m there…”

It was late and Moondancer just didn’t have the energy to argue. “Fine. But I’m going straight to bed so I don’t want to hear a peep.”

Lemon Hearts jumped on Moondancer for a hug. “Thank you, Moonie.”

Moondancer grunted and already regretted her decision. She shrugged Lemon Hearts off and made one last checkup on the other two to see if they were okay. A cursory glance showed that they were peacefully slumbering away without a care in the world. With that out of the way Moondancer turned off the lights and led Lemon Hearts to the bedroom with her horn shining the way.

Moonlight poured through the window blinds and claimed what little domain it could. Furnishing in the room was sparse since she didn’t see a need to gussy it up. A single night stand with a lamp resting atop it was set next to the bedframe while a chest rested at the foot of the bed. In the corner of the room a tall wardrobe stood against the wall. The bed was messy and unmade but that was about the extent of the clutter in the room.

Moondancer flopped onto the bed without bothering to remove her sweater and rested on her back, relishing in the softness. Lemon Hearts seemed to have more tact as she pulled her sweater over her head and folded it neatly, placing it on the chest. She soon followed her friend’s example and took the other side of the mattress. With her magic, Moondancer pulled the blankets atop them both and placed her glasses atop the night stand; the light from her horn extinguishing.

“Good night, Lemon Hearts.”

Lemon Hearts yawned. “Night, Moonie.”

Moondancer closed her eyes and felt herself slowly drifting away. She awaited the moment when her friend would inevitably bug her for something or another, but she never did. Sleep had claimed them both.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moondancer did not dream that night. Instead, her consciousness was peacefully submerged within an ocean of oblivion. A beguiling warmth spread over her entire being that lulled Moondancer ever deeper into slumber, refusing to relinquish its possessive hold upon her. She would have continued to be ensnared by her lethargy when a loud clattering accompanied by a yelp returned her once more to the waking world. 

Her eyes shot wide open, but quickly squinted against the brilliant sunlight that invaded the interior of her room. Moondancer grumbled for it seemed that, the night prior, she had forgotten to close the drapes in her drunken state. When she made to pull the covers over her face to shield against the blinding light, she found that she couldn’t move. To make matters worse, a minor pain throbbed inside her head; like a drum it beat in synch with her heart and lingered in the back of her skull.

Moondancer looked over her shoulder only to see that Lemon Hearts had completely wrapped around her. She sighed and knew that she only had herself to blame for this. The silver lining was that Lemon Hearts had, at the very least, kept her hooves above Moondancer’s hips this time.

“Lemon Hearts,” Moondancer hoarsely said. “Lemon Hearts wake up.”  

The mare in question was undisturbed by the pleas and nestled her head into the crook of Moondancer’s shoulder. Whenever she attempted to pry herself away, Lemon Hearts simply squeezed tighter to fortify her hold. It got old very quickly.

Yeah, that’s enough of that, Moondancer thought. 

In a flash of brilliant light she teleported in front of the bed away from her warden’s clutches. Lemon Hearts immediately noted her friends’ absence and made her discomfort known. Mewling in her sleep, her face furrowed as she grasped blindly for anything to hold on to. Moondancer took pity on her friend and pushed a pillow to Lemon Hearts greedy hooves. The mare found purchase in her new prisoner, clutching it tightly against her barrel; smiling all the while. A pair of glasses levitated to their rightful place upon Moondancer’s face before she left the bedroom. 

The noise she heard had been concerning but no other disturbance had been made there after. Moondancer wandered down the hall back into her living room to see that almost everything was exactly as she had left it. The bags were still strewn about, Twinkleshine covered her face with her hooves, but Minuette was missing. 

Another harsh clanging rang, this time from the kitchen. Moondancer knew that it had to be Minuette’s doing.

That didn’t sound good whatever it was. I hope she didn’t hurt herself.

Twinkleshine covered her ears with pillow as she tossed and turned from the racket. “Make it stop, please,” she groaned.  

The clock declared the day to be a quarter past ten so it wasn’t unusual to already be up and about. She wanted nothing more than to return to her bed but seeing to her guests took precedence. Moondancer trotted to the kitchen to offer whatever help she thought Minuette might need, but wasn’t prepared for what she saw.

On the laminated tile rested the door that had once been attached to her refrigerator just a few hours ago. A light dusting of baking soda was plastered all over the floor with a few condiment bottles cluttered about every which way. Minuette was oblivious to her host as she trotted in place whilst muttering to herself. That was the sight that Moondancer was presented with. She cleared her throat and Minuette froze. The mare turned to Moondancer, a look of pure panic displayed on her face.

Minuette’s eyes darted back and forth between the slab of aluminum and her friend. “… Good morning?” 

Moondancer raised an eyebrow.

“Now… I know this looks bad, but hear me out,” Minuette said through a strained smile. “I was hungry so I raided your pantry only to find that you’re seriously lacking in… everything really. So, being the humble and best friend that I am, I went out and bought the perfect hangover food for you and the girls. But, as I was trying to put the milk away in the fridge, it wouldn’t open. So I yanked harder on the handle and it flew right off, nearly taking my head with it.”

Moondancer continued her silent treatment. It was just far too early for this nonsense. On the table she saw that there was a brown paper bag set next to a pink takeout box and a jug of chocolate milk. She pointed to the confectioneries. “Is there an apple fritter inside that box?” Moondancer asked in a flat tone.

Minuette tilted her head. “Um… yeah. I got some egg and spinach sandwiches too.”

“Good enough for me.” Moondancer walked around the mess in search of some dishware. Swiftly, the cabinets were opened as she levitated the plates and cups to the table; serving herself a relatively unhealthy breakfast composed of one of everything.

Minuette stood transfixed as she watched her friend munch away at a pastry. “You’re not mad? I thought you’d be mad.”

Moondancer savored the delicious treat with every bite as she sat herself at the head of table. She promised herself that she would try to eat healthier, but it wasn’t exactly cheating if she was freely given junk food. Maybe. Probably. Besides, it would be rude to decline her friends offer. 

“Do you want me to be mad?” she asked with a mouth full of fried dough. 

“N-no?”

Moondancer swallowed the remnants before she continued. “Minuette, that thing was super old. I’m not really surprised that it came off and I don’t blame you for it.” That wasn’t necessarily true but she knew it was what Minuette needed to hear. Moondancer didn’t much care for the thing and would have bought a new one, but knowing herself she would have just put it off. “Just… try to be more careful with my other things at least, okay?”

“A-are you sure?” Minuette asked. “I can pay for the damages, I promise.”

“Like I said, it’s fine. I’ve got it covered.” 

“…Still.”

The mare was stubborn. Minuette was the type to fully pay back what was owed with interest. It was endearing, but also annoying in the way that she fretted needlessly over matters.

“Look, if you really want to make it up to me, how about you help me look for a new one. We can go to that store that Twinkleshine got all smug about and shop there. If you really still feel crummy you can just pay for lunch afterward. Deal?"

Minuette looked contemplative for a moment. Moondancer was afraid that she would refuse her offer and would insist on making things ‘right’ but was pleasantly surprised when no objections were made. “Deal!”

From just how expressive she was it seemed to Moondancer that Minuette was relatively unaffected from yesterday. Usually Moondancer was the one designated as the sober escort to shepherd the rest home since they tended to be too inebriated to handle themselves. Minuette was always the first to go overboard, but she never suffered from any hangover that Moondancer was aware of. She was jealous of the constitution that her friend had, but then she wasn’t big on drinking in the first place.

“Sweet, Celestia, keep it down!” Twinkleshine moaned as she stumbled into the kitchen. Her mane was like a rats nest as it clumped and stuck out in odd angles. Her eyes were screwed tightly shut as a hoof rubbed at her temple. The mare looked absolutely terrible. “My head is killing me.”

“Is the princess finally awake?” Minuette cooed. She went to ruffle the mare’s mane but her hoof was quickly batted away. “Well, we got some food over here so hurry up and eat up before it gets cold.”

“I don’t think I can really stomach any food right now,” Twinkleshine blanched as she strode past the metal chunk on the floor. She was either oblivious, or chose not to care, as she walked over the baking soda, spreading it everywhere one hoof step at a time. The mare took a seat next to Moondancer and gently rested her head on the table. “Do you have any coffee or some orange juice, Moondancer? I’ll totally love you forever if you do.”

“I do have coffee, but you’re not getting any,” Moondancer said as she took a quick sip of the milk. “That stuff is terrible for you after a night of drinking. Presented before you is a smorgasbord that will specifically resupply your body with the materials it needs right now.”

Moondancer put together the same spread that she was currently enjoying and placed it all in front of her on the table. Twinkleshine cracked open an eye, and if it were possible, somehow managed to look more nauseated from just a glimpse at it.

“I’m not feeling particularly hungry,” Twinkleshine said full of lethargy.

“This food is super good for you though!” Minuette exclaimed.  Twinkleshine grumbled at her friend’s sudden outburst but still the mare went on. “It’s all stuff that’ll help you out in a pinch after a night out in town.”

Twinkleshine wrinkled her nose. “I don’t understand. I ate a bunch last night so why am I the only one that’s all messed up? You two look fine for the most part.”

“It’s because you drank an assortment of mixed drinks instead of staying with a single type,” Moondancer lectured. “It didn’t help that your dinner was primarily composed of vegetables.” 

“Yeah, you should know better when drinking, Twinkleshine,” Minuette chided. It seemed that she been cleaning up the mess on the floor while Moondancer had been focusing on her food. “You know the old saying, ‘eat your bread, or you’ll be stuck in bed, wishing you were dead'. Now you’ve gotta make up for the loss.”

“That’s right. There’s protein, cysteine, sugar, and complex carbohydrates that all work in tandem to help rejuvenate the body. You need these things since your stomach is botched and your blood sugar is low. The spinach contains magnesium which is an anti-inflammatory. The sugars here will help rejuvenate the losses whilst they slowly break down the rest of the day since your liver is completely taxed from the night before, while proteins will help detoxify it as well.”

Try as she might, it didn’t look like the importance her words reached Twinkleshine in the slightest as the mare frowned. “…I don’t wanna.”

Moondancer adjusted her glasses. “Just eat the fucking food, you foal.” 

Twinkleshine’s ears flattened against her head. “Alright, alright, jeeze. Don’t gotta be that loud though.” She sat up and brought the glass of milk to her lips, quickly emptying it in one go. Her thirst somewhat slaked for the moment she then got to work on the food on her plate.

Minuette, it seemed, had already finished cleaning the floor and joined them at the table. She quizzically tilted her head. “What’s, fucking? Did you mean bucking?”

Moondancer waved a hoof. “It’s just something that I picked up from Greg last night. From what I could surmise it has the same connotation, so sure.” 

“Wait a second. When did you have time to hang out with him? You were with us the whole night.”

“You were pretty out of it, huh?” Moondancer slowly said. “After I went to the restroom we just happened to bump into one another and somewhat hit it off I guess.”

It was a half-truth but it was better than letting them know what really happened. 

“Huh, well, Lemon Hearts wasn’t too far off then,” Twinkleshine said through a mouthful of bagel and eggs.

“Hmm?” Moondancer hummed. 

“He’s a cute guy I’ll give you that, but I honestly didn’t think he’d be your type,” Twinkleshine waggled her eyebrows at Moondancer. “Went off to play scientist with the alien then, hmm?” 

“He is not my type!” Moondancer huffed. The other mares winced at her outburst and a blush appeared on her face. “That stallion insulted my home and called it a dump! Not to mention that cocky attitude of his is completely undesirable if you ask me.” 

Yesterday night did hurt a bit. Here Moondancer had finally met the alien that she had heard so much about and it was… not what she expected. It wasn’t a bad thing, it was just wasn’t what she had anticipated at all. Honestly, she felt that they got along well enough. Then at that last little stretch after he had just got her out of reminiscing about a particularly bleak part of her life, he went and insulted her home. She knew that he meant every word of what he said despite his apologies. She wasn’t mad – for the most part—that was just an underlying feeling fueled by her own embarrassment.

“Well… he’s not wrong,” Minuette said in a soft tone. Shock etched itself on Moondancer as she looked agape at her friend. “Moondancer, you’re one of my best friends and I love you, but this place is a dump.”

“That’s not…”

“Thank, Celestia!” Twinkleshine interrupted. “I didn’t want to be the one to say anything, but it’s true. This place looks like it’s gonna fall apart. I don’t know how you can stand to live in a dump like this.”

Minuette frowned at Twinkleshine.  “You should really look into fixing your home up, Moondancer.” She was already wolfing down some baked good and looked as though she was getting ready to work the others that had been piled up on her plate. 

“For sure, this place has definitely seen better days.”

It wasn’t that they were wrong by any means. Moondancer was quite aware of the structural flaws and the general wear and tear that her home was under. It was more so that she, while loath to admit it, was more or less a slob. Her workaholic nature didn’t help matters as well, but perhaps this was a good opportunity.

Moondancer wasn’t blind to what was going on inside her home. There were cracks on the wall. The roof was coming apart. Her sink had been leaking for who knows how long and so many more problems that it made Moondancer’s head swim.

Her friends seemed to be holding themselves back for a while. While Minuette had made her position apparent before, Moondancer believed that it was just her motherly nature making a fuss. With so many piling on her like this, she took it as a sign. She had already decided that she was going to take a break from work, so that time could be better utilized to help renovate her home. Replacing her fridge could be just the push that she needed to get started. 

“Okay, maybe you two have a point,” Moondancer conceded as she rubbed the back of her neck. “I thought just cleaning up the place would be enough, but maybe I do need to look into getting some help.”

Twinkleshine looked abashed. “Oh… well I didn’t mean to be a downer or anything. I just meant it in a way that… you know?”

“What she meant to say was that we just worry about you sometimes is all, Moonie,” Minuette said.

Moondancer shook her head. “No, no. You two, and as much as I’d hate to admit it, Greg, are right. I’ll start looking into this when we shop for the fridge. As of now I’m available whenever you are, Minuette.”

The mare pondered her friend’s words while she hummed. “I can go tomorrow if you’d like. After last night it’s probably best that we all just take it easy today. Plus, I still have to let Abacus know that I’m fine. I told him I might stay over at a friends if I got too sloshed, but I don’t want to worry him.”

“Hey, there’s no rush. I don’t want to make it feel like you’re being put on the spot.”

“Moondancer it was my fault so I’ll help you out as soon as I am able. Besides, something tells me that you’d go right back to eating junk food in an instant.”

That wasn’t necessarily true, Moondancer thought. Sure she still needed to restock her pantry but Moondancer felt her friend should have more faith than that. Moondancer was an adult who had the willpower to preserve before such vile delicacies … Who was she kidding? It was possible that she’d crawl back to old habits as soon as they left.

“Thanks,” Moondancer said and then turned to Twinkleshine. “You’re welcome to come along as well if you’d like.”

“Nah,” Twinkleshine declined. “I’ve got some errands to run, but I’ll tell you the gist of what you should do when you get there.”

Moondancer didn’t want to make her friend feel excluded in any way. It seemed spending her day off perusing kitchen ware wasn't Twinkleshine’s ideal way to relax. At least she had a good reason for declining though. It was most certainly because she was too lazy and let them pile up in the first place, but she wasn’t one to judge.

“Heh, so you can act like an adult when it suits you.”

Twinkleshine snorted. She was, if anything, reliable when it came down to budgeting. Managing a warehouse and its workers required a certain economic sense to keep up and running, after all. It was just ironic since she was so frugal with her own money more often than not. But, if she wanted to buy something, then Moondancer was sure that there was no one better to turn to for advice on deals and haggling. She gave Moondancer a brief rundown on what to ask and recommended the salesperson that she made her purchase with.

After Twinkleshine finished, Moondancer felt like she understood the explanation well enough. Well, it was one thing to learn something but entirely another to actively apply it. Moondancer felt that she wasn’t bad with money per se; she just wasn’t very literate in this matter. What income she had was just spent on bills and left in the bank usually. She never made much effort to actually spend it. With Minuette there to help guide her, she felt that she should be fine though.

“Hey, since you’re serious about renovating, why don’t you ask Greg for some help?” Twinkleshine asked. “I’m sure he’d be happy to lend a hoof.”

“I guess it couldn’t hurt,” Moondancer blew a strand of hair out of her face. “You all seemed to have given him such glowing praise.”

“C’mon, give the guy a chance at least. You don’t have to give him the ‘buck me eyes’ like Lemon Hearts does or anything. Stuff like this can really add up quickly if you don’t know what you’re getting in to. If nothing else, I’m sure he could point you the right direction on what to expect at least for such a big project.”

“Please, I have some modesty at least,” Moondancer smirked. “If anything, Lemon Hearts is probably seething that Greg had his hands all over you last night.”

Twinkleshine ceased her eating and her lips turned into flat line. “…What?”

“How do you think we got back to my place? You were having one of your little fits that you get when you’ve put away one too many. I had to put you to sleep just so we could leave. Minuette was already being hauled by Vintage Brew since she had passed out, so Greg had to carry you.”

Minuette just giggled and shrugged her shoulders. She probably suspected that was what happened since she didn’t make the trek herself. Red had slowly crept up Twinkleshine’s neck as Moondancer went on, and spread all over her face.

Twinkleshine frowned. “Oh, Celestia. I don’t really remember this. I wasn’t that bad was I?” 

“I believe your exact words before you passed out were, ‘Oh you better not, Moondancer, or I’ll bop you so hard that—‘“

“That… what?”

“Well, I shot you in the face already at that point. I think I can take an educated guess as to what you were going to say though.”

“…Sorry. I would never—you know how I get.” She shyly said.

“Apology accepted, dingus.” 

Nothing was unusual at all about the way Twinkleshine behaved that night. Honestly it was about what Moondancer come to expect. They would all get drunk and Twinkleshine was liable to either become giddy or irritable. It was a coin toss every time but she was easy enough to handle. It wasn’t the first time she had put her to sleep and it probably wouldn’t be the last.

“Hey, he didn’t complain or anything right?” Twinkleshine asked as she rubbed at her foreleg “Like, I wasn’t too heavy was I?”

“No. He said you were quite light in fact.” Relief was painted on Twinkleshine’s face as she heard her words.

Didn’t think Twinkleshine would be one to care about something like that, Moondancer thought. Well she is a mare after all and Greg is a guy. 

The mare was made of rougher stuff than her friends. Just because she was tomboyish didn’t mean that she wanted to be thought of less as a mare. Twinkleshine wasn’t on the level of say, Lemon Hearts, in terms of etiquette, but she tried in her own little ways. 

“You worry too much, Twinkleshine!” Minuette exclaimed. “What stallion enjoys playing around with a twig? A nice curvy mare is much more attractive to them and you have got it going on in all the right places. I know Abacus thinks so at least.”

Twinkleshine sighed. “I guess. I’ve been stress eating a little bit after the accident at work and of course it all goes straight to my flank.”

Ah so that’s what it was, Moondancer thought. Honestly she had hardly noticed. If that was a bad thing, Moondancer couldn’t say. She was just happy to see her friends after so long that she probably didn’t pay it much attention. After a quick glance at her friend’s rear, there was no denying it; it had gotten bigger.

“Yep, it sure did. But that’s not a bad thing,” Moondancer added. “Wide birthing hips is a very attractive and desirable feature in a mate. It’s instinctual to want a partner that has such since it means it will help ease the process of childbirth.”

“Boo, way to make it sound so clinical,” Minuette said in a flat tone.

“Yeah, booooooo,” Twinkleshine nudged Moondancer and rocked her back and forth, then quickly barked out a laugh. “But, I get it. It’s nice to know that I’m thicc. Wait… what was that about, Abacus?”

“Nothing…”

“Has that nerd been eyeing me up?”

Minuette let out a nervous giggle while shaking her head. “Psh, no, no… sort of.” 

“How should I even take that?”

“It’s—uh, complicated,” Minuette’s darted around trying to avoid her friends. 

“Uh huh. Please, do go on.”

Minuette fidgeted in her seat as she thought of how best to continue. “We have this… game we like to play, see. He pretends to sneak peeks at other mares and I catch him in the act. It makes me like crazy jealous and really gets me all riled up.”

The gears started turning inside Moondancer’s head. “Okay, I think I know where this is going…”

It fell upon deaf ears as Minuette chose to continue. “When we get home I whisk him away to the bedroom and lock the door behind me. I have to make sure to drain him of everything he’s got. Only when he’s a panting, hot mess beneath me that can’t even see straight anymore, is when I know my job is done. We sleep just like that afterward coated in my scent. He washes of course before work, but the faint smell of me lingers in his coat, letting all those other mares know that he’s mine.” 

“Alright!” Twinkleshine shouted. “We get it. Totally too much information.”

Moondancer agreed. That was something that felt she really didn’t need to know. She knew the two of them loved each other very much so it was harmless enough. However, Twinkleshine was right yesterday; it was apparent who wore the pants in the relationship. Her friend was a little possessive but if they were both consenting adults then who was she to say anything. It did get Moondancer thinking. Had she also been a part of this couples weird games? She decided that she didn’t want to think about it too hard.

At that point all three of them let the conversation peter out in favor of eating their breakfast. Moondancer didn’t mind; she had a lot to think about. The replacement of her fridge for one but also just overall upcoming expenses. She was no expert in this matter by any means but she knew it would certainly not be cheap. This was an investment to be sure, but was that her only option?

Moondancer felt that she could simply sell her home and move into a more accommodating one. Perhaps it would be cheaper but she wasn’t so sure about that option. The place would most likely not have much value being in the condition it was, it’s only redeeming quality that it was in such a close distance to the business district; that and the library that Twilight had left her.

It wasn’t like all of her memories of her home were good either. Particularly those from a certain birthday. She had worked through them sure, but every so often she did feel a twinge when the memories resurfaced. It all made her head hurt debating what to do. 

One step at a time. Just buy the fridge and take it from there.

By now, it felt like the food was doing its job at alleviating her hangover. Moondancer chalked it up as just a minor placebo effect, but she did feel better nonetheless. She willed a pitcher in the air and filled it with water from the sink all whilst resting comfortably in her seat. It refilled her milk coated glass with the stuff, but she didn’t care in the slightest that the two liquids mixed together. 

“That’s disgusting,” Twinkleshine blanched at her cocktail.

“It’s all going to the same place, no? So what does it matter?” Moondancer asked as she took another sip.

“Moonie, honey… no,” Minuette disapprovingly shook her head. “At least wash the glass out first.”

“I don’t see the big deal,” Moondancer paid no mind to her friends as she drank deeply from her cup. The liquid was cool and thick, with a hint a chocolate that very much clashed with the water. It wasn’t good, by any measure, but Moondancer didn’t care. She was just giving her body what it needed at this point. “Delicious.”

They were just discussing Minuette’s weird sex play, but the chocolate milk was apparently the thing that was just too much. People are weird, Moondancer thought.

By now the three of them had finished eating and were in much higher spirits than before. They couldn’t stay forever though as Twinkleshine looked to the clock in the living room and sighed. 

“Well, it’s getting to be that time girls. Should probably head out soon.”

“Yeah, I shouldn’t keep Abacus waiting for too much longer,” Minuette hopped out of her chair and put her dishes into the sink. 

“Lemon Heart’s was still sleeping, yeah?”

“Yeah, she was snoozing away quite comfortably last I checked,” Moondancer said. After a moment of thought Moondancer shook her head. “That mare can sleep right through an earthquake so I wouldn’t bother trying to wake her up; she’s like a log.”

Twinkleshine gave a toothy grin. “I thought you would never share a bed with her after the last time. Well, I hope that vile mare didn’t try to snatch your innocence again, Moondancer.” 

The two snickered at Moondancer who rolled her eyes. “Hilarious.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” Twinkleshine jumped off her seat and exited the kitchen, presumably towards the bedroom.

Moondancer followed Minuette’s lead and gathered the remaining dishes, placing them into the sink. She wasn’t sure what Twinkleshine was planning but it couldn’t have been good. The mare had a glint in her eye that spoke of mischief.

“Rise and shine!” Twinkleshine shouted followed by what sounded like liquid being dumped.

“Ahh!” Lemon Hearts cried from across the house. “You bucker, Twinkleshine!” 

The mare could be heard fleeing the scene of the crime with her victim hot in pursuit. The next few minutes had Minuette trying to calm down a drenched and irate Lemon Hearts as she attempted to pummel a laughing Twinkleshine. Moondancer sighed as she held the two in place with her magic. 

It’s too early for this nonsense.
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A lazy yawn escaped Moondancer’s maw as she relaxed on an outdoor plaza bench. She wiped away the tears that formed in the corner of her eyes and smacked her lips. Garbed in a sweater and scarf she bore the elements as best she could. Her only comfort in that moment lied with the cup of coffee that she bought from one of the neighboring cafes. Anytime she felt exhaustion set in she took a small sip of the roiling liquid, filling her belly with a pleasant warmth. 

Princess Celestia, in all her glory, had blessed the city of Canterlot with another sunny sky without a single cloud marring that wide blue canvas. In that late morning, creatures of all sorts were already milling around for one reason or another. Whether that entailed couples going out on a date, shopping, a family outing or even procrastinators catching up on errands; the city was bustling with life.

This was the second day in a row that she awoke under such tentative circumstances, and try as she might, Moondancer was a night owl through and through. Already she cursed herself for waking this early-- relative to her at least. But it was better this way. She didn’t want to impede on Minuette’s day any more than necessary. 

Quickly growing bored, she took to people watching as she waited for her company to arrive. Moondancer felt that sometimes it was nice to turn off her brain and meld into the picture instead of acting as an interloper. 

Shops of all types eagerly displayed their wares to any passerby and occasionally some would stop to peruse their goods. Children whizzed about in excitement of anything that sparked their interests but never orbiting farther than their parent’s gravitational pull. She glanced about until a family in particular had caught her eye.

A filly-- no older than perhaps seven or eight-- was wailing as she clutched her scuffed knee. A stallion, most likely the father, patted the child’s head brushing the mane from her eyes while what was probably the mother took a look at the limb. Even from where she was sitting, Moondancer could tell that it wasn’t that bad all things considered, but to the child it was probably agony. 

The mother gently wiped the wound with a cloth and applied a Band-Aid she procured from her bags. She said something-- that was inaudible to Moondancer— which brought a smile to the foal and then kissed the bandage. Just like magic the child sprung back up with a renewed vigor in their step as they pranced about. The mother encompassed the child in a hug, the father chuckled and then the three of them went off to wherever it was they willed. Moondancer looked on as they turned a corner and that was the end of her glimpse into their lives.

She didn’t know why exactly, but when she thought on about the family, Moondancer felt a tightness in her chest. But, before she could dwell too much on this matter, a voice dispelled her from her thoughts.

“Keep up, slowpoke!” 

Moondancer turned towards the disturbance. Trotting at a breakneck speed towards her with a stallion straggling in tow, was her friend Minuette. The stallion wheezing for air like a fish out of water was her coltfriend, Abacus.

“M-M-Minuette,” he panted after her. “Please, slow down!”

Abacus was a unicorn stallion with an earthy green coat and a neatly trimmed black mane. A wiry and thin thing even amongst unicorns. Moondancer mused he had a few blessings at least. Although he lacked the musculature that many others had, he was easily a head taller than most other ponies. A pair of glasses adorned his face, and you could just barely make out the cutie mark of his namesake, covered up by his sweater. 

Minuette slowed with a controlled ease to a stop in front of Moondancer. Taking a look at her, Moondancer noted that not a trace of exhaustion marred her face nor did a bead of sweat pour from her brow. Although she was dressed in a heavy sweater, Minuette looked quite comfortable after her little bout of exercise. Abacus, on the other hand, was huffing and puffing from fatigue, inhaling lungs full of air as he caught up to the two mares.

“See, that wasn’t so bad!” Minuette said as she pranced around the stallion. “Nothing like a little exercise in the morning to get the blood flowing.”

“Easy… for you… to say,” Abacus gasped.

Minuette rubbed his back with a grin. “There, there, none of that sore loser talk. You refuse to go jogging with me, lazybones, and now it’s biting you in the flank. We really need to work on your cardio.”

“Well if I ever need to get in shape for a race I’ll implore you for some training.”

“Well, for that, and for… ” The mare leaned in close to the stallion’s ear and whispered something that made his eyes shrink while his face exploded with a red blush.

“M-m-minie!”

“That’s my price!” Minuette wrapped a foreleg around Abacus’s neck and nuzzled into him. She giggled and snorted as she riled up her stallion.

I’m right here, you know? Moondancer thought. By how Abacus was acting she didn’t want to press for what exactly that ‘price’ was. She could probably garner a guess, but better to let sleeping dogs lie. 

With a hoof in front of her mouth she cleared her throat to catch their attention. Their ears both perked up and they seemed to finally register her presence. “Good morning to you, both.”

Abacus sifted on unsteady hooves. “Hey… Moondancer. Good to see you,” he choked out. 

Minuette seemed rather nonplussed and returned the gesture. “Hiya, Moonie! Sorry about being late. We slept through the alarm on accident. You didn’t wait long, did ya?”

“No, not at all,” Moondancer said. “I just appreciate you taking time out of your day for me. I know that Sunday’s are when you like to spend time with each other.”

Before Minuette pulled away from Abacus she ruffled the stallion’s mane with a chortle. “Oh, don’t worry about it, you’re not butting in on us. Besides, we’ve been meaning to go to shop around for house stuff anyways.”

Abacus stuck his tongue out in concentration as he tried and failed to style his mane back. “It’s no problem, Moondancer. In fact I’ve wanted to replace the tile in the bathroom forever. I absolutely abhor that tacky pattern.”

“It’s so cute though!” Minuette responded, looking to Moondancer with wide, pleading eyes. “You’ve seen it, Moondancer. How could anypony hate ducks in rain boots?”

“Minie, nopony hates the ducks,” Abacus replied. “I just want to be able to use the restroom in peace without the feeling of those beady black eyes trained on me; it’s unnerving”

Moondancer could empathize with him. Their bathroom was lavish compared to her own shabby facilities, but the walls had eyes. And when you stared long enough into the abyss…

“Honestly, it’s a little garish,” Moondancer said as she hopped off the bench. “Shaking it up would a nice change of pace, I think.”

“Guh, don’t be such a spoilsport, Moondancer,” Minuette crossed her forelegs in front of her and pouted.

“See!” Abacus said. “I’m not the only one who thinks so. Oh, we can look at all those designs that I showed you from the Chic Modern Home magazine. Doesn’t that sound exciting?” His hooves trotted in place.

“I take it back,” Minuette droned. “You’re both no fun!” 

The mare sulked and turned her nose up at the two of them. Abacus chuckled as he nudged his marefriend, her mock anger only egging him on to prod and poke at her sides. He cooed her name whenever Minuette cracked open an eye in his direction but she quickly turned away in a huff. It was all for naught as Moondancer could see the mare’s cheeks threatening to split into a grin.

“Don’t be so glum,” Moondancer said. “Just think, you can use all the animal motifs that you want when you have a child. Really just go to town on that foal’s room, you know?”

Abacus ceased his teasing and fidgeted in place. “F-f-foals?! Well, m-maybe one day.” He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s way off in the future though. We’re too young for that type of stuff, r-right, Minie?” 

Minuette didn’t comment, instead opting to look on warmly at her sputtering coltfriend, a smile radiating on her face. She leaned in close to Abacus who looked as though he would jerk back from the sudden invasion of his personal space. But, before he could muster a word, the mare gave him a small peck on the cheek. Minuette giggled and pranced away from the dumbstruck stallion as he held a hoof on the spot where her lips had dwelled.

“C’mon, daylights burning,” Minuette exclaimed. “Let’s check out all the decoration stuff!” She then strode over to the store across the plaza with some pep in her step.

Abacus dumbly nodded his head, lost in a stupor. Moondancer rolled her eyes and went the stallion’s side, bumping him with her hip. “C’mon, lover colt. You heard the mare, daylights burning.”

“Uh, yes. Right, right,” Abacus said. “Hey! Wait up, Minuette.” Like a puppy, he chased after the mare leaving Moondancer to play catch up. But she didn’t mind.

Their encounters always devolved like this. Minuette had loved to tease Abacus ever since they were teenagers. She wore her emotions on her sleeve and constantly showered him with affection. Moondancer would have thought Abacus would ask for her to tone it down as they got older, but he never did. No matter how embarrassed the mare made the stallion feel, he bore it with a smile. 

Moondancer downed the remnants of her coffee, the heat filling her chest as it slid down her gullet. The cup was then tossed into the garbage can across from the bench with magic. The two had quickly disappeared into the shop so she decided it best to follow their lead. 

She waltzed over to the door and pushed it open. The pungent scent of freshly cut wood was thick in the air. The building housed many different aisles that stretched on for quite some ways. Housewares of all sorts were on display, neatly lined up to entice customers. Paint and carpet samples were organized in thick catalogue binders. A vast array of tools were hanging on the walls for sale. Wood, metal, pipes, nuts and washers. The store had it all.

For the most part, customers meandered around. There were a few couples debating their house décor options with one another. However, there were just as many creatures that looked at a loss as they fervently searched the aisles. Moondancer wasn’t there to window shop and had little desire to dilly dally. She was going to try and acquire a fridge and just be done with it.

Let’s get this over with, Moondancer thought. She could see that her friends were already talking with one of the employees and walked over to them.

Near one of the displays, Minuette and Abacus were conversing with a unicorn pony garbed in a yellow employee vest. Abacus seemed to be trying to make small talk with relatively small success as the mare looked on with disinterest. What held Moondancer’s attention though was the mare’s small resemblance to herself.

A red mane with stripes of purple interwoven together, melding and styled in a loose ponytail. Her coat was even a soft cream color, but that’s where the similarities seemed to end. 

Underneath the cloth vest it was apparent that the mare was quite fit. Her build was sleek and toned from apparent exercise compared to Moondancer’s own pudgy form. A sharp face. Striking emerald green eyes that seemed to pierce through you. Barbell piercings on her ears. And lastly, her cutie mark was of an aurora borealis. It was like looking into a funhouse mirror. 

“So, we were looking for bathroom tiles,” Ababcus said. “Something modern and sleek. Perhaps in a smoky gray or manila. Bold and daring if you will.” He rubbed his chin with a hoof. “We could even go for some cross patterns if you have them. Do you have anything like that?”

“Something bright and cheerful,” Minuette added. “Nothing too gaudy though, please.”

The employee pointed her hoof to a nearby binder resting upon a table. ”Stuffs in the book. Go crazy,” she said, her voice dead and flat.

“Uh… great,” Abacus weakly chuckled. “Great.” He looked to Minuette who raised an eyebrow. 

“So, like, was there anything else you needed?” the employee asked.

“Well, can you tell us what the popular options at your store are? Try and see if we like what’s tried and true.”  

“Wouldn’t know,” she shrugged, taking that as her cue to leave.

Abacus stopped her, then squinted as he read the print on her nametag aloud. “Aurora, is it?”

The mare sighed and rolled her eyes. “Far as I know.” It seemed to Moondancer that the mare wanted to be anywhere else in that moment.

Wait, it couldn’t be. Moondancer thought. There’s no way right? I mean… what would be the odds?  She stood at Minuette’s side as she tried to ponder the matter further. 

The two certainly sounded similar but that could be chalked up to as a trick of the ear. It didn’t help matters that the one in the stall was busy emptying their guts out when Moondancer heard her voice. Most likely just a coincidence.

Undeterred by the mare’s bluntness, Abacus continued. “Any… recommendations?”

“Nope. All the tiles we have are listed in the book… sir.” Aurora raised a hoof to inspect the watch strapped to her foreleg. “Well golly, look at that. I’ve run all out of time for questions.” 

“B-but, I…” Before Abacus was able to continue the mare walked right past the three of them. She didn’t even bother sparring a glance to Moondancer.

Minuette starred after the mare as she disappeared further into the building. Her nostrils flared, the fur on her chest bloomed her sweater outward, and her hooves trotted anxiously in place. “Wow, what a jerk!” 

Abacus offered a small consolation, patting her shoulder. “There, there, it’s okay Minie.”

“Relax, don’t want to pop a blood vessel do you?” Moondancer asked. Minuette frowned at her friend’s remark and clicked her tongue. “Besides, it’s no reason to let it ruin your day.”

Abacus nodded in agreement. “Can’t go hating every single pony that has an attitude. No reason to get upset; odds are you’ll never see that pony again for the rest of your life.”

“Abacus, you’re just too nice to ponies,” Minuette said, shaking her head. “Sometimes, you gotta put your hoof down or else they’ll just walk all over you.” 

“I know, but it’s no use getting all riled up. Maybe I’m so forgiving because at the end of the day, I get to come back home to the prettiest mare there is,” Abacus said, nuzzling into her neck. “I remember that, and all my worries seem to just melt away.” 

A blush crept over Minuette as she returned his gesture. Her tail rapidly swished back and forth behind her as she playfully kicked at the floor. 

Wow, that was easy. Moondancer thought. Gotta give him some credit, at least. She may wear the pants but he knows how to handle her.

“B-but really, who talks to ponies like that?” Minuette asked. “That, that…”

“Fucking bitch?” Moondancer said with a small grin on her face.

“Yeah!” Minuette exclaimed. 

After a moment to think, Abacus tilted his head. “I’m unfamiliar with the phrase.”

“The words are used to describe someone who’s ‘rude or downright insufferable,’ ” Moondacer replied. “Picked it up from, Greg.”

“Well I like it! That hooman has all sorts of colorful phrases,” Minuette said.

“It’s by no means meant to be used when you’re with proper company,” Moondancer said, moving to close the binder shut. “But I don’t think he cares about stuff like that to be honest. He seemed much too irreverent.”

“Really? Greg is always really nice when I talk to him. Well… when I get him to talk at all that is.” Abacus shrugged. “Curt, in a sort of way.”

“You’re not entirely wrong, I suppose.”

After their time together it was hard to imagine Greg acting in any way polite. The human was very vocal and adamant about poking fun at her when it was just the two of them in that alleyway. Thinking back to when Greg had first arrived at their table, his demeanor was quite different. 

The man was polite, but it was a rigid and practiced sort. As though every word he used was picked with a deliberate effort to be distant, yet courteous. Moondancer had picked up on this but dismissed it as a sort of work place professionalism. Greg was, supposedly, on break and was helping escort mares back home when he let his thought run free. 

Whatever the case, the man was entitled to his privacy. She didn’t want to intrude on him anymore than she had after her questions had put him in a sullen mood. 

“So… you and Greg, huh?” Abacus asked.

Moondancer shook her head. “Ugh, you sound just like Lemon Hearts.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Abacus laughed. “Just couldn’t help myself.”

“What bugs me the most,” Minuette said, “is how much she looked like Moondancer.”

“Right?!” Abacus said. “It was so weird hearing a different voice from what I was expecting.”

“Moondancer, you should style your mane back into a tail. You could definitely pull off the look pretty well.”

“I suppose we did look a tad alike,” Moondancer slowly stated. “However, the similarities were merely superficial. Her build was much more athletic and lacked the… opulence that my body seems to have.”

“Guys like ‘em thick, Moondancer,” Minuette said, patting her friends’ sides. “Just ask Abacus.” The stallion averted his eyes and cleared out his throat with a cough.

“Perhaps.” Moondancer shrugged off the mares hoof. “In any case, I need to check out the refrigerators. I’ll just look around for a bit so you two can have some time to peruse those tiles. We can meet up again in, say, an hour or so. That sound good?”

“Are you sure about that?” Minuette asked. “We don’t mind giving you a hoof for a bit.”

Moondancer gave a dismissive wave. “I’m certain. Twinkleshine helped me narrow down the choices already so I’ll mostly just be looking at a few of them really. If I need any help or have any questions I can always just track you guys down later.”

“Well… alright,” Minuette said, a small frown on her face. “Just give a holler if you need us then.”

“I will.” Moondancer gave a nod to the two of them and wandered further into the store.

Moondancer could see Minuette staring after her from the corner of her eye as before she changed aisles. I guess she still feels a twinge of guilt still. Nothing can be done about that. Guess she can assuage her fears with my lunch then. 

Moondancer wandered the linoleum floors in search of what she desired. A glance at the hanging signs let her know that what she sought was a few aisles away. She waded past the employees and creatures that occupied the lanes until she arrived in of the more spacious areas she had seen so far.

The open area was lined up with different appliances that were otherwise too bulky for normal display purposes. Refrigerators of various colors and design stood in unison like many columns while washers and dryers followed suit in their own respective lines. There were a few people inspecting the wares but it was relatively empty. These machines weren’t cheap so that was to be expected. Already, Moondancer could feel her wallet lighten up.

“Outrageous!” a voice cried out. “Truly outrageous.”

Moondancer’s ears perked up in the direction of the noise. It was so familiar, yet Moondancer couldn’t remember where she had heard it before. The disturbance seemed to be coming from the aisle parallel to her. She strode to see what the commotion was about only to be left speechless.

The human, Greg, stood--with his back to Moondancer-- next to a blue earth pony with a frown on his face. The employee seemed befuddled as he tried to calm this giant which laughably towered over him.

Greg wore the same coat that she had seen him use before, with a white shirt poking out underneath, and accompanied by a pair of gray slacks. He seemed much the same despite his change of attire. Perhaps more relaxed? Less stiff in his movements in any case. It was hard to say with him.

“I’m being robbed. Robbed, I say!” Greg declared.

“Sir,” the stallion droned, “please, calm down. This is not a swap meet. You can’t barter for a lower price or get the item separate; it comes as a set.”

“I don’t need seven rolls of plumbers tape though. I just want the one. Look, I’ll give you three quarters of the sales price and not a single bit more.”

The stallion didn’t budge and his resolve was clear. Moondancer held her distance, completely in shock to see the man again so soon. 

“Oh, an opportunist I see,” Greg said. “Alright, alright, you drive a hard bargain.” Leaning close to the pony with a hand covering his mouth- and in a horrible attempt at a whisper- he continued. “I see how it is. You wanted something for your trouble. How’s about we go back to half price and I give you a little coin; your finder’s fee of course.”

“Buck off, weirdo.” The stallion huffed and strode off down the aisle. 

“C’mon now, it was very reasonable!” Greg said, twirling around to chase after the stallion before he disappeared. “Please, reconsider. I admit I lowballed you!”

What an idiot. Moondancer thought. Does he have no shame?

She couldn’t fathom why he would he was so adamant on making a scene either after being rebuked. The man was already a spectacle wherever he went so maybe the point was moot. Still, despite his little show, she wanted to ask for his help. 

But, perhaps now was not a good time. Moondancer felt she would be more comfortable ironing out the deal without onlookers gawking at the two of them. That and that she was still a little peeved at the man for trash talking her home. She felt that she should stew for a few more days on the matter before letting him off the hook so easy.

With that decided, Moondancer ambled over to the closest refrigerator, to gage the wares. Before she could even look of her own accord however, she made a fatal mistake. She made eye contact with the employee supervising the area. The vested mare quickly noticed Moondancer’s presence and hopped over to her. 

“Hello, there miss!” she exclaimed. “My name is Beam Balance and is there anything I can help you with today?”

“Just looking for now, thanks,” Moondancer said, shaking her head. 

Despite Moondancer’s words, the mare continued. “Just to let you know we have an incredible offer going on this month for any club members.” Moondancer made no inquiries about what that was but still the mare went on. “A seven percent discount when you purchase any home appliances over five hundred bits. Now that’s some serious savings, right?”

Moondancer sighed. “That sounds… nice. But, no thank you.” This mare cannot take a hint.

“Saving bits is more than nice; it’s smart. And you look like quite an intelligent mare, miss,” Beam Balance said, standing on her hind legs and leaning on one of the fridges with a hoof. “Let me ask you a question. If you saw some money on the ground, would you pick it up? “

“I-,” Moondancer began.

“We’re basically giving our club members the same chance! We give back to you, the customers, with every purchase, but you must act quickly. It’s an opportunity that’s only available for a few more days, so take advantage of this incredible offer while you can.”

“Really, I’m not interested,” Moondancer said flatly. “I am however interested in purchasing one of these refrigerators.”

“That’s great! Do you have any brand in mind? Or were you looking to browse a tad? I’d be happy to help you with any and all questions regarding the great deals we have here.”

“Well, a friend of mine recently bought one here not too long ago as well.”

“That’s great! And might I say, what great taste they have.”

“Right…” Moondancer said, pulling some pieces of paper from her bag. She levitated the sheets in front of the mare who deftly plucked them from the air. “Anyways, like I said, my friend recently made a purchase with you guys and I was looking to get the same deal.”

“You really did your homework, I see. Great initiative for smart buyers. Deals and low costs are what we pride ourselves on after all, but why not sweeten the pot with an additional seven percent off your purchase? It would only take a minute to sign up with our club member service.”

“No… I’m fine. Thank you.”

Beam Balance shrugged and took a glance at the paperwork. As her eyes glossed over the text, her painted smile slowly dipped into a tight line. 

“So, what can you do for me then?” Moondancer asked.

“…Just for curiosities sake, what was your friend’s name?”

“Oh, it was Twinkleshine.”

“Unicorn mare?” Beam Balance tersely asked. “White coat, pink mane and a cutie mark of three stars?”

“Uh… Yes?” Moondancer slowly said. 

“Tch, that friggin mare.” She tossed the packet of papers atop a nearby washing machine and sneered.

“What? I—,”

“These deals are all wrong you see. Your friend may have given you some misleading information and I hate that I can’t help you with your purchase miss. Darn, that sure is a bluster on our part.”

“I was assured that this was valid for a few more weeks,” Moondancer said, pointing to a highlighted passage. “Look, it says right here that these two sales can be combined since restrictions were not placed. The-”

“Well, your friend was wrong,” she interrupted.

Moondancer was warned that something like this might happen. The mare was obviously stonewalling her and was not going to budge. The store had carried over their holiday sales, but also price matched with competitors. Nowhere in their store policy did it say that the starting price had to initially come from their own store before discounts were applied. Twinkleshine immediately took advantage of this loophole of course to suit her needs, but it seemed that she had to fight extensively for it.

Would a confrontation really be inevitable? No, it would be better to just wait and find some store manager later, she decided. Perhaps she could find one that wasn’t so… manic. Besides, it wasn’t like she had settled on which appliance she was going to purchase yet. There was still time to browse around.

“Thank you for your time. I think I’ll take a moment to peruse your wares some more before I make any financial decisions.”

“Great, sorry that it ended up this way! Would you perhaps now be interested in saving—,”

“I’m sure,” Moondancer interrupted, pocketing the forms of paper back into her bags.

“Well, if you’re sure that you don’t want to help your wallet out,” the mare trailed off. Gone was the helpful, saccharine employee it seemed. “Was there anything that I could help you out with then?”

“No,” Moondancer rolled her eyes.

“I’ll be out and about if you need me then,” she said with a lack of pep. “Just give a shout-- or whatever.” With her sales pitch concluded the mare went back to looking around. In no time at all she spotted a couple, and like a lion, stalked towards her new prey. 

Moondancer didn’t even have it in her to be mad at the mare. It was annoying, yes, but she was only doing her job. The mare’s act was preferable to what she had encountered earlier with Aurora at the very least. Until the end there, anyways.

And so, finally a moment to herself, Moondancer could look in peace.




After much deliberation, Moondancer was able to narrow her choices down to just two. Both refrigerators were modern and sleek, with all the bells and whistles that one could expect with such. Made of stainless steel, with the capabilities of dispensing water and creating ice, while a tad bigger than her old one to boot. As far as she could tell the only difference between them lied with their external design and how they opened. One had side by side doors, while the other was over and under. 

Each appliance looked quite fetching. 

Does it really matter? It really didn’t if Moondancer was being honest with herself. This was a utilitarian purchase and was supposed to be guided as such within those parameters. She was hardly concerned with aesthetics in the first place, and that hadn’t changed, but she felt that she should be. To take an interest in something beyond its described practicality; to care.

Moondancer looked back and forth between the two blocks of metal until finally settling on one. She intently eyed her own form in the shiny metal surface.

The bags under her eyes were noticeable despite the imperfect reflection; the result of many sleepless nights dwelling on her research. Her mane was shaggy, the overgrown bangs pulled up out of her eyes with the aid of a scrunchie. The black sweater was ragged with age as strings poked out here and there. She felt like a mess.

Moondancer had secluded herself in the past, and reconciled with her friends and loved ones for it. But she had forgotten herself and had fallen back to old habits. This time though, she couldn’t lay the fault at anyone else but herself. She felt like she had climbed out of a hole only to jump headfirst back into it. Her stomach sank.

Moondancer ripped her gaze away and plucked a watch from her bag. A quick look let her know that she still had another five minutes left. A little early, but Moondancer didn’t want to be left alone with these thoughts. Not when she could help it. After pocketing her watch she began the trek back to where she had last left her companions. 

It was simple enough as Moondancer traced her way back through the store. At the last divider she rounded the corner of the aisle and there her friends were, exactly as she had left them.

Minuette, Moondancer could see, was sifting through one of the binders. Abacus, standing a good height above Minuette, nestled his chin atop her head as the two of them eagerly discussed the selections of tiles. Moondancer strode over to them from a distance, but could still make out the tail end of their conversation.

“What about this one?” Abacus pointed at one of the pictures. “A nice smoky gray looks good right?”

“Eh, it’s okay; not very vibrant though,” Minuette answered. “How about something with more color?”

Abacus flipped to the next page of the sample binder. “Like this one?”

“No way.” She adjusted her stance to give it closer scrutiny. “I didn’t even think that they made bathroom tiles in that shade of yellow. It’s like some kind of murky, urine color.”

“Eww, gross!” Abacus teased. “Maybe your pee looks like that.”

“You sure about that? The toilet rim tells quite a different story, buddy.”

“Hey, I’m a good colt; I eat healthy. I drink my water and eat my veggies, thank you very much.”

“We eat the same stuff, doofus, you can’t lie. This is an asparagus household so be proud of your stinky, yellow pee. Assert your dominance!” Minuette giggled and tilted her head back, mindful of her horn, to nuzzle into him. Abacus gave the top of her head a quick kiss before returning the gesture.

Again, Moondancer felt that twinge. All too quickly she lost her eagerness and her pace crawled to a halt. They couldn’t see her from their angle as she lingered back. Moondancer raised a hoof and opened her mouth, but not a sound was uttered. She let the limb fall before she slunk back and retreated towards the way she came, her friends none the wiser. 

They seem so happy, Moondancer thought. Minuette and Abacus were not shy in displaying their affection as the two draped over one another in an intimacy that only lovers could share. 

Lemon Hearts had a point that Moondancer was loath to admit. Moondancer hated it. She hated this feeling of animosity towards her friend. She was jealous of Minuette. More and more Moondancer could feel that emptiness bubble up. 

She figured that it would be better to try and clear her head despite her distaste to being alone. In an illogical sense, it wouldn’t be fair to burden them. Surely, it was preposterous to even conceive that notion, but all the same, Moondancer couldn’t help thinking it.

She didn’t know where she was going, she just needed to go. To keep herself occupied until she had calmed down and could collect herself.  Moondancer looked at any wares she passed but nothing really kept her attention. Her path was aimless. 

Colors that were once vibrant had become dull in her eyes. The saturation had been leeched away without her noticing; becoming lifeless. The cacophony of noise-- that had at once been impossible to ignore-- ranging from passing conversations, to the clattering of goods, and even the pattering from hooves to paws and to claws, felt muted. 

She was all alone in the aisle like a ship lost at sea desperately in search of harbor. Like a raging storm ready to swallow her whole, sending her spiraling into the abyss. Emotions unbeknownst to Moondancer swelled within and threatened to consume her.

When she was younger it was easier to dismiss these feelings as simple flights of fancy; the urges of a blossoming youth into maturity. Contained and left forgotten, it festered like an untreated wound. 

Perhaps taking time off of work was a mistake. It gave Moondancer too much time for introspection that she was, admittedly, afraid to face. It was easy to put off this line of thinking when she could use the excuse of being “busy” or that it could be done tomorrow. But this was dangerous. 

The girls were all there for Moondancer when she needed them most. But, it was hard to admit that something was amiss. Shedding that calloused exterior and baring one’s soul before others in hopes of understanding, and perhaps, mending. But, she didn’t have any real problems to vent. None that she thought of as anyways. 

Moondancer had a loving family and supportive friends, a job that she enjoys, and her home- while in need of repairs- was nice and cozy. She had basically everything that one could desire. Now, seeing Minuette with her coltfriend Abacus, it was slowly coming together. 

She was alone. Alone, despite being surrounded by friends. A complete oxymoron.  Even when Moondancer was with the people that she cared for the most she felt an isolation of sorts that she couldn’t shake off. Tendrils that threatened to suffocate her.

Freedom at the cost of having little to tether her down.

Her heart was thundering in her chest and she shuddered with her every breath; a cold sweat running down her body. Quiet as the night, a dull ringing had slowly transformed into a roar that overtook her. Moondancer clutched her chest with a hoof as she tried and failed to catch her breath. 

She halted and leaned against a shelf. Her cheek smooshed against the cool aluminum while her glasses became askew upon her face. The world was closing in around Moondancer. She couldn’t breathe. She labored for a breath with short, rapid intakes of air that did nothing to fill her lungs. Moondancer’s vision was quickly tunneling to black.

Moondancer’s mind was running blank as she rounded the next aisle with a few shaky steps—and to her surprise- straight into Greg. While the human seemed to barely register the impact, Moondancer tumbled to the ground landing right onto her plot, the force knocking the spectacles off her face. 

“Woah, sorry about that,” Greg said, followed by a weak chuckle. “Here, let me… Oh it’s you, Moondancer! You gave me a scare there. Guess I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going, huh? Didn’t expect to see you again so soon, though.”

She blinked, broken from her trance as she stared at the floor. A bead of sweat cascaded from her brow, splashing down onto the linoleum. She took a deep breath and exhaled, repeating the action again and again until she could control her heartbeat once more.

Moondancer shakily retrieved her glasses off the floor and placed them back onto their proper place upon her face. 

“You need a hand there, chief?” Greg asked, stretching his arm out toward Moondancer.

“I… um,” Moondancer whimpered. She averted her eyes from the human’s like a child being scolded before a parent.

“I know, I know. Hoof. Hand. Same difference.”

She chewed her bottom lip and held steady in her silence.

“Hmm? Why so quiet on me?” Greg asked. “You were quick with the sass last I saw you.”

Today was a mistake, Moondacer thought. I should have come here on my own. Nopony needs to see me like this. Why did I even bother to…?

“Hey now,” Greg said, mirth in his voice, “you’re not stalking me, are you?”

Moondancer’s eyes widened as she jumped back up to her hooves. “What?! No!”

“Now, now, you don’t have to deny it. I am quite the catch if I do say so myself.” 

Moondancer scoffed. “I have done nothing of the sort you, you--” Before she could finish her thought, Greg continued.

“You handsome devil? Yes, I have been known as such. Ah, from just a single chance meeting, I have stolen yet another maiden’s innocent heart it seems.”

Moondancer growled and pushed past the human, distancing herself from his taunting, but the man quickly followed her; his boasts growing ever louder as he dogged at her heels.

“Love at first sight--but alas-- I cannot return your feelings, my lady. For it would be cruel to the others if I were to become spoken for.” Greg raced ahead of Moondancer and gave a twirl followed by a small bow for dramatic flourish.

Passerby’s gave the man funny looks after his tirade but he seemed uncaring of their dispositions. Moondancer didn’t say much of anything and just grunted in response. 

He popped one eye open to peek at her, perhaps expecting a smirk or a smile, but was instead greeted by the sight of a downcast mare. Greg took a look at Moondancer- truly looked- and frowned. “Geeze, Moondancer, you look terrible. Are you doing okay?” 

“Oh gee, thanks,” Moondancer growled, a tad bitterer than she had intended. “Who even asked, you prat?”

Greg held his hands out in front of his person in a placating manner. “I didn’t mean anything by my remarks. It was all in good fun.”

Moondancer scowled at him. “I’m not in the mood for what you would consider fun at the moment. Take your buffoonery up with someone else if you wish to play at being a clown.” 

“Easy there, friend. I just wanted to say my hellos and such. No need for the hostilities.”

Moondancer slowly exhaled through her nose, counting down in her head to regain her composure; what little she could muster anyways.

“Okay, sourpuss what are you doing here then?” Greg asked. “If you’re not stalking me that is?”

The human meant it to no offense of course. It was just the way he was from what Moondancer could gather. Playfully prodding at others in a verbal bout to get a rise out of them. Perhaps in different circumstances it would be endearing. Now, however, it was grating on her nerves. 

“I have a life that revolves perfectly well without thoughts fixating on the likes of you, thank you very much,” Moondancer said. “It just so happened that a home appliance of mine has unfortunately ceased functioning. If I had known that I would be pestered so much today I wouldn’t have bothered coming in at all.”

For a split second the man’s grin dipped before returning to normal. “C’mon you’re not still mad about the other day are you?” he asked. “Remember, you said that you forgave me. No take backs.”

“Ah, yes. I had forgotten the playground set of rules that govern your person. Makes it easy to forget because of your size. Yet still, you carry on with that child-like naiveté that one would presume could be indicative of your mental capacity. Vacuous and dull-witted.”

“Geeze, you’re gonna make me blush with all these compliments.”

Moondancer stomped a hoof to the floor. “They weren’t compliments!” 

Greg patted the mare atop her head and chuckled as she clenched her eyes shut, suffering the indignity in silence. “I can garner a guess what some of those words probably meant.”

Moondancer batted the man’s arm away. “Ah, he finally understands. How very perceptive of you. I just wanted to complete my shopping relatively unmolested. That is until you came along and accosted me with your presence.”

Celestia, why am I like this? Moondancer thought. Where is this spite welling from? He was just checking if I was alright. 

The human made no suggestion that he took offense at her remark. On the contrary, he looked thoughtful as though he was carefully mulling over his next words. Internally, Moondancer screamed at herself. Why was she like this? She didn’t want to be mean. She didn’t want to push others away. She didn’t want to be alone. Please. Please. Plea--

They stood there in silence until Greg finally crouched down in front of Moondancer, holding out his hand in front of her face, index finger outstretched. Moondancer raised an eyebrow but chose to hold steady. Then, with a surprisingly gentle tenderness, the man planted his digit right at the tip of her nose. “Boop.”

Moondancer’s face scrunched up and she went cross eyed to look upon the invasive appendage. He held it there for a time with that cocky grin of his as she squirmed in place. Moondancer frowned and recoiled away with a huff.

“Guh, that’s disgusting,” Moondancer said, wiping her face with her sleeve. “I don’t know where those hands have been!”

Greg nodded his head along. “Perhaps, but the face your kind makes is absolutely adorable when I do it.”

Moondancer’s face bloomed with crimson at his remark. “I-I-I am not adorable!”

“You ponies can deny it all you want, but you can’t change my mind.”

“What are you, a foal?” 

“No, I’m a human, remember?” Greg shrugged and shook his head. “Honestly, I feel like we’ve been over this already.”

“You know what I meant!” Moondancer barked, a scowl on her face. Her nose twitched from where the human had touched her and she just barely resisted the urge to sneeze. 

“Yeah, I know what you meant. Don’t get all bent out of shape from my lack of using your pony words.”

Moondancer darkly muttered.

Greg waved dismissively before stretching back to his full height. “To be fair, you were looking mighty boopable. It was quite soft, yet retained its firmness in all the right places for me to get a nice hold of you. The temptation was just too strong for me to resist.”

Moondancer frowned as she continued to paw at her snout. “You know, out of context that phrasing is sure to lead to all sorts of misunderstandings if others had heard.”

“My, oh, my. Now what is it that you think I could have possibly implied, Ms. Moondancer?” 

Moondancer rolled her eyes. “Sexual innuendos are the lowest form of wordplay, Greg.”

“But also the most fun,” he said. “And how quickly your mind worked to fill in the blanks then to assume that’s what I could have possibly meant.”

Moondancer gave a swish of her tail in annoyance. “Am I wrong?”

“Not at all!” he said cheerfully. “So what are we shopping for?”

“We?” 

“Well, the way I figured, we’ve engaged in enough verbal foreplay to comfortably take part in each other’s company, don’t you think?”

“That’s certainly one way to put it,” Moondancer said, the venom crumbling away from her voice. “Your presence isn’t as unbearable as it once was, I suppose.”

It was the truth. For whatever reason, she didn’t feel that sheer panic that had threatened to overwhelm her; it had inexplicitly disappeared.

She hadn’t sweat as much as she had initially believed either, but it seeped into her sweater and felt uncomfortable. Moondancer’s skin felt clammy under her fur and a tremor ran through her. A reminder that she had almost lost herself. But that was superficial and limited to her physical sensations.

Beyond the tangible, it was better to say that she couldn’t feel much of anything at that moment. An odd sense of peace resided within her; though that could most likely be chalked up as apathy. But perhaps that was just a false sense of ease; the eye of the storm as it were.

“Yes, yes. I’m the greatest human in all the land,” Greg said, waggling his eyebrows.

“You’re quite literally the only one, so the data pool might be a little skewed with bias. You’re certainly not without some charms I suppose- miniscule though they are.”

Greg grinned but it soon faded away as his tone turned somber. “Seriously though, I can take off if you want me to. I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable or anything. Just say the word and I’ll leave you alone.”

His offer was tempting; very tempting. But, despite the bluster she put on about wanting to be left with her own company, the last thing she needed at that moment was to be left alone. Just the idea of such was enough to make her feel the onset of that anxiety again.

If there was one thing that Moondancer hated, it was being seen as weak. After the birthday fiasco her friends and family treated their interactions with great delicacy. Like they were walking on ice to reach her. Threatening to have her whole world collapse beneath her if they even made one misstep atop that frail surface.

She didn’t want to be viewed by her friends in that state. Least of all by Minuette. The mare would worry and fret over her friends like a mother would her own child. Greg wasn’t a friend—nor an acquaintance—and that was exactly what she needed at the moment. Someone that wouldn’t fuss over her, and whose judgment wouldn’t sting. It was the best she could hope for in any case.

Moondancer sighed and began her trek back to the fridge section of the store. She gave a quick glance over her shoulder and motioned for him to follow. Greg easily caught up with his longer legs and the two walked side by side in a comfortable rhythm.

“So, this appliance then…” Greg asked.

Without looking to the man she retorted, “I’m going to purchase a new refrigerator. The old one has, unfortunately, been made inoperable and is beyond salvageable. The last employee I spoke with was giving me the run around but enough time has passed that she should be gone or on her break at least. It gives me the opportunity to strike a bargain to talk with another.”

“Really, that hunk of junk? No way. What was wrong with it?”

“Yeah, yeah. The door was ripped clean off the thing. Can’t really use it the way it is now can I?”

“Wow, I didn’t realize you were such a small bundle of rage. Remind me to never get on your bad side.”

“Ha, ha. I’ll have you know that it was of no fault of mine. Minuette didn’t know that the door has been jamming as of late and yanked a tad too hard to open it.”

“I guess you can say she couldn’t keep her cool, huh?”

Moondancer kept her gaze forward, ignoring the man’s comment.

“Get it? Because of the fridge you see. It being cold and her cool acting as metaphor for her--,”

“Oh no, I got it. But when a pet is misbehaving, it’s best not to reward that behavior with attention and validation.” 

“Bah, you’re no fun. At least do the polite thing and give a pity laugh.”

“Well, I do pity you. I can say that I did at least half of those things, which should suffice.”

“Only fifty percent?” Greg chided with a wag of his finger. “That’s already a failing grade. For shame Ms. Moondancer. I thought that you of all people to go above and beyond the mere requisite. An academic such as yourself should see that I deserve at least an applause.”

“An academic? Yes. But I suppose you can say that decorum is a subject that I have yet to master. My weakest subject you could say. My attitude toward others is reprehensible and here I am in plain view of all creatures, yet my appearance was immediately rebuked despite all my efforts to become presentable.” 

“Really digging the new look by the way,” Greg chuckled. “Disgruntled cat lady look is in season right now I’ve heard.”

“Come now, I know I’m not at my best here but I can’t possibly be that bad.”

“It must be a skill to try so hard to dress up and yet still look so thoroughly unkempt.”

“Hmph,” Moondancer huffed. “I bet you never gave Twilight this much lip over how she presented herself. We pretty much have the same style and yet she never told me you were so quick to critique something so mundane.”

Suddenly, the man whirled to his side and stomped his feet causing Moondancer to jump back in surprise. “You do look like her! Oh my god, that was driving me crazy. I wanted to say something earlier but never had a chance.”

“So all unicorns look alike is what you’re saying? Or perhaps it’s all ponies in general, hmm?” 

Greg shrugged. “I didn’t mean it like that, but if you want to be all huffy about it, you’re more than welcome to do so.” He rubbed his chin in thought. “Now that I had a chance to see you without your glasses on, I knew that you looked totally familiar from somewhere. That bookworm may be a princess but she certainly doesn’t truss herself up as one.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?” 

“Twilight is a nerd, through and through. Her style is quite utilitarian and lacking. Really, that girl has zero fashion sense.”

“Gee, you know just the words to make a mare feel special, huh?”

“Ah, but you see, that was all a part of her charm. She didn’t feel the need to dress up and be presented as your better. Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, gave off a vibe of propriety and modesty. Warm, but distant. Twilight was more… humble? Approachable would be a better word I suppose. Well, she is the Princess of friendship so I guess that’s understandable. Does that make sense?”

Moondancer, though, didn’t know what to make of his comment. 

She had never been called charming before, and while the unfashionable remark –as well as the nerd comment—should garner her ire, Moondancer instead felt amusement. Greg had so passionately and earnestly meant what he said that it was almost laughable that she actually agreed with him to an extent.

Moondancer smirked and shook her head. “Your lack of tact is something else, but yes, I understand. In fact you’re quite astute in your observation. Twilight and I grew up together and I suppose our styles subconsciously influenced one another’s.”

“Ah, yes, the dork next door. Truly a classic.”

“And what’s wrong with being a dork, buster?” Moondancer jabbed her hoof at the human. 

“Nothing at all. That little spaz was the first friend I made in this new land. Quite cute in fact. Adorkable, if you will.”

“Since you claim that Twilight and I share so many characteristics with one another, are you thus insinuating that, I too, am also cute and adorkable?”

“Well, if you’re really fishing for compliments I suppose that you could twist my words that way. Really, I would have thought you would have more tact than that.”

“Conversations usually work better when both parties are active participants. I was simply continuing the flow of such.”

“I think you need to remind Lemon Hearts of that. That girl just loves to go on and on about this and that.”

“…Well, normal people, anyways.”

Soon enough, the area opened up as meticulously lined rows of refrigerators came into view. Moondancer quickly surveyed her surroundings, but thankfully, couldn’t find any trace of Beam Balance. But if she was gone then who was running the show here?

As Moondancer scanned for any workers about, her eyes landed on the one pony that she was hoping to avoid. Leaning against a display table, Aurora was watching any passerby’s with a relative disinterest as she sipped at some coffee.

“Tartarus, not that mare,” Moondancer whined under her breath.

“Oh hey, I know that chick,” Greg said, pointing to the mare.

“Really?” Moondancer incredulously asked. 

“Oh yeah. I see her all the time at the gym.”

“One of your meathead buddies then?”

Greg waved dismissively. “Nah, we’re more so acquaintances if anything. But it’s always odd to see a pony there.”

“Why would that be weird?”

“Well, its main clientele is mostly composed of bipeds and such like diamond dogs and minotaurs. A pony sticks out like a sore thumb. She’s always tagging along with some minotaur buddies though.”

A giant red flag was raised.

“It’s not too busy right now so let’s give her a holler then,” Greg said.

“I’d rather avoid that sourpuss if possible,” Moondancer said.

“C’mon, she’s… nice.” 

“Are we talking about the same pony?”

“Well, she’s nice to me anyways.”

“Gee, I wonder why.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“One can only wonder why a mare would possibly be overtly friendly with a fit stallion. In a gym no less. Really, it boggles the mind.”

“Ha! You’re not far off the mark,” Greg said, flexing his bicep and patting the muscle with his other hand. “Can you blame the girl? Wherever I go all the ladies seem to swoon in my wake.”

“Only air headed fillies swoon,” Moondancer chided. “Mares are much more reserved than that.” 

“It’s okay, really. I know that you’re repressing those desires deep down and externalizing them into misplaced malice. Really, it’s a tale as old as time.”

“The only thing I’m going to externalize is my hoof to your shin.”

“Vicious as always, I see. Well, let’s go talk to her and see what’s up.” Greg went off on his own before she could protest. 

Moondancer sighed as she followed the man. The movement seemed to catch Aurora’s attention as her head lazily turned toward them. At the sight of the human Aurora seemed to perk up but that mood seemed to dip significantly when she noticed Moondancer by his side.

“Hiya, Aurora,” Greg greeted as they stood in front of her. “How’s it going?”

“Luna’s teats, it’s good to see you, Greg,” she replied. “I’m ready to fall asleep over here I swear. How you doing big guy?”

“Oh, I’m fine,” Greg said. “Same old, same old, you know?”

She took another sip of her coffee and hummed. “Yeah, I hear ya on that. Just another day. So what happened the other night, you lug? You didn’t even say hi to me at The Black Cauldron, you jerk,” she said, playfully batting at his side.

Oh buck, me. Moondancer thought. That seals it. There’s just way too many coincidences. It has to be her. 

“Sorry about that,” Greg said. “Friday crowds are always wild and my attention was a tad tied up. You can find it in your cold dead heart to forgive me, right?”

“Hmm, so you came to see me and beg my forgiveness? Wanted to give me some company perhaps before I bash my head in from boredom?”

“Nothing as dramatic as that I assure you. Needed some stuff for work, but my acquaintance here,” he pushed Moondancer forward, her hooves barely catching her balance, “would love a word with you.”

“Uh…” Moondancer said before clearing her throat. “Hello there. My name is Moondancer.”

Aurora’s ears flicked back and forth when she heard her voice. The mare then looked her up and down in a slow, calculated manner, tracing every inch of her body. If Moondancer didn’t know any better she would assume that she was being sized up. After a moment of leaving her introduction up in the airs, Aurora smirked, a glint of smugness in her eye.

“I’m Aurora,” she said, conceit oozing from her words. “And any friend of Greg’s, is a friend of mine.”

Puffed up and cloyingly sweet, Aurora seemed unimpressed with Moondancer. She didn’t miss the way Aurora emphasized her words, either. Did the mare believe that Moondancer was competition for her simply because Greg was tagging along? 

Friend. Clarification for herself but more importantly a declaration to Moondancer. That she should know her place. If the mare was going to insult her so underhandedly then two could play at that game. 

“Yes,” Moondancer began, “Greg seems to know a lot of ponies it seems. I suppose it’s nice to have so many friends, but I don’t envy him. Where I in his place, I worry that I could never hope to keep track of them all. Names and faces would just blend together after a while. Promises would be so easy to break with those I found just beneath my notice, you know?”

Aurora narrowed her eyes and snorted. “…Yeah. That sure would be inconvenient.”

Ah, so she’s not so boneheaded to miss the meaning in my words, Moondancer thought. 

Greg nudged her shoulder. Moondancer gave a glance at the man and could see that he would have words for her later. Why should she be the one that felt abashment for the way she was acting? She was just standing up for herself. But, perhaps it wasn’t the time or place for it. Best to move on from this petty cat fight before it escalated any further.

“Anyways, that’s just me.” Moondancer once again pulled out the paperwork and offered them to the mare. Aurora grabbed them from her hoof with her magic and read over the text.

“What’s all this then?” Aurora asked.

“I would like to purchase a new refrigerator. The papers you’re sifting through are supplements to help illustrate the way of which your stores previous sale can be combined with other deals that are currently in effect.”

“Hmm, so you’re the mare that I was told about earlier. Yeah… no can do. We won’t be able to honor the deal it seems. Ooh, tough luck, bud.”

Moondancer sighed. It was about as much as she expected and her antagonizing didn’t help matters. Her tongue just sometimes ran faster than her brain could keep up with. 

Today was just not going the way that she thought. Her bargaining skills were less than something to be desired to be sure, but the outing had showed a problem was beginning to manifest itself. Moondancer’s episode wasn’t the first time she had such intense feelings overwhelm her, but it was the first time that she had experienced them in public. 

The curtains had been ripped open by Minuette on the day of her visit. What she had once been able to keep hidden away was making itself known as it strained against the doors. 

She felt exhausted, wanting nothing more than to curl up in bed and let her mind go blank, forgetting all about the work that needed to be done. She just didn’t have the energy to deal with the day any longer. It was easier to resign herself to just taking the stupid appliance and being done with the matter, but before she could start, Greg stepped in.

“Ah, c’mon, Aurora,” he said. “Don’t be such a hard ass and let it slide this time.”

“Sorry, Greg, it’s out of my hooves,” Aurora shrugged. 

“I’m sure the district manager can pull a few strings for a few friends. It’s not like it’ll be the end of the world. Just one sale won’t affect your guy’s bottom line and you could even say that you were strong armed by a real bitchy customer.”

“It’s just store policy,” she said all the while smirking at Moondancer. “You understand right, big guy? I can’t just let any shmuck walk all over me. It sends the wrong message, ya know?”

“Greg, its fine,” Moondancer said. “I can just take my business elsewhere if it was really an issue. Sure, I lose out on a few bits, but I’m not too bothered by that inconvenience.”

The man kicked at the floor, his shoes squeaking against the tile before pulling Moondancer into a huddle. In this position the man encompassed her entire frame while he draped an arm over her neck.  “She’s just giving you a hard time, Moondancer,” he whispered. “Don’t let that meathead walk all over you!”

“Personal space much?” she said in a normal volume, completely forgoing his attempt at discretion. “It’s honestly not that big of an issue. Besides, like you’re one to talk, meathead.”

“Listen, you gotta look her in the eyes and tell her off. Channel that dictionary you got stored in your noggin and pull of some mental jiu-jitsu. Make her feel completely smeckledorfed.” 

“…What?”

“You know. Make her feel a fool. It’s the principle of the matter that counts.”

“I don’t really know what that would accomplish. Like I said, I don’t really care. I’d rather just be about my business and conclude this outing already.”

“Well, yeah, you can,” Greg said. “But isn’t it more fun to just play along?”

“So it’s all just a game then?” 

“Take it from this dummy, it’s better to not be so self-conscious about every single little thing that comes out of your mouth. If you stress about looking like an idiot all the time, or making a fuss, you’ll never have any fun. You wouldn’t want to turn into a hermit or anything, right?”

“I guess not, then,” she said, a smile tugging at her lips.

“Wait a second,” Aurora said. “Wait a second, I knew I recognized that voice!”

“I beg your pardon?” Moondancer said.

“You’re the mare from the pub! The one that ran into my friends at the can.” Aurora began to cackle, banging a hoof onto the display table with an audible thud.

Moondancer shifted back and forth on her hooves. “Uh, you must be mistaken,” she said, her voice shifting up an octave.

Aurora wiped a tear from her eye and eventually caught her breath. “Nah, it’s definitely you. I totally see how they could confuse you for me. With how blasted they were, they probably couldn’t tell the difference. A little pudgy sure, and the glasses aren’t my style, but pretty close.”

“…Not that pudgy,” Moondancer said under her breath.

“Puked my guts back there, but when I heard that those two idiots got called cows, that just totally made my night. Oh Celestia, that was the best.”

“…Okay? I was expecting this conversation to go in a completely different direction to be honest.”

“They’re not bad people, but sometimes they get on my nerves. I just wish I coulda saw their faces when you said it. That took some serious teats.”

“Thanks?”

“Look, just because you gave me a good laugh, how’s I about I give you the discount?”

“Wait, really?” Greg said. “You’ll give it to her just like that?”

“Sure, why not.” Aurora picked up the paperwork once more and dusted it off. “That put me in a good mood.”

“Not that I don’t appreciate what you’re doing for me here, but won’t that other mare be angry with you?” Moondancer asked.

“Eh whatever,” Aurora said. “Beam Balance can suck my dick if she wants to be all bitchy about it. So which one of these you want?”

“Er, uh, the one that my friend got was nice. The Snowstorm I believe it was called.”

“Alright, I’ll be back in a sec with the paperwork and we can get this puppy out for you.”

“Right...”

Greg ignored her comment and looked back and forth between the two of them as Aurora went off to finalize the paperwork. “You know, the two of you do kind of look-“

“I know!” Moondancer said. “Don’t start with me on this.”

“…This world is weird sometimes,” Greg said, shrugging his shoulders. “That, or someone’s parents were really frisky in their day.”

“If you think I’m bad you should meet my father. How that stallion ever worked up the courage to ask my mother out, I’ll never know. And my mother is way too uptight for me to consider her, of all ponies, a swinger.”

“Well, what’s one similarity? Stranger things have happened, I suppose.”

Moondancer rested her head on the surface of the display table, wishing it was a pillow. Greg followed her lead, crossing his arms and leaned his back against a fridge next to her. It was the only thing nearby big enough to accomplish such a feat, and even then, only just barely.

“That went remarkably better than I imagined it would go,” Moondancer finally said, exhaustion in her voice.

“Well, it might have been a little easier if you weren’t so quick with the snark,” Greg replied.

“Stand up for myself. Stop being snarky. Which is it, Greg?”

“There ain’t nothing wrong with standing up for yourself. All I’m saying is that you should only dish out that sass if you’ve exhausted all other options first. It’s hard to make a friend after spitting in their eye.”

“I was perhaps a bit… overeager. My mind has to play catch up with my mouth sometimes when I’ve been riled up as I’m sure you’re aware. But, thank you for your help earlier. I appreciate you interjecting earlier on my behalf when I floundered.”

“Oh, I was just lending a helping hand to someone that desperately needed to fix up their drab home.”

“Mmm,” she grumbled.

“I’m kidding. But it’s cool that that you’re changing it up. Any plans for the rest of the stuff in the kitchen?”

“It has come to my attention,” Moondancer said, “that my home is not in the best of shape.”

“I would have never guessed,” he said. “This is a total shock to me.”

“In any case! Renovating my house is the current project that I have on my plate. The problem is that I don’t really know where to begin. The fridge was just a convenient starting point, but from here onwards I’ll be blind.”

“That’s gonna be some project then. That whole place looked like it’s on its last legs. Are you sure that you don’t want to just move out and save yourself the trouble?”

“Yes, the thought had occurred to me. But the answer is no. It’s my home and I will not give up on it. I just won’t.” 

“Well if you’re going to be stubborn about it, then you’ll definitely need some help.”

“Indeed.” 

The two waited for the other to say what was on both their minds, but it never came.

Silence. An old friend of sorts. 

Moondancer refused to be the one ask the obvious. He would never let it down if she did, she just knew it. Greg’s help would be extremely beneficial since she didn’t have any idea what she was doing, or what needed to be done, or how. But, she wouldn’t blink first. That would mean he won the game.

Perhaps sensing that she would remain steadfast to let this contest of wills go on forever, he cracked. 

“Alright, alright, twist my arm why don’t you?” Greg said, scratching his head. “I’ll lend you a hand you little goblin.”

“What a gentlecolt,” Moondancer said with a cheeky grin.

“It won’t be easy from what little I saw, but I’ll certainly give it a shot.”

Moondancer beamed at the man. A different change of pace was what she needed. To go to new places, try new things, meet new people. That’s what any other person would had done. In order to better one’s self, a certain amount of change was expected. 

Different looking furniture wasn’t anything drastic, and yet thinking on the notion of redecorating got her feeling a sense of anticipation? She felt something at least. Not even her previous research into the Crystal Empire garnered much of a reaction within her anymore.

The twisted, clutched feeling in her chest was somewhat alleviated by his words. She was finally making progress towards something that could garner some excitement at last. She could change. Then, her stomach growled, snapping her out of her thoughts.

She had completely forgotten about the promise she made to meet up again from earlier but it seemed that her friends did not. To the man’s side, just one row over, she could see Minuette and Abacus snickering as they gave Moondancer knowing looks at the company she kept.

“Can’t wait to have that conversation,” she mumbled.