Human turned stallion, David Withers, now know as Soft Feather has a genetic problem with heat. Well more specifically touching other ponies
Once human, David Withers has lived in Equestria for over two years now. Without any way to return home he’s settled rather easy into the accepting pony society yet there remains one issue. He suffers from a rare genetic disorder in which his body is at a constant state of high body temperature meaning all these overly affectionate ponies can be a little too much to handle!
Thankfully he’s found comfort with his problem and ways to work around it but, with new feelings welling up inside can he display these emotions properly to his neighbor and only friend?
This story might contain clop Perspective changes will occur throughout Slow burn
Summer. A blistering hellfire that keeps ponies at bay, secluded within their own homes. This was the case at least for the stallion pegasus Soft Feather, formerly know as David Withers. You see this was not your standard every day pegasus or even everyday pony. No, Mr. Feather was far from normal, from a pony perspective.
Gray in coat, his fur remained solid until it reached his waist, scattering into a pattern of black dots until fully becoming black. This was the same down all four his hooves as well, the ends almost appearing as if he wore little black shoes and socks as you neared their bottom. For a mane he wore it messy just short of his own eyes. White in color it would normally hold straight if not for his hat, the cowlick it provided quite prominent atop his head. Facially he was a mess as well with often times a tired expression and bushy eyebrows. While unkept, they still appeared normal in respect with the soft pink orbs that surrounded his pupils. It wasn’t a common sight a pony held pink eyes specially for one with such dull coat.
Although after such a description it would be difficult to imagine he could appear far from normal right? Just pink eyes? Could it be the shape of his wings? No they too were fitted well for his size, strong from constant use, often from fanning himself down. For it was not his physical appearance that brought strange looks, it was his behavior.
Cursed with an incurable condition, Soft was left often feeling uncomfortable throughout most the day. He felt hot, very hot in cases otherwise thought warm. His skin felt hot, his fur felt hot, and often times his own breath but, this wasn’t something he was surprised by when he first arrived. No, he was born like this and with such familiarity found ways to work around it.
Whether it was his large sun hat or oversized canteen, he was ready for any surprise the day brought him. He was experienced, and now with just over two years under his belt in his relatively new pony body, you could even say he was beginning to find a little peace.
Until he moved to Ponyville.
Cursed with new emotions he’d never felt before, he wasn’t sure how to handle them or truthfully who even to talk about them with. It’s not like he was completely tone deaf, unable to distinguish what others might refer to as ‘love’ or perhaps a crush, he just wasn’t sure what to do with these new feelings. Never in his wildest imaginations was this expected, to be burdened by such primal urges. All until one fateful day where a fateful seed would be planted deep inside his cold heart, awaiting its blossom. A day not anything special to most ponies and at the time even Feather. ‘‘Twas the day he met Sweetie Bee.
Engulfed in his tedious task Feather was one to stay focused on his work. Never straying a peeking glance to the passerby, never distracted by a sudden noise or shout. No he rather enjoyed his peace, often times doing whatever it took to avoid any social life whatsoever and so as he carried his luggage up to his new home, placing it beside him scrambling for a key, he made sure to ignore the gawking pony beside him.
(Feather’s perspective)
“You the new neighbor?”
Her voice was chirpy, sharp and from where it came from definitely on the shorter end. Still reaching for my key it appeared I wouldn’t get out of this without a little trouble.
“Yeah”
After my response she stayed silent, likely expecting more. I wasn’t feeling generous.
“Where ya from?”
With a stick and a clunk the door was quick to unlock.
“Fillydelphia”
“Filly huh? City of brotherly love. Always heard it was kind of rough there”
“You’d be right in assuming that. I um.. I’m sorry but I sorta just got here, do you mind if I get a little settled in?”
When I turn to face her it’s not long enough to get much detail but, enough to flash a smile. She was indeed short, that and I believe a light shade of orange. Might’ve even had green hair.
“Oh.. sorry heheh. I’ll leave ya be. Holler if you need any help, we are neighbors! Oh and by the way my names Bee, Sweetie Bee”
“Thanks for the offer Sweetie Bee but I’ll pass for now”
Her hoof steps crunched away leaving me with a sigh of relief. How energetic she felt just from presence alone! And she’s my neighbor? Is she always this chipper?!
Sure to be a problem for the future there were more pressing matters at hand. Taking most my luggage inside there’s a very noticeable issue right away. There’s no furniture. Now I know what you’re saying, ‘there’s never furniture in a new place, you have to buy your own’ and normally I’d agree however, this isn’t the norm for Equestria. Perhaps just a city thing, the few apartments I lived in came furnished already. A small living room set with at least one recliner and table and a dresser for your bedroom needs. The only unsurprising part would be the need for a new mattress only when I go upstairs to check the bedrooms, I’m left feeling even more panicked. There was no bed frame.
“Cheese and crackers I don’t have time to go shopping for all this, let alone the bits to pay! What the shit is with this place?”
With a rush I hurry back downstairs leaving my luggage by the door and with a swift move shut and lock it in succession. Peeking toward the sky it was clear the day would be ending soon, hopefully a mattress store was still open by the time I reach it… if I knew where one was. Slowly I looked over to the neighboring house, the door more frightening then ever.
*KNOCK*KNOCK*KNOCK*
Pacing in place I couldn’t be more uncomfortable if I tried. Asking for help from a stranger? A stranger I so casually ignored? If the roles were reversed I’d surely be offended.
“Hey neighbor! Already asking for help so soon?”
Actually taking the time to look her over I finally get a good peek at my new small neighbor. Hilarious enough the first thought that came to mind was an orange with pony features. Although she was not as bright as an orange she still kept a consistent color from head to hoof only interrupted by the leaf like hair rested atop. Well kept it was heavy on the bangs, similar to princess Twilights only cut slightly shorter. Taking notice of her hair my attention drew to her face, it’s front assaulted in a clatter of freckles as if Jackson Pollock himself was taking revenge with brown as his favorite color. Mostly around the center of her face they’d be her most distinctive trait if not for her emerald eyes, their shine impossible to miss. Distracted with my gazing I had completely forgot she asked a question.
“Y-yeah, I uh… I’m not exactly used to um.. how things work around here uh. What I mean is I didn’t know my place wouldn’t be furnished when I moved in so I’m in a little bit of a tight spot”
“Wait, so you’re telling me that all the stuff I saw you with is all you got? You’re kidding right?”
“Wouldn’t be here if I was… n-not that I mind being here… as neighbors”
Already stumbling over my words, looking like a complete moron, I absolutely knew this would be painful. I should probably just cut to the chase, avoid anymore cringe my mouth spews out.
Giggling from my behavior she leaned against her door.
“Okay neighbor, I’m guessing you need my help because you don’t know where to go?”
A real smart one we have here.
“Err pretty much. Truthfully I just need a mattress, I can probably survive without the other stuff for a while”
“Survive yeah but that sounds like a pretty sucky way to live” taking a few steps back inside she paused, “Here let me grab my key so I can lock up while we’re out and I’ll take you to a pony I know”
Left to myself for the moment I chuckled a little at her wording. Compared to humans, ponies definitely shared more similarities then differences but, a small little thing they did that I just found funny was the way they think of businesses. Given that most shops are family owned ponies generally referred to their stores by the pony that owned them. Rather then say, ‘let me take you to a place I know’ it was more likely to hear, ‘let me take you to a pony I know’. It was a subtle and took awhile for me to pick up but, it stemmed deeper then just businesses. My guess is because most ponies enjoy each others company so they found comfort in thinking of others instead of a brand name or logo. They were just more friendly by trade unlike myself.
Sighing I couldn’t believe the embarrassing act I put on right in front of her. If things were going to go the way I wanted, I would need to prove I was more resourceful than this. That in the future she wouldn’t even dare to think I would need help. I needed to be completely self reliable!
Emerging from her home Sweetie closed the door with a lock, swinging back around to face me with a large toothy smile.
“Ready?”
I look back to the single coin purse tossed over my side.
“I guess. This place isn’t too expensive right?”
When I turned around Sweetie was already off leaving me in a hurried pace to keep up. For a pony her size she sure was quick.
“Box Springs? No, absolutely not! Honestly at times I have to remind him he’s running a business too!”
“Too?”
“Yeah! I run a store called ‘mares textiles and styles’ but, I think the names a little too bland. At least thats why I assume business has been so slow. Who wants to go to a boring named textile store?”
“You also put mares in the title which kinda removes half your customer base”
“Rats! I didn’t even think of that! Crap, now I gotta get the ladder out again…”
She definitely wasn’t smart.
Stressing out over her issue I spent the time walking absorbing my surroundings. Both colorful and unique each home left their own special impact in the way they stood. Whether oddly shaped in their roofing or windows, I couldn’t help but feel like I was in a cartoon, like something out of a Dr. Seuss book!. This was nothing like Fillydelphia, the city much more similar to what I was accustomed to on Earth. This, this felt warm and welcoming. I hated it.
I exhaled lowering my head to my hooves. Wasn’t like I had much of a choice anyways. This was my new home for the time being and if I was going to have any hope finding my way around by myself I’d need to know the layout of town. Maybe a few walks around would do me good. With a quick glance toward Sweetie she was still mumbling away in her frantic pace. Just watching her made me tired, how did she have so much energy?
“Anyways, his store isn’t that much further but we still have some time to get to know each other so I was curious about a few things”
“Yeah?”
“Why exactly did you move to Ponyville? There really isn’t much here unless you’re doing farm work and judging by your cute looks I definitely know that’s not why you moved”
Did she really just call me cute?
“That felt insulting and I moved for work. I used to do work for the govern- uh Canterlot. I do work for the princesses. I did work for the princesses. Sorry. It’s been a rough couple weeks”
And I stumbled over my words again.
“I can only imagine. So what kind of work are you looking for in Ponyville, or is there like a job you’ve been changed to. Uh, reinstated? Is that the right word?”
“I guess that’s a nice way to put it”
Suddenly she appeared as if she felt I was offended, stopping and waving a hoof defensively.
“Oh I didn’t meant to bring up any bad memories! If you don’t want to talk about it we can talk about something else”
Embarrassed from her change in behavior I figured my face must’ve been flushed. It wasn’t too hot out like it was earlier in the day yet, I was still one to easily fluster. Here goes another excuse.
“No it’s fine, don’t think I’m uncomfortable or anything” I really was. “I just get hot easily so if I look all red it’s probably just that”
“Is your coat too thick? Maybe it’s that hat? The sun is almost down I mean you can probably take it off”
Awkwardly I tried my best to laugh and play it off. It always felt shameful having to explain my condition. Always the empathic look, always the questions.
“Heh nah. I burn easy too. Sensitive skin I guess heheh”
Internally I begged for a stop to the questions and after giving me a long look she finally budged, continuing our walk once again.
“So.. did you still want to tell me about your job or?”
“Oh, yeah. So used to work in this financial advising firm that was paid by princesses but, a couple things happened and soon enough they had me sent here for ‘training’ purposes. I think it’s bullshit”
And bullshit it was. I was good at my job, damn good and it wasn’t completely from a talent standpoint. Remember when I talked about how ponies can’t help but let there empathy and care for others take precedence over everything? Well the same goes for work. Naturally as a human, I was more inclined to take a more realistic approach to most of my clients. Although seen as pessimistic, as my superiors often stated, I figured as long as the bits kept flowing the emotions would be set aside. Until a royal decree in letter form reached my mailbox but, I can get into that later.
“Bullshit? Ha, never heard that one before! So you’re doing training on finacial stuff then? You wouldn’t mind helping me out with my own store sometime would you? I’m not exactly too good with managing my bits, hehe. Maybe consider it payback for today?”
“Err sure”
Sure? Sure?!? SURE!?!
“Sick! When’s like the soonest you have a day off?”
“Uh.. tomorrow I guess. I don’t have my first day until Wednesday”
Digging the grave deeper huh? My metaphorical inner self chirped. Always have to be nice, can’t just say no. How badly I wanted to crawl inside a hole and die.
“That works for me! We can talk about it on the way back though cause that’s the place right there”
Extending a hoof forward, it did indeed point toward a small store snuck between two neighboring businesses along the town outskirts. Beyond the store led out into the country side, open fields and vast grasslands as far as the eye could see. It was awfully remote for any business but, I wasn’t in a position to judge. This place would be my saving grace tonight.
“Spring’s custom made home goods for… griffons?”
I paused making sure to give Sweetie a real good look.
“Yep! This is the place!”
“I don’t… I’m not a griffon, what are we doing here?”
The question seemed to fluster her with ease. In an instant she started backing her statement up.
“W-what do you mean? I told you this is my friends store, he’s got great stuff! I swear I’m not trying to swindle you”
“Yeah but isn’t griffon furniture like way more expensive?”
“Normally yeah but I promise this place is cheaper and I also promise you’ll get a better mattress here than anywhere else in Ponyville. That I guarantee”
Squeezing my bits I exchanged a few looks both toward the store and back to Sweetie, still a little unsure. She was a new pony, how was I supposed to know if I should trust her? Just at first glance she might appear innocent but, I wasn’t as gullible as most ponies. I had experience, experience from another much crueler world. Yet for some odd reason on this day I was feeling more trusting then normal. Whether it be desperation of the situation or my primal instincts screaming ‘cute mare wouldn’t lie’ I decided to cave in.
“Alright fine I trust you BUT, you said you know this stallion so I expect some sort of friends discount. Think of it as… a test. A test of our new friendship”
Scrunching her nose with a giggle she could only shake her head in response.
“Okaaaay but, you’ll owe me one after I prove Spring’s place is legit. Think of that as a test…” she smirked, “…of our new friendship”
Attempting to ignore the fact she labeled us as friends already I followed her lead directly into the store. Hit immediately with a wave of cool air I nearly succumbed to the sensation. Air conditioning. Quite possibly the greatest invention ever.
“Like the smell huh? It’s really unique. Spring said it’s from a type of wood imported from Griffonstone. He thinks it’s weird I like the smell but, when you’re surrounded by farmland most your dang life I’d think it’s normal”
Not wanting to give away my condition or any other of my weird traits I went along with it.
“Err I’d say it’s pretty normal. Kinda reminds me of my grandparents though. I don’t know if that’s a good thing”
“You calling my sniff palate old?”
“Your sniff palate?”
“My appreciation for smells! Don’t bully my lingo”
Not really one for banter I instead spun around looking for the owner. Rather empty the register sat unoccupied and the store still. Only a feint music playing throughout to interrupt the silence. That and Sweeties continuous talking.
“-where he’s at? SPRING, WHERE YA AT!? YOU GOT A CUSTOMER!”
Wow she was loud!
Instinctively I scowled behind her but, it quickly faded as a ruckus near the stores back caught our attention.
“Coming!”
Definitely a stallion yet sounded more feminine then I expected. With a rush the pony in question had arrived panting slightly from the run. With green across his entire coat and mane, the white and grey highlights streaming through his hair stuck out that much more. Loose it dangled slightly in front of his right eye to which he pushed back with a blow of his mouth chuckling.
“Bee! What’s up play girl, how you been?” Taking his attention over to me his eyes scanned a little longer then I would have liked. “And who’s your friend?”
We’re not friends
“Spring this is… uh actually heheh I don’t know your name. You didn’t tell me your name right? Please tell me I didn’t forget”
“It’s Soft Feather, nice to meet you”
Jabbing his elbow into Sweetie he whispered loud enough for us all to hear.
“Definitely wouldn’t want to call him soft am I right?”
Sweetie only blushed shaking her head.
“Oookay… now that we’ve gotten our jokes out we’d like to see your finest mattresses!”
“Hm? How come? I thought you said you loved the one I sold you?”
“Not for me doofus! For my friend!”
She really throws that word around willy nilly huh?
“Oh! Well if that’s the case follow me!”
With a pep in his trot he pranced his way across the store showing the way. I meanwhile took the moment to ask a question burning away at the inside of my brain.
“Is he uh…”
“Gay? Surprisingly no, has three fillies with an absolutely beautiful mare and I mean like stunning. You should see her it doesn’t make-“
“Sweetie no! I wanted to ask if he’s trustworthy. Having nice products on top of cheap prices doesn’t exactly scream business savvy”
“Spring? Box Spring? Yeah he’s trustworthy! He’s even closed up my shop for me before when I had to leave early”
“So you know him well?”
“Yeah, known him for a couple years now”
I took a few glances between the two before I gave a shrug, deciding I might as well trust the mare’s word. Besides even if she’s only doing this to help her friend make a sale I’ll at least have a nice bed to sleep on at night unlike the small pony sized one I slept on back in the city.
Coming to a stop Box spun around with a joyful smile.
“Here they are! I have them all separated based on most ponies preferences. From right to left I got foam then latex then spring and if you’re really feeling spicy I even got a couple waterbeds in the back”
I made my way over testing a few of the mattresses with a hoof, not willing to test the cleanliness with my full body. People are yucky and why would I trust he’s cleaned theses display beds off?
“Which ones are the latex again?”
“You want a latex mattress?” Sweetie asked. “Why not get a foam? They’re way more comfortable and they stay really warm in the winter!”
“Everyone has their own preferences Bee”
“Yeah but who wants a stiff latex mattress?”
Not taking much offense I intervened.
“I like a mattress that stays cool”
“See? Latex mattresses sell best with customers that like to stay cool or are hyper allergenic. There’s way more to this then you understand”
Embarrassed from being called out she crossed her hooves facing away from us. In a low voice she muttered to herself.
“I’m always cold when I go to bed, I don’t understand why you’d want to stay that way”
“Anyways, you said latex? Well I got two different kinds, Dunlop and Talalay”
I had done my homework in the past knowing which was the best mattress for staying cool but, anything beyond type I didn’t know existed.
“Uhh what’s the difference?”
“The only difference is the process in which they make them. The Dunlop is more dense then Talalay and honestly is a lot more comfy however, if you’re willing to pay more there are Talalay mattresses here that are about the same in feel”
“Does either of them stay cooler?”
“You’re pretty obsessed about that aren’t you?”
“I already told you I get hot easy. Can’t sleep if I’m sweating to death at night”
“Hm, I wish I was you, I’m always shivering”
“Speaking of shivering, Dunlop is better at retaining body heat so I’d suggest some of the mattresses I got over here. All the ones from this one on”
Waving his hoof it covered around three different types. Of the three one was much taller then the other two and much higher in price. It was likely the best option but, if the difference between the other two was slight enough I’d definitely take the cheaper mattresses. Now to figure out if that’s the case.
“So what’s the difference from these three? Why’s this one so much more expensive?”
“The layer amount” he said while patting its top. “The more layers the more firm”
“Why make it more firm? A preference thing?”
“Most my customers prefer when I add layers”
“Because…?”
“W-well it’s a comfort thing. Makes it feel more supportive”
He wasn’t telling me something.
“Then why don’t the other two options have more layers? Are they cheaper materials?”
“Cheaper m-materials?! I wouldn’t do that! They’re all three made the same, I just keep a variety available just in case”
“Well what would it cost if I asked you to add more layers to that one until it’s the same size?”
Pointing toward the cheapest of the three my question seemed to hit the bullseye.
“Er well… I don’t exactly know right now I mean I’d need to measure out the extra material costs and.. and-“
“If they’re all made of the same materials and the same size why wouldn’t they cost the same?”
“I uh…”
Suddenly Sweetie grabbed my hoof pulling me to the side. From the angry look on her face I could tell she was about to yell at me.
“What are doing? Why are you being so mean?”
“What are you talking about? I making sure I’m getting a good deal”
“By interrogating my friend? I already told you, you can trust him!”
“Then why is he so nervous then huh?”
“Because he has social anxiety Soft. You’re making him uncomfortable”
And just like that I was back at my old job, sitting in my office being scolded by my boss. That same familiar feeling of being out of place. They didn’t understand reality. They were too different, too emotional and at times made it clear how much I didn’t fit in. Maybe I wouldn’t ever.
I sighed lifting the sun hat off my head, letting it’s string rest around my neck.
“I’m sorry. I’ll apologize”
Stuttering, she’s taken aback at my willingness and complete 180 change of attitude.
“G-good! He’s offering a fair deal”
Walking back I quickly paced a hoof to my chest the instant Spring noticed me.
“I feel like I’ve been too aggressive with my questioning. I’m sure your prices are fine just the way they are and I’ll take your word. With that being the case I’ll take the expensive one, consider it my apology”
Shocked Sweetie nearly feinted behind me while Spring’s face lit up with blush. The twos reaction made me go over the words again in my head, unsure really where I crossed a line. Was it me mentioning the prices being fair? Paying attention once more Sweetie held her head as if to keep it from spinning.
“S-S-Soft! I only meant like saying sorry, you didn’t have to do that!”
“P-please Mr. Feather, there’s no need for that, I didn’t take any offense I swear”
“Hm? But that’s the one I want. Shouldn’t it be okay if I’m willing to pay?”
She shook her head placing a hoof on my shoulder to which displeased me greatly yet, I refrained from reaction.
“Yeah but not if your guilted into buying it”
I sorta walked away from her touch appearing to not pay it attention. I wasn’t one for touching specially given ponies body heat. It would be something I’d need to hint to her in the future but not now.
“I’m not being guilted into buying it, I just value a good nights sleep”
Plus I got paid a bag from Canterlot for the job relocation. Consider it the only positive.
“Are y-you sure sir, it is 800 bits”
I shrugged thinking it no big deal.
“Yeah sure, why not”
Bothered still Spring pushed his mane back across his forehead. Nervously he panned around a bit before stomping a hoof confidently.
“Then consider me adding a frame as well for free a token of my trust. Hopefully we can build a nice relationship bargaining with one another in the future”
“Well I didn’t do much bargaining if I’m being honest”
“Then next time feel free to ask all the questions you want and really pressure me”
Sweetie didn’t appear to agree.
“Spring…”
“Oh come on Sweets ya let me off the hook today, the stallion clearly has a talent for barter”
For some reason that tickled me in a weird egotistical type of way. I do have a talent don’t I? Distracted I hadn’t noticed Sweetie talking.
“Soooft? Hellooooo? Should I call you Feather instead? Maybe Mr. Feather?”
“Huh? What?”
“I was saying what should I call you? Do you have a nickname or?”
“Wait weren’t you asking about something before that?”
“Oh I just said don’t actually pressure Spring next time you’re here. He actually has social anxiety, it’ll make him have a panic attack”
“Yeesh… sorry. Didn’t know”
Dismissively she waved a hoof.
“Meh it’s fine but, for real though what should I call you? Like what do you prefer?”
Honestly I didn’t care given my name was literally made up. My real name though I’d definitely prefer Withers but, those days were over so she could call me whatever she wants. Same goes with… wait where’d he go?
“Wait where’s Spring?”
“Hey stay on topic! He went to go pack up your mattress and frame. There’s a cart you can borrow out back I’ll show you but first tell me what you want me to call you!”
“So demanding…”
“Wha- I am not! You’re just so dismissive!”
I chuckled, she had me there.
“Call me whatever you want. Long as it’s not embarrassing though… like Softy”
“Someone calls you that?”
My boss.
“Guess we oughta meet Spring outside, still haven’t paid yet”
“Wait who calls you that? Feather.. Feather!”
Outside I spotted Spring immediately struggling with the large mattress. He was buried under its weight trying his best with his long skinny legs to lift it onto the cart. I hurried over to help making light work of the mattress. Checking the cart he’d already added the frame below.
“Hey I never paid you yet, it was 800 bits right?”
Swiping the sweat from his brow he nodded.
“Yeah, you can pay it in installments if you’d like. I usually do 50 bits a month-“
“Can I pay it all now?”
“P-p-pay it all now?!”
Again he was flabbergasted. Confused I nodded.
“Y-yeah… I got the bits already so…”
“That works too, just don’t often see ponies with enough bits to make a payment in advance around here. Lotta farmers or small business owners. Not much tourism, not a rich town”
“Hm, well I’ve only lived in the city until today so you’ll have to tell me if I do anything weird”
Handing over the bits he counted with me making sure each was accounted for. Thankfully I had exactly how many bits I thought I brought with me making the payment easy. We exchanged goodbyes and I hooked myself up to the cart beginning the walk back to my new home.
Distracted I hadn’t even noticed my hat was still off, the already set sun returning to its home in the west. The air was noticeably cooler as well leaving me in a blissful trance. I could stay like this forever.
“Hey did you forget about me?”
I nearly jumped, only held down by the carts weight on my back. Sweetie! Where did she even go?
“I thought you went home”
“Huh? What if you needed help getting your mattress inside?”
“How come you didn’t follow me outside?”
“Cause Spring didn’t lock up yet. What if a pony walked in while you both were outside? Someone had to stay back”
Wow she was thoughtful. Much too nice and pure though to be hanging around me. She’s probably better off avoiding me altogether.
“You’re nice”
“Why thank y-“
“Too nice”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You shouldn’t be so trusting of others. For example, me”
“But you’re a good pony Feather, why wouldn’t I trust you? Also we’re neighbors! You couldn’t do anything untrusty to me and get away with it, I’d come over and scold you!”
“Untrusty?”
She blushed turning away.
“I don’t know the word for it! Bad, how about that. You couldn’t do anything bad to me and you wouldn’t anyway. We’re friends”
“Throw that word around don’t you…”
“Friends?” I only nod in response. “Well… cause we are friends… right?”
Not bothering to look over I stay focused remembering the path we took here. I’d eventually need to head back if I wanted to renovate my place so the sooner I stuck it to memory the better.
“Where I come from Sweetie friends are ponies who’ve gotten to really know each other. You know what I mean? It’s not like I don’t want to be friends with you but, I can’t just call you a friend cause I know your name and we went mattress shopping together. We’re more like… neighbors, ya know?”
She doesn’t say anything back for a while. At first I didn’t think much of it but, as time passed I remembered where I was and it dawned on me how a pony might have taken what I said different so it came to almost no surprise when I peeked over to see Sweetie slouching in her walk. I simply shook my head.
“Sweetie don’t make it seem like I just told you I killed your cat”
The sentence is enough to pop her out of the funk with a puzzled expression.
“That’s horrible”
“Much worse then saying we can still be friends”
She does a double take before a large smile makes its way across her face. Her posture picking up and her pace almost a skip.
“Really?”
I sighed.
“Yes really” overexcited I can see her practically vibrating from the ‘news’. “But after we’ve gotten to know each other a bit more. I’m not ready to call us friends just yet”
“That’s fine! I just know we’ll be great friends! Can’t you feel the chemistry between us already? It’s practically flowing”
Given the headache she’s given me I wouldn’t exactly say that.
Finally reaching my place Sweetie was kind enough to help me get my mattress upstairs and onto the frame leaving my house slightly renovated from its empty counterpart just a hour or so ago. With us both at the entrance to our homes I paused for a moment right as she opened her door.
“Sweetie?”
She paused as well curiously meeting my gaze.
“Yeah?”
“Call me Feather. It reminds me of back home”
“You got it!”
Smiling brightly she closed her door slowly with a wave before letting out a loud squeal just beyond. I’m positive I wasn’t supposed to hear it.
Shutting my own door I slid against it to the floor with a plap, exhausted from the day. Not only was I physically tired but my social battery was shot as well. It was the most talking I’d done in what felt like months and hopefully enough for the rest of the year. I peered up the stairs preparing to challenge their might, barely able to pull myself to a stand.
Perhaps it was a good time to test out my new bed.
Sadly for Feather tomorrow had come and with it responsibilities he’d already forgotten. Responsibilities with one incredibly exuberant mare. Matter of fact she had been practically so excited from making a new friend she could hardly find a wink of sleep. Up until the chirping of birds returned there was truly no point left fighting for an wink and so she began her day just a little early.
Feather’s Perspective
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
The sound nearly makes me leap from my bed in panic. In a sprawl of bedsheets I angrily looked toward the clock knowing all too well it had to be early. Seven… in the morning. Even the damn birds were still waking up! Whoever it was would have to come back another time cause currently I’m not home.
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
Again they knock.
“Is murder legal in Ponyville?”
Stumbling down my stairs in a blurred stupor I stomped loudly before opening the door. Consider it a little passive aggressive symbol of my appreciation, one I’m sure they could hear. With a flick of the lock I peeked a small bit as to see the harasser.
Sweetie?
“Morning!”
She chirped to me without a care in the world, clearly disturbed from the time of day as well given her appearance. Although she smiled brightly those heavy bags under her eyes and that strong smell of coffee wasn’t fooling anyone.
“Yo… do you know what time it is?”
Rubbing my eyes and squinting I noticed how angry I might’ve sounded but I was too tired to care. She showed up at the fucking crack of dawn, she shouldn’t mind if I’m a little frustrated.
“Uhhh actually now that I think about I didn’t check when I left home but, it’s probably like 8”
When you left home… you live like two feet away from me! I made sure to pinch the bridge of my muzzle to really sell the point.
“Hm… early. What was it exactly you um knocked on my door for?”
Sweetie caught the hint fairly quick and properly adjusted, swirling the coffee in her hoof. Also sorta confused me, like how did she carry it to my door while walking?
“Ahem sorry if I uh woke you up. I didn’t mean to- I shouldn’t have came over so soon. I was up early and I remembered how you said you’d come over and help with my business and I didn’t really think much about the time. I know most ponies don’t wake up this early, I shouldn’t have knocked”
Sweetie faced the ground distraught, disappointed with her own actions. She hadn’t meant to wake me up nor piss me off, she only wanted to fix her finances clearly. A true avid entrepreneur, inspiring in this pony world. I should lighten up and at least amuse the mare.
“It’s fine. I’m a little tired but, *yawn* that’s nothing a good coffee can’t fix right?”
There, I extended an olive branch. How’s that for peace fucking Nuremberg trials.
Slowly, Sweetie rose her head suddenly picking up what I said. I guess my apology surprised her.
“I-I already brewed some at my place if you’d like a cup? Err coffee, some coffee”
“Yeah sure, let me just get my key first and lock up”
I stumbled back inside grateful for the much dimmer interior, taking a second to grab the key from my bedside. By itself I really felt like I needed more keys or some sort of keychain to keep myself from losing this little bastard. On its own without a single key amigo it kinda felt stupid to carry around, or at least looked.
Stepping back outside Sweetie was still waiting patiently by the door finishing the rest of her cup. I guess I should’ve at least invited her in for the moment, oops. I had to get better at this neighbor stuff over time though. It was my first time living in my own home, an apartment a whole different beast. Shit I didn’t even think about stuff like yard work!
“You coming?”
Sweetie had noticing me blanking out near the door, still holding my key.
“Oh yeah sorry”
With a twist, lock, and strut I was back at her side in only a few seconds.
“Heh, you don’t need to apologize for that, unless that’s another one of those weird things you city ponies do”
“Hm? What else do we do that’s weird?”
“Well for starters how you said friends were only ponies who you really got to know. I mean that’s crazy talk”
When did I say that? Oh… last night. Actually thinking back I nearly gave away the fact I was an alien with the way I was talking. Might as well mentioned Earth while I was at it!
“That’s not weird. For example, what would you call pony you didn’t know well but got along with?”
“A friend”
David, you literally just described the two of us you doofus.
“Bad question, let me rephrase. What would you consider a pony you know that’s not a friend?”
“Well that’s silly cause if I know them we are probably friends and if we weren’t friends I wouldn’t know them, duh”
“Duh? That makes no sense. What about a pony you don’t like that you’ve met and got to know? Surely you have at least one pony you know like that. Like they were cool in high school or whatever but they changed and suck now”
“They I wouldn’t know them Feather. What are you talking about?”
Giggling she clearly had no idea what I had meant. It was a level of innocence and ignorance I thought I’d never see. Ignorance might be a little far though, perhaps a difference of perspective.
“What’s the difference then from a friend and a best friend? Or like a lover?”
She blushed up from the question alone.
“A best friend? I don’t know if I could call any of my friends a best friend, that feels a little wrong. Like what if one of them feels less important that way? As for a lover, I guess… a pony I love? Like I like love them ya know?”
“Like love huh?”
Embarrassed from the conversation Sweetie trotted over to her door trying her best to move on.
“I don’t know! I never had a pony I loved like that before! That sorta thing you have to experience it to know, ya know?”
Seeing her all flustered like that was enough payback for waking me up early for now, even made me smile a little. Honestly the nice smell of morning dew combined with a slight chill in the air worked wonders at both waking and calming my angered spirit. Unlike most people I always appreciated the cold, plus it was much better than the alternative of sweating to death. Although it’s probably a forced opinion thanks to my condition, so I guess I could never fairly judge an opposing view.
Having opened the door letting us inside Sweetie pointed over to her nearby couch on my right as she headed deeper into the house.
“Please, get comfy. I’m going to get that coffee I owe ya”
“Thanks… two creams two sugars by the way if that’s okay”
Left by myself I plopped onto the couch doing exactly as she asked. In an instant it felt as if I sunk in leaving a pony imprint molded into the cushioning.
“…kinda nice”
The rest of the surroundings were kinda bare. Behind me would have been the entrance and to its left only a potted plant and a window while to its right, or my front, there rest a loveseat and the couch only separated by a low ottoman. No photos, no books, no paintings, only the window outside if a person wish to peek. Sorta made me curious of the rest of her house, maybe mine wasn’t so bad? The only part really left to explore is whatever is down the hall near the stairs.
Sweeties return was easy to hear as her hooves clopped loudly against the wooden floor.
“Two sugars two cream?”
I extended a hoof taking it.
“Yeah”
Hot, not to my liking but I never specified. My own fault really. Sadly though I couldn’t wait for it to cool as Sweeties judging eyes clearly looked for my opinion. So I took a swig.
“Is it okay? Need any more sugar?”
Putting her own down I notice it’s light color. If I didn’t know any better I’d think it chocolate milk.
“No it’s good. Tastes good”
She lit up smiling brightly and joined me on the couch sitting a little closer then I would have liked.
“So… excited for your new job?”
And here I thought she woke me up for finacial advice. Oh I could hit myself for being so gullible. Ponies David, they are ponies. They like friends, everything is about making friends.
“I guess” I sighed. “I mean the pay is nearly the same which is nice and my new home is definitely bigger than that damn apartment. Actually picture this, take this whole room and like double it and a half and you have my whole apartment”
“Why would you live there? Couldn’t you move?”
“Couldn’t afford elsewhere. Houses in the city are expensive as hell and usually are split between two owners anyway. Plus I’m not exactly a uh pony person so I prefer the privacy”
“I didn’t bother you too much by coming over did I?”
I hadn’t realized her complete change of expression, much more worried then before.
“Huh? No that was fine just, be sure not to come so early if you need something”
“Sorry again heheh”
Jeez now I feel bad and I haven’t taken another sip of that friken hot ass coffee in a bit too. She’s probably going to think she fucked that up as well!
I took another drink for good measure and it sure made me start to sweat.
“You’re fine but, I never answered your question if I was excited”
“Well are you?”
“Yeah. I mean new town, new opportunities and I can’t imagine there’s another financial advisor around. It’s basically like giving a crack addict a spoon err sorry dark analogy, a dog a bone”
“You’re the first advisor I’ve heard of in Ponyville”
“Perfect”
“Do you know where your new work is though? Like where to go or how to get there?”
“I was told Ponyville had a library? Apparently there’s some mare that lives there named Twilight that’s my new boss. Celestia said she was her pupil or something, I don’t know”
Sweetie meanwhile sat there in shock. Was it something I said?
“Y-you know C-Celestia?! Twilight Sparkle is your boss?! CELESTIA WAS YOUR BOSS?!”
“Yeah, I told you yesterday I worked for Canterlot”
“Yeah I thought you meant like for a firm! Who the hay works for the princesses!?”
“Uh me? Well I did… sorta still do. Honestly I don’t know anymore. Celestia got all upset because I wasn’t, ‘focusing on the client as much as I did their finances’. It’s literally my job to focus on their finances like what the hell does she mean? I’m quite literally focusing on the client by focusing on their finances”
I took another hot swig without thinking burning my mouth. Thankfully Sweetie didn’t notice as she was completely absorbed at what I said previously.
“This is crazy! To think I’d be neighbors with Celestia’s own financial advisor. Did I mention this is crazy?”
“Twice and I’m not Celestia’s advisor. I worked on a team and we all worked for her. Wether it was for one of the court nobles, high officials, or sometimes even foreign diplomats we sorta met together and discussed a lot of our decisions. I mean we did until I ended up here. I’m guessing Celestia wants me to help her pupil with whatever she plans to do here and on top of that try to make me, ‘think of the customer’. She’s killing two birds with one stone”
“Your analogies are consistently dark you know that?”
I shrugged taking another drink, this time trying my best to just finish the damn thing, failing miserably. It was just way too hot and honestly beginning to piss me off. Unfortunately for me this was a terrible idea and my more smoldering parts became that much more, uncomfortable. I could only shuffle in place opening to catch a cold breeze.
“Anyways that’s my story I guess, what about you?”
“Oh I’m just a small town mare making a living as a seamstress”
Twirling her hoof into the couch cushion Sweetie was obviously embarrassed. It seemed talking about herself was a little more difficult than taking about others. Hopefully though she’s more comfortable than me cause this coffee has me lightheaded.
“You live here your whole life?”
“Yep, since I was a filly. Moved away and got my own place only about a year ago. Couldn’t exactly afford one for a while once I started paying for the store. You’d be surprised how much it costs to restock linen”
Damn I feel dizzy.
“I’ve seen some pretty crazy expenses before trust me but, I’ll tell you.. about those another time. For now let’s uh…”
“Feather?”
“… hm.. I… sorry I’m a little light headed”
“Oh jeez I didn’t even notice, you’re sweating and your face is all red too! Are you okay? I didn’t know you were sick! Yesterday you seemed fine, oh I’m such a dolt!”
“N-no it fine.. you’re fine.. I’m just a.. just a little too hot”
Oh she’s going to know, she’s going to know!
“Can I get you a water or..?”
“Y-yeah! Yeah, that would be perfect”
Rushing off Sweetie left me to myself with the evil mug of coffee steaming nearby. Ugh I felt sticky and sitting on this couch wasn’t feeling much better either, it retained heat so well! I had to get up, find a bathroom or something to cool off before I stained her couch. I’d already made a fool of myself, why make it worse? So I stood up and made sure to promptly fall face first onto the floor.
In an instant my forehead was cold as if the floor itself was covered in an inch of water. Hell it even felt like water was leaking across the sides of my head. It could’ve been sweat though but, it was awfully cool. Wait… why am I laying on my back?
I opened my eyes somehow back on Sweetie couch. The cold pressure a wet towel carefully placed across my forehead and at my feet, Sweetie working away on a laptop. She hadn’t noticed yet, distracted in her work, her screens reflection not bright enough to hide the emerald in her eyes. Seeing her so focused and calm was like seeing a whole new pony. It even made me feel a little strange inside, like a little twinge rumbling away in my stomach. Like I was seeing something I wasn’t supposed to.
Sadly she spotted me looking her way and flushed up in an instant.
“H-hey! You’re awake! I uh… wasn’t sure if I should call for a doctor when I came back”
“Sorry I… I guess I should explain”
“Please cause I nearly had a heart attack. I thought a pony died in my living room and that started making me worry about ghosts and the afterlife and how much it would cost to unghost a home. You wouldn’t haunt me if you died right?”
“Sweetie”
Ehhh that feels much more awkward to say out loud.
“Sorry. So what made you feint? Low blood sugar?”
“I’ll be honest I really don’t like explaining this because I’ve already done it a thousand times so please keep this to yourself. Remember how I told you yesterday I don’t do well in the heat?”
“I remember something like that, yeah”
“I wasn’t entirely honest. I don’t do well with really any heat, not just the weather” her eyes immediately shifted to the fresh mug of coffee she left beside me. “This was entirely my fault, don’t blame the coffee”
She sorta shifted in her seat unsure what to say.
“Are you.. okay? It’s not like a serious thing is it?”
Was I okay? Physically for sure, it was a lucky move on Sweeties part to mistake it for a fever but, mentally? Shit, there was only a handful of individuals I’ve told about my condition so telling this mare only after two days? Maybe the stress of moving was getting to me.
The towel in my hoof dripped lightly against my legs with a cold chill, bringing my focus back. I needed to be alone. I needed to recalibrate.
“Y-yeah, yeah… actually I feel a lot better now that I’ve cooled off. Thanks uh by the way for… for helping. It’s sorta something I like to keep a secret... my heat thing I mean”
I wouldn’t explain it any more then I needed to.
“Then I’ll keep it a secret”
“Thanks…”
“It was nothing… really, a-and if you ever need help again I can totally uh, help which hopefully I won’t have to. Not saying that I wouldn’t want to but, like it would be a bad thing if… you know what I’m saying”
“Yeah. I’ll um… definitely remember that but, I gotta be honest the whole waking up early thing and passing out on your floor has sorta tired me out so”
Making a motion to get up I could tell Sweetie clearly was still bothered by what happened but, I wouldn’t be swayed. Sure I knew how to be polite but, I also knew how to treat myself responsively.
“Look I’m really sorry about what happened I mean if I knew about the coffee being too much I wouldn’t have offered”
“No it was my fault for not saying no. I could have easily said no”
“You were being nice! You probably felt like you had to because I woke you up stupid early. I pressured you into it!”
“I promise you didn’t pressure me into anything alright? Here I’ll prove it, how about sometime later this week we try this again? How’s that sound? Then we can pretend today never happened and it’s sorta like a fresh start”
It was more than a fair offer and this way we both win. Otherwise I might as well kill myself from embarrassment.
“You swear I didn’t pressure you?”
“I swear”
She sighed shaking her head.
“Still I’m really sorry Feather. If you still want to help me with my work sometime then please stop by whenever but, don’t do it if it’s because you feel bad”
She just looked so damn sad sitting there alone on her couch. I had to say something.
“Bee, we’re friends, I’ll come over”
Oh god that was cheesy. Yuck! I think I’m gonna hurl!
“R-really?”
“I mean you did help me get a nice mattress. That and we are kinda neighbors so… be a little awkward if we didn’t get along”
She nearly jumped from joy.
“New friendship! Sick! Am I your first Ponyville friend as well? I gotta be right?”
“My only”
“Even better but, I’ll make sure to introduce you to some of my friends too. Can’t exactly have only one friend and expect to live happy now can we?”
I can.
“Maybe. I don’t know but, I’m going home and I’m going back to bed. You take it easy and don’t think you did anything wrong today... besides waking me up early, that wasn’t cool”
“You’re right, that wasn’t cool but, I won’t make that mistake again. Unless there’s an emergency”
“Fair enough. See ya later”
“See ya”
Going into autopilot mode I was back in bed before I knew it, landing with a soft poof. Left with a whole bunch of new anxieties and worries before I’ve even worked a single day of my new job, it was clear what Ponyville had in store for me. I was out of my element.
