> Back To The Start
>  by Spooky
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
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Everything was ready, my stuff boxed up, the university documents all in order, my mom by my side holding back the tears, giving me one of those famous bear hugs.

"I'll miss you so much, are you completely sure about this?"

"Come on, it's not like I won't ever come back, I'm just starting college... And yes, I'm one hundred percent sure, and I think it'll be uncomfortable fly 4 hours just so I can study. And daily? Forget it" I said chuckling.

"You could travel by train" Giving me a tentative glance.

"Mom, °sigh°... We both know that we can't pay for train tickets every single day". Was she so eager for me to stay?. "And don't worry, I think I'll be fine with Caramel"

"I want you to know that you can always come back, anytime. This doors will always be open for you" She said, hugging me once more.

"I know, and I really appreciate it" Hugging her back. "You don't know how much this means to me, and how thankfull I am for all you've been doing for me"

It was hard to think that I'll go away from where I've been literally my whole life. I mean, it's not like I haven't been in another cities, like Cloudsdale or Fillydelphia, though it was comforting to make a change of atmosphere. Living in Manehattan isn't exactly living calmly, with all those ponies running here and there, always busy and embittered. I don't blame them though, it's the consequences of living in a city like this.

And it wasn't like I can't study here, since I had a scholarship thanks of years of good qualifications and remarkable behavior. I could perfectly stay here, but I need to begin again. That implies a total change, implies that I'll have to leave the few friend I have left, but also implies leave all the nightmares in the past, even though I knew they'll be there, deep inside me, bothering me, waiting for the worst moment to go out and poke into my mind.

The train whistle announced the departure. Mom slowly start to lose the grip, now with her eyes slightly red. She couldn't keep holding the tears.

"You don't know how proud I am, Thunder" I felt how my own tears began to slip through my cheeks. "I knew you could do it... Now go, and don't ever let anything stand between you and your dreams" Her gaze penetrated mine through the tears.

"Thanks Mom, for everything" Wiping the tears from her cheeks. "And don't worry, I'll write you often" I said giggling. I knew she was able to fly there and destroy half city looking for me if I didn't show sings of life... I preferred not to take that risk.

With a last quick hug I finished saying my goodbyes and get in the train. I placed myself in my respective seat, there was no other ponies close to me. I look out the window and shake my hoof to my mom, she did the same giving me a concerned gaze. The train start moving slowly, giving me a complete view of the city. Memories of it start to fill my mind, all the things I went through to be where I am now. All this would have been much easier if I would have took the right choises... But you never know, how... every little details can change the things, and how quickly can happen. I felt my eyes watered once more.

'No... I'll never let that happen again. I'm gonna do things right this time...' I lowered my head, holding back the tears. 'Just as should have been all those times'.

A single tear slip from my eye... The last the I will drop in that city.
> New Beginning... Same Routine
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I saw them walking away, slowly, everypony I loved, leaving me without looking behind. I try to scream but nothing goes out of my throat, try to run but my legs don't react. Hopeless, I saw how everypony vanished in front of my eye. Everything starts to darken slowly. In a last attempt, a heartrending scream escape from my throat, the tears sprouting fiercly from my eyes. 

I woke up with a little jump, realizing that I was sitting in the train, still shocked with the recent event. I look around to see if someone saw my episode. 'It was just a dream...' I thought, running my hoof through my mane, trying to catch up some breath. It happened again, why it keep happening?

It's been months since I left all that behind, if it wasn't years. Images and memories of the nightmare poke in my mind, they just won't go away. I wasn't sure if the pills were still working, I've been taking those for a couple of months and after that they hadn't the same effect, or at least that's what Sage told me. You ended up getting used to them. 
Trying to clear my head, I crawl closer to the window. I saw the houses appear in the horizon, we were getting close to the town. I began to strech my legs and wings, in an attempt to release some of the tension that formed by the recent events.

Caramel was going to get me in the train station and help me to get my stuff to his house. He was my cousin, and probably one of the few ponies that could understand me. In my family, in each side of it there was some sort of "bad luck gene". It doesn't appear in every generation, but in some moment it will. Me, as Caramel, own these "gene". The three horseshoes in our flanks where the sign, those three horeshoes that will follow us forever...I know, it sounds like I'm being dramatic, but this time just trust me. 
Sighing deeply, I prepare myself to go down the train, I saw the station getting closer. I was going to stay with Caramel until I found a room for myself or something, I didn't want to bother him more than necessary... Maybe the university had a campus.

I didn't know so much about Ponyville, I mean I've been here but just stoping by. It looked like the perfect place to begin this though. Plus, with Caramel offering me a place to stay and a good university in the town... I wasn't gonna complain to that. 

The university of Ponyville has a lot of acknowledgment. A well know unicorn which name I don't remember right now, which advisor was Celestia, reside here and raise the reputation of the university to the skies. I wanted finish my career in Weather Control, knowing that in Ponyville were one of the best Weather Teams in Equestria... Maybe I could even watch them in action and learn something.

Lost in my thoughts, I realize that I was the last pony on the train. The train assistant were glancing at me, impatient. Quickly grabbing my saddlebags, I jump out of the train, avoiding the assistents gaze. I wasn't exactly the most careful pony, sometimes I felt like I was living in a dream until something snap me out. Thinking that I will have to get the rest of my stuff in the station, I walk towards a puddle of water without realizing how deep it was, stepping right on it. I fall with half of my body into it. My saddlebags flyes throught the air, miraculously avoiding the water. While I trying to get up, I saw how the saddlebags open and all the things inside rolling out from it. Ponies from every direction glancing at the point I was, a few of them trying to hold they giggles, some of them failing. Great, this was the perfect way to start in a new town.

Caramel trotted towards me, rushing to help putting me back on my hooves. "What a way to find you" he said giggling like the other ponies.

"Don't you say?" I said, giving him a irritated gaze while I wipe the water from my fur. "Come on, help me pick up my stuff before something else happ..." In the corner of my eye I spot something being dragged by the wind. 'Oh please no... Anything but that'. The documents from the university were slowly flying away. Picking up my stuff desperately, trying to not lose the paper from my sight. When Caramel and I finish collecting my stuff, the documents were already gone.

I was about to throw myself in the last direction I saw the papers when I felt a hoof holding my shoulder. Thinking about push the hoof away assuming that was Caramel's, I look a the hoof owner just to find a dark blue pegasus with some documents in his mouth. He was slightly taller than me, black disordered hair, probably by long hours of flying, and a pair of big green eyes, giving me a look of concern. "I think this belongs to you" he said, taking the papers with his right hoof.

I froze in the place where I was standing for a few seconds, attempting to remember what you supposed to do next. I felt the blood start to accumulate in my cheeks while he was still holding the paper in front of me. I slowly took them, this time holding them tight in case they decide to take another adventure. "T-thank you so much" I mumbled, while he gave me a warmth grin.

"No problem, just be careful next time" half laughing, turning around and getting into the train station. 

I just stood there, trying to process what just have happened, still looking in his direction. Caramel gave me a slight shove waking me up from my little trance. "Ok enough for today, let's go home before you lose something else that your papers" He said giving me my saddlebags.

"Look who's talking" I said grining at him. I gaze at the sky, it look like a storm was coming, maybe the Wheather Team prepare it. "Let's go before something smack in our heads, this wheather is making me nervous" I said, adjusting the saddlebags.

"I'm not gonna complain to that" Caramel said, clearly having the same worries.

While we walk into the station to pick the rest of my stuff, the same few ponies were still looking at me. Oh for Celestia's sake, has they never seen someone stumbling into a puddle of water before?. I hate being the spotlight, the topic of the talk, even if it was for my qualifications. I felt uncomfortable with so much ponies looking at me, watching at every single movement I did, increasingly prone to make a fool of myself. Back in my school days I was the only one who hadn't his cutie mark, being teased whenever they had a opportunity. In flight academy it wasn't very different. The first day I crash into a cloud that was being moved for decoration of welcoming or something like that, landing on a pool of rainbows, then getting into the wrong classrom. That was my life, the destiny managed to made the spotlight. I was never going to get used to that, I just couldn't.

After claiming for my belongings and putting them on a cart, we start to walk towards Caramel's house. I was still embarassed for what happened before. In the corner of my eye I spot a dark blue shape soaring through the sky majestically. "Thunder, everything ok?" He said, snaping me back to reality... Again.

"Uh... yeah, I'm sorry, I might still be a little be asleep for the trip, that's all" I said, trying to not look nervous.

"Come on, you can rest when we arrive there" He said, pating my back. "I have a delicious apple pie waiting for us and we could watch that mov..." I felt his words die in my ears while I start to go deep in my thoughts again, gazing once more at the pegasus who had just saved my admission documents.
> Welcomes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The way to Caramel's house was without any inconvinients, the real deal was the weather getting worse every second, threatening with letting itself fall on us with full force. His house was in the edge of the town, close to an orchard called "Sweet Apple Acres", he work there, it was convinient enough to live close to work.

"Wait, I remember you worked in a cafe, weren't you?" I said, wondering how did he managed to lost his... forth job?

"Uh yeah... About that" he start talking slowly, clearly embarresed for what was about to say, "The local was full and I was kind of busy... And, uh, I forgot to empty the cream machine..." said lowering his head, "Long short story, the entire place finished covered in coffe cream and I had to buy a new cream machine".

"How do you manage to blow up everything?" I said, widening my eyes, guessing what had happened.

"Says the guy who can't move a electric cloud without shocking his whole class?" he shot back, playfully.

"Aw c'mon, it was my first year" said wicing, remembering bitterly that day. "So... where can I stay?"

"Oh, yeah... How could I forget?" he said to himself. Caramel took me to the second floor, he had a pretty big house despite he lived alone. "You can stay in the guest's room" he said pointing at the room in the end of the corridor. His own room was in the opposite side of the house. I walked in the room, examinating it with my eyes. The walls were painted with a nice blue sky, it has a single bed, a little closet, a desk with a little lamp and a night table next to the bed. As fast as I saw it, I knew that I would be comfortable in this place. I never didn't need that much of things to be comfortable. I mean, if it had a bed and a door I would be happy.

"It's perfect" I said letting my things aside the bed. "Thanks Mel".

"No need to thank me, that's what family is for" he said with a warmth grin. "Now finish setting up and come down to grab some food so you can rest, you look exhausted".

'I am' I though, trying to hide it. "Ok, I'll be down in a sec". He just nod and walk down the stairs. I never like to worry people needlessly, nowadays they had enough problems to deal with others, I could handle by myself... As always been.

The only thing I wanted was lay in the bed and fell unconscious. I look for the pills in my baggage and let them in the night table. When I shake it I felt them half empty, maybe less, it was time get 
a new jar. "Hey Caramel, when are you gonna send a letter to Sage?" I yell to him from my room. Sage was Caramel's brother, also my cousin. He was a medic, worked in the main hospital of Manehathan. He graduated in the same university I was about to get in. He start to gave me those pills when I began to have sleep problems, after... I stoped the thought suddenly, unable to continue it. 'No... just let it go', I thought trying to clear my head, even though I knew it wouldn't go away.

"THUNDER!" Caramel scream right next to me, making me jump. "Are you sure you ok?. Seriously dude, you look like you're gonna pass out or something?" he said, offering me a slice of pie.

"I told you, I'm just tired" I said a little bit roughly, accepting the food.

"No you didn't, you just look like" he teased me, while I throw him a irritated gaze. "How I was saying, why do you want to send Sage a letter?"

"I'm taking some pills and running out of them" I said pointing at the little jar."What are you taking" he said grabbing the jar, by the way his eyes get wide, he recognize what they were. "Wow dude, this's some heavy stuff, you could knock out a buffalo with this, sleep troubles?" he asked.

I let out a deep sigh, "No Caramel, I use them to knock people out and steal their stuff" I said with a clear tone of sarcasm.

"Anypony special you use them?" he said following the game with a evil smile on his face.

"I'm not like you, you know?" I said, taking a big bite of the pie. This was getting ridiculous.

"Aw come on, I saw you eyeing that pegasus back in the station"

"W-what?!" I yell while I choke with the food. I feel the blood start to poll in my cheeks. "What does even make you thinks that I swing that way?" I said looking away trying to hide my face, completely red now.

"Well, your face is giving the hint right now" he declared, blowing my expectations.

"I was just grateful for what he did" I said trying to win a lost battle. "He literaly saved my university admission".

"Whatever you say. Now get comfortable and rest, we are going to the market tomorrow" he said while he took the dish I've just use, relieved that he changed the subject. "And about Sage, you could write it in the morning before we go out" said walking out the room.

"Ok, see you tomorrow... And thanks for letting me stay" I said genuinely with a small grin.

"Hey now, don't you worry 'bout it, and seriously, stop thanking me, it's getting annoying" he hissed, wincing. "You are my family, of course I'll help you"

"Yeah, than..." He glance at me, widening his eyes. "See you tomorrow" I said and he leave the room giggling.

After he was gone I throw myself on the bed, digging in my thoughts. Back in Manehathan ponies weren't this considerated. You could be getting mugged in a alley and they would just pass, could fell in the middle of the street with all the grocerys and they would walk by, not even looking at you. As I said before, I don't want to bother anyone, but there was something called "Goodwill", and they clearly didn't know it, at least most of them. Maybe that's was why I get impressed by the pegasus action, back to the station.

I look out the window, it started raining, really hard. Without will of doing anything else, I roll in the bed towards the night table and took the pills, studying it carefully, asking myself what wonderful components it had on them that gave me a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. I took one and let my body relax, waiting for the effect to come. Closing my eyes and letting my mind wander, I wonder how much time will it take before I fell unconscious... Apparently it wasn't that much.



I feel the rays of the sun fall in my fur, it wasn't that suffocating heat, it was warmth and soft, so comfortable that I actually thought about stay there the whole day. When I decide to stay a few more minutes, I felt something puffy hit my face. I open my eyes instantly, just to see the pillow on my face. "Wake up, sleepy head...". Removing the pillow from my face I saw Caramel with a silly smile on his face, satisfied with his method of waking me up. "The sun's out, the birds're whistling, and if we don't go out soon the market is gonna run out of food".

"Oh please, it's like eight in the morning. What kind of pony goes to market at this hour?" I said whining putting the pillow back in my face, waiting for him to leave me alone. Ripping the pillow from my hooves, Caramel point at the window, inviting me to look. Looking outside, I see ponies with carts and saddlebags walking in the same direction, despite the storm of last night the sky was completely clear and the sun shines brighter than ever. "Things are different here, city boy" he said, dragging me out of my room, "Now have some breakfast, it is the most important meal on the day and we don't want any faints in the middle of the market, do we?"

"You're starting to sound like Sage" said swallowing the waffles he had made. I wasn't into candy that much, but boy, he knew how to make some good ones.

"It's the price for living with him while he was studying" he said, smirking. "In fact, he used to live in the same room you sleep last night" he declared, rubbing his chin.

"Gid Sage lif wit yu?" I said trying to swallow. God this was delicious.

"Well yeah, this was Mom's house" he said like it was obvious, probably it was, and that would explain the size of the house.

"And your family?" I asked curious, "Where did they go?"

"Well, as you know, Sage went to work to Manehathan after a few years working in the local hospital, my mom and my sister went to live with Grandma" I said thoughtfully as he took the dishes to the kitchen. "And then there is the lil' old me, who stay working in the orchard with the Apple family, they are really nice people. Mom offer me to go with them but honestly I never like the city that much" he said wincing, he look to be doing it pretty well on his own here anyway.

"You wouldn't, that's the whole reason I came here" I said while I help him with the dishes. "So you have the whole house for you own?"

"Uh yeah, I mean, my ex came to live here a couple months before we broke up" he said with a hint of sadness. "She left me for someone else".

"Wow dude, I'm sorry... Did you know the guy?"

"Eh yeah, I mean no... That's the whole point. There wasn't a 'he', it was a 'she'" I was about to say something when he talk again, "But enough of that, we should get going now" he clearly didn't want to talk about it.

"Alright, just gimme a sec, I look like a mess"

After finishing with the dishes I went to the bathroom so I can get a little bit more decent. Needless to say, I knew for sure that my mane was a disaster, it was the same show every morning. Watching my reflex in the mirror I comfirmed my guesses. Putting my mane under the torrent of water I began to stroke it softly and after a little fight with it, it came back to normal.

Walking downstairs again, I took the saddlebag Caramel gave me for today, I didn't know what it had I just put it on. After adjusting it in my back I found myself ready to go.

Outside, Caramel was adjusting the reins on his back as well, "We ready?" he ask eagerly.

"Let's get to it" said as we start our trip.

I took the opportunity of take a good look of the town. The house were pretty simple, awful big though, most of them with beautiful gardens. Despite of being Saturday there was a great amount of activity in the streets, unlike Manehathan. I knew the moment we arrived to the market when I saw a sea of ponies buying in differents stands, there was a lot of them, probably this was the main street, cause it was a pretty long way until the end. It was impossible to walk in there without bumping into anypony. "Hold on just a sec" Caramel said and I stoped, he start to look for something in the saddlebags, changing the side he took a list with different articles. After looking for a pen he start to cross out some of them. Then he gave me back the list and a little bag of bits. "Here, you go look for the things I didn't mark, I'll get those."

"Sounds like a plan" I said examinating the list. There wasn't that much. "But how will you get the other things if I have the list?"

"It's all here, my friend" he said poking his head.

"I'm not quite sure to that" I said playfully.

"Whatever, we'll me in the Sugarcube Corner, I need to get something from there anyway. The first on get there waits the other" he said walking towards the crowd, "And try to not destroy the place"

"Same for you" I said, checking once more the list and gazing at the stands, identifying where could I find everything I need.

I began to wander in the market, I was actually impressed with the mood of... well everypony, all smiling, saying hi to each other, sharing a muffin or simply chatting. Everything was different, new for me, 'I could get used to this place' I thought happily.

After half hour, I had everything Caramel ask me to look for. I start to looking for the meeting point. 'Sugarcube Corner, where the hay is that?' I thought, looking for some cake shop at the sight. Distracted, I bump into somepony, making us both stumble. I saw how the others cart tip over and all its content fall to the floor, they were baking molds of different shape and size.

"Ah shut, I'm so sorry" I hurry to help, trying to put the cart back up again, " I wasn't looking and I'm a little bit lost..." I froze in the middle of the phrase, realizing who I just bumped in. 'Not this again' I thought bitterly, wishing that this was just a bad dream.

"Wow, easy there pal" the dark blue pegasus said as he put himself back on his four, stoping to give me a thoughtfull glance, realizing with who he just bumped in too. "Hey, you're the guy from the train station!" he said cheerfully.

"Hi there again" I said smirking, avoiding the eye contact, "I'm sorry for what just happened" lowering my head, waiting for him to get mad or insult me, like always happen.

"Hey now, don't worry, it was just an accident" he said sincerely, closing up to me to pick up the mess I've just made.

I just nod, keeping my sight away from his, shocked by his reaction. Of all the ponies I could bumped in, it had to be right this one?. Hurrying the process of picking up I give him a quick gaze. He was look so much like him...

"So, you're new here?" he asked throwing the last mold at the cart.

"Why do you think that?" I said defensively.

"Well, the fact that I saw you walking out that train with a lot of bags" he said, adjusting the reins to his back. "And that a few moments ago you told me you were a lil' lost" he said smiling, looking right into my eyes. Those eyes... were the only thing that difference him.

'Me and my big mouth' I said in my deeps, looking at my hooves, avoiding is gaze once more. "Yeah, I'm new in the town and... I'm a bit lost".

"What are you looking for?" he asked cheerfully. As I said before, it was weird to look everypony so happy, but it was even much weird to watch him like this again. 'Stop... It's not him' I thought.

"I-I'm looking for some place called 'Sugarcube Corner', but I think I can found it myself" I said, thinking in a way to get rid of him, and he look like he wasn't going to give up that easily.

"Oh, I was in my way  there when you bumped into me, I could take you there". I thought about it, he would just take me to the store and there was no need to see him again.

"If it isn't a problem, sure, thanks"

"Of course it's not. Come on, this way" he start walking, me by his side. I notice his cutie mark was a sun barely covered by a snow cloud, his body was well toned, the body of a professional flyer... No! I wasn't looking at his flanks, you freaks!. "My name's Cloud Striker, by the way" he stopped and extended a hoof, snapping me out from my thoughts.

He stay like this a couple of seconds until I took his hoof and shake it up and down. "Thunder Luck" I mumbled loud enough to let just him hear it. I didn't realize that I still was gripping his hoof more seconds than normal ponies do, he didn't seem to be bothered though. Blushing, I loose my grip and kept walking.

"So, what brings you to Ponyville?" he asked, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Considering how to reply I chose my words trying to give the less information possible, "I came here to live with my cousin, needed a change of background" I said letting out a sigh.

"You came to study, didn't you?"

Widening me eyes, "H-how did you...?"

"The admission documents" he said playfully. "with career of Weather Control".

"Uh yeah... That too" said looking away. 'Of course he knew, he saved those papers... Buck'.

"When are you starting?"

There was no point of keep hiding it. "Next week, if I have luck I'd find a place to stay before that" I said, remembering that issue. "By the way, do you know if there's any residences close to the university, a campus or something, I mean so I can stay close there?"

"Actually, there is some residences that were meant to be for the students and it works like a condo. But if you gonna try to get one I recommend you to make it fast, you know, new students and all" 

He looked like he knew much about it. He also didn't look much older than me. "Do you study there or something?"

"Yeah, it's my second year... In Weather Control" he said smiling.

I felt my jaw fell involuntarily. 'You've. Got. To. Be. Kidding' I thought exasperated.

"And... here we are" He said pointing at the store. It was pretty big, even bigger than some of the houses and a tower that make it look like a like a cake... Don't ask me why.

"W-well... Thanks for guiding me" I said without forgetting manners.

"You're welcome" he said giving me a warmth grin. "I'd go with you inside but I have to take this to the cellar" gazing at the charge he had on his back.

"I-I think I can handle it from here" I muttered looking around, searching for Caramel.

"Well, see ya" he said with a sweet smile as he walk towards the back of the store, that same smile that gave me at the station... The same smile that made my heart flutter. "Sure" I mumbled, not sure if he heard me. I just stay there, following him with the sight. He really look like a good guy, but that was exactly what happened the last time. "I'll never let that happen again" I said to myself, letting out a deep sigh.

While I was having me little internal fight I get into the cake store, examinating the place, looking Caramel with the eyes. There was some ponies lined up in front of the counter and a couple enjoying their food on one of the tables chatting cheerfully, but no sign of Caramel. I sat in one of the tables, waiting for him. The line of ponies start to fade slowly, everypony leaving with a wide grin, happy for getting their treats. I start to check the bags, making sure I hadn't forget anything.

When the line finally fade completely a pink pony bounced towards the two ponies sitting in the other table, caring on her head a tray with tea and some cake on it. How it was physically possible that non of those fall from her head while she was bouncing like that. Her mane look like cotton candy.

After she serve their meals she began to approch to my table, always bouncing and smiling. How could she do that to?. "Hi!, welcome to Sugarcube Corner, what are you gonna order?"

"Oh, sorry, I'm not ordering nothing, I'm waiting for somepo..."

"Hold on just a second, I haven't see you around here" She interrupted me, I froze there, waiting for the worst, "and if I haven't see you it's because I don't know you and if I don't know you it's because you're new here, and I know that because I know everypony in the town, and if you are new here that means that I'll make you a Welcoming Partyyyy!!" she said extremely excited, unable to hold her enthusiasm.

"Yes, I'm new her... Wait, WHAT?!" I said frantic, trying to process what was happening. This town was full of surprises.

"My name is Pinkie Pie and I know everypony here in Ponyville and they're all my friends, and since you're new here we can become friends as well, and tonight we'll have a welcoming partyyy!!!. Aren't you excited?!" She said putting her nose on mine, with a ear to ear smile.

"B-but I don't know anyone here" I said looking for an excuse to get out of this situation. Does she had a on/off button or something?

"Well that's the whole point silly" she said bouncing back behind the counter.

"But I..."

"He'd love to" Caramel said entering the store. I threw him a look that said 'What the buck are you doing?'.

"Hey there Mel, I have your order right here" she said looking for it. Is this the cousin you were talking about?"

"Eeyup, his name is Thunder Luck, and he came to study in the Ponyville university" he said while I was throwing glares at him.

"I suspect it 'cause I've never see him before and you told me that some cousin of yours was coming to the town and I thought we could gave him a welcoming party like I do with all the new ponies that came to the town so they could meet ponies and they don't have to be all alone and..." I stopped her shoving a hoof on her mouth, I feel how it still moved though.

"Alright alright, I'll go, just... stop please" I had to stop her before my head explote.

"Great, today at eight... And here's you order Mel" she said completely excited, giving Caramel a squared package. "Now if you two excuse me, I have to set up a PARTYY!!" she said before vanishing in the hair, leaving smoke with her form. I stay there for a moment, looking how the smoke dissappeared slowly.

"What in Equestria was that?!" I asked Caramel franticly.

"Aw gome mn, et'll ge hun" he babbled with the package still on his mouth.

"In english please" I said irritated.

"It'll be fun" he said putting the package on the table, "and she's right, you'd get to know people. Plus we all had to go throught that at some point, and you are not going to be the exception" he said playfully.

"I think they know me pretty darn well after the show I gave them at the terminal" I grumbled. He just keep staring at me, and I knew perfectly that look. "I'm not getting away from this, am I?"

"Nope" he said shaking his head.

Letting out an irritated sigh, I accepted my defeat. "Fine I'll go, but you owe me this one".

"I don't owe you anything" he said while we walked out the store.

"Oh the hay you do, you get me into this so you owe me" I said messing with him.

"She would have made you go anyways, you know that?" he shot back.

"Whatever" I said letting out another sigh. So... I just arrived in a new town and some random pony offers me a welcoming party...

What did I just get into?
> It Was Supposed To Be Table for One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The roof seemed to be my own distraction for the last hour, feeling like I didn't have the will to do anything else, I rolled on my bed so I could see the clock on the little night table. 6:30, great. I had to get ready to go to my welcoming party offered by somemepony I met a few hours ago, so I could meet some new folks. Sure, there was nothing to worry about, it was completely normal... If you are completely nuts of course.

I still wondered how Caramel managed to convince me to got there, since I wasn't a very big fan of social events, the times I had gone to some party in a group of like 7 ponies or less, I ended up drunk or making a disaster, if it weren't both.

I buried the pillow on my face once again hoping when I get it away from my face all of this was just a dream, I could pretend I was sick or say that I slept in or something, but certain cousin of my would make sure to get me out of the bed and go there, just like he did on the store. I've been in bed since we arrived to Caramel's house after having a light lunch, just some good salad, since my stomach was still a bit flattered after he awkward meeting with Cloud Striker. I knew it wasn't him, but my head kept playing tricks with me, filling itself up with old and not pleasent memories. If it was up to me, I'd stay the rest of the week in bed until classes began.

After another half hour of nothing. the clock rang, announcing 7 pm. I decided it was time to get moving, got up from the bed and walked towards the drawers where I put the few clothes I have brought, ost of them were for winter, but I also had something for some nice ocassion. After deliberating about it, now that I was forced to go it was better to make a good first impression, but if I overdress they'd think I care too much about it, then I realize what I was thinking was ridiculous. I'll go just as how they have brought me to this world, after all it was my welcoming party... 'I'm just overthinking things' I thought for myself. 'After all we all pass most of the time naked'.

After getting that done I went to the bathroom and check on my mane, which was a bit messy, but nothing that a quick shower couldn't fix. When I was finally done and ready I went downstairs, looking for Caramel and see how he was doing himself. "Excuse me" said running upstairs as fast as he could without falling, then going down again and launching some stuff to his bag on the couch, with a nervousness I knew perfectly.

"Hey, where's the fire?" I asked confused, even though I knew this wasn't about the party. "We still have like one hour before the party began!"

"Farm... something went wrong... fruit bats... Gotta go!" he mumbled panting.

"What?!" I asked as my eyes went wide. "B-But what about the party? There's no way I'm going there alone!"

"Why not? It's your party after all, go and enjoy it" he said sincerely as he adjusted the saddlebag on his back. "I'll know if you decided to change your mind and didn't assist, and you will regret it if you do"

I was about to shoot back when three loud knocks could be heard on the front door. "C'mon Caramel, those goddarn bats aren't gonna get rid off themselves, we need as much hooves as we can" some country female voice could be heard behind
of the door, clearly impacient.

"I'll be out in just a second!" he yelled back to their guest as he walk to the door. "I'm not sure if I'd be back by the night, so here it is a copy of the keys, in case I'm not home when you came back" he gave me two keys. "And don't worry about the others, they are really nice ponies, don't let your little city traumas get you now"

"Sure... Thanks" I murmured, grabbing the keys. "Are you sure you don't need more help in... what ever you are gonna do right now?"

Before he could answer another loud knocks attacked the door. "Caramel, we have to go. If you don't go out right now I will buck this door down and personally drag you down to the farm" she said franticly. This looked serious than Caramel told me.

"Coming!" he unlocked the door and walked out of it. "Don't dissapoint me" he waved goodbye with a playful grin and closed the door behind him.

So I stayed there alone, waiting to see if a miracle would bring Caramel back. What was I gonna do now?. There was no way I was going to go there alone. I gaze at the clock once more, 7:20. Ok, I had 40 minutes to think about something and get rid off of this mess. After a couple of minutes I decided therewas no point trying to avoid the inevitable. When the clock said it was 7:30 I made up my mind and went out of the house, I could use a quick fly before the party.

Going out the house and making sure the door was properly locked I took off without a clear destiny on my mind. I soared high enough so I could see the whole area. A few blocks away from the house was the Sugarcube Corner, so time wasn't something that would make me worry if I got late.

Taking some clouds, I shaped them into a small sofa and laid on it. The sun had already settled on the horizon, it was a beautiful sight. I looked down and saw a few ponies walking to Pinkie's store. How was even possible that she could do a party and get guests in so little time. I wasn't sure how to react when I got there and the worst thing I could think of right now is to give a bad first impression to the town I just arrived, but anyway, I think most of them knew me after my episode in the station.

I sigh getting up from my improvised bed, the cold breeze flew through my coat, cooling it down, this was what I was looking for, what there wasn't in Manehathan, a place to just sit down and watch the twilight, letting the brezze wash you over, relaxing you, no rushes, no worries, even if it was for just a few minutes. This was what I really enjoyed.

Once again I look down, closing my eyes and, without thinking it, letting myself fall foward from the cloud. I can feel the air hitting my face. After a few seconds of freefall, I open my wings and eyes at the same time and start flapping them losing speed before I get dangeroursly close to hit the ground. Honestly, a couple of months ago I wouldn't have care about that, but now I had plans, I wasn't going to give up... I will not give him that satisfaction.

With each second that passed I was getting closer and closer to the store... Ok, just say hi, smile and everything will be ok... Whatever, let's finish with this





Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself to get into the colorful store. Before I took two steps inside it, Pinkie jumped in front of me and screamed right on my face. "HAPPY WELCOMING!" with a chorus of voices, making me jump backwards and falling down the few stairs of the entrance. I landed on my back, impressed for the explosive welcome they gave me.

I stayed a few seconds laid there before I give my brain the order to move and get up, wondering if it was a good idea instead of staying there. While I was thinking this, a couple of ponies approched quickly, their faces full of concern. The first one that arrive was Pinkie with another lavender unicorn. "Oh Celestia, I'm so sorry, are you okay?" she asked reaching a hoof to me. "I never thought something like that could happen". She looked like she was really worried about what had happened.

"Don't worry, it happens to me all the time" I said trying to settle her down, after all she made a party for the guy she had just met. "It was just an accident" I said with a kind smile. "And, of course, my undeniable clumsyness" mumbled to myself.

"Here, let me help you" the unicorn speaked as her horn glow and an aura formed around my hair, making it look normal again.

"Thanks" I murmured looking at my hooves. "Gee, where are my manners. I'm sorry... I-I'm Thunder Luck" I greeted offering a hoof.

After a couple of giggles she accepted the salute. "Twilight Sparkle, and don't worry about it. When I first got there this crazy one here did something similar with me" she smiled friendly, were all the ponies like this?

After a couple of seconds, I analized the name which sounded really familiar, that name was... "It's you!" I snapped, realizing who she was. "You are that remarkable student of Celestia. The one that took Ponyville University to the top. Gosh if it wasn't for you I may not even considered about coming here. It's a real pleasure to meet you"

"Oh, heh, thanks. I-I feel flattered" she blushed slightly.

"Welp, enough of talking, we have a whole party ahead!" Pinkie said, taking both by the shoulders and dragging us inside the colorful party.

"Pinkie, we'll have a lot of time for-WOW!" The unicorn protested before she had the opportunity to get free from Pinkie's embrace. I just let myself get dragged, since I had no other option, what was the point of fighting back, right? I mean, this can be fun after all.

Pinkie left us free once inside and told me to enjoy my "welcome". I thanked her and scanned the local with my eyes. There was a good amount of ponies, talking, sharing a drink or eating a cupcake. I walked up to one of the tables to get something and kill the time, since walking away wasn't an option right now, I better enjoy some good drink. I grabbed one of the glasses that has some wierd pink punch on it. With just closing up the glass to my nose I felt a bit dizzy, but ignoring my common sense, I dared to take a good sip. At first I could feel the burning of the alcohol on my mouth and going down my throat as in my face formed a grimace, though after a while the burning dissappeared and was replaced by the nice and strong flavor that sent a shiver down my spine. Letting out a sigh, I grabbed a seat on one of the empty tables and played idly with my glass.

"It's a bit early for starting with something that strong, isn't it?" I heard the voice of the mare behind me, it wasn't Pinkie for sure, nor a voice that I had heard before. I turned around, looking over my shoulder to see who it was, and there she was standing, a  yellow coated pegasus mare with a clear blue mane and and a earpiercing on her left ear. 'It's your party after all, go and enjoy it' I heard Caramel's voice on the back of my head.

"Early, late... The time almost is meaningless for me" I replied with a slight tone of indifference. "Even when it's something I need to take care of"

"Wow, careful, we've got a deep one here" she laughed while she sat on the free seat on my side, I just kept playing with my glass, considerating if it was a good idea to keep this up, I looked at her and found a couple of blue eyes locked on mine. "Hey now sad face, cheer up, you're supposed to have fun in parties, specially if you are the guest of honor" she gave me a playful nudge.

"Soft Floor, by the way" she said with a friendly smile, offering a hoof. I sighed, accepting the greet.

"Thunder Luck" shaking the hoof and the letting mine slipping from hers. She was about to ask something but I interrupted he. "Yes, I am new in town, if you were going to ask"

"Well that's kinda obvious, since our pink friend here is giving you a Welcoming party" she teased, putting emphasis on the word 'welcoming'. "In fact I was going to ask you what brings you to a town like this. I heard that you came from Manehathan"

"W-Who told you that?"

"Things spread faster than you can imagine here" I sighed heavily. "And I also heard about your 'accident'" she said giggling. Great... So, probably most of the town, if it wasn't the whole, was talking about my wierd arriving to the train station.

I grumbled in reply, drinking another sip of Pinkie's special punch. "What does she put on this thing?" I asked making another grimace.

"Nopony knows, that's the fun" she said happily, I notice she was drinking something different though. "I'll stick to something softer for a while. Even for me it's too early to get drunk"

I stared at the pink colored drink, the consequences of last times came up to my mind, but with an impulse, I repressed them by swallowing what was left on my glass. "I guess I'll take the risk"

"It's your call" she said eating a cupcake. "So, you never actually answered my question..."

"Hit me" I replied as I recovered from the strong drink.

"What brings you to Ponyville?" she asked with curiousity.

I chose carefully my words, sighing once more I speaked again. "I kinda needed a ,uhm, new place to began. I was sick of the city life. But also I'm gonna start university here"

"Oh nice, another fresh one" she looked pretty excited for what she just discovered. "I'm starting this year too, and I'm gonna guess you are getting into Ponyville university too... Of course you are, I mean, duh, it's like the only one close to here" she laughed to her own joke and manage to get my smiling.

"Oh c'mon, change that face and have a little fun" she said giving me a nudge. This time she managed to get a little laugh from me. "See? It isn't that hard now, is it?"

"Haha, okay okay, I get it" I said smiling, actually enjoying the company. "I'm sorry for being like that, where I came from things aren't that kind of... well kindness. The leyend says that I used to be nice at some point too"

We both laugh for a good while. When we recovered I saw our hostessget on the little scenario that was set for the ocassion. 
was still impressed how quickly and creative that mare could be to set this kind of events. "Atenttion folks!" eventually all the 
guests stayed silent and waited for whatever the pink mare was about to say. All the lights were shutted down expect for the one on the scenario where Pinkie was standing. "Now that we have a moment, let's give a warm welcome to our new neighbor and friend of Ponyville, Thunder Luck" The light started setting on me as I froze where I was sitting, feeling the eyes setting on me as well and almost inmediantly recieving a bunch of greets and "hope you got a good stay here". I waved 
my hoof shyly, greeting back.

"C'mon, go up there and say something" Soft speaked aloud.

"W-What?" I snapped defensively. "Oh no, there's no way I'm..."

"Yeah say something" "Come on, don't be shy, get up there" a couple of couraging voices called around me. Realizing I didn't have much choice, I prepared my best smile and walked towards the little platform. The music had already stopped, I walked the little stairs up, thinking about kill Caramel or Soft first. Dozens, if it weren't hundreths, of eyes were set on me, I feel a cold drop of sweat ran down my neck. I cleared my throat and prepared myself for the little and very improvised speech.

"God, well. First of all I want to thanks you all guys for giving me such a nice welcome, specially to our host, Pinkie, who bother herself to organize all this" I stopped for a few moments while the the guests said their ovations and greets to Pinkie. "It's awfully nice from her, from all of you. And... Gosh I don't know what else to say, thanks everypony, you guys are awesome"

I stopped my tracks suddenly when I caught a pair of green eyes on me at the end of the hall. Standing by the front door, with that smile of his, the same one he had on the station. My head started to play tricks on me again, in the worst moment possible, filling itself up with loud yells and acussations. I wasn't sure how much I stare back, but it felt long enough to make the whole situation awkward. Mumbles start filling the whole place. "T-Thank you a-all" I murmured loud enough before walking down the stairs. Gazing for last time to the exit, there he still was, with a concerned look on his eyes.

"Well, there you have it. Now how about if we turn on this party!!" she said cheerfully, saving me for the awkwardness, making a sign to the DJ, a unicorn with sunglasses started playing the music back. I came back to my respective seat at Soft's side, who was looking at me with a baffled face.

"What in the hell was that?" she asked exasperated.

"Just forget about it" I said as I drink from another glass I get in my way there. The unpleasent sensation of the first drink had already dissappeared, feeling used to the alcohol, I let it go down through my throat.

"Uh oh, I sense a slight tone of rough past there" she said looking sincerely concerned. "Wanna get it outta your mind?"

"Why? I just met you and I barely know you" said a bit roughly, looking away.

"Do you know somepony else in this town apart of me and Pinkie?"

"Sure, my cousin Caramel, who was the whole reason I came here tonight and Cloud Str..." I stopped my tracks, realizing the mistake I just did as I begged internally hopping that she didn't caught that.

"Cloud-what now?" Dammit.

"Some guy I met at the train station... But what's your point?"

"°sigh° I'm just saying you always could use a shoulder where you can rely on" Soft declared sincerely. "I know I might be pushy and annoying most of the times but, you know... Despite all of that, I still have a sensitive side, as impossible as that sound"

"I-I'm okay, really" I lied sighing as well. " It's just..." I tried to think in some way to reply but nothing came to me. My mind was to agitated.

"It's just...?" she repeated in the same tone. I stayed in silence looking away, bitting my lower lip. "Okay, I get it, you don't wanna tell me"

"No, it's not... it's not about you, I'm just..." I quickly said defensively before she interrupted me once more.

"Hah, hey, I'm just screwing with you, it's okay if you're not ready to get it out of your chest" she laughed with a honest smile. "I just wanna let you know that if you need someone to talk or relieve something from your mind, ugh, I don't wanna sound cliché cuz that totally uncool... but, I'll be there" she said rubbing my back.

My eyes kept staring the glass once again, but I finally relaxed and gave her a warm gaze. "Thank you, honestly... I know I can be a featherbrain sometimes, it's just that I've never been used to this kind of... well kindness, even less after what happened with..." I couldn't believe I was actually considerating about relying in somepony I just met, but, just as before, I drank what was left on my glass and did the inevitable. "It's, uh, kinda of a long story..." I said hestitant. 

"Well, the night is young... Take your time" she took one of the snacks Pinkie had made for the ocassion on her mouth.

"Let me get something to drink first" said standing from my seat, if I was going to talk about that I needed something to loosen up. The spot where I had been grabbing the strong nectar had already run out of it when I got there. I take a look around me and with the sight catch another couple of glasses left at the other side of the room. I made my way there, going through the mass of ponies dancing on the dancefloor, the music had everypony on the their hooves. Honestly, I couldn't complain about the music, after all back in Manehathan I spent most of the day with some headphones attached to my ears. Music was like... my escape from reality, I could let my feelings flow through it, it was like one of my "little addictions" that I had.

When I finally made it through the dancing mass, I checked myself to see if I was still in one piece and kept walking, but something had stopped me after I could get to the table, the same one where was standing a dark blue pegasus, taking the last glass on his hoof. I thought about turn around and come back with Soft, but those plans where not an option when those big green eyes found mine. 

"Hey Thunder" a wide smile formed on Cloud's face as he greeted me, he seemed to be more excited than I expect after what happened with my little (and awkward) speech. Unsteady, I lifted a hoof greeting back and walked at his side, trying to keep my pace normal.

"H-Hi Cloud" I said with a suppressed nervous laugh. "I-I didn't expect t-to see you here"

"Why's that?" he asked with a false confused face. "I wasn't gonna lose the welcoming party that my boss prepared for the new neighbor" he ended playfully.

"Oh, right... I forgot you work for Pinkie"

"It's just a part time work, just to keep myself after I start the university year again... Plus you owe me for after I saved your flanks with those documents"

"Heh, yeah, thanks again by the way" Keep it cool, Thunder, stay calmed. "Uhh, d-do you know where I could get one of those?" I asked pointing at his glass.

"Umm, I don't think so" he replied looking around. "I know Pinkie is making more right now so here. I didn't even touch it" he offered me his drink. 

"Oh, n-no, it's not necessary" I rejected the glass with a juttery giggle. "R-Really, I mean, it's n-not like I care about d-drinking 
rom o-other's glass or anything, b-besides you had it first a-and I already had a couple of those and..." my voice slowly faded away with every word. He kept staring at me curiously for a couple of seconds, which of course, they feel like a couple of hours for me, but at the end, he broke the tension with a genuine laugh as I hide my face by looking away in a poor attempt of supress the forming blush on my face. 'Great job making a fool of yourself, Thunder' the back of my mind shot.

"C'mon dude, relax" he said as he gave me the glass. "Parties are for loosen up, have fun, not to be all strained"

"You know, I've already heard that already tonight" I said rubbing my neck.

"Then you should listen"

"Yeah, maybe... T-Thanks for the drink" I  felt kinda bad for literally taking his drink, I looked around, picked up a clean glass from the table and pour half of the punch on it, offering it to the black maned pegasus in front of me. "Here, this way I won't feel that bad"

"Do you really make all things that complicated or just when you are nervous?" he asked grinning, accepting the drink.

"What? Who says I'm nervous?" I shot back in a poor firm tone.

"Your expressions, your shuffling hooves, your talking..." his smile grew even more and turned into a playful laugh. "Do you want me to continue?"

I opened my mouth, willing to give him a proper answer, but nothing came out of it and close it before I looked like an idiot. "Seriously, you need to relax, dude. Otherwise you won't be able to get along with new folks here."

"I-I know... I guess I'm stilll a bit shaky after the startling welcome when I arrived here" I lied rubbing my neck again with my free hoof.

"Yeah, I saw that... At least you didn't hurt yourself"

"Dunno, I'm kinda used to that kind of things anyways" I said letting out a sigh, a longing and sad smile appeared on my face.

"Say what now?" he asked, looking concerned.

"Doesn't matter" shooking my head. "Uh, I don't wanna be rude or anything, but I left my friend waiting for me"

"Oh, don't worry, I-I understand" he said agreeing with his head slowly, it was the first time I saw him unsecure. "Well, it was a pleasure to see you" his common smile quickly came back to his face.

"S-Same here" hiding my face a bit with my mane. Before I could turn around and go back with Soft, Cloud spoke again.

"We could... meet one of these days and help you with that room in the campus" he suggested.

"I..." I mentally spread my options and, as always, I picked up the avoiding one." It's not necessary, I-I don't wanna bother you"

"How can I be bothered by help a friend searching a place to stay?" he said half laughing. "What do you say about Friday at 2 pm?"

"I... I dunno"

"Do you have something for that day?" he asked, slightly leaning foward.

"Well, not for now, but..."

"Cool, then it'll be on Friday, after looking for your room I can give you a tour of the city too"

I don't know what got into me, but I just replied. "S-Sure... Why not?"

"Great, then Friday at 2, well meet here since is like one of few place that you know" his teeths shone in the dark local.

"Sure, that sounds great" I mumbled as inwillingly a smile appeared on my face.

"See you later" he said before turning around and walking through the dancefloor, away from my sight.

I stood there, still staring in the last direction he had gone, just like the first time at the train station, trying to figure out what had just happened. 

Friday... both of us... campus' room... alone... give me a tour.

What did I just agreed with?!
> One More Mug Of Cider
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The warmness of Celestia's sun crawled slowly through my fur, moving closer to my face. I managed to realize that I was lying on my left side but not quite sure where. Without opening my eyes I tried to roll into my back and rest on my right side, but something stopped me. I analyzed the form of my "bed" and came to the conclusion I was laying on a sofa, or at least that seemed to be the most probable possibility.

I didn't dear to move too much, afraid to raise the pounding pain on my head. What I did dare to do was to open my eyes, just to found the bright sun light hitting them and making me closed them almost immediately. Shuffling a bit on the improvised bed, I let out a disgusted whimper as I felt my mouth with a slight taste of vomit, the single thought of throwing up gave me nauseas. 

Taking deep breaths, I stayed with my eyes closed trying to keep under control of my probably empty stomach. Once I felt better I rolled in one side again and opened my eyes, making sure that the sun wasn't directly pointing at my face. I took a brief look around, recognizing this wasn't Caramel's house, or any other house I knew, and then remembering that I didn't know any other pony's house here. Not caring much about it right now, I lay back again and closed my eyes to see if a bit of the dizziness of my head disappeared with a bit of rest. 

I stayed a couple of minutes like this, still lying on my back. Memories of what happened before unconsciousness came to my mind, letting it wander through them; also in an attempt of finding out I got to this unknown location.




Thunder dragged his hooves back to his table with Soft, holding two glasses on his right wing and one on his hoof, wondering how he made it through that dance floor in one piece. When he finally reached the table, the mare's eyes set on him as he saw him walking.

"Well, look what the universe finally brought back. What took you so long?" Soft questioned as she chuckled slightly, but her face suddenly changed when she saw the brown pegasus sat on his respective seat with a defeated grumble, from a teasful one to a concerned one. "Oh uh... I know that look."

"Let's just forget about it" Thunder mumbled not even looking at the worried mare, his ears falling slightly, making him look even more devastated.

"Forget about what?"  Soft replied half joking, half serious. "You haven't even told me what happened... And you owe me a story."

The pegasus looked deep on his glass, looking at his reflection, analyzing the restless look on his own eyes, making him look as if he hadn't slept in days. A heavy sigh escaped from his throat before putting his glass on his mouth and leaning his head back, drinking the rest of it (that wasn't just a bit) and making a wince as he did. After all he still had full glass left.

"I'm not going to escape from that now, am I?" 

The mare shook her head, just as Thunder expected. He looked for the right words to start after he let out another tired sigh. Clearing his throat, the pegasus began what he knew it would be a weird narration.

"Well... It all began back to high school a few years ago, right after Heart Warming's Eve. I was in sophomore year by that time... Anyways, second period had just begun and I was going through a... identity issue" He frowned as if he had his mouth full with something disgusting. "Back then I was kinda struggling with myself, my life was falling apart because of this." He made a pause.

Soft gather all what Thunder was telling him, starting to understand what maybe was bothering the stallion. "Wait... Are you..." she used Thunder's pause to talk, only to be interrupted by the pegasus.

"We'll get to that soon..." He quickly said. The mare just nodded slowly. The pegasus expression remain serious, he continued his story, not without a good sip of Pinkie's special punch first. "I wasn't very sociable or talkative, didn't care much about it at first, I thought I could manage on my own just fine... I was wrong." He turned his head to look at Soft, a somehow sad smile crossing through his face. "You know, I've never been on a relationship, I mean, not in a serious one, just fooling around"

Soft seemed to get a bit nervous as the other looked right into her eyes, a pink color tinted slightly her cheeks. "Are you hitting on me?" she asked directly.

Thunder couldn't hold the laugh, making the yellow mare shuffle on her seat, even more uncomfortable. When he finally stopped Thunder explained himself.

"No, no… I didn’t mean it like that." he said as he shook his head. "I was explaining how that has to be with all this issue."

"Oh... Alrighty then" she said relaxing again with a sigh and running a hoof through her mane. "Sorry 'bout that, I just don't need another freak behind my tail"

"Wow, thanks for the compliment" he muttered turning dramatically his head away with a false annoyance.

"Aww c'mon, I didn't mean you were one... You haven't sniffed my hair while I wasn't looking, so you're fine." Thunder's eyes went wide, slowly turning at her again. "Don't ask."

"Oookay I guess..." he chuckled before clearing his throat, going back to his narrative voice. “The thing is... I've never had a serious couple not because I didn't want to; it was because I never found the right pony. All the mares I've been... I just didn't feel the spark, even when they wanted to start something... But the times I started something I ended up being honest and telling them that it didn't really feel like a relationship, more like a nice friendship. And sometimes they did as well..."

"And I-I understood all that when..." He gulped before continuing, hoping that the mare aside him would be okay with what was about to say. "When I met him..."

"Okay so… Let me get this straight before I get another wrong conclusion." she started waving a hoof to make the pegasus stop. "You are telling me that you are..."

"A coltcuddler?" he cut her off before she could finish. Soft froze for what felt like an hour when in fact was just two seconds and then nodded hesitantly. Thunder sighed, closing his eyes as he continued. "If that's what you're thinking..."

"Oh n-no I'm sorry, I-I-I didn't… I just..." she tried to apologize, but the pegasus interrupted her again, finishing his own phrase.

"Then you're right." He said plainly, looking at his hooves. The poker face that had formed on his face was almost perfect, except with the hint of sadness that shone on his eyes. Soft's mouth hanged open; she certainly wasn't expecting something like this. The silence took over between the two ponies, it would have been uncomfortable, or more uncomfortable than now, if the music weren't still pounding the place and the great number of ponies weren't talking around them.

After a minute, Soft closed her mind and tried to come up with something to tell Thunder, though this new information had caught her too off guard. She finally asked the first thing that came to her mind. 

"Who else knows... a-about you?" Her voice volume went a tad lower than before.

"In the town, just you... And my cousin teases me about me liking stallions, though I'm not sure if he actually knows" Thunder said looking at her again; he could see her eyes full of doubts and questions. The brown pegasus had always seen things from the pessimist perspective, so he expected the worse to happen. 

"Look, if you don't agree with things like this I understand..." his eyes drifted away from hers.

"No, I-I have no problem with it, a-at all" she nervously replied, defending herself before the pegasus continued. "It's just... You caught me off guard."

"Yeah that usually happens" he muttered, chuckling awkwardly. Soft just stare at him, as if she was scanning him with the eyes. He used the time she was silent to continue. “As I said, I had the answer to all my doubts after I met him…” The pegasus closed his eyes for a brief moment before sitting straight and sighing loudly. “His name was Jet… Jet Feather, the new guy from Celestia knows where by that time. Dark blue coat, black mane, some pair of light sky blue eyes. Nothing that impressive to be honest, but by the time, that Pegasus was my first serious crush in a long time. I was in my junior year by the time he arrived, still much of a dumb colt back then, even if it was just a couple of years ago…” The brown Pegasus trailed off.

“He was sweet, tender, caring; all that shit that would make any guy look fantastic on everpony’s eyes. He was my first, umm… m-male couple, ever. Before him I wouldn’t have thought about coltcuddling, but he actually showed me who I truly was, that’s something that I have to honestly thank him for, maybe the only thing though.”  Thunder clenched his teeth softly at the bitter memory, washing it with sweet Pinkie’s drink, his mug half filled now. “The short version is… We had a fight after several months together, almost a year maybe. We were dating in secret of course, I was still afraid of coming out to everypony. I discovered what had happened with his ex and that he was just trying to use me to get him jealous. Some rough things were told, some true came to the light... But what I’d never understand was his way of reacting after we broke up.”

The Pegasus took a few seconds to catch his breath, gulping loudly. “He… he spread through the whole school about my s-sexual orientation when I was still not ready, trying take revenge on me, saying around that I was the one who betrayed him and that I cheated several times on him.  Most of our friends leaned on his side, and the few that didn’t decide to stay neutral.” Thunder paused, dragging his sight to the ponies on the dance floor in front of him. This remembered him much his graduation party. He, sitting on a corner with a drink, drowning on his own pitiful party with any strong drink he could find. “I was alone, the only ones that supported me and believed me were my family, who thankfully took pretty well the umm… sudden coming out.” He chuckled dryly. “So… That’s mostly it.”

Soft was dumbfounded, her mouth slightly hanging open the whole time she heard the stallion’s story, a couple of apologizing eyes finding Thunder’s ones. After some seconds, she finally closed her mouth with a gulp, her mind racing to formulate a proper answer to this situation. “Gee, I’m… really sorry to hear, buddy” she mumbled sighing, biting in the inside of her cheek. “I can’t imagine how tough it must have been… What happened after all that?”

“There’s not much to say after that.” The brown Pegasus declared, his eyes sticking down to his hooves once more, a hint of sadness could be seen on them. “I… I just could not stay there… I needed a change of environment, start again and do things right this time, you know?”

“Do things right?” She questioned frowning. “What do you mean? You didn’t do anything wrong, it’s not your fault that Jet Featherbrain had become Mr. Asshole.”

“You actually believe me?” he questioned in a mumble, gazing lazily at the yellow Pegasus.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Soft Floor smiled warmly, taking a full bite of her cupcake. “You seem trustworthy to me.” She added sincerely. The brown Pegasus smiled back, feeling relieved. Soft’s smile disappeared as she started coughing, hitting softly her chest with her hoof. 

“T-Thank you, that really means-“ Thunder stopped seeing that she wasn’t getting any better. “You okay there?” The mare shook her head as she started coughing louder, expanding her wings. The brown Pegasus moved closer to her and gave her a strong tap on her back. Something that Thunder couldn’t see flew out from her mouth, but it was actually too big for being stuck on somepony’s throat.

“Guh! I hate when that happens!” Soft whined as she gasped for air, coughing a few times more making sure her throat was clear again. Thunder stared in the last direction he saw whatever it was the thing Soft was choking on “Now I understand how people actually die like this, as ridiculous as it sounds.” She laughed, putting her potential murderer away. “Thanks by the way.”

“No problem, wouldn’t like my first friend in Ponyville to die few hours after we met.” Thunder chuckled back, offering her the glass of punch, or what was left of it, so she could calm her throat from the recent attack. She accepted nodding in thanks, wincing a bit as she felt the strong alcohol washing her mouth. 

“Ah, nothing like a good sip of Pinkie’s freaking special punch… Celestia knows what she puts on this thing, and not everypony can handle until the second one.” She declared as she raised the glass on her hoof, watching it as if it was the most divine nectar. 

The stallion, biting his lip at Soft’s commentary, looked at his considerable group of empty glasses and cleared his throat, shuffling a tad on his seat. “I-I guess I’m not one of those, then.” He chuckled silently, focusing on his head to see if he was still conscious. Since he could watch both of his hooves without falling any side, he decided that he was still ‘sober’.

“Well, you better not be.” She smiled evily, standing from her spot and dragging Thunder from his tail. “’Cause I’m not planning on get drunk alone tonight.”

“H-Hey! What are you doing?!” He said struggling a bit to get free, but just like what he did with Pinkie, the Pegasus let himself get dragged with a grumble. “Where are you taking me, anyways?”

“Taking you for a dance, big boy.” She said cheerfully, easing her grip when they were on the middle of the dancing mass of ponies. “It’s the tradition for every new pony in Ponyville.”

“You’re kidding me, right?” Thunder asked irritated, trying to avoid any pony that could accidentally bump into him.

“Yup, but c’mon, it’s your new town.” She said actually bumping playfully on his side, if he hadn’t been prepared he would have probably ended up sticking to the wall. “You said you wanted something new, so here you have it. Now, stop complaining and have some fun.”

“Oh, you wanna do it this way?” he asked bumping back, a sincere smile slowly formed on his face. “And, by the way, I’m not always such a downer.”

“I don’t see you proving it to me” She said in a teasful tone, dancing herself into the partying dance floor. Thunder shook his head giggling as he followed her, knowing that he would end up regretting this, but either way he was going to at least try to enjoy.


The pounding on my head got me back to reality, making me grumble as I rubbed my temple with my left hoof, hoping that would ease the throbbing pain, even though I knew it was useless. The silence on the room would have been perfect if it wasn’t because of the annoying clock hanging from the wall right in front of me, strangely louder than any normal clock would, or maybe it was the hangover, which always made annoying things worse. Finally gathering the enough will and strength, I slowly sit on the fluffy couch, grumbling while I changed position, the room moved oddly around him. I made an effort to try to keep my sight under control and not pass out again. That’s when I sensed the smell of something being cooked; the sweet aroma reached my nostrils making him smile lazily. 

I finally got up, taking a few seconds to get used to my shaky legs to take a step. Walking closer one of the windows, I realized I was on some kind of apartment, a condo maybe. I followed the sound of the cooking and the smell until I finally reached the place that seemed to be the kitchen. A yellow mare was standing there, whistling happily some known melody, shaking softly the frying pan full of hay and eggs, each move releasing a tasty smell. Her eyes moved at my direction, a grin grew on her face. 

“Look who finally decided to wake up?” She said teasing, turning the stove off and looking for a big plate. “I was wondering if I’d have to throw you out while out while you slept or a good shower on the couch would have been enough.” She pointed at a glass of water with a big smile.

“Haha, very funny” I managed to mumble, grabbing my head with a wince. My hooves moved towards the little table that looked like a dinner table, each step was an annoying earthquake on my brain that kept my eyes barely open. “How did I get here, anyways?” I asked dumbfounded.

“Oh, I dunno…” Soft said sarcastically, serving our breakfast, or maybe lunch, and a couple of mugs of black coffee. “Maybe you just teleported here after you slaughtered all those barrels of strong apple cider at Pinkie’s.”

“How much it was?” I questioned with a sigh, leaning my head on the table, closing my eyes trying to imagine how much it would take to get me on this state. 

“Can’t really remember, I stopped the count after the fifth mug of cider.” She sincerely said, taking the meal to the table.  “I have to be honest here; I really didn’t think you were going to be able to put all that in your system.” She laughed strangely loud, the sound reaching my ears producing an unpleasing sensation. I sighed deeply again, lifting my head as much as my hangover allowed me, letting her set the plate and cups of coffee on the table.

“Was it really that bad?” I questioned a tad sad, the common sense and throbbing pain told me that what she was telling me was truth. 

“I wouldn’t exactly say bad… You seemed to have fun at the very least.” She tried to cheer me up. “You are quite a bipolar after a few mugs though.” 

“Aren’t like that all raging drunks?” I asked again, carefully moving my hoof to the warm cup of coffee, somehow making me feel a bit better. It was still too hot to start drinking it though, I normally used to drink it when it had cool up a little.

“True, but you’re not a raging drunk, I can tell you that much.” She declared frowning, filling her mouth with the tasty-looking food and munching slowly. “Believe me, I’ve seen worse guys.”

“Yeah, that makes me feel a lot better.” I shot back, letting my head hanging, taking a few deep breaths to calm my stomach down. I knew I wasn’t going to throw up again, but the annoying feeling of nauseas was still there. “Seriously though, what stupid thing did I do this time?”

“Well, to begin, you got really drunk, I guess that’s obvious.” She started, keeping her eyes on the coffee. “We danced and managed to get out of ya some good laughs. After you almost passed out I dragged you to the bar table again and started babbling about how miserable your life was after you left Jet.” I grumbled under my breath, shuffling uncomfortably on my seat. “And, while all that happened, the two of us managed to make disappear at least 2 barrels of cider… So, yeah, last night was fun.” She giggled before releasing a deep yawn.

“Celestia, what did I say?” I muttered, both to myself and Soft as I rubbed a hoof through my temple. I didn’t want things to be the same as they were back to Manehathan, what was the point of changing of city if I was going to the same one I was there? “Did somepony else notice?”

“Not really” She casually said, taking a sip of her coffee. “After we got away from the dance floor, I don’t think anypony else saw you on your drinking party… Well, our drinking party. Don’t worry; I managed to take you out of that place before you started singing some blues ballads. Wasn’t easy to bring you here when you were trying to take off though.” A sudden thought went through my mind, making me gulp almost as in a reflex. 

“Umm, Soft…” This was a bad idea, but I needed to know. “We didn’t, uh… I mean, if you…” I left the words on the air, hoping that she would understand. 

“Did what?” She asked confused, she seemed to realize after the light blush attacked my face. The mare let out a loud and teasing laugh. “Hahaha, oh God. My sides!” She managed to say, wrapping her hooves around her stomach, making an effort to keep her balance on her seat. I sat there, clenching my teeth, waiting for her to finish with her laugh attack. “Oh gosh, you should have seen the look on your face.” She said, finally breathing again.

“Are you done yet?” I questioned grumbling, starting to get annoyed again. 

After she was able to hold the giggles left, Soft wiped the tears on her eyes. “Yeah, oh man, sorry. I just couldn’t help it.” Soft said with a goofy smile. “But c’mon, really? How did that even crossed through your mind?”

“I… I dunno.” I looked down, barely moving my head side to side in embarrassment. “I’ve done some… stupid things in the past when alcohol was involved.” I admitted with a slightly ashamed voice, after all it was better to ask instead of living with the doubt.

“Yeah, I think you told me about a few of those times last night.” Soft stated a bit more calmed now. “And just to leave that clear… No, Thunder, we didn’t get laid.” She had to put a hoof on her mouth again to hold the new growing laugh. 

Instead of trying to save my pride, I limited myself to shook my head slowly, irritated. Now, after enough time for my coffee to be as I like it, I took the mug closer to my muzzle and took two long sips. The shock of warm and strong taste of the drink woke me up completely, blinking several times and shaking my head a bit to fade the last few bits of dizziness. 

“How are you not hangover anyways?” I questioned, curious about how Soft Floor didn’t show any signs of suffering any of the usual effects of the after-partying. Actually she looked radiant, her mane combed, her eyes and face well-cared, making breakfast without any troubles. I needed to learn her secret. “As far as I know you swallowed as much alcohol as I did, if that wasn’t more.”

She chuckled taking a mouthful of her fresh breakfast, trying to say something between the eggs and hay. I raised both eyebrows and shook my head, trying to figure out what she just told me. She lifted a hoof, motioning me to wait while she swallowed her mouth’s content and hitting her chest with her other hoof to make the food flow down. At least this time she didn’t choke like last night. 

“I said; a lady never reveals her secrets.” She stated, in a poor attempt of sound graceful and delicate. The laughs came almost like a reflex, my free hoof flying towards my mouth to stop a louder laugh.  

“My excuses, Miss Floor.” I teased her after I was able to talk between the chuckles. “I didn’t know this mare here save her methods of avoiding hangover as a secret.”

“And that’s only the start.” She added, winking as she drove her mug to her mouth. That’s was when I realize I was actually having fun with her, despite the pounding on my head, the restless feeling on my body and her sometimes goofy and annoying attitude. Anypony would think this situation was weird, a coltcuddler waking up in some mare’s house who met like half day ago on a party. I had to accept, I was glad that I ended up in Soft’s house, knowing my record it could have been much worse.

“From you, I would believe anything at this point.” I managed to chuckle back before munching the first bits of the breakfast. It wasn’t exactly gourmet cooking, but it sure was something that I’ve never cooked before, and probably never will. The plates were quickly emptied, finishing them with no more conversation in between. 

Some belly rubbing and limb stretching later we stood up from the table, I offered and took the dishes to the sink, she said that she would wash them later. Instead she started cleaning her house, throwing the pillows on the floor to the couch were I slept, it wasn’t until then when I realized the disaster I make of that sofa. 

“Did you fight with a buffalo in your dreams or something?” She questioned, putting the last pillow on its place before jumping on the couch, landing softly on it. No wonder why pegasus’ had a reputation about being really light, specially mares. 

“Even if I had fought with a real one, I probably wouldn’t remember it.” I replied with a gentle chuckle, dragging myself at the window again. The clock close to it caught my attention again, this time paying more attention to it I realized how late it was.

2:37 pm.

“Well shit…” I mumbled to myself. Caramel was probably going crazy by now. Well, he was the one who couldn’t go to the party and he was the one pushing me to go. On the back of my mind I felt bad for it though, after all it wasn’t his option to not go, his work was calling. Speaking of which… Probably it was a good idea to do so right now. “Hey Soft uh…” I said a bit unsure, the sun outside reassure the hour in the clock was right. “Is it okay if I can use your phone? I need to let somepony know I’m alright.”

“Sure, it’s in my room. Let me get it for ya.” She said as she stood from the couch and walking down through the little corridor, 

Her apartment was big, at least bigger than I’ve ever seen; the decoration told me that she had somehow an expensive taste, the Canterlot type. Unless you live up there or something similar, you can only see this places in magazines I looked around the apartment carefully, even I had to admit this place looked nice, and never really expected to find something like this in Ponyville. 

“Who are you calling?” Soft’s voice sounded from the corridor, she brought back a skateboard shaped phone. Okay, that was odd enough. Wait, why a skateboard? And where I’ve seen that before? My answers came when my eyes caught the particular little skate on her flank; I just realized her cutie mark was a red skateboard, which gave me no clue what it meant, maybe she was good with it, I don’t know. 

“My cousin, the one I’m staying with, it’s a local call so don’t worry.” I said replying to her question. She threw the phone towards me and I caught it in the air before it stomped in my face. “He’s probably panicking by now so I better let him know I’m okay.”

“I’m sure he’s alright.” She said lazily floating towards the couch again. It was actually cool to have a place where you could fly around without bumping into stuff, another plus for Soft’s apartment.

As I made an effort for trying to remember Caramel’s number, I walked back to my spot close to the window. Finally dialing the number, I gulped while it sounded the waiting tone. I waited for several seconds but there was no answer, I decided to hung up and try dialing again, just to make sure. Every tone got me more and more nervous. What was that pony doing?


The phone rang loudly, screaming to be answered. It rang and rang several times but nopony picked it up. Anypony would think the house is empty after so many times calling, except that this time that statement was an exception.

The tan earth pony was lying down on the living room couch snorting loudly, the right side of his face burying into one of the pillows. Every time the phone rang Caramel mumbled and shuffled in the couch deeply asleep, not showing any signs of will to answer that phone more than a few grumbles and no sense words. His unconscious preferred to let him sleep rather than answer the annoying phone. It was probably one of those companies offering some cheap useless product.

The phone didn’t ring again after the fourth try.


I pressed the red button on the phone, hanging up the phone feeling slightly frustrated. Maybe he was out or he didn’t hear it… Yeah, sure, after all those times somepony from outside the house would have heard it ring.

“See? Nothing to worry about.” Soft stated from her comfortable looking spot, throwing a hoof forward in a teasful way. 

“Actually, that only worries me more…” I muttered looking at the skate shaped phone before hoofing it back to Soft. A endless list of possibilities spread across my mind, what if he was looking around the town? Or something happened to him? Caramel isn’t the type of pony that leaves something hanging just like that. “I should go back there and see if he’s okay.”

“If you think that’s appropriate…” She teased, rolling her eyes as she playing idly with a pillow. “I’m still thinking that he might be out or asleep or something.”

“I don’t know…” I said taking one last look outside the window, studying the kind of neighbor I was into. I didn’t recognize the location though, never seen it in the little time I’ve been here at least. “I don’t even know where I’m staying at. Where am I anyways?”

“North of Ponyvile.” She simply replied, lifting a hoof upwards. “More like north center actually. I wanted to get a room at the university campus but my parents insisted in paying this place for me.” She tilted her head towards me, rolling her eyes.  “It’s further the way I’ll have to go through, but with these that won’t be a problem.” She finished flapping her wings a bit.

“Umm… How far we are from Sugarcube Corner?” I questioned, running a hoof through my mane. “I only have like two days here so… Yeah, I have no idea where I slept today, just that it is your apartment.”

“It’s not far from there, you have to follow Mane Street to the south and you’ll find it. It’s quite useful that almost the whole town is based in that street.”

“I guess that will make things easier.” I mumbled tiredly. Despite I slept several hours in row I still felt the charge of tiredness in my body. The only thing spread on my mind right now it was to come back home, make sure that Caramel wasn’t freaking out and, after all that, lay in bed until something else pushes me to get up. 

The room filled with an uncomfortable environment, I was just standing there while Soft laid on her couch playing with her hair as she looked at the roof. I decided that it was already enough time invading her house.

“Hey uh, I’m gonna be leaving now… Don’t wanna bother you more.” I started trying to not sound awkward; she didn’t seem to notice at the very least. “Thanks for letting me stay here last night and taking care of me from… well, myself.”

“Don’t mention it. I have to admit, I had a fun time last night, despite all your rambling at the beginning.” She chuckled moving herself in a sitting position. “Never actually had a gay friend before either, maybe that’s the key.” She teased rubbing her chin thoughtfully. 

“If you say so…” I laughed, rolling my eyes, which afterwards looked for the exit of the apartment. A question popped into my head before I walked closer to the door. “You said you were beginning at university this year too, right?”

“Indeed… I think semester starts next week or something.” She said looking around for turning his head around, probably looking for something. Seconds later something that looked like a schedule was in her hooves. “Yup, next Wednesday I start with my classes.”

“W-What career did you signed up for?” If she says Weather Control I swear to Celestia I was going to hang myself from the neck in a light pole.

“Art classes. Theater, literature, stuff like that.” She replied with a casual tone, shaking with a hoof the little schedule. “What about you?”

“Weather Control.” I said plainly, biting my lower lip as I remembered with who I was going to have that class in the future.

“I thought about that one when I still was in high school…” She muttered tilting her head a bit lazily. “But I fall into the conclusion that wasn’t meant for me, too much physics and science.”

“I think it’s worth it… Anyways, I’m just making time here.” I said opening the door.. “Again, thanks for everything.”

“No problem.” She smiled with a wink. “That’s what friends are for, right?”

“Right.” I nodded slowly, shooting back a friendly smile.

“We should hang out before the whole class period starts again. What do you say?” She asked cheerfully. What was with ponies asking me to hang out in this town? Oh well, I accepted one already, another from her won’t hurt.

“Sure, sounds great.” I replied nodding again more confidently. 

“How about Friday?” I clenched my teeth softly. Hell, why did she have to ask that day?

“I umm… kinda busy that day, I-I’m going to set some things of the university and boring stuff like that.” I rushed to give my reasons before she could suspect anything. It wasn’t technically a lie, I was checking on my admission and see if I got luck finding a room at the campus… with somepony else that for some strange reason of the universe looked almost like my ex-coltfriend. “What do you say about Saturday?”

“If that’s more comfortable for you, sure. Where and what time?” She asked, she didn’t seem to matter my last weird reply.

“Well… I don’t know anywhere else besides the Sugarcube Corner, the place where I’m staying and yours so… I guess it’ll be Sugarcube Corner.” That seemed to be a great meeting place lately.

“How about if I give you my number and we set things up later? I can give you the indications when you’re a bit more rested, ‘cause I’m pretty sure if I tell you right now either you won’t listen or remember half of the things I said.” She laughed a bit, pointing at me. I wondered how bad should look my mane right now. Before I could answer she was already writing down on a notepad the phone number, She ripped the paper from the pad and hoof it to me, saving it under my wing since I didn’t have anywhere else to save it. I loved my wings sometimes, very useful to carry thing when you don’t have a bag or clothes with pockets.

“Better safe than sorry, I guess.” I stuck out my tongue after taking the paper from her hoof. “Well, see you later Soft.” I waved farewell as I walked out the apartment.

“Bye Thunder, and take care.” She added before I closed the door. “Try to not get into any mess on your way there.”

“Same for you, crazy girl.” I yelled back through the door once it was completely closed. I laughed to myself gently as I shook my head, what a day. This was probably going to be one of the weirdest, full of surprises arrives on a city I’d ever have. What was I expecting from it anyways? This might be exactly what I was looking for, except for the little detail of certain pony around these places. A frown crossed through my face, it was impossible not to think about Jet every time I see or imagine about Cloud… Not that I think about him that often. I mean, come on, what were the possibilities of finding somepony who looks just like your ex only with a different attitude?

I was so focused on my own thoughts that I didn’t realize how odd I should look standing there by myself, also didn’t realize one of Soft’s neighbors staring at me with a confused look on her eyes. As always for me in these situations, there was one word to describe them. Awkward.

I gulped as I started trotting towards the stairs, avoiding the eyes of the staring pony, the sound of my hooves echoing around the corridor made it even more uncomfortable my hurried getaway. My mind was set on coming back home and get some rest, I was dead tired, and unfortunately tired enough to fly back to Caramel’s house. 

Once I stepped outside the building, I looked around, analyzing my surroundings with care in an attempt of orientate myself. Even if it was a middle week day the street seemed oddly empty, or rather calmed, maybe it was time to take a nap after dinner or something. I decided to play it safe and walk back home instead of flying.

So, summarying, I managed to met somepony new in a party without breaking down the entire place or making a fool of myself. Well, at least not that much. For a new town I’d say that things are going pretty smooth until now, though this is only the beginning.