House Arrested Bird: Payday


                                            -The Following Morning-


                                            "What the bitch"

                                            >You cough into a fist while you clear out the smoke in the air with a newspaper.

                                            >Under the thick fog of smoke, you notice Fluttershy knocking the back-door open.

                                            >You rush to the stove and grab the source of this thick lung blackening smoke filling the air.

                                            >Toss it into the sink and run some water over it then run back to the stove to turn off the burner.

                                            >After all that was said and done, you join Fluttershy on the back porch.

                                            "What the hell happened in there?"

                                            >"I don't know, I turned around for one second to pour myself a cup of coffee and-"

                                            "Are you okay?"

                                            >"M-mhm."

                                            >You fall back to lay on your porch, looking up at the dark gray clouds airing out, Fluttershy right next to you.

                                            >Letting out a sigh of relief, you're thankful it was a little cooking mishap as opposed to your house burning down.

                                            >"I'm sorry sweetie, are you okay?"

                                            "I'll live."

                                            >A smile emerges on your face as you turn to Fluttershy.

                                            >"What?" she asks with a slight chuckle.

                                            "It's payday."

                                            >"Oh?" She asks as an eyebrow bounces while she grins. "Who's dick will I have to suck to get-"

                                            >You muffle her mouth with a hand, very aware she could lick, but you'll risk it.

                                            "I can't let you finish that sentence."

                                            >The excitement in her eyes subsides, slowly nodding.

                                            "Now, I gotta pick up my check. Do me a favor and try not to burn my house down."

                                            >"Can I come with~?"

                                            >A beat of silence, you don't know why that question caught you off guard.

                                            >Then you remembered it's probably best to bring her along, otherwise you would have a few pairs of boxers that would come up missing.

                                            "If you can resist your heathenistic ways, yes."


                                            >"Ugh, I hate payday, here's you shekels, goyim, "Bon Bon says, handing you a hefty check, all the while you plant a hand on your face.

                                            "Bonnie, you're doing that voice a little too well. Man to Mare, I'm forced to urge you to stop."

                                            >She rolls her eyes and reaches into her desk drawer, "before you go, you have a bonus. Tips for this week."

                                            "What? Who's tipping? Our primary clientele has to go to bed early on a school night."

                                            >"The fillies love you, and always ask if the 'Candy Man' is here and they want to try his lollipop."

                                            "I'm going to need you to never repeat that, ever. I wouldn't dare-"

                                            >"I'm kidding, Anon. This is your bonus for Heart's Warming last month."

                                            "Oh."

                                            >You graciously accept, and pocket the bonus check, turn and head for the door out of her office.

                                            >"Anon?"

                                            >You stop at the door, half turning your head.

                                            "Yeah?"

                                            >"Don't spend it all on your marefriend."

                                            "Fluttershy isn't my marefriend."

                                            >"You mean the same Fluttershy that's shopping in my store with that apron that says 'Anon's toy'?"

                                            "I know how this looks--"

                                            >"A store marketed for foals and fillies no less."

                                            "Bon Bon, I didn't ask her to do that, hell I told her to take it off and she just won't listen."

                                            >"The innocent Fluttershy of all ponies, you know she was known as a prude before you showed up right?"

                                            "Again, I know what this looks like but, nothing is going on."

                                            >"Anon, can I ask you something, Mare to Man?"

                                            >You fully turn to her.

                                            "Yeah?"

                                            >"It's the hands isn't it? Getting to those... hard to reach places-"

                                            "I'm ending this conversation."


                                            >Thank God for that bonus check, Bon Bon pretty much recovered most of what's been spent on Fluttershy's bail.

                                            >Even the bank teller had an astonished look at the two paychecks you just deposited, but you picked up on her curiosity with Fluttershy standing right next to you, in that ridiculous apron.

                                            >"Will that be all, Mr. Unknown? Would you like to make a withdrawal?"

                                            "Only one hundred bits."

                                            >The teller nods and gets to work as Fluttershy leans toward you.

                                            >"What have you got planned, mister? Are we going somewhere?"

                                            "Shopping obviously."

                                            >"Anything else?" The Teller asks.

                                            "That'll be it, and I'll be on my way."

                                            >"I'll be right back."

                                            >You give an understanding as she trots away.

                                            >"And after that? Having a nice lunch date?"

                                            "Fluttershy, don't start."

                                            >"Aww, you're so shy~" she wraps her forearms around your right arm, nuzzling it with love.

                                            "The fuck are in your meds?"

                                            >"Hehe the good stuff, you smell nice."

                                            "Thanks," you say under your breath, cutting your eyes to the left and right to see who else is looking.

                                            >You can feel the eye stares hitting your back.

                                            >The last thing you want are ponies gossiping again, but not like you can do much right now.

                                            >"So where are we going for our lunch date?"

                                            "We aren't-"

                                            >"Anon I'm hungry."

                                            >The teller comes back with the hundred bits, with a slip of paper with your balance printed on it.

                                            >Fluttershy's whistles when she's got a glimpse of it.

                                            >"Hehe, you're doing pretty well for yourself."

                                            "Hush. Let's go."


                                            >After a couple of ponies staring at you throughout the town, you arrive home with bags of groceries.

                                            >It was enough to work up a sweat from carrying most of the bags but being unable to defend yourself from Fluttershy's lovey-dovey self was even more taxing.

                                            >As you put the bags on your kitchen island, you pull out some packaged steaks out of a bag, a smile on your face.

                                            >Fluttershy rolls her eyes as she helps put up the groceries. "You really need to think about going on that vegan diet I've been telling you about, Anon."

                                            "Why?"

                                            >"I just want you to be around for a long time is all."

                                            "Alright, stop right there. If I ever need an opinion on my health, I've already got a nurse in my corner."

                                            >Fluttershy lets out a groan, "Oh right, Nurse 'DarkHeart'."

                                            >You place your steaks in the fridge, amused at the jealousy.

                                            "She's funny. A good friend of mine."

                                            >"Just a friend, right?"

                                            >You lean your back against the fridge door, arms crossed. "Well, she proposed to me in the cafeteria."

                                            >"What?" Fluttershy with her glare saying more than just that.

                                            "I said I'll pass."

                                            >"Oh."

                                            >You give her a friendly tap on your shoulder with a hand as you pass by her.

                                            "You gotta work on that Fluttershy, I did tell her she can visit anytime she wants."

                                            >"So what? Now I have to worry about her showing up during our payday celebration?"

                                            >The bell at the door rings, and you can't help but grin.

                                            >She scoffs as you walk to the door.

                                            "Don't get mad, you spoke it to life."


                                            >The smile on your face was brief but faded when you saw RedHeart's half forced smile, and a few mane strands out of place in her bun.

                                            >She was hanging her head and to see her barely raise it lets you know something is going on.

                                            >Without saying a word, you step aside and let her trot in.

                                            >She does a double-take at your broken window then keeps moving to have a seat on the couch.

                                            >You walk to the kitchen, noticing that Fluttershy made herself busy putting up the rest of the groceries.

                                            >You were thinking about asking her to make some tea, but you don't want to push it--

                                            >On second thought, she's still technically your 'house-slave' as much as you hate to admit it.

                                            "Fluttershy, can you make us some tea?"

                                            >She cut her eyes back toward you for a moment, then faces forward to the cabinet she was putting groceries in, letting out an annoyed sigh.

                                            >"Sure."


                                            >"I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." Anon says as he places a cup of tea in front of you.

                                            >You reply with a nod.

                                            >If you had a heart, it would be fluttering from Anon rubbing your back.

                                            >Looking down at your cup of tea, the steam stopped rising to your nose, the cup is warm to the touch.

                                            >This is why you love Anon.

                                            >You've been in his house for all of twenty minutes without you saying a word and he isn't all over you about what's bugging you.

                                            >Just a cup of tea, and some space.

                                            >If even half your coworkers knew that, you would be breathing easier.

                                            >You take a sip and notice the white noise become mute.

                                            >The beeping of heart monitoring machines in your head subside.

                                            >The corners of your mouth raise only for a moment as you savor the tea.

                                            >Heh, just the right amount of sugar too...

                                            >Anon comes into your field of vision, and your smile stays put.

                                            >You and he let the silence be, the only thing to be heard is Fluttershy putting up groceries.

                                            >Gradually, the negative cloud in your mind fades as you look at him.

                                            >You have a few more sips, then find your words.

                                            "Mind if I crash on the couch for a few hours?"

                                            >He shrugs, "I don't mind."


                                            >You and Fluttershy lean against the kitchen's door frame facing each other.

                                            >Fluttershy's forelegs are crossed and of course, she has a frumpy look on her face.

                                            >Meanwhile, you've got your usual amused grin on your face, perfectly able to hear Marge Simpson's groan despite Fluttershy being quiet.

                                            "Penny for your thoughts?" you inquire at a lower volume to make sure RedHeart doesn't hear.

                                            >"Why is she here?" Fluttershy asked, her own ire leaking out of her hushed words.

                                            "What do you mean? She knocked, then walked in after I answered the door."

                                            >"Anon you know what I mean."

                                            "Do you have a problem with her being in -my- house?"

                                            >"N-no," Fluttershy coils back. "I just want us to-"

                                            >"Anon?" Redheart calls out.

                                            "Yo?"

                                            >"What are your plans tonight?"

                                            >Immediately after asking, Fluttershy's face is boiling red.

                                            >Amused, even more, a sinister idea pops into your head.

                                            "Nothing at all," you say, making eye contact with Fluttershy. "What did you have in mind?"

                                            >"I wanna go bar hopping."

                                            "You bet."

                                            >"I wanna go too," Fluttershy butting in.

                                            >You swear on Celestia's fat cake ass you and Red Heart held an entire conversation about Fluttershy's light-weightiness and her jealousy from the brief moment of eye contact you had with the nurse.

                                            >It's all too funny.

                                            "Tell you what Red Heart, I'm sure after that long shift you need rest. We'll hang out at The Spot after you're rested up, sound good?"

                                            >She nods, her smile showing no signs of being forced.

                                            "In the meantime, Fluttershy it's time we celebrate. Follow me."

                                            >The light in Fluttershy's eye could blind lesser men, she tags along as you walk into the kitchen.

                                            >You walk to your sink and open up the little doors under it, pulling out a bucket and a packaged sponge.

                                            "Mind cleaning the kitchen counters and floors? The mop is in the broom closet."

                                            >Her eyes shrink to mere slits, glaring at your art of trolling.

                                            >Serves her right for that little attire stunt she pulled.

                                            >She went everywhere in that little apron today. This is payback.

                                            >"But Anon I already-"

                                            "Before you do that, could you give Red Heart a top-up on her tea? Three sugar cubes for her."

                                            >After taking all the information in, she snatches the bucket and sponge.

                                            >"Mmmmmm."

                                            >...You're starting to think Fluttershy may have been Marge Simpson in her past life.


                                            >"What happened to your window Anon?"

                                            >Your mind's eye flung an image of you strangling Rainbow Dash.

                                            >Red Heart tilts her head, studying you for a bit.

                                            >"Wow, we don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

                                            "No it's fine, Rainbow Dash had the nerve to bust through my window to let me know Fluttershy got in trouble."

                                            >"It's called a door, what the fuck is wrong with pegasi?"

                                            "Right? Now get this, Fluttershy put up some plywood as a temporal fix. But guess what? Fucking Derpy crashes through the damn thing and now it's gotta get fixed again."

                                            >Redheart nods, blinking slowly. Her eyelids are getting heavy.

                                            >"At least it has a nice breeze," she says getting up from the table. Red Heart is ready to crash at any moment.

                                            >"See you in a few hours, Anon."

                                            "You bet. Don't freeze to death."

                                            >"A cold death for a cold heart? My stars, that's the dream..."

                                            >Ten bucks says if Red Heart was a human on Earth, she'd be posting suicide memes religiously.

                                            >Time to check on Fluttershy.

                                            >You walk into the kitchen to find her watching the wall clock.

                                            "And what are you doing?"

                                            >"Oh just waiting to take my medicine."

                                            >Hmmm.

                                            >Now that she brings it up...

                                            "Fluttershy, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be drinking while you're on meds."

                                            >She turns to you, nodding.

                                            >"I know, I just want to be in your company. I'll have soda."

                                            "How bad is the pain, though?"

                                            >"It only hurts when I move my wing a certain way."

                                            >She demonstrates, stretching out the afflicted wing and wincing a little.

                                            "You don't have to do that."

                                            >"Also Anon, I'm sorry about the stove this morning, I don't know where my mind was."

                                            >She trots over to you.

                                            >"I'll take a lighter dose before we go out."

                                            "I'd rather you take the prescribed dosage, I wouldn't you in pain."

                                            >"It's okay. I don't want you to worry about me while we're out."

                                            >She nuzzles into your stomach, probably trying to get a sniff of what's below your stomach.

                                            >"Unf, you smell good~"

                                            >Ugh.

                                            >Called it.

                                            >"What shall we do in the meantime?"

                                            "I'm going upstairs to read because I don't have a TV."

                                            >"Let's get one, then. It'll be my treat."


                                            >Fluttershy is up to something, either that or the meds make her impulsive too.

                                            >You two are at an electronics store, shopping for a TV.

                                            >Fluttershy by your side as you look at the selection they have.

                                            >You breathe with ease as you lean down to her to whisper something.

                                            "Thanks for not wearing the apron."

                                            >A guffaw of doped laughter escapes her mouth ending it with a dorky snort.

                                            "Christ, 'Twi' it wasn't that funny."

                                            >"I'm sorry, dearie. I know how much that apron upset you."

                                            "Yeah..."

                                            >Your eyes drift to a particular TV set that was like your old one.

                                            >"Let's get you the newer model," she said as if she were reading your mind.

                                            "Where do you have the money for this?"

                                            >She waves a hoof in a 'c'mere' motion, requesting you stoop down to her.

                                            >You lend her an ear, her breath brushing against the side of your neck.

                                            >"That's a secret~"

                                            >You raise up, rolling your eyes.

                                            "Whatever."

                                            >She waves down an employee, catches his attention.

                                            >"Excuse me, sir? We'll take this one."


                                            >"That'll be nine-hundred bits."

                                            >"Oh, not bad at all."

                                            >Your heart dropped to your stomach as Fluttershy reached for her checkbook with no hesitation.

                                            "You sure you don't want to at least split it?"

                                            >She calmly pats your shoulder, "no need dear, this one is on me."

                                            >She tugs on your shirt sleeve to get you to stoop down again.

                                            "Hmm?"

                                            >"And don't worry, I still owe you, love," she says in your ear, giggling then giving you a loving peck.

                                            >The cashier's eyes were bugged out at the conversation taking place.

                                            >"I don't want you being all stressed while I stay with you. It's the least I can do."

                                            >Fluttershy places the pen in her mouth, ready to write the check.

                                            "So all the pestering?"

                                            >She giggles as she writes the check, then puts away the checkbook, then takes a glance at you after spitting out the pen.

                                            >"I just like getting reactions out of you~"

                                            >And the cashier's jaw dropped as he takes the check.

                                            >The cashier turns off the light for his register, indicating his lane is closed for now.

                                            >"Well, I'm going to lunch, you two have a good evening."

                                            "Same to you."

                                            >You walk out of the place, the cashier heads for the break room.

                                            >He has a seat and drops his head into his hooves, sighing.

                                            >A coworker swings her mane out of her face, "what's wrong Jade?"

                                            >There's a beat of silence until the coworker realizes what's wrong.

                                            >"Oh lemme guess, another couple doing couple-y things at the checkout?"

                                            >Tears gently flow out of his eye sockets as he lays his head on the table fighting from sobbing.

                                            >She pats his back rubbing a circle at the center of it.

                                            >"They're so fucking cute together, holy shit. It's not fair."


                                            >It's one thing to pay for a nine hundred bit television set, but to also insist on paying cab fare?

                                            "What are you up to?"

                                            >You two sit in the back, Fluttershy in your lap, nuzzling into you while the Television set sits to the left of you.

                                            >She doesn't answer, only enjoys the warmth between your two.

                                            >Humming a little tune as she keeps snuggling into your chest.

                                            >You catch a glimpse of her drugged dilated eyes as she stares out the window.

                                            >"Hehe, you're warm~"

                                            >The paranoia isn't going to rest.

                                            >This sweet lovey demeanor is not going to shake what your intuition about this mare saying about her.

                                            >'Just wait for the other shoe to drop.'

                                            >'She's up to something.'

                                            >You know she's never going to outright tell you her intentions, but you'd be a fool to think she genuinely isn't plotting your demise.

                                            >You arrive at your house, upon looking at your broken window anger starts brewing up in your gut.

                                            >"Don't worry Anon, I'll fix it tomorrow," she says as if she can hear your thoughts.


                                            >It didn't take long to set up the TV set in your bedroom, Fluttershy was all too eager to get it up and running.

                                            >"What are we gonna watch first?"

                                            "I dunno, find something, I'll grab some snacks."

                                            >"Great idea babe."

                                            >You respond with only glaring at her.

                                            >She giggles into a hoof, "oops sorry, just felt natural to say."

                                            >You turn away slowly, maintaining eye contact as you leave the room.

                                            >She waves, keeping an innocent smile while you close the door.

                                            >Right before you got into the kitchen, you walked through the living room to find Redheart snoozing away comfortably as the window provides her a nice chill.

                                            >It'll be dark soon...

                                            >You lean over the couch to check up on her for a second, noticing her shivering a little.

                                            >So you take a moment to grab a couple of fleece blankets from the hallway closet and toss it over her.

                                            >As she continues to snooze, a subtle smile emerges.

                                            >You let out a chuckle as you keep walking.

                                            "Fucking edge lady," you comment under your breath.

                                            >You open up the pantry in your kitchen to grab some jiffy pop-esque poppers.

                                            >You place the popper over the stove and wait for it to warm up.

                                            >Only a few kernels started to pop before you hear hooves approaching behind you.

                                            >"Hey."

                                            "Shit, did I wake you up?"

                                            >"Yeah, heard you in here."

                                            >She rubs her eye, yawning as she approaches. "Mind if I make some tea?"

                                            "Help yourself."

                                            -


                                            >Red takes the teapot off the stove as it was reaching its eardrum piercing screech.

                                            "Still wanna go barhopping tonight?" You ask while grabbing the popcorn bowl, trying not to laugh as you predict RedHeart's answer.

                                            >She groaned, "I detest outside right now. Bet it's busy at The Spot too. Why are you laughing?"

                                            "Figured you were thinking of canceling."

                                            >"I'm just not feeling it right now."

                                            "Hey no worries, it gives me an excuse to break in the new TV in my room." You say, filling the bowl with popcorn.

                                            >"What new TV? When did you get a new tv?"

                                            "Fluttershy bought me one today."

                                            >You turn around to note that Redheart is biting the inside of her cheek.

                                            "What's with the thinking face?"

                                            >"Did she insist that she still owes you?"

                                            "Yeah, why?"

                                            >"She's up to something. I just know it."

                                            "I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking that."

                                            >"If she tries anything, just yell. I'll be down here enjoying my tea," she trots over to the kitchen island..

                                            "Sounds like a good backup plan."

                                            >She nods as she adds a few teaspoons of sugar "by the way, where's your b-"

                                            "Booze is in the pantry over there," you say jamming a thumb behind you.

                                            >She takes a moment of silence as you start walking out of the kitchen, there's an unmistakable feeling that her eyes are locked on you.

                                            "What?" You say, almost half a step out of the kitchen.

                                            >"You knew what I was gonna ask before I even asked it."

                                            "So?"

                                            >"You sure you don't wanna rethink the marriage proposal?"

                                            "No means no, Red."


                                            >You step into your room to find Fluttershy staring at your alarm clock.

                                            "What are you doing?"

                                            >"I have to take my medicine in a couple of minutes."

                                            "Oh, great."

                                            >She turns to you smiling, "What's wrong?"

                                            "I know how you are when you're doped up," you find your spot in bed, purposely putting the bowl of popcorn between you two.

                                            >Immediately she pouts.

                                            >"Aww, why are you so far away? Still, don't trust me?"

                                            "When you're medicated? What do you think?"

                                            >"Anon, I wouldn't make a move to mark my territory while RedHeart is downstairs."

                                            "That's exactly what you would do. And furthermore, I'm not your territory."

                                            >She laughs it off, "that's okay, I'll always be your territory~"

                                            "Just find something to watch already."

                                            >She giggles, fumbling with the remote.

                                            "By the way, Redheart wants to barhop another time."

                                            >"Oh? So we can snuggle in tonight?"

                                            "If you try anything, I'll shout."

                                            >"If I do it right, we'll both be shouting~"

                                            "Fucking Christ, where's my spray bottle."

                                            >"Okay okay," she stammers. "Last joke I promise," she claims, putting a hoof on her chest.

                                            "Good."

                                            >Your alarm clock starts ringing and Fluttershy slides off the bed.

                                            >"Be right back."

                                            >You had to fight the thoughts of locking the door behind her, you simply don't look forward to doped up Fluttershy.

                                            >With a frustrated sigh, your eyes track the blades of the ceiling fan as your mind goes over your situation.

                                            >Two mares.

                                            >Both are crazy about you.

                                            >In your house.

                                            >And they aren't teaming up on you.

                                            >Somehow, that's a blessing you would count.

                                            >You reach for the remote and start channel surfing before your mind explores all the bad of the situation.


                                            >"Anooooon, guess what?" Fluttershy sings as she stumbles back into the room.

                                            >It took only five minutes for The Murder Mystery of The Mare in the Red Dress to hook you and here comes Fluttershy, clearly medicated.

                                            >To your surprise, RedHeart was standing next to her with the same grin as Fluttershy.

                                            >"Me and RedHeart were talking and we got an idea..."

                                            >A collage of memories race through your head, forcing you to secure your privates out of instinct.

                                            "I don't like this one bit."

                                            >"We wanna go barhopping."

                                            >Your eyes land on RedHeart.

                                            "I thought you didn't wanna go, what happened?"

                                            >"Tea is a great mixer for Joan Walker Red, and Fluttershy wanted to get some fresh air. Soak in the scenery."

                                            >You stare for a moment to find your words as they stand there giggling like schoolgirls.

                                            "Fucking..."

                                            >Your eyes drift to the TV as the Detective goes through a dossier, then you set your eyes back to them.

                                            >A sigh escapes your mouth when it dawned on you that you have to keep Fluttershy out of trouble.

                                            >"I'll buy the first round," RedHeart offers.

                                            >"Please Anon?" Fluttershy chimes in, "don't you wanna celebrate payday?"

                                            "Yeah yeah, fine. I'll get ready."

                                            >You peel the covers back, and immediately RedHeart lets out a chuckle.

                                            >"Anon, why are you wearing jeans with a belt in bed? Don't you get hot?"

                                            >Fluttershy leans toward her, "Anon likes to be careful with me, he knows I can't undo belts and pants buttons."

                                            >You have a chuckle of your own as you head for your closet to pick something out.

                                            >Leaning out of the closet, you give them a look.

                                            "I'll meet you two downstairs."

                                            >You make a shooing motion with your hands.

                                            >"Fine, fine we're going." Redheart says, stepping out of the room as Fluttershy follows.

                                            >The door shuts behind them and sadly, you cross the one blessing off your list.

                                            >Calling it now, those two are gonna team up on you with the 'why aren't you dating anyp0ny Anon?' conversation.

                                            >You'll have to get crafty tonight...


                                            >It must've been the cold weather and snow that kept ponies from barhopping tonight.

                                            >The crowd is thin.

                                            >The heater in this place has only a portion of the bar warm enough to warrant sitting.

                                            >You cringe a little from catching little spots in glassware.

                                            >Used coasters, discarded napkins, and food baskets were littered on the warmest end of the bar.

                                            >To the bartender's credit, you caught a few times where he cast a look of ire to the party that was sitting there leaving a mess there.

                                            >He hasn't got to it yet, but from the look on his face, he doesn't care to even bother.

                                            >The cold air in here is so bad, the couple at the jukebox that came in half an hour earlier is keeping on their winter wear.

                                            >You were wise enough to get yourself a beverage that's equivalent to a piping hot irish coffee.

                                            >Fluttershy to your left is having some hot cocoa, while Redheart has a vodka cranberry.

                                            >"Bit for your thoughts, Anon?" Redheart asks.

                                            "Some 'scenery' we got here tonight."

                                            >"Hey, go easy on me, I figured it would be busier than this."

                                            "Ah don't mind me, just my cynic coming out a little."

                                            >"Oh? Barkeep, can we get him another of what he's having? Put it on my tab."

                                            >It may be the booze talking, but it's good to know your cynic side is appreciated.

                                            "Thanks, but I'd appreciate it even more if you stop trying to liquor me up so quickly."

                                            >"Got a problem with that?"

                                            "I don't like being rushed, I'll get there."

                                            >"Why are you pacing yourself?"

                                            >You pick up on the two empty glasses in front of her, ice cubes barely having a hint of red to them.

                                            "That's a story for another time."

                                            >You lift your glass, ready to take a sip.

                                            >"So Anon," Redheart starts while nudging your arm.

                                            >You down the booze quickly, anticipating a tough question.

                                            >Looks like Red found a way to indirectly rush you.

                                            >"I was wondering-"

                                            "Oh boy here we go."


                                            >"If it's okay to crash at your place a little while longer?"

                                            >You turn to her, surprised.

                                            >One could say you dodged a bullet, but nothing was fired to begin with.

                                            "I don't mind, but what's going on?"

                                            >"It's just... "

                                            >She takes a moment to look down at her drink.

                                            >"It's so quiet at my place, it's cold and I just can't be there for a little while."

                                            "Don't even worry about it, me and Fluttershy will keep you company. Isn't that right, Shy?"

                                            >She nods as a response.

                                            >"Thanks for being cool about it. I'm just going through a downswing, and I'd rather be around some good company."

                                            "How bad is it this time?"

                                            >"Okay, you know how normally my long hours and days at the hospital keep me occupied?"

                                            "Yeah, you let the workaholic in you take over and-"

                                            >"And staying busy and sleep-deprived and complaining about needing sleep is a net positive?"

                                            "For your situation? Yeah. All you'd want is sleep and not even thinking about-"

                                            >"The crippling depression, or the quiet vacant new apartment I moved to."

                                            "Hold up, when did you move?"

                                            >"... last weekend."

                                            "You haven't unpacked have you?"

                                            >"So far, just the box with sheets and pillows."

                                            "Haven't had a housewarming party?"

                                            >"Can I answer that question with 'who would I invite that isn't a patient?"

                                            "Your coworkers, silly."

                                            >She casts a look as if you should know better.

                                            >"Oh please Anon, a majority of the staff is on something or addicted to something, I wouldn't want to bring that kinda mess to a party."

                                            "Ya could've just said we're all patients."


                                            >"Yes, but it's great being around you two. Even when I'm just unreasonably doom and gloomy, when the downswing is over, I appreciate that ponies around me didn't give into my negativity."

                                            "Say no more, you know the couch is yours."

                                            >"Thanks."

                                            >Redheart waves a hoof to the bartender.

                                            >"Hey, can I get another vodka cranberry? Two limes this time."

                                            >"You got it."

                                            >Once she got her drink, she raised her glass, and the three of you clinked glasses.

                                            >"To good company."