"Duh... duh duh, duh duh duh... no, that's the wrong tune..." "Duhhh, dun duh duh, duh duh? Dun duh duh duh duh duuuuhh..." >That's the way that sounds >Ever since she started singing you to sleep, you haven't been able to get it out of your head >Between that and... other things, the latest harmony quest has fallen a little to the wayside >And by "a little", you mean almost two months >All it took was one lazy Saturday >Lazier than Saturdays usually are, actually >Rather than wake up, you decided to just lay there and sleep >You recall Jack trying to wake you up >And failing >And then Shine trying to wake you up >And failing >And somewhere in between all of that you ate a few biscuits >They were good >But not good enough to keep you awake for long "Gah... that's not right either is it..." >"Talking to yourself in the dark again, I see. Do the voices speak back?" >Of course, it is the only other nocturnal beast in the apartment >Not counting Prism >You aren't sure when exactly her sleeping hours are "Yeah, they tell me red pony hide would look bad ass as a set of chaps." >"You want me wrapped around your waist that badly, huh." >Her tongue is as sharp as ever "Maybe. I could go further about a stretching joke but I think we're both too tired for that." >"Speak for yourself." "Ok. I could go further about a stretching joke but I am too tired for that." >"Better." "Thanks." >The room is pitch dark >It hasn't been this dark in a long time, due to one of the computers being on at almost all times >Movie nights have made a comeback, but you've avoided them because they're all chick flicks >And you love Jacqueline enough to sit through exactly two of those >And boy howdy, were those two long evenings >Shine's horn starts to glow >Just enough to make it out in the zombie-infested abyss >She sits on a pillow and faces you >"Does the light help?" "Tiny bit." >Do you look like the sort of guy who needs a pony night light? >... >Better to not want an answer to that >"How you doing?" "Ehh..." >"Articulate, aren't we." "Hey, lay off. It's almost three AM. I should be sleeping by now." >"And I should be doing suspect things while you're sleeping." >Ever since those girls' movie nights, she's been getting notably more... >Herself? >You try to look for an excuse but the fact of the matter is that she's been getting increasingly personal with her banter >It has led to Jack getting some good comebacks in so you suppose you don't care all that deeply "Guess that explains the magical residue, huh..." >You lean your back against the wall >You can't see it but you've actually cleaned your room up a good deal >You keep thinking of getting outfits for them to wear but the topic never comes up >And they never press it >And you don't even know where to find pony-sized outfits >At least the room is clean >Ish "I'm... I'm kinda stuck." >"Do I want to sarcastically ask if you're actually sitting on sticky sheets or is this a real thing?" "First off? Ew. You know I wash these sheets religiously, and they're new." >"They're not new anymore." "Yeah, because you spilled a bag of popcorn less than three days after they were put on." >"...ok. No comment." "So n'yeah." >You think Shine has a sixth sense for sniffing out your bullshit >She could before, but it seems like she hones in on it now >Jack does too but you tend to goof around with her so much that those issues tend to be forgotten >That is not a bad thing >Prism will ask if you're doing fine but she doesn't press it >Which is fine, you've come to meet some mutual agreement about keeping things at arm's length >Even if a drunk night did lead to you hugging her >Worse, she hugged back >It makes for good joke material to the other two but you know that was just... >Not a slip up >Maybe a temporary gate opening? >"Hey, no going silent on me. Speak up already." "About what?" >"I know you are constantly distraught by the heaven that is living with three ponies and that you mentally flog yourself over how much love and attention we give you. But you gotta have something else going on upstairs this time." "You're half-right. I just think about flogging said ponies and applying ginger for more lively reactions and added flavor." >Shine's horn flickers bright for almost long enough to be a split-second >"...you're a cruel man, Anon." "Thank you." >They aren't the only one learning anatomy lessons >You let out a sigh that's too heavy given how comfy your daily life is "I still feel guilty about the harmony quest pausing. And ever since we spoke about jobs and all that, I..." >You shrug and throw up your hands >Not that anyone can see your gestures "It's a lot to take in." >"At least you didn't forget my unboxing day this year." "Hey, I didn't forget. You said you wanted a pony, I got us Prism." >"I said I wanted you to act like a pony, not to get her." "Neigh." >She doesn't like to call it her "birthday" >You can get that >Neither of you say anything for a while >If it wasn't for the dim glow of red, you could believe that she just wandered off >Or maybe slept >...nah >She wouldn't do that >You can almost feel her eyes on you >The focus >The intent "I didn't want to say anything but I think I might swap to something I can bring you girls on." >"For work?" "Yeah. I mean, if you want to." >You hate even contemplating this topic >Are they freeloaders? >Technically, yes >Can they work? >Technically, yes >Do you want them to? >Not really "I... I don't want to talk about that." >"Mr. Motormouth still doesn't want to talk about it? You really are all choked up over it, aren't you." "No." >You squint at her glow "Yes." >You say both words with the same level of defensive aggression >"Alright. But can I sidestep the police line and at least ask why?" "Because I don't want you, or Jack, or Prizza to worry about it." >"...Prizza?" "Yeah." >"How does that even fit?" "Because the "R" is silent." >"...huh. I guess that fits. You really aren't doing so hot if even your nicknaming is getting rusty." >Another sigh >You like that she doesn't give you much wiggle room "I guess. The other thing about the harmony quest stuff... I'm just worried, ok?" >"Anon, look at me." >You look around the darkness of the room and give the glow a hard squint "Do you know where we are?" >"Shut up, you know where I am." "Alright. Fine. I'm looking just below the red." >"Good boy." >Her dismissive yet amused tone has become more of a comfort than you'd like to admit >If Jack is who you can get all romantic and cuddly with, Shine is who you can fling shit the hardest at with no concern of the stench >"Now we had some rough times. I can admit that. But look around." "Dude, seriously?" >"Shut up, metaphorically speaking look at how we are." >She has a point >Much like before, it seems like you're the only one honestly concerned about someone crossing a line and things getting rocky >Or worse, breaking down >You can't help but feel like you've always had that concern around people >Your friends of back then >Your family >You huff hard to push those topics out of your head >"Yeah, exactly. This isn't like... other things. Prism gets mad but she doesn't say things like she used to. And trust me, she used to be very vocal. She's willing to get over herself and at least try to help, once she cools off. It's her way of burying the hatchet." >You haven't even seen her get that mad >Not lately, anyway >"And Jacky... good grief, I'm telling you I'm rolling my eyes hard because-ha ha dark room-because she is just so... freaking fairy tale princess sometimes." >That makes you smile >You can't avoid letting out a "heh" >"See? And I bet you embrace that silly crap too. But... well, it works. She has her one or three topics that she is kinda weird on but that's usually it." "Wait, which ones?" >"...you telling me there are more than three topics." "N-no." >You and Jack talk about so many things, both good and bad, to the extent that you can't think of only three things that she gets weird with >"...I'm just gonna pre-emptively go "ew" and move on from that." "Not all of them are gross!" >"Yeah, no. You sound guilty as all so again. Ew." >Whatever >It isn't like she's above going into "ew" territory >"I mean it though. I can feel like I'm going to blow a hole in the ground and she can still get me to smile. I don't know how she does it. It's like she has no shame." >You find yourself nodding >Yeah >She really is quite open with things, isn't she >"And then there's me and... well, I'm me. So of course I keep everyone together with my awesome personality, wit, creativity and understanding." "HA!" >Not even a second goes by and your gut instinct is to laugh "You play video games whenever you can, where is this "creativity" you speak of?" >"It's going to flood the inside of your head with wit. Besides, do you know how hard it is to find new ways to use magic?" "...uh... no? I don't." >You hear a stifled Shiner noise >Like she had a comeback prepared but she lost it >"...ok well, neither do I. It kinda just... happens. I don't even understand how I had issues anymore." >This time she sighs >"But that doesn't matter for this, the fact is that we're all tougher than we used to be. And let's face it, whatever issues we have really aren't so massive. Thankfully none of us really wish we were back in the stink of living like sewer rats. You keep that sort of thing in mind and it acts like a good bullshit-detecting compass." "So in this case does the compass point toward or away from the sewer rat lifestyle?" >"Whichever makes for the more clever analogy." "Gotcha." >You bring up a hand to cover your mouth while you yawn >Which is silly because it's not like you care for manners around your mares >Least of all Shiner Sixtyniner "You know I think this is at least the third night you've talked to me about that." >"I know. You still think it is an issue worth worrying over too. So I have to spend my precious time around you and remind you that you're just being nutty." "You're welcome, by the way. I'm a very interesting guy." >"Oh yeah, clearly." >It is almost comical just how thick she'll lay on the sarcasm >It is a good sign >It means that she isn't taking it all that seriously >You really shouldn't either >But >You will >You're ok with that being a flaw >That relief washes over you from left to right until you feel like forty pounds of Chill landed on your head and didn't even bother to bring Netflix "Jack is still talking about the quest at least." >"Yeah, and she has like a dozen ideas now. See what happens when you don't keep her on a tight leash?" "Consider yourself lucky I never trained her with commands." >"I'm... not going to joke about that." "Smart move." >You emit a loud yawn >Short but forceful enough to hurt your sternum >You hear a yawn, mimicked in force >"For your information, I'm only sounding tired because you're tired." "Yeah, then be prepared to act like you're sleeping soon." >You bring up a pair of pillows and set them on your lap >It has been so lukewarm to cool that you haven't felt the need to bundle up >The horn glow begins to fade >"Hey Anon." "Hey J-er-Shine." >"Wow, ok." "Sorry, I'm blaming fatigue." >"Whatever." >You feel a pillow get thrown at your side >Then you can hear movement >Feel weight at your side, near the pillow >Or on top of it >"Don't zone out so much. Ok? None of us worry but sometimes it's a little obvious that you aren't paying attention to things." "Is it that bad?" >"Bad enough that you don't even have witty remarks half the time? Yes. Jacky thinks you're in a crisis if I don't make fun of her." "Don't make fun of the poor girl." >"Until you get out of your funk? You literally don't even know when I'm doing it." "That's." >Another yawn >You even felt the side of your jaw pop "Mean." >"It's ok, I make her pancakes so I'm allowed to be mean." "Good point." >You close your eyes >Knowing that you aren't alone in the abyss helps >You certainly aren't afraid of the dark >But >Sometimes, you wonder >You would rather not look too deeply, because of what might be looking back >"Your breathing is off. Calm your butt and just relax already. Save the panic attack for the daylight." >She sounds wiped, doesn't she "Wouldn't most people consider that weird?" >"I don't care if I incinerate a thousand people." "Now you just sound worse." >"You're welcome. Go to bed." >A soft scoff >It makes you feel better, knowing that you actually have someone watching out for you like that >It feels good to know you have someone that has your back >You let the unorthodox warm feeling melt into your core, like a dollop of butter melting on toast "Thanks, Spar." >Her only answer is a nuzzle against your leg >Your ability to form thoughts fad, like a bubble bath going down a drain >One straggler of a concern refuses to sink like the rest >Or maybe it is just idle musing >Where would you even be without these girls? >Movie night >The first in... >How long? >Far too long >Just you and Jack >It isn't any of the classics >Neither the theatrical classics or personal favorites >But something new >Something... >Bad >"So how do the six fingers make them advanced aliens again?" "No, no, it's not that. It's that they all have dreadlocks." >"What about their fancy guns?" "Nope. It's all the locks." >You've gotten barely more than a half hour in >With her draped over your lap and using your forearm as a head rest, she has no option but to look at the monitor >"...is it just me or is everything slanted a little to the side?" "That's because the way you're laying, dear." >"...you sure?" "No. It's also on that way on purpose." >"..." "..." >There is a little bit of tension >Not a lot >But enough for your animal instincts to pick up on, like the faint smell of smoke on the wind >"This movie sucks." >Jacqueline's words come out as a dull surprise "Y... yeah, it does. When it came out, everyone hated it but supposedly it was a big deal because Travolta was a big name back then." >"The thespian?" "Yup." >"When you were still learning to PET MY MANE!" >Her outburst leads to her spearing a hoof up into the air >"I... was being trained... to conquer GALAXIES!" >You snort at her apt flamboyancy and go to stroke her mane with your free arm >Jacky sighs >"I'm glad you didn't show me this for my first movies. What made you wanna show me westerns, anyway?" >You get the feeling that this isn't going to focus on just movies "You know? I don't know. I haven't watched any in a long while. I think we moved away from movies." >"I guess so. I'm... kinda really not feeling this one. So I'm gonna keep talking." "I wouldn't stop you." >Jackovich kicks her hind legs out, inhaling before letting out a relaxed sigh >You've still never seen someone get so completely relaxed >Not around yourself, anyway >"...do you remember when we used to watch movies every night, Anon?" "Yeah. Of course I do." >You go from stroking her mane to petting her from shoulder to flank "Two and a half years, and yet it feels like last week that Angel Eyes spooked you." >Her body tenses up >"...hey, you telling me that wouldn't scare me? I had no clue what humans were like. And then I see one shoot another in the face-twice-with a pillow over his head!" >Your petting leads to her side relaxing >"And all the while, I got someone who gave me food, a home, found my friends and..." >This seems like it is going somewhere >Maybe this is why she hasn't been speaking to you all that much lately >Depending on where she's going >"...I miss those days." "Being alone all day until I come home?" >"W... well. No. Not that." >She brings her front legs up and begins to knead against your leg >You've found that it's her method of petting you >"But I miss having you to myself. Things were simpler. A lot simpler." >The tone in her voice >She doesn't sound sad >You don't remember what a sad Jack sounds like >"There were..." >The way she trails off >You know there is more to her thoughts than that >Specific examples? >Personal aspects that she isn't fond of? >"...just less to think about." "The good news is that you don't have to think more." >"But I gotta. When it came to you losing family. Us starting the quests. Our campaign. Our movie marathons. Trying out a ton of food..." "Do you wish you had less choice or memories?" >"...I don't know." >She stops the kneading and twists until she's laying on her back >Her eyes focus on you rather than the monitor >Her gaze is focused >More focused than you could see Shine give >The unicorn is one for scheming and looking for opportunity >But your Jack? >Her purpose is clear >>"Is that weird?" "Kinda. But I get you. I miss my earlier days too." >Whether this was her target or not, you shrug at the notion of sidestepping the conversation "I really miss them. They were a lot simpler back then. I had to worry about so little." >"That's how I feel." "What would you want to pull the clock on, then?" >"...I think Dashie and Sparky being here." >That's big >That's very big >"I should feel bad for saying that, but I don't. You know? Because it would mean that we would still find them, once again. And we had an easy time so we could just get them whenever we felt like it." "I don't know if that's how that works, Jay." >"I know... but I just wish we could do it all again." "Like a speed runner?" >Jack thinks it over... >And nods >"Kinda." >"Get lost, we're having together time." >"Get lost, I have a superboss to kill." >"Get lost, I'm going to do unspeakable things." >"Get lost, I'm going to kill unspeakable things." >Five minutes of a constant back and forth >Five >Minutes >The gamer mare eventually won out, leading to you and Jacky taking a walk in the garage >At least it has turned into a win/win, because you still get to spend time with her >Things are not awkward >But they are... >Odd? >You get the feeling that something is off >The way she has been sticking to you like glue has helped both when it comes to your concerns and also when it comes to feeling relaxed >That gaze of hers, too >It almost feels like a light flipped in her head >It isn't just how she looks at you, of course >She speaks with more authority >She acts with pride >Of course, she was never shy but you can tell she isn't who she was >But she's still Jack-in-a-Pan >"I know it's been a bit but have you been thinking about the harmony quests?" "Of course. Sorry I was... unable to keep up with that." >"Nah, it's alright. Every one of us kinda wanted to take a break from it too. Being all serious and trying to play up being heroes and stuff like that... it's kinda silly, you know?" "Sorta. But it's still important to you, isn't it?" >"Sure is. That's why I'm ready the minute you are." "Antsy as all getout, eh?" >"You know it! I've already thought of everything. With my brains and your leadership, we can beat the tar outta any quest!" >You aren't sure which is more silly sounding, her brains or your... "Leadership?" >After walking a third circuit, you hold out your car beeper to unlock the doors >"Yeah. I don't know if you've noticed but... you kinda control the flow of things around the house. When you're kinda just doing things or not feeling so hot and social, we just do our own stuff. And it's nice." "It really is." >"And when you're more active and want to do stuff, we all kinda snap to attention and we do it." "Well-oiled machine, huh?" >"I guess so. I think it's funny. We never really used to fit that sort of thing." "Yeah, I recall. Could you imagine knocking over an entire city and making off with untold riches with me at the helm?" >You open the passenger door for your right hoof mare >With a short stretch of one of her hind legs, she leaps onto the seat >If you knew all of them back then >Knew her >...How much would have changed? >Would you be meeting her as you are now, or who you were before? >You certainly couldn't have made a difference if you met her before you did >And that's ok >It's a part of growth >Supposedly >You open the driver door and plop inside >Jack chomps onto a rag you tied to the door >With a quick yank, it is closed and secure >Deciding some privacy is better than none, you close your door as well >"Imagine us... robbing bakeries, delis, whatever farm we came across." "Heh. Eating as many fancy things as we liked. But I don't think I would want to be known as a continental crook." >"No?" "Nah. Too much notoriety means copycats sullying our good, bad names." >Her cheeky grin is exactly the sort of expression a master cannoli burglar would have >"Oh yeah, no doubt we had a ton of humans lurching around. Just throngs of Anons hitting on poor, innocent ponies." "Innocent? Psh. Lady, you were a stone cold killer. Don't lie." >"I'm not! You have no evidence anyway." "Oh yeah?" >You take out your phone >You hardly mess with it these days >Snap >Yup >That one is definitely going into your mare compilation >Perfect that it captures a modestly surprised face >"What was that for?" "For keeping." >You take another picture of her >Seeing that you have no intention of stopping, she slinks up against the seat and smiles >It's less than sultry >It is attractive >But it's not overt >It's more than cute "A picture's worth a thousand words, you know..." >You take another >One of her face zoomed in more >She giggles at your nod of approval >"Want a new wallpaper or something to show off?" "Kinda. I think I just want something to help with memories." >"Memories?" >Her ears perk up at what had to be an odd choice for words "Yeah. You know how once upon a time she took a picture of us?" >"Who, Spark?" "Yeah. Check this out." >You lean together, shoulder to shoulder, so you can show her that picture from... >How long ago was it? >Your hair was a little different >Kinda >Jacky's smile is big and goofy >Shiner's smirk is downright wholesome >"Wow... look at us." "Yeah. It feels like it just happened." >"You're right. I didn't think about that." >You chuckle and double tap the screen >You look like a freaking dork >You weren't at all expecting that to happen >Maybe that's why it stands out so much "What do you think?" >Rather than reply, she watches the picture >Is there something specific she's wanting to find? >"I kinda wish I could talk to my past self. Just to send her a little message." "Time travel, huh. What would you say to past you?" >Jack smiles >For a split second, you understand just how mature she looks >"That it'll be ok." >A lot of people would benefit from being told that by their future selves >You could have used that bit of advice "That would probably help. Were you worried?" >Jacqueline shakes her head >The way she exhales, she's comfortable >"I wasn't. But every little bit helps too, you know?" "Yeah... I get you." >This wasn't the sort of time together you were expecting but you really can't complain >You could never complain about the time you get to spend with your lame, awesome dork >"Hey, Anon. Turn the phone back on yourself. Let's take a few pictures of you." "Of me?" >"Yup. Non-negotiable." >You don't argue >Though it takes a little coordination, you tilt the camera the right way and make a variety of faces that are pleasing to her >These are for her >Just as the ones you took are for yourself "And now..." >"Together." >A picture is taken, of you and her >Shoulder to shoulder "Come 'ere." >You pull back and she hops onto your lap >Compared to how she used to be, she's picked up a fine amount of finesse >Rather, she has just refined her technique to the point you don't fear for stray hoof stomps >More pictures are taken >Each one with a different set of faces >A pair of crooks >Derp-eyed twins >Soylent consumers pointing at something from behind >A duo, both strong and confident >By the time picture time is taken, both you and her are giggly about the results "Ahhh... that's a great one. Shiner's gonna get a giggle out of that." >"Nah, no." "No?" >"No." "Ha. Just for us then?" >"Yeah." >Jackernaut inhales and puffs out her chest >"Warm like this car, I feel your heart beat so hard." >The ease at which she slips into her singing voice brings a chill up your spine >You can tell she knows what she's doing >"And it belongs to me. Only me." >Her words are so smooth they could be scalpels >"Only me." >She crooks her head back, an inch away from your face >"Not even you." >She starts the kiss >Boy, does she start it >But you will help her finish it >Hours >Days >Entire weeks >That's all it took to set things into motion >It was so simple, all you had to do wa- >Clonk >Jacky's coconut of a head donks against yours >Whatever you were thinking, it was gone >Not the first time that happened >Both of you have been listening to the same song on repeat for the last few hours >The rhythm of it has led from everything to melodic head bobbing, to synchronized "doo"s and "da"s >For this last hour it has descended into wordless vocalizations >The lyrics have lost all meaning >You're sure you heard Prismantic calling for Jack earlier >Neither of you responded but you were prepared to call out that she was busy because you were Jacking it >Which was neither correct nor wrong at the moment >You hear some knocking on the door >Going from the ferocity of it, it has to be a unicorn >"Hey, it's pony protective services. It's dinner time and you've been blasting music all day." "Did you hear something?" >Jackenstein's answer is a vocalization that extends and escalates into a frenzied yawp of a yawn "Thought not." >"Ok, this is just-" >The entire bedroom door glows bright red, illuminating the dark room >You expect it to be torn off of the frame but it calmly opens >The magical mare huffs and stares at you laying flat on the bed with Jacky laying with the top of her head rubbing against yours >You'd like to see her laying on her back, but you're on your back too >Therefor >You can not see >"...is this a bad sign? Do we need an intervention?" "Nah, it's fine." >"Is it dinner time?" "Yeah, is it dinner time yet?" >It's an aural feast to hear how lax and lazy your mare is, compared to the barely contained irritation of the gamer mare >The gamemare, even >Your wit has sharpened this day >"One, yes. Two, what is going on? You two have been attached at the hip-" >"And the skull." >"And the sk-what? Ew." >She really seems wound up >"What is going on? Why have you been home all week and locked in your room?" "I quit." >You say what you've been hiding with such a casual tone you are almost as shocked as Shine >"...what?" "Yup. I did." >"He did." >Jack mirrors your aloof energy >Or lack thereof >Your eyes stay focused on the ceiling "I was talking to Jack about it and... well, it's for the best." >"The be-" >Shine interrupts herself with a sputtering that makes you wish you could see her >"The best?! How is that the best? What are you going to do now? What caused this?!" >You and Jack share a sigh >She takes the shared sigh as a sign >"Don't you... Jacky, what the hell did you do?!" >You're surprised she isn't reacting stronger >Maybe she's just in shock >You were a little in shock when you did it too >The last week and a half, specifically, the weight of your decision really stuck with you >Thankfully she's been with you for every minute >You needed it "She didn't do anything. We were talking about stuff and decided-" >"Decided that you're going to just quit working?! I don't even care about the money thing but you decided to make this decision without telling me? What the hell am I to you? You didn't even tell Prism, Jacky?" >"Nope. I decided that we should tell you two together." >That makes you smile >It's such a simple thing >It's that sort of simple thing that has kept you from freaking out more at the worst "Guess we should tell them now?" >"Might as well, we got three days left." >"What happens in three days, Jacky?" >With another shared sigh, your hand finds it's way to the closest keyboard's space bar >With the brain worm of a song paused, you finally feel like you're back in reality >You sit up and look at the plain white wall >You really gotta go through with spilling the beans >You've slept so much this last week, it has been impossible to keep track of time "Alright, I'm up." >You awkwardly stand up and step off of the mattress >You've only had it for a few years but it's already beaten up >It almost always has at least one pony on it, and a human >Maybe one day you should get a new one >You step past Shiner, listening to her follow you close >With a "hup", Jackula wiggles to her front and rushes to keep up >With shots poured for every pone and human, the group assembles officially >"Going off of the shouting, I'm guessing we will need the alcohol. So, Jacky talked you into quitting your work?" "Nope." >With a bitter grimace and a dark stare, Sparkler downs her shot in record time >"So you quit without her words." "Nope." >With a shallow swallow, you take your shot "So after talking for a bit, we decided that..." >It normally isn't so difficult to talk about these topics >Maybe it's because it doesn't effect just you >"We got new jobs! And by "we" I mean Anon, me, and you two too!" "...well, if you want, I mean." >You don't think you've ever seen Faint "D-bash" Prism make that sort of face >It's the sort of face that says "oh shit" on the level of the soul >Shine, in comparison, just looks like she needs another drink >"...oh." >"...crap." >This is part of what you wanted to avoid "I should probably explain." >"I should think so too! What compelled you to make this sort of decision without discussing it with us?" >Despite her broken composure, she is making a genuine effort to sound stalwart >The slightest tint of panic doesn't convince you of her will "Well, Jack and I went out a few times and we kept talking about how..." >You shrug "Nice. It is. To just hang out and stuff. And I mean not just here but out there. It's a lot more comfortable and I think enough of the neighbors are used to it that it no longer makes me feel weird." >"Helps that I told them to get over it." "That you did..." >You sigh with a stare that goes only straight ahead "With colorful language, you did..." >"It worked, right?" >Just remember, Anon, they won't always be your neighbors "Too well, I'm afraid. Anyway, you wanna explain the rest of it for me?" >Jack smiles >This is a new level of joy >"Anon's gonna be a library mechanic!" >You're lucky you resisted the urge to drink your shot while she was speaking "N...no, it's a technician." >"Aren't they the same thing?" "In this case? No." >"Oh." >You down your drink before you have the time to taste it "Keep going Jakatoa." >"Oh y-ok. Anon's gonna be a library technician! And weeeeeeeeeee're gonna help him! We're techs too!" >Bursting with joy, she hops up to her hind legs and poses in sheer triumph >Neither pegagus nor unicorn share her enthusiasm "Technically, the three of you are gonna act as receptionists and help desk. And sorta unofficial field trip wranglers." >Since the bottle is nearby, you pour another shot and down it >"Wrangling! Helping! Receptive to the core!" >Between the visible and audible shaking, Jacky is a pound of tannerite short of exploding into the lower atmosphere "The good news is that..." >You pour and down another shot >Nothing stirs confidence in others like needing alcohol before speaking "...that while I'm full time, you guys are all part time. Which means you can work as little as twenty hours a week, up to forty." >"And it pays a whole ton!" "Well, if all of us were to work full time hours for a month, it would eclipse my usual savings rate by... a factor of five almost?" >You fill-and take-another shot "And, of course, it doesn't need to be that way. I'm thinking if you can at least toss over a quarter-" >"Half!" "No, a quarter i-" >"HALF." >Bottle, reveal more of your secrets to Anonymous >This is so painfully awkward you don't know what to do "...Jack wants to give half of her pay to what we've been tossing around as a sort of... family coffers type situation. Something that is the usual of taking care of the monthly bills and all that." >Jack finally settles down enough >Enough to at least chug her shot without somehow swallowing the glass itself "And that by itself would help a whole ton. Say if it's only ten hours per pay period, that's still sixty a month." >"So you finally decided on it..." >Shine speaks up >Now that the mare is out of the bag, she seems less bothered by the situation >"Well... I guess I don't mind. I mean, we've all talked about wanting to help out before. Right?" >The one shot seemed to have enough of an effect on her >Only Prism is resisting the temptation of smooth brown fire water >"I guess I just wish that I could have been told sooner so I could prepare..." >She gives you a side glance >"Can I play games there?" "At the volume you do? No, not inside." >"Ugh..." >Prism clears her throat >More than enough to make it apparent she wants to be the talking one now >"You mentioned a thi..." >She trails off when met with a quick death squint from Jack >"...half... of our pay would go to help out with things. I trust that is food and other things. What... exactly are we supposed to do with the other half? Our own money...?" "Ahh..." >You scratch the back of your head "Whatever you want, I guess. You wanna order food, go for it. Wanna buy something nice for yourself? Make sure it's sent here or we know where to go. Save it up for a rainy day? It's yours." >Emboldened by the volume and strength of drink you've drank, you're comfortable in your own skin despite not yet being drunk "As Jack and I talked about it... you guys aren't pets or anything like that. You really aren't. And I've... maybe not treated you like animals, but I've kept things pretty dull and locked up. And that wasn't right of me." >"It wasn't right of you to protect us from a harsh, alien world?" >Her tone isn't aggressive, but it is argumentative "I don't know, man. I'm trying to figure this shit out as I'm going along." >Jacqueline clears her throat >Apparently that is the way of the day to make oneself heard >"Think about it this way. We all know how much Anon has spent to keep us fed and warm and strong and other things, right?" >The "other things" leads to a slightly bitter glare from Shine >Jacky flashes her a quick shit-eating grin and continues >"And whether or not I want to live in movies or Sparky wants to live in her video games and as fun as it really is... we kinda gotta help out, you know? I remember when Anon would come home from work and just... lay there. And I know it wasn't all just work that piled up on him but it certainly added weight! And then he went and bled his savings dry for all of us to be together and to even have easier cooking stuff and even more than that!" "You really don't need to keep bringing that up." >"But I want to! And it's true! We ain't gonna go away anytime soon. I ain't, least of all. An' with that being the case, we gotta buckle down and learn some real world skills! Pronto!" >Oh boy, she's channeling the power of Ma >And to think that you once wanted any other type of pony >"My own money means I can buy a VR headset..." "Bruh, I'll split the money with you and we'll get the hardware to handle it on the highest settings." >"Deal. See, Jacky? Problem solved." >"No, not problem solved. Not yet." >The Winged One is the only resistance to this >"So... how do we know for sure our money is ours...?" >Her deliberate wording wounds but makes sense "Well, I already thought of that. Checks can be direct deposited, right? I just set up three new accounts, and then we split the pay whichever way we will and then. Bam, proof and tracking. I won't touch anything that isn't the pooled account unless you ask me to." >"Two accounts." "Eh?" >"I told you, I just want my check to go into the main account." "But what about your half?" >"I'll make you work for it if you really want to spend it." >The sly grin she gives is downright villainous >She ripped out that entire chapter from Shiner's playbook >But >Why does it work so much better when done by a goodie two-hooves? "You're going to make me drink a whole lot more, you know that." >The room finally descends to something resembling a calm >You are glad that none of them asked you about your now-last job >To be fair, you personally won't be losing or gaining all that much more >Which is not a proud point you wish to make >"So... what does a tech do, exactly? Will we be able to see you or ask you for help if we need it? Are we going to be safe there?" "Me? I'm just gonna be a paper pusher, basically. Helping out higher ups. You guys are more going to act as welcomers. Putting away books, helping people find books. Movies too, mostly DVDs." >You know that there are going to be some pitfalls >... >Because of their lack of social and professional skills >You hate to even think it, but those two sides are lacking severely >Thankfully you were able to bullshit your way into them all getting hired at almost minimum wage >Of course, it isn't that low >With even the three of them combined, it leads up to a pretty penny's worth >You may have also stretched the truth on their singing and reading aloud skills, to make them more of an entertainment package "I... I kinda still feel bad about it, don't get me wrong. But between her and I, it just seems like that maybe... two years is long enough to get acclimated. And maybe it'll all help us out. It'll help make sure that the world doesn't seem so scary and full of... less than nice animals." >Are pets allowed at libraries? >The sudden passing image of Shine igniting an annoying kid or Prism bucking a service dog does not sit well in your gullet >"Don't worry, it'll be fine! It's part time, and Anon is the only one paying for benefits so we get all of our checks!" >Another thing you don't want to admit >They're getting paid under the table >No taxes >No benefits >Just straight pay >As long as that doesn't lead to issues, everything should be fine >Should be >Hopefully >You take a hard swig from the bottle directly >God help you if this doesn't work >Yesterday, the apartment was quiet for the first time in a while >With the news dropped that you not only changed work-again-and that they were going to start working too... >Maybe everyone is just thinking about it >Jacky still seems happy >Though you wouldn't say it out loud, she and you are planning on maybe moving too >The apartment is good >Living has been good >But it is small >The amount of things finagled with to be pony friendly is a bit much, and it makes everything look slapdash and dangerous >The neighbors are another aspect >You aren't going to say that you're the loudest in the building >But some things are starting to get more difficult >It just isn't a sustainable place for a guy and three ponies >Normally, you wouldn't care >Normally, if you were still by yourself, you'd just keep chugging along >But her plans for the both of you >Her plans about everyone >You don't think they're bad >They're not bad at all >You >You... >You're putting a lot of trust into her >Into this plan >Just as they have all put a lot of trust into you >As much as you worry, you just need to- >"Hey, lone star. Scoot over and play me." >You must have been so deep in thought that you didn't notice Shiner open, and close, the bedroom door >She hops onto the bed and sits at your side "Play what?" >"I don't know. Something." >She looks at your monitor >"Ugh, you're still listening to that? It sounds like Christmas music." "Kinda. But Jackrobatic found it and it sounds nice." >"You're a special kind of whipped, Anon." "Am not." >"Am too." "Prove it." >The split second of hesitation in her answer doesn't bode well to you on a subconscious level >"I can't, because you're whipped." "Come on, that's not even legit." >"I'm making it legit." "You're far from legit." >Her gasp is loud enough to make you think she isn't actually offended >"Take that back." "I'm a giving man, I can't." >"You're whipped and that's that. Now pick a game so I can kick your ass and ask you questions." "In that order?" >"Sure, why not?" >Going off of her tone and the way she's sitting, she's pent up or excited about something >Given the last... long while, it's probably actually an issue that you haven't played anything with her >You've missed it too, to be honest >You end up choosing something more old-school: OG Smash Brothers >She takes her controller, and chooses Luigi >Thank God you found a 100% completed save when you downloaded the rom >You choose your main man, Link >"I win, you answer five questions." "Two. And when I win, you say I'm not whipped." >"Keep dreaming, pony boy." >Rather than trash talk each other, the focus is purely on fighting >There is no animosity in the air >Not even a tense vibe >Just focus >Out of five stock, she beats you with two remaining "Ah... crap." >"Your bomb game is weak." >She leaves the results screen up and clears her throat >"So, to start. You're totally whipped. And my first question is this." "Bah. Go for it." >She keeps her eyes on the monitor >"Did you really agree to this job change junk with Jacky or did something actually come up?" "No, I agreed to it. She's getting pretty ambitious, I think. To be honest..." >You sigh "What's said in the room-" >"Stays in the room. Yeah, I know." "I think she wants a home for us. And I... I want a home too. This place isn't a home." >"We're all together, how is where we are not home?" "I..." >How do you answer that? "Because I don't think we can really be ourselves here. Noise control aside, we don't have a ton of space to make any meaningful change. And I'll admit. I want to see all of you have your own rooms, or areas. Or whatever." >"You can get me a room but let's be honest, we'll all probably sleep on your bed anyway." >You snort "Probably. Is that a pony socializing thing?" >"Maybe. I would call it a "me" thing but let's go with the socializing excuse so you don't feel bad." "Freak." >"Geek." "Meek." >"Technique." "More like oblique." >"Next round, I want two more questions." >You start up another round >This time, you win with three stock remaining >"...yeah, we're not playing that level again." "I don't know, I like it." >"That's because you kept throwing me into those freaking tornados." "Whine about it. Now tell me I'm not whipped." >Shine rolls her eyes and lets out a prolonged "ugh" >"Fiiiiiiiine. You aren't whipped. You're just a pussy." "Wh-how the hell is that any better?" >As bothered as you are, neither of you move from your spots >She grins >"You really want me to tell you?" "...no. That's alright. You're too creative sometimes." >"But I'm not wrong." "Whatever. I win, I get to ask two questions." >"Oh yeah? You're on." >You both swap characters >She decides on the pink puffball, Jigglypuff >You decide to pound her puffball in with Yoshi >Sadly, Hyrule Castle has been banned from selection >You win, but only with one stock left >Shiner greets the results screen with a fatigued sigh >"You're a little too eager to eat me, you know that?" "Never thought I'd hear you say that. More so, to complain about it." >"...whatever. Ask your questions." >As much as she tries to pout, the way she headbutts your side shows that she isn't that bothered "So are you... you know. You think you're ready to work?" >"What kind of question is that?" "A real one. If you don't think you're up to it, you can let me know." >"And let her down?" >Shine snorts, a bit like the way you do >"No. This is something real. Frankly, I'm happy I get to be included for once. I just want you to be careful." "Yeah? About what?" >"When I out-earn both Jacky and Prism combined, I won't apologize if my money wins you over. She's gonna have to deal with it." "Ha! Dream on." >"Oh I will. And that's your second question by the way." >What? >When did you... "God damn you." >"Come taste this firepower." >She chooses Samus "Let's-a go." >You choose Mario >You... >You lose >You make it a goal in your life to never remember how much she won by >"Man, the idea of a sugarmare really messed you up, huh?" "Shut it. I kept thinking he had a Side-B." >"Sore loser, huh? That's fine. We can't all be awesome." >Like a statue breaking apart, you put the controller down and finally stretch >You grab your nearby mug and chug half of it down in one go >It used to be ice water but even now it still has something resembling a cool feel "Whatever man. Ask your stuff." >Your mug turns red and goes down to Shine >She drinks the rest of it >A powerplay? >Who knows >You share so much of your food and drink with the dorks that you just can't see the problem in it anymore >They share just as much in kind >"So, about the money we'll be making. We don't have to report it or whatever, do we?" "I... don't know. None of you actually exist, as far as the government knows. And none of you are human so you guys probably don't actually qualify for stuff like that. The library guy. Or gal, I should say." >"It's a chick?" "Yeah. Some old lady. I think Jack might have kinda leaned into the sob story a bit much..." >The long story short with that was that Jacky more or less just told the old bat about her history and other things >You sometimes forget that her background is one of petty crime >And other things >You still feel a little off but it's for a good cause "But anyway, yeah. I think, the way she's going to do it, she's going to cut you guys a separate check. I mentioned how you can all get your accounts, and you will. But it's effectively going to be a single payment just split up." >You bring up your hands to make nebulous motions while you speak >It almost works as a visual aid "So while you'll be working there, you'll all be billed as a... a third party contractor. She said that she would look up some stuff and make it all official." >"Sounds dirty. I like it." "And because I'm not a dick satchel, I'm not going to count that short question as an actual one so what's the second?" >"You say that like I am and we both know that is not the case." >You choose the high road and do not respond to that >"Be real... how was our-uh-your financial situation looking before she cooked up this plan?" "Legit?" >"Legit to the max." "I was kinda pulling in maybe a few hundred at the end of everything." >"That's not so bad." "Maybe. But it would take around a decade to recover what I spent on D-bash. If I'm careful enough." >The face she makes is rather sour >"...right. And... remind me of how much I cost you." "I... I don't remember? I wanna say I got you for free." >That adventure there was such a blur >You and Jack >Prepared to kick in doors and treat the rescue mission like a beat-em-up stage >Instead you ended up being given a half-packaged pony >You still have no adequate answer as to what the deal is with that Nona chick >At least it doesn't really matter >Those were the days >"Hey." "...huh?" >"I said... ah, forget it. It was a quip about how I'm the MVP and yet I cost you the least amount." "Ah. Yeah. I..." >You can't help but shrug "Well, you can make that argument." >Shine shrugs too and leans away from you >That's not the usual >"Hey, how about new stakes. I win, you bring the others and we have a little powwow on this thing. No more surprises and no more secrets kept about how well we're doing." >That is oddly specific >Your thumbs tap across your controller "Alright. And if I win..." >Is there anything you want? >You kinda want to throw the match just because it would be good to get that sort of stuff cleared out "If I win, let's just cook a pizza and keep playing stuff. Not gonna lie, you look pretty pathetic when you're stuck playing games solo." >"Wow. I say a lot of things but that's sort of a low blow." >She looks almost hurt "I'm just saying, it's one thing to try to talk to Prism and get nothing in response. It's another to consistently try to talk to her and get nothing in response." >The way you emphasis on the "consistently" makes her cringe >"...don't make fun of me for trying to make friends, Anon." "I'm not." >You chuckle and ruffle her mane >You leave your palm on her horn >With the red aura, it makes your hand sorta tingle >Like a mix between it being stuck in an oven and being asleep and having that needle sensation "I'm glad you are. But after this long... I don't know. I'm kinda starting to think that she's really just the way she is." >You can feel what she wants to ask >There's enough of such a small sound coming from her throat that you interject "And she doesn't hate you. She doesn't hate me either. She's just a goof. Like Jackrabbit. And like you." >Shine exhales hard >It isn't a sigh >More like it's a hard push to readjust herself >"Whatever. You're better company I am. Now let's play, I feel like starting a shitstorm." "You got it hopscotch." >This time with Mario, you're gonna >... >She SDs >All five stocks end with her just walking off the stage "Hey, what the hell was that?" >Sparking "I win or you lose" Shine sticks her tongue out at you and winks >"Oops. Looks like I lost. Better preheat the oven, we're gonna be busy." >She sure looks proud of herself, huh >You scratch the side of your neck >Do you allow such blatant cheating? >... >Nah >You're hungry for pizza too >And maybe you just want to play stuff with her "Fair enough. But I'm adding cracked pepper and you can't stop me." >"Oh trust me, I won't stop you from doing anything." "Yeah? Then I'm adding broccoli to your half." >You get up, stretch your legs, and start to head to the kitchen >"Ha, very funny Anon. Very fu..." >She must remember that Prism got a few bags of weird vegan shit a few days back >She stumbles up and trots behind you >"Don't you do it, I swear I'll burn your half if you even attempt to put that rabbit crap on there." "You said you won't stop me." >"Jacky, over here, help! Anon's trying to do something bad to me with his hands!" >"Nope he's not!" >Both of you hear Jacky call out from the living room in record time >Like a Disney supervillain you cackle all the way to the oven >Apparently, pizza alone wasn't enough >Whether through your own will or the will of the gods >Or Shiner egging you on >You decide that now is the proper time to pop open a new bottle of The Good Stuff >The only downside is that it is a very narrow, tall bottle >Which means you see it go down far faster >At least you swapped to Smash Melee after the first few hours >And added a bag of Cheez-its >Consumption of any and all kinds are not regulated when, in less than 48 hours, things will be new and >... >Interesting >At least Shiner's having fun >You forced at least a little bit of intoxicating liver poison into her face >Maybe that's why she's having a bit more fun "Dude, you fucking suck. That's the third time I beat you with Link and he's not even that great." >You find that the more you imbibe, the less you mind telling her that she should go back to the kitchen >She is, unironically, the best cook in the house >So it is technically a compliment >"Oh shut up already. I'm just trying characters out, you're the one acting like some bigshot." "You know me, I always shoot big." >The two of you share a mutual look "Yeah. That's right. I said it." >"Oh I know, I saw it." "You saw that I said it?" >Another mutual look >"...yeah. Let's go with that." "...huh. Weird." >You don't know when but apparently the sun has gone down >With the door closed and the fans on, this summer hasn't been nearly that bad >"Hey Anon." "Hey Sparkly Shoeshine." >"If Jacky and I... say if we became one pony. Would you consider that a good or bad thing?" "I'd say I would probably lose my shit, do terrible things for a few days, and then probably proceed to further do things. Only to end up a victim of your maniacal, egotistical ways. Because between you and Jacky, the confidence levels would spike and there are a lot of things that she's always wanted to do with magic." >You turn your head to focus on the red mare >She's been successfully caught off guard "And, for reference, while her endurance is quite something to behold, I hunger for a greater Jacky-related challenge." >You smack your lips >That vodka does indeed have a positive aftertaste >But you can't help but think that the action had another meaning "And I am not one to stop." >For the short moment she maintains eye contact before turning away, you could swear that you saw her eyes dilate to saucers >You could swear >But you're among present company, God damn it "But since that isn't likely... well." >You shrug "...to be honest, I would usually say far more but without a Jackenstein to define, refine and mine I can't help but feel like it's inappropriate." >Another lick of the lips >It really did burn the tongue the first few gulps but it's growing on you >Maybe that's a sign that your body is adjusting "But anyway, pick out another character so I can spank her next." >Your confidence appears to be her weakness, this night >It helps that she's likely inebriated as well >"Hey, if I win I want something." "If you win, I'll give you something. But you're not." >You pull back and hold back a hiccup "There's no way you can win." >You wait for her to decide her character on the selection screen "What do you want, anyway?" >"Get Jacky in here but keep her quiet and just as a way to stop you from getting too freaking talkative." >You scoff and follow such an audible gesture with a pair of mocking "ha"s "What, you can't handle one piddly human when he's very slightly intoxicated?" >"More like that crap you forced on me slows me down to your level and it's hard for me to keep up on dominating you both in game and through words." "Ha!" >Another hearty laugh "As if you could be so eloquently verbose as I in even under the best of conditions." >"...yeah." "Alright. But if I win. When, I win." >"Big if." >You smirk at her "I make you drink. And I demand you tell me why you've been jealous." >You hold up one of your index fingers >Thankfully you still have all three of them "Lately. Because I know you have been and I will agree that it was probably wrong of me but I still find it funny that you care." >Straight to the heart because it makes her face even more red >"I demand Jacky comes in as collateral." "You demand nothing, foolish mortal. Let's go." >She decides on Samus >While she does technically play better, you're on the oversized Zelda map and eventually win through sheer attrition >It helps that any killing shot she lands sends you pinballing all around without a way to get knocked out of bounds >It's close >Closer than you would like for bragging purposes >But you do win, with two stocks remaining "Ha ha! Victory is mine, frail red pony. Come get some." >With a gleeful smile, you pull the cork of a top off the bottle >Averting your eyes the best she can, she opens her mouth and gives a frustrated sigh >Rather than drown her in half the bottle, you reach for your empty mug >You pour just enough to cover the very bottom of it, and stop "Glug glug, my little pony." >You tip the mug over and pour just enough booze to coat her tongue >It really is not something you're taking advantage of >You know that she's a lightweight >But her capacity has increased since the first time she drank >You will gladly argue that you are a good influence despite this >You nod and smile "Better?" >Rather than answer, she shudders at the taste "You know, the first night Jack was here, we drank. Hard to believe she was so alright with it." >"Well she likes you so she has shit taste." "Ah ha. Well, you're not wrong." >You sigh and take the bottle for yourself >You are not puny pony >You are strong man >You prove this to yourself, and no one else by taking another swig and letting the acidic liquid sit in your mouth >It still burns your tongue >You are no masochist but the way it almost sizzles >It reminds you of "Gah." >You violently shake your head and exhale "Fucking burnt my nose hairs out with that one." >.... >Where were you? "Oh yeah. So. Speak to Anonymous. I'm starting to have fun with the whole thing of you being jealous and saying things, now that Jack is learning from your playbook and starting to adopt some of your mannerisms." >You clear your throat and nod at her "Much appreciated, by the way." "But the last few... uh... weeks? Days? I don't know. We've been kinda isolating. Why has that been bugging you?" >Your repeated pokes do little to stir her up >To the contrary, she seems almost... muted? >Certainly not demure >"Because you're like... my best friend. You're almost like a big brother." >Her genuine answer is not what you expected to hear >She almost sounds different "You're kidding me." >That almost perpetual little spike in her voice >That borderline sarcastic tone >It's gone >It almost makes it harder to tease her >"No. Not really. And keep in mind that I said "almost"." "Yeah, naturally." >Shine shrugs >"Whether or not I like to admit it, you're really the only male that has never looked down on me. Boo hoo, same story as everyone else, you don't treat me like trash. But you recognize my achievements. You've even praised me!" >The smile on her face >What a smile >She really could be Jacky's sister, there is a lot of subtle resemblance >"And that... it's nice. I thought something bad happened. And I felt a little betrayed that you didn't tell me. Because you're supposed to tell me big things like that too." "Well we did... but yeah. It wasn't as quickly as it could have been." >You reach for the bottle >Not to drink, but to check how much was taken >Maybe... >Not even a full fifth yet? >Not drinking has made it far more potent a substance "And... I don't know. I don't have any excuse for it. For a bit, I thought I was just quitting my job and that the plan would fall apart. And then my mis-step would have screwed us all. It sucks to fail. And it really sucks to disappoint people, whether or not you know them. But especially if you know them really well." >You smile at the passive pony "But, after talking it over and doing some other stuff... I'm feeling kinda good about this. It's gonna work out." >You pat her on the head >Maybe a little too hard from how her head is lowering >At least she doesn't have a hollow noggin "I sure hope so, anyway. If this doesn't, we're kinda fucked." >Docile and sloshed enough for it to make a difference, Shiner grimaces >"...what if Jacky led you into a mistake? What happens to all of us, if she made you do something wrong?" "Then we'll make fun of her, I'll figure something out, and... we'll skate by. Trust me, I've lived this long. Not all because I wanted to, but because I had to for others. I'll figure something out." >"I don't like that answer." "Oh yeah?" >You aren't sure why but you are a little intrigued "Why, you aren't there to save the day and make me wear you like a Santa hat?" >The direct comment makes her purse her lips and turn away >"Come on, be serious." "I'm as serious as I'm gonna be tonight, hot'n'spicy. What's wrong with that backup plan?" >"Well. I would rather be a part of the process. You and Jacky get to cuddle up and make plans, and we're supposed to just go with it like we're your kids? Prism may not care that much but I sure as shit do." >You wanted to tease her about saying the S word but you decide against it "Yeah... and that's more on me. She talked about you guys like you might just get money and split. And I guess I could kinda see that because... well, if you had income, would you still be here?" >You pick up the bottle again >You're gonna need another swig for the follow-up commentary >You pop the cork out and hold the bottle in your hand "You see, uh..." >You take another swig >Rather than let it sit in your mouth for a fiscal year you swallow it in slow, consistent gulps >You have no clue how many shots you've had, or shot-equivalent drinks "Jacky and Prism have been talking. And she let me know that Prism may..." >You only just now realize that you swallowed all of that without a single shake, shiver or cough "She has brought up that she may want to move out. Not because of her own goals of making it in the big world but because she said she knows she doesn't fit in. And, you know." >You breathe in through your mouth >Even the air is flavored "That... I don't want that. Jacky doesn't want that. I don't know if you rightly care but I would hate to imagine you guys splitting up. My friends and I, we..." >You pet Shine's shoulder >Less a hard pat like before >Your eyes focus on the monitor "You know we drifted apart. And I don't want you guys splitting up too. Even if money isn't an issue, it's safety I worry over. Even if safety isn't an issue, it's happiness I worry over. Even if it's happiness, it's any little thing I worry over." >Shine seems >Vulnerable? >Maybe that's the word for how she looks >Maybe it's the alcohol speaking >Or the alcohol making it so she isn't speaking >It's one of the two, surely "And... ah... ah crap. Where was I?" >The unicorn furrows her brow at you >"Saying Prism wanted to move out." "Oh! Yeah. See, I knew you were a good listener." >What a topic "You see, it... it feels like a dream. To think that you guys might split up. I wouldn't know what to do if you three drifted apart. It's incredibly depressing to think about. And that came up shortly before we made the decision to find work for us all, so it kinda added to it. Because whether or not she or I, or both of us, want to give her that chance... we have to. For socializing and ease of life and all of that goof stuff. We have to. We have to risk it. And... man, as much as we don't really hang out-she and I-it really is distressing to think that Jackonomicon is gonna be deprived of her big sister like that." >It feels like a difficult topic but you really don't have the capacity to hide it anymore "I just want you guys to be happier and better off. We've had time to get you guys acclimated to the world, and around... well, at least one human. And it seems right, like she said, that you guys maybe start to figure out how to earn money. But if that means you're gonna just head out and then we won't even know what will happen next..." >You sigh >Quick bottle check >Is it down a full third or a half at this point? >Maybe another sippy isn't required at the moment "I'm... I'm rambling. I'm sorry, Starshine. There's a lot to say about the last few weeks. I am worried. Not because I don't think it will work. I think it will. But I can't help worrying over that less than one percent that something may go wrong. Or that it goes too well and we're left alone." >"...wouldn't it be better if you two were left alone?" "No way. If it were just us, she would be lonely. We would be lonely. We wouldn't be a..." >You bring up your arms and are immediately amazed at how they weigh more than a feather "A... you know. A family sort of deal. As..." >A heavy sigh follows "A... an inorganic as we may be." >You simultaneously felt like you overwhelmed her with words yet you don't remember what you said ten second prior >"That's dumb." >You scoff and smile "Yeah? Tell me about it." >"Well what makes you think I would leave you behind? Jacky, I guess I wouldn't hate it if I talked to her every other day at most. I mean, we sometimes do that as is anyway, right? But if I had to actually travel to see you..." >You shrug >It is really all you can do, as meager as it may be for the gravity of the situation "I know. And I know we have this weird... quasi-weird dynamic. I don't know for sure how healthy that is. Not really." >To that, she seems to make a face >It's a complex face >Like how a fancy booze has a more complex taste >It lingers in the air rather than on your tongue >"To be honest... I kinda like it. Jacky used to be worried but now she doesn't care. I kinda get to do stuff and she... I guess trusts me? To not do the wrong things. And I like that. And I want to abuse that." >"And you certainly do." >"Wrong. I've certainly TRIED." >The head-tilting quizzical look you give is met with a matter-of-fact scowl >"Be honest, if I were really a home wrecker, or some sort of... bitch. Wouldn't I have done something that crosses the line by now?" "I... I don't know?" >You give her a wide grimace >She's certainly pushed the envelope for a hard while now >The few times you've had real talks with Jacky about it, she's learned to shrug it off and counts it as lessons to learn >Not in how to somehow protect you >But to one-up her >You're sure, at least to an extent, that Shine has been teaching by example >You think >"Well no. I wouldn't. You're... I'm not interested in anything else. If you're gonna keep doing dumb crap and, by that, I mean Jacky..." "No comment." >"...then... I guess I gotta get over it. And I have. I will continue to. But what's that phrase you liked using a few times?" "Where's the beef?" >"No, the other one." "I.... uah... make it Mac tonight?" >Another scowl >"No. It's "you can't stop me"." "HA! Ahhh... yeah. Yeah, I really did enjoy using that one." >"Exactly. You can't stop me. And neither can she. If it's futile, then I don't care. I still get to see and enjoy a side of you she never will. If it isn't futile... then that's an entirely new world to explore, isn't it?" >This talk of hers is almost enough to make you sober >Almost >You pet her shoulder >It's hard to not take notice of how soft her mane is "Listen, Starshine... if it means anything. Without going into detail. I'm sorry I wanted an Applejack instead of a Twilight. If I did... I think I would have gotten you first." >Are these treacherous words? >Or is it more an apology at her and her given lot in life? >She never asked for this >She never asked for any of these situations in her life >That strength >That hard-nosed view on what matters >You know that isn't truly her >It's more the consequences of her history that has led her to drink from the bitter pool of pragmatism >You feel like you need to hug Jacky >You do not, in any way, mean anything by it in that way >You wish you were two of you >You wanted to say that >But that wouldn't work, would it? >That would be borderline flippant >"You shouldn't be. If you met me first, you'd probably be so content that you wouldn't even bother to look for those two dorks." >Shine pushes a smile >It's real >You can tell >But it's not all joyous "Maybe. Maybe...and to be fair, who I am now isn't who I was then. Same with you. With how much you've grown these last few years to now. If you ever met the old you, you'd be surprised." >That smile warms up >She really is a sweet mare, underneath the spikes and thorns that she surrounds herself with >"I probably would be." >You lean back until you're practically laying on your back "It seems like either the booze or the talking is tuckering me out." >Shiner pushes back until she flops onto her back >She keeps her legs up, smiling >"Same." "Yeah..." >"Yeah." >You wipe your eyes with your index finger and thumb "You got one more day of freedom, after tonight. After that, you'll be a working stiff." >"That's ok." "Even if it means no more video games?" >"I can play them with you." "You won't have that much time to laze around anymore either." >"It just means that I'll be getting better." "You'll have to deal with more humans." >"You'll help protect me if they aren't good. Right?" >You chuckle "Of course. Just as much as I would protect Prism. Or Jack." >"I guess that'll have to do then." "It will. Because you know how far I'll go for her." >"Yeah..." >Starshine closes her eyes >"I'm not as much as a desperate booze mare as Jacky... I'm gonna get some sleep. Let's call it a draw. That one time I let you win didn't count." "Those two wins you let me have, you mean." >"Oh screw you." "You wish." >The magical mare lets out a melodious yawn >"Next time I win... I want a kiss." "Ha. Sure." >Though the menu theme of Melee isn't perfect, you find yourself dozing off >Just a little >In this little moment >You're sure that Shine will not fail >Not you >Not Jacky >Not Prism >And not herself >Even if she sucks at Smash >Less than twelve hours until the new job >Less than twelve hours until you load up your car with your dorks >Go to a new place >And deal with what they'll do >Or not do >Whether or not it is a good idea, it's happening >Starshine has been sticking to you like glue >She hasn't said it but you think that she's worried >You would be too if you were her >Since she dropped off for the night, you took the chance to slip out to talk to Tweedle D and Tweedle Jack >You hear the movie they're watching before you see them laying side by side >It's an old western >But it's not a good old western >"Jacky, this one really isn't that good..." >"Yeah but it has Angel Eyes in it." >"But his name is Marv." >"This time." >You sit behind them, suddenly more interested in the movie than actually talking to them >Jack can tell that you're behind her and flicks her tail upward as a personalized greeting >Prism doesn't move >You were wondering where that one blanket went off to, you didn't know they were using it "Huh. Did you recently get that one washed?" >"Yes. We did laundry yesterday while you and Spark were shouting at each other." >Prism is curt as always "Well, that's good. Mind if I join in?" >"Come lay with us, cowboy, it's just getting good!" >You sorta wanted to check out how they were doing but this is fine too >You lay beside Jackenstein, resting your head on her shoulder >You can still see the movie well enough so you aren't missing out >It is interesting too >The protagonist is... >Man, there's a lot of talking >Maybe you just need to pay attention to what's going on better >... >... >... >Your head jerks up >What were you doing? >With a fuzzy mind, you strain your eyes to pay attention to the... >...movie? >That's no movie, that's the Crypt Keeper "Whoa. Audie Murphy got decrepit." >Prism chuckles >She's no longer laying near Jacky >And Jacky somehow flopped over to the point that your head is on her chest "Jack asleep?" >"Yes. She's pretty excited for tomorrow." "Nice." >You nod and rub the side of your face into the pony "You are too, I hope." >"Excited enough to do it." "You know, I kinda wanted to pick your brain." >"About?" "What you think about this. What did Jacky sell you on?" >"Not much. It'll help you, her, me. All of us." >She's doing a good job at talking while not looking at you >This isn't going to work >It never has >It probably never will "So when did you get into Tales from The Crypt?" >"A few weeks ago." >The episode in question involves a pair of Siamese twins "It's good stuff. I didn't peg you for a spooky sort." >"I'm not." >You want to just sleep >But something compels you to try to at least socialize with her >If she can't socialize well with you, what hope does she have with random humans? "What do you like about it then? The cheap effects, or the actors tend to be pretty noticeable nobodies?" >She doesn't respond for a bit >"I suppose I like both of them. And the plots. A lot of them are just about thieves and conmen pulling schemes until they get their just desserts." "That sounds pretty heinous. Did you see the episode with the guy who got paralyzed?" >"I did, that one was good." "I grew up watching that sort of stuff, you know." >"That's amusing. Did little Anon have nightmares?" "From the episodes? Nah. It was always the opening of the Keeper bursting out and laughing." >You chuckle "I used to change the channel for a few seconds so I wouldn't see him do that." >Those were the days >Not really >But some childish nostalgia refuses to let the moment go >It's one of the few things you even want as proof that you were once a kid >"I bet that took a lot of practice to nail down. It kinda scares me too. But once you see that he's just a puppet it's more clever than anything else. Why aren't puppets used like that anymore?" "It's a dying art, D-bash." >You let out a long, low yawn >Jack is out like a light but even then your yawn makes her yawn "A lot of old stuff just isn't used anymore. Everything has to be CG, 3D, over-produced and all sorts of silly things." >You'd like to watch more but you'll have to settle for listening >Your eyes are just too heavy "Make sure you get some rest, man. We're gonna need you tomorrow." >... >... >... >You can hear the Crypt Keeper make bad puns >How did that joker ever spook you? >You were such a coward back then >But how could you have known better, or been braver? >"Hey, are you awake?" >Of course you are >Though you say nothing >You don't think that you can reliably talk back >"Your breathing changed, you're awake." >Damn >Caught >"Jacky's really happy about tomorrow, you know that?" >You can guess so >"Going by how Sparking is when she comes out with you..." >You don't like that slight inflection >"She seems happy too." >You're listening but the breathing of your PillowJack is a little too comfortable to give her your full attention >"I'm not going to tell you anything you don't already know." >Is that right? >"But I still think you're too close to her." >That's nothing new "...it's not that bad." >"What happens when it does get that bad?" >"I'll buck her face and then we'll watch a movie." >That was Jack >You weren't expecting that >She wasn't pretending to sleep, you recognize that breathing pattern >"...Jacky, you need to-" >"Nah." >You're staying out of this one >"Do you really think this can keep going?" >"It's fine, Dashie." >"Jac-" >"I said it's fine, Faint Prism." >Not only are you laying on a mare with your eyes closed >Not only are you effectively in the middle of this argument >You don't think you've ever heard Jackunaut speak in that sort of time "...should I still try to be sleeping here?" >"Yes." >You feel Jacky's legs fold toward you "Sounds good. You guys better be ready for tomorrow." >"Super ready." >The short squeeze of her legs on you convince you of that easily enough >"...Sorry, Anon." "It's alright. You're just a bit of a fruitcake sometimes." >Jacky snickers >"Needs more lemon." "Oh you know it." >No commentary >You exhale >Why is everything so jagged with her? "Hey D-bash. I gotta ask you something." >No reply >But you hear her shift enough >You have no clue if your pillow is awake and listening in but you don't want to open your eyes >You were so ready to doze off but now this had to go the way it did "Do you not like it here? What's up?" >No reply "You know there's no beating Countess Jackula." >Nothing >Not from her, anyway >From the sound of the episode going on, it's about to reach the fatal climax "You used to be more sneaky but now it just seems like you want to start something." >You reach up to grab Jackonovich's foreleg >You aren't going to worry over it "Hey there, we're celebrating so I'd like for, ah... uh, four of the main combos. Extra coleslaw on one, replace the coleslaw with extra breads on two, and then replace the coleslaw with extra fries." >"Wow, congrats then! What would you like for drinks?" "Just two of the gallon teas you guys have, if you still have some." >"Sure thing! Sweet or unsweet?" "One of both is the name of the game." >"Alright! So, four combos with..." >The pleasantries are nice >The three mares in the car with you are quiet >For a first day, they... >Well >It was a first day >When you get back to the apartment, Shine frees your hands up by using her magic to hold up the bags and tea >Only after everything is divvied out does everyone take a seat in the living room >D-bash prefers the extra coleslaw >Shiner digs the extra fries >You won't lie, everyone likes the extra fries >But you sometimes arm wrestle SnackJack for the extra bread if you're hungry enough >She doesn't always win >Rather than decide on sweet or unsweet, everyone has two cups >It's not much of a feast in the traditional sense >But it is still something of a celebration >"We're so screwed." >Shine's voice is so devoid of hope >"It... it's ok. This sort of thing happens in movies too, right? >Your dork in chief at least seems a little more hopeful >"...I really didn't mean to." >Prism finally speaks >Her poise is well and truly broken >Even her mane is less than flawless "I... it's ok. Sometimes the first days are the worst." >You didn't have all that hard a time >It was largely one of those useless orientation days where you're told a dozen things, remember nothing, and end up goofing around >The library is a lot smaller, once you get the general layout >But >It also means less places to run to "I think what... might help. Is to not really try to panic." >You gulp down your sweet tea fast enough that you can only vaguely taste the delicious syrupy mostly-liquid "And... to not scream for help. Or to buck. Bucking is definitely a no go. With me, it's debatable. But..." >You need to be careful to not name names "...make sure you just keep a good distance from the random people." >You don't want to make any pony feel bad >But between the three, one has been taken out enough to be somewhat comfortable, one remained near you like a starved, stray cat >And one tried to show off her feathers as a way to impress >And dealt with a kid trying to pluck one of her feathers >You keep your eyes on your food box >If the panicked pony wasn't enough, an angry parent quintupled the strain "The good news... is that I was told that she's a bit of a pain anyway, same with her kid. So if they don't come back, that's going to be a good thing in the long run." >"...at least I didn't use any magic." "Yeah. You're not wrong. The last thing we needed was a scorched earth policy including actual scorched earth." >"...did your day go good at least, Anon?" >As hopeful as she sounds, Jacklevania is hardly above a whisper "Yeah... yeah, it wasn't bad. I had a bit of a talk. Before and after." >You finally bring your eyes up >To the only winged pony of the party >She looks like she's three seconds away from bawling her eyes out "And it's alright." >She's quick to break eye contact >Your eyes go to The Shining "It is. It's the first day but next Monday? It'll feel like you're a thousand times better." >And finally, to your Jack knife >You can't help but frown at her "...did you know that kid's mom was going to be a bitch?" >She smirks >"Tiny bit. She looked like that one woman from our first date." "You... wait, Ihop or the trail?" >She looks like she's disappointed but it passes after a second >"Which one counts as the official first?" "I... I don't know." >For a moment, she seems as perplexed as you >"You're both idiots. I hope you two can refine your act and take it on the road." >Shiner speaks in her usual flat, sarcastic tone between stuffing her face with fries "Yeah well it would help smooth things over." >You pluck a fry from Sparkler's box, much to her dismay >Your eyes go back to Prism >... >Crap >None of your usual antics are causing even a smile >The weight of the room increases back to where it was before anyone spoke "If you wanna talk about it, you aren't going to find a better audience." >You do your best to give a shrug that shows her that it isn't a big deal >Even though it kinda is "And if you wanna rant instead, we're all for it." >The red on her face >It's easy to notice >Very easy >From the way her eyes are avoiding yours... >You get the feeling that it isn't sadness that's trying to drown her >But shame >... >... >Nothing >You won't force it out of her >Even if it means that she'll have to stew in things >Hopefully she'll choose to join the sortie tomorrow "Good first day, girls. Tomorrow's gonna feel just as short but it won't be nearly as bad." >You hope >Saturday morning >What a first week >You can't help but feel like you were a pity hire >There are many things you already have a vague understanding of, sure >And learning the newer things haven't been difficult at all >But you're pretty sure that you spent most of your first week just goofing off >And watching over the girls >Though you fell asleep with Jack, you woke up with Shiner in your arms instead >You thought she was your pillow but apparently the two swapped at some point >Even Prism has taken up space in your room, though she brought in a few pillows to sleep on while the unused portion of the bed >After that first night, you decided against having little group huddles >You swooce your way out of bed and fix two bowls of cereal, a crunchy peanut butter and apple butter sandwich, and leftovers from last night's pizza >You kinda thought that everyone would want to celebrate their first week of work >Instead, you had three drop dead exhausted mares that just wanted to lay down, eat fresh peetzer, and watch a movie >And even that descended into merely listening to the music in the background for the most part >You set down the pizza and sandwich first >Sandwich for the geek >Pizza for the dork >Cereal for the nerd >Said geek spreads her wings, apparently woken up by the smell of the peanut butter >"Morning already...?" "Yup. Got tired of sleeping alone?" >"I just knew that if I cried to you like Sparking does, you'd get me anything." "...fair point." >You sit with both bowls >Shiner's still sleeping >You can't eat if you're stuck holding them >You set it down on her flank "Hey, my hand's cold. Warm it up." >Almost by reflex, the bowl-and your hand-are stuck in red aura "Ha, I lied. Breakfast time nerd." >Shine lifts up her legs and kicks them out and as far as she can >You'd wonder if this was some sort of brain damage but you've picked up on her doing that more lately >Jackrobatics lets out a mewl of a yawn and immediately follows it with an unflattering sigh >"Anon... I quit." "Quit? You quit when I say you do." >You adopt a southern plantation owner's twang "Now git to eatin'. Those books ain't gonna stack themselves and thems peoples ain't gonna greet themselves!" >That really is all Jacky did for the first week, was be social >She took book returns >She greeted visitors >And she generally looked lost when she was more than ten yards away from you >"This is pony slavery... I have my rights." >She pouts and rips into the pizza "You have yo right... to git ta work!" >This sort of low-energy banter is nice >The room is so drained that anything more would be tapping into emergency energy reserves >"I didn't mind it... but why is it so boring?" >Customary to her, and to her only, she tilts the bowl up and drinks all of the milk before even touching the cereal itself >The Cap'n wouldn't appreciate such treatment >"I never thought I'd see so many books and care so little about them. I tried reading one of those "classics" and it took a whopping four pages before I lost all interest." "That's because you're a plebian." >"I'll plebian all over your face." >"I'll allow it." >Jacky adds in with just barely enough energy to lift her head to eat "How about you, Faye?" >Her ears perk up at the name >"Me?" "Yeah, you." >"What is it?" "Bah... dropped the ball. Oh well, two to three in favor so pleb it up." >"Ha... awesome. You better be ready, I'm springing it on you when you least expect it." >This sort of disorganization and workmare's fatigue tells you that any of them will be hard-pressed to do anything more than limp to the bathroom >With everything eaten with bowls and plates retrieved, you leave them to languish in comfort and somewhat middle-class luxury >The plates are paper so into the trash they go >The bowls get a quick rinse and scrub before getting set on a kitchen rag to dry >This... >Was this a good idea? >You think you'll squeak by >You were asked to come back on Monday, so that isn't a bad sign >The same was said to the trio too >And especially to the princess of the group >But that doesn't mean much >Is it sustainable? >They were all more reliant on your words than the head honcho's >That didn't seem to be a problem, but you want to say that you're getting the feeling that some sort of line should be drawn, when it comes to closeness >At least when it comes to being there >There are too many real factors to count >They at least accomplished their goals for the week >Four hours a day, Monday through Friday >Four long, painful hours of them sorta-kinda working, and then bumming around for the rest of the day >You don't even remember what you did, if you actually did anything resembling work >Is that a good sign, or bad? >Or just an indicator that you're really not there to truly do anything of value? >You did sort of imply that you're all a package deal, for safety's sake and otherwise >"Anoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon." >You kinda joked about it in the past, maybe you do need some sort of collar or GPS tags for them >"Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonnoooooonammouuuuuuuussaaaaaaaaaa?!" >...would a leash work?" >"HUMAN, WE REQUIRE YOUR ATTENTION AND ARE WILLING TO PAY." >Oh yeah >That reminds you of something "You think my attention can be bought, foolish pony!?" >You bellow with a practiced huff >They're going to have money soon >Surely nothing bad will come of that >"YES!" >You pretty sure you can hear all three of them answer "Oh God damn it, fine..." >You grumble to yourself and stop at the door "So what's going on?" >Yellow mare goes from laying on her side to being entirely on her back >"Pet me." >Red mare sits up and takes hold of her controller >It's hers because the clear plastic has cracks in it from her magic >"Hold me." >White mare smirks, glad to join in >"Brush me." >It's going to be one of those days "You all do realize that I only have two hands, right?" >You refuse to listen to their assorted answers >You suppose maybe they deserve it for a week of hard work >Less than twelve hours >In that short amount of time, you'll be at work again >They will be at work again >Of course, it's only going to be for a few hours >But it's still work >Pony roll call >Jacqueline is sleeping in... >The hallway? >Well that's weird >She has a trio of blankets and a pair of pillows set up >You suppose you see them sleep and laze around every which way >Maybe it puts her at the middle between your room and the living room >And the kitchen >Little Red >Sleeping in bed and curled up like a defeated Yamcha >That just leaves one >You tiptoe through the apartment while paying mind to the YouTube videos playing in both living and bed rooms >It seems like everyone has adopted the white noise of random gameplay and essays >Going off of the video essay, it's about... >Horror? >Well that's neat >But who's your resident spook? >You don't see player four in th- >Nevermind >There she is, out on the patio >As dark as it is, you can make her out easy >You gingerly step outside and sit on the bare wood beside her "You know, I'll be honest. I used to hate this thing. Nothing but a few wooden planks keeping you safe, with holes so wide you could lose a phone through them... for some reason, I always thought these planks were as strong as wet paper." >You don't get a reply >If you were her, you'd have no clue how to react to that either >"Tomorrow morning is Monday, isn't it..." "Yeah." >She sounds so dejected "That's right. You're gonna be sleepy if you don't get some rest." >"I suppose... Anonymous." "What's up?" >She refuses to move >"...do I have to go back?" "Honestly?" >"Honestly." >You can only be honest >You've never not been "No. You don't have to." >You scratch your eyebrow with your thumb "But... you're gonna be the only one here for the entire day." >Because it's about work, you have to be serious "Jacky's alright, I think. She's learning some good things but her main thing I worry about is that she kinda listens to me but not the guys signing our checks. So... personally, while I enjoy that, she's gonna have to learn to step outside of her boundaries." >You really don't know where to go from this but you started, so you aren't stopping "Our Sparkler is doing well. I think she's motivated. I guess it's natural because she has her magic. And she's already our resident cooker and... well, to an extent, cleaner too. I think the pay this Friday is also going to keep her motivated... even if it isn't going to be a full one." >If you can trust any of them with this sort of stuff, it's her >You know she knows it too "And you..." >Here comes the rougher news "You did well, given what you're used to. And that little shit deserved a kick to the head." >But that's not all >Of course it isn't "But... you're kinda just being eye candy. And while I think that's the idea, you gotta help out. And I mean that, it's not fair that they're giving it their all. You know Jack, she's happy to do stuff. But I don't know if you've noticed but she really enjoys her quiet time after." >You don't think she's antisocial but she really seems drained after work >Hell, you can tell that everyone has been too drained to do much >No real movies >No video games played >You hope that they can both adjust "And you think Shiner's a people pony? No way. She likes putting away and sorting books because it means she doesn't have to actually talk to anyone. Remember that pair of families? Nowhere to be seen." >"...I suppose it is best that we don't see her show off her magic. I don't think she would stick to parlor tricks." "Yeah... nah. Probably not." >"Anonymous." "Faye." >"If I don't go back. Am I a failure?" >You sit on this question >For this being her first attempt at a job, it's hardly important whether or not she washes out >But she should know how to adapt >Of course, she isn't dainty >... >Ok, she is, but she's not fragile >Not from everything you've ever heard about her "Kinda." >You hold up your hands and shrug "In the big scheme of things? It isn't that big a deal. But in the immediate? You're letting both of them down." >You think you can hear something coming from her "I think the key Loony Tune moment is that it's only five half-days. It's a bit hot but I could let you chill in the car, once you're done. Or see if there's a break room for you to hang out in. Or you can just hide out under the desk once you're done. The choice is yours for now, you know?" >More noises >More sad noises, specifically >Deciding you've already crossed a few lines, you reach out and pat her shoulder >She doesn't flinch or pull away "I won't stop you from staying home... but if you do that. You are admitting that you can't handle it. I don't mind, my top priority is the safety and happiness and yadda-yadda. But I can't talk you into wanting to work. You're gonna have to figure it out on your own." >Simply talking about work is exhausting >Maybe sleeping in the hallway is a better experience than going with the flow "Don't stay up too late, alright?" >"...yes. Thank you." "Don't thank me. I'm expecting you to do the option that sucks." >You're awake >Pretty early, for a Saturday >You'd like to say that you're still tired... >But you're not >You feel fairly alert >The only thing keeping you from moving is the trio of carry-size talking horses >One nestled between your legs and using your knee as a pillow >One laying near your hip >And the one laying on your freaking face >You remember last night as well as you remember everyone's first pay day together >Ordered pizza, raucous merrymaking with just enough alcohol, and a handful of old horror movies >You think Faye may be turning into a horror movie fan >Not sure why but they're the more cheesy sorts than something that shows evisceration or concise narratives >To rest your memory, you drag your hand up to where the head of your would-be smotherer should be >... >... >... >Yup >It's Shiner >You remember mouthing off to her and she just flopped onto your head >You were willing to test her on "trying something else" to keep you quiet but apparently unicorn belly is kryptonite to humans with low inebriation and high fatigue >You don't even remember what you were arg- >Wait >You remember now >It was about how you praised only Faye >Payday night, between the drink and pie-in-the-sky thoughts of rolling in dough, you were praising Jackening for her work efforts >She was outright jealous, refused to admit it, and then even refused to admit that she was a "vidya addicted species of horse called the "dare" because it was a mix of "dork" and "mare" >Then everything went black and apparently that was enough for you to call it a night >Your hand wanders around the red mare's face >With a good mental image in mind, you begin to tap at the corner of her mouth >You're too tired and/or lazy to use your words right now >Besides, you wouldn't want to give her the satisfaction of sonar transmission >After... >Probably a thousand hours >Or thirty seconds >You decide to stop >You flex your legs instead to hug the pony between them >You hear a yawn >Movement >Jacksauce, to the resc... >... >Nope >She isn't waking up >She just flopped from one side to the other and threw her head onto your lap with a hard enough nuzzle to let you know that she's not done sleeping >Well >Crap >Good thing you don't have to use the bathroom >You sigh under your admittedly warm cranium prison >Maybe it's your imagination but every day feels like you... >It isn't that you can't find a moment to yourself >But a lot of things feel more like they're done as a group >Hungry? >Usually everyone is at the same general time, or willing to wait until the next big mega munchie mixer >Tired? >Due to work, everyone tends to wind down >Even Feinter and Shiner forgo their usual antics or tendencies to at least lay down and try to relax >It's hardly a clockwork militia in terms of finesse >But the shared work schedule has really whipped them up into... >Certainly not in shape >But it has given them some sort of purpose >You think >Twice now, you've had to effectively carry Jackrophobia to the car so she can sleep on the way >Sparky-Horn, every day this week >Prism is always able to drag herself up but hasn't stayed awake once for an entire drive to work >Part of you feels bad >But you know that structure, in almost any capacity, is new to them >You don't have faith in them >You certainly trust them >But you... know their limits >What are probably their limits >You begin tapping at Starshine's mouth again >... >... >... >"Nla-yeap. Wha..." >The tip of your finger goes to tap but instead goes into the corner of her cheek >Aaaaaaaand now she's chewing on your finger >Great job, Anon >... >... >... >Screw it >It's supposedly Saturday >You can deal with having only nine fingers left later >With a defeated sigh, your body goes slack >Lunchtime >Shiner and Jackenstein have been taking over lunch duties >Mostly because they see lunch as a daily celebration to end their "work" >Jacky has taken to welcoming people and helping out with questions >Sparkler seems to enjoy sorting and placing books and archaic VHS tapes >And Prism... >Faint Prism >Is eating under your desk >You usually push yourself back so you won't kick her or anything >She isn't really adjusting >At least the boss man you report to is pretty easy going >To be honest, you aren't sure what her responsibilities are >Hell, you don't even know your responsibilities >You can troubleshoot and fix up workstations and the visitor computers >But you really do feel like you're just here out of a pity hire >At least you're getting paid >As are they "How you doin'?" >"Are they done with lunch yet?" "Jacklicious ate in maybe eight seconds and is getting chased around by a few middle schoolers." >"Is she ok?" "Yeah they look familiar so I'm sure she's fine." >You clear your throat as you see them all zoom by "And they are girls. So. You know." >"...that's good at least." >This place really seems to be more lively compared to when you first started >Have the girls been gaining some level of local fame with the educational crowd? >"And where is Sparking?" >"Annoyed you're stealing my new spot, move over." >Like a pair of huddled kittens, the two rub shoulders yet somehow insist on staying under the desk >"Anon." "Red horse." >"Get me a skirt or something to wear." "...Ah..." >You were worried about that "Comments?" >"Yup." "...Surprised it took this long." >"Oh shut up." >The venom in her voice is enough to warrant concern, funny as it may be to you that she has a record of refusing to hide herself at home "I'll look into something. For Jack too." >"I think we should all be wearing things if we're working." "What sounds good?" >You lean back and fold your leg so your risen ankle rests on your knee >You can look at them with this pose and it only looks like you're muttering to yourself like a madman >"Pants." >"Skirt." >"Armor that keeps our manes safe and clean." >"The license to give some of these twerps a flash tan." "I'll look into the fantasy RPG armor but no hostile magic." >Safe to say that the social aspect is not what they're savoring >At least Jacqueline seems at home >You've seen her give some visitors some guff but that hasn't led to anything worse >You know you're on lunch... >But it feels like you spend the entire first half of the day just watching them before you get around to anything >You asked about that but you were told it's fine >Is it? >Jacky races by again, still energetic enough to outrun anything in the building "...Was she always the most social one?" >"Yes." >Two miserable voices answer at once "Makes sense from what I've been told..." >She races by again >You're pretty sure running isn't allowed in a library >Eh, screw it >Her chasers seem to be having fun, even if they can't keep pace >This is quite the... >Well >It's a life >For now >But is it sustainable? >Jack eventually loses the gaggle of followers and leaps up onto your lap >As big a landing pad as you made for her, you still meet her impact with a grunt "Well now." >"Quick, pretend I'm not here." "Eh?" >She lays completely flat, collapsing on your crossed leg like a deflated balloon animal >Taking her cue you grab an old newspaper near your keyboard and fold it up >"Aw man, you lost her!" >"It wasn't me, you tripped me up to begin with!" >"I really like her mane!" >Thankfully they lack the good sense to ask you where she went "Having fun yet?" >Chest huffing and visibly spent she grins with a nod >You really still can't believe this is paying the bills and then some >Oh Well >Lunch is almost over anyway so once you let her rest you'll let them hang out in the car >Between the three of them, they're safe >Safe and with a laptop to argue over regarding who gets to drive it >Another productive day >...is what you'd like to call it >Like clockwork, dinner is has pretty early then everyone disperses to their own realm >Tonight, you've decided to hang out with Prism and Jackoholic >Another spooky night of watching Tales from the Crypt too >The puppet used to scare the bejesus out of you >Now you just wish you could sound that creepy on command >The current episode focuses on a guy who, through the power of SCIENCE, gained the ability to come back to life a handful of times >So what does he do? >The obvious of kill himself multiple times for only a few thousand dollars per life >Of course, he loses track of just how many lucky breaks he still has >As soon as the ending theme starts, Jack hurls herself against Prism >Thankfully, she squishes herself down to the floor low enough that the chunkhead flies right over and crashes into a pillow >"That was so lame! If I could die nine times, you think I'd waste them at a sideshow?!" >"You can't really blame small mines for having small imaginations..." >With Jackenstein now on her back, Prism gives you a slight glance and a smirk >"But what he did made sense too. He didn't really have any other skills, so the only thing he could do was get creative with dying." >"Bleeeah... I guess. But why not at least try to do something like be a bounty hunter? Or a mercenary?" >"If he isn't good at those, he might waste all of his lives in a single day." "Not to mention if he got zipped up and packed off, he might not even be able to collect his pay." >Jacky flails her legs like a fish out of water >If a fish had pony legs >She goes limp and ends her fit with a sigh >"...I'm bored." "Really?" >You don't think you've ever really heard her say that she was bored before >Of course, she's been bored >But she never really announced it "I thought you always had something schemed up." >"I do. But after going to work and all that, I realize just how fun it is to do stuff. Like, what kind of lives do those guys lead? Did they really dress themselves? Why can't they use tissues like the rest of us normal people?" >You don't want to know >Jacky points to the ceiling, aiming at invisible patrons >"You, stop looking at me funny. You, I know for a fact you rented two books last week and I didn't hear that they were back. You..." >She squints and growls >"Don't think I forgot that you lied about sharing those chips..." "You really dig that place, huh." >"Totally. I get to help out with a lot of things. People like me and don't think I'm weird. Plus we get paid enough where we can live like royalty." "That... we're a long ways away from that, Lemon Drop." >The new nickname makes Jackuzi wriggle until she ends up off the pillow and on the floor >"Well... we're paid enough to live like royalty on a painfully small budget." "...yeah, I'd allow that." >"Good. Speaking of royalty, I have a vizier to harass. Come see me later." >You salute her as she gets up and trots to your room >Oof, going by her hind leg she may have pinched a nerve or something >You don't notice that you're watching her leave until after she rounds a corner away >And you hear a polite "ahem" >"Are you really that shameless?" >Almost expecting her to peek back around the corner, you nod "In my own lair and with that sort of energy that could make or break a lesser man? Shyeah." >You shrug and re-adjust yourself to focus on the pegasus "So, what about you? All work and some play makes Jacky a dull girl. But you..." >Do you even need to pretend otherwise? "You're kinda acting like you can't stand it." >Her expression melts into one of moderate disgust >"I don't like it. Too many kids. Too many questions and offers for pictures." "Wait, hold the mare. They're offering you money for pictures and don't just stare?" >She furrows her brow >"Did you just try to rhyme at me?" "Maybe. But answer the question too." >As visibly uncomfortable as she is, she puffs out her wings like she's somehow too good to be a local something >"Yes. I'm not some... show pony, for people to take pictures with." "Sure but you're being kinda egotistical about it too. I hardly think they view you as some sort of side show attraction." >Given who you're talking to, who knows what her angle is "...is it because you aren't being offered enough money?" >The bitter look evolves >Or devolves >Whichever way means she's getting more offended >"Do you think that matters to me?" "I don't know. Maybe. When's the last time you had a few hundred bucks to your name? Or whatever the equivalent in pony dollars is." >The disdain vanishes with a quick, almost haughty huff >"...never." "I get that you're kinda trying the whole..." >You wave your hand at her in some nebulous pattern "Thing that says that I'm the peasant guy who refuses to think deeper than how he can go in a mare, so I can't possibly comprehend your ways." >"Anon, don't include me when you go into that sort of topic." "Too late, Banana Slamma. My point in this is... I guess, what are you still sore about?" >She doesn't immediately answer >You half don't expect anything out of her "Because let's be real... does it kinda suck to be there? Yeah, and no. Yeah, because I get your worries. And there are worries that I have too. But also no, because I think we're gonna have an easy time there." >"And what makes you think that?" "Because..." >You worm your way into an unsure shrug "I think... we're getting paid to be expensive entertainment. I keep asking about how to run things and I've been told a few times to not worry about it. And none of you have actually done anything more technically difficult than put things on shelves." >Given their pay rates, it's not like they're actually making out like bandits >And to put it politely, they have next to zero marketable skills that would help with a job "And I don't honestly know how long that's gonna last. It could last for a few years, it could last until... shit, next month. And then we'll be running on borrowed time until I find something again." >You pause >Inhale "I had a point with this, I swear." >"Yeah, you have that weird look in your eye. I believe you." "Bah. Either way. Where we are right now? It's pretty good. So what's your deal?" >Your half-assed attempt bears some fruit >Or maybe she's just looking for an excuse >"Anonymous, I hate working." "Well I could have told you that." >"I don't like being around strangers." "Yeah, that tracks too." >She stops >Her eyes dart to the corner, as if she were expecting Jacky to come back out >From what you can hear, she's being a proper pain to a particular gaming mare >"...What's the point of this? What are we building up money for?" "Building up money?" >"Yes. It's apparent you can support us on your own, without us helping. And it's obvious what we're adding isn't enough to change the way we live." "It's not obvious to me." >"And there's no way we'll be able to hide enough money to do something like... buy a house. Or get a second car." "A second car?" >"For Sparking. She talks about how she can drive." "Dude, I ain't letting her drive. She's liable to crash not just that, but every vehicle along the way." >Trying to keep a stoic face, she does her best to indirectly stare >"...You need to tell her that, then. She's been talking about it a lot." "...ah... crap. Well, guess I gotta pop that balloon sooner or later." >As lightly as you're taking the topic, she has... a few good points >Even if they do seem negative "I guess we're just building up money for whatever we want. If we want to eat fancier and better, we can. If you want anything, you can save up and afford it. Or we'll chip in and constantly poke you about how you owe us. I don't think it matter too much." >"Exactly, Anon. It doesn't matter." "Well alright then, tell me what you want." >"I want to be left alone." >The force in her voice and the emphasis on that particular word... "Is it because of the other humans?" >"No. they're strangers. They're not friends. I don't want more people in my life, I barely even count you as a friend." >The "you" is tainted with just enough vitriol to be a purposeful insult >Only after a second does she retreat and shrink away >"...I don't mean it like that." "...you actually count me as a friend?" >"What?" "Don't you "what" me, buddy. We're making friendship bracelets whether or not they color coordinate and you can't stop me." >The difficult expression you forced her into is proof that while she's seen how goofy you are, she still isn't used to dealing with you directly >To be honest though? >It does actually suck that you're only "barely" counted as a friend to her >The way everything has fit together, you've been fine with considering them all... >Family? >It certainly feels that way with the other two, for all of the faults-of which there are many-and good times >Maybe it's just wishful thinking that you could be at least more amicable with her after having been around each other for so much >"...you're joking but I mean it. Just... let me continue to exist. At least for a little while longer. I'm ok with being around you. I'm ok with being around Sparking. I like being around Jacky, still." >She's just a bundle of love and feathers >"But I don't want to get to know others. I don't want to "play" with them. I don't want to "help" them more than I absolutely have to." "So why do you drag yourself to the car every morning with us? We're all having our own ups and downs when it comes to adjusting but you're gloomy enough to bring down a birthday party and wedding anniversary happening at the same time." >She looks almost insulted by the question >Keyword being "almost" >"Because you would all be disappointed in me otherwise." >That... >Puts a bit of a stop to your shenanigans "Faye, if you're worried about failing, or the worry of being a failure... everyone fails. I don't want to plant the idea in your head but it might be good to quit while you're ahead. Before they-and I-get more comfy with being able to rely on you." >"...I don't think you're supposed to be that blunt." >It's an attempt at humor >The bitter smile tells you so "If it's about work, I hope I dash your hopes and dreams as soon as I can before you screw us up." >You don't say that with a smile >But you do make yourself smile just a little at the end "Remember what I told you when we first started? I don't mind if you admit that you can't handle working right now. To be honest, I'd be surprised if you even remember me saying that." >"I do." >The borderline whisper of her voice is maybe the perfect sign that you should let off >But... >You can't >Something isn't letting you just back off >That sound of defeat might not yet be genuine "Jacky's doing well. Spark's doing good. Even I'm somehow managing to make myself useful. If you drag this out and don't quit, it may look bad on them. On us." >That's right >This isn't about her >It's about everyone >"I..." "You may have been the mastermind before, but you're gonna have to stop being that high horse and..." >Do you say it? "Get over yourself." >You do >Maybe part of this is venting because you're only barely considered a friend >Probably petty, on your part >But you let it out all the same >Maybe it seeps into your tone >It feels almost liberating to say >It feels like you could stand to repeat yourself at least twice more but you would disgust yourself to be so cruel >You've felt tense for over five minutes now >At least two more episodes have come and gone by now, not that either of you have paid attention >A part of you wants to pounce on her the second she speaks up >To just slap down any self-righteous indignation that she always seems to default to >To mention, with some form of borderline glee, that it's almost always one step forward and one immediate jump backward with her >But she doesn't say anything >She sticks with a practiced stone faced expression >But the weakness in her eyes and the repeated clenching of her jaw shows how much she's proverbially chewing on >The twitch of her lips are failed attempts to speak up >Maybe the tension is enough to form a genuine wall between her voice and her mouth >"...have you told Jacky about any of this?" "No. Sister talk is between sisters. And this is... definitely a sister matter." >You sigh with the "definitely" >It's almost enough to lower the tension completely >It's a pleasant enough sigh that her lips curl into a quick, albeit faint, smile >"...so what do you recommend?" >Her voice isn't cracking but it's strained >Why is that poise so important to her? "Depends, you asking me as an almost-friend?" >"I'm asking you as my sister's... whatever you are to her." "I don't know, man. You make me glad that the other two are either goofy or a complete nerd because this girly girl shit of yours drives me batty and I can't make heads or tails of what your shtick is supposed to be." >With that, any serious intent you have with the conversation is just dead "Talk to her about it. And I mean it, seriously. She's starting to bug me because she keeps hinting at those harmony quests but she refuses to tell me what's up with those." >"She's still going on about that?" "Yes, and while I don't mind it, I'm getting bothered by what else she's scheming. I can only make so many lifestyle changes on a whim." >You certainly haven't lose any feelings for her >Not at all >But even she can be a pain >Sometimes "So... I don't know. It's getting late and I apparently have an obligation to follow through with and it's going to make me even more tired." >For once in the last... how long, you look at the current episode playing "...wait, is this the one where the guy fakes his brother being all but braindead?" >"...oh. I think it is. I like this one." "...alright, Jack can wait just a little while longer." >Surely amused by your presumed simpleton human ways, she actually laughs >It's dry >And quiet >And probably not even a real laugh >"In that case, I can at least be so useful and reset the episode." "See? I knew you weren't useless." >Maybe things will get better with her >Give or take another few years of wallowing >Another pay period >Another check >And another weekend >Maybe it's just you but the girls seem more... >Is "lazy" the right term? >No, of course it isn't >They're more productive now than ever >But working also really has had an effect on them >Rather than goofing around more, they seem content on simply laying around >It's a subtle change >"Come on, Anon, I'm payin' you good money for this!" "It's five bucks an hour, Jack." >"Exactly! Do you know how hard I've been working for that five bucks?" >As a half-joke, you've offered extended petting and massages for pay because there have been complaints of being tired or sore >You don't actually charge them but you say you do >"You're probably getting a discount, be more thankful." >Shiner is laying near you, focusing on her game of the week >Jackenstein is splayed out across your lap >"I'll discount you." "Oh, burn." >"I'll burn you." "Oh, discount." >Red pony is jealous, you can tell >While she requests it, Jacky acts like it's a matter of life or death >Because of that-or because you're a first come first serve sort of guy-she tends to get the first round of amateur pretzel bending "So... how's it been going with you two? I've heard surprisingly few complaints about things." >Prism has gotten you to be a little more sensitive to their working mare woes >Not that you've talked to her all that much >"I like it. It's just tiring... I never had to do so much so consistently." "That right, huh? I guess you have gone from a goon to a homebody to a productive society pony." >"A goon?" >"He's calling you dumb muscle." >Shine's flat delivery is as welcome as ever >"You wanna see muscle? Check this ou--aawh ouch... ok, no that just tweaked it..." >Jacky flexes her leg, just for you to feel her hind quarters spasm >Even after she relaxes, you can feel a part of her leg twitching "You good, Lee-mon?" >"Y... yeah... no. Nope. I can't move that leg. Need extra tenderizing, stat." "You got it." >You methodically chop and knead at the dumb muscle's flank, watching the gameplay >"Once you're done with her, I need massaging too." "Is that right?" >"Sure. Using magic deletes my internal MP meter. That means I get sore easy too." "That doesn't sound like that's how that actually works." >"Maybe but you can't prove that it doesn't." >You watch a creeping smile grow on her face >"Anon told me that for you, it's twice the rate." >Madjack gives you a wink, thinking that might cause a reaction >"That's fine. If I pay twice as much, that means it's going to feel twice as good. Isn't that right Anon?" "Technically you are correct, yes. I wouldn't half-ass anything." >Jack puffs out her cheeks and gives you a death squint >"So if I pay you twice as much, you're gonna do it twice as good?" "Presumably." >"I can't believe that you're skimping out on me..." "Who said I was?" >"Because you could be doing it twice as good right now!" >As stimulating at this conversation it, it is something of a comfortable norm >They all talk about money now, which is a good and bad thing >Good because it can be interpreted as them learning to be financially responsible >Bad because it now means that you're getting bribed for things you really don't need money to do >To play along, you have been "charging" them >You even show them receipts >But it really is just you moving money back and forth without them actually losing anything "You know that I've done this sort of stuff for a while now without ever bringing up pay." >"I know. But it helps you to help me now." "What, I wasn't helping myself by massaging cute dorks?" >Both Jack and Shine react positively to that comment with their own smiles "...don't take that out of context now." >"No, we both know the right context. Isn't that right Jacky?" >"Heheh... yeah. I'm the cute and you're the dork." "You're both the dorks and I'm the cute, deal with it." >After a time, you roll Jacky off of you >Like a fainting goat, she remains stiff throughout the entire action >Once you reposition her to lay at your side, she visibly melts and molds into place "Alright, Magic Mare, you're up." >The game's pause screen pops up >"...wait, seriously?" "Yup, come on." >With a giddy giggle that sounds just plain goofy, Shiner circles around to your unoccupied side and unceremoniously falls onto her side, into your lap >"This is awesome." "Not that awesome. I'm guessing MP is stored in the horn, so it's more just going to be shoulder and mane massage." >"You think that's where it's stored." "Unless you can show me your horn is, in fact, in your ass I am going to keep to the shoulder and head." >As subdued as Jacky is, she still manages an entertained snort >"Hey, I'm a magical talking pony. My MP could be stored anywhere. It could even be charged by affection, it sounds like that is possible when you look at the old show." "Nah, I remember a lot of things. And I remember you using magic out of spite more than a handful of times." >As you argue, you start on her shoulders >It's a mix of a pet, and an attempt to grip and squeeze >Her coat is just a hair more appealing to feel, but it's due to the hair length difference >The texture is also different but you can't quite articulate it >"No, spite also works. But not as well. Remember the ice?" >"I remember you going insane when we had to do that button thing." "I remember that too. You did sound like you were having too much fun." >You administer your first therapeutic karate chop to the unicorn >Right between the shoulder blades >The action causes quite the... >Interesting sound >The magical aura surrounding her controller blinks out a few times, like a flashlight that's running on dead batteries "You good?" >"Hm?" "I said, you dead yet?" >"Oh. Yeah. Yup. Just like a phone being plugged in." "Riiiight..." >You continue to knead at her without any real aim >Given how late it is, you half expect her to fall asleep on your lap >Jackonaut seems to have dozed off already >Or if she's still awake, she's resting her eyes pretty hardcore >She's entered that state where her breathing has deepened >Maybe that massage really did work >"You know... if you actually do need it, you can take more of my pay." "I'll be fine." >"Well... yeah. Obviously, you've handled everything else without ever whining about it." >Shiner kicks out her legs and nuzzles your knee >She seems comfortable now >Which means you'll be sleeping sitting up again >Probably >"But... you know. You don't have to do that alone." "I know. And thanks to Jack's scheming, we're all pitching in. It's easier now than ever, especially since I can start to rebuild some semblance of savings." >"Think I should start saving up?" "Sure. It never hurts to have a rainy day fund. Or to save up for something big, like that VR headset." >"We were already planning on buying that. And that really wasn't that expensive." "Then you can save up for other stuff. Or just hold onto it just in case." >The massaging has gone from her shoulders and upper legs to her neck >You've never thought about it before but you're surprised so much of the pony body is pure neck >It almost feels like you could stretch it out until she looks like a giraffe >"Easy there." "Eh?" >"Too hard." "Oh. Sorry." Going from the back of her neck to the sides is apparently not somewhere you can attack so casually >Jacky didn't seem to have an issue with it >But there could be many reasons for that >"We gotta go to work tomorrow too, don't we." "It is going to be a Monday, sure." >"How are you liking that place?" "Me?" >"Yeah. You don't look like you fit in that well." "Why's that?" >"You just look too focused." "Well I do focus on you lot. I can't not." >"Why, think we'll screw up?" >A purr escapes her throat >Apparently the side neck rubbing is a good thing >Quite an odd noise for a pony to make though "No, not really. I just don't trust other people I suppose. Safety is my key priority. And it'll probably take a while before I can let you three run amok without being paranoid." >"You allowed that when we went to the fantasy knight place." "That ren faire?" >"Sure." "Yeah but that was different." >"How was it different, Anon?" "That place is full of nerds and larpers that are often as drunk as they are smelly from essential oils and incense sticks. They could see a talking pony and wouldn't think twice." >"Pft." >Sparkler bends her neck back, letting you scratch and pet the front of her throat >"So nice to hear that you care about us." >At least she didn't specify "me" "You think I don't?" >"I know you do." >The conversation stops there >You gradually go up from her neck to her ears and her temples >The weekend went by so quickly >They all do, but since they started working with you, it feels like time has been flying by >Is this maybe a sign of something greater? >When every day used to be something new or eventful, things have entered a routine lull >It isn't boring >It is just a new baseline >A new standard of life "Hey, Sparkplug." >"Mmm?" >Going off of how her character is just running in circles and battles are being mashed through, it isn't surprising to see that her eyes are closed "Can you do me a favor?" >"I'm pretty sure I can do you a lot of things if you focus behind the ears." "Noted. Can you kinda... I guess keep an eye on Prism? We have that clothing coming in but she just doesn't seem like she's taking this stuff well." >Her first answer is a deep exhale >"Are you really surprised she's shellshocked because she can't just lie and scheme her way through things?" "I'm not surprised she has to deal with routine and the boring safety that comes with gainful employment." >Another deep exhale >"You've already asked Jacky to do this?" "She's doing what she can, independent of me." >"And you think I can really change her mind?" "I think you can try to be there for her. It's all any of us can do. I don't like that she's just stuck in purgatory. If it's some complex or something else, we can at least make it easier to deal with." >"You owe me a better massage if I do." "I'll owe you a lot if you can make a difference." >"Me too." >Though a mumble, Jacky's comment causes Shine to flinch >"...I thought you were sleeping." >"Mmm... I am. Just remember that I got ears on the back of my head." >You furrow your brow and watch the mare "...do you mean eyes?" >"No. My eyes are closed, silly." "...Right... silly me." >Yet another long exhale >This time one you initiate "Find a save spot, eh? Let's put something nice on to sleep to." >"You got it." >Tomorrow is yet another Monday >Not much is going to change >Not much is going to happen that hasn't happened before >But it will mean that you're one step closer >You can't say where you're going >But you're getting closer to it >They are too >How many can say the same? >For a Monday, it feels pretty pleasant >Maybe it's because there's another payday coming up >Prism is out on the patio, with a pair of pillows >Outside of heavy rain, she seems to just favor sleeping outside >She's still wearing her skirt >Between all three of them, you've spent too many hours at a clothing store >Thankfully it was one of the local places that don't question you poking around the women's section with three talking ponies >Last week they all wore clothing for the first time >You haven't felt more proud >And... >Other things >Shiner's in the living room, playing some sort of offline poker game >Apparently she's an eager, but terrible player >Jack is laying on her side with you >Rather than a movie, it's a YouTube video >...that is discussing a movie >With pillows under your head, your right arm under her head and your left arm lingering around the hem of her skirt, you're pretty comfortable >Jackenstein's skirts are either dark blue or bright green like her eyes >They all got matching sizes, so they all cover everything that could be pointed out in a less than appropriate manner >Shiner's are yellow or some funky lime >To be honest, the lime is growing on you >Prism's are black or white >"You've been fiddling with that thing for like an hour now. We ain't at work, you can pop it off if you want." "Hm?" >Your hand stops >For a few seconds >Your index and middle finger slide under the waist and tug on it >It certainly fits well "Nah. I kinda like it, actually. It feels nice. You look pretty good in it." >"Heh, glad you like it. I knew I was onto something. Sparky talking about wearing shirts and all that... that doesn't really cover much, does it?" "Not the important bits, no. I think she just liked wearing that shirt." >"...yeah, is it obvious that I don't like buttons because of that?" >You don't want to say anything >But that particular shirt mysteriously lost all of the buttons on it >Good thing it was just a backup that never saw use "Tiny bit...?" >This video is six hours long and you're only an hour in >You refuse to feel any guilt for not paying attention at all to it >"This movie looks kinda lame... wanna watch it some time?" "Nah. Well, I guess I wouldn't mind watching it with you. But it's one of those goofy things that require you to watch at least five movies prior to even catch up on what's going on." >"That's a thing?" "Sadly yes." >"It gives us an excuse to be locked in a room without interlopers." "..." >She nuzzles your arm with the side of her face >Your arm is numb but you recognize the vague sensation "Wanna watch at least five movies full of too many quips, special effects and CG?" >"Yes but I'm gonna make fun of them." "What a coincidence, I was too." >For some reason, Shiner's words come to mind >A few days ago you and her had a little verbal sparring >Jacky was making fun of her for being a sore loser >While she isn't one for video games, she kicks all kinds of ass when it comes to D&D PVP >Custom made characters >One arena >Prices and clout with actual rewards >Needless to say it is a pony pleasure >Speaking of, this skirt is... >Focus, Anon! "G-gah... alright, hold on." >With a bit of a rough grip, you undo the skirt buckle after enough yanks >Jacky gives you a sultry chuckle that sounds all too natural "Alright, better." >With the skirt undone, your hand rests on her side >"Feels a ton better." >With that out of the way, you feel more liberated than the mare actually wearing the article "I gotta say, you need to be careful when it comes to wearing this. At work, I can stay distracted but otherwise it's..." >"Reminding you of the time I spent with absolutely no covering?" "...maybe." >Focus Anon >"Hey Anon?" "Yup." >"You're doing that thing." >Oh crap >She doesn't mind that, does she? >You aren't even rocking against her that hard "...what thing?" >"What's on your mind?" >That gets you to... >Well, you don't stop >But you do calm down "Something's on my mind?" >"Yeah." "Well..." >You trail off >"Focus, man!" "G-gah." >If even she's telling you that you're losing track, that can't be good "Sorry. I'm not really thinking too hard on anything-" >"I'll say." "Jacky." >"Mmm?" >As flustered or otherwise distracted as you are, you can tell that she has a big smile "Look for something to go with the skirt. Friday let's go out." >"Dinner date?" "Yeah. Fancy dinner date. Something where we can go out and show everyone how well off we're getting to be." >Another chuckle >Deciding to ignore the video as well, she works to roll over to face you >You grab one of her front legs and help her rotate >Now face to face, you can see just how brightly she's beaming >"What's the occasion?" "Do I need one to see you dress up even more? I'll be honest, I'm pretty sure you wearing stuff does something for me." >"Good thing I could tell that at least three hours ago." >She yawns >A loud, distinctly... silly sounding yawn >Certainly nothing a usual classy lady would do >Somehow that doesn't dispel whatever effect she has you under >"So how fancy are we talking? Do you have to extend your pinkie when you drink?" "Maybe not that severe. But yes, this includes manners and overpriced alcohol that is stronger than a beer but weaker than our usual bottles." >"Overpriced, huh..." >She sticks her tongue out at you >"Occupe-toi de ma faim." >The downright uncanny shift in her voice is difficult to get a read on >She sounds tired >Or comfy >Or maybe it's something a bit subtle "...say that again, but this time with a heavier tone." >She sighs and rolls her eyes >"You know, I used to worry that you were too smart for me." >As much as a tease as it is, you can only nod "I was too smart for you, if you genuinely thought something silly like that." >"Glad I know better." >Jacky shifts and flops in place >"Just so we're clear... I actually did say something there. It wasn't just noises to get you excited." "Oh, I know." >"You do?" "Yeah. But even listening to those lesson videos are exhausting." >Between fatigue and pre-existing thoughts, your eyes finally start to wander from her face downward >Rather than sigh, she laughs >"Be honest, how much if this is from the skirt?" "Like seventy percent." >"Oh God... for the record, if Sparky ever learns of this, you come to me. Period. Got it?" "Yup." >You promise that you are listening >You just... >Are too tired to focus right >Yeah >Let's go with that >... >Why did you have Shiner in mind again? >It couldn't have been that important if you were distracted so easily >"Dress." "Check." >"Scarf." "Check." >"Skirt." "Check." >"Hoodie." "Check." >"Shorts." "Check." >"Hmmm..." "Hmmm...?" >"I think we're all set, cap'n." "Ha. Alright. Aye-aye and all that." >Your clothing is folded up and ready for work in the morning >Jacky has her dress ready >She wears clothing now >For some reason your first instinct is to undress her >Thankfully she's normal at home >Starshine has decided to stick to a skirt and scarf >You want to bring up how she should wear glasses to complete the look >But you don't want to give her that sort of power over you >Nevermind who knows how human glasses work on ponies >Prism has chosen the hoodie and shorts look >More accurate to say what used to be one of your hoodies and a pair of spats that allow her tail to be free >How did you get to this point? >Not only is everyone organized, but they're even dressing like responsible members of society >"Penny for your thoughts?" >Jacky beams at you >Her dress is rather plain but she loves it >Every new thing that makes her smile is a new high "What the hell have we been doing, Jack?" >"Making sure we're ready for tomorrow morning?" "Yeah, but..." >Rather than look down, you bend over to scoop her up >She's in sync with your motions to the point she flops up onto her hind legs and onto her back >Just in time that her plot meets your palm >Perfect scooping action >You rise and squeeze her into a tight hug >"You have a full wardrobe. Shiner's busy with her computer. Prism..." >She bought a new, fancy, expensive, surely worth it >Bird feeder >That and spats "You ever think you'd be at this point?" >"Which part? And hey, carry me to the fridge, I'm thirsty." "Lemonade?" >"The blueberry one." "Roger." >You re-hug her to keep your arms strong and step to the kitchen with a little bounce in your step "This point. Owning a lot of things. Working. I mean, I see you do stuff and you're a natural. This is your first job too." >"Heh, you're easy to impress." "For the record, I'm not. But you really have taken to it. Alright, so..." >You nudge the bottom of the fridge door with your foot and squat down >Keeping a hand pressed against her belly, Jackenstein leans over and chomps down onto a refilled water bottle >Rather than stick with the single large container, you just grab her stuff and reuse those cheap water bottles >You stand up and watch her gnaw on the bottle lid "You want some help o-oh. Alright, that works too." >She squeezes the bottle with her front hooves and somehow has worked the lid off with her mouth >There's a joke in here somewhere about how you're holding her and how she's nursing h- >Nevermind >She just drank it all "You good?" >"Mm. Yeah. Thanks." >She spits the bent up plastic cap into the sink "Nice." >She chucks the bottle into the sink too for good measure "You know those bottles don't grow on trees." >"But we get like a hundred of them for a few bucks." "Point." >Your dorks do go through a lot of water throughout the day >You never put any thought into it but they do move around a lot >You haven't dared ask them about the logistics of how well they use the toilets >Just like you don't ask how they style their manes without magic "Hey, wing pony! Come take your sister." >"You know where I am, Anon." "Oooof course." >She's on the patio >Maybe it was a lie to say she only got a bird feeder >As you approach the patio with mare in hand, the overly ornate stone bird bath comes into view >Along with a pair of bird seed blocks held up on a wire frame plate >You refuse to ask if she's ever taken a bite out of those blocks for herself "You know it's getting colder outside, right?" >"I know." "You gonna stay out here when it starts to snow too?" >"Probably not." >"We're thinking of getting one of those waterproof heated blankets and building a kind of igloo on the patio." >"...no we're not." >"Yeah we totally are." >Almost as is customary, she would rather look out into the tree line than you >You squat and set Jack down "An igloo, huh?" >She raises an eyebrow and hops outside >"You betcha! We might not be able to stop it from snowing on it but you know how it gets super high up? We were thinking of making a big wall of stuff and make it so we won't even feel the wind." "Nice. D-bag, you're up for music selection tomorrow. Want me to pre-load anything?" >"Papa Roach." >"Who?" "Ew. You're kidding." >"I am. Just go back to what I had last time." "Alright... well, doesn't bug me. Gonna grab a snack and turn in for the night. Either you want anything?" >"Dashie wants a hug!" >"I want a what?" "You got it." >You join them on the patio and sit down between the ponies >Rather than simply grab her, you sit there >The calm before the storm "You know you can't escape it." >"...Jacky?" >"Yeah?" >"You're gonna get it." >You lurch over and yank her over >She tries her best to maintain her footing but ends up stumbling onto your lap >She ends up half-laying on your lap, legs curling up into themselves >"...this really isn't appropriate." "Sure it is, I'm wearing shorts." >"For now." "Yeah, for now." >That doesn't seem to work for her as an answer >But when Jackonovonovich adds fuel to the fire? >Works for you >"That does not make me feel any better." "So what would make you feel better?" >"...compliment me." "Yeah?" >No reply >Even Jack knows better to interrupt when she finally plays along "I'm proud of you, P-wing." >"Why?" "Because you're doing better at being social. The kids don't seem to bother you as much. You aren't always the first out the door, which means you're getting less spooked. And you haven't missed a day." >Her ears flicker and twitch to listen to you >Jack's ears do the same >You don't bother joking >With her, you really can't go that far "You've also spent the least amount of money. Shows that you're still preparing. Still expecting something to go sideways." >"That's something worth praising?" "It shows that you just know how to be more... responsible. It's a good trait to have." >"Thank you." "Sure." >The moment is almost kinda nice >"...Got anything else?" >Jacky snickers >And the moment is gone "You're not kidding, are you." >"Out with the words, manimal." "Excuse you but I'm a planimal." >"Planimal?" >Jacky seems out of the loop "She convinced me to eat some vegetables. And because you are what you eat, I'm not longer an animal or a plant." >"Definitely planimal." >"Oh... I see." >You don't think she sees at all "Jacky gets a lot of her cutes from you. You're actually a bit smarter than Shiner, and believe it or not? I think if I left you in charge, everything would go fine and not at all tits up." >Nothing >Jacky turns her head to gawk at you rather than the trees >"Thanks Anon. It feels good to know that." "But my recommendation is that you continue to lead from the back lines. Leave the heavy lifting to the magic mare." >"Gladly." >This sort of ego stroking really isn't your bag "...this is getting a bit awkward for me. Mind if I give you that hug and then call it a night?" >A victorious giggle >"Of course." >You lean forward and give her a double-armed bear hug >You sigh and maintain the hug >After a few seconds... >She doesn't really fight it >You don't either "I mean it, though. Thanks for sticking through this for us." >You can feel her head lean against your arm >This >This is nice >You let go and feel her head move with your arm until it's completely free >"You guys look like you had a moment." >Prism rolls off of your lap and onto her hooves >She seems content enough that she melts into a cat loaf "Have a good night, girls." >You get up to a pair of voices giving their own variation of "good night" >She's really not so bad >Last, but far from least, you have Shiner to check up on >You can hear her muttering to herself >That is usually a good sign >Believe it or not, you've found her doing that more >Maybe it's just a way for her to help keep her thoughts clear >You drop like a rock onto the bed >She shrieks and bounces off of the floor >Your face is full of pillow but it the noise is all you need to be content in life >"Dammit Anon! I could have broken the computer!" "Nah, it's fine." >"It's..." >She sounds like she's rearing up for something >"NOT fine!" >Though she's almost tied to being the smallest of the trio, you still certainly feel her when she jumps onto your back >Rather than continue to mess with her, you remain laying >She starts to knead her hooves into your back >You're sure she started to do that as a way to bother you but it seems like she enjoys it >"You think I'm going to go easy on you? Think again!" >She's been kinda fired up for some reason >"You always mess with me and get in the way of my challenge runs! And y-you distract me, too!" >Now it just feels like she's stomping on your back >But she's kind of a weakling so it's ok >You lift your head up "...huh? You're doing a challenge run?" >You haven't been paying attention >She sits down as hard as she can, pushing her flank down into your spine as hard as she can >Which feels rather nice >Maybe you should see about getting them to learn some chiropractor skills >"...yeah. Don't you remember? Lord Ochu?" "I... remember playing a game while you were also playing one. Was it the one where you were using only two characters?" >To be honest, she's tried-and given up-on so many overly painful challenges that you've only started encouraging her if she goes past a certain point >"...really?" "Yeah. Really." >"Oh." >"Oh" is all she has to say? >She just sits there >"...I guess it was a dream then." "What was?" >"That we..." >She gives a harsh snort >"Agreed to not play Virtua Fighter anymore because you kept losing and got bitter." "Hey, VF isn't my strongest game! You can't hold that against me." >You try not to, but you do get defensive over such an exposed weakness "You know I'm a DoA guy." >"Yeah, I know you're dead-on-arrival." "Wrong Dee-oh-ayy variation." >"Shut up, loser." "Whatever dude. How's your new computer going, anyway?" >You ignore her little tantrum and look at her desktop >Fancy >Full of RGB lights >And has a full paragraph written on the glass with a permanent marker "Did you sign your name on that or are you making a book?" >A hoof thrusts into the back of your skull and makes you eat pillow >"Neither, it's instructions." >The muffled noise you make was supposed to be understood as "you need instructions to turn on a computer?" >The angry pony kneading and stomping lasts until you're nearly asleep >It feels nice >It's technically hostile action >But it just doesn't bother you >And it at least it tuckers her out >By the time she's done dancing on you, she flops down >She's your blanket for the night, presumably >"You suck." "Thanks." >"I mean it." "I mean it too." >"No, not that." "Oh... well, you're welcome anyway." >Another grumble >"I had a weird dream and it felt real." "...oh." >Given who's telling you about the dream, you are not going to ask >"You suck." >She repeats her catchphrase for what has to be the... sixth time? "I know." >"You're lucky I don't drag you into my dreams like I let you do with Jacky." "Sounds like a real threat." >"You better believe it." >She sounds more tired >Obviously spent "I'm not much of a dreamy sort but how about you chill for the night and get some rest? I'll even keep an arm available for you." >You try to lift your right arm "Jack'll be back later so don't get too comfy." >"Hmph." >She slithers off of your back and immediately makes her spot under your arm >A solid cover of warmth envelops it >Must be her magic >She makes you squeeze your arm tight around her >A lot tighter, like you're trying to crack a rib >You're glad that your face is still mostly full of pillow "You're a weird one." >"I know. I'm just going through some stuff." "I'll do what I can to help." >"You better." >That frustrated tone >You aren't the brightest bulb in the box but these femoids have a very select variety when it comes to actual issues >"I'm going to hold you to it. And nothing's gonna stop me." "Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere." >"Thanks... but don't skimp out on me." "Wouldn't..." >You yawn "Dream of it." >"Don't worry... I'll dream it for you." "Just don't abandon reality. As soon as you win three matches in a row, you know you're dreaming." >"Screw you." >At least she's mad about dreams and other stuff >It means that all's right in her world >No stress >No pain >She's exactly in her zone >All of them are >This is what a real home feels like >Who cares if you're still in the little apartment you never felt attached to? >The magic veil hasn't left your arm, you've noticed "No funny business with the arm." >"If you're sleeping it doesn't count." >Oh God >She's a little too much at times "Just remember that Prism gets music tomorrow." >"If I let go of your arm, you let me choose music instead." >"No deal." >"Then you aren't getting this arm back." >Whatever, man >You're tired >She can do whatever, as long as it doesn't end up broken and in pretzel form >You just hope you won't sleep-clean the inside of her tower >Finally, the best part of the work day >Lunch >Shiner and Prism already skedaddled to the car >You bought one of those cheapo DVD players that have their own screen >Between that and handheld games they are in no rush to leave >Jacky has taken up residence under your desk for a mid-day nap >It is a little odd but given how big the desks are, it would take another library employee to see her >Or a particularly curious visitor >"Hey, are you Mr. Jacky?" >Eh? "Eh?" >That sounded like a kid >You peek over the desk >It is a kid >You have no clue how to age the little mooks >Not a highschooler yet "What's up?" >"I said, are you Mr. Jacky?" >Mr. Jacky? "Excsqueeze me?" >"Huh?" "Baking powder?" >Your only answer is confusion >Damn kids don't understand "I am... uh. Yeah. That's me." >When did you get that title? >"Is she gone for the day?" >A quick glance down shows that she's still napping "She is, I think she finished up a little while ago." >"Oh...she said she was gonna help me out after lunch." >Why would she say that? "I can ask her next time I see her. What was she gonna help you out with?" >"A history book. We were gonna play an old game called Oregon Trail too. She said she's watched a ton of movies and stuff about it so she knows a lot about those days." "That right, huh..." >What in the world has she been telling these poor kids? "Well, when I see her next I'll ask. I'd be surprised if she comes back today but I'll let her know." >"Yeah, thanks!" >He seems pretty happy with your answers >"Since I'm waiting here, can I ask you something?" >Your position doesn't explicitly involve you having to talk to kids but whatever >It would be pretty rude to say "no" since apparently she has a positive reputation "What's up?" >"Are you two really married?" "Wh-huh?" >What the hell "I-I mean, yeah. I mean, it's been kinda... somewhat planned." >Somewhat >"So you are?" "We are, yes." >"Why?" "Because I love her. And I believe that she loves me too." >"Isn't it weird?" "Isn't what weird, love?" >"No, that she's a pony." >He doesn't sound accusatory, and you see no need to be defensive about it "Well she's weird but don't hold that against her. I don't." >Your humor doesn't seem to connect with him >Judging from the look on his face, it seems like he's genuinely attempting to suss it out >"Did your families care? Way back then, being from the north or south really separated people." >Acute little guy, ain't he "Yeah, that's true. Lot of cultural differences. For her and I..." >This is going to be a story, isn't it >Not like you have much else to do "Well. For her. She has her sisters. You've seen them around." >"Sure, Ms. Spark and Ms. Prism." "Right. For them... they're kinda the only family she has. And I don't think they were against it." >"What about yours?" >"What about them" was your gut answer >You have to be deliberate, the kid looks like he's maybe one card short of a full poker deck "I... don't know. They aren't really around anymore." >"Oh..." >He sounds dejected >"They're still alive though, right? You can ask them?" >You shrug "Sorry guy, most of them are gone. We're both going to have to go without answers." >Going by your tone, you you're done with the conversation >Supposedly he is too >You sit back down, left to your own devices once more >"Psstpsstpsst." >"That won't work." >"Sure it will. Hey." >Everything is nice and warm >Despite it getting colder, your room is ideal >Beloved pillow, bring the infinite abyss that is the dreamscape >"Psstpsstpsst." >What is that >"Psstpsstpsst." >"...oh wow, his nose twitched. Do it again." >Giggling >Pillow, this is not infinite dreamscape >This is a rather finite sound >"Psstpsstpsst." >"P...pesss...?" >"No, not like that. Psstpsstpsst. You gotta do it three times in a row so it sounds right." >"...you do it instead." >"Fine, lazy." >Pillow, why have you betrayed Anonymous >What are they paying you? >If only you had a mallet you co- >"PSSTPSSTPSST." >The sound is right on your lips >You give a distressed grunt >Tim Allen would be proud >You feel a flicker of tongue dance over your lips >"Psstpsst.. hey. Hey-hey." "Eh." >"Heheh... see that? You gotta get closer as you do it." >"Ok. I'll admit, I'm impressed. If I do the same, can I lick him too?" >"...no." "N't work." >"Heheh... you aaaaaaaaaaaaare awake." >A lazy set of mare lips slide over your own, leading you into an almost one-sided kiss >You feel more weight shift onto your chest until the kisser is laying flat on you >Right now, you don't even care who is kissing you >You raise one hand up just enough to grab onto the kisser's hind leg >You mumble something in between the smooching action >No dice >Even you don't know what you tried to say >"Muah! Et viola, monsieur Anon iz awake! Give us your company, s'il vous plaît." >The mare breaks the kiss and pulls her head back >That tone >That voice >...that accent >You are far more awake >But not enough to open your eyes "...Is it still late?" >"Oui oui, mon copain. Tu es le sleepy sleepy! And poor little Sparky and I... we had to get into ze bottle of, how you say..." >"...It's the merlot, Jacky." >You hear something that sounds like a mix between a hiccup and a throat clear >"Andddd I'm not gonna lie? It tasted pretty good. But if you were here doing that, I would be doing that but more and different." >You thought that was going to be left for a special occasion "Why am I le awake? I was... le, SLEEPING." >Now you can't even remember your dream >It felt so familiar >It had... >It wasn't Jacky >It was her >Way back then >Miss... >A nuzzle against your collar bone leads to your train of thought dissolving >"Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee were talking." >That's a dangerous thing >The second body that's snuggling up between your legs has to be Shiner >She makes an effort to put her chin on top of your knee >"I was talking, and you were listening." >"That too! Anon, she was talking!" "I'm amazed. Really." >A yawn "Why am I amazed?" >"Bbbbbbbbbecause it's about work! And you're super all about work now." >Are you? >"So. You're Mr. Jacky." >A delirious giggle >"And I'm Mrs. Jacky. But. What if..." >This is gonna be good >You asked her about that Mr. Jacky thing but it only led to pillow talk >A lot of pillow talk >She's far more open to initiating that sort of thing >"When I'm... around the kids, you're Mr. Jacky. But when Sparkyler is doing stuff... you're Mr. Shine!" "Veto." >"Told you..." >You can hear the sorrow in the unicorn's voice "Mr. Spark or bust." >"...Mr. Spark?" >Incredulous tone at the most charitable >"Mr. Spark! That's awesome, that'll make you... like, a science teacher! That's so cool, Mr. Spark!" >Jacqueline's sweet spot seems to be merlot >Or maybe it's just drinking with Sparkler that caused this >"...well that sounds good. Hey, Mr. Spark." >A long, drawn out sigh >Did they really wake you up for this? "Yes, Mrs. Sparky?" >"...no, you gotta do it the right way." "Do what the right way?" >"If you're Mr. Spark, I'm Mrs. Spark." >Another distressed noise "Come on... what do they call you already?" >"Miss Sparking shine." "Why?" >"Because I asked them to." >Why are you the smartest one in this situation? "Then why is your name changing?" >"Because Mrs. Jacky sounds nicer and I want to be nice too." >Her borderline pout is enough to make you want to give her a hug >But you're still tired >And Jacky is on your chest >And she's curled up between your legs >And you don't want to move >But the hug too >It will happen >Just not later "How am I Mr. Jacky and Mr. Sparking Shine?" >You can hear the gears in their heads turning >"HEY, PRISM!" >A loud screech from Jackonobonobo >Christ, why is she capable of being so loud? >When she has her normal drinks she's such an angel >She still is one, even now >But you near earplugs >No answer >"Bleaaaaaaah. She would know what to say." "Would she?" >"Probably." >Jacky drops her head on your shoulder multiple times >She raises it high enough then lets it drop like a lead weight >How can she have no brain but have such a heavy head? >"How about we just go by Mrs. Anon?" "Yeah. Sure. Alright. Can I go to sleep now?" >"Not yet." >It's Shiner >Why does she sound so... >Demure? >Subdued >Quiet, even >"Can you call me Mrs. Anon?" >If you do this, will you be able to return to... >Wherever you were? >You don't even remember where you were anymore "Mrs. Anon, help me to go sleep." >"Heh... of course, Mr. Anon." >Sparkler shuffles her way to stand up >"And don't you mean help you go to sleep, not to go?" >Your answer is a defiant yawn of magnitude "Whatever, man. Do it or there's no ceremony." >Things blends together until Jacky is half laying on your chest and curled up to your side >Sparkler has taken up residence on the opposite side, her head nuzzling yours >One last yawn to set things off >"Hey... Mr. Anon." "Mrs. Anon." >"I... l..." >She's trying to say something >She can almost use her words >Thank God she's at least potty trained at this point >"lo...v...?" "Yeah. Yup. You too, Starshine. G'night." >You curl your arm around the red mare with an authorative flex of the arm >"Heheh... psstpsstpsst." "Oh for the love of-" >"Sorry. Just thought of something." "That's wonderful, Jack." >"That kid you told me about. What do you think he's gonna say now?" "I don't care." >You sound almost insulted >Or maybe temperamental "The kid asked why I married a pony, how much worse does this make things?" >"I guess so... but no funny business, alright?" "Sure." >"Alright." >You expected something more cheeky from unicorn face >Another squeezing hug "Something something, I do, something something gas station." >"Mrs. Anon gas stations you too." >From her tone, Sparks sounds relieved >Maybe they actually will come home >Or no... >They're already home >Your last conscious thoughts revolve around dipping in more techs and trying to remember your last dream >You knew that you had gas stations on the mind >But you didn't know why >Until now "Ah crap..." >Empty gas tank >Very nearly empty "Hey, we're gonna have to make a detour before breakfast. Message Jack, will you?" >"You ask the world of me sometimes, Anon." >Sparkler catches the phone you limply fling over her way >The initial goal was to go grab some morning grub but you didn't pay attention to how you needed to fill your tank >Between your shorts and loose button shirt, you aren't the model looking customer for outside situations >Whatever >Your laziness can only go so far >Pulling out into the main road, you head opposite to the store >Hopefully they will still have donuts after the largely minor amount of time it takes to stand at a pump >"Hey, Anon." "Sup." >"I didn't want to bring this up with Jacky around but... what happened last night?" "...huh? What do you mean?" >"I mean I remember drinking that wine and next thing I knew, I was drooling on your shoulder and in a death grip so nice I could have died and been fine with it." >Except when she woke up, she nearly broke your arm to escape to the bathroom "You serious? You never had that sort of reaction before." >"I know. I guess I don't mind it but that spooks even me you know." >You aren't fully buying that this is genuine >It probably is >But is it? "Alright. Well, apparently you're now Mrs. Anon, publicly." >Shine's face turns an even more vibrant red, to the point you could probably see steam if you looked close enough >"...what does that mean?" "It means work is going to get weird and I'm probably going to get asked even more weird questions." >"What's Jacky...?" >You nod with pursed lips "She's Mrs. Anon now too." >"Woah... is that something we should really be doing at work?" "See? I knew one of you had a level head." >"Hey, I'm always level." "No, you're always trying to level up." >"Same thing." "It is no... whatever, man." >At least the gas station is in sight >You pull into your usual spot and after a few flicks of plastic, you're filling your tank >Shine peeks out the car, standing on the driver's seat >"So did you like me when I was drinking that?" "What kind of question is that?" >"Well you must have, since you agreed to the name change." "More like I agreed to your name change." >"It's the same thing!" >Sometimes >You worry >Either your brain is turning to mush through their logical leaps or they're just plain silly "I... yeah. You were a lot less like your usual self. A fair bit more downtrodden, without the ego to be your pillow." >You honestly don't recall much of last night >Maybe if you were allowed to sleep, your head would be on more straight and your temper would be less short "Why did you even start drinking that?" >"It was on sale and I thought if I found the right stuff, I'd find a way to do things that would lead to me becoming Mrs. Anon." >The blunt force of her words are enough to stupefy >She's serious, isn't she "Is there ever an "off" button to you?" >"There is but you don't want to reach and hit it." >Christ >You need to find a way to fortify yourself against this >The alternative is to just flow through on their pace >And their pace... >What would that even include? >Jacky's always getting into something new >She's been dropping a lot of things, almost as often as she picks up something new >It has only become pronounced since she started working >She isn't a busybody but she seems to revel in having things to do >Dealing with kids brings a new kind of smile to her face >Those sorts of reasons are why you're fine with being Mr. Jacky at work >But for home... >It just doesn't fit quite yet >You watch the numbers creep up on the display >You didn't realize how many gallons you go through >The drive to and from work is long but at least you get to sing and listen to the girls sing >It keeps up that morale >But is it draining...? >... >That's a negative view to have on it >The better way to describe it is that you simply miss your alone time "Fifteen-point-six... man, we really were down to fumes, huh." >You miss the days of gassing up once a month, if that >You close everything up and reseat yourself >Shiner's already back in her spot, seatbelt included >"Hey, don't look so bitter. I'm only joking. Mostly." "Mostly, she says..." >You creep out back onto the road to the brick and mortar castle that houses the mystical donuts "...so. You know that what's said in the car stays in the car, right?" >Without much hesitation, she nods >"Sure, I can abide by that." "Lately you've been seriously laying it on thick. I don't know why but Jack seems to fluctuate between caring, not caring, and then using some of your lines for her own benefit." >"And they sure seem to benefit." "What's your aim? What shifted in that goofy head of yours?" >"I had a dream." "A dream." >You aren't one to belittle the impact of dreams but surely that one couldn't have been so special "What about the dream?" >"It felt real. And it felt like it happened to the point I remember Jacky glaring at me and telling you to "get her"." "Jacky was included too, huh?" >"Yeah. The morning after things took off, she seemed like the evil one and told me how your mornings require a lot of energy spending." >That does sound like a dream >Depending on the day, it takes full mare support to even sit up "And then what?" >"She watched it happen and acted like I was some court jester getting punished for trying to be the queen." >That was a >... >Colorful explanation "So is she the queen?" >"She's gotta be. You're the king, Anon." >The casual tone in her voice says that she means it >"It's not that I don't know who has what throne to sit on. But in that dream especially? I was the queen." >She inhales hard and shivers on the exhale >"And boy, I don't know how Jacky could survive if she wasn't built so stern." "...well." >What is said in the car stays in the car >Right? "A tough shell doesn't matter when you can still get inside and swirl things around. Her main benefit is that she's just had more time to learn how to endure." >Shiner's nervous giggle tells you that this is getting weird >And that's saying something given what your life has turned into >"Yeah, I bet." "...Starshine." >"What's up?" >You find a good parking spot >You know you're set when you can park just at the right way so you can just drive forward to leave "Did that dream involve anything to do with that whole little thing about using your magic to help with pregnancy?" >"Yes. Yes it did." >Of course it did >Some things still feel awkward or uncomfortable, no matter how few barriers there are between everyone "...you really think it might work?" >"Well. I mean I haven't tried it yet." "What would you even do? You hardly know how many stomachs Jacker has, nevermind where the key location is." >"Well, I thought about that. And rather than focus on the receiving end, I would rather focus on..." >Her eyes travel over your body >A slow smirk shows >You question whether or not you need a spray bottle to attack her with >"You. Because obviously you're the weird one in the equation." "I, am the weird one? You three are four of the only ponies I've seen!" >"Yeah, and in our little crack shoot home, you're the odd one out." >Her noncommittal shrug shows how little she's worried about the details >"So, my focus would be on you and your area instead. Ponies are all naturally magical and awesome so if I can find a way to make you magical and awesome..." "You telling me I'm not awesome?" >"Not enough to the point you're capable of making Jacky a mommy." >Ouch >That hurt more than you wanted to admit >You want to reply to that but you remain silent >Holy hell >That actually took the wind out of your sails "...that's brutal." >Her pleased face shifts >"H-hey, I didn't mean it like that. If she were a human you'd be on kid number, what, five? I'm just saying that we're gonna have to... cross a few wires?" "Ouch! That sounds even worse." >"No, not physically! But just..." >She rolls her head back and forth >"Like... magically. Get some sort of common thread sort of thing going. I don't know, you're talking to the mare that turned fire into ice because the reward was some guy and my sister undoing buttons on my shirt with their mouths. Apparently I work well on horned up energy." "First off, that was my shirt you were wearing." >"And I still wear it, loser." "Second..." >You don't have a second >But you can't concede "That... was still a neat trick." >"Thank you. But I still have no clue if that was how it was supposed to go. I think if I ever went to magic school, I'd have a better grip on this." >She leans back in her seat, hind legs kicking up >You choose to believe that the way she's sitting and showing herself is incidental to the topic at hand >"And don't think I'm being lazy either... I know that if I mess this up, I could do some serious harm to you. Or her. Or both of you. Like, the sort of harm that could kill you." >You don't deny that at all >If she does screw up, in that area, you may as well be good as dead "If it helps, neither of us have brought it up all that much." >"Jacky has." "Yeah?" >"Yeah." >You're going to regret this >But... "Well, let's walk and talk." >You reach over to click her seatbelt off >A sly grin on her face, paired with her sitting arrangement, tells you the sort of mood she's in "...have I mentioned I'm glad you wear clothing at work?" >"Trust me, I am glad too. Makes me feel so much more free otherwise." >With that said and done, you wait until you have a shopping cart to resume the conversation >So there's no shouting over rather intimate talk, you scoop Shiner up with ease >She doesn't expect it but rather than remain in a certain shape like Jack, she goes limp >That's a sign of trust if there ever was one given you could just dunk her on her horn >You put her onto the upper basket, where purses and stolen sodas usually go "So, what has she been going on about when it comes to that sort of thing?" >"Well, her "little humans" certainly like her. Most of them aren't so bad, actually. They listen and they don't seem to mind when she tells them wrong things." "Like what?" >"Like anything? She doesn't know crap about the world but she thinks her movie lore is enough to sound impressive." "Does it work?" >"I don't think so." "...oh." >That can be a bit harsh >But she seems to enjoy herself >"But that's not my point. It's that she has really taken to being around little humans. And she's getting excited to have little Anons running around." "She hasn't told me much about it." >"Yeah, I know. Because when I said that exact thing she wilted and said something about timing." "Timing, huh..." >You haven't even thought about that sort of thing >Your work has been more computer-based than anything else >You still don't know what it is you do, but you do it well enough that you're still getting paid "Alright, pick your stack." >"Buttermilk." "You got it. Grab them. We're here so we can load up on other things too." >You aren't trying to ignore the topic at hand >You just want to make sure you don't step out and immediately realize you forgot to grab something >"You know, the look on your face tells me that Jacky wasn't wrong to have the right timing." "What's wrong with my face?" >"Nothing. You just look like you're... not pleased." "No, I am. It's just... I worry that the apartment is too small. And a pregnant Jack would need to stay safe." >You feel just a bit of bitter bile rise up "And I'll be honest. If any of those little twerps did anything, I'd probably end up going to prison." >"Jesus, Anon. You really think that might happen?" "No. But I'll still be worried." >By the time you reach the dairy section, your thoughts shift >For no particular reason at all, you clear your throat when you grab a gallon of milk "I think..." >"You do?" "Sometimes." >Once you say this, there's no taking it back "I think, if I worry about excuses for it to not happen, I'll never run out of "what if"s. So." >"So?" "I think it should happen. And I suppose I don't particularly care when it happens. It's something I want." >Five items later and you think you're set for frozen items >Namely, ice cream >Once it gets too cold outside, you won't care to have any "Everything will fit into place, because it'll have to. And I guess that means the same with you." >Your words come out deliberately "As is your price..." >Shine gives a sheepish half-smile >"To be fair... if it is a bridge too far. You don't have to." >For no particular reason at all, both of you seem to be greatly interested in the various items on sale that are just not that interesting normally >"I mean, let's be real. None of us were wanted. It's why... well, you know our history. And I would be kinda selfish to keep that going." >Her tone is dry >You feel like you're falling into the back of your head >That is true, isn't it "We're a family already, aren't we?" >That is a thing to pay attention to >It's an aspect that just can't be ignored "Jack said it'd be fine. And if it helps." >Random pack of peanut butter cups? >Why yes, you'd love to examine them for ingredients and grab three even though they aren't on sale "If it helps, I think you would be a great mom. And you should be one." >You said that >And you can't unsay it >That would be a problem if you didn't mean it >But you do mean it >Should you be worried? "Move my tank two spots below that forest, and once to the left." >"You suck, you know that?" "It's fine, I'm only zoning you out." >"Zone it out your ass, wait until my winter fury." "Oh no, the winter furry." >Another week of work >Another paycheck >And another night of... >Absolutely nothing >Shiner and you have been focusing on the computer screen for the last two hours >You stumbled across an old handheld war game and ended up getting challenged to war >But because you're lazy, you're making her move your units for you >No fog of war, so no reason to try to be sneaky >To sweeten the deal, she's been sitting on your lap like a little red humanoid nerd >Your arms are around her chest in a hug, your head on top of hers >Because you've been too lazy to turn on the heat, the faint aura of warmth eminating from her has been keeping you warm >You and Jack >She decided to buy a bottle of high alcohol content rum >You don't care for the stuff but it turns her into a cuddle bug >Rather than complain about the casual unicorn hugging, she's just been going between nuzzling you and nuzzling her in between shallow gulps and requests for water and pizza >Her capacity for alcohol in a tiny pony body is sometimes concerning >You haven't had the heart to tell her that if and when she has a bun in the oven, she'll have to go cold turkey >Your kids are going to be autistic, dammit, not have FAS >"I love you guys." "We love you too, Captain Jack." >"I don't know if I love you but you're pretty cool sometimes." "Shush, you love her." >"...you said it, not me." >You tried explaining the units to Jacqueline but even when the booze wasn't caressing her insides, she didn't really seem to care >She acted more as morale support in the form of a secretary trash talking the opposing army whenever you took out a unit >It was working at distracting Shiner but those days are long gone >Fifteen days, at least >It's Day Twenty >... >... >... >Neither of you are particularly good at pushing and maintaining ground, so it's almost just a way to kill time at this point >"Hey Anon." "Hey Flint." >"Flint?" "Flint sparks." >"Clever." "Thanks." >"...are we boring?" "What do you mean?" >"I mean everyone at work seems to have a life they lead and going to work is just a thing they do. By the by, I hope you like this recon." "Are you seriously going to stop my capture?" >"Yup." "You suck." >Your mutual monotones do little to transfer the red hot action that is moving pixel caricatures over a grid "I... don't know. I mean, we have fun." >"I love the fun you guys give me." "We love you too Bottle Jack." >"I love that you stopped trying to get onto his-and my-lap." >She is proper sloshed >The strong slur in her voice says that she is down for the count >Sadly, you're too busy to take advantage of her at the moment >"We do have fun but... it seems like ever since we started working, we're just doing less. We have that D&D campaign, but I've been taking naps more. Everyone has. It feels like our entire lives are focused on showing up there. Anything else is just filler time." >Big words for a part-time filly >But her point is concerning >For the last few months your surplus has shot through the roof >The girls have their own fun funds >But at what cost? >Whenever you came home, there would always be something going on >Some sort of scheme or mischief >Or they were at least doing something >Now everyone is more or less on the same page >More naps are taken >There's less... >Is "chaos" the right word? >You release your lower arm from the hug to rub Jack-o-lantern's ear >She pushes hard into it, twisting her head like a dog >Man's best friend for sure "Well, we do things together, right? It was kind of the same before I got you guys. I just worked, slept, and had little meaningful time sinks." >"How are time sinks meaningful?" "Well every hobby is a time sink. By the way, you're moving my guys without me saying anything." >"I know." "You know?" >"Yup." "Cheater." >"Not really. I still don't have an answer for that mountain alley you locked off. And those rockets freaking suck." "Thought you'd like that." >Jack shifts her head up and chomps down on your hand >Or maybe it's more of a nom >She looks up at you with the sweetest eyes, gently squeezing your palm with her teeth >You smile at your lemon dork "Are you enjoying yourself, boozehound?" >Her nod is slow and deliberate >... >You recognize that look >That nod >"I am... going to try the best I can to ignore what is going on over there and will instead say that you're half-ass hugging me." "Then you better continue to ignore and screw you for that anti-air. I hope you like my tank." >"Your tank is like your other hand: out of range for at least a day and of subpar quality otherwise." >You give a heartfelt gasp "You calling my hand subpar?" >"Just that one because it's hers." >Shine looks at Jack >Their eyes lock >It only break when Jacky's eyebrows waggle up and down >"Ugh. Fine. She can have that one. I bet she gets to do that anyway." "You know, not once has she and I ever sat down and talked about what one could or couldn't do." >"And how has that worked out for you?" "Well it led to you. And a handful of other things, like how now I know to dump rum down her gullet when I want to see her like this." >Said gullet bites down on your hand and gives it a soft jerk >You've heard stories that different types of booze can bring out different types of drunkards >You didn't actually think it would be true >To scratch your chin, you rub your face against the back of Shine's head >From her shiver, it isn't unwanted >"H-hey, no backseat shenanigans." "You're the one sitting on my lap despite my hand circumstances." >You can feel Jacky's tongue flex over your palm >It is not >A bad thing >With your chin satisfied you plop your head right on your war opponent's again "I guess the main question is... what do you want to do after work?" >"This." >That was a quick answer "Really? You just want to sit like a human and play video games?" >"You mean sit on your lap, have you hug me and slowly whittle your ass down until you're my prisoner of war for me to exploit until I let you go to your original pony in exchange for big bucks?" >Her giggle isn't malicious but it comes from a dark place >"Oh, I'm quite happy with this." "...ok, first off you're dealing with the consequences of that and I am absolved of all responsibility. Right Jack?" >Jacky attempts to speak but it is all blocked off from her jaw refusing to let your hand go >If she bit down completely, you'd lose two fingers >But it's more like she's just talking with too much food >By the time she finishes with it, she lets go of your hand and pushes her face against it >"And when I mean "hard", I mean hard. Right Anon?" >Why do you get the feeling that she isn't talking about the topic at hand? "...right." >"...how much was that rum again?" "Thirty bucks." >"I'll buy her a bottle." "That's manipulative." >"Manipulate this bomber." "You suck." >To stop Shiner from slipping, you redouble your hug "So you want to just play shit and hang out. Why are you worried if that's boring?" >"Because everyone in this world seems like they're always doing things." "And would you rather be out there, enjoying the world?" >"Well... I mean, I guess I already am. You're an asshole that is spamming tanks-" "It's called reinforcements." >"It's called being an asshole. But, I was gonna say that while you're doing that, I guess I don't care what we do. I like hanging around you guys." >You're glad she didn't specify you >If only because the mare nuzzling your hand like a fiend would find an issue with it "Then I guess it doesn't matter if we're boring. If you aren't bored, then it's all good." >"I guess. But that makes me think. Isn't Prism extremely boring?" "Why is she extreme?" >"Because she can fly and all she does is watch birds, mope around and not join in on any of our awesome games." "To be fair, you're a bit of a clingy nerd, so getting smack talked by me is your form of Nirvana." >"I'm insulted. But only because I don't know what Nirvana is." "It's the look on your face when you realized you're one rum gulp away from being like Jacky." >"...that's low." >"Low but I still love you for it, Sparky!" "We love you too Jack." >"Oh God. As if I would go so far as to get intoxicated for brownie points." >"I have." "And it's why you're number one Power Jack. C'mere." >Jacky lurches up and takes dominion of your face >A rum-flavored kiss isn't so bad, even if it isn't your drink of choice >"For the record, listening to you two say things like that makes me think I'm listening to my parents. It's embarrassing." >"You're just jealous." "I choose to leave no comment." >Jack's hind hooves are apparently made out of rum ham with no bone because she shortly flops over >That stuff is really kicking her ass "I don't know what Faye's thing is. I don't know what is "fun" for her. And I kinda don't think she knows either." >"Sounds boring to me." "Maybe. Maybe she's saving herself by not being around our dumb asses." >"I would buy that." "You would because you're a dumbass, dumbass." >"The one time I hope you'd talk about it, and you're calling it dumb. That's it, eat snow and two global damage. I'm taking the center and you aren't going to stop me." "You sit there and I'll give you a kiss." >"Ha!" >That was the most dry, unexpected "ha" you've ever heard >"F-fat chance. When I win, you're ransom bait." "Crap." >If it makes you feel any better, neither her nor you have actively been playing to win >Maybe you are boring >Rather than mastering a skill or learning new things, you're playing a near twenty year old game with some dork while your marefriend has apparently lost her grip on reality and is now mumbling some sort of sea shanty you've personally never heard of >... >If that's boring, what in the world would "interesting" be? "Hey Shiner." >"Don't talk, you're ruining the moment." >You're using her side as a pillow >It doesn't feel anything at all like using Jacky as a pillow >Warmer? >Sure >But because you can't just lay your head anywhere, you're stuck in place >And she's already a bit of a smaller mare >At least she's positioned just right so your neck doesn't feel weird "What moment? You're laying on the only other pillow here." >"And what about the pillow between your knees?" >You glance down "I always do that." >"You've literally never done that until just today." "You don't know that." >"Trust me, I'd notice you putting my head into a guillotine like that." "Y... what was that?" >"That's right." "Really?" >"I said it." "I..." >"And I'm not taking it back." >Going by the huffiness in her voice, she's doing well at playing it cool "I was gonna ask me to make some breakfast because Chef Jackyardee is out with Prism enjoying last night's snow." >"You were going to ask me." >Her deadpan tone is matched with your own "Yeah, that's right." >She sighs >She's been grinding more on that Final Fantasy game >Namely that challenge run >She keeps switching to that whenever it's just you and her >Maybe it's because she doesn't have to deal with Jacky complaining that it's not entertaining to watch >"What do you want?" "I don't know. Something good." >"Best I can do is something quick and easy." "You know you're speaking my language." >She sighs and sets the controller down >To stop her from leaving, you lift up your head and let it fall on her "Hey, I didn't say right now. You're on pillow duty, missy." >She laughs and picks the controller back up >"You're bossy. You're supposed to be hapless and give into our demands. The other way around doesn't work." "Bullshit it doesn't. Besides, I already do a ton of things." >"Name one." >She had that prepared "I..." >Obviously, you have so many things to choose from that it is difficult to choose just one "I keep morale up." >Your answer is met with a bitter grumble >"Alright, that's fair." "Bitchin'." >You nuzzle your face into what feels like the edge of her spine "Silly question." >"Silly pony." "Super. Last winter you seemed pretty fine with stuff. It's starting to get cold again and it isn't even November. Do you do your magic stuff... internally? Or what?" >Her coat is a big more shaggy than Jack's, that's for sure >But that can't be the one X factor that keeps her fine >"Half of it is because I'm the hottest pony on the planet." "You're so modest." >"You know I don't lie." "Dork." >"The other half is a mix between getting used to magic more... and I kinda just grew up with it." "Oh... yeah. I guess that makes sense, huh." >"Yup. But ever since I learned how to do stuff, it just seems... elementary." "So think warm thoughts, huh." >"Basically." "So what's Faye's excuse?" >"That hen? Well you've seen how she basically lives outside." "Yeah. I still feel a little bad about that." >"Why? She's an adult." "I know." >You shuffle yourself around, pressing the side of your head into the self-proclaimed hottest mare in the world >You don't want to admit that she's right in a mechanical or magical sense >"With her... I don't know what her deal is. I remember when she would trot around town like it was nothing. Or the city. Or ditches. You know. Wherever." "Sure." >"I can only really guess it's because she's a pegasus. Hollow bones, big coat, bigger wings, no brain. Can't feel cold if you can't conceptualize what it is to be cold, right?" "Hey." >You pause after a stern snap reply "...what's wrong with hollow bones?" >She snorts at your serious sounding question >"Nothing, nothing. Maybe I'm just jealous. If I were light enough to fly, I could act all fragile and shy too." "She doesn't act shy. Egotistical? Tiny bit. But I've never seen her act shy." >"I'm going to get you a trophy." "Sweet. What for?" >"For being so selectively blind I'm surprised your world doesn't consist of random noises and a freakishly keen eye as soon as yellow butt wiggles by." "..." >Well, she's certainly creative today "...go on..." >"I guess I can't blame you fully. Like, 98% I can. But no. When she has to be around other humans and when she realizes she has no escape, she kinda shrinks." "Just like saran wrap. Got any good examples? I guess I kinda zone out at work. The mornings aren't so bad but I just lose sight of whatever is out of view. Jack keeps me company though." >"Dude, she hangs out under your desk. She keeps you more than just company." >You clear your throat >Repeatedly "I..." >There's no way she knows >That you've at least thought of it "Madam, I am a professional. And there are far too many witnesses, Jesus." >"And if you did it, we'd all probably lose our jobs." "Or get massive promotions." >"Maybe we should find a job where that sort of thing is allowed, huh?" "No way. I like it there. Even if the drive time sucks." >"It sucks to listen to our angelic singing?" "Let me rephrase: the constant fueling up sucks." >"I've literally paid for the last three refuelings." "Exactly. How long before you demand something in return?" >"Given the things I get to do already? I help out to stave off any bad karma." "Ahhh... I see." >You scratch the side of your face against her hide "Hey Starshine." >"Yeah?" "Breakfast." >"Yeah?" "Like... oatmeal or something." >"Yeah?" "And some hot tea too." >"Yeah?" "And a mare to guillotine." >"Ye-" >Outside of the recurring gag causing her to lose her composure, the blindside attack causes her to sputter and end with a long "hm" noise "Yeah?" >"...Yeah." "But later. I'm too comfy." >"You're a slave driver, Anon." "You wish you were slave status, minion." >Days blend together >With everyone working, there is a natural flow >It feels good >It feels like everything is in place >It feels... >It feels like someone's talking >It's a feel rather than something you can hear because you can feel moving lips against your neck "Eh?" >Your disembodied body reforms to the point you remember you're in the living room >What were you doing in here? >You were watching some spooky movie with the dorks >Then you... >You must have just blinked out "Jack?" >"Shh... don't wake up. It won't work if you wake up." "Too late. I'm awake." >While it isn't a bed, the pony-made nest of blankets, quilts, pillows and fabrics can be comfy >Ish >You squint your way back into the waking world, to the point you have vision once more >It's her >She smiles >It's a simple gesture >It isn't energized or excited >She's just happy to see you >You feel the same >You're happy to see you, too >Your hand finds her face >While it was an attempt at a pet, it ends up slapping the top of her head >It slides down her front until you boop her "What won't work?" >"A spell." "A spell?" >"A spell." >That's >Descriptive "A good one?" >"For me. Probably for you too but I don't know for sure." "Oh. Ok." >You close your eyes again "If I turn into a toad, remember that toads don't have hands." >"Hey, don't go back to sleep." >She gives you the laziest headbutt against your chin >"Wake up again." "Isn't it late?" >"Yeah but it's important." >Well if she said it's important, it must be >You open your eyes once more >Something's playing on the TV >More Crypt Keeper playing >Spooky stuff "What's on your mind, Cracker Jack?" >"I can't sleep." "Apparently it might have something to do with you trying to cast a spell." >"No, that's a side-effect." "Naturally." >She slithers on top of you and rests her legs on the outside of your torso "Why can't you sleep?" >"Because Sparky and I had a talk." >Oh boy "Did she tell you that you were adopted again?" >"...yeah. But that's not the thing." >To be fair they're all adopted >Because that thought doesn't make things sound even more obscene to any outsiders >You've heard them before, Shine would argue that while Jacky was an accident, she was on purpose >That's brutal >But it's true >"We were talking about how we can do the thing." >The thing "...the thing." >The first thing your mind goes to is her driving >She can take the wheel and Shine can work the pedals >"Yeah. You know. The... foal thing." "Oh." >That has stirred you enough that you're no longer standing on a slanted layer of ice "Yeah? Tell me more." >You re-adjust your head until you have another bundle of blanket behind it >"Well, you know how you can enchant weapons with elemental damage?" >You don't like the connection "Y... yeah?" >"What if we do that?" "I... am I going to do fire damage now? I'm going to need an ointment." >She headbutts the bottom of your chin again with just enough force to make you stop talking >"Trust me, it'll be an ice element first." "Really? You mea-" >Another headbutt >"You're distracting me..." >You can feel her wiggle on your body >This seems like something she's' genuinely excited on >"But what do you think of that? Because when you think about it, magic is a normal thing that happens all the time where we're from. So enchanting stuff is probably easy to do too, right?" "I suppose." >"So we enchant you, you kinda become more like us because magic and..." "Profit?" >"More profits than either of us can imagine." >You chuckle and slide your hands up her sides until you have her in a loose hug "That sounds like a plan." >Maybe it's your lack of sleep but for some reason your mind wanders from the obvious list of infinite positives "...can Shine enchant things?" >The question seems to put a damper on her mood >What seemed to be contentment melts until she's gawking at you like the thought hadn't once crossed her mind >"I... I mean. Why couldn't she?" "Because if she botches it, I won't be enchanted with ice. They'll just freeze and fall off." >Nevermind the fire enchantment simply becoming a broiling >Her absent-minded look further degrades until it's more a worrisome frown >"I... I didn't think of that..." "If it works, it'll work... but it's also going to suck really hard if it doesn't work. Or, worse, if it leads to me losing the capacity. And I'm not gonna lie, I kinda pride myself on not being a eunich." >"I really didn't think of that..." >You close your eyes with the intent on keeping them closed "It's alright. Just let me know when you're working on field trials. Try to enchant some stuff before we give it a real solid try. Mostly because it'll suck for me but I'm also worried for you too." >"You're worried about me?" "Yeah. Because if my shit catches on fire, you're going to have to put it out. And then we're both going to need an ambulance." >You hear an amused "heh" >"Deal." "So what was that spell for? I didn't think you were the magic class sort. Barbarian mares don't do magic either." >"I can cross-class, can't I?" "Nope. You're my little barbarian." >You yawn "And you'll always be my little barbarian." >She wiggles more on your body >It won't wake you up again >But it does awaken you >The way she settles onto you is like a glove >"...worst case scenario, we can always do a surrogate thing too... right, Anon?" "Worst-case scenario... yeah..." >But that wouldn't really be the same, would it? >... >Say if you do get enchanted >You're wielding a +1 and your critical threat range is increased >Your improved hardness rating allows you to crash through her armor material >You snicker >"Hm?" "N-nothing." >If that sort of thing does work... >What would come out? >A little human from a mare... >That would be interesting, wouldn't it? >Alternatively, if you end up having a pony child... >Is that ok? >Is it really ok? >The human world is rather unyielding when it comes to accessibility >What if they're something else entirely? >What then? "Hey Jack." >"Anon." >You can go back to your spell casting." >"Heh. Thanks. But I guess it's more a prayer than a spell. Barbarians can pray, can't they?" "They sure can." >Ignoring any smaller movements or physical gestures of affection, Jacky remains on top of you >Despite the pleasant movements, you end up slipping off to sleep again >The last thing of notice your body reports to your brain is the silent mumbling against your throat >You cling to the facade of consciousness just long enough to feel her kiss your throat repeatedly before the prayer repeats >It'll work >Something will work >Whether or not it will be a miracle or through magic >Neither of you will stop >Once upon a time, you would tiptoe around sleeping mares to get ready for work >Once upon a time, you would occasionally see Jackernaut watching an early movie >Or Sparkler playing a game at low volume >Or Faye whistling at early birds in the trees >"Why is she taking so long?" "What, are you so dirty you're desperate for a shower?" >"...Maybe. But it's been like twenty minutes now." >Now? >Everyone has a shower in the morning >Breakfast is sometimes had but not always >Clothing is set up for everyone >You haven't said anything about it >But you never realized just how good a mare smells when there is daily bathing >Not that Jackobo was particularly dirty before >Shine grumbles and headbutts your arm with the side of her head >"Make her get out." "Nah." >"Nah?" "Yeah." >Rather than watch the random YouTube trash of the morning with you, she looks up like you insulted her >"You dare defy me?" "Dude, I take pride in defying you." >You check your phone and lean back from your usual sitting position >You still have time >You have hours left "Besides, there's no rush. You took a shower last night anyway." >The unicorn puffs out her cheeks >"That was yesterday." "Yeah and that still rose the water bill." >"By not even a dollar." "You're still raising it." >"Then I'll give you an extra dollar." "Mmm... nah." >Your casual negativity causes equally casual stress >"You suck." "You blow." >She glares at you >"You swallow." "You show." >You throw her your best smug smile "Besides, today's gonna be short." >They aren't cutting your hours, per say >But they are actually, in reality, finding a way to pay you less money >It hardly matters when your household has four effective workers >But it is still concerning >"True. Does that mean that we'll always leave early on Thursdays?" "And Fridays." >"That's kinda lame." "Honestly? I don't mind it. We're doing basically a hundred hours a week. This will cut it down by eight." >And that is as long as they don't start cutting hours for the girls >But it isn't like they aren't popular >Ever since they started wearing their outfits, they've been fitting in a lot more >No more awkward moments that come with being... unsecured >And certainly no more odd commentary from parents >And less questions from that nosey bastard of a kid >You can't tell if it's advanced autism, or him being a little moron >... >Or if he's genuinely interested in how Mr. and Mrs. Jacky work >You never even considered the fact that you might be leaving an odd influence "Hey." >"Hay is for horses." >You share a shame of minor disappointment >"...sorry. I've been told that at least twice a day for the last three weeks." "That... yeah. Yeah..." >You've heard too many equine jokes too "You made me forget what I was going to ask." >"Oops." "You dick." >She snickers and throws herself to her side >With a mighty yawn she moves her legs like she's trotting in air >"Maybe with you working less, we can hang out more. I haven't beat your butt lately." "That's because I haven't played either of the precisely two games that you are actually good at." >Her first response is a low, exhaling growl >"I'm good at... at least five." "I'm willing to debate that." >"Then how about a tournament? Best of three across six titles." >Already tired of the current video, you swap to some random album "Yeah? Which ones?" >"Tekken Seven." >She raises one foreleg >"Soul Caliber Three." >She raises one hindleg >"Dead or Alive Five" >She uses her momentum to flop onto her back >"Mario Kart Double Dash." >She kicks out her other hind leg >The current pose is... >Rather blatant >You have no clue why she goes out of her way to flash you >She's done it for so long that it has lost most shock value >You have no clue if she even cares about that "You know that isn't a fighting game." >"I never said it had to be a fighting game, dork." "Nerd." >"Aaaaaaaaaanyway. That's..." >She pauses "That's four, dear." >"S-shut up. I knew that." "Did you." >"...Smash..." >She finally raises up her remaining foreleg >She looks like a fainting goat "So that's five..." >"S-shut up." >Those last two were a stretch >You only really have two or three consistent titles to bicker and fight through >Smash has been an iffy title due to it being more fun to play on the same side >"Last one... iiiiisss..." >She hisses and deflates while prolonging the inevitable of her having to provide an answer >"...Mortal... Kombat..." "Yeah?" >"...Three." "...have we played that one?" >Her list finally given, she goes limp >"No we haven't. But I've seen some tournament videos and it looks technical. So I'm good at it." "Are you?" >"Obviously." >That is a definite stretch >But at least it'll be fun to play >When was the last time you even played one of those old live-action fighters? >Even as a kid, you didn't often get to go to the arcade >Like most kids, you played most arcade cabinets at the movie theater >Much to the dismay of parental figures that had to fuel your addiction five bucks at a time "Alright, deal. What do I get when I win?" >"What do you want?" "Do dinner." >"I almost always do dinner." >It sounds like the shower cut off >About time "Oh yeah, Faye's next by the way." >"Fucking..." "And I know you do dinner. But I mean, do dinner the way I want." >Your tone and specification causes her to give an interested "hm" >"Deal. But instead of that, when I win, you're going to be my bed and pillow for a week." "How can I be both?" >The mare shrugs >"I don't really care, that's your problem. I just want an excuse to cockblock Jacky." "Well at least you're honest." >"Always." >Christmas season >Technically >It still feels like you're new to the snow >It still feels like you're new to the biting cold and slippery ground >And it feels very new now >Rather than stay in, you decided to take the girls out to dinner >That was... the original idea, anyway >Jacky wanted Olive Garden so you went >With everyone dressed up, it seemed like it should have gone swimmingly >"Oh wow... um, sir? Is it ok for these three to be here?" "Of course. I'm the designated driver and I'm buying this round." >"Oh, I'm his wife too." >Jacky nonchalantly added in her two cents >"I'm the mistress, but don't tell her that." >Sparky just had to throw in with the most deadpan of delivery >Prism was the only one to refrain and look at the waitress >"And I'm the only one with a sense of decency." >The look on her face was a strong mix of confusion, fear, and just enough disgust >You tried to make things better but your mouth moved faster than your mind "I'll have you know that we're just a bunch of jokers... none of us have any decency. Mind if you give us a few minutes?" >You were asked to leave >Immediately "Well, we're coming up to a few places on the right and left. Speak now or forever go without grub." >With everyone dressed in their best to impress and act all official, it feels like a waste to simply stick with fast food >But that's alright >Everyone's still together, right? >"How about pizza?" "You know we gotta wait for it, right?" >"Yeah, I know. But it's my birthday and I want pizza." >You snort and call back to the back seats "Alright, birthday girl selected her dinner. Hope you're in the mood for it." >Your answer from the two freak ponies include some moderately toned acceptance >The roads are clear but with the first layer of snow officially laid out the landscape had turned dreary and muddy >You find a parking spot and head inside the run down Pizza Hut just long enough to put your order in >The kitchen looks clean but the walls around the desk area look like they're being remodeled >And that's a charitable interpretation "Hey, while I'm waiting, mind if I snag this tea?" >You pluck a jug of unsweet tea from the mostly empty refrigerated shelf >"Sure. You're the first one I've seen to ever want to drink that." "Yeah, well I..." >Hold on a tick >You rotate the jug >It's cloudy >You rotate it like a Resident Evil puzzle piece until you see the expiration date "You know, this is out of date by like three months." >"Oh. That's probably why." >You give the pizza guy a wry glance "Right... I'll let you keep it." >You set it on the counter and walk out back to the car >Despite getting kicked out of what some would consider to be a moderate-tier family restaurant, the dorks look happy with themselves >Apparently Jacky jumped to the back to share the seat with the nerd and the loner >You never thought that they would look so different with clothing on >Shiner in a t-shirt >Jacky in a sweater that seems a bit too big and human-sized for a mare >Prism wearing a trio of scarves folded into each other >... >You got them each a scarf with the idea that they'd all use one >Instead it turned into some braided blend of green, blue and grey >You swing yourself onto your seat "So! We got a trio being made. Meat lover's, super supreme, and pepperoni lover's." >"Sweet! All stuffed crust?" "I spare no expenses." >The super supreme is new territory but apparently she wants to try new things >"Dashie, did you see the look on that kid's face when we first came in?" >"I did. I think we're bound to turn heads wherever we go." >"You kept making weird faces at him, that's why." >"Oh, right. The fact that we're ponies didn't add into it, Ms. I-Have-A-Horn?" >"He's old enough to have access to the internet, I doubt we're the weirdest things he's ever seen." >None of them seem bothered by the fact that they were kicked out >It almost seems like they were anticipating it "I think the little skit might have turned more heads than you thought. None of you were particularly quiet." >"Psh, sure, you were just as happy to join in." >Aerodyjacknic has a point >You were flying as high as they were, just happy to be out in public and together >The clothing factor makes it seem so much more official >They don't fit in, still >They probably never will >But they're doing a lot to make up for it >Employment, no matter if it's under the table >Hobbies >A home >A future >A quickly expanding wardrobe which is only making you hyper aware of how openly naked they've been for the bulk of their lives >Way back from where they were from, how many wore clothing? "Hey... something's been bugging me." >Prism speaks up while the chatter continues >"What is it?" "Did you guys do clothing way back then? Was it for fashion or more for practical reasons?" >"A few did but it was hardly required. It wasn't anything we could afford.. and besides, clothing gets caught and is easy to identify." "Right... career criminals." >"Plus do you know just how easily it would get filthy? I don't know if they existed but we certainly never had access to laundry machines. You sleep in a ditch or bush-" "Or sewer pipe." >"Yes, or there... any stain suddenly becomes the entire focus. And then it just looks sad. Blankets were always better. No one thought twice about a set of rags that just needed to be soaked out." "Yeah. I guess so. And now look at you. Bath almost every day, freshly laundered clothes, disposable income. And I don't think I've seen you eat the same thing twice in the last... what, two months?" >"I guess you could say that crime did pay for us." >While not a joke, the teasing tone in Prism's voice is a welcome change >That is a good way to look at it >The three little crooks did lie, cheat, and steal their way through everything and everywhere >It did have consequences >The consequences and scars that came from that sort of life haven't vanished >Not during the lowest days >But it's better >"Oh! When we get back, why don't we watch a movie?" >"Come on, we watch movies all the time." >"No we haven't! We haven't all watched stuff together in a long time! At least... a month!" >"Fiiiiiiiiiine. But I'm still going to play something in the background." >"That's ok with me, it just means I'll have to add more movies." "And we do have a new set of speakers to break in." >"And those speakers would be better broken in with a game!" >"Nah, movies! When it's your birthday, you can decide what we do." >"It's not even your birthday! How old are you, anyway? You can't have birthday rules unless you can answer that." >"Yeah? Can you answer that?" >"...yeah. Unicorns age by their horns getting longer." >"Your horn hasn't changed since the day I met you." >"It just means I'm immortal." >"Sooooo that means you'll never have a birthday like me?" >"Wha-" >"And it also means you have eternity so I can do whatever I want and you can just wait!" >"Don't you try to rules lawyer me when I'm trying to rule lawyer you!?" >"Hey, Mr. DM! Do immortals have birthdays?" "Nope." >With that single word, Shiner explodes into a rant >Jacky pokes and prods at the rant angles, pleased as pie that her wit has sharpened to the point she can not just keep up but set the pace >You can guess which movies she'll default to >She's been giving you the squint >You don't often lay on your stomach >You used to, all the time >At least you did when you were younger >Over the years you don't know what changed >"Anon! Jacky! Wake up!" >Your first instinct is to reaffirm what it is your face is buried in >A slow nuzzle confirms it >Between Jackenstein's belly and hind leg >Shiner isn't going to outsmart you twice, the coat definitely speaks Jack to you >"Wake up! It's important, Sparky is already in the living room waiting for you!" >You hug your PillowJack tight >Whether to disobey Prism or to keep your pillow stationary, who could say >"Hm?" >Dang it >Jacky gives a melodious yawn >"What's up, Dashie?" >"It's Thanksgiving! Merry Thanksgiving to both of you!" >You echo the sentiment back through winter mare coat >Jacky's skin twitches at the mix of noise and contact >"Heh, and Anon said we'll be right there! Just... give us a moment to wake up." >Lying mare, you said no such thing >"Do not take too long, I'm excited!" >Her? >Excited? >You contemplate both that and how you must leave your comfort behind >You raise your head up just enough to be able to speak clearly >Even then, your chin resting on her side makes your head bob up and down "I didn't say that." >"Yeah? What did you say?" "Sheepskin seatcovers." >"Well, now you can say it to her in the living room too." "Bahhh... alright. You're the boss." >"...yeah?" "Yeah. As long as I spend the next three nights sleeping like last night." >The amused look on her face is enough to tell that she struck gold when she wasn't even panhandling >"Well I would have let you sleep like that for the next three months... but ok. Three nights it is." "...Dammit." >Resisting the urge to simply bury yourself back again, the two of you share a soft, mutual headbutt "Do you remember what we did last Thanksgiving?" >"No clue." "Me neither. Do you know what's got her all hyped up?" >"No clue." "Me neither. Think Sparkler's got something to do with this?" >"Probably." "Me too. Alright. Let's go." >Sporting a set of long johns and a shirt, you adorn Jacky with the tri-scarf >Prism did a good job at folding those together, even if it looks far more bulky >You enter the living room arena just in time to see Shiner circling around herself before settling in >They've bought even more blankets and pillows since they've had access to the internet with money >If the living room wasn't a mare lair before, it sure was one now >It looks familiar from what you were told about before >Some habits just don't die "Alright, dorkettes and..." >You pause "...n-no. Just dorkettes. Happy Thanksgiving. What's up?" >"It's a Thanksgiving surprise. Sit down." >At least Shiner looks comfortable >You know she was in the bedroom last night because you and her were having one of those two-thirds asleep arguments >You both agreed that one game was superior to the other but the zombie-like bickering focused on different angles >Then somewhere along there, your face fell into pony body and all was right in the world >You take a seat in the one area not covered by quilts of various sizes, shapes and materials >Jacky flattens herself and army crawls under a pile of blankets, just to poke her head out >The sight is >It >It's a thing "...you comfy over there?" >Her only answer is a satisfied nod >Who are you to question their ways? >You see that every few days some of them are washed and dried >The gratuitously stocked hallway closet full of laundry soap and fabric softener is proof that they aren't just accumulating crumbs and mare hair "So do we sit here for a bit longer, or was the-" >"Hold on!" >That's Prism >But it sounds like she has something in her mouth >Guess that's how that works for them >"Hope you weren't planning on anything else today." "Sounds like you know the skinny on plans." >"Little bit. It's like you say, it's not my place to question others and their ways." >That sounds sagely >No way could that have been you "When did I say that?" >"That night you had the cinnamon stick an-" >Both of your hands go up to stop her >The realization looks like it hit Jacky just as quickly and just as hard "Ok, yup, you're good. That's. That's a good lesson." >Her smile-and face-melts into a condescending grin >Or is it a grimace? >"Boy, am I SUCH a good friend to not share that with Dashie." >"Y-you didn't." >Going by Jacky's reaction, she does not wish to share that night >And she shares everything >Or so you thought >"As I said. I'm glad I'm that good a friend." "And believe you me, I'm thankful for that." >Even though she's been using that sort of edge to stick closer, if such a thing were possible >You don't understand girls as is >You have no desire to even attempt to understand how mares operate >"What was that about cinnamon?" >It sounds like she's struggling with something but surely on her way >Your blood turns cold "I-I said..." >You glance at Jack, who's giving you just the same level of concerned stare "We're... planning on having a huge cinnamon day! Apple pie, home made cinnamon buns, and other stuff!" >Sparky's dark chuckle is the last thing you need to hear >"It's all home made, isn't it Anon?" "You shhuutsh..." >You choke on your almost-threat and keep her from speaking more >Jacky simply sinks down like a prairie dog, hiding in the mass of frilly fabrics >"Ok! I'm almost there!" >Prism's head finally pokes out from around the corner >She's carrying >Trying to carry >Failing to carry >Six boxes >They're wrapped up with... is that Christmas wrapping? "Oh snap." >"I didn't want to bring them out one at a time an-just give me a second!" >Outside of the obvious that it's a month early >Prism seems... upbeat >Ecstatic >Happy, even >She's been like that all month >You don't want to ruin it by asking but you are a little worried when it's so out of form for her >You watch her methodically peck at all six of the boxes until the ribbon bows all sync up >Her wings ruffling with frustration, she takes a few steps before twisting her head whichever way keeps the ribbons from slipping >The three of you watch in silent astonishment >You didn't know she was doing this >Jacky sure didn't or else she would have helped or at least not look just as flabbergasted >Shiner... >Looks more confused than surprised >Was even she not let in on it? "Presents, huh? Well I wish the stuff I ordered was coming in sooner..." >Is this a thing? >Is everyone giving out presents early >"Ooh, what'd you get?" >Jacky pips up from her blanket bunker >Crap "...nothing." >"He lies." >Shiner gives you her own variation of the death squint >It's a little more menacing when you take her smile into account >Whereas Jack's is more a "escape and I'll run you down", Sparkler's is closer to "please run, I like to chase" "I.. I am not lying. Lying is my least likely thing to do." >"He's got a point, you know." >"But he's more likely to lie about presents." >"That's true too... sorry hubby, you gotta spill the beans now." >Crap "Well I would love to but hey, we have presents already! Just anoth..." >You point over to Prism >All attention is on her >At least two more presents fell from her mouth while she has been literally inching her way forward >You can see the frustration in her eyes and the red forming through her coat "...You know you can do multiple trips, right?" >You feel bad because in ten seconds you could get up and have all six of the boxes here >She shakes her head, resolute as a mule >A third box falls by the time she reaches the triangle of nerds >"...Sorry." >Poor Faye sounds more embarrassed than anything else "It's alright." >"If it helps, I couldn't have done any better." >"Is now a good or bad time to mention I could never be so skilled with my mouth?" >Shine's prod is enough to make everyone feel a little awkward >"...bad time. Right." "...yeah. That's a show stealer right there." >Everyone just sorts of... remains still >At least it isn't the hostile sort of awkward "So. Want me to get those other three?" >Faye mumbles something along the lines of "please, thank you" and takes her seat next to Jacky and where you were >With the mighty human feat of around eight steps, you grab the last three presents and return to your place-this time marginally closer to Sparky to help balance out the group >They're all smaller than a shoebox but shaped differently >They all share the same wrapping paper as well, the key difference is a letter slapped on the side of the box with a permanent marker >You didn't even know you had any of those around the apartment >"So. I wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving first by-" >"Shouldn't these be for Christmas?" >Jacky interrupts Prism with an innocent enough question >You're just as curious >"...aren't they the same day? It's the twenty fifth, isn't it?" >Is it? >Your furrowed brow and lack of immediate answer leads to the pegasus looking even more minorly distressed >"Yeah, that's right. Anon was lazy, Jacky has been distracted because Anon keeps petting her and I'm focusing on something more hoof...er... horn made. So blame Anon that we don't have more presents." >"Y-yeah. Sorry, Dashie." >What in the >Did they both just immediately throw you under the bus? "I..." >How do you possibly go against the grain? "...yeah. Sorry. It's... good stuff. So it's kinda a long lead time. and regarding Jack..." >You squint at her >She returns it >Her eyebrows raise a few times >That non-verbal offering is enough for you "Yes. Yup. That tracks too. Sorry, Faye." >The admissions and excuses seem to put the wind beneath her wings again >"Oh. Well, that's alright. You see, I wanted to get an early start on it. I asked around at the library and Thanksgiving and Christ...mas..." >The pegasus's mouth drops as she says the words >Like something just clicked in her head that one day can't share multiple holidays >"...Oh." >You can't be the only one who feels such a strong sense of embarrassment >For being so normally muted, her expressions carry such an intense weight to them "I... this is Thanksgiving, isn't it. Christmas is the other twenty fifth." "...I think so." >The expression and growing red on her face is heart wrenching >"Well. My mistake." >Is she freezing? >Jacky erupts from the silken swamp of swaddling to glomp onto her birdbrained sister >"It's no mistake that I'm thankful for you!" >"Me too, Prism. It's nice to see you go this far for me. And for the other two too." "Yeah, no, thank you. Sorry I didn't have anything set up sooner. The last few years have been..." >"Comfortable?" >At least Jacky approves >"Lazy?" >Sparky, less approving >"Too blurry to remember?" >You point at the pegasister "Yup, that's the one. I'm going with that, final answer." >You take one of the presents that has a large A scribbled on it "I mean, I'm not the only one. But does anyone actually remember autumn going by? Since we all started working?" >Everyone exchanges glances >There's no consensus "Yeah, thought so. I'm just as surprised. I..." >You gulp "I didn't think it would have gone so smoothly. I couldn't have ever put a figure to how capable you three are. And you are. Excessively so." >While speaking, you gently tumble the box over your hands >Just a tiny part of you wants to know what is inside "Every challenge this world has thrown at you, you've succeeded. I don't even know how difficult that could be. And, thanks to Jackenstein's thinking, we're all working together so we can support and hone each other. I..." >You shrug "I don't know what else I can say. All of the skills you've all picked up exceed anything I could ever do. So. Yeah. Thanksgiving means I'm thankful that I could help give you all the home you needed to succeed." >Now that you've been serious, it seems to have set the tone >"I guess if Anon is being serious..." >Sparkler sighs like she's been holding it in for hours now >"I'm thankful for you all too. All I will say is that I know I'm better now than I was this time last year. And it wasn't just because of Anon. And it wasn't just because of Jacky. You, too, Faint Prism. You've helped me be better. And until further notice, that's all I want to be." >The seemingly unexpected reception makes Faye's mouth curl to a smile >"Thank you. I'm thankful that you haven't forgotten me." "What, are we somehow going to forget that you exist?" >"I know we're idiots but that doesn't mean we don't like you." >Shiner smirks at her own words >"I'm not an idiot!" >Jacky retorts in between nuzzling hugs >"Right. Because you're a moron." >The two share a mutual combative leer >You lean over and give Faye a solid pat on the shoulder "I'm glad you struggled, Faye. You're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for." >You've seen her struggles firsthand >Too many to name but sticking to working has been the biggest one >Shrinking, recoiling, outright fleeing >Now? >She can handle near any sort of kid >Not as well as Jacky, but she has a more stern voice that she has used to great effect >You can see all of that in her eyes >That affirmation of will >That sort of... >Is it awakening? >Or realization >Acceptance, even "We're gonna be a lot more thankful and have a lot to show for, this time next year. Wanna keep us on the straight and narrow until then?" >Call it tunnel vision but in that moment, you can't hear what Jack and Shine are going on about >You can see Jacky move out of the corner of your eye but it seems like time has dilated to this particular second >The ever stone face of Prism bends and folds until she's giving a confident smile >"If not me, who else?" >She knows that she isn't the most mature in the room >But she likes to be mature >It isn't her failing >Maybe she just needed to see that you aren't immature either >Jury's out on the other two "J-rack, gimme a sitrep, over." >"A-mon, procuring the goods." "J-rack, gotta say "over" when you're done, over." >"Oh. Well I'm coming back over." >... >"Er, over." >"This is Empress, both of you stop clogging up the airwaves before I melt your radios, over." "Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatsa negative, Empress. We're still making sure these work, over." >For three days, nearly everyone has been focusing on the wrist watch radios that Prism got for gifts >Technically just getting a second cellphone for Shine would be enough >They're definitely closer to being toys than hardcore communication gear >"This is Falconia, confirming we're all on the same channel, over." >You grin >It feels good that she's been joining in >She's the wildcard "Confirming, over." >"Confirming! Over!" >Jacky shouts out from the kitchen >The borderline Spy Kids-era watch radios fit surprisingly well on their forelegs but Jacky can't carry food and use it >"Whatever... yeah, confirm. Are these going to really work that well at work? Over." >"It means we can call support when we need it, over." "Falconia's right, Empress. There's no PA system and there aren't really any extensions to focus on outside of maybe three office areas. Over." >Jacky comes back to the room and dives onto the bed >On the first bounce, the bag of pretzels from her mouth pops out >On the second bounce, she boops the wrist radio >"J-rack, back from requisition. Hunkering down in the bedroom. Falconia, going radio silent until..." >Jacky look at you, unsure of how to proceed >"Psst... hey, Anon. What should I say for time?" >You lean down to her, whispering just as quietly "Just say until morning." >"...until morning. Over." >You can hear someone laughing from across the apartment >"Acknowledged J-rack. A-mon, requesting you keep the door closed this time. Over." "...y-yeah. Sorry about that. But fair warning, we are watching the second Matrix. Speakers will be turned up to previous levels once more, over." >"You're clear for the sound violation but you will let me know before it starts, over." "Yourrrrrrrrrrrrr time window is maybe an hour at max. Neo waits for no one, Empress. Over." >"Wait until I hit a save spot and you're fine to hit it out of the part. Over and out." >The novelty will one day wear off >But it is not this day "You know, these are actually pretty cool." >"Seriously, and they even fit! And the range is, what, like almost a mile?" "Closer to a half but I doubt we'll ever be that far apart." >As if to accentuate that, Jackenstein crawls until she's much closer to you >"Man, it's so cool to be here. Got clothing options, got advanced sci-fi technology strapped to my leg-" >Are radios really that fancy? >"I mean, typing on a computer is neat and all, but you don't know it's me. It could be anyone. And it needs so much practice. With this, I press and talk and look fashionable." >The watches do all have their own colors, even if they are all generic bright neons "Fashionable?" >"Yeah. My inner fashionista is waking up, Anon. If we keep raking in all of that money, I'm going to have full outfits for every day of the week." "Don't you already?" >Your eyes wander to the organized pile of clothing that she's been buying due to the Black Friday sales >Which she apparently ordered at least a week ago "...You know, once upon a time, Black Friday sales used to be for just Friday. Not half the month." >"Yeah well green speaks volumes." "Yet you don't have a lot of green things, curiously enough." >While the similarly-shaped boxes were the wrist watches, the secondary gifts were all personal >You're staring at Jack's >One of those sterling silver locket necklaces >You have no clue how to get a picture made that's so small but there is a spot for one >She hasn't told you what she wants in it >Shiner's personal gift was a book >A blank book to write in, specifically >You don't get the significance of it but a notebook is always neat >Apparently it's something they uniquely understand because neither of them will give you even a hint about it >And your personal gift? >Your eyes shift over from Jacky's locket necklace >While hers is heart shaped >... >Your locket necklace is more a circle, where the front slides >You really don't know how well you would look with a locket necklace, of all things >Obviously, you know what you want in it >But you still don't know how to get a picture that small "You know... I don't think those are cheap." >Tracking your eyes, your mare goes to the necklaces >"I don't think so either. They look like a nice pair though." "Yeah they do." -