>It had been 3 days since you returned to Fluttershy.
>You both made it a point to visit Ponyville together at least once a day.
>You wanted the citizens to know that you are here to stay and that they have nothing to fear in you.
>Public displays of affection from Fluttershy were often.
>She wanted everypony to know that you were her special somepony, no matter what.

>Today you and Fluttershy were to visit the library.
>You needed something to do in your down time and a book or two seemed like the best plan.
>Perhaps an epic poem of sorts.
>Maybe they have a ponified version of the Odyssey, Beowulf, or the Divine Comedy.
>You would probably squee with joy like Fluttershy if such a thing were to exist.
>You do recall Twilight mentioning Tartartus to you before.
>Unless it's a comepletely different place compared to Earth, there's no doubt in you mind such a book would exist.

>You and Fluttershy entered the library together.
>The first one you met was Spike, Twilights assistant.
>He was a little baby dragon, not much taller than about 2 feet.
>Twilight had told him of your monstrous strength compared to some of the ponies and also about your magic resistance to rival that of an adult dragon.

>You never recall showing any kind of super strength.
>Your magic resistance is very odd too, but you just chalk it up to being from a non-magic world.
>He had eventually warmed up to you and now one of your best friends.
>Even though Twilight is still very suspicious of you and your intentions, she allows you to come around.
--
>"Anon! What are you doing here?"
>You crouch down and hold your hand down low for a "high five" from Spike.
"How's it going Spike."
>He slaps you hand.

>That was a concept that he took a little bit to grasp onto at first.
>You tried to give him a textbook explanation of what it was.
"It's used as a greeting or to congratulate a good friend."
>He understood, but laughed at you for thinking he was over the simpleton way of doing things.
>At least he's not so smart he doesn't have any common sense.
>Unlike Twilight who was always over-thinking the smallest problem.

>"Hey Spike I have a favor to ask you."
>"Anything you need buddy."
>You explained to him each of the three books you wanted.
>You asked if they had anything in stock that was remotely similar.

>"Uh... I don't think so Anon. You would have to ask Twilight."
"Damn it."
>You really don't want to speak to Twilight.
>You had learned in the past few days that she took her job as a scholar WAY too seriously.
>She felt she needed to document everything.
>And since you were an unknown in this world, she naturally took an interest in you.

"Well that sucks."
>You think for a minute.
"Do you mind if we just look around then?"
>"No problem Anon!"
>You rub his head and walk off with Fluttershy.
--
>You browse the library with Fluttershy.
"So what would you like to read sometime?"
>"Oh, I don't really mind."

>There's that Fluttershy you used to know.
>She started calming down when you came back and was going back to her shy ways, but still remained confident in herself.
>She still didn't like speaking to strangers.
>Or speaking loud at all.
>But when the situation calls, she will not be walked over.
>She says that when your around, she gets a huge confidence boost.
>You try to think by what she means by that.
>Either because she loves you and you give her the strength to go beyond her shyness, or she uses your bad reputation and towering height to intimidate the other ponies.
>It was probably the former, but you got a chuckle out of the latter.

"Now don't you be pulling that. I'm the shy and indecisive one remember?"
>She giggled at that.
>It's true after all.
>Just because you were making more visits to Ponyville with Fluttershy at your side, you had the same fear of talking to random strangers as Fluttershy.
>You also very indecisive and usually didn't care about most things.

>Fluttershy could ask what you want for dinner.
>"I don't care," is all you would respond with.
>You could ask Fluttershy if she wanted to go for a walk or go sit by the pond.
>"I'll do what you want, if that's okay," would be her response.
>You consistently irritated each other like this but it was always fun.
--
>You had pulled a few books out and placed them on a table.
>A few topics had piqued your interest as you looked around.
>Your fascination with the moon and stars naturally drew you to a book on Astronomy.
>Equestrian folklore was another interesting topic.
>A book on Equestrian myths and another on the history of Equestria drew your attention as well.
>Geez, you were almost as much as a scholar as Twilight, just not obsessed.

>You contemplate checking them all out, but you didn't bring a bag from home to carry anything with.
>You should only settle with one for now, and that should be something you can share with Fluttershy.
>Since neither of you can decide on something, you're just gonna have to risk something she may or may not like.
>Even if you don't like it yourself.

"Meh... screw it."
>You grab a copy of Daring Do and the Griffon's Goblet from the pile.
>Looks like Indiana Jones, must be Indiana Jones.
>You don't know how Fluttershy feels about suspense and action stories, but it was worth finding out.
>You spin around with the book in hand and walk straight into Twilight.
--
>'Oh crap'
"Hey Twilight."
>You act as cool as you can, but you know this unicorn is insane.
>She is after all trying to get you to submit to experiments and study.
>You also recall a story from Spike of how she fucking snapped because she was a little tardy submitting a report to her mentor.

"Sorry about that. I didn't know you were standing there."
>"Oh that's okay Anon. Are you finding everything okay?"
>She eyes the pile of books on the table behind you.
>You feel very uncomfortable right now.
>You like Twilight, and you want to make amends for the trouble caused before.
>She doesn't trust you a bit and is always sticking her nose in every little thing you do.

"Yes I did, thank you."
>You step past her but stop immediately.
"Oh wait I almost forgot!"
>You proceed to explain the books you explained to Spike a few minutes earlier.
>She grew even more suspcious.
>What did she think you had some malicious plan that had to do with learning these sort of things?

>"No we don't. Sorry Anon. Your best bet would be to try that book on Equestrian myths on the table there."
"Yeah I kind of figured... Thanks anyways."
>You go back to grab the myth book and continue back towards the front.
>You'll just have to come back for the history and astronomy books another time.
"Nice to see you Twilight."

>You go up to the front counter to check out the books.
>Spike happily obliges you.
>You call out for Fluttershy.
"Hey Fluttershy, it's time to go!"

>You spot Fluttershy walking out of the children's section of the library.
>Well now you know what she likes.
>Daring Do probably won't be as sweet as some of those other books, but hopefully she will enjoy it.
--
>Check one down for the library trip.
>Next on the list: visit Rarity.
>She said she had a surprise for you.

>You and Fluttershy walk through town together.
>You hear the whispers and laughs of the other ponies.
>You don't care so much of what they think of you, but what about Fluttershy?
>You look over to see Fluttershy walking tall and proud next to you.
>You know she's happy to be with you.
>She has told you many times when you expressed your concern about the other ponies' gossip.
>But in the back of your mind you feel like its just a facade.

>Your slight fear of strangers causes you to walk with your hands in your pockets and eyes toward the ground.
>Maybe if you didn't look interested, the other ponies would not see a reason to talk to you.
>At least on earth you just needed headphones with no music and you could avoid conversation that way.

>In your peripherals you saw somepony standing in your path.
>You look up to spot a mint green pony with a light grey mane standing in front of you with a smile.
>You make eye contact and return the smile.
>She opens her mouth to speak, but a cream-colored pony with a dark blue mane ran up and snatched her away before she could get a word out.
>Your smile dropped into a frown.
"Oh... Alright then."
>You continue your walk to the Carousel Boutique.
>You tend to mind your manners around Rarity, and it would be rude to keep her waiting all day.
--
>The tinkling of the door bell signaled your entrance.
>Rarity was standing at the front counter.
>Shouldn't she be working in the back?
>What ever she has in store for you is more important than whatever orders she was probably backed up on.

>"Fluttershy! Anonymous! Welcome darlings!"
"Good afternoon Rarity. Fluttershy tells me you have a gift for me today?"
>"I most certainly do you wonderful stallion!"
>And with that she takes off into another room.
>Fluttershy doesn't seem to mind your's and Rarity's little exchanges.
>She knows you're just playing into Rarity's flirty and classy personality.

"So do I get any hints on what it is?"
>"Sorry, I told her I wouldn't say anything."
"It's probably the clothes I ordered last week. She said it'll be about a week or two before they would be done."
>Fluttershy didn't say anything.
>She looked up at you and you looked down at her.
>You passed a smile back and forth.
>Her gaze drifted from you to somewhere behind you.
>You saw her eyes grow wide and she gave out a shriek.
--
>There was a loud growl.
>All of a sudden you vision went black.
>You were just devoured by a large monster.
>You yell and squirm, trying to get away.
>You eventually break through the beast's stomach and roll clear.

>You stand up and take a battle stance.
"Have at thee beast!"
>You charge the monster and tackle it.
>You go right through it and land on the other side, with a surprise in your arms.

>Make that three.
"To kill such a horrifying beast, one must destroy its many hearts until it stops squirming!"
>You bring your hands up in a menacing fashion.
>Screams of terror fill the boutique as you bring your claws down into the three little fillies lying on the floor in front of you.
--
>Cries of laughter fill the boutique.
>There was your laughter, Fluttershy's, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders'.
>You tickle the little fillies right in the belly.
>Ponies sure love a good belly rub.
>But only 2 hands vs 3 fillies can only get you so far.

>Sweetie Belle had slipped away and ran around the side.
>She hopped on the counter behind you and dove.
>She let out a terrifying war cry as she flew through the air.
>She landed on your head and covered your eyes with her hooves.

>Now blinded, the other 2 fillies have their chance to escape.
>They backed up and charged right for you, hitting you simultaneously square in the chest and knocking you over.

"Aww... looks like you got me this time."
"Hurk... blagh..."
>You preteded to die, threw your arms up and stuck your tongue out.

>They stood on your chest triumphantly.
>"CUTIE MARK CRUSADER MONSTER HUNTERS WIN AGAIN!"
>You laugh and sit up, pushing all three of them into your lap.
>You gave them all a big group hug.
>You loved these little fillies.

>They were among the first from the general population to accept you as a citizen of Ponyville.
>They didn't see you as a monster, but a mistreated outcast like themselves.
>They had told you of the ridicule they suffered from their lack of a cutie mark.
>They had also been the ones to explain to you what a cutie mark really was.
>And here you thought they were just tattoos.
>The Cutie Mark Crusaders were also the only ones you allowed to call you a monster, and only if you were playing a game.
--
"So what is that, 2-1 your lead?"
>"It sure is!" exclaimed Applebloom.
>"We're getting really good at this!" Scootaloo shouted excitedly.
"Sweetie Belle saved you on that one."
>You grab Sweetie Belle and messed up her mane.
"Your a slippery little ninjapony."
>She blushed.
>"Thanks Mr. Anonymous. Now can you please put me down? Your messing up my mane."
>You set her back down on the floor.

>"Sweetie Belle!"
>Everyone jumped and turned towards the back room where Rarity was standing in the doorway.
>"You better pick up this mess right now missy!"
"Uh oh. Looks like were in trouble."
>You push the fillies off you and stand.
>The blanket, mop bucket, and broom they used as a costume was in a pile in the center of the room.
>It wasn't really a mess, but it's probably best not to piss off Rarity.

"Sorry girls. We'll play later okay?"
>"Okay Mr. Anonymous! We'll see you later!"
>They grabbed their makeshift costume and ran upstairs.
>You don't really like being called 'Mr. Anonymous' but they hold a great deal of respect for you than to simply call you Anon.
--
"Well then,"
>You clap your hands once.
"Rarity, you find what you wanted?"
>"Yes I did Anon. I'm sure you will absolutely love it!"
>She levitated over a small paper-wrapped gift.
>It's definitely not the order of clothes from before.
"What is it?"
>"I am not going to spoil the surprise for you darling. Just open it!"

>You tear apart the wrapping paper and pull out your gift.
>Its a black, long-sleeved shirt.
>On the front is the face of a grey wolf in front of a large moon.
>In the background is the silohouette of another wolf on a cliff howling at the moon with a few pine trees on the cliff as well.
>The empty black spaces on the front of you arms and chest contained some scattered white dots to represent stars.
>On the back of your shoulders are the words "Lone Wolf" in a U shape going across your upper back.

>Damn Rarity and her gossip.
>Fluttershy must tell her everything about you.
>Of course you can't expect anything different from her.
>She's like a teenage girl who just got her first boyfriend.
>Well you are of course but that's besides the point.

>Aside from the minor information leak, this is an amazing gift.
>You fold the shirt up and set it down.
>You walk over to Rarity and give her a tight hug.
"Thank you."
>"You're quite welcome darling."

>"Anon there's one other thing."
"What's that?"
>"Fluttershy says you are looking for a job to try and pay for a bigger house. If you want, there's a position I think you could fill here if you would like."
>Damn those weekly spa days...
--
>You glance over at Fluttershy with an annoyed look on your face.
>She smiles and rubs the back of her head with a nervous laugh.
>"Heheh..."
>You suppose it's not a big deal.
>You never told her to keep anything a secret.
>And you were looking for a job after all.
>And what good would it do to keep that a secret?
>However you did want to try to find one yourself.
>But if it comes to you, that's probably just as good.

"Yeah I am, actually."
>"Splendid! I think I have the perfect place for you!"
>Her face is growing increasingly excited.
"What's that?"
>"Well, you know how much I enjoy your music, right?"
"Yeah?"
>"Well I was just wondering. Could you sit outside the boutique and play to attract business?"
"So advertising, right?"
>"Well yes. But it would also make this place a little more fun to work in if I had music."
"Uhm... I don't know."

>What are you saying?
>It's a job opportunity and you're thinking of denying it?
>"Anonymous, darling, if you're worried about the other ponies, don't be. You wouldn't be doing anything wrong. And also they would probably be curious enough to walk over and listen! You may even make a few bits on the side from tips!"
>Crap.
>All very valid reasons to take the job.
>You would be pretty stupid to deny it now.
"Sure I'll give it a shot."
>Rarity squeed with joy and gave you a hug.

>You and Fluttershy gave your thanks and goodbyes as you left the boutique.
--
>"Please don't be mad at me."
"What?"
>You stop and look at Fluttershy.
>"I'm sorry I told her those things."
"Why would you be sorry? I never asked you to keep them a secret."
>You give her a quick kiss on the cheek.
>She perked up instantly.
"Don't worry about it. I know your excited about being in a relationship. I don't expect anything different."
>She was relieved.
>You picked her up and put her on your back piggy-back style.
>She laughed and pretended to be riding you as if a human was riding a horse.
>A little ironic you thought.

>She was like a child.
>And this didn't bother you in the least.
>She was a child at play, but a mother at home.
>She was always looking to take care of you in every way.
>Once you tripped and scraped you knee on a walk.
>She was there in a heartbeat to look after you.
>It was only a scratch, but she took it to heart.
>And the others said she was corrupt?
>Whatever they were talking about, you couldn't see it.
--
>You and Fluttershy needed to stop at the market to get some more groceries.
>Being away for a few days and eating next to nothing caused you to eat over half of her stores in a single night.
>Also she was out of waffle mix, and you were NOT about to go without that for any amount of time.
>You would need to stop at Sugarcube Corner to pick up the mix, but there's a few ingredients you need from the market.

>Main ingredient: Cherries.
>Cherry waffles, cherry pie, cherry-flavored drinks, you name it.
>You were about to buy out the entire stall if you could help it.
>Fluttershy was a little aprehensive about going to the cherry stall at first.
>She told you how the vendor tried to take advantage of her th last time she was there by making her pay 10 bits for a single cherry.
>Oh hell no.
>You would let Fluttershy make the deal as the vendor will probably run if you approached him alone.
>Plus with you there, she will have nothing to worry.
>You can put that guy in his place just by being there.
--
>"That'll be 25 bits."
>'You son of a bitch...'
>25 bits for 10 cherries?
>That's insane!
>You stood to the side to watch Fluttershy work.
>Fluttershy was trying to argue with him, but he wasn't having any of it.

>"I won't give you anymore than 15 bits for these cherries."
>"It's 25 bits miss. Take it or leave it."
>You agreed with Fluttershy.
>2.5 bits each?
>Granted they were some pretty big cherries.
>Something like three times the size of Earth cherries.
>But that was still outrageous.

>Fluttershy was trying, but this guy was a real prick.
>You decide to step in.
>All you do is simply walk over and crouch down next to Fluttershy.
>You speak with the most commanding voice you can muster.
"Fifteen bits. You are not getting anything more. I don't suppose you have a problem with that?"
>It worked.
>The vendor immediately backed down and stammered as he spoke.
>"Oh... uh n-no s-sir. Fifteen bits is a g-good p-price."
>He handed over a bag of 10 cherries and you tossed your money on the counter.
"Much appreciated sir. You have a good day now."
>You stand and walk away with Fluttershy, bag of cherries in hand.

>"I'm sorry. I tried but he wasn't listening."
"Don't worry about it. He's just trying to rob you. I can't stand for that."
>She smiled up at you and hugged your leg.
>"I love you."
--
>You had arrived at Sugarcube Corner.
>You held the front door open for Fluttershy.
"Ladies first."
>She smiled and walked on through.
>You followed, but something was wrong.
>Pinkie Pie wasn't at the front counter.
>That's wierd.
>The door bell should've caused her to spring up immediately.
>You call out to her.
"Hey Pink- Ah!"
>"HEY ANON!"
>She threw her face in front of yours.
>So close your eyes were milimeters apart.
>You jumped back in total surprise.
>She was hanging upside down from the ceiling.
>This is the one pony who can defy whatever laws of physics apply in Equestria.

>You are clutching your chest, trying to prevent the impending heart attack.
"Pinkie Pie..."
>You are breathing hard.
"Please... Please don't... do that..."
>"Okie dokie lokie!"
>She turned over and fell to the floor.
>Her hooves squeaked as she landed.

>"Are you here for that party yet?"
>You finally calmed down.
"No Pinkie. Actually, do you have any waffle mix for sale?"
>You didn't even finish before she was gone and back with a box with a waffle on the front.
>"I sure do, you silly filly!"
>You snatch the box from her.
"Freakin' sweet."
--
>"Sweet! You're a riot Anon!"
>Okay that wasn't really a joke, but alright.
"So how much for the box?"
>"Five bits!"
>Ouch.
>The cherry deal alone put a large dent in your wallet.
>And after the other groceries, you weren't left with much.
>But it's totally worth it.
>With Fluttershy's amazing cooking skills, and about a weeks worth of waffle mix to split between the two of you, it's a damn good deal.

>You look past Pinkie and spot Fluttershy quietly perusing the bakery's many options.
>You walk up behind her with Pinkie and crouch down.
"See anything you like?"
>She fliched, not expecting to be talked to.
>"Oh, um... no that's okay."
>Wrong answer.
>You and Pinkie began pointing out everything that looked appetizing.
>Pinkie was actually going down the row pointing out everything, but that's just Pinkie.
>Gummy bears, chocolate/peanut butter bunnies, ice cream cakes, cherry pie, almond fudge-
>Pie...
>You stopped yourself and began to drool.
>You can't remember the last time you ever had a warm cherry pie.

>Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie stared at you like you were insane.
>Fluttershy looked to Pinkie.
>"I think we're gonna get that pie as well."
>"You got it Fluttershy!"
>Pinkie Pie zipped behind the counter and pulled the pie from the display.
>You drop the box on the counter.
--
>Pinkie drop them in a bag and handed them over the counter, along with 5 bits.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... what? What's with the money? I thought we were supposed to pay you?"
>"You silly filly! Don't you remember? I never payed you for those berries before! And I did promise you a free treat didn't I?"
>Ah...
>Yes she did...
>Yes she did...

"Pinkie Pie... You are now my best friend."
>She gave you a smile so big you thought she was gonna tear her face.
>"Of course I am! I try to be everyponies' best friend!"
>Yes she does.
>She's been trying to throw you a party but you've been denying one for a while.
>"I don't like going to parties" was your reason.
>It's only a matter of time before you are forced into it.
>Either by Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy.
>You recall Fluttershy telling you they were not optional.
>So what was Pinkie doing accepting your rejections?
--
>It was getting pretty late.
>You gave a very gracious hug and a kiss on the top of the head to Pinkie and left with Fluttershy.
>You now had 2 bags of food and 2 books to carry home.
>Fluttershy offered to carry something.
"No I got it."
>You only held on to this belief until you got out of ponyville.
"Okay my arm hurts now. Please take something!"
>Fluttershy giggles and took the bag of cherries from you.
>The lightest thing you had.
"Aww come on... Really?"
>She laughed.
>"Is my big, strong Anon having trouble carrying a few books and some food?"
>Oh she did not just insult your masculinity...
>Time to man up and get home... quickly...
>These bags feel like theyre cutting into your hand though.

>You finally make it home and run to the kitchen.
>You drop the food and books on the counter and start flailing your left hand around.
"Owowowow! How is it that a pie and a box of waffle mix are so heavy!"
>Fluttershy casually walks in after you and sets the cherries ever so gingerly on the counter.
>She can't help but laugh at your child-like behavior.
>"Let me have a look."
>You wimper and hold out your hand, palm up.
>It's a little red, but no cuts.
>She gives your hand a kiss.
>"Does that feel better?"
>You respond with a smart remark and a smile.
"Thank you, mommy."
--