Title:           Dead men can't drink.
Author:          Anone_Moose
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/RZakwbyG
First Edit:      Friday 9th of October 2015 02:36:11 AM CDT
Last Edit:       Last edit on: Friday 9th of October 2015 02:55:13 AM CDT

>The bar is bustling with activity; the usual commotion of life is passing by you in a blurry mess.
>It's been three years to the date since he passed.
>You still remember how he would constantly bring a grin to your face.
>Never would have figured that stallion to be the one in pain; he never gave you any sort of clue or hint.
>You lift your now empty glass up to the bartender, shaking it lightly.
>He takes your glass and refills it with Stalliongrad Vodka, before replacing it on the coaster in front of you.
>You smile meekly, nodding a thank you at him as he passes by.
>Extending your arm, you reach for the glass of alcohol and raise it into the air, "This one's for you, Strel."
>You slam the entire drink down, the burn of the vodka ignites your belly with a soothing warmth.
>A sigh escapes your lips as you set the glass back down.
>You're signaling the barkeep for another round when you feel a tap on your back, "Mind making that two?"
>Shooting a glance behind you, you're greeted with the sight of Rainbow Dash
>She's sporting a sullen smile as she greets you. "Hey, Anon... You're here early, aren't you?"
>You give her a weak smile and wave for her to take the seat next to you, ignoring her question, before signaling the keep for a second glass.
>Her smile fades as she climbs on to the stool next to you. "I know how you feel... Not everyone could get the day off like you, ya know?"
>The barkeep places a glass in front of her and fills it and yours.
>She smiles at him, "Thanks," she says, before looking back at you. "How're you taking it," she asks, "You were the closest to him out of all of us..."
>Stealing a glance at her, you frown and shake your head, before letting a sigh and drooping your head.
>You start speaking with a melancholy voice, your words carrying a bit of a slur with them,"I wasn't all that close to him. I only knew him a fraction the time you guys had," you shake your head,"He was a good man. Helped me get on my feet here. Introduced me to you and the others. "I just wish he… I don't know..." You sigh, turning to look her square in the eye. "I wish he told us about it, y'know?"
>If not for a few seconds, you and Dash’s eyes were interlocked with each other before she quickly looked down to the table, a flustered look on her face.
>She remains silent for a few moments, taking sips of her glass.
>You look back to your drink and let your gaze drift.
>After a few breaths, you lift your glass and swallow the contents, slamming the shot back down on the bar.
>You notice Dash motion to speak, but the door to the bar cuts her off as it opens with a loud smack. *?
>Not too long after, you’re greeted with the sound of a familiar southern drawl,”Howdy, you two! Sorry I’m late, had to finish the last of the orchard,” She pauses and looks around the bar, “the others still not here?”
>You shake your head. “Must’ve got caught up in work, I guess. I’m surprised that you’re here before them,” you say with a chuckle.
>She sneers slightly at your comment before retorting,”Ah think being a princess and a designer would equate to being a much tougher job than being a farmhand. And Celestia knows what Pinkie’s up to; for all we could know, she’s already here,” she exclaims, waving her hoof around the bar in an exaggerated motion.
>You let out a small laugh, causing them to both look confused,“I suppose that’s right,” you exclaim, before shouting to the barkeep.”Give me another round for me and my friends.”
>He nods and turns to go pour the drinks.
>Applejack climbs into a seat next to Dash.
>The two smile at each other, Rainbow is the first to speak,”How’re you,” she asks, her voice somber.
>AJ perks up at the question, smiling lightly. “Ah’ve been better. Works been harder without him. He was a strong stallion.”
 >Her smile quickly twists into a frown. “We’ll never find another stallion like ‘im.”
>The bartender places a coaster down and sets her drink on top.
>She nods to him as he walks away to replace your drink.
>You thank him as he walks back to serve others.