Title: Leroy's Story Part 3 Author: WallMixer Pastebin link: http://pastebin.com/vEqkF55K First Edit: Friday 18th of November 2016 09:06:19 PM CDT Last Edit: Last edit on: Saturday 11th of February 2017 09:00:45 PM CDT >”what do we need from the store?” I ask as I slide onto the floor >”well I need supplies for my new pet” He shines a Cheshire grin at me >”If that’s something that you would want?” >”yes Leroy, I would like that very much” >"then lets go" >He grabs his keys and heads to the garage >Leroy pulls into the parking lot of a strip mall >”here we are” >I give a cursory glance of the store fronts >”So we’re going to Petsmart?” >”Only the best for my little pony” Leroy says with a grin >Leroy notices my hesitance >”we don’t have to do this if you don’t want to Anon. If you feel uncomfortable just tell me and we can go back to the house” >”No, I’m fine. It’s just… I never thought I would buy something for myself here” >”don’t feel obligated, I won’t think any less of you if you want to go home” >I look up at him “no, I’m ready for this” >he gives me a smile “shall we go in then?” >I nod >we head to the front door >I take a deep breath as we step into the store >I turn a few heads as we come in >”lets start with a collar” Leroy says as he grabs a cart >he takes his time to browse, occasionally taking a collar from the rack >once he has a sizeable collection of collars he kneels down and sets them by my neck to see how they look >after cycling through a few times he finally has it worked down to two >an orange one with a reflector strip, and a blue paracord one >”which do you think anon?” >I hold my hoof out to the orange one, it complements my coat >Leroy pulls the tag off the orange one and fastens it around my neck >Leroy smiles at me ”very nice Anon” >He starts returning the collars to their original place on the shelves >about half way through the presses two children run up to us >they look at Leroy “Mister can we pet your pony?” >”uhh where are your parents?” he askes >”our mom is right there” they gesture to a woman with a dog trying to catch up >Leroy turns to me ”are you ok with this anon?” >I give him a silent nod >He turns to the mother and askes “is it ok if your kids pet my pony?” >she seems a bit skeptical about this, but agrees >it would seem the only ones not at least somewhat uncomfortable with this are the children >they squeal with joy when Leroy gives them the go-ahead >thankfully it was over shortly, only about fifteen seconds >one of them patted my head while the other pet the side of my neck >thank god for giving children the attention span to rival a goldfish >after they finished their mother said “now what do you say” >”thank you for letting us pet your pony” >they took off after that, their mother trailing after them >Leroy spent far less time with finding a leash, grabbing the first orange one he saw >it attaches with a satisfying click >”next we will need to get a set of bowls, do you have anything in mind Anon?” >I shake my head >Leroy cocks an eyebrow “do pets not talk?” >I nod >He gives me a scratch behind the ears “Good boy” >after scanning the options the personalized bowls seem to attract Leroy’s attention >he frowns ”hmm, shame they don’t have Anon” >he puts one that says “GOOD BOY” in bold red letters in to the basket >”I could probably order one off Amazon, but this will have to do for now. Let’s find you a coat next” >as we head to look at the dog coats I notice James and Anabelle walk in >they see us and start to walk over >”hey Leroy, nice Collar Anon” said James >Anabelle kneels down to pet me >”I see your taking great care of Anon” she says >Leroy smiles “Oh I try, what brings you here?” >”we’re getting stuff for our cats, glad to see you here” James said >Anabelle looked at me “Anon is it ok if we take a picture of you?” >I give a nod >Anabelle sprang back up “great, hold still” >she snapped several pictures with her phone >”Leroy could I get a shot of you two together?” >He kneels down and puts his arm around me >Anabelle snaps a few more picture >”well, we’ll let you get back to your shopping, see you around campus” >they head off to the cat area >after a little shopping we settle on a red plaid jacket >”alright, all we need is some mane and tail and we’ll be done” >I clear my throat “I have some at my apartment” >”I’m not surprised, we’ll stop by after we check out then >we head over to the counter >the clerk regards me but doesn’t comment >the total was $45.63 >I offer to pay for it but Leroy refuses >once the sale is complete Leroy puts the Jacket on me >”one last thing before we go” >he led me over to the tag machine >”any preference?” >I pick the simple round tag >Leroy types his information in and pays >after a moment a tag pops out of the hole >My Name Is Anon, please return Leroy 515-808-2362 >He clips it on to my collar and we head back to the car >we pull into the parking lot in front of my apartment >Leroy steps out of the car >” alright, we need the shampoo. Anything else?” >”I need my textbooks, the rest can wait until break” >He lets me out of the car >”what do you plan to do about this place?” >”not much I can do, I’m locked into a lease until may” >I move to unlock the door >I realize that I can’t move my wings under the coat >I strain against the Velcro strap around my waist >Leroy reaches down and undoes the strap for me >”thanks” >I unlock the door >it does not take long to gather what I need and we are back in the car in less than ten minutes >we head back to Leroy’s house >Leroy carries in the dog bowl and soap, I carry in my books >I leave the books next to my other school things by the door >Leroy sets the bowl next to the bar and puts the soap on the counter >”I guess we’ll have leftover lasagna, how’s that sound Anon?” >-approving horse sounds- >”Alright then” >Leroy sets the oven and pulls the lasagna out of the fridge >He takes a hand full of M&M’s from a dish on the counter and pops one in his mouth >I look up at him >he notices me and raises an eyebrow >he takes a single piece and moves it back and fourth >My eyes follow it intently >he slowly moves it close to me, I can smell the chocolate >just as it is about to come into reach he pulls it back suddenly >Leroy grins at me >”Anon, beg” he commands >I shift onto my haunches, my front legs pulled up in a submissive pose >Leroy smiles “Good boy, now sit” >I shift into a sitting position >Leroy is going to make me work for this >”Lay down” he orders >I press myself into the floor >”Now rollover” >I flip over onto my back, legs in the air >Leroy kneels down >He holds the candy tantalizingly close to my nose with one hand >He starts rubbing my belly with his free hand >”Your such a good boy Anon, one last test, then you can have your treat” >”Stand” >I right myself and stand on all fours >Leroy places the M&M the tip of my snout >”Stay” He commands >Leroy turns and takes the lasagna from the counter >he opens the door to the oven >He looks over his shoulder to see if I still haven’t moved >I am staring at the tip of my nose, it is taking all of my constraint not to move >He sets the dish in the oven and closes the door >He takes his time to walk back over to me >”Anon, are you ready for Your treat?” >I let out a whimper >”Enjoy, Anon” >I flick my head up and catch the small confection in my mouth >”Such a good boy” Leroy says as he scratches behind my head >I smile to my self >I had passed Leroy’s test >I probably could have just asked for some candy, but being led on like that was actually rather enjoyable >Leroy shared the rest of his handful with me >He would toss M&M to me and I would catch them in my mouth >after a few times Leroy decides to try it himself >His effort was valiant, but he was far less talented than I >the timer finally goes off >Leroy takes the tray back out >He serves himself on a plate, and puts my helping into the Bowl he got for me >He carries the two bowls to the living room >he sets my bowl down on the floor and sits on the couch >he queues up “Zootopia” as we eat >I finish when “Try everything” starts playing >Leroy is singing along >completely unaware of me >I will take advantage of this opportunity >I move in for the kill >I pounce on Leroy >I catch him completely off guard >”aaah!” He screams as I knock him to his side >I wrap my forelegs around his upper torso >I lung forward with my head, going straight for the side of the neck >I nuzzle him with my nose >”Stop” He screams in between giggles >No, no mercy today >He struggles against me, but I won’t let go >He eventualy manages to move me further down his torso >But in doing so his shirt has become unbuttoned >I drive my face into his freshly exposed weak point >”Phhhht” >”A-anon stop! Pleas, I-I can’t take it!” Leroy falls back into a laughing fit >I take the initiative and move back up to his neck >THIS WILL END IT! >I plant my face into his neck and blow as hard as I can >”Phhhurrrrppt!” >Leroy is laughing and screaming, but he can no longer resist me >I pull away from his neck and see tears running down his face >I lean in and lick the salty river >”your tears are delicious Leroy” >Leroy has largely regained control of his body, though a few laughs still slip out >He wraps an arm around my waist, and another around my neck >he pulls me into an embrace >He holds me there, He’s so warm after being relentlessly raspberried >I start to feel sleepy >I let out a yawn >Leroy moves my ear to his mouth >”Now it your turn to squeal” >before I can react Leroy springs forward >Pining me under him on the other side of the couch >”Leroy w-wait!” >He plants his lips squarely on my neck and begins to blow relentlessly >“Phhht, Pphhbt, Pbbbt” >I dissolve into a giggling mess of a stallion >”n-nna ha ha ha! L-l-le he he he! Stoooaap!” >I can’t even beg him >he stick his hands under my wings >oh Celestia, NO! >He begins tickling me >My sides, they can’t stand it >Leroy leans in and blows a raspberry into my gut >”are we enjoying this?” >it is approaching the point where my lungs are starting to burn >Leroy notices my discomfort and stops >”Truce?” he offers >”T-truce” I manage between giggles >Leroy sits up and pulls me onto his lap >I continue giggling until I finally fall asleep in his lap >I am with Leroy >he’s holding me in his lap >He pets me >he scratches behind my ears >he loves me >”do you love me too, Anon?” >I open my mouth to speak >(adorable horse noises) >I can’t speak >Leroy runs his hand though my mane >”it’s ok that you can’t speak, you can show how much you love me” >I smile up at him, waiting for him to tell me how >”all you need to do is obey, that’s it, just obey me without thinking, can you do that Anon?” >I can do that Leroy >”lets test it” >He sets me on the floor >”Sit” he commands >my rump immediately drops to the floor, I await further instruction >”Beg” he commands >I lift my front legs into the air, I dangle my hooves pathetically in front of me >I look up to him with pleading eyes, I’m begging him to tell me what to do next >”now, lay down” He instructs >I fall forward, catching myself with my hooves, I look up to Leroy >it feels good to obey >”Do you know what to do next?” >I can tell from his tone, He’s not going to answer the question >I look at him with worried eyes >I don’t know what he wants me to do >Is he not going to tell me? >I whimper >He runs his hand though my mane >”it’s ok Anon, that was a test. You passed” >my face lights up >”Good pony” >Good pony >I’m a good pony >”now let’s try something a little more complex. Go get me a shirt” >I turn and hurry to Leroy’s bedroom >I enter the closet and grab a shirt >I return to Leroy >He takes the shirt from me >”Good pony” >ecstasy over takes me >All I want is to be a good pony for Leroy >He gives me several more commands >they all start to blend together >my mind is just a warm fuzzy glow >no thoughts really, beyond the what I have to do to fulfill Leroy’s orders >Just the feeling of joy that I get from being Leroy’s good little Pony >This starts to fade however, when I become aware of breathing >It’s not that the breathing is unsettling >it sounds like Leroy when he sleeps >But Leroy isn’t sleeping >He’s standing in front of me >He looks sad >”Well, it looks like we are running out of time, my little pony” >He pats my head consolingly >”I’ll leave you with one last pair of commands” >I can’t wait to obey them >”first, if an order seems wrong to you, don’t follow it, and if the situation you are in seems dangerous you need to wake up” >”remember, you are only a pet when you wear your collar, if I take your collar off you go back to being Anon” >I nod >”it’s time to wake up little pony. I’m going to take your collar off now, and you will wake up as Anon” >He reaches behind my neck >(click) >I take a sharp breath and open my eyes >I’m lying on top of Leroy >He’s sleeping on the couch >apparently he pulled a blanket over us after I nodded off >I look over the side of the couch and see my collar on the floor >it must have come off when I was sleeping >Leroy begins to stir >after a moment he speaks >”good morning, Anon. What time is it?” >I look at the clock above the fireplace >”it’s a little after eight” >I boop his nose with my nose and smile >He runs his hand though my mane a couple of times >”we need to get up, your mom is coming at noon and the house is a mess” >I climb off of Leroy >”hay, can you put my collar back on for me Leroy?” >”Shure thing” >He takes the collar from the floor and puts it on my neck >(click) >I smile at Leroy >”Better?” >I nod and await a command >”I’m going to go take a shower, could you tidy up in here?” >I nod >”great, I won’t be long” >He leaves the room and I begin cleaning >I start with dishes and take them to the dish washer >I once that’s done I move on to the clothes >I put them in a basket and take them to the laundry room >I load the washing machine and start it >as I reenter the living room Leroy returns >”Such a good little pony, let’s keep working” >I continue to do a Leroy says >after an hour Leroy asks me a question >”what are you going to say to your mom when she get here?” >(adorable horse noises) >whatever you want me to say Leroy >”ha, I don’t think that will go over very well. Seriously what are you going to tell her?” >(confused horse noises) >What do you want me to say? >”Anon? you ok bro?” >(distressed horse noises) >Don’t feel bad Leroy, just tell me what to do. >He reaches for my collar >(Click) >I blink a couple of times >”are you ok Anon?” Leroy askes worriedly >”I, I’m fine. I just… I couldn’t talk” >”why couldn’t you talk? Should we go to the doctor or something?” >”No I feel fine, I just…well…” >Leroy kneels down and sets his hand on my shoulder >”I felt like I was a pet, and pets can’t talk” >”maybe this was a bad Idea…” He begins to walk to the trash can >”NO! Leroy I Want to be your pet, I feel so happy when I have the collar on and you tell me what to do and…” I look at him with pleading eyes >He stops >“…” >”Alright, but we need some ground rules” >I look at him >”first, answer me in English when I ask a complex question” >I nod >”second, if you need to tell me something speak, can you do that?” >”I think I should be able to” I continue nodding >”alright, last thing, no collar until after you finish your homework” >”what are you? My mom?” >”No, I’m your friend, and I’m not going to facilitate you failing college and becoming a dog with hooves. Understand?” >”Yes, can I make a request though?” >”fair enough” >”could you… Tell me I’m a good pony more often?” >”…” >Leroy leans toward me >”…You’re a good pony, Anon” >Leroy puts the collar back on my neck >(Click) >”how do you feel Anon?” >(content horse noises) >”What’s the capital of Switzerland?” >I clear my throat “Zürich” >”your geography is shit, but I suppose you still pass” >He gives me a scratch behind the ear >”Good pony” >(Happy horse noises) >”lets get back to work” >We continue to clean >Leroy tells me I’m a good pony frequently >it’s not long until the warm fuzzy feeling comes back >after another hour or so I hear the sound of a car coming up the driveway >Leroy calls me ”Anon, come here” >I come and sit in front of him >”Lets take this off” >He reaches for the latch >(Click) >I blink >I’m getting accustomed to this >”Is my mom here?” >There is a knock at the door >Leroy heads to the door >”Hello Ms. Anon” >”Good morning Leroy, where’s my Nonny?” >She spots me behind Leroy >”Oh, Nonny. Are you alight? I heard there where protests, you’re not hurt are you” >she picks me up and pulls me into a hug >”I’m fine mom, Leroy has been letting me stay here” >she holds me tighter >”how did this happen? You were doing so well” >”I don’t know how it happened, and it’s not like I’ve dropped out of college” >”The collage is going to let you stay!?” >”why does this surprise you?” >”I was just worried about the protests” >she sets me down >”would you care to join us for lunch?” Leroy asks >”Yes, what where you planning?” >”we were going to have ravioli” >we migrate to the kitchen >Leroy fills a pot and sets it on the stove >”would you care for some tea?” >”that sounds lovely” >Leroy turns the kettle on >”How was the drive?” I ask >”oh, it was fine” >We continue with awkward small talk until lunch was ready >Leroy opened the dishwasher to get bowls out >”I didn’t know you had a dog Leroy” >”I don’t have a dog, what are you talking about?” >”was that not dog bowl?” >”Oh…That…that’s just a novelty” >”…I see…” >an acward silence fallows us to the living room >after we take a seat my mom speaks >”Anon, I just want you to know that I’m happy for you” >I notice that she’s holding back tears >”I know Leroy is a great guy, and I think you’ll be happy together” >”I was raised in a time when that kind of relationship was not accepted, but I’m glad that you two can be together now. Just promise me you’ll consider adoption” >she starts crying >”…Mom?... I’m not gay” >”Your…not?” >”no, it’s not sexual” >”i-it’s not? But what about…” she points to the kitchen >”about that… I’m Leroy’s pet now, mom” >”…That’s…Different…” >”You’re not dropping out of school are you?” >”No mom” >OK…Good boy?” >She starts to pet me >I lean into her hand >after a moment Leroy starts scratching behind my ear >they make small talk for the next couple of hours >one of them is giving me pets the entire time >best day ever >after several hours of sweet pets my mom tells us that it’s time for dinner >”I’d like to take you two somewhere nice if that’s OK.” She tells us >”I’ve never been one to turn down free food” Leroy declares >”What did you have in mind?” I ask her >”I was thinking El Palomino” >”sounds good” >We start to head for my mom’s car, Leroy grabs the sheaf of papers on his way out >My mom looks at him “What are those for Leroy?” >”Lets talk about it when we get to the restaurant” >I get in the back seat of the car >I look over Leroy’s shoulder to see what the papers are >They are the release forms for the tests >right…those where going to happen >…Fuck, this will be fun to talk about >It does not take long to get to the restaurant >We step inside >the waiting area was not crowded yet >this place is normally fairly popular, but it’s a bit early for dinner right now >I catch some odd looks from the staff, but they seated us anyway >I come here often, I don’t need to look at the menu >Mom orders a Margarita, I take a Red Stripe and Leroy prefers Dos Equis >Leroy hands the papers to mom and starts explaining what they want to do >I have already listened to this >…Well, Maybe I didn’t LISTEN to this but I still don’t care >They bring us our drinks with some tortillas and queso >Ponies apparently have a low alcohol tolerance, because I got buzzed off of one beer >the tortillas are amazing, I’m in the middle of eating one when my mom looks at me >”How do you feel about this?” >I look at her blankly and swallow “About what?” >”Have you looked over these yet?” She holds up the papers >”No, I haven’t gotten around to it yet” >”are you taking this seriously? do you even know what they are going to be doing to you?” >”I am taking this seriously, I had Leroy come and talk with the Dean about it with me.” >”is Leroy going to be with you when they are running these tests?” her voice was sharp >”Yes. He is.” I reply flatly >her expression softens >”I know you two have a thing going, but Anon, I want you to make your own decisions” >She puts her hand on my shoulder >Leroy chimes in “I am going to go over everything with Anon later, I want this to be his decision as much as you do” >”thank you Leroy” >She pulls me into a hug >”so have you gotten your history paper back yet?” She asks >”No, I’ll probably get it back next week” >the conversation moves back into small talk >we finish our meal and pay the bill >By this time the diner crowd has begun to come in >We leave quickly before it gets too crowded >Mom takes us back to Leroy’s place >”would you like to spend the night Ms. Anon? I have a spare bedroom” >”Yes, thank you Leroy” >we head back into Leroy’s house >we go back into the living room, and resume watching tv >Mom pulls me into her lap >she starts to pet me >first she runs her hand though my mane >then she starts scratch the back of my head and neck >she’s slower than Leroy is, gentler >It’s rather relaxing >after a while of this she pulls me close in an embrace >I rest my head on her shoulder as she runs her hand up and down my side >the alcohol is still in my system and it’s starting to make me drowsy >I start to drift away >… >”…I think he fell asleep” my mom says >Leroy leans over >”yep, he’s done a lot of sleeping in the past few days, but he’s had a lot to do too.” >”I think I’m going turn in” >She supports me with one arm and continues hugging me with the other >”I’ll show you to your room” >Leroy leads her down the hallway to the guest bedroom and opens the door >”if there’s anything you need just let me know” >”I will. thank you, Leroy” >She lays me on the bed >I start to stir >”mmmh” >”shh, Anon, it’s ok” >She kisses me on the forehead and tucks me into bed >She lays down on the other side >”sweet dreams, Anon” >From Leroy’s perspective now >I close the door to the guest bedroom >I’m glad that Anon’s mother is taking it so well >I would have to go over the papers with Anon tomorrow, but for now I’ll let him sleep >I enter my bed room and kick off my shoes >It will be lonely without Anon tonight >I stick my hands in my pockets >Oh yeah, Anon’s collar is still in there >It’s a poor substitute for him but it’s better than nothing I suppose >I look at it… >I’m worried about him >He was always a follower but this… >I never thought he was this submissive >I’m worried that this is something that the program he used is doing to him >I’m worried that it won’t stop >”sigh…” >there’s nothing I can really do about it, not directly at least >all I can do is be there for him >I don’t like the idea of not being able to do anything for him… >I guess there’s no point dwelling on it, maybe someone at the college could help >I lay down and try to get some sleep >… >I was with Anon >we were on our way back from a walk >I grabbed the mail from the mail box and headed inside >I took the leash off of anon and hung it up beside the door >I started to look through the mail >Bill, Bill, junk mail, wrong address… A letter from the university? >My heart stopped >”Notice of Academic Dismissal” it was addressed to Anon >”A-Anon? did you know about this?” >He looks up at me with a vacant expression >-Horse Sounds- >”Anon this isn’t funny” I’m panicking now >I pull his collar off >-Click- >”Anon, say something” >-Horse Noises- >”Anon, Please, Don’t do this to me” >I begin to cry >Anon makes another horse sound >I pull him into a hug >”Anon” >I begin sobbing into his mane >”Anon, Please come back” >I sit up suddenly >I’m back in my bed >I have Anon’s collar clutched in my hand >I take a moment to catch my breath >I look at the collar and hold it to my chest >”Anon…” >I get out of bed >I open my bedroom door and walk quietly down the hall >I carefully open the gest bedroom’s door >I see Anon and his mother sleeping >I stand there and watch them for several moments >… >I close the door as quietly as I can and head to the living room >I take out my phone and pull-up a picture of Anon and I >It’s the one we took when we started College >I sigh and set it aside >I open my laptop and get online >I set to work, looking for any information I can on what did this >…It’s going to be a long night >I wake up in Leroy’s guest bedroom >Anon is lying next to me >his ear twitches in his sleep >it’s so surreal, >I thought it was odd when he started watching MLP >I was ok with it though, it seemed harmless enough >maybe a little gay, but safe >I didn’t think it would result in this though >He seems happy, but I’m worried for him >Will someone still higher him? >would any one date him? >his life is going to be so much more complicated now >I let out a sigh >at least he has Leroy >I get out of bed >Anon starts to shift >I readjust the blanket >”Shh, go back to sleep Anon” >I give him the best hug that I can, given the positon he is in >he settles back down >I step out into the hall and walk to the living room >I see Leroy on the Couch, he looks tired. >”Good morning Leroy, did you sleep well?” >”mmh, not really, I’ve been up since one. I’m trying to find out what did this to Anon” >”Why? Are you…” >”No, I’m not trying to become a pony, I’m just worried that it may have side effects” >”Have you noticed side effects?” >”…Yes…Anon has been acting…Odd” >”How Odd? Like how he asked to be your pet?” >”Well there’s that but… He gets really into it. before you came he had his collar on, and when I asked him a question he couldn’t respond until I took the collar off” >”I see…is it getting worse?” >”I talked with him about it, told him that I wouldn’t keep doing this if he can’t talk. I asked him a couple of questions after that, it seemed to fix the problem” >”…I see, have you found anything?” >”No, I’ve found several hypnosis programs but none of them seem to work… I’m hoping that the college can help…” >”Thank you Leroy” >I lean in to hug him >”I’m glad to know that Anon has someone who cares about him so much” >”I just wish I knew that he’s gonna  be alright” >”I do to… You said he behaved differently when he has a collar on, I would like to see it for myself.” >”I’m sure Anon would go for that”   >Be Anon again >”Anon it’s time to get up” >I feel someone nudge me >I pick my head up and see my mother standing over me >”Come on Anon, it’s time for breakfast” >The house is cold, I don’t want to leave bed >I start to lay my head back down >mom pulls the blanket off of me >”don’t lay back down” >I mumble to myself and get out of bed >I head into the living room >Leroy and my mom are sitting on the couch >”so whats for breakfast?” >Leroy turns to me “Cereal, I brought you a bowl” >He points to a bowl sitting next to a box on the coffee table >”cool” >I join them and begin eating >I notice that my mom is not eating >I turn to Leroy and see that he is staring at me >”…is this an intervention?” >Leroy shrugged “sort of…” >”Leroy told me that you start acting strange when you have a collar on, I want to see it for myself” >I blush a little “Ok, if it will make you feel better” >Leroy pulls the collar out of his pocket >”You ready?” >I nod >-Click- >the warm feeling comes back >it’s calming >I don’t notice how cold it is anymore >I look up a Leroy and wait >Leroy looks down at me >”Anon, are you alright?” >-Happy Horse noises- >My mom gives me a worried look >”Anon, you can still talk right?” >I blink and try to focus >I clear my throat >”Yes.” >it take all of my concentration to speak >I feel like my mouth is full of cotton >so does my head >Leroy turns to my mother >”A have asked him some trivia questions and he was able to answer them” >I start to zone out >They continue talking >Leroy makes some hand gestures >Why isn’t he petting me? >I push my head into his hand >”Not now, Anon.” He pulls his hand away >I pull my ears beck and press my jaw into his thigh >I stare at him with begging eyes >he glances at me for a moment then looks back to mom >his will is weak, he will succumb >it is only a matter of time until he pets me >after a moment he looks down again >he still manages to pull away but it takes him far longer >in the end, he will pet me >he can’t resist the cuteness >his hand moves towards me >he catches himself, but he makes the mistake of looking down >Our eyes lock >I can see his resolve melting away >his hand hovers just behind my ears >DO IT FAGGOT! >he finally gives in and starts to pet me >Yessss >at the same time I feel another hand on my back >the pets have been doubled >I start to lose track of time >Leroy and my mother start to slow down >I begin processing pieces of their conversation >Post hypnotic suggestion…I’ll have him fill it out tonight…hoping the collage can help >the collage! >”I HAVE HOMEWORK!” I stand up suddenly >Leroy and mom are both surprised >after mom recovers she smiles >”that’s a relief” >I give her a panicked “How is that a relief!?” >Leroy puts a hand on me >”You still have your collar on, we’re glad to see that you can bring yourself out of it” >I take a moment to catch my breath >”can you take it off for me? My homework is due tomorrow” >Leroy reaches for the fastener >-click- >I hop off the couch and grab my bag >after I dig though it I find my math homework for tomorrow >this is going to take at least the afternoon   >and done >I set down my pencil and put the homework sheet back in my bag >I rub my throbbing temples >…the hooves only exacerbate my headache >I need some ibuprofen…or alcohol…or both >I’m going to go with both >I dismounted the chair and headed into the living room >”hay Leroy, do you still have that bottle of whisky I gave you?” >my mom raises an eyebrow “do you really think drinking is a good idea, anon?” >” I have all my homework finished, and it’s not like alcohol kills horses” >Leroy looks at me “you aren’t done yet” >He holds up the release forms >”you’re going to be sober when you fill these out” >I sigh “Do I need to be sober when I do the experiments?” >Leroy nodes “Unfortunately we both will” >My mom stands up “while you two go over that, I should get going” >she picks me up and gives me a hug >”stay safe anon” >”I will” >I close my eyes and burry my face into her shoulder >I feel the warmth of her body, and I can hear her rhythmic breathing >I feel a deep calm wash over me >there where hundreds of things I could be worrying about, but they didn’t matter right now >I felt safe with her >Her and Leroy >They would keep me safe >I didn’t have anything to worry about >there was a warm darkness enveloping me >like a warm blanket on a cold night >it wrapped around me >it covered me but didn’t smother me >it secured me but didn’t restrict me >I was not asleep, but I was not entirely awake >somewhere in-between >I wanted it to last forever >but I knew it couldn’t last >eventually she pulled away >”I love you Anon, take care of yourself” >she kissed me on the forehead and set me back down on the ground >she turned to Leroy >”Leroy, take good care of Anon, I seriously doubt he can take care of himself” >”Hay!” >They both begin to snicker >I pull my ears back in frustration >”Oh, anon you look adorable when you’re upset” >she leans in to give me another kiss >”I’ll see you two later, take care of your selves” >she gathers her things and walks out the door >”bye mom, I love you” >”I love you to sweetie” >she closes the door behind her >I turn back to Leroy >”so what all is in there?” >I poke a hoof at the stack of papers on the coffee table >He picks it up “oh nothing too invasive, anal probing, vivisection, the usual” >he tries to suppress a smile, but he can’t hold in a quick laugh >I nod “and why did I think it would be a good idea to let you handle this?” >Leroy grins at me “because your anti-social, and I’m the best friend you ever had” >I chuckle “I can’t argue with that. Seriously though, what the hell are they going to do to me?” >He pats my head “nothing you don’t want them to, you haven’t agreed to anything yet. Hop up and we’ll go over it” >he pats the vacant stretch of couch next to him >I climb into position and rest my head on Leroy’s shoulder >He holds up a form for me to see >”this is just a standard release form saying that you won’t sue the school for anything that happens” >I nod “Ok, what else?” >Leroy flips through the papers, eventually finding the one he wants >”consent to a physical exam, they want CAT scans, X-rays, blood tests, urine tests, they are going to do that thing where they shine a light in your eyes…” >”alright, I’ll sign” >Leroy flips to the next form >”consent to a psychological exam” >I nod “next” >”they want to throw you into a pool and see how long it takes you to get out” >I stare at him >”…No, I’m serious. They want you to agree to this.” >”…how much money am I getting for this?” >”Ten thousand a semester if you agree to everything” >I blink “they are going to give me ten thousand dollars to throw me into a pool?” >Leroy nods “apparently” >”this is why tuition is so high” I mutter under my breath >”alright next” >Leroy sorts the pages >”sleep study” >”how much money do I lose if I back out of one?” >”uh” Leroy looks through the papers >”only five hundred for this one. Don’t want the dean to watch you sleep” >”No, no I don’t” >He sets the form aside “OK, next is” >he flips through the pages “…Semen analysis! 300$” >he couldn’t keep a straight face >”how about no, you crazy bastard” >Leroy burst into laughter >”somehow I knew you wouldn’t go for that” >”when it comes to doing things for science, I draw the line at being molested by Ronald Regan” >Leroy throws the paper away >”Ok next…” >what remained where largely unremarkable, I did turn down a “72-hour isolation experiment” worth 700$ >after we were finished Leroy turned to me >”So Anon, want to go for a walk before diner?” >My face lit up “I would love a walk!” >Leroy stood up “Alright then, let’s get your leash on”  >I followed Leroy to the entry way, where my leash and collar where hanging >He took the collar off the hook and set it around my neck >-click- >I sat patiently as he removed the leash and clipped it into the ring on my collar >he smiled at me >”Ok, let’s go” he said as he opened the door   >we stepped out into the cool afternoon air >I take a deep breath of the crisp autumn air >a light breeze blows through me, the cold nips at my ears and nose but my fur takes the edge off of it >”do you want your jacket before we go?” Leroy asks >I shake my head “No I think I’ll be fine” >”If you say so” >He grabs a ushanka from the wall >he dons it, fastening the ears around his head >He pulls the door shut and locks it >”Do you still have yours?” he asks, gesturing to his hat >”yeah, I just don’t wear it very often because I’m worried someone will beat me up” >”why would you worry about that? You would look absolutely adorable in it” >”because it still has the Hammer and sickle on it, I feel like I’ve given the right enough reasons to hate me this week” >Leroy begins to laugh >”My little Commie, My little Commie” >”Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha!” >”My little Commie” >”I used to wonder what Soviet could be” >”My little Commie” >”Until the state nationalized me” >”Long hours” >”Tons of coal” >”The Tsar is Dead” >”Vodka is Strong” >”Don’t Complain ” >”And you won’t be beat” >He picks me up >”And Bread lines make it all complete” >”My little Commies” >”Don’t you know that we’re all equal? Comraaaade!” >he gives me a Boop on the nose before we both burst into laughter >”In Soviet Russia, Pony owns you.” I say with a smug grin >”You are right comrade, give me a moment” >He sets me on the ground and takes off my collar >He hands me the other end of the leash before fastening the collar around his neck >”much better, this way my pet” I lead Leroy in the Direction of the Park >”I immediately regret my decision” >”shh, pets can’t talk” >”isn’t the whole reason I’m doing this because you told me to?” >”Yes, but don’t think about that now. just sit back relax and let me show you the joys of not having to think for yourself” >”I know people around here, what am I going to say to them?” >”Nothing. Remember when we bumped into James and Anabelle the other day?” >”yes” he raises an eyebrow at me >”I didn’t say anything, I let you do all the talking. If we see someone you know, I’ll tell them that you are my pet for the evening and can’t talk” >”do I really have to go through this Anon? I only meant it as a joke” he starts tugging at the collar >I smile “yes Leroy, now be a good boy and I’ll make sure you enjoy it” >He stops pulling at the leash and gives me a begging look >He’s into it, he just doesn’t want to admit it >I give Leroy a tug on the leash >”come on” >I’m going to enjoy this >I lead Leroy down the marked path through the woods >Unfortunately no one was out here >well unfortunately for me, Leroy was probably quite happy with this >I enjoy the walk nonetheless, it’s quite peaceful out here >Autumn was always my favorite season >The weather is just right, the trees become some of my favorite colors, and the bugs go back to hell where they belong >The path we fallow is not paved, it was mostly dirt flanked by logs on either side >it was not level ground, there were just enough rocks in the way to make it interesting… >I looked back at Leroy, he smiled but did not speak >we continue in silence for a moment more, only broken by the crunching of leaves under our feet, the sporadic breeze, and the regular clop of my hooves on the packed ground >Suddenly I hear a rustling in the brush ahead of us >”what was that?” I turn to Leroy to ask >He remains silent >as I search for its source I instinctively huddle next Leroy >after a second a deer bounds across the trail and runs deeper into the woods >I let out a sigh of relief “It’s just a deer” >Leroy looks down at me, grinning >I take a moment to glare at him be for giving a sharp pull on the leash >”Let’s go” I command in a deadpan tone >a slight chuckle out of Leroy almost incites a quick flick of my ears >we continue a while longer… >I don’t think I can do this much longer  >”l-leroy…” I murmur >I clear my throat >I muster the most commanding voice I can manage “Leroy, you can speak if you want to” >I try to keep my eyes forward, but I find myself glancing over my shoulder waiting for a response >”If you say so” he replies with a chuckle >I can’t tell if he’s mocking me or just thinks it’s cute that I’m trying to be in charge >I look at my hooves for a moment >I’m not very good at this, maybe I should just have Leroy put the collar back on me… >I feel a hand on my shoulder >I turn to see Leroy crouched beside me >”Hay Anon, I didn’t mean to seem patronizing. You’re doing a good job with this, I feel like you’re getting a good feel for what it was like for me the first time. Just keep it up” >”Thank Leroy” I turn and start to move into a hug >He pulls me into his chest >I draw my front legs around his neck >My cheek brushes against the nametag on the collar >out of my peripheral vison I can read the inscription >”Anon, Property of Leroy” >my neck suddenly feels so exposed, and it feels like the leash wrapped around my hoof is biting into me >this isn’t right >I pull away from Leroy and begin to unwind the leash from my foreleg >Leroy puts his hand on it >”No Anon, you finish what you’ve started” >”But I-“ >Leroy presses a finger to my lips >”Yes, you can. You went to school as a pony, you can take me for a walk through the woods. Just keep going, you’re doing fine” >I nod “O-OK, I’ll keep going. Just do one thing for me.” >”what do you need?” >”keep talking the rest of the way, I like listening to you” >Leroy Laughs “well you’re in luck, I like listening to myself to” >as we walked home Leroy managed to find something to talk about with me >we talked about the visit from my mother, school, and what we were having for dinner >we decided on fried rice >finally we arrived back a Leroy’s house From Leroy’s perspective >Anon continues to follow the path >”So how much further do we have to go?” >I shrug “it depends, are you ready to go home?” >”yes I am. What does it depend on?” >”well if you’re in a hurry, there’s a creak up ahead that goes right behind my house” >He nods “sounds good to me” >”sooo, your mother took it well…” >”yes, she did” >”surprisingly well…” >He turns and cocks his head “what are you getting at?” >”Oh, nothing. It just she seemed like she was expecting… something else” >”What are you talking about?” >”you know perfectly well what I am talking about Anon, and this isn’t the first time it’s come up ether” >”So why are you talking about it now?” >”because now the entire world thinks it…” >Anon stops and turns to me >the collar jingles as I rub the side of my neck >”…what do you mean, the entire world? Leroy what did you tell those reporters!” >I throw up my hands >”It’s not what you think, I didn’t say anything like that. They just found out you were living with me and, well… The trip to PetSmart didn’t really do us any favors…” >”…yeah that would seem pretty gay…” >”Look don’t worry about it Anon” >I give him a pat on the back >”I’ve got your back, your moms got your back, you’ve got friends at the college. This will all blow over in a week or two, and you probably won’t even notice the difference” >he looks me straight in the eye >”Leroy, do you think I’m gay?” >I snicker “No Anon, I’ve seen your browser history. I do however think you are a degenerate, but you’re my degenerate” >He chuckles “I can’t argue with that logic” >he prods me in the side with a hoof >”so by the transitive property of degeneracy, you are also a degenerate” he smiles smugly >”yes, but I don’t think that was ever in question, and if it was the fact that I have been letting a pony lead me around on a leash for the past hour should remove all doubt” >We share a laugh >”glad to know we’re on the same level. Now onward slave!” >Anon makes what I assume where supposed to be whip sounds as he resumed walking >”so how has school been treating you?” >”eh, it’s been ok. I had a good chat with my history professor” >”the one who probably smokes weed? Was he stoned when he found out?” >”Probably, that would explain why he was so calm about it” >”I wish my professors where that cool, maybe I wouldn’t have dropped out” >”And then you wouldn’t be getting dragged through the forest on a leash” >”true, My life has been in a death spiral, and it’s all because my professors refused to smoke weed” >”Snoop Dog is a wise man” I agree >Leroy nods” …Potatoes…” >I look at him “…are amazing…” >”…I don’t think I have any…” >”…well now I’m hungry… >”…so am I…” >”…can we stop talking like this?...” >”…sure…” >”your weird, you know that Leroy?” >he smiles and snickers “Said the small orange Pegasus” >”I was weird well before I became the little pony.” >I nod “true, so what do you want for dinner” >”Potatoes” >”I don’t have potatoes” >”I thought you had vodka” >”No Anon, we are not having vodka for dinner” >”why not?” >”Because it has no nutritional value, you have school tomorrow, and you can’t seem to hold your liquor any more” >”What do you mean I can’t hold my Liquor?” >”you’ve lost over half your body mass, how much do you even wheag now?” >He shrugs “I don’t know, I haven’t stepped on a scale recently” >”I’d put you at about sixty to seventy pounds, that coming from what two hundred?” >”something like that, but I can still hold my liquor.” >”You got pretty drunk off of one beer last night” >”I wasn’t drunk” >”Yes Anon, you were drunk”     >Anon leads me onto the porch >I move to open the door but Anon stops me >”wait I want to do it” >I back away “it’s yours” >anon unfurls his left wing and wraps it around the doorknob >he spends several seconds trying fruitlessly to get enough traction between the feathery appendage and the brass sphere >I contemplate offering him assistance, but he needs to do this himself >after half a minute Anon switches tactics >He rears up on his hind legs and presses his hooves around the door knob >I resist the urge to laugh at him, I don’t want to patronize him again >at first he used the sides of his hooves, but after only a few seconds he realized that the hard keratin produced little friction >he then pressed the frogs of his hooves against the knob >he’s making good progress, he almost has it >after a few more attempts he finally prevailed >His reward for his effort was to fall into the entry way as the door swung open under his weight >He flared his wings half way out before catching himself with his front legs >I finally permit myself a quick chortle at the entire affair >”you ok, Anon?” I casually ask as I unhook the leash >”I’m fine. I got the door open” he replies triumphantly >”Yes you did” and it only took you three minutes >I need to be careful with my tone >I could have done it in less than a second but I don’t have hooves, now do I >I make a mental note to replace the door knob with something a little more pony friendly >”I’ll fix dinner tonight” Anon says as he trots into the kitchen >This will be interesting >”Would you like any help?” >”No I can do it” >I stop at the entrance to the kitchen >cooking was never Anon’s strong suit, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for now >He took a pan and set it on the cook top, then he took out a measuring cup and filled it with water >he dumped the water into the pan and reached for the gas knob >He tilted his head and turned the gas knob with his mouth >the ignitor ticked several times before the burner ignited >…Along with Anon’s mane >”Ahh!” Anon yelled as he jammed the side of his head into the ground >I ran to him as he began to roll back and forth on the floor >I quickly grabbed the pan and dumped it on to his head >”You OK man?” >He looks up at me with a crushed expression on his face, the wet mane only makes it sadder >”…I’m fine. I’m sorry I made a mess” >”Yeah, you did.” I say as I grab a towel >”Tell you what, You clean this up and then you do the vegetables and I’ll handle the stove.” I say as I dry his head >”How’s that sound?” >I give him a boop on the nose >That brought a smile back to his face >”Shure thing Leroy” he says as he stands up >I toss the rag to him” Great, you start with that and I’ll get the water ready” >I take the pan to the sink and refill it >I head back to the stove and see that Anon is hard at work cleaning up the water >He glances back at me >”am I in your way?” >”just let me get by” I quickly side step him and set the pan on the stove >I turn on the burner and head to the pantry to get the rice >I wouldn’t be a bad idea to teach Anon to cook, or clean for that matter >He’s living here rent free after all, he can do some chores for me >I grab a bag of rice, as well as a couple of vegetables and a bottle of cooking oil >I turn back into the kitchen and see Anon finishing up >”Good, here chop these up” I say as I set the vegetables on a cutting board >”What should I do with the towel?” he askes >”take it to the laundry room, there should be a basket of towels” >”OK, I’ll be right back” >He could probably do laundry without any help, maybe after dinner I’ll see how he does >I grab a bar stool and set it in front of the cutting board for Anon >I check to see if the water is boiling yet >eh, good enough, in goes the rice >Anon returns from the laundry room >”I got you a seat” >”Thank” he says climbing onto the stool >He pulls a knife from the draw in front of him and begins to chop the peppers >I turn the refrigerator and take out a bottle of stir fry sauce >I take a wok and set it on the stove top >I add the cooking oil and turn on the heat >I look back over to Anon who is just finishing up the onions >”Would you like to handle this part?” I gesture to the wok >”You’ll let me? After I almost burned your house down?” >”that was an accident, you’ve never cooked like this before, but you’ll never get better if you don’t try” >I pick up the bar stool and set it in front of the cooktop and hold out a spatula >”now try” I say with a smile >He nods “ok, I’ll try not to start another fire” >He takes the spatula from me and I dump the vegetables into the wok >he starts to stir them and I check on the rice, almost done. >”You just need practice that’s all, we can do this again tomorrow if you want” >He nods, still holding the spatula in his mouth >Once the last of the water boils away I add the rice and sauce to the wok >After about a minute I kill the heat >”that should do it, you did a good job” I say as I ruffle his mane >”Maybe next time I won’t light myself on fire” >”Don’t dwell on it, learn from it and move on, you’ll do better next time” >I divide the rice into two dishes and take them to the living room >I take a seat on the couch as Anon comes in behind me >”Can I have my collar back?” >I’m still wearing it aren’t I >I feel around for the latch “not tonight, tomorrow maybe, we’ll see how you do on your chores” >”What chores?” >I smile at him “I’m letting you stay here for free, you’re going to be doing chores. Now the question is, can you do chores with your collar on or not?” >”So what exactly do you want me to do?” >”Tomorrow I want you to do laundry and help me with dinner, after that we’ll see” >”OK I’ll try not to set the house on fire” >”Anon I know what you’re trying to do, and it’s not going to work” >He gives me a confused expression >”You’re trying to get out of this, but if you think I’m going to let you nap on the couch while I do all the work you’ve got another thing coming” >Anon chuckles “Damn, you’ve foiled my brilliant scheme.” >”Sorry Anon, even as a pony you must do house work” >”But isn’t it technically horse work?” >I chuckle “I guess it is. the point is no lazy ponies” >”fair enough” he agrees >”Good pony, and good ponies get pets” I say as I pull him into my lap >”I do enjoy pets” he says as I begin to caress his soft fur >”I know you do, my good little pony” >I continue to stroke his coat as he nuzzles up in my lap >I feel his body relax as his breathing begins to slow >I feel his chin sink into the crook of my arm as his neck relaxes >his wings unfurl, one rests on the couch while the other hangs limply over the edge >I look down at him, his half open eyes have a warm happy look to them >He was breathing in sync with my arm, every stroke was a long sigh followed by a deep breath as I reset my hand >I wonder what he’s thinking about… >Is he even thinking? >It must be nice to get so much joy out of something so simple >I wonder what it’s like >I lean forward and whisper ”Hay Anon, how do you feel?” >”Bliss” he sighed >”What’s it like?” >”it’s warm…and fuzzy…and it feels…so good” he explained in-between breaths >Not quite what I was hoping for, but I don’t know what I expected >”Well you keep being a good pony, and I’ll keep petting you” >his ear flicked and he turned to me >”Leroy… what happens to bad pony?” >I give him a shrug “they go to the glue factory…” my voice trailed off >oh shit, I fucked up >Anon looks at me with wide eyes and ears pulled back in terror, I feel his body tensing up as he pulls his limbs inward >”Anon that wa-“ >”Y-you wouldn’t really, would you?” tears streak down his face as he askes >”No. No, Anon come here” I say as I pull him into a hug >”I would never do that” I speak into his ear as I stroke his mane >I can feel him trembling in my arms >”I’m sorry, it was a shitty joke. I would never hurt a pony, but especially not you. Do you know why?” >He doesn’t reply but he looks at me expectantly >”Because you’re my good little pony, and I’ll never let anything happen to you” >He begins to relax again as he returns my hug >he rests his chin on my shoulder, slowly his body falls slack into my arms >I start to coo into his ear ”do you like being my good little pony?” >”yes” >”That’s good, you’re a very good pony” >”Just stay in school and do what I tell you, and you’ll always be my little pony, understand” >”Yes” >”You’re a good pony, do you know that?” >”yes…” >”And what do good ponies get?” >”Pets…” >”That’s right” >I continue petting him for several minutes >”I like pets…” >”I know, because you’re a good pony…” >The cycle continues into the night >Hours pass and I start to grow tired >I honestly can’t say if Anon is sleeping or just really comfortable >”Hey, Anon. You awake?” >”Hmm, yeah” he sounded groggy >”come on lets go to bed” >I pick him up, supporting his weight with one arm while pulling him into me with the other >His wings hang limp at his sides and his head rests on my shoulder >I stand up and begin to head to the bedroom >As I circle around the couch Anon’s wings wrap around me, draping themselves over my shoulders and pulling me into a hug >I reciprocate as best I can as I carry him to the bed >I come around to Anon’s side and pull the blanket back for him >He folds his wings as I start to shift his weight away from me >He looks at me with a smile through half open eyes as I lay him on his side >I go over to my side and lay down >I grab the covers and pull them over us before snuggling up with Anon >apparently my initial efforts where not satisfactory because Anon presses himself into me after a minute or two >I tighten my embrace around him “better?” >He nods “Much, good night Leroy” >”good night Anon”