6:08am

Pound woke up with a startle and got up from the bed with a jolt. A soft snore nearby from Twilight filled the room along with a few beams of sunlight. It was an awkward night of sleeping and very embarrassing on the first hand. On the second hand, he did sleep with Twilight. He celebrated the silent victory and quietly got off the bed. He would always have to wake up early for the bakery, so his biological clock naturally woke him up. He slipped into more comfortable clothes and went down to the kitchen. What would he make today? He rubbed his hands and then felt a small lump in his pocket.

Ah, that’s right.

The small book. He opened it and luckily landed on the page on how to feed Twilight.

Food

Twilight will eat almost anything.

“Ah, helpful,” Pound said before putting it back in his pocket. He looked up and shuddered. The kitchen was an abominable mess. The scrapes of the hayburgers from last night cluttered everywhere. He sighed and snorted. “Might as well.” he said to himself. It was nothing too annoying, but to clean off the table that had crusty residue of junk food wasn’t the best feeling. Ketchup and grease muddled the floor and embedded itself in the wood. Pound heaved and scrubbed it off with a cloth.

6:19am

Next thing he knew, he was done cleaning the hayburger aftermath. Pleased with his work, he began to wash his hands in the sink. “Ah, that’s right, I need to make breakfast,” he said. While he did bake goods for a living, Pound sharpened his skill with cooking meals. He even asked his mother and father if they could change Sugarcube Corner into a cafe. They laughed and said no.

Pound grabbed the eggs in the fridge and began to whisk them in a large metal bowl. How about just some scrambled eggs? He added a spot of milk to fluff it easier and whisked it more. Maybe cheese? Nah. Just eggs and coffee for the morning.

And with that, Pound easily made breakfast. Just like that.

The freshly cooked organic eggs laid beautifully on the white ceramic plate. The two yolks giggled about, reminding Pound about a certain pair of jugs. He quickly shook his head and finally placed down the little cups filled with brown water laced in caffeine.

Now to wake up Twilight.

Pound readied himself and walked upstairs to her bedroom. He was already blushing and quickly entered the room.

“Uh, Twilight?” he said weakly to the sleeping unicorn. “Breakfast!!”

“Mmm, not right now,” Twilight mumbled, tossing and turning in bed. “Laaaaater.”

Pound sighed and walked downstairs. Pumpkin would do the same thing and just sleep for an extra hour. He eyed the breakfast and simply covered it with a second plate. He wasn’t that hungry anyway. With that out of the way, he could feel the nightly plaque against his teeth. He was sure that Twilight wouldn’t mind him grabbing a new toothbrush for hygiene. Avoiding Twilight’s room, he made his way into Spike’s area in the hopes to find supplies. Next to the bathroom near Spike’s room led to a trove of emergency supplies. There was everything.

Emergency water tablets, two small weird radios, and other goods in survival scenarios. There, he saw a fresh new toothbrush. Pound quickly began to brush his teeth after finding toothpaste and cleaned himself up. He finished by scrubbing his hands with soap and used the excess waters and fixed his mane.

Now, nothing had to be cleaned and he didn’t know what else to do. Pound wandered back into the kitchen and scratched his head. That’s when his eyes took notice of the The Royal Twins: Flayed Twins book in his small knapsack.

He wasn’t always too keen on reading out of boredom, but what else? Twilight expected him to read the book. Pound had found himself to find every few things to capture his interest, like comic books and something called ‘manga’. Even then, even barely. With another small sigh, Pound grabbed the cup of coffee and the book. He slowly flew back into a chair and opened the book.

“Might as well.” he said to himself.

7:00am

Twilight gave a very loud yawn and rubbed her eyes. Her body always naturally got up at seven o'clock sharp too. And now, that was quite a night, to put it simply. Her face flushed with the thought of it, but she slapped her face to stop the lewd thoughts. Her nose took notice of a small scent and eyed the spot where Pound laid. She couldn’t help it and rolled to his side of the bed.

The musky, yet pleasurably smell. It smelled of Pound. And how wonderful it was! She pressed her face against his pillow and took in a deep breath. The impression of his mane laid within the pillow. She quickly scurried out of bed in fear of being caught by Pound. Still red in the face, she brushed herself off and tried to fix her messy mane.

Her sensitive nose picked up a faint smell of breakfast and smiled. He must be downstairs! Twilight quickly walked down the steps to see Pound leaning back in a rocking chair. He was out cold, with a loud snore in the air. The book sat nestled in Pound’s hands, only opened to the first page.

“Was the book that boring?” Twilight thought to herself, rubbing her chin. The book had amazing history and roots leading to the formation of Equestria. Then again, Pound had only opened the cover and fell asleep.

It dawned on Twilight that she had charmed the book with a spell. A spell that would render the reader with a deep sleep if only the cover was opened. It was supposed to be a prank on Spike, and poor Pound was collateral damage. Twilight gave a sigh and waved her hand up. Might as well undo the spell.

Then again…

Twilight moved in closer to see Pound’s rough, yet soft lips. The masculine shape that would fit with hers so easily. She contemplated but ultimately shook her head. One time was enough. With a snap of her fingers and red in the face, Pound woke up with a jolt. He yawned and looked down at the book.

“What the hell just happened?” he muttered.

“Good morning, Pound!” Twilight said cheerfully. “Did you sleep well?”

Pound was startled and almost fell out of the rocking chair. He grabbed the thick book and regained composure.

“Oh, good morning, Twilight!” he said, embarrassed. What if she thought that the book she gave him was boring? He was a bit worried, but Twilight didn’t seem to mind.

“I can smell that you made breakfast,” Twilight said with a smile. “Eggs, I presume?”

“Uh, er, yeah!” Pound said, scrambling out of his seat. “Eggs!”

“Ooh, I like eggs,” Twilight said, rubbing her hands together. “And coffee!”

With her rump on a seat, she quickly slid the plate off the breakfast and dug in with the utensils nearby. The runny yolk had a blend of salt and pepper mixed in, making it rather tasty just for a plain egg. Pound also began to eat his share and couldn’t help but smile to see Twilight enjoy his food. Even if it was eggs with a dash of pepper and salt, he could see Twilight slurp every bit bit.

Suddenly, Twilight downed the entire cup of coffee and smacked her lips.

“Ah, that hit the spot!!” she said, rubbing her belly. “Thank you for the food, Pound!” She grabbed her plates and placed them in the sink. “I hope you’re excited for the plans for today!”

Pound was beginning to eat his second egg and asked a question. “From a schedule, right?”

“Sort of, but we’re just making quick runs around town! Perfect for a number three helper!” she replied with a wink.

Yeah, three. Pound drooped down, but it was better than no number at all.

“I’m going to get changed, so be sure to get ready to go out!” Twilight said. She added in a bright smile which made Pound’s heart melt.

“O-Okay, Twilight.”

7:30am

“Oooh, and now it’s seven-thirty sharp! Right on time!” Twilight said, in a really cute autumn outfit.

She wore cute little brown boots and a light lavender coat that matched her mane. Pitch black tights wrapped around her thick voluptuous thighs and gave them delicious shape. Pound couldn’t help but stare and appreciate how cute Twilight looked.

“Hmm, I forgot to write all of this down, but my memory will have to do!” Twilight said, scratching her head. She nodded and reassured herself. “Are you ready?”

“Huh?”

7:34am

Pound and Twilight arrived at Quills and Sofas, where Davenport was just opening up shop. The moment his eyes met Twilight, he gulped. Hopefully, she won’t buy out the entire stock in one go again like usual. While he did like the sales, it made other ponies in Ponyville quite upset when a single quill was not in-stock. Sofas on the other hand, was too plentiful. Chairs too.

“Morning, Davenport!” Pound said with a wave.

Sugarcube Corner was a constant customer to Quills and Sofas, so he knew the salespony well.

“Ah, and a good morning to you, Pound!” he replied cheerfully. “Running an errand for your parents already?” he asked. “I do believe your order is coming in tomorrow.”

Pound shook his head. “I’m just helping Twilight out at the moment.” he said, gesturing his hand towards the beautiful unicorn.

“Hmm, yes,” he said with a nervous smile.

“Do you have any of the deluxe quill-folds in stock?” she asked excitedly.

“Imported from-”

“The Crystal Empire?!”

“Y-Yes,” Davenport said, sweating a bit. While Twilight was a heavy spender at his store, she was always a bit too excited, like a kid at a candy store. He did appreciate her business, but she was pushy and was forced to do favors that costed him a few bits. Of course, all those bits came back with her payment. He cleared his throat. “I only have a few select quill-folds on display, but I do believe you would like to see the rest?”

“Yes!” Twilight said, following Davenport inside of the store.

Like Davenport, Pound was embarrassed by Twilight’s behavior. Now that he thought about it, Pumpkin did the same thing when she was in a “writer's phase”. She constantly bugged Twilight and Spike about it when she was a filly. The memory made Pound have a very stupid smirk on his face. But the smell of the store brought him back.

The fresh smell of parchment and sofas was way too nostalgic. Memories of him and his sister playing on the sofas to find the perfect one was all flooding to him. He’ve been to this store many times, and yet never thought about it before. Perhaps his busy life was keeping him from taking a break?

While he enjoyed the hard work of his job at Sugarcube Corner, he knew that it was his purpose in life. Of course, the more he thought about it, the more he wanted to think about his future beyond that.

“I’ve seen that look on your face before, Pound,” Davenport’s voice said. “Reminds of me way too much.”

“Me? What? Where’s Twilight?”

“She’s just in the back room looking at all my stocks,” he replied. “And I’m talking about your eyes, son. I was your age when I was going through the same thing.”

Pound was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“The look of getting your cutie mark, finding purpose, working hard on your job, yet feel a bit empty on the inside.” Davenport said, pointing to Pound’s chest. “You’re lacking a mare in your life.”

“Is that what it is?” Pound asked.

He nodded. “It’s one of the main reasons why I ran into my wife and moved to Ponyville. One of the best advice I can give you is that the mare you love doesn’t even need to remotely have the same cutie mark as you.”

Davenport’s wife was a traveling fruits merchant that sold exotic and expensive seeds to stores. She was always out of the house and journeying across Equestria to bring extra bits back home.

“While I do appreciate my wife to do her calling, I do wish she was at home taking care of my little girl with me. Or least be here when she gets her cutie mark.”

“Daddy, do we have customers already?” a young little girl’s voice asked.

“Oh, Cherry Blossom, you’re awake?” Davenport asked his cute young daughter. The little filly wore an adorable pink onesie and held a little pony doll in her hands. She had her mother’s eyes and father’s mane.

“I heard someone yelling.” she said, shaking. “It was scary!”

Oh, that must’ve been Twilight, Pound and Davenport thought together.

“The yelling?” Pound asked, trying to make Cherry Blossom feel better. “It was just Twilight coming in for the new quills.”

Cherry Blossom stopped shaking and sighed. “I thought it was a monster!” she said, starting to giggle. “Daddy always said that Twilight would get excited when he gets new items in!”

“And how did you sleep, Blossom?” Pound asked. “Looks like Mr. Jojo protected you, hmm?” He was talking about the little dark pony doll held in her small hands.

Blossom nodded, but retreated to the back of her father’s leg. It was clear she was still shy of Pound.

“Sweetie, are you going to go out play with your friends today?” Davenport asked.

“Yeah!” Blossom replied. “Me, Buttercup, and Bubbles are going to try get our cutie marks again!”

“Okay, go along and eat breakfast, and wash up! You know what to do, kiddo.”

With that said, Blossom disappeared upstairs. Davenport sighed and rubbed his head.

“Everyday, I hope my wife gets home in time to see Blossom’s new cutie mark. That’s all that I ask for.” he said.

“I’m sure that she’ll be fine,” Pound said, “They’re all just like Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle when they were trying to get their cutie marks I heard.”

Davenport gave out a hearty laugh and chuckled. “That was years ago! Has it been that long already? Time flies way too fast.”

“And she’s growing fast too, Davenport. I remember when I could hold her in my arms.”

“Wasn’t she the cutest thing?” he said. “I could easily hold her in my hand when she was born!”

“I’ll take this, Davenport!” Twilight’s voice roared into the store. In her hands were only two special looking quill pens. One was a dark black, a hue of darkness that was one with the light. The other was a royal color of purple like a holy veil of a king.

Davenport was surprised. “Only two?”

“Only two.” she replied.

7:41am

Pound and Twilight walked out of the store before the unicorn held a finger on her bottom lip. “Next is...” she whispered to herself. She turned to Pound. “Onto the next destination!!”

He followed suit right next to her. He noticed the two pens she brought tucked securely into her jacket. “Is there anything special about those quills?” he asked, pointing at them.

“These are gems forged deep within the mines of the Crystal Empire! They’re pretty much indestructible and are malleable to almost everything! Very impressive for these quill pens!” she said.

“Ah, I see.”

7:43am

“Morning Twilight! Oh, and morning, Pound!”

“Good morning!”

“Morning!”

The town was already awake, but still drowsy. Everyone was doing their early morning rounds and setting up shop. The local cafes and stores were opening up their doors and windows. The florist gave a wave to the two and they waved back.

After a few more minutes of walking, it was clear where they were going.

Sweet Apple Acres.

“Damn, I haven’t been here in forever.” he said, noticing a few figures in front of the farm. “It’s been awhile since I said hello too!”

“Then I’m glad we came here!” Twilight said. “I just had to pick something up from Applejack anyway.”

“Hey, is that Twilight?” a southern accent asked out from the farm.

“Why, it is!”

“Hey Twilight!!” Applejack said, giving a friendly wave. “You’re here to the farm early!”

“I think you know why,” she replied with a wink. “Anyways, how is the farm?”

“This year’s harvest was plentiful, so the cider is going to be just kickin’ not too long from now!” Applejack said, redoing the strap beneath her breasts.

“And the zap apples are going to be ready by next week too!” Apple Bloom chimed in. “Granny Smith’s been yammering about it for the longest time. And hi Pound!” she added in with a wink. “It’s been a while!”

Pound smiled and winked back. “Yeah, it has! I’m sure that Granny Smith is doing fine too?”

“Yep! Still kickin’!” she said proudly, “She still does her chores around the farm like she was over 10 years ago!”

“Why don’t you two come in for a drink?” Applejack asked. “Granny Smith is making some sample apple cider at the farmhouse at the moment!”

The comforting chill of morning was fresh over the charming farm. The cold embrace of autumn was a full hug, yet the hardy earth ponies, Applejack and Apple Bloom were wearing attire like it was summer. Then Pound remembered something.

“Wait, before I come in, is it okay if I say hi to Big Mac?” he asked.

“Yeah, go ahead!” Apple Bloom said. “He’s in the northern orchard, so you can’t miss him!”

“Alright, thanks!”

7:45am

Faraway, Pound could see a large red stallion do a quick check on the orchard, inspecting the apples in the trees to see if they’re perfectly ripe. His attention soon turned to Pound, in which he gave a solid wave.

“Morning, Big Mac!” Pound said.

“Morning, Pound! What bring you to the farm?” Big Mac replied. He patted the leaves off his shoulders with his giant hands. The muscular stallion was half naked with his shirt off, but unphased by the morning chill.

“I’m actually here on an errand with Twilight. She said that she needed to pick up something from Applejack. Do you know know what it is?” he asked.

Big Mac shrugged and grabbed his white shirt off the branch of the apple tree. “Beats me!”

“I also heard from your sisters this year’s harvest is good!”

He nodded. “Eeyup. We’ll all be apple bucking quite soon.” But then he paused. “Say, are you and Rumble still interested in some workout techniques?”

“Does it involve apple bucking?”

Big Mac laughed heartily and smiled. “How’d you know?”

“Well, Rumble might be interested in it, but he’s busy with what Rainbow Dash told him.”

The red earth pony gave a thoughtful nod and smiled. “Better to learn from her than me anyway.”

“Huh? Why’s that?”

“You’d be killed with an earth pony’s training anyway.” he chuckled.

Pound chuckled too. He remembered when he and Rumble asked Big Mac what he did for his workouts a long time ago. While Big Big wasn’t too talkative with Rumble, he was glad that he was comfortable with him. Pound valued the relationship he had with Big Mac.

“Now, you two shouldn’t be chasing after mares too much,” Big Mac said. “Focus on your work and future first rather than on your bodies too much.”

“But I already have!” Pound replied. “And besides, you were the same as me when you were my age, right?”

Big Mac pondered upon it for a moment. “Eenope.”

“You don’t even have a girlfriend yet!”

“Watch your mouth.”

“Sorry!”

Big Mac laughed at Pound’s defensive reaction. “I could wrestle you down onto the ground in a blink of an eye!” With that said, Big Mac sighed. “You’re probably wondering why an old guy like me haven’t settled down yet, right?” he asked. He took out a cigarette from his jeans along with a lighter. He gestured towards Pound, but he politely declined.

He lit up the cigarette and took a long drag from it. “The truth is, the reason for me to find a girlfriend has… burnt out. I don’t expect you to understand that, but hear me out.” He let the cigarette burn for a bit and continued. “I wasn’t too keen on girls when I was your age, but rather too focused on the work on the farm. This farm makes me happy, and it hasn’t treated me awful ever since. I’m at the point where a mare in my life could mean something or not.”

“I think I can understand…” Pound said, giving it a lot of thought.

“You’re 19, so have fun with your life! I’m just giving you my own advice to you. Apple Bloom is around 30 and Applejack is around 42. And to think I’m only 50.” He huffed out smoke out of the cigarette. “And there’s Granny Smith, already almost 300-years old. Ponies are long lived creatures, Pound. We all have long lives ahead of us. And I wouldn’t mind farming this land for the rest of my life.”

“Big Macintosh!! Are you smoking in the orchards again?!” Granny Smith’s voice screeched across the entire farm. “You’ll ruin the apples!”

He quickly put out the cigarette and crushed it beneath his hooves. “I need to go.” His massive red mass quickly turned around and headed towards away from the orchard.

“Talk to you later, Big Mac.” Pound said, giving a wave. Big Mac was soft spoken, but once you knew him, he was an amazing stallion to talk to. He was full of wisdom and very kind. Why wouldn’t a mare fall for him? He was attractive too!

Unbeknownst to Pound, a ghastly green mist began to manifest behind him. “Pound!!” it hissed before it gripped him around the neck. He began to choke before being violently dragged deeper into the groves.

Author's Notes:

The format of the editing messed up for some reason, but eh.
Also, I have an update on my life and a giveaway!