[5:45 p.m.]

Even after some time to calm myself down, I was still having trouble processing the feelings I had experienced back at the photo shoot as the three of us were on our way to the shopping district in Canterlot. My mind was outside of reality as I was distracted by my thoughts.

Why was I so… Entranced by Fleur? I mean she’s not only the first friend I’ve made, but she’s a pony as well. Is it wrong to have these kind of feelings welling up inside? Is it just how attractive she looks that’s making me this way, or is there something else? I mean I’ve seen some pretty girls growing up back on Earth, but I’ve never really followed through with it besides talking to them casually. I was focusing on other priorities as well, but I can’t deny that I was sometimes distracted by those kinds of things now and then. Of course it wasn’t until later on that once I got to know them, not only were they not worth the effort of hooking up, but some even have called me boring, plain, and ‘not with the times.’ I’ve stopped putting up with those kinds of people after that, and have just been distancing myself from them so I wouldn’t let trivial matters get in the way of handling other priorities. It’s part of why I barely attempted to make friends like my counselors suggested I should.

Now that I’ve acquired a good education, moved out of my house, my old world of Earth to Equius where bipedal, talking ponies of different colors and subspecies thrive, where do I go from here? I’m still not sure if I’ll have this job as Fleur’s secretary at the end of the day, but it’s been an interesting job so far, until I know I DO have the job, I have a place to stay (albeit a house I’d never thought to live under), I’ve made at least one friend since coming to this world, what’s left for me to do besides just living life to how I see fit? What else can I—

“Ozzyyyy? Hello? Equius to Ozzy, are you there?” An angelic voice asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I found that it was Fleur who called me with a confused expression on her face.

“H-huh? Sorry, what were you saying?” I asked, recalling that she was telling me something, but I was tuned out by my thoughts.

“I was just saying how nice the soap I put on earlier smelled on me. Incredible that it’s still lingering like some sort of perfume. Would you like a whiff?” Fleur asked as she held her delicate arm out front.

My mind raced back to the photo shoot at Mare de Fur’s, replaying Fleur washing herself under the shower like a movie, and my face heated from her offer of smelling the soap she put on after I’ve seen her naked for the first time.

Is it rude if I declined her offer? Would it send the wrong message I wasn’t intending? Is she usually this nonchalant with her coworkers? Then again, she certainly made some sort of showcase of herself before they started recording. Are friends usually this lax with each other? Fuck, I’m not sure if doing this will either make me look like a pervert or something else. I gotta say something before she sees something suspicious.

“Uh… No need, I can smell you from over here. It’s a fascinating fragrance, definitely,” I replied.

YES! Awesome response Ozzy! Give yourself a pat on the back and a gold star, ‘cause you just OWNED that situation like it was your bitch man! You GOT this!

“Isn’t it?” Fleur asked as she pulled her arm back. “It’s a good thing they gave me a variety basket as a gift. I’m curious to how the other kinds smell, and it’s amazing on the fur too.” She then held up said basket that was wrapped in plastic, containing bottles of all four kinds from the Heavenly Forbid collection.

… Oh god, now I’m picturing what Fleur would smell like with all the different scents I sampled. I hope she likes the lily one, that’s my favorite. Wait, why am I even HOPING for something like that?! Dammit man, what is HAPPENING to you?! Try to think of something else to talk about before this gets out of hand!

“So uh… What do you think Fancy Pants would like for his birthday?” I asked. “I’m not even sure if mine can compare, since I’m sure many others will come along with more expensive gifts than what I can afford.”

“I’ll admit, he has some expensive tastes, but it’s not always what he likes in personal belongings,” she commented as she looked up in thought. “Even then, it’s still difficult to find out what he likes. I only came up with a new pocket watch with a message engraved to the back this year, and I’m STILL not sure if he’ll like it.”

“Well I’m sure that no matter what you get him, he’ll appreciate that it’s from his wonderful sister,” I commented. “If he isn’t anything like MY older brother, he probably values in the thought that’s behind the gift than what was on the price tag.”

“What did you get for your brother on his birthday?” She asked with a raised eyebrow, along with Shining who looked to be piqued in curiosity.

“I got him a coffee mug I molded from a pottery barn,” I answered. “I didn’t have enough money to get him anything big back then, and I’ll admit, I’m not really good with my hands, and it didn’t look like the best mug ever made, but I tried to make it look presentable enough.”

“How did he react?” Fleur asked.

“… He wasn’t really thrilled, and I saw the mug broken, and in the garbage can the next day,” I replied, to which Fleur, and even Shining gasped.

“That’s just awful,” she commented.

“Yeah, NOT the best brother I ever had to live with, I’ll say that much,” I said. “I didn’t get him anymore gifts since then, knowing that unless it’s expensive that I can’t afford, it would only be garbage in his eyes like the coffee mug… But let’s not dwell too much on it. Since I don’t even know your brother, I don’t think anything I’d get would matter all that much to him compared to yours Fleur.”

“Not when I tell him you’re my new secretary and friend he won’t,” she argued with a furrowed brow. “We’re getting him something great from you, and I’ll help however I can.”

“Thanks Fleur, I appreciate it,” I said with a small smile, to which she returned.

As we got to the shopping district, Shining had a look of uncertainty while she gazed on the floor. She may have been trying to come up with a way to talk to Fleur about the incident, which was why she had been so quiet over the ride. I was curious to why she seemed piqued about what birthday present I got for my brother though, but I didn’t pay too much in mind.

Before we stepped out of the carriage, Fleur suddenly opened up a cabinet that was under her seat that contained a sun hat, a hair tie and some big shades.

“Does that get up REALLY work in public?” I asked with a raised eyebrow, taking into account how ridiculous the ponies were this morning at the news station.

“You’d be surprised dearie,” she replied as she tied her mane into a pony tail, then put on the hat and shades. “When something big like the carriage incident happening yesterday, and what was shown on the news this morning, you’d need to sport this around the next couple of days before ponies start to forget about it and move on.”

We then stepped out of the carriage, and sure enough, none of the ponies batted an eye at Fleur’s direction while she was in her disguise.

Huh… I guess it worked.

“Meet us back here in one hour, would you Silver Wheel? We’ll be going back to my place before the party tonight once we finish our errand,” Fleur said.

“Right away miss,” he replied before he drove away, and we walked along the sidewalk to begin our search for Fancy Pants’ present.

We passed by shops that sold clothes, jewelry, and antiques while I try to come up with something decent to get for Fleur’s brother.

Since I don’t know him very much, it would probably be best if I get something practical, but since he’s probably as much of a celebrity as Fleur, he may have gotten a lot of those things already, if not, have maid or service staff doing everything for him. Maybe it can look good, but perhaps doesn’t have to do anything to make it impressive… What would that be though?

I try to recall what Fleur has told me about him so far in the past day and a half. Then I remembered what brought him into conversation in the first place.

The photos I saw in Fleur’s living room.

I looked around the street, and found a hobbyist store with potted plants, some crafted arts, and picture frames on display.

“Do you think he might like a picture frame?” I asked Fleur as I poked her shoulder, and pointed her to the shop that was across the street.

“That’s PERFECT!” She exclaimed with glee. “Let’s go see what they have then!” She then grabbed my wrist, and eagerly pulled me to the shop while Shining awkwardly followed.

When we got inside, the place wasn’t very busy, and there were aisles of different items for either decorating, or even crafting your own pieces.

“I’ll look around over there while you check the other side, alright?” She asked.

“Sure thing,” I replied before I watched her walk off to one side of the store, and Shining came up my side. “Okay, this is your chance. The place is practically empty, and she’s on her own,” I whispered.

“I’m not sure Oz… Ever since what happened at Equestrian Eagle, it’s like I’m invisible to her. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Fleur like this,” Shining said with her ears folded. “I’ve never realized how much of what I’ve done with other stallions for all of those years affected her like this. Would she even want to talk to me anymore even after everything I’ve done?”

“You’ll never know until you put yourself out there,” I said as I held her shoulders, and turned her gaze to me. I didn’t realize it until then, but Shining had some incredible, pale green eyes behind those white framed glasses of hers. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my experience before I got here, it’s that if I want to get anywhere, I have to get there myself, starting with that very first step. I may not know what’s ahead of me before I get there, but even if there’s some rough obstacles along the way, I wouldn’t stop walking until I get to that destination. Fleur may not have looked like it to you now, but I’ve seen hints of sadness every time she mentioned you, or looked in your direction after what happened in that dressing room. Right now, Fleur doesn’t need you as a manager. She needs you as a friend, and you’re the only one who can go over there right now, and fix things before things can get any worse.”

Shining looked surprised a little after I was finished, but probably because I was holding her by the shoulders, and I had to let go of her if I was in her personal space. She looked to where Fleur was browsing different items displayed on the walls, and it was hard to tell what she was feeling with those sunglasses and hat covering most of her face. Shining took a deep breath with a hand on her chest to calm herself down before her expression of doubt changed to determination.

“Alright… Wish me luck then,” she said before she walked to where Fleur was, and I went to a spot where I could see their development from a distance without being seen.

Shining made the first move as she walked up to Fleur’s side, and poked her shoulder to gain her attention. Again, it looked difficult to see what Fleur was feeling under those shades, as if she was sporting a poker face. Shining looked anxious as she tried to speak, and not looked to her friend’s direction. I couldn’t hear what those two were talking about because I was too far away, and the music that was playing throughout the store helped drown out the conversation.

At one point during their discussion, Fleur looked surprised as she covered her muzzle with a hand. I could only guess that was when Shining told her that she was partially to blame for her sadness during the break up with Solar Flare. I had to hide behind the shelf as Fleur looked around the store for a bit, but when I peeked out again, not only were her shades off, but she had Shining’s hands within hers. While she spoke, there was something black running down her cheek, which was probably some eyeliner that was running with her tears. Not too long later, even Shining was breaking the waterworks before the two got into a tight embrace. Their bodies shook a little from the sobs, with Fleur’s back facing away from the wall to keep herself exposed from the public. I smiled a little when Shining looked up at me, and mouthed ‘thank you’ before I nodded. I left the two of them some time alone, and looked around for Fancy Pants’ gift.

Yeah, I think those two are going to be fine.

[1 hour, 15 minutes later, 7:00 p.m.]

I ended up getting an eight by twelve, dark colored, wooden frame with a glossy finish, and getting it gift wrapped at another store since there wasn’t any paper to use at Fleur’s or Shining’s place. Surprisingly, Fleur bought an eight by ten, beige frame while we were at the store after the two of them settled down.

When we were on our way back, I took the opportunity to talk about how big Fancy Pants’ parties usually are.

“So do Fancy Pants’ parties tend to be high class? Should I wear something formal like a suit jacket over a shirt like this with a tie?” I asked while gesturing the dark blue, long-sleeve, button-up shirt I was currently wearing.

“If you have it, sure, but whatever shirt and slacks you have that are like the ones you’re wearing right now should be fine dearie,” Fleur said. “It may be high class, yes, but it’s still a party no less. There will be a few different bands playing throughout the night for mingling and dancing along to, a small bar for drinks, food and hors d'oeuvre to serve, a table to leave our gifts for him to open later in the evening, and there’s somepony who keeps track of the guest list at the entrance.”

“Is the party taking place at his restaurant? It sounds pretty big,” I commented.

“Nope. All of it is taking place at his mansion,” Shining answered. “Trust me when I say that if you think Fleur’s house was big, wait until you see his.”

… Uh… If the place of the party’s anything like ‘The Great Gatsby’s,’ I think I may stick out like sore thumb if me being a human doesn’t cut it. I’m kind of nervous now.

“Don’t worry about a thing dearie,” Fleur said, recognizing how sweaty I was already getting, and shaking in my seat. “You’ll be with us throughout the evening. Just relax, and have some fun okay?”

“I’ll try…” I replied.

When we got to Fleur’s place, the girls left the carriage first before I stepped out last to carefully carry the frame out.

“So we’ll leave for the party in a half hour once we clean and dress up,” Fleur explained. “Shiny that goes for you too. I don’t want you coming back out here with that suit of yours, or any other business attire you have in your wardrobe. We’ve had a long day, and it’s time that we have some fun for the rest of the evening.”

Looks like things are okay now if Fleur’s referring Shining by her nickname. I’m glad those two worked things out. They look like they’re practically made for each other.

Shining chuckled a little at Fleur’s playful demand before she smiled. “I suppose I’ll cut back a little for tonight, but there’s one last thing that needs to be settled since we’re all here. Oz? If you could step forward please? Silver Wheel, I’ll need you down here as well.”

… Oh boy, I think I know what’s coming next. Guess I should prepare for the worst.

I handed Silver Wheel my gift to hold once he got off the carriage before I stepped in front of Shining. My hands were behind my back at attention, ready for whatever she had to say.

“Ozzy Shore… I must admit without a doubt that despite you being a human, I’ve never come across a stallion such as yourself before,” Shining said as she fixed her glasses before crossing her arms. “Over the course of today, I’ve seen you as somepony who gets distracted in very… Risqué situations. Not to mention awkward, gets nervous easily, and perhaps there may be some clumsiness I haven’t seen yet that will come in the near future.”

… Yeah, I guess that can be seen as a bit pathetic like how she described me earlier.

“HOWEVER!” She continued, catching my attention back. “You’ve made up for those by putting others before yourself, having the drive to push yourself through whatever challenges that come your way, and taking great focus to the task at hand. And most importantly…” Shining then looked over to Fleur with a warming smile on her face. “You’ve helped me gained back something I had lost briefly, and I couldn’t bear to think what would happen if you weren’t there.” She looked back to me with that same smile on her face. “Not only that, you’ve opened my eyes to recall something I was afraid of ever looking back to, and help me start moving forward to the future after holding onto the past for so long.

“You have far exceeded my expectations today Ozzy Shore, and after taking careful consideration…”

A brief pause of silence filled the air, quickly getting heavier as time passes for what seemed like an eternity until…

“… If you’re still interested, we’d be delighted to have you on board Oz. Do you accept?” Shining asked with a smile.

Everything that was piling on me disappeared into thin air as the question came about, and I could have sworn my smile was about to split my face off. “Uh, YES I FREAKIN’ ACCEPT!” I exclaimed I as I rushed and hugged Shining tightly. “THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!” I then stopped and realized what I was doing before I quickly pulled back, and cleared my throat as I calmed down. “Uh, yes, I would be glad to accept that offer. Sorry about that,” I chuckled nervously.

“It’s quite alright Oz. We’ve all had those moments at least once in our lives,” Shining replied while fixing her glasses with a smile. “We’ll discuss your payment, and give you a proper welcome to our team tomorrow. Until then, let’s just get ready for tonight, and enjoy ourselves shall we?”

“Oh I’m so happy how everything turned out!” Fleur exclaimed with glee as she hugged the both of us tightly in her arms. “This new team is going to work out GREAT! I can feel it already!”

Silver Wheel chuckled at Fleur’s enthusiasm. “Congratulations on having you aboard Oz. Welcome to the group, and I look forward to working with you.”

“Thanks Silver Wheel, I feel the same,” I replied with a smile as we shook hands.

“Well what are we standing around for?! We’ve got a party to prepare!” Fleur exclaimed before she pulled me to her house, and Silver Wheel chuckled as he followed us with the picture frames inside. Shining giggled a little before she walked back to her own home, with what I could have sworn was her tail wagging back and forth swiftly.

[45 minutes later, 7:45 p.m.]

I took a quick shower before I applied some deodorant, and changed into some new clothes. I went with a pair of black slacks, black shined shoes, and for safe measures, a classic black suit jacket with a white button up shirt underneath, and a striped tie that resembled Fleur’s mane and tail colors that I wore today.

You know, I didn’t realize how much I would sweat today from all that I’ve experienced, and I probably should have worn an undershirt while going through all of that, but that WON’T be an issue for tonight, and the many days after that. Since I’ll be working as Fleur’s secretary, I may need to look the part on a daily basis like Shining does. I’ll have to find some better shoes to walk in daily besides the ones I currently have if I don’t want my feet to get sore, and maybe more suit jackets and slacks of different varieties. Maybe more button up and undershirts too if I’m going to be mostly wearing those throughout the week. I’m working in quite a business, that’s for sure, and I don’t want ponies to view Fleur differently if I don’t put in the effort to look the part myself. All the money I brought with me that I was going to use to spend the first few weeks of staying at a hotel plus food will DEFINITELY help me out here. I should probably take the spare time I have tomorrow to shop for those.

With the plan in mind, I styled my hair with the pomade I used this morning, and put on some cologne before I put my wallet and phone in my pockets, and went downstairs to the kitchen to make myself a peanut butter sandwich with milk for a small snack. I didn’t want to look like a pig at the party, so I might as well have something in my system before then.

Once I was finished, I cleaned everything up and waited for the girls. I checked the time on my phone before I looked outside. Even though it was late in the evening, the summer season made the night sky come at a later time. The sun Princess Celestia raises and lowers (which I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around along with how the weather works around here) was hovering over the horizon, giving the sky a beautiful, colorful mix of yellow, orange, red, pink, and violet.

I was quite entranced at the scene before the sound of door knocks snapped me out of my sky watching. “I’ll get it!” I exclaimed as I walked over to the door, opened it, and my eyes widened at the sight before me.

Shining Star looked completely different compared to the business attire I saw her in today and last night. Her light blue mane wasn’t tied in her usual bun, and it was not only down, but it definitely looked like she had put a lot of work on it. It looked… Open, if I could describe it in one word. It was thicker and silkier than what I had expected, the ends of those locks were styled freely, and they stretched just past her shoulders. The white dress she wore certainly hugged her body frame as well. It looked fuller compared to Fleur’s, similar to a cello perhaps, with her hips probably a few centimeters wider than her D cup (?) sized bust. Her breasts showed an impressive cleavage in the dress that was held up by the comfortable looking straps on her shoulders. Speaking of dresses, not only was it made of silk, but it stretched down to just an inch and a half above her hooves where she wore slippers that matched, and there was a slit on the side that went up to her mid-thigh. Since it was also sleeveless, I could finally see the cutie mark on her shoulders, which was a big white star that was leaving a trail of smaller stars in its path. She also had a white purse strapped over one of her shoulders as well.

In short, she was one heck of a beauty.

“Hello there Oz. You look quite handsome,” Shining complimented while fixing her glasses.

“Thanks. And you look… Wow. That’s all I can say,” I replied.

She giggled at that with a smile. “Thank you Oz. Is Fleur ready?”

“Not yet. I’m still waiting on her. You want to come in?” I asked while leaving room for her to walk inside.

“Gladly,” she replied as she walked in. I closed the door, and we took a seat in the living room, with the picture frame I have for Fancy Pants’ birthday leaning against mine.

“So what did you get for Fancy Pants’ birthday?” I asked

“I got him a new cobalt blue metal framed monocle,” she replied as she reached into her purse, and took out a small, hand sized gift.

“You know, I’ve always been wondering, are monocles for ponies who only have that one bad eye to help them see, or is it just for show? I’ve sometimes seen that in movies back in my world, but I’ve never seen them on anypony in person.”

“To be honest, I’m not quite so sure myself,” she said as she put the gift back in her purse. “I sometimes think it’s some kind of microscopic lens or some sort. It’s a wonder though how those things even stay on them, unless they have to squint that one eye they put it on to keep it from falling.”

“Right? That just makes it sound uncomfortable,” I added in. “I don’t really see why they couldn’t just prescribe for regular glasses, even if one of their eyes are that good in vision.”

“Who knows? I only picked the frame for mine to make it look more like an accessory than an essential.”

“And that’s the thing. If you want to look good while keeping good eyesight, just pick one that fits your style better than others. I mean taking you for example, whether you’re wearing your usual business attire, or going out to an event like right now, you’ll still look quite attractive with those glasses because they’re like a part of you.”

My eyes widened when I realized I had just called my new boss attractive. I wasn’t sure if it was because I’ve never seen any of my old ones outside of their business back on Earth, but I never thought that I’d ever call anyone in a higher job position than me attractive, especially in this case when my current manager was a bipedal pony.

Shining’s eyes widened at that slip of the tongue as well while there was a hint of blush in her cheeks. “Umm… I don’t think I’ve ever thought of it that way before... Thank you,” she said as she looked away from to the side. Her ears twitched while she shifted in her seat, making a somewhat poor attempt to make herself comfortable.

Oh god, what the fuck am I even doing? First it was Fleur, and now there’s Shining to add in. What makes this awkward is that the latter had a strong distaste in stallions for five years until she decided to try and change that starting today. Now that I think about it, Fleur mentioned during that time, Shining would try and push those stallions away from getting close to her. I could only guess that her ex-coltfriend and Solar Flare were the culprits who caused that change of behavior. How long has it been since somepony spoke to her like that before today? Judging by her reaction, she must be having as much conflicting thoughts about this as I am right now, and I don’t blame her.

“Sorry for the wait~!” A voice sang, butting in the air of awkwardness that I thanked god was stopped before it continued to grow thicker.

Shining and I looked back, and saw Fleur walking down the stairs in her own dress for the evening. Hers was more creative compared to most, which sort of make sense considering she probably had been in at least one catwalk in her life wearing something similar for the occasion. It started off as a jade colored, strapless top around her torso. Her heart shaped neckline that pushed up her breasts had not only showed some good cleavage, but they were also formed in a way that gave the illusion of making them look bigger. Then from the just below the waistline, down to an inch and a half above the ground, was a skirt that consisted of many feathers that had colors of turquoise, green, and blue. Sort of like the feathers from peacocks, but not the same kind that was used to make up the dress. She also had a matching jade purse, bracelets that had the same feathers as the skirt, and slippers to go along with it. Despite the dress colors, she still had the pale purple eye shadow that matched her eyes to finish her ensemble.

All I could think of from looking at it was what the poor birds went through getting all of their feathers plucked for something like this.

“Oh my goddess Shiny, you look incredible!” Fleur exclaimed with glee as Shiny stood up, and gave her dear friend a hug.

“Well, tonight’s a special occasion for all of us, so I might as well cut back a little like you said,” Shining commented.

If what you have there is ‘a little,’ then I’m curious to what it looks like when you go all out.

“Ozzy, you’re looking quite sharp yourself,” Fleur complimented as she gave me a hug as well. “Ooo~ and you smell nice too.”

“Well first impressions are always important I always say,” I replied. “Just want to look the part as your new secretary for your brother.”

“And new friend of course,” she said with a smile. “We need to take pictures for tonight, I got a camera right here, and I’m sure Silver Wheel can help do the shots for us.”

Shining and I nodded in agreement before we called Silver Wheel over to help us out with the pictures. He took one of the three of us first, and then I switched places with him so he could be in a few shots. Even though he might not be attending for the party, he’s still as much part of the team as I was, and he was happy to oblige along with the girls. I then took a few with the girls by themselves; Silver took a few with me and Fleur; and finally a few of me with Shining.

Funny, this is like going to a high school prom back on Earth. Even though I’ve never been in one, I’ve seen over the top clothes some students wore for one night, and that’s kind of what’s going on here right now. Except that even if I did go to prom with a date, that would probably be nothing compared to where I’m going tonight.

“Alright, I’ll have to help upload and e-mail them to you guys once the party’s over,” I commented after we were finished with the pictures for the moment.

“Well if there’s nothing else, let’s get going while the night’s still young,” Shining said while fixing her glasses with a smile.

“I’m with ya there. Let’s kick it everypony!” Fleur exclaimed before I grabbed Fancy Pants’ gift, and we headed out of her home. Once we got in the carriage, we were on our way for the last stop for the day, and my first destination as Fleur de Lis’ official secretary.

Author's Notes:

Seriously though, does anyone know if those monocles are even functional, or still used today? Plus how ridiculous would it look having THIS kind of scenario happening?

Anyway, how will things go at the party for our Ozzy? Guess you'll have to wait next chapter to find out.

Thanks for reading.