Is there a right and wrong way to meet somepony? So far, I’ve been pretty unfavorable towards the ponies I’ve met on the wasteland. Can you blame me? I didn’t exactly have a warm welcome when I arrived here. Again, I guess I can’t just judge somepony by where they’re from or how they look. That didn’t mean I wasn’t going to continue doing just that. If they didn’t have wings, I wasn’t starting out friendly.

As the hours passed, Nico decided to go out and find us something to eat. I was a little uncomfortable staying with Fleece at first, but it turned out to be a nice time. We talked more. I told her about my occupation in the Enclave, more about my family and what happened to my parents, and I even told her more about my condition. Since she was a doctor, she gave me some advice on controlling the sudden attacks.

We were bonding pretty quickly. I almost saw her as an older sister. A very much older sister. Eventually, we started conversing about her life before and during the war. She told me when the megaspells hit, she hid in a closet in one of Fluttershy’s clinics right outside Manehatten. Throughout the years, she traveled until she came across this small town and decided to set up a clinic here. Apparently, not much goes on in these parts other than the occasional raiders and slavers.

“So, what do you think of Floater, so far?” She asked. Nico came through the door carrying a bag full of what I suspected was food.

I shrugged. “It sounds less dangerous than the rest of Equestria, that’s for sure. I guess I’ll have to follow you guys around sometimes, if it’s alright.”

“Of course you can! I’d love some company! Ponies aren’t usually looking for companionship here. Just survival.” Fleece said.

Nico passed each of us a small tin box. I saw writing on the front, but it was too faded to read. Opening the tin, I was surprised to see a slice of cake. It had to be old.

“Oh! You managed to find cake? This must be a special occasion.” Fleece said as she dug into the sweet dessert.

I continued staring at the old delicacy. My body already tried to reject it. I mean, being that old, I could get some kind of food poisoning!

“Come on, don’t tell me you don’t like cake.” Nico said, sarcastically.

“Not when it’s over a hundred years old.” I countered.

He rolled his eyes. “Pinkie Pie wanted create a special kind of cake for the soldiers. She made sure to enchant the recipe so that it would never ruin. You’re fine.”

I looked at Fleece, skeptically.

She smiled as she chewed.

With a sigh, I brought my nose to sniff it. A scent of vanilla filled my nostrils.

I took a small bite and carefully chewed. Swallowing, I hung my mouth open. It was great! No, it was the best cake I’d ever eaten! The vanilla cake went great with the fragrant strawberry frosting. I dug into the treat, splattering a majority of it on my cheeks. When I finished, I picked my head up with the remainder of the cake in my mouth. Fleece stared with wide eyes as Nico tried to hide his laughter behind his hooves.

“Whah?” I muffled through the huge bite.

“N-nothing.” Nico said, turning his head.

“Erm, sweetheart, you might want to take that shower, now.” Fleece pointed to my mane.

I tilted my head, then spotted a small, dusty mirror on her desk. I trotted over and looked at my reflection. I groaned when I saw my, once decent, mane. Frosting smeared over my cheeks and in my bangs, making them reach to the sky. Each strand was just as stringy and dirty as the next, but most of it, I’m sure, wasn’t from the cake. I turned from the mirror and looked at the rest of my body. I didn’t notice how splotchy and filthy my coat was. I could barely see my cutie mark! Even the feathers on my wings weren’t shiny anymore!

“I-I look horrible!” I shouted, burying my face in my hooves.

“It’s not that… bad.” Fleece said as sincerely as possible.

“You’re kidding right? I actually found her like that.” Nico decided to say, worsening my mood.

Fleece shushed him and smiled at me. “Come on, let’s get you to the bath. Unless Nico, here, wants to run your water.” She smirked at him.

He turned red again. “Er…”

“Maybe you can even join her, eh?” She winked.

That time, I blushed. “Hell no!” I shouted.

She chuckled. “I’m kidding! Now come with me.”

I followed her through the hallway, past examination rooms, past more rooms, and finally to a back room. Upon walking in, I noticed she had a sink and a large, square tub, complete with a showerhead. This part of the clinic was even cleaner than the rest of it.

Fleece turned a nob on the tub and ignited her horn. I didn’t think a cracked horn would even work, but there was the red aura of her magic. Some of the clear water coming from the faucet turned sudsy.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have any bubble bath, but lucky for you, all unicorn doctors and nurses had to learn a spell which turns water into anti-bacterial soap.” She said.

The water looked and smelled like the soap doctors use in medical.

“I don’t mind. I’m happy with just soaking in the tub.” I told her.

She smiled and finished filling the tub with hot water. “Okay, let me go grab a towel for you. I’ll set it just inside the door. Take all the time you need, hon. When you finish, let me know and I’ll take care of the cleaning.”

Nodding, I watched her leave and close the door behind her. The disgusting barding hit the floor, then, I stuck a hoof in the tub and felt the amazing sensation of a spa. I carefully tiptoed in, as not to splash and make a mess. I let out a sigh as I sunk on my back under the water. I scrubbed my mane and face, then propped my head on the rubber pillow. My sore wing went numb as the water calmed my muscles and bones. It was so therapeutic!

I decided to think. Staring at the ceiling, the first thought was of my grandparents. I couldn’t wait to see them again. The new friends I’ve made would definitely come up in our conversation. My grandmother would absolutely love Fleece. After she got over the fact she was a ghoul, of course, but love her, nonetheless.

My eyes closed on their own. I started singing to myself the lullaby my mother sang to me all those years ago.

“Hush now, quiet now…”

A tear escaped my eye as I thought of them. My parents. They couldn’t be dead. They had to be here and alive. I was going to find them. With or without Nico and Fleece. I felt more obliged to actually do something instead of cowering, for once. Unknowingly, I dozed off for a good hour. As the water cooled, I decided it was time for me to get out. Grudgingly, I stood up and let the water run off my wings. I took the towel from the rack and gently patted my fur dry. Finally, I could see my cutie mark!

Wrapping my mane in the towel, I walked through the door and into the nearest exam room. I ruffled my mane with the towel and threw it in a hamper. I then, went back to where Fleece was. I emerged from the corridor and saw her writing at her desk and Nico napping on one of the couches.

She looked up when she heard me and gasped. “Look at you! Squeaky clean!”

I smiled.

“I can’t wait to see you in a dress! Here, let me wrap your wing, again. The bandage is all soggy.” She trotted over and grabbed a bandage off the shelf with her magic. Carefully, she unwrapped my bad wing, making me wince in pain. “Sorry, love. The ligaments in your wing are still healing. It will be a few days. I’ve mended as much as I could with magic, now it’s up to your body to do the rest.”

“I thought unicorns could learn mending spells?” I asked.

“Well, it depends on the type of broken body part. If it would have been a broken leg or ribs, I could have mended it in no time. However, I have to know about the anatomy. I haven’t really spent much time tending to pegasi. Not to mention, its joints instead of actual bones. Don’t worry, you will definitely be able to fly again.” She informed me.

“Phew.” I wiped my brow in exaggeration.

She smiled, finishing the wrap. “All set! Just take care of those precious wings.”

I nodded and yawned. “I guess I’ll wake up that oaf. I’m getting tired.”

“No need! I have extra rooms with clean beds. If you don’t mind the doctor décor.” She said.

It couldn’t hurt. I would hate to dirty my coat again after that wonderful bath time. “Sure. The Formal is tomorrow, anyway, and I don’t think I could handle walking that far tonight.”

“Great! Just pick a room and enjoy your stay! Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be in here sorting through supplies or fixing up patients. It’s been quiet today. I figure the ponies of Floater are waiting for the late hours to start hurting themselves.” She chuckled.

“Okay. Good night, Fleece. Thank you, again. I don’t know how I’ll ever pay you guys back for what you’ve done for me.” I said.

“That’s the first time I’ve heard somepony try to pay me back. Normally they avoid it like the plague. Don’t worry about it, hon. Sleep well.” With that, she went back to her desk and plundered around.

I found the room and plopped down on the small bed, ignoring the equipment and tools around me. Sleep was the only thing I cared about, right now. That, and getting home.

The next morning I was awoken by voices in the next room.

“Well, you shouldn’t be playing with fire, ya crybaby.” Fleece scowled. A stallion whimpered. I stretched and hopped down off the bed. Nico leaned in the hallway looking into another room.

I stopped next to him and looked in. “What’s going on?”

“Weights, here, burned his flank last night and waited until this morning to see Fleece.” He said.

Peeking through the door, I hid a grin. A buff, blue stallion lay on his belly as fleece applied a coat of ointment on his flank. His tail had scorch marks where it should have been longer.

“Good morning, Sia. Sorry if we woke you.” She said, unrolling some gauze.

“It’s fine.” I said. “It sounded like he was in pain, I was just wondering if you need my help.”

“I have everything under control. It’s just a minor burn. Nothing too serious.” She replied with a smile.

“Pain? What pain?” The stallion said. He stood up and trotted over to where Nico and I were standing.

“Whoa, Nico, got yourself a pegasus marefriend. Didn’t think you were able to catch a beauty like this one.” He said, kissing my hoof.

I blushed. “He’s not my buckfriend.”

“Ah, so you’re available?” He winked. “My name is Weights.”

“Okay, that’s enough.” Fleece butted in. “Don’t ask her to the Wild Formal, Nico has already beaten you to it.” She grinned.

“Damn. Nico, you lucky bastard.” He looked at me and smiled. “Just let me know if this stallion can’t give you what you want.” With that, he dipped his head towards Nico.

“Thanks, Fleece. I’ll bring the caps tomorrow.” He said, heading towards the front.

“You better. I know where you live.” She hollered after him.

The door shut behind the stallion and the three of us went into the waiting area. I positioned myself on the softest cushion I could find and sat up, lady-like. My confidence had slightly boosted.

He called me pretty! I giggled to myself like a schoolfilly.

“What’s that look for?” Nico snuck up, sitting across from me.

“Oh, nothing. A stallion just thinks I’m pretty.” I playfully batted my eyelashes and swished my tail.

“So?” He said, sipping water from a canteen.

I paused. This was a big deal to me! I wasn’t exactly considered a model back home. I slumped and turned away from him.

“Calm down. I just thought it happened often for you.”

I twisted my neck to face him. “You think I’m pretty, too?”

My turn to mess around, Freako.

“I… er… I mean, just-“ He scratched his head.

Gotcha!

“Who wants to visit the town?” Fleece piped up. She stood by the entrance and waved for us to follow.

“Great idea! Let’s give princess, here, the grand tour!” Nico stumbled over to where she was.

I chuckled and followed. Maybe I could find something to do.

The day escaped us as we toured the town, visiting shops, trading, and conversing with other ponies. It was kind of boring, actually. Just the way I like it! Floater even had a small café at the end of the street. The food wasn’t great, but it was better than nothing. I was hoping for more cake.

Mostly Fleece and I went around each shop and looked around for trinkets. For a ghoul, she sure loved to browse. Nico had went off somewhere, probably getting into heated debates with other ponies. I figured he was the stubborn type.

Night was getting closer, so we decided to head back to get ready for the Formal. Nico already sat on the old lounge chair by the door. He had a saddlebag filled with various trade goods. I wondered what exactly you could buy around here. It’s not like there were fancy boutiques and jewelers. Maybe ammo was just as precious.

“Okay! Sia, follow me. Nico, you know where the closets are.” Fleece spoke like this was a game plan. I smiled at her enthusiasm.

“Okay, Mother.” He said sarcastically.

She ignored him and grabbed my hoof, pulling me along. In the back of the building was a room with clothes and trinkets scattered about. It sort of looked like my living room back home. She scurried to the opposite side of the room and pulled out a purple and black dress, setting it on the old coffee table.

“That’s lovely!” I admired the dress. Was this the one she had planned for me to wear?

“Thank you! It’s my dress I wear every year. It has sentimental value, really. It’s not near as beautiful as the ones I have here.” She said, rummaging.

I peeked over her back, spotting fabric wrapped in plastic.

She floated three dresses in front of us. “Time to try them on!” She grinned.

The first dress I tried on, was red and black. Sequins lined the chest area while black lace flowed down the back. I turned once and smiled. Fleece pondered a moment then shook her head. “Nope!” Helping me take the dress off, she hoofed me the second. This one was gray and pink. Immediately, she shook her head.

The last dress was absolutely beautiful! It was creamy white with soft green trim. The silk trim flowed, barely reaching the floor. It wasn’t too poofy, but snug. A sash placed over my chest was the same color as the trim. Small starry designs lined one of the straps. It even had wing holes!

Fleece stomped her hoof. “Perfect! Nico is going to be speechless!”

I blushed. “Am I supposed to be doing this for him?”

“Well, no, but he is your date.” She laughed.

“You know I don’t like him that way, right?” I said, flatly.

“I know. I’m just happy to see him actually taking a mare to the Formal this year. He’s usually by himself every year.”

Shocker.

“Why is he so…”

“Mysterious?” She finished my question. “That’s Nico for you. Since he lost his folks, he’s had this idea that nopony knows Nico except Nico. He really is a great buck, just tends to hide his feelings. I’ve known him for years and not once has he refused to help somepony else.”
Wow. I didn’t think he had the ability to feel emotions. Still, I was happy to hear he was a good pony and not an undercover slaver. I guess I would have to deal with the ambiguous sarcasm until I was able to get home.

Fleece helped fix my mane and applied a small amount of shadow to my eyes. The deep green went great with the dress. Fleece sure had a lot of stuff just lying around. I wondered where she found all of it.

“Gorgeous! Now, I want you to have something. I found it in an old ministry building last year, along with several other treasures. Lucky for me, the building was so radiated it was impossible for normal ponies to loot it.” She floated over a small wooden box.

“No, Fleece, I couldn’t take anything else from you.” I shoved the box back to her.

“I insist! It’s never been worn, and I didn’t want to give it to anypony who wouldn’t put it to good use. You seem the type to take these things to heart.” She opened the box and gently floated a fine necklace to me. An emerald gem hung loosely at the end of a polished, silver chain. I stared in awe. It was wonderful!

She hooked it around my neck and sighed, staring at me. “You’re ready! And absolutely stunning, I must say!”

I smiled. My hooves wrapped around her. “Thank you so much, Fleece. You’re such a great friend. I wish you could have met Wick and Chaser. Especially Violet.”

She squeezed me with her squishy body and sniffed. “I know, love. Just know, they are watching over you. Now, let’s go have some fun!”

She threw on her dress and walked with me into the waiting room. Nico sat on his haunches, looking out of the window. He wore a sleek black tuxedo and had combed down his mane. He was quite handsome. Very handsome. I never noticed his build, before. Strong, yet gentle. I wasn’t staring, or anything!

Fleece nudged me forward. “Ahem. Your date is ready.”

“Finally! What’s up with mares and-“ He stopped talking when he saw me and stared, wide-eyed. I turned even redder.

Was it that bad? Did I mess up my mane? Oh, I bet it was my tail! It wasn’t even brushed!

Fleece nonchalantly walked behind him and bucked him towards me, making him stop a hair’s distance from my face. He looked down at me and grinned stupidly. I blinked.

“It’s my mane, isn’t it?” I asked, looking down.

“What?! N-no! It’s fine! I mean… Y-you’re fine! Er…” He stuttered.

“You look handsome.”

He mimicked the shade of red. “Th-thanks.”

“Well, what do you think? Pretty?” Fleece nudged him.

I could see sweat dripping from his mane line. “Pretty is an understatement.”

I smiled, sweetly. What a gentlecolt!

“I’m so excited! Let’s go!” Fleece bounded out the front door. I chuckled and trotted after her. Turning, I saw Nico still standing in the same spot.

“Are you coming? You’re supposed to escort me, remember?”

“Oh! Yes! Coming!” He shambled over and held the door open.

Walking along the broken sidewalk, I kept my head low. It was mostly out of habit, but I was feeling guilty again. There was no way the wasteland would be this lenient for me. Sure, things have happened so far, but there were too many good things happening. I guess you could say it was too good to be true. I half expected the building to catch fire or something.

Looking up at Nico, I saw he quickly cast his gaze away. All of those times he made fun of me! I laughed, internally. This was going to be a fun night, after all.

“So, what do you really think?” I asked him.

He glanced at me. “Well, I would say beautiful, but I don’t want you to take it the wrong way, princess.” He smirked.

I rolled my eyes. “Stop calling me that, and thank you.”

He laughed a little. “What about me? Smashing, don’t you think?”

“Oh, yes. Why aren’t the mares flocking over here?”

We shared a laugh as we continued walking. Fleece met us at the large awning above the double doors. I gestured for her to go on without us. I wanted to speak to Nico and let him know what was on my mind.

I faced him. “Nico, I want to tell you that, all jokes aside, I really do appreciate what you guys have done for me. I owe you my life.” I looked down. “I’m still not sure if I’m able to trust you, but I do want to try. You and fleece are all I have, right now. Thank you. For everything, I mean. It means a lot to me. I hope I can visit once in a while once I go home.”

For a few seconds he didn’t say a word. “It’s not a problem, really. I’m enjoying the company.”

I smiled up at him and finally gave him a peck on the cheek. It was the least I could do.

He rubbed his cheek and smirked. “I thought you didn’t like us ground walkers.”

“Well, it’s all I can give you. Now come on, let’s go!” I started walking towards the open doors.

We walked through the door and I was amazed at the sight. Seemingly couth ponies were all over the place. Though, they didn’t act like they were polished members of society. They played card games on tables, drank, and even danced.

I heard Nico behind me. “So, what you want to do first?”

I scanned the floor. “What about that card game?” I pointed to the tables.

“Poker? Do you know how to play?”

I shook my head, bummed. “Can you... teach me?”

“Sure. Come on, I’ll explain while we get chips.” He nodded his head towards a desk. Everything in this building was in remarkable shape, despite its age.

He explained the rules of the game while we retrieved a few multicolored, round chips. While I played, he was going to watch me. Gambling wasn’t really something I did a frequently. I don’t even think I have ever played anything besides Go Fish. Chaser was the gambler. He would invite me to races where he would bet most of his money on one pony. He mostly lost. I hoped I wouldn't turn out that way.

“Alright, sit here.” Nico pulled out a small stool for me to sit.

Besides me, there were three other ponies at the green table. Two were middle aged stallions with cigars and the other was a young mare. The dealer passed out five cards to each of us. I placed a chip in the area called the “pot”. Sneaking a glance at the others, I watched them put cards down and get more.

A few rounds later, I turned and smirked at Nico, who raised an eyebrow. I had this in the bag!

“Bets.” The dealer ordered.

I raised the ante, getting looks from the stallions.

“Fold.”

“Fold.”

“Four aces!” I blurted. The old stallions and Nico stared, wide eyed. I cackled as I scooped up my winnings. “Put those in a bag, Nico.”

He floated them into a pouch and caught me as I trotted off, happily. I won! This was so awesome! Nico stopped me and continued staring in disbelief. I turned and saw one of the stallions throw down his hat in frustration.

“Er, maybe we should get something to drink?” Nico pulled me away from the tables.

I had won seven thousand caps (which I didn’t know the worth) from the game. This was fun! As we made our way through the crowd, I saw the long bar at the other end of the floor. Stools lined it all the way down. Dozens of ponies crowded around, laughing and mingling. In the middle of the floor was an area with neon lights. Nico had told me it was a dance floor. It was pretty large. I noticed most of the ponies dancing were drunk out of their minds. The upbeat music almost made me want to dance!

“Hey! I saved you guys a seat!” I heard Fleece yell above the ambience.

She waved at us from the middle of the bar. A bartender stood in front of her, wearing a black and white blazer.

“Hey, Fleece!” I called, running towards her.

We sat down at the bar with me in the middle of them. Fleece sipped on a colorful drink with a tiny umbrella in it. Nico ordered a type of whiskey called ‘Wild Pegasus’ and two shot glasses. The barpony brought the bottle over and the glasses. Nico filled them with the amber liquid and set one in front of me. I stared at it.

“What’s wrong? Never drank before?” He asked, smugly. He downed his shot in one gulp.

“N-no.” I slumped.

“Really? Wow, I thought you liked fun.” He jeered.

“Hush, Nico. There’s a first time for everything! Just bring it up and swallow quickly.” Fleece touched my leg, smiling.

I gulped and gazed at the menacing liquid. I picked it up with my hooves and sniffed. The strong smell made me cover my nostrils with my good wing. Looking back at Nico, he snickered and nodded to the whiskey. Finally I took a deep breath and quickly swallowed. The warmth in my gut was immediate. It felt good. It felt... great!

“What do you think?” Fleece asked.

I put the shot glass down and tapped the counter. “More, please!”

She chuckled. “Looks like we have pulled you from your comfort zone.”

A couple of hours passed and I felt a little tipsy. Nico poured, and I drank. We laughed and talked until I could barely speak. Needless to say, I had the time of my life. I even flirted with a couple of stallions. I was turned down, but it was fine. Who knew it could be this much fun?

“Mares and gentlecolts!” I heard a mare’s voice at the DJs turn table. She wore sunglasses and had piercings lining her ears. “Enjoy this hit music all the way from Jamaicolt. You know him, you love him: Rhythm Song!”

Cheers erupted from the dancefloor as a dark brown unicorn stallion emerged onto the stage as rhythmic music began playing. His gray mane was almost silver, but he didn’t look old. He looked about Nico’s age. His goatee matched his mane in style, seemingly just awakening. I couldn’t see his eyes because of the sunglasses, but he was one fine stallion!

I hopped off the stool and started towards the dance floor. The liquid courage made me feel like dancing!

“Hey! Wait for me!” Fleece called after me.

I didn’t wait. I fought my way through the crowd as I heard Rhythm start to sing.

“Yeah, come on, ladies!

I see you on the dance floor.

Please, don’t walk out that door.

Don’t understand why you’re here with that buck,

That look in your eyes, ambitious.

I promise I’m not scandalous."

I finally got to the front of the stage. Fleece caught up and was saying something, but I couldn’t hear her. My body started moving to the beat of the song. I stood on my hind legs and twirled, grabbing Fleece’s hooves and forcing her to dance with me. Eventually, she gave up and joined me. The lights were so pretty!

Eventually, I found myself next to an earth stallion. I couldn’t help myself, I stroked his chin with my tail. Flirting was fun!

“Looks like we got a fly, young mare on the dance floor!” Rhythm pointed to me.

I giggled, stumbling and moving to the beat.

“Let’s see how low you can go, baby!” He yelled into the microphone.

“Whoo! Come on, Fleece!” I grabbed her and we shook our flanks for a little while longer.

After a while, Rhythm was finished with his performance. Sweat fell from my forehead as I panted and giggled some more. Fleece laughed at my messy mane.

“Sienna, that was fun! I think I need to go back to the clinic, though. I don’t like to be away too long.” She said.

I nodded. “Okay. I want to- hic- dance for a little while longer.”

She smiled and walked away.

I tapped my hoof, waiting for a fast paced beat. All of these ponies and they want to slow dance! I was getting impatient.

“What’s wrong, princess?” I turned and saw Nico standing behind me. “You look like you’ve been having a good time.”

I nodded. “I was, until they started playing these stupid slow songs.”

“Well, some ponies like to slow dance.”

“Do you?”

He flattened his ears. “I don’t consider it a favorite activity of mine.”

I took a shot from a nearby tray and downed it.

“You are going to have a nasty hangover in the morning.” He pointed out.

“S-hic-o?” I composed myself and got closer to him. “So, are you going to ask me to dance?”

He blushed. “I think you’ve had too many.”

“Non-hic-sense!” I swayed and brought my hoof to his face, gently.

After an awkward moment, he sighed. “Fine. Just this once, then we are getting you to bed. I got us a room so we don’t have to walk too far.”

I grinned. How sweet of him! What a buck!

He stood on his hind legs and held a front hoof to me. I took it and he pulled me into him, holding my waist. I followed his lead and we waltzed around the floor with the several couples. The song playing was so romantic! I lay my head on his chest as we continued.

“So warm.” I slurred.

“Are you sure you want to finish the song?” He asked, quietly.

“Yes!” I jerked my head up and saw him blush again.

“S-so, are you having fun, or is that a dumb question?” He laughed, nervously.

I nodded. “I’m glad you asked me to come, even though Fleece had something to do with it. Still, I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun.”

One. Two. Three. He could really dance!

He smiled, gazing into my eyes. “I didn’t know you had green eyes.”

“I always wished they were blue.” I said, matter-of-factly.

Shaking his head, he pulled me even closer to where I could feel his soft breaths on my cheeks. “They’re like a pool of emeralds, enlightened by the moon on a clear night.”

I didn’t expect that! How cheesy!

Too bad I’m a sucker for cheesy things.

“Y-you don’t mean that.” I shied away.

“I do. I don’t see a lot of green eyes. I think they suit you.” He said. His dark blue eyes gleamed in the spot lights. They were so…

Keep it together, Lieutenant!

I couldn’t speak, just listen to the music as we twirled and stepped. Maybe it was the whiskey talking, but I wanted to kiss him! I have never had a stallion tell me things so… romantic.

I had to hold back, though. My head spun more than my body. There was no telling what he was up too. Probably trying to get under this dress! Just as I was about to be angry, he twirled me and held my back as he let me lean backwards.

I giggled. “Does the song have to be over?”

“Unfortun- I mean, yes! We better get out of here, it’s getting late. We can get our things from Fleece tomorrow.” He hurriedly urged me towards an elevator.

I stumbled and fell. He rolled his eyes and helped me walk the rest of the way. The journey to the room was a blur until we opened the door to the room. It smelled oddly clean, but there were a couple of noticeable stains. Whoever cleaned tried to hide it the best they could. There were two beds. In my drunkenness, I kind of wanted to snuggle with Nico. What? I was drunk out of my mind!

“That was so awesome!” I giggled, pulling off the dress and throwing it. Nico caught it with his magic before it hit the floor and set it on a worn desk.

“Yeah, but I think it’s time for you to sleep it off. You are more diverse than usual.” He pulled off his tux, exposing his torso.

“Oh, Luna, you’re so-hic- hot!” I shouted.

He looked at me, confused. “Thus, proving my point. You really need to sleep.” He said, lying back on the other bed and closing his eyes.

I harrumphed and stuck my tongue out at him. What an ass!

“Relax, princess. In the morning, I’ll tell you all of this and you’ll be-“

I cut him off by pouncing on him. He jumped when he saw my devious grin.

“What are you doing?” He asked, gaining back his composure.

“I’m living!” I answered, lying next to him.

“D-do I need to move?”

“Nope!” I hiccupped.

Resting on him, I fell asleep, fast. Sober me and drunk me would most definitely disagree on several things. I hated Nico for pressing me to drink. What would my grandparents think of me?! Lying in bed with a stallion I barely know! Oh, I was never telling them about this for as long as I lived!

The next morning, I slowly came to my senses. Still closing my eyes, I felt warm and contented. It took me a minute to realize I had a hoof around me and my head on somepony’s chest. I staggered backwards and screamed.

Nico jolted awake. “What happened?!”

“What are you doing in my bed?!” I said, instinctively covering myself.

He relaxed. “Shit, you almost gave me a heart attack! I figured this would happen.”

“You violated me in my blackout!” I accentuated the word “blackout”.

“No I didn’t! I tried to get you to sleep in your own bed but you insisted on sleeping with me!” He opposed.

“You’re lying!”

“I swear, princess. We didn’t do anything. Even if I wanted to, I would never disrespect a mare when she’s out of it.” He said, standing and stretching.

“I’m watching you, buddy.” I trotted passed him and into the bathroom.

“You’re the one who thinks I’m attractive.” That dumb smirk!

I scoffed. “Whatever!”

“It’s true. How about I grab us a bite, okay? Just wait here for a little while.” He said, walking to the door.

“I’ll take some cake!” I yelled.

As soon as the door shut behind him, I kicked the wall. He better not have had his way with me! How dare he sleep in the same bed as me! I wasn’t some whore he could just use as his toy!

I made my way back to the bed. My head was pounding and I felt nauseated. This must be the hangover. My first hangover and it was going to kill me. I did have fun the last night, though. There weren’t any places like that back home. Deep down, I knew he was telling the truth. It was just hard for me to see the good in anypony, really.

Suddenly, a shadow flew across the room. I twisted my ears to the soft clop of hoofsteps. A cloaked figure stood by the dirty window. I couldn’t see their face, only the black hooves. I stepped back.

“Who… are you?”

The pony didn’t answer. It simply walked towards me, menacingly. I had no choice but to try to fight. Ignoring the pressure in my chest, I stood tall. They stepped closely to me, at a slow pace. I raised my hooves, ready to throw as many punches as I could, but the figure just stopped in front of me. I stared for a moment. I couldn’t even hear breathing! The pony didn’t hit me, just pushed me down. The high pitched grunt sounded female. I tried to stand back up, but she placed a hoof on my good wing. I hissed in pain. Then she pulled out a rag and held it to my nose. It smelled like a strong chemical.

“What… are you…” I suddenly became dizzy. Struggling to stay awake, I heard the pony snicker.

Then, everything went black.

Level Up!

Gambling +5
Health +1

Author's Notes:

Thanks to Kkat for this amazing world!

'Nuther chapter uploaded! It's a little bit longer than usual, so sorry about that.
I have been feeling under the weather since last night, so I may have more down time to write and edit more chapters for uploading. Something's been going around and it takes a few days to get over. I pray I don't get worse than this.
I know you guys dont care about that, so thanks for reading!
-AP