Fluttershy was shivering uncontrollably. I had no idea how long she was out there.. it could have been hours, maybe days. Would she freeze to death if I didn't do something soon? Her eyes were clenched shut. She was still asleep, but pained by the cold. She whimpered and buried more deeply into my overcoat, which provided minimal heat. I felt like I was holding a slowly dying child. For a moment, all I could do was stand there and hug her tightly, trusting that my heat would reach her. Eventually, the warmth reached her, and the shivering stopped. I sighed.

Quickly, I slammed shut the door behind me, shook the snow off of me, kicked off my sneakers and flicked on the lights. I didn't even take off my coat nor my messenger bag. The house was mildly warm compared to the absolute storm of ice and cold outside, but it was still chilly. I carried the vanilla-colored foal into the living room, where my fireplace was off to the side of a television and a healthy looking christmas tree. It took me a moment to settle down, I used the one hand that wasn't used to hold Fluttershy in one hand to iron my forehead. Let's start with basics, Drake..

It's Christmas Eve. Your watch tells you it's around half past nine. Your nationality is English, your blood type is O+. You reach about 5 feet and 10 inches in height, and weigh to 132 lbs. You have currently come home from work for christmas break, and on your way, ran into some random gang and got the crap beaten out of you, escaped, and tripped over a cardboard box that was housing..

I looked down in my arms. It would have looked like I was cradling a ball of linen, but inside was none other than Fluttershy the pegasus, the vanilla-colored pony from the cartoon. I only remembered her faintly from seeing a few pictures of the show in bland curiosity. But then, I thought her as no more than a work of fiction on a screen that men from ages of 16-30 enjoyed. How wrong I was. I switched the lights on and walked into the living room. The house was fairly small, but it fit my family. Now it was a lot more spacious - I sometimes berate myself for appreciating that.

But they had to move on, and so will I. There was a slightly worn out, but sturdy couch along the wall, centered in front of a coffee table and a television set. With no clear idea of what I was supposed to do next, I sat down on the couch and placed Fluttershy next to me. She had woken up now, the sudden light arousing her slumber. She rubbed her eyes with a foreleg and looked around. Her large and curious eyes inspected everything with a particular interest, including my face.

I gazed at her with a blank look, and she stared back. I crossed my arms and shut my eyes in concentration. Although I took it upon myself to let her in.. what would I do now? Would I have to take care of her forever? I have no idea how or why she was sent here, so sending her back is a non-option. I opened my eyes, only to find the foal right up in front of my face. I was mildly surprised, but I didn't move. Upon doing so, she raised a hoof and poked one of my eyes.

What the hell? My left eye stung for a moment. I covered it up with a hand, giving Fluttershy a perplexed look. What did she want so badly that warranted a poke to such a sensitive spot?

She was still looking into my eyes curiously. Then, I realized, she must have been curious about their empty quality. Funnily enough, this small yellow pony was the first to look at me straight and not look away in fear. She didn't think my empty eyes were creepy or spooky - she found them interesting. I guess she was wondering wether she could enter them or something - which I often contemplated whenever I looked in the mirror as a child.

I smiled and sighed. Upon seeing me smile, Fluttershy did so as well. I decided to test something.

I pointed to myself. "Drake," I said, clearly trying to introduce myself,

The small foal tipped her head, confused.

I tried again, "My name is Drake."

She brightened suddenly in understanding. She pointed at me with a small hoof and said, "Drake!" in a small, barely audible, innocent voice.

I grinned and pet her. She nuzzled my hand, enjoying the attention.

To be truthful, I had no idea how old she was. At first, it looked as if she were incapable of speech. The more I studied her, the more I realized that she seemed more like an infant to me. However, she could walk, and somewhat talk, so I assumed she was around 5 or 6 years old. She was very small - about twice the size of your average football. She had wings, but it appeared that she was unable to fly, as they fluttered helplessly whenever she attempted it. Afterwards, I gave Fluttershy a small look at my home. It wasn't anything much - a kitchen, a few bedrooms and bathrooms, a living room, and some other essential house parts. The rooms where my parents once resided were dusty, dark, and desolate. I decided that trying to keep those rooms looking alive would be like trying to keep my parents alive - an impossible feat. After she was done exploring, we got something to eat. On the usual nights, I simply ate something from a fast food restaurant or microwave a package. However, I usually cooked something special on nights where I felt like cooking.

I'm pretty sure Fluttershy wouldn't be too pleased by the sight of a Big Mac.

I got out some vegetables, spices, and other miscellaneous ingredients and started cooking. After letting it simmer for a while, a took a sip. It was at a good temperature, and the flavor was decent. Fluttershy watched me with mild interest, sniffing at some of the vegetables I was cutting up. This was a soup my mother often made for me, and after watching her do it so many times, I eventually learned how to make it myself. This is something I am deeply grateful for - making it, eating it each time made me remember her.

I poured some onto two dishes and served one to Fluttershy. I sat on one of the stools edged up against the counter. Whereas she was too short, and simply sat on the counter itself. She sniffed it carefully, unsure of what it was exactly. It must have smelled nice, because Fluttershy then took a hesitant sip. A smile grew over her face, and she ate more enthusiastically. Seeing someone eat my cooking so happily made me happy. My mother often said the same to me, and now I felt her happiness.

I rested my chin on my palm and gazed at the eagerly eating foal.

"Just how on earth did you get here..?"

I was now pondering back on my decision to take her in. Sure, it was a good thing to do for her, but how long would I have to take care of her? Wouldn't she be better off in a happier town with a person of a better understanding of her? Why me, and why this city, of all places?

"Does it taste good?"

She looked up at me and nodded, grinning. I smiled, and dispersed all other thought. Those were hypothetical questions, and despite them being fairly accurate, I couldn't do anything about it now but deal with the situation at hand the best I could.

After eating, I pondered on what to do next. I found myself suddenly wanting to do everything I could to please Fluttershy, which was amazingly different for me. I didn't want to please people. They didn't deserve it, and what would I gain in return? But this was different.. she was practically just a kid. I usually didn't enjoy anything much on Christmas Eve's but my peaceful solitude. So, like on other nights, I went to the living room and pulled out my violin. Fluttershy trotted after me, staring curiously behind my back. I leaned against the piano, and began to play Mozart's concerto no. 4 in D minor. The yellow pony looked bewildered as the sudden, mellow sound of the strings reached her ears, but eventually, her eyes were transfixed on me, hanging on every note I played. She was an extremely good audience, and even clapped - or clopped - for me once I finished. It made me truly happy to see anybody - anypony - appreciate my music, and enjoy my playing. Seeing her smile almost made me feel like I was a kid again, playing for friends, family, relatives, an audience.

It was now nearing bed time, and I was lodged on the sofa, reading a book. Fluttershy had interested herself in the bright christmas tree, pawing - or rather, hoofing - at the various ornaments and lights I set up. I had to eventually lift her up so she could inspect the star at the top. With this in mind, the thought of christmas came into my head. I didn't normally get gifts, and I normally didn't give gifts either. I wondered if Fluttershy knew exactly what holiday we were celebrating. I didn't have any gifts to give her, and I suddenly felt bad about it. It's not like I was planning to house anybody in particular that night, especially not a cartoon. As I read, she explored the rest of the house. I figured it was a better idea, letting her go on her own. I could tell she was a timid one, so letting her find her own way around would be a much more comfortable option. I could hear the light sound of footsteps - or rather, hoovesteps, as she carefully tiptoed on the floor above me.

Eventually, I decided to switch the lights and head upstairs. Fluttershy trotted after me, yawning inaudibly. I kept my room reasonably comfortable. It was pretty homey - my desk was lodged in one corner, my bed in another, a few book cases off to the side and a clutter of notebooks and various items in an unorganized, but small pile in the waking. Fluttershy suddenly looked awkward, slightly scraping the ground with a fore hoof as she stared down. I tried to adress her,

"It's alright, you can sleep on the bed."

She looked at me worriedly. Fluttershy could probably tell that I was putting in effort to ensure her comfort, but I didn't mind, and I let her know with a nod and a smile. As if contagious, she smiled as well, and trotted up to the bed. Being her size, I had to help her up. She walked around on the bedsheets before taking residence next to my pillow. I changed into my usual nightclothes - which ended up being a pair of shorts and a short-sleeved, buttoned down dress shirt and got into bed. I yawned. The night had been strenuous for me mentally. I didn't know where this would go.. but I took on the responsibility. Fluttershy gazed at me curiously in the dark of the room, everything in complete silence except for the soft breathing from both of us. She paused, then slowly crawled over, and settled a little closer to me. Her body felt very warm. I turned to face her in bed.

It may be just me, but, maybe this responsibility thing wasn't so bad after all. Swirling feelings of content filled my heart as my eyes slowly shut. She wasn't just some pony I had to take care of. She was a faithful audience, an humble friend, and a kindly soul.

"Sweet dreams."

"..You too, big bro.."

Sidenotes--

Agh, I haven't updated this story in a while. Sorry some people who kfld'sjgkf'djgkfdsjfkdlsfhpopiqer

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