No You Keep The Money

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A story based on another Anon's request:

I'm in a terrible mood and I feel like having a feelsy oneshot. Requesting a story about Anon being in Equestria for a couple of years, he gets along fine with the ponies and has a steady job. Today is his birthday. So the ponies throw a surprise party for him. For some reason the ponies either forgot to get Anon any presents or Just didn't know what to get him for his birthday. Anon simply cannot think of anything that he wants. So Twilight, goes full OCD and rallies up the gang and bother Anon about what to get him.

At first Anon tries to get them off his back by telling them to get (insert whatever here) but Applejack can see that he's lying and calls him out on it. After a few days of constant annoyance Anon is about to lose his shit. After a particularly shit day at work he comes home to find Twilight and the others in his house. Again they ask him what he wants. Anon loses his shit.

Furious, Anon screams at the ponies telling them what he wants the most is something that they can't possibly give him. He wants his old life back. He rants about how he misses his family and how he thinks about them every day. He tells them about his mother's poor health and that he wishes he could have been there for her and for his dad because he knows that she's probably dead by now and his dad is all alone with no one to be there for him with the question of whether his son is dead or alive haunting him. He tells them that he wants his job back where he was a successful [insert job]. And finally he wishes he wasn't in this magical horse land working a shitty job with no one else to relate to. He then threatens the ponies into leaving. After they leave Anon realizes that he has just alienated himself from the only ponies who ever cared about him. In another fit of rage he trashes his home. Finally calming down Anon resolves to leave Ponyville and head to a new town.

Whoever feels like doing this feel free to make any changes you want. Doesn't matter as long as its got feels

Posted in Thread 722

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>Day 366 since your last birthday
>You are Anon and you have been living in Equestria for a few years now
>Today is your birthday; you were born on leap year
>That little fact had bothered you from time to time growing up
>Your birthday was never consistent, and having a winter holiday meant that you usually still had to go to school
>but you had long since been out of school and there was a certain calm to winter these days
>Everything seemed to move slower in the cold. Even these p0nies with their fur coats felt the effects
>The blurs of speed that are Dash and Pinkie are noticeably delayed
>The normally outdoorsy AppleJack and FlutterShy remain snuggled warmly indoors
>and the often nosey Rarity and Twilight become a recluse except when they have guests
>The only one to not drastically change from the cold is Spike who continues to sleep in as much as possible
>Heh, that little green rascal was downright adorable, only concerned about the simple things
>They were all in their element now though, well except for Spike
>Warm, chipper, moving about at a quick pace, gossiping with one another
>Winter had no effect on a Pinkie Party
>Everyone in town showed up, as they did every year
>They all enjoyed the reprieve from cold winter
>On your first birthday party you thought it was because you were some weird alien monster to them and they were all curious
>When it happened again the next year the last theory was replaced with the p0nies were just being nice
>The next year you just had to ask the party planner when you two happened to be standing at the punch bowl together
“Not to sound ungrateful or anything, but do you always invite everyone Pinkie?”
>“Yup~”
>Her smile must have been so wide that her face was forced to close her eyes, the energy in her reply matching the warmth and comfort of the slow burning logs in the fireplace


>She was clearly content to just leave it there, but you weren’t
“That’s nice and all, but I never see the whole town at any other birthday parties.”
>“Well of course not silly, there’s way too many birthdays for everyone to show up to each one. I still invite everyp0ny though.”
“So why do they all show up to this one?”
>“Because you’re the only winter birthday Nonny!”
>That was a bit of a surprise [spoiler] [/spoiler]“Oh?”
>”Yup~”
>Just like the last time you can tell she’s content to leave it there
>You suppose you can too, apparently whether by nature or planning p0nies are smart enough to not have kids in winter
>It being a natural thing made a surprising amount of sense
>The party continues on as usual and while the crowd orbits the warm fire you take a moment to stare out the window with drink in hand
>You can literally see the cold in the air outside, a calming relaxing cold
>The soothing outside view suddenly shakes as a party popper goes off in your ear
>Confetti blasts past your view and you turn towards the origins to see a smirking Rainbow Dash
>”Come on Anon, it’s time for cake.”
“Rainbow you little…. “ you reply with mock anger
>Part of your old life that carried over was that you were a professional
>The excuses people gave as obstacles to a good career were just that, excuses
>‘you have to know the right people’, ‘you have to be a brown-noser’, ‘you have to work yourself to the bone for even the tiniest amount of recognition’
>Sure there was some truth to it all, but a person’s attitude was the biggest factor
>As a professional you don’t let your true emotions out, show no sign of worry or anger
>You just remain optimistic no matter how frustrated you are, and tackle any problem head on
>Only those close to you get to see those frustrations and fears, and this was a public event
>Just light-hearted mock anger, playing the role
>You make your way to the cake and start counting the candles


>You make your way to the cake and start counting the candles
>The p0nies only ever guessed your age, and their counting system did not seem linear
>Or that was just Pinkie being Pinkie
“42 huh? How did you know my lucky number?”
>You chuckle with your business laugh and try to calculate how to get all the candles in one go
>Should be no problem, be optimistic, attack the problem head on
>With a big breath you strike out starting on one far side and slowly moving to the other
>Patience and focus as you slowly rotate left to right sees you rewarded with not an ember atop the cake
>“Did you remember to make a wish?” Twilight steps in besides you with plates and a knife that she starts organizing on to the table in what is surely the most efficient cut and serve setup, a smile on her face as she looks up at you
“Of course, and I got a good feeling about this one.”
>Her smile widens “I’m glad to hear that.”
>Suddenly you hear a huff of disproval over by the window you were previously staring out of
>“Oh dear, it just had to start snowing. I didn’t even bring my snow fall umbrella”
>“It’s just a little snow, and yer practically down the street. Ay gotta go all the way back down ta the farm.”
>“Yes, and I sympathize with you AppleJack, but you’re not the one in a smock.”
>“Ay thought simple clothes like that were meant ta get dirty.”
>”Simple? Why I never!”
>A large smile grows across your face. Those two ‘arguing’ was fun to listen to, but part was Rarity’s words at the start.
>It’s snowing. Your wish came true.


>Day 732
>Another year another birthday
>Even though it was the same amount of time since the last birthday it still felt longer
>Probably because the calendar was ahead a day
>Accursed Gregorians
>Again there is a party thrown for your birthday with everyone appearing
>Pinkie couldn’t decide whether to have the party a day sooner or not since your birthday didn’t exist this year
>What with being born on leap year and all
>It was really surprising she didn’t try to have the party earlier, but somehow Twilight found a ‘logical’ answer
>”You can’t celebrate a birthday the day before you were born”
>Those words ring in your mind as you remember the little debate they all had
>She had a point although the you of many past years hated the answer
>but that you is grown up. It’s a silly and childish concern; you could wait a day
>and now that day has arrived
>Just like last year, after meeting everyone you made your way to the window and looked outside
>You remember how last year you made it snow, your birthday wish came true
>and this year there was already snow on the ground
>Wishes coming true in a land of magical talking p0nies
>Somehow it seems so hilariously obvious now
>“H..Hi, Anonymous.”
>You look down still with the big dopey grin on your face and spot Fluttershy
>Apparently this year she came to you instead of vice-versa
>Must be that assertiveness training
“Hey there, how are you enjoying the party?”
>”Oh it’s very nice. Pinkie is good at her job.”
“That she is.”
>Truer words couldn’t be said
“So what brings you to the lonely window?”
>The grin is still plastered on your face, teasing joy in your voice
>“It doesn’t seem so lonely here. It seems quite pleasant today.”
>She gives a soft smile looking directly into your face
>These p0nies all make sure to look a person in the eye when they’re talking
>Even with her obvious shyness Fluttershy always made the effort before hiding her face


>Today was a good day
>Today was the day you would finally attack to attack your problems head on
>A day where you could put all of the frustrations behind you and finally open up and reveal your true emotions to someone again
>You were reminded the days of your youth as you waited anxiously for the cake
>The presents didn’t matter, they never really did
>Sure the thought was nice, but p0nies have a weird sense of gifts
>but none of that matters right now as Pinkie bounces into the room with a cart pushed out in front of her
>She’s really outdone herself with this one, it was quite the multi tiered beast
>but something odd caught your eye
“13? Really?”
>“13 is like the best answer. It doesn’t have a 4 or a 2 in it. So how about it Nonny? Feeling 13?”
>You won’t admit seeing her do something like this every year is something you greatly enjoy
>but you’re certainly not going to ruin it and tell her your age either
“I wouldn’t say 13, but I am feeling pretty spry today. Thanks for noticing.”
>“Aw shoot. I’ll get it next year.”
>Silly p0ny
>You size up the candles and their placement, and count your blessings that Pinkie guessed such a low number
>With such a big cake she could have fit a lot of candles on there, but you can hit them all pretty easily now
>“Don’t forget to make a wish.” Twilight chimes in as you get ready to blow out the candles
“No way I’d forget that.”
>and you blow out each and every one
>‘I wish to go back home’
>After you have blown out the candles you grab your overcoat and excuse yourself for the party
“Sorry everyone, but I have a very important meeting I have to get to. Feel free to have my piece.”
>All of the p0nies look on in surprise, one of them shouting out as you are about to leave through the door
>”Don’t forget your presents”
“Don’t need ‘em. Please take them back for yourselves.”
>and with that you were out the door


>With a brisk jog you quickly return to your house
>Once inside you start grabbing what few things mattered
>Some of the nice clothes Rarity had made, a pocket full of bits, and the wallet sized picture of your family that you had framed
>You started to head back outside, but you didn’t really know why
>Surely you could just wait here for the wish to come true
>but waiting around would be boring, at least walking around would give you something to do
>As you open the door a bundle of colors and a raised hoof clearly about to strike your door await you
>“Where are you going Anon? No one leaves a Pinkie Party early… unless they’re upset.”
>Pinkies frown was soul crushing, her entire body the anti-thesis to everything she stood for
>but you continued to smile, a show of joy that displayed in earnest that you weren’t upset
“I’m not upset Pinkie, I had a great time. I just have to go and meet some very important people.”
>“Who can be more important than everyone at the party?”
>“The Princesses?”
>“Fancypants?”
>Twilight and Rarity blurted their respective answers in unison, questioning you in response to Pinkie’s question
“Neither of them. They are very important people to me, and it may very well be because of you Pinkie that I get the chance to see them again. Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
>You move to continue on your way, the group still at your door. It’s tough to get by, but you brush past them as they look on at you. You can hear them whispering to themselves behind you, but you are only focused on moving forward
>You have finally found a way to attack your problem head on, and your optimism was pure
>What had brought you success in your old life and this one was going to see you through
>The p0nies were clearly following you
>They lingered behind a bit, but they didn’t bother trying to hide themselves


>The problem now was that you were wandering around aimlessly waiting to magically return to your Earth
>They’d suspect something if you didn’t start moving with more direction
>You could move towards one of the major cities, but you wanted to enjoy some time to yourself
>and taking a train would make more sense if that’s where you were heading so they may still be suspicious
>You could tell them you were waiting for a train and then continue walking when they left
>Somehow you bet they’d sit around waiting with you trying to pry information out of you
>So you start to head where the p0nies would hopefully not follow
>Towards the Everfree
>Once your intended route of travel becomes clear to the p0nies they waste no time rushing up to you and matching their pace with yours
>”Anon that’s the Everfree Forest!”
>“Why would you want to go there?”
>“Who do ya know out that way, Anon?”
>“What’s better than a party in there?”
>“Can we…um… not go in there please?”
>Their words rattle and bounce off each other, as they all try to get you to listen
“Now girls, I have to go. This is important to me. You can come along if you’d like, but I would rather be alone right now.”
>You remain amiable while sharing a bit of your true feelings
>It’s possible to remain professional and still let small things slip
>If it wasn’t it would all bottle up and eventually explode
“Everything will be perfectly safe. I’ve been planning this for awhile now.”
>“Then why ya only carryin’ a few clothes?”
>“Well at least the selection is nice”
“I got a pocket full of bits as well. I assure you I have everything I need.”
>“I suppose….”
>Twilight’s words linger as they all look to each other in uncertainty. You keep looking ahead, moving with confidence
>After a few short moments they all say bye and head back to town
>Now you can enjoy this little walk


>The cold had a little bite despite the large coat, an almost soothing sensation
>The sound of soft snow crunching beneath your feet was therapeutic
>and your thoughts returned to home
>Your parents were both alive and well, but getting well on in years
>They were both retired and had a decent pension, but they always needed help with big things
>For instance, when a tree crashed through their roof they needed your help for that
>They never believed in home-owner insurance
>They both tried to pay you back, but you insisted it was just returning the favor of raising you
>Having become well practiced at your job and having climbed the social ladder you could spare the money
>Especially for your family
>Your in-laws were a bit younger and still working
>Still you and your spouse would take them out on a nice vacation each year
>Usually your parents would come along too, and it was nice having the two families together
>They always ended up on the topic of grandkids though
>As sure as the seasons the topic always came up
>Reminiscing had taken you far into the woods and it was starting to get too dark to see
>Maybe this magic takes a little longer, best to head back home for now
>You turn around and start heading back the way you came
>Since you didn’t really have anywhere to go you had just walked in a straight line
>This would make finding the way back easier
>If it wasn’t for the shadows moving around
>There’s always been something unsettling about silence in nature
>Even at night nature made a sound
>but not right now
>This was a horrible idea
>Every crunch under your foot was a telegraph of your position
>The comforting nip of the cold now a drain on your senses
>You press on until you hear an off set of footsteps
>You stop and it’s gone
>A few more steps and then you hear it again
>and then it’s gone again


>Beginning to get freaked out you calculate your options
>Something is possibly following you, perhaps even hunting you
>You could start running, but if it is a predator that encourages it to chase you
>You could face it directly and try to intimidate it, but it might choose to fight you
>Or you could keep moving on and try to ignore it until something comes up, letting it get in a better position all the while
>Not liking those scenarios at all
>but you are Anon, and you are a professional
>You’ll face your problems head on
“Raaaaaaaaaaa!”
>You yell and charge while dropping the clothes you were carrying to the ground
>It takes a split second for whatever it is to decide
>You hear footsteps moving in your direction
>Crap
>It’s hard to make out the creature as you barrel into each other. The first thing you notice is that it is heavier than you, but not larger.
>The next is that it has fur, it’s face is short, and that it does indeed have claws
>The creature notices that you are able to remain on your feet when the force is mainly aimed at your midsection, and that you are not instantly attacking
>You push yourself away as you feel the mass shift to one side, a swing soon follows from the other side
>Unlike most creatures you’ve met thus far, this one isn’t one you can simply lift up or possibly restrain
>It’s simply too bulky, and certainly better armed than you
>What sounds like bear noises comes from the creature, and the low light reveals a sort of mask on its face
>It starts to charge towards you again as you keep upright to make use of your height
>A claw and bite lunges towards you
>It’s hard to see, but the reach afforded by your arms allow you to try and push the creature around with minimal exposure
>The exchange becomes akin to messing with the family dog
>The creature attacks one way trying to get your hands, while you use your other hand to get the other side
>Except you don’t think this one will stop when you say ‘Ow’


>The exchange becomes akin to messing with the family dog
>The creature attacks one way trying to get your hands, while you use your other hand to get the other side
>Except you don’t think this one will stop when you say ‘Ow’
>Slowly backing away while keeping both arms raised to each side the creature tentatively follows you
>The only thing running through your mind at this moment is ‘Don’t let it get close’ on repeat
>The moments are tense and anti-climatic at the same time
>Neither willing to make the first move
>The sound of crunching snow behind you breaks the stalemate
>Clearly it is not one of the creature’s friends as it begins to back away
>You want to turn around, but you can’t expose yourself to what’s in front of you
>Turning your head slightly you see nothing but yellow eyes
>Shifting your body so that each creature is on a side of you watch the new addition get closer and closer at a steady pace
>Soon the first beast has wandered off and it’s just the two of you
>The eyes stop moving just out of your reach
>Then suddenly you feel a pain in your stomach
>Something blunt and narrow had just been jabbed in your gut
>“Bad beast, go home! This is not where you should roam!”
>That accent
“Ze-Zecora?”
>“Is that….why yes it is! Why are you out at this hour?”
>Oh thank whatever powers that be
“Just….taking a stroll”
>“Was that you who made that awful sound? Are you the source I finally found?”
“What sound?”
>“A strange roar I had never heard before. You never made that noise in front of my door.”
>With the threat gone your thoughts returns to their normal pace
“Uh yeah. It’s not something I normally do. Was just trying to scare that thing away.”
>“I see, if only you knew of the masked bear. Their aggressiveness is rare. They are usually docile and only fight when directly threatened.”
>Seems that was the wrong choice. Well lesson learned.


>“So why are you out here so late? A stroll is not worth the chance of fate.”
“I was just heading home actually.”
>In more ways than one
>“Come with me Anon, you can stay until the morning.”
>You fumble around looking for the clothes you dropped, and then take Zecora up on her offer
>Walking all the way home didn’t sound too appealing after that little event and you might have been gone by the time you finally got back
>Better to spend that time in good company
>As you enter Zecora’s abode she offers you some tea
>Once it’s ready you both sit around a small table and talk
>Starting with small talk and moving into some of the local news the hours pass
>It’s still night out, but you’re sure dawn is approaching
>and a question is nagging at your mind
“Hey Zecora, what do you know of birthday wishes?”
>“Hmm? That is an odd question. Do you have a specific concern to aid my suggestion?”
“Well, how do they work? How long do they take to work? You blow out all of the candles in one breath and the wish comes true right?”
>Zecora’s frame buckles over in laughter. It’s not as refined as Rarity’s laugh, but not as wild as Pinkie’s.
>“Anon, you sound like a little foal.”
>You instantly regret asking
>Zecora collects herself, and sits up straight with a motherly smile about her as she talks
>“For a birthday wish to come true, you must believe. The wish resides within you, and if discarded the magic will leave.”
>That didn’t really help you at all
“So how long does it take to work?”
>“Why my little Anon, there is no time table. The wish will come true when it’s able.”
>That sort of talk, like a parent to a child
>Words asking for infinite hope
>So not today, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not ever
>Perhaps it was childish
>Stupid to think the answer would be that simple
>After all the most powerful beings in the world couldn’t help you get back


“Thanks Zecora.”
>A smile is on your face full of mock warmth
>It was what a professional does
>Keep the feelings inside
>Eventually Zecora fell asleep, and you left at the crack of dawn
>You arrived home before the town had woken up
>When you entered your house you were surprised to see all of the presents on your table, still wrapped
>Maybe you should have locked your door
>Physically exhausted you throw the clothes onto the couch, empty the bits from your pocket, and collapse on your bed still fully dressed
>‘Don’t want to show up home naked’ you sarcastically remark in your head
>Sleep quickly overcomes you and lasts for a few hours until a knock comes from your door
>You just lay there
>Maybe it will go away
>Another set of knocks
>Followed by a flurry of knocks
>You can faintly hear some words
>and then there is another knock at your door
>This time in the rhythm of a song
>Pinkie
>Knowing the culprit you knew the knocks weren’t going to stop
>You get up and open the door
>Correction, ‘culprits’
>All 6 of them are at your door
>You shield you eyes from the vengeful sun
>“Hi Nonny!”
“Morning”
>You groggily respond as they all look at you much like they did last night
>“AppleJack saw you come back into town this morning, we didn’t wake you did we?”
>You’d think the answer would be obvious to Twilight, but you’ll humor her
“Just a little tired. I didn’t get much sleep last night, and the trip really took it out of me.”
>“I bet, going all the way to see this “special someone” and back home by morning. Must have been a big night.”
>Pinkie is way too chipper. You’re not entirely sure if she’s implying something or not either
>“We can go… if you want.”
>It seems Fluttershy is back to normal, quickly hiding behind her mane after she talks


>Pinkie is looking past you, in a way that you are sure she would have charged into your house already if you weren’t taking up the doorway
>“You didn’t open your presents Nonny!”
“Was it you who put them in my house?”

>Rarity steps a little closer from the back of the group
>“Well we couldn’t just leave them there; they were for you after all.”
“Thanks, but I told everyone to take them back.’
>“but they are for you.”
“I told you I don’t need them.”
>AppleJack pops up behind Pinkie, having everyone at the door is probably not making this easy
>“That’s not the point Anon.”
“Look, gift giving is a very culturally sensitive practice. It makes me uncomfortable.”
>“Now ah know that aint the truth.”
>Well it was partially true. Should have left that last bit out
>If you weren’t so tired you’d probably remember AppleJack was the Element of Honesty and all that BEFORE talking
“Look I don’t want them, and you have nothing to give me that I need.”
>Do you hear a cracking? Is that a kettle starting to boil?
>“We’re not giving you things because you need them. We’re giving them to you because we want to! To show we care!”
>Twilight is certainly getting a little pushy now, literally
>You can finally see them all as they push in past your doorway
“That’s not the point.”
>“What is the point Anon?! Huh?!”
>Rainbow Dash joined alongside Twilight, the two made quite the fearsome combo when they were both being pushy
>“You know….that….um…. we like to see you happy Anon.”
>“You may not like how we show it but dangit Anon ya gotta get yer head together!”
>That last cracking sound got a lot louder
>Seriously who is making tea?
>“Darling, if you want something in particular all you have to do is ask.”
>SOMETHING BROKE
>KETTLE AT FULL BOIL


“I WANT TO GO HOME DAMMIT!”
>All 6 of them jump back
>You’re pretty sure everyone outside can hear you too
>but right now you don’t care
“I want to be with my family! I don’t just want to be with my family I NEED to be with my family! They rely on me, they need my help, and dammit after all they did for me I want to be there to repay them for it! I busted my ass and did what I had to in order to get a good job that I could be happy with! I had finally started to reap the rewards and then suddenly I ended up here! I was going to have kids!”
>All of them are speechless
>The entire town seems to have adopted the silence of the forest last night
>There was a scary beast about
>A scary beast named Anonymous
>and it was pissed
>For a moment it stays that way
>Then there is a single set of trotting hooves
>The sound is cautiously approaching your house
>In your doorway a grey coat and yellow mane pokes out
>Derpy the mail mare slowly inches a hoof into your home
>and then slowly, ever so slowly
>She pulls the door shut
>The moment lingers for a moment as you and the 6 p0nies don’t know what to say next
>You’d like to say it was one of them who broke the silence
>or that it was you shouting in anger a little more
>but that’s not it
>It was just a sniffle
>A small sniffle as a few tears rolled down your face
>You had once lost everything
>and your mask has finally broken in the worst way possible
>You can’t stay here, they’ve seen you like this
>The entire town heard your outburst
>This wasn’t home, but it wasn’t a foreign place either
>Now everything was lost for a second time


>Fluttershy floats up next to you, a hoof on your shoulder
>“Yesterday at the party you were the happiest I’ve ever seen you. Ever since you came here I sensed that you were hiding something, aching inside. I couldn’t bring myself to talk with you about it...the thought of upsetting you scared me too much. But yesterday it was gone, and I could talk with you without fear.”
>Your mind recalls the event, less than a day ago you had solved your biggest problem
>but it came back in a big way
>“You’re obviously sad, but you’re scared too. Scared for your family. I wish I could help you Anonymous, I really do. I don’t think I can help you get home, but until you find a way back I’ll be there for you.”
>You put your hand onto Fluttershy’s hoof and rest it there for a moment
>She smiles at you, and you softly smile back slowly composing yourself
>and then you remove her hoof
“I’m sorry Fluttershy, but it doesn’t work like that. I need to move, go somewhere and build up again.”
>”What?”
>The soft yet suddenness of Fluttershy’s response was an odd mix, one you’ve never heard before. Her voice even managed to reach indoor levels of volume
>Your own voice remained stoic; the outcome already accepted by you
“I need to go somewhere to get away from the past. Somewhere that no one knows about me or my history.”
>“Why?”
>Twilight’s question followed her as she finally moved to join Fluttershy in-front of you
>“Ya say that, but ya been draggin the past with ya ever since ya got here. What makes ya think anywhere else will be different?”
>AppleJack had a strange mix in her eyes
>There was concern in the back, but at the front was pure anger
“It’s a human thing. And I’m not running away from the past of my family. I’m running away from you.”
>The anger in her eyes flared, the hurt in Fluttershy’s eyes deepened
>“Yer just gonna up and leave? Just gonna run away?”
“Yup.”

>You can notice Rainbow Dash getting that same anger in her eyes
>“You’re just a giant coward Anon! Afraid of what? Making a little outburst?”
“Very. You’ve seen me at my worst, and you’ll never forget that. It may go to the back of your mind, but every now and then it will pop back up.”

>“We all have our moments of weakness; there’s no shame in it.”
>Rarity finally chimed in, her face showed hints of concern but betrayed no real emotion
>If anything you’d say she was playing the diplomat
“It’s something that can ruin your career.”
>“Oh please darling, stress even gets to me from time to time and my career hasn’t been the worse for it.”
“I once had an outburst about being tired of working long hours. Of wanting to go home and be with my family, to get a good night’s sleep for once. My boss gave me the rest of my life off. Not right away, but after awhile the pink slip came.”
>“but that’s not how things work here. If you’re so concerned about such things than why tell us all this?”
>Rarity’s tone was becoming quickened, she almost sounded desperate
“When it rains it pours. I won’t be around here again, and I can finally get everything off my chest without worrying about the consequences.”
>“Nonny…”
>Why did you have to be so outnumbered?
“Pinkie… I don’t know where to start. You kept the days bright, and helped give me hope. I’m not upset with you or anyone else. I am just upset with the situation. I’m sorry I made you sad.”
>You really don’t know where to go from here
>Unsure what else to say, and a little worried about the reaction when you actually try to leave you remain where you are
>and they do the same

>Each of them has something on their lips, words left to say
>Anger, sorrow, wishes and bargains to get you to stay
>Finally you move, and slowly make your way to the door
>They all silently watch you
>You call out to them, in your mind for the last time
“Take my house and everything in it. Sell it, give it away, use it, whatever. It’s my parting gift to you.”
>The harsh tone of Rainbow Dash cuts you
>“We don’t want it!”
“I know this is a culture shock to you, much like everything was to me when I first arrived. It probably seems like the stupidest thing to do, to leave everything over something that seems so small. But it’s big to me, and I want to at least try and give you the lending hand in dealing with it you gave me. I arrived with nothing but the shirt on my back and made it in this world. I can start over again just fine, don’t you worry. Human’s are survivors.”
>And with that you closed the door behind you

>It’s been a year since that day
>You had made it just like you said you would
>Your talents currently being put to use in Manehatten
>The hopes of returning home still burn brightly
>but the years keep adding up
>At least you have your actual birthday this year
>What with it being leap year and all
>A quiet night to yourself in the big city is a nice reprieve
>While you sit in the cramped apartment room you hope you can have enough saved up for a human sized house by the end of the year
>If only everything wasn’t so short here
>Hoping to stretch a little you leave your room and walk down to the apartment’s mail box
>You could have sworn you just saw a grey flank and yellow tail sway away
>Ignoring it you find a bunch of bills, ads, and a rolled up scroll
>You open it and find familiar handwriting
“Dear Anonymous,
We hope you are doing well. Princess Celestia has told us that you haven’t been able to return home yet, but says you are making your way in the big city. We’re all glad to hear it even though most of us are still pretty upset at you leaving. I’m trying to understand the cultural difference, but it’s still very hard to grasp. Enough dwelling on that though, this letter is to be a happy one.
Happy Birthday Anonymous, from all of us.
Attached below is your gift.

Your faithful friend,
Twilight Sparkle”

>Attached to the letter is a picture of the six girls and spike
>You take the letter to your room
>and you let a few tears fall
>Behind closed doors
>You are a professional
>and the past really hurts