New Neighbors 1 [PiE] (Revised)

>Your alarm clock blares its annoying tone.
>Doo doo doooo.
>Doo doo doooo.
>You blindly flop your hand on your nightstand looking for your phone.
>After several attempts, you finally find it and shut the alarm off.
>With blurry, half-lidded eyes, you check the time.
>11:02 am.
>With a groan, you set the phone down and roll over.
>You slide out of bed and flip the radio on for background noise.
>"I just want to say hello again~," sung the radio. "My sacrifice~."
"Oh come on..." you grumble at missing the song.
>You shamble to the bathroom for your morning ritual.
>Shit, shower, shave.
>For clothes, you pick through a large quantity of plain grey t-shirts and blue jeans.
>It's hardly a tough decision of what you're wearing today.
>As you're getting dressed, the DJ begins talking recent events.
>You're not listening.
>Something about crime dropping in recent years.
>You check your fridge for something to eat.
>There's never anything to eat.
>And you're pretty sure that can of beans and that jug of milk are months past their expiration dates.
>No breakfast for you.
>Whatever.
>You throw a hoody on before head out the door.
>Locking it behind you, you hop in the elevator to go retrieve your mail.

>Ding!
>The doors begin to close.
>"Hold the elevator!" a voice calls.
>You quickly throw your arm out to stop the door from closing.
>A light blue pegasus with a silvery mane and light blue hair bow joins you.
>"Thanks," she says.
"Yup."
>The door closes and the elevator begins its descent.
>The two of you stand on opposite sides of the elevator.
>You lean against the wall with your arms crossed and eyes staring at the door.
>"So..." pipes up the pegasus, trying to break the ice.
>You give her a glance but return to looking at the door.
>"How long have you lived here?" she asks.
"Couple years."
>"Wow.  My sister and I only just moved in down the hall a month ago."
"Yeah, I've seen you around.  Sorry I've never said 'Hi' or anything.  My mind's been occupied and I've been a little busy to be the friendly neighbor."
>"That's okay.  I've been busy too.  My name's Flitter by the way."
"I'm Anonymous.  Nice to meet you."
>"... Are you se-"
"Yes, I'm serious," you cut her off.
>Flitter had a goofy grin on her face.
"Think of it as a stupid joke on my father's behalf."
>"Heheh.  Okay."

>The elevator comes to a stop and you allow Flitter to step out first.
"Ladies first."
>You gentleman, you.
>The two of you go to your respective mailboxes.
>You watch as she flies up and grabs her key with a hoof from a loop around her neck.
>It amazes you everytime you see them hold something in their hooves.
>Your mother always told you not to stare, but this defied all laws of physics that you were sure existed but never learned.
>Opening your mailbox, you grab the few envelopes inside.
>"I'll see you later," said Flitter as she went back to the elevator.
"Yeah.  You too."
>The doors close on her as you turn to leave the building.
>Stepping outside into the daylight blinds you for a few seconds.
>The sounds of the city come to life.
>People driving their vehicles.
>Pegasi in the sky above.
>And those who can't fly hailing cabs.

>You step off, sifting through your mail as you go.
>Bill, bill, bill...
>Nothing you care about.
>Two of these aren't even yours.
"Damn mailmare," you mutter.
>You sigh and continue walking.
>It was fall and you were already noticing people walking around with thicker coats.
>The mornings were a bit chilly but it was still hot during the day.
>It's your day off from work and you're on your way to your buddy's apartment.
>He'd told you he had something awesome to show you the next chance you could come over.
>Swear to God, if he tried making homemade fireworks again...
>People and ponies walk around you, carrying on with their daily lives.
>You happen by a church with several protesters out front.
>A quick glimpse at the signs revealed they were protesting inter-species relationships with humans and ponies.
>You had no idea that was even an issue, don't bother to give them a second glance.
>Your buddy's place wasn't too far from your own.
>Probably a fifteen minute or so.

>As you arrive, you pound on his apartment door.
"Dom!  Open up, you fat fuck!" you hollar.
>"Kiss my ass!" is the reply from the other side.
"So open the door."
>"What's the password?"
"I'ma slap your shit up and down the block."
>"You wanna go?"
"Yeah I do!"
>"Bring it!"
"Right now!"
>"Lets do it!"
"Lets go!"
>You hear the latch click and the door swing open.
>A 6'4", 240 pound man towers before you.
>"Haha, what's up, man?" he greets as you clasp hands.
"You said you had something awesome to show me?" you inquire.
>"Oh yeah!  Come in."

>You're greeted by two curious, really big puppies upon entering.
>Puppies is an understatement.
>They're like small bears.
"Are you sure the landlord lets you keep these dogs?" you ask.
>"Nope," is Dom's reply.
>Dom's apartment was a hell of a lot cleaner than yours.
>Probably because he constantly had company over and doesn't want to look like a slob.
>He had a two bedroom apartment to himself.
>In the living room, Dom points towards the tv.
>Or rather, the one sitting in front of the tv.
>A dark blue alicorn lays back in a bean bag chair, sipping on a cup held in her hoof.
>A controller levitates in front of her.
>The movements on the screen are quick and precise.
>You've played versus unicorns online.
>It never ends well.
>The alicorn stands and spikes her controller into the bean bag chair.
>"MVP!" she shouts.
>She turns around to find someone other than Dom standing in the door.
>"What's up?" she greets.

"So what is it you wanted to show me?" you ask Dom. "The pony?" you point.
>"The name's Luna," she said as she walked over and extended a hoof.
"Anon."
>"... Cool."
"Yeah, yeah I- Cool?"
>"Quite."
>"Luna here is a master in in video games," Dom explains.  "She's been doing wonders for our team win ratio.  Speaking of which, how about a few rounds of Zombies?"
>"I'd be down for that," said Luna.
>You shake your head.
"Nah.  Maybe later.  I got a bunch of crap I need to take care of today."
>"So you're just going to let the zombie apocolypse happen?" asked Dom.
"Yeah.  I'll see you in Hell.  Later Dom.  Luna."
>You give them a nod as you acknowledge them.
>"Nice meeting you," said Luna.
>You leave the apartment and start walking down the stairs.
>You're gonna have to ask Dom about Luna later.
>Is that his new roommate or something?

>Hands in pockets, hoody on, head tilted towards your feet.
>This is how you walk.
>How suspicious can you be to try and creep those around you out?
>Some people walk a bit farther away as they pass, causing you to grin like an idiot when they do.
>There is one flaw in your concealment, though; and isn't other humans, but ponies.
>The ones walking the opposite way past you will often smile up at you with a greeting.
>A simple "Hey" will usually sate them.
>It's not that you don't enjoy the short exchange, but more that you'd rather not converse with others, human or pony.
>Your friends and family have often joked about your secluded nature by calling you out as "The next big serial killer".
>An obvious joke, but you can't help but think that some people think they're serious.
>You looking like you're about to mug someone probably doesn't help, either.

>You stop off at the local corner Burger King.
>Two ponies coming out were kind enough to hold the door for you.
>'That's wierd,' you thought.
>Not the kind gesture, but this is the last place you would expect ponies to eat.
>Standing in line behind two more ponies, you hear them order two whoppers, no meat.
>'That explains it,' you say in your mind.
>Come your turn, the girl behind the counter asks for your order.
>You take note of the red-tipped bangs and ear piercing.
"Oh, uh...  I got a call for an interview," you answer.
>"You want to work here?" asks the girl.
"'Want' is the wrong, but yes."
>"Escape while you can," she warns you.  "But yeah, I can call the manager up front for you."
"Cool, thanks."
>Much to the annoyance of the man behind you, the cashier walks away to fetch her manager.
>When they return, the manager motions for you to come around into his office.
>You can't help but feel extremely nervous.
>Your throat feels like if you were to speak, your voice would crack.
>"Take a seat," offers the manager as you enter the office.
>You do so, sitting straight up with your hands on your knees.

>"So what can I do for you?" he asks.
"I would-"
>Voice crack.
>'FUUU-!'
"Ahem," you clear your throat.  "I would like to apply for a job, sir."
>"Any prior experience in food service?" he asked.
"No, sir.  Not at all."
>"Hmm..."
>He rested his chin in his hand.
>You swear you could feel him see right through you.
>"What made you consider Burger King?"
"I was just looking for a change of pace."
>Because it's totally not because you're desperate and it's within walking distance of your apartment.
>"You sure it's not because you're desperate and lazy?" asked the manager.
>'Yes.'
"No sir."
>'Way to dig yourself a deeper hole, asshole.'
>The manager narrowed his eyes at you.
>Your muscles tensed but you kept a stoic expression.
>"Bwahahaha!" laughed the manager.  "I'm just messing with you kid.  You wouldn't happen to be military, would you?"
"No sir."
>"Well you sure act it well enough.  Anyways, we could use the bodies and one of our boys just walked out.  You have the spot if you'd like."
"That'd be great!"
>"Well then congratulations."
>He stood up and extended a meaty hand across the table.
>You met the baseball mitt halfway with a firm shake.
>"You don't hate ponies, do you?" he inquired.
"N-no, sir," you stutter.  "Why do you ask?"
>"Just making sure," he says.  "Can't be having that in my restaraunt.  You start Monday."
"Thank you, sir."

>You leave the restaraunt and head for an apartment building a few blocks down.
>Knock knock.
>The door opens before you; revealing a petite woman on the other side.
>"Oh.  Hey, Anon," she greets rather unenthusiastically.
"What's up, Amanda?  You texted me last night saying you wanted to talk?"
>"Yeah.  Why didn't you respond?"
"Little busy.  I'm here now, though."
>"But I wanted to talk to you last night," she grumbled.
>You step past her into the apartment.
"Well I was tired and wanted to go to sleep."
>You take a seat on the couch in the living room; Amanda follows suit.
"So what's up?"
>"Well..."
>Your sudden appearance must have caught her off guard.
>"Anon I have a question."
"What's that?"
>"What do you-  Uh, why- ..."
>She searches for the words she needs before letting out an exasperated sigh.
>"Anon, I'm breaking up with you."
>Cue the car crash sound effect coming from outside.
"What?  Why?" you ask.
>"Because we never do anything, Anon.  We never go out and you never give any gifts in return for what I give you."
"You mean gifts I don't want yet you insist on getting them anyways?  By the way, that takes money I don't have."
>"That was actually my third point, but yes.  No job."
"Untrue.  I just got one today," you say matter-of-factly and rather proudly.
>"Oh pfft.  Where is that, McDonalds?" she scoffs
"... N-No..."
>"Whatever.  It's like you don't even want to be in a relationship with me.  I just don't know what to do anymore..."
>You sit in silence for a few minutes; Amanda expecting something to come out of your mouth.
>All you give her is a blank stare.
>"I think you should go," she choked as the beginnings of tears began to appear in her eyes.
>You stand and walk to the door.
>Amanda softly says, "I'm sorry" as she closes the door behind you.
>You stand there for a minute and stare the door up and down.
"Well that sucks," you blurt out loud to no one in particular.
>You turn and leave the apartment building.

>Coming back up on your own building, you walk inside and stand in the elevator.
>Hit the button for the eigth floor.
>"Hold on!"
>Your arm catches the door as Flitter comes flying in.
>"Thanks," she says.
"No problem."
>You have to take a double-take at Flitter.
"Nice haircut," you comment.
>"Oh, uh, Thanks. You too."
>Flitter's once-long hair was now short and spiked up.
>Her demeanor also seems a bit different.
>The ride up is quiet.
>The elevator opens and she trots off to her apartment.
>About halfway, you see Flitter leave the apartment.
"Oh hey Flit-"
>You look from Flitter to the pony who just left the elevator with you and back to Flitter.
"Wait, what the fuck?  Who the hell are you?" you ask, pointing to the other pegasus.
>The pony stops and turns her head.
>"Uh, Cloudchaser?  Who the fuck are you?" she retorts.
>"Cloudchaser!  Language!" scolded the real Flitter.
>"Yeah yeah," muttered Cloudchaser as she trotted past her sister into the apartment.
>"I'm sorry," apologized Flitter.  "My sister's a little rude."
"Oh right," you say as you slap your forehead.  "You have a sister.  I thought she was you for a minute there."
>"Oh, haha.  Yeah, that happens sometimes."
>You notice the basket of dirty linens on Flitter's back.
>You didn't even know they wore clothes.
"Laundry?" you ask, pointing at the basket.
>"Mhm.  Care to join me?  I could use someone to talk to while I wait."
>You shake your head.
"No thanks.  Maybe some other time."
>"Oh okay.  Perhaps later we-  Oh shoot!"
>The elevator doors close as someone calls it to another floor.
>"I have the worst luck with these..." she grumbles.
>You laugh silently to yourself as she jams the button to call it back to your floor.
>You hope she knows the stairs are RIGHT there.
>Actually, screw that.
>You wouldn't want to walk all the way down, either.
"Well I'm gonna take off.  I'll see you later."
>"I'll be here," she mutters as she stands there and waits.

>You lock the door behind you and throw your hoody over a nearby chair.
>First thing you do is walk towards your open window and look out.
"What's up, Nix?  have a good day?"
>You speak, of course, to your spiderbro; whose web was spun right over the space your window was.
>You didn't mind him.
>You were missing a screen and it was too hot to leave the window shut with no AC.
>He caught bugs and you stayed cool.
>Free bug screen; fuck yeah.
"Damn, you're getting fat," you comment.
>Nix just sat there and stared back.
>He had been here for weeks.
>No sense in getting rid of your one and only spiderbro.
>The rest of the day is spent gaming and raging online.
>Hardly what one would call an exciting evening, but you're content enough to leave your routine as it is.
>Come Monday, it was all changing anyways.
>Besides, someone has to save the world from the impending Nazi zombie apocalypse.

>A knock on your door calls your immediate attention.
"Protect me for a minute.  My pizza's here," you speak into the mic.
>A voice from the other end of the mic.
>"Hurry up, fa-"
>You drop the controller on the coffee table and leap over the couch to the door.
>A feeling of disappointment comes over you when you see that there's no pizza.
>Instead, it's Flitter who stands before you.
>"Good evening, Anonymous," she greets.
"Oh.  Hey," you speak quickly as you glance back at your TV.
>Still alive.
>What could Flitter want?
>A cup of sugar?
>"Hey, uh...  My sister and I were just wondering...  If you...  If you would like to come over for dinner tonight.  You know, to get to know each other as neighbors."
"Oh...  Oh!  I'm, uh...  I already have dinner plans tonight.  Maybe later?"
>Flitter's ears dropped to the side of her head.
>"Oh...  Okay then.  Maybe some other time."
>She turned around and as she reached her door across the hall, the elevator door opened, revealing the pizza guy.
"Oh thank God!" you cheer.
>Flitter spots your "dinner plans" and makes eye contact one more time before shutting her door.
>Pay, tip, rush back to your game.
>Holy hell, you're alive.
"I'm back," you announce.
>"RUN!" shout three voices simultaneously.
>Hit-hit-dead.
>GAME OVER!
>A clown laughs maniacally at your humiliation.
>"GOD FUCKING DAMN IT!" rages a deep-voiced party member.
>You sit there in stunned silence.
"I fucking hate that clown," you mutter.
>You take a bite of warm pepperoni.
"Anyone for round two?"