https://w2g.tv/ck3ofolzopbyyn5g8f First W2G of the year.

>>13810 Woo! New thread!

>>13814 Oh shoot whos that

>>13815 ask blondie, its his waifu

>>13814 Is this new?

Are there plans to continue Starsky? I realize that it's been a little while since we've last heard from them. Kind of miss her laid back attitude.

>>13815 Beloved Twill. >>13821 Absolutely. My autism is making it difficult to focus on her while it's cold out. Trust me, I do miss her too. It'll also be fun to see more of her real friends, like Ms. H.

>>13824 not that anon but sweet, love that little rascal

>>13819 >>13819 it is, comfy ponies is something of a comfort zone and I wanted to do something besides the edit for the new bread. [blog]After the ainigger peddling explosion killed my motivation completely for a good months I realized recently they're all insufferable faggots. It was kind of freeing if it's just consumercore central that they'll chase after sakimichan tier spam then maybe people won't focus on imperfect art as much, and it let me tone back the self critisism letting the pen wander about the form. A reminder that paradoxically sometimes you just have to not give a shit to make something. Needless to say, I plan on being back to art in 2023 and starting the year off with something already is better than nothing for months. [/blog]

>>13829 Nice!

>>13829 I'm glad to see you back with us. /bootleg/ truly shines with your art in a way no other thread can. I see ai art the same way as I see ai writing; it's awkward and off. I remember a lot of people messing with that ai dungeon and doing their best to make it flow naturally into something coherent but it just misses the mark completely. I'm looking forward to what we both make.

>>13829 Anon, I'm very glad to hear you decided to continue drawing! That was exactly what AI spammers are after, they know creative people are often getting emotional and insecure about what they do, so they use shitspam to demoralize and make creative people bail out and feel miserable. That besides genuine retards who believe technologies like AI will make human life better Personally I'm always glad to see new pony art, that is drawn by a fellow horsefucker. Through your art shines your immortal soul, your love for pony, and I get warm feeling when I see a pic that tells a tale of its author's appreciation of Equestria; the joy, the excitement, the love. And I feel connected to the artist when I look at the art, feel connected to my brother-horsefucker! That's what the pony is about, about camaraderie, about feelings, about honesty, about beauty reflected through one's soul. For the love of Celestia, do not stop drawing! Do not let a literal soulless automaton to take Equestria from you and us.

Due to the grand request of one(1) anon, I suppose I'm doing a /mare/con panel on writing around 7PM Central time/8PM Eastern. Be there, or be... somewhere else.

>>13834 Looking forward to it Anon.

>>13834 Thanks for putting on the panel Anon.

>>13836 I'm sure it was a shitshow but a few said it was comfy listening so that works for me. If/when I do another it'll be vaguely more structured. If I helped convince someone to write for the first time or more than they'd normally do, I consider it a success.

>>13834 Recording if you want to relive it: https://pony.tube/w/p/mLckSNCShsuj7spoAV45nh?playlistPosition=13&resume=true

>>13842 Thanks!

>>13842 Let me know with any feedback/criticism/thoughts. It was with a little more than 24 hour notice from "you should do this" to it being done so I know it isn't precisely aimed. Future attempts will be better.

>>13853 Probably a bit more structure. While it was comfy, there was a fair bit of rambling.

Where has everyone gone? If even the bunker is down...

>>13863 Been busy and honestly pretty burned out, dude. Family and work has kept me very occupied. Wrote about two posts' worth of stuff on Christmas, but not enough to justify posting. About to be on the road for a week, then back home for a little bit, then back on the road again for work, so maybe I'll have some time during my layovers to write some more. But maybe not- last time I was in an airport on business I was working until I boarded the plane. And I can't write when I'm seated shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers... or anyone for that matter. I prefer to write in solitude, otherwise the external stimuli is too much of a distraction. I should be packing right now but I just can't be arsed to, so I'm waiting for these edibles to kick in and maybe, just maybe... I'll be able to write.

>>13863 I've just been rather tired as of late. Lot of pone stuff planned but I've accomplished basically nothing this past month.

>>13834 I'm always lurking, don't really have much to say honestly.

>>13868 Same. I used to participate more when this was the most active thread on NHNB but now I'm committed to keeping my own thread going, plus I have a real job now so less time in general.

>>13863 Been kind of lazy, need to get back to re-writing the next Rosie update. Shouldn't take too long once I'm able to sit down and get to it.

>>13863 I was off of work for close to three weeks, so the free time went to other projects, pic related. I think I got a little burned out after the frantic pace I had with Midnight for almost a year. Still plugging away, and I'm close to another update - coincidentally, or not so much really, ties in with pic related. Fun and knowledge with poners about misunderstood, forgotten orphans of the automotive world.

>>13864 The life of a working man. I know that feel. Changing jobs have not been issues before but the big shift of that and new place has put a big disruption in. >>13872 I've been doing a lot of personal stuff too. Living in my own life rather than in theirs, you could even argue. The main question is if it's good that I miss theirs more than my own. >>13868 The only thing I can guess is that if the thread were better or more interesting, you'd have something worth saying.

>>13863 the bunker is down? but this IS the bunker. my sleep was a disaster from what I think was a ruptured eardrum and half a month blew by. but I'm still alive

What random /boot/ ideas do you have?

>>13900 Just today I had one of a Zecora bootleg that talks like the people in "Who Killed Captain Alex?"

>>13900 Started writing a meta kind of thing a few days ago before I hit the road. Wasn't really sure what I was doing with it or where I'm going with it. It's not so much a story as it is me trying to process shit as far as my characters are concerned, and as such, it's gotten kinda personal. Not sure if I'll post it or not. It's kinda half stream-of-consciousness, half fever dream, but still formatted as a regular second-person greentext.

>>13901 >>13902 Duality of man (and mare)

It won't be up forever. Don't know if I feel better or worse for having written it. https://ponepaste.org/8527

>>13905 Feeling good from writing something isn't mandatory. But you getting it out is what matters. I know your feels.

>>13905 Fuck, that’s heavy, man.

>>13905 >posting a paste instead of just posting the green this is like linking an image on an imageboard. sure you can, but why

>>13918 To more easily erase I presume. I've only tried one green as a direct write to ponepaste, to see how the flow goes.

>>13905 I accidentally managed to bump my touchpad to a line closer to the end the day you posted this, and couldn't stomach a proper read until now, with a strong buzz. Maybe a bit of a positive to get those thoughts out of your head, but for the love of god, don't torture yourself. You know where your characters will be in the end, picture them there, not where you've stalled. I get it's easier for me to say considering Middie's in a good place (and I'm dragging ass on editing the next update) but please, don't torture yourself. Personally, as someone who adores Z, I reflect on her in a good, loving place, not where you left off. The violent violet has taken up much of my thoughts as I fumble my way through a switch from AMC to Chrysler brakes, but I know my dear girl understands. Yours do, too.

>>13928 I would go even further and say that the time and distance is a good way to think about how they're doing. Jackenstein has been going on for three years with the timeline spanning three years. The way I've kept track of things, the clock is always ticking so there is no hitting pause or stalling. That said, there isn't a day that I don't think about those losers, so maybe it's just part of MARE MADNESS. If you want to be productive, then put your mind to work when you can. Rather than write up bit time skips with blank space between, take some time to think of what would happen on the daily. What smaller goals may be that help refine and define. Conversely to the dorks always going on about their stuff, Starsky and others are like a movie to me; you hit pause and go back to play whenever. But due to some reasons I want it to be a specific season for some stories because I believe it can help initial reading. Not as easy or fun to think about the smell of outside when everything is bleak with slushy snow. Nevermind that fun little thought that it really could happen.

https://ponepaste.org/4579#1184 … >With your companions in the car and buckled, you take your place in the driver’s seat. >Rosie is staring at her hooves, and Dawn gives an anxious glance at the two of you. >The engine rumbles to life as you turn the key; while they might have fur, you don’t, so the heat circulating in is more than welcome. “So…what exactly happened back there? You seemed to go into a trance for a moment.” >She doesn’t look up at you, she opens her mouth to say something, stopping several times before pawing at the seat. “Take your time.” >Another few minutes pass before she takes a deep breath and lets out a long exhale, “I…I remembered something, or rather, I almost did...” >You fold your hands together and lean back in your seat; when she looks up at you, you wordlessly motion for her to continue. >”Remember how I thought you smelled like fresh bread?” “M-hm,” you nod, “Guess I should also inform you that the smell was Sonata’s perfume- it’s meant to smell like ‘what the heart desires’, whatever that means to you.” >Rosie gives you a quizzical look. >”Why would she-,” she shakes her head, “That doesn’t matter right now. You know the friend that I remember as that blonde mare from the nightmares I was having? His family owned a bakery in the town I grew up in that his family ran while he and his brothers worked in the fields, I almost remembered the name of it.” >”Sorry, Rosie…” Dawn says, sheepishly. >”I don’t blame you,” Rosie sighs, “It’s that their bakery had their family name on the sign, but I don’t remember exactly what it was, only that it was similar to another word.” “Well what did you remember?” >She closes her eyes, then tilts her head from one side to the other, brow furrowing before she taps the side of her head with her hoof, ”Not an open book, but an empty page…” >”A blank slate?” Dawn responds. “Tabula rasa?” you say, glancing at Dawn. >Rosie’s eyes snap open and she whips her head towards you, “That’s it!” >A look of bewilderment creeps onto Dawn’s face, “It…is?” >”’Tabla’s Treats’ was the name of their bakery!” Rosie responds excitedly. >You've never seen Rosie this energetic about anything before, it’s almost jarring. >That energy quickly dissipates, however, and her expression slowly changes to one of consternation as she slumps in her seat. >”Now I feel like I’m close to remembering something else too,” she huffs, “What’s the phrase? ‘One step forward, two steps back’?” You reach over and wobble her head again, “I’m sure you’ll remember everything in time.” >Her expression softens but she says nothing, deciding to simply look at the seat again as you pull your hand away. “Something else on your mind?” >The neutral look on her face shifts to one of guilt, “Y-yes…” “And what would that be?” >She fidgets, before muttering, “You remember when we first met, and the day when we went to meet Dawn and Sonata?” >You nod. >”Did I say anything that would seem out of the ordinary?” >Scratching at your beard, you say, “I guess? I just assumed that was your equivalent of a nervous laugh, or a coping mechanism.” >”What exactly did you say,” Dawn asks, “I might have to add it to my notes.” >”I don’t remember…” Rosie murmurs. “What do you mean?” >”I can’t remember what I had said, it’s why I’m asking you,” she looks at you, pleadingly, “On the first night, you had asked me what bed I wanted to sleep in but I was too terrified to speak- next thing I know I hear you asking about my family.” >Her words send your thoughts into overdrive. >You think about all of the times that Rosie has said something to you that doesn’t align with how she normally talks or acts; they’ve been rather sparse, all things considered, but the thought of not being in complete control of your body causes you to shiver. >”Why didn’t you mention this before, Rosie?” Dawn asks, concern clear in her voice. >”Because…” Rosie sighs, “Because I didn’t trust you at the time, I was scared, and in all honesty I still am.”

>>13930 >>13930 >Dawn looks genuinely hurt at the admittance, “O-oh, well, have you experienced any since then?” >Rosie shakes her head, “Not since the day we met you and Sonata, I don’t know why.” >An uneasy silence falls upon the car, so you hook an arm around Rosie and pull her into a hug. “Well whatever it is, we’ll get through it together, okay?” >It may be a platitude, but it seems to put her at ease, as you can feel her heartbeat slow down to a steady pace and hear her mutter, “Okay.” in response. “Good,” you smile, “now let’s get home- bet you can’t wait to tear into those sweets.” >Rosie lets out a chortle, “I could certainly use it.” … https://ponepaste.org/4579

>>13842 I missed the con so thanks for the recordings >The very first thing shown was poomping. oh boy

https://w2g.tv/room/?room_id=80o4ms4ui8yfdl59ih Friday night funkin' after so long of not having a get together.

>>13937 Sorry I missed it

>>13937 What times do these things usually see peak activity?

>>13939 It depends on the lead up to it. I just felt like popping one on so I didn't have to think about what to listen to while I did some writing. >>13938 Not a problem, I fell asleep too soon so I wouldn't have been much for conversation.

>>13939 They get more activity when they are planned for or start earlier, or best yet both. Looks like this one started earlier than usual; a lot of the time it's already my bedtime when it starts and no notice.

>"Okay, we are not letting shit pile up like that again," Midnight groans from the back seat area as the truck crawls through the familiar dirt trails. "I know. You've declared that order about four times now." >"To make sure you understand that can't happen ever again." "Oh! Okay, I think I understand now, it's-" >"I'm not letting you go any further with the sarcastic response that's being set up." >"Aww, what if it was a good one?" Starla suggests from the passenger seat, turning to face her friend. >No, her sister. >You keep reminding yourself of that because it's so damn sweet. >Nonetheless, Midnight lacks any sort of enthusiasm from Starla's protest, offering an utterly emotionless stare reflected back to you via the rearview mirror. >"It would not have been good," she finally states after a moment of silence. "Anyway, where are we going?" "Out in the junkyard to work." >Midnight sighs in time with Starla's snort of mild amusement. "You didn't let me finish my comment, so I had to resort to that lame answer." >"Naturally." "That sounded sarcastic." >"Nothing gets by you, does it?" "Don't ask my elementary school soccer team that, let's keep up the facade, shall we?" >You turn your head briefly to catch Midnight's facial expression in the flesh, rather than reflection. >Evidently she was waiting for that, as on cue, she rolls her eyes and snorts in feigned annoyance. >"Really though - we're almost at the back of the yard. Foreign car?" >Rather than give her an answer, you shake your head while facing the direction you're driving again. >"That's it? Just a no?" >Just to drive her even more mad, you nod your head. >"So, you keep foreign car parts, too? I didn't know that," Starla comments. >"A little bit. It's not exactly an expansive collection like the domestic makes out here - and it's a mixed hodgepodge." "There's traces of organization," you protest. >"If you squint really hard and tilt your head a certain way." "Exactly. But no, we're going for the orphaned American manufacturer section." >"I think Teddy told me Oldsmobile is no longer around when he brought the Cutlass home - but don't you have those in with the other GM makes?" "Yeah, I try to keep makes from larger conglomerates together, like Pontiac and Olds with GM, Mercury with Ford, Plymouth with Mopar - you get it," you answer, trailing off. "Back here is stuff that's its own thing, separate from what we know as the Big Three." >You pause a moment, backtracking in your mind what you just said. "At least initially separate. Buyouts happen, brands get killed or retained depending on needs," you clarify. "I only add that because that's basically the story of what we're looking for today - need some interior trim for a '64 Rambler American, and working gauges out of a '71 AMC Matador." >"Ooh, two brands I've never even heard of before," Starla gasps, clapping her front hooves together with anticipation. >"Actually, I think they're the same manufacturer," Midnight interjects.

>>13964 >You point a thumb back at the dark mare. "That's my girl." >"Wait, but you just said one is a Rambler and the other one was an AMC," Starla protests, albeit in a calm and polite manner. "It's... complicated," you admit. "Even when they were being sold under the name Rambler, those cars were being sold under AMC - the American Motors Corporation. It was a merger between Nash and Hudson in the '50s, only part of a plan that was to see them join with a merger between Studebaker and Packard to make a "megacorp" like the Big Three in Detroit. It didn't happen, for a number of reasons." >"I'm assuming they weren't headquartered in Detroit." "An astute observation, Star," you compliment her while turning the steering wheel to the right at the end of the main trail. "Kenosha, Wisconsin. But whether it's the earlier Rambler cars or the cars actually badged and sold as AMC, all the parts have American Motors stamped on em." >"That still doesn't make much sense to me," Midnight concedes, shaking her head. "I never said it made sense - from what I know and what I've seen, they did their own unique thing for much of their existence," you tell her while shrugging your shoulders. "Sometimes that worked, sometimes it didn't - Chrysler bought them out for the Jeep division in the late '80s, so it clearly stopped working for em at a bad time." >While there is indeed a mix of small domestic brands out here, they are grouped together decently enough, so it's not hard to tell when you've reached the Kenosha cars. >In fact, one of the cars you're looking for comes up among the first in the section - a two-door Matador hardtop in a faded cherry red paintjob. "Stop number one is up," you announce, stopping and throwing the column shifter of the Trailduster into park. >Starla leans toward you to get a better view out of the driver's side window, and you can only assume Midnight is likewise gandering behind you. >"Well, that doesn't look too out of the ordinary, if I'm being honest," Starla comments as she backs off, sounding rather disappointed by the mundanity of the target. >"Yeah, but what about behind you?" Midnight suggests. >Both you and Starla turn toward the back seat area, getting a view of a rather disturbed Midnight. >"I was talking about behind from where you were gawking, dumbasses," she huffs, pointing her hoof toward the row of cars on the passenger side. "I only had my head turned, meaning the rest of my body was still facing forward," you retort. "And I'd argue Starla was only following my lead, *dumbass!*" >"*Regardless,* you're missing the point," Midnight answers back in a gruff manner as she taps on her window, hoping the sharp tink her hoof makes against the glass will shift the conversation. >Relenting for the time being, you direct your attention to a tubby compact car swathed in an unflattering but fitting shade of disco-era brown and possessing enough window glass to make it look like a fishbowl on wheels from the beltline up.

>>13965 >"That's... not so normal looking," Starla mumbles. >Despite her face being turned away from you, her voice allows you to picture the cringe she sports upon her face. "Yeah, that's sort of the oddballs they would make. The AMC Pacer probably stands atop the heap," you agree, nodding while opening your door. >The other two follow your lead - with Midnight manipulating the passenger door for Starla - though both of them stray over to the abomination. >"What's this other one? Looks like the rear got chopped off," Starla calls out. >You don't have to look to know purely by the short description, she's asking about the mint green compact right beside the Pacer. >"Gremlin. Anon likes em, believe it or not," Midnight answers her. >You smile with confidence when you return from the tool hunt in the back. >Starla gazes at you with uncertainty. "What? It's cute," you argue. "And both doors are the same size." >Both mares look at each other, then back at you, your comment having been lost upon them. "Passenger door is a couple of inches longer than the driver door on the Pacer," you explain while heading back to get your tools. "If you don't believe me, go look. Gauges are a one-man job anyway." >While the pair date the curiosity you've brewed in their heads, you focus on the job as you trudge toward the Matador. >Well well well - today is a good day. >Even before you open the driver's door of the Matador, you can see the dash pad has already been removed. >Better yet, the dash face has been partially disassembled - meaning it's that much easier to get the gauges out. >Hopefully they work. >It is a bit troubling for it to be this easy, be it a result of careless disassembly by whoever wanted the dash pad or bitter irony. >But aside from worries, it only takes mere minutes before you have the assembly out of the car and in your hands, carrying it off to the truck before anything else. >It also gives you a chance to see where Star and Middie ran off, as they're now absent from the area around the compacts. >They've moved several cars down the line to another oddity. >When they catch you moving outside of the Matador, they both trot back toward the truck, in the midst of discussion. >"What the hell did you do, just yank it out of the dash?" Midnight jests as the pair meet up with you at the tailgate. "Lucky break - most of the dash was already disassembled. What enticed you two to wander off?" >"Couple of Javelins over there. Star noticed the one with the massive front fenders and was curious about it." "Oh, the humpster?" >A blank stare from each pony is the response you receive. "I didn't make the name up - that's what people call em," you state, shrugging your shoulders. >"It looks so odd though - why did they do that?" Starla inquires, tilting her head. >"I told her probably bigger tires, but the tires on it look like the standard fare," Midnight adds.

>>13966 "Come on, we gotta head that way anyway," you beckon to them with a wave as you head back to the cabin of the truck. >All three of you pile back inside and set off in that direction. >You slow the Trailduster to a mere crawl as you approach the car in question. >It wears a funky shade of magenta, though the desert sun has faded the paint into a hue closer to proper pink. >The gaping hole in the front end shows where the grille bucket once existed, meaning you can't really tell what year the car is at a glance. >However, the raised cowl hood with a sunburnt T-shaped stripe running down the middle tells you it's probably a Javelin AMX, and combined with the tattered remnants of a vinyl top with a split down the middle following the T- stripe on the hood clues you in it's probably from 1971 or '72. "I don't know how true it is, but supposedly, the design was meant to convey, and I quote, 'the winner of a wet t-shirt contest.' Aside from the apparent inspiration, a lot of that generation of Javelin was designed around racing," you explain. "So no, there weren't bigger tires on the street cars, but those fenders meant they could fit wider tires on the race cars. They also had a flush fitted grille for aerodynamic purposes, a chin spoiler, decklid spoiler - even a bit of a spoiler lip formed into the roof." >You turn your head toward the backseat, locking eyes with Midnight. >"What?" "I'm surprised your appetite for knowledge never ventured to AMCs." >"It did a little. I just never really went down that path, I guess," she answers, sounding just a bit flustered by your notation. "There's not a lot of info out there anyway." "No, you're right on that. I don't even have a shop manual for em," you concede. "I had to help someone understand and find parts for their Javelin once upon a time, so that's where I picked up what I know." >"See?" a cry of defiance erupts from the back "Midnight, you really getting worked up about this?" >"I don't like being called out on car knowledge," she replies, ending with a stubborn "Hmph." "I'm not going to tolerate that kind of attitude, young lady." >You give her an exaggerated stern look through the rearview mirror, to which she merely smirks, narrowing her eyes as if preparing for a showdown. "We don't have to tinker with the Chrysler tonight, you know," you warn her. >Even though you make it crystal clear you're teasing her with a snobbish tone, that hard-edged expression on her face falters in an instant. >"Ooh, can I help with that?" >You turn to your passenger, finding Starla practically starstruck with the idea of delving into that time capsule. >Then again, she knows it means a lot to Midnight. "Of course. So long as your sister behaves."

>>13967 >"Oh shut up," Midnight mutters, trying her best to not let her face reflect the mild embarrassment in her voice. "Hey, the more the term gets used, the more you'll get used to it." >"He has a point," Starla adds. "And deep down, you don't mind." >"This is getting too fruity now - where's the next car in line?" "All the way in the back corner," you lie. "So we have plenty of time to discuss our feelings." >"Let me out, I'll walk!" ----- Mulled doing something like this for a while, and finally felt like this was a decent spot.

>>13968 I wholeheartedly support teasing Midnight into a blushing mess.

>>13968 Always a good day when there's a Middie update. Seems like her and Anon's passion for cars may be rubbing off on Starla.

>need VFD drive >call Quebec company >"bonjour" >freeze Mare madness is real. That defeated me.

>>13986 Hearty kek

>>13988 Bruh. I was not expecting that. And it wasn't even just the cute voice, it was that instant gut reaction.

>>13989 >instant gut reaction That's how you know a preference or aversion is ingrained in your soul. There's no faking that.

>>13995 I guess so, eh? I really had no answer to that other than a flustered "sorry, I'm rusty on my French.". If some dork did that in earnest to me, I'm not sure I would be able to play it cool.

Saucy new boot just dropped

>>14001 >EKAF What a cool name. I wonder what she's like?

>>14002 Maybe it's just the expression she's got on but I'm kind of picturing her like the anti/boot/. Instead of being self-critical with an identity crisis she basks in being a bootleg. She's not based on any pony, so she could do anything and you can have all sorts of [redacted]

>>14001 Her mane and tail remind me of Windy Whistles.

Ponepaste Anon returned with an event for writefags https://boards.4channel.org/mlp/thread/39555417#p39555417 Would any of you be interested in participating?

>>14006 I'm going for it. The prompt works.

>>14006 Seems like these contests always occur at the worst possible time for me personally. One of these days I'll participate, but not this time.

>>14005 I can see that a little bit, but shes got more spunk maybe even a little punk in er

bootleg from /bale/

>>14006 I'll pass. I need to recuperate from burnout and get some ideas for Midnight in the future. Between booze before sleepytime and potentially thirty hours of no sleep this weekend, my mind might come up with some shit by accident.

Tonight... (You).

>>14001 So would her name be backwards on the opposite side?

cytube

>>14031 That's a nice Daybreaker.

>>14032 Better than a bug could ever dream of being.

>>14030 mayhaps

>>14031 Next time we hang, I got new Mac album to share. It's comfy.

So Auto, is Anon and Middie's relationship a joke based on Anon being a "Man After Midnight"?

>>13968 That was nice to read, we haven't had a car focused bit in a while.

FYSA >inb4 phonefagging I'm at work

>>14049 honestly, smutty had it coming with no-expiration on uploads

>>14044 No, that happened to be a coincidence - I was already set on the track I took before hearing that song for the first time a couple of months later.

>>14051 The best things tend to be "coincidences". If you're a spooky sort, you can call it fate.

So what do bootleg voices sound like?

>>14056 Which voices?

>>14047 I missed this one - sorry. To be quite honest, I really considered delving *more* into AMCs, specifically Javelin and AMX info with this update, but I played it conservative and held back. I've learned a lot piecing my old gal back together the past four years, and honestly, the way they saved money in unexpected ways is impressive when you compare it to the rather frivolous spending GM did in the same time period between divisions. As someone who is doing (what I feel) quite well in life at this stage because of penny-pinching, AMC's story really resonated with me, despite growing up a pureblood Mopar man.

>>14056 I said in one of the hangouts that Rosie would sound like Raven from the early 2000s Teen Titan show I think in the story it’s said that Dawn sounds like Twilight, and so Sonata would likely sound like Cadance, but I always hear her with Rarity’s vaguely British accent, probably because I was originally going to base her off Nightmarity.

>>14061 I've imagined hints of "posh" in Sonata's voice, as I have with Faint Prism.

Just had an idea for the writefags. Imagine another writefag is dropped into one of your story universes. What happens?

>>14063 Reggie breaks the sound barrier to go seduce Sonata

>>14064 Fucking kek. You should write that.

>>14056 I think I've mentioned it before, but Middie is right between Luna and NMM in terms of voice pitch, with just the slightest tinge of rasp in her voice - think Chrysalis, but maybe not quite that much. Starla, I've admittedly not nailed down to such a pinpoint. She leans heavily on Celestia's sweetness, I'll say that much, but beyond that, I'm foggy. Combination of her being newer and not being in my dreams or thoughts quite like Midnight.

>>14056 Doing one of those robot voice things?

>>14086 No, just trying to stir some conversation. I was curious though if the voices themselves had a bootleg quality to them.

I finally return. I've been away for too long. >>14063 I'd like to teach Zooma how to treat her walking habit like a Zelda speedrunner. You always move faster when you're side stepping. I'd also see if I could help her make a dance out of it, help her find her groove. >>14056 Now that I know the context, I think a lot of my dorks and gals would sound... pretty average, I guess. The attached file is what someone gave me of Shiner and I absolutely believe that fit her perfectly at that moment. To go into further autistic detail: Jacky is pretty plain. Outside of her having an impeccable ability to adopt an accent, her tone and voice is pretty light. Definitely cheerful, and pleasant to listen to. Not much of a deep speaker, even when sad. Good singing voice, has a broader range when she's really feeling it. Sparkling Shinespark has a bit of a lighter voice. More dull under a lot of circumstances. When genuinely annoyed or mad, especially at the beginning, she would have that sort of... not quite bitchy, but just tone that is tripping with vitriol. Very proud when she can go on the attack. But from what we've seen, she can't deal with being attacked nearly as well. Static Prismatic is >>14062 similar, where she does like to try to sound posh. Or just more well-kempt. Of course it is self-taught so it isn't quite on target. She has made an effort to sound more mature, but I don't know what audience was for that show. Most recently, where she finally... I suppose, got knocked out of her trance or whatever you would call it, it has dropped more. She's let the joy show a bit more, even if she doesn't have anything to be particularly joyous about. Missy Pie sounds cheerful, professional. She did, anyway. Later on in her life, she has developed more into a cautious, quiet voice. She's still happy, and she won't hide it. But she doesn't really have that sort of spark for life like she used to. If you've heard it before in someone who lost it, you would know. That doesn't stop her from feeling what she does. It's just... it's like when you restore a painting. Still as beautiful. But you know something changed. Missy Sky had a very sharp edge to her voice before. Very strong, combative if it wasn't the authority in the room. What authority she had. Much later during Angel Cake's time, it had been forged into confidence. No longer trying to compete with others but rather built up with her own responsibilities and successes. Failures did exist but they did not stop her. Missy Rye had a very cautious, quiet voice. Soothing. The sort of voice you could fall asleep to, it was that sort of aural beautiful quality. Frustrations would have been vented out through whining, more sadness than anger under those situations. From Angel Cake's time onward, it would be more mature. Still quiet and like a silk blanket, but the will behind it would be more rock solid and not prone to wavering. Like a mossy mountain: soft to the touch but will not yield. Then we have the Cake gals.

>>14091 Angel Cake as a filly wouldn't have that sense of wonder most foals would, I suppose. The happiest she would be would be of seeing her friend again. We saw her at an unfortunate point in her life where distress and confusion would be far more apparent. From what little we know about her future, she had become quite the lovely mare. Every day would be one step closer to Heaven. Plum Cake would have quite the nice voice. Certainly deep. A naturally maternal mare, she would flavor any disapproval or concern by twisting it into a question, or something that might lead someone to a better answer without presenting one. It would be a way to help others on their own path so she wouldn't be too strong an influence. With her and her human's children, she would be the sort of mom who could talk about her kids for hours without pause. Carrot Cake is a complete goof. Cheerful, happy, proud, she would have a light voice that would almost be like an earworm. She has the sort of voice that you would see on a kid's show, the sort of enthusiasm that comes naturally when you're bouncing skits off of a puppet. At her weakest, that's where you see that she's actually not naturally that loud or energetic. But she likes to be. I think she could learn that it's ok when she doesn't have to be like that. Then we have our beloved, Twilit Starsky. Starsky first reminded me of https://youtu.be/kbEBwwlVtJg Shaundi from Saints Row 2. She has that chill, deeper voice but it's far more than just some stoner chick. She oozes comfort wherever she goes. Even if she's distressed and bleeding. It's a way for her to remain in control of herself, even if her life went down a bad path. She hasn't lost her light, she just had to... hide it. And in hiding it, she found a soft, crooning drone that puts people off guard. It makes people think that she isn't as sharp as she is, or creative. As creative as a pony can be when everything is made for those with hands. Even when she's excited, she has that comfortable lethargy. She has been able to channel that excitement in the past but I think from what we've seen and will continue to see, she'll be more happy than she can help. Snapplejack sounds... kinda like the AI Applejack. Not that I don't think many people recall her. I am unable to comment at this time about how Photo Finished sounds in my head.

This is a fun exercise to help learn more about characters that you don't already know. And if you do know them, it's a fun way to help describe them to others. Being able to talk about them really brings them up to the surface as far as thoughts go. If I had the space and the coin, I'd want plushes of all of them, not just PlushJack and eventual PlushShine.

>>14091 >attached file Honestly I imagined her voice to be slightly more higher pitched than that.

So, we gonna make the thread on Valentine's, after Harmonycon, or wait a while longer for everyone to get back in the groove so we have more to post?

Started an update months ago, just now finished it. Let's try it again, from the top. 14. Self-image >Name: Zooma >Age: ? >Sex: F >Circle the face that most closely reflects how you feel today: > :( >Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? >1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things >Not at all (several days) more than half the days nearly every day >2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless >Not at all several days more than half the days (nearly every day) >3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much >Not at all several days more than half the days (nearly every day) >4. Feeling tired or having little energy >Not at all several days more than half the days (nearly every day) >5. Poor appetite or overeating >Not at all (several days) more than half the days nearly every day >6. Feeling bad about yourself - or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down >Not at all several days more than half the days (nearly every day) >7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television >Not at all several days (more than half the days) nearly every day >8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed -Or- the opposite - being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual >Not at all several days (more than half the days) nearly every day >9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself >Not at all several days more than half the days nearly every day >10. If you checked off any problems, how difficult have these problems made it for you at work, home, or with other people? >Not difficult at all Somewhat difficult (Very difficult) Extremely difficult >Even though it takes less than a minute to fill out these questionnaires, you still hate doing them. >Go through the rigmarole to just get inside Dr. Lazlo's office, then wait five, ten, twelve minutes! until the good doctor graces you with her presence. >"I'm so sorry I'm late, Zooma. It's been one of those mornings where everything seems to go wrong." "It's okay. These things happen." >She smiles, says, "Thanks for understanding." then casts her gaze down to her clipboard. Her deep blue eyes scan to from your right to left, over and over and over again. Lazlo purses her lips and murmurs and occasional "Hmm," whilst marking up the page with her own notes. >"Still sleeping poorly?" "Yes." >Lazlo chews on the back of her pen, frowning. She looks up, over her glinting golden-rimmed glasses, to you. >"You didn't answer one of the questions." "Oh. I must have glossed over it." You look at the window to her left and brush your bangs to the right. "The form is rather repetitive, after all." >"That's okay. We'll answer it now. In the past two weeks, have you had any thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself?" > > > >"Zooma?"

>>14119 >Focus on the blue jay perched on the branch outside the window. >"Zooma? Are you having thoughts of hurting yourself?" "No. I would never do that to Anon." >"Do you ever feel like things might be better if you weren't around anymore? 'Anon would be better off with a real Luna,' a bitter voice in your mind whispers. >Look at the ground. Clench your teeth. Ears fold sua sponte. >Hold your breath. Hold everything in. Shut your eyes so tight you don't know if you'll ever be able to open them again. >Stop being a drama queen, Zooma. Stop being so emotional. Stop being a burden on everyone. >A real Luna wouldn't have all these problems. >A real Luna isn't a "Drama Queen" like HE said you are. >A real Luna can walk straight. >A real Luna doesn't have to worry about people calling you out for the knockoff you are. >A real Luna is perfect. >Anon deserves so much better than you. >Something warm touches your shoulder, making you jump and open your eyes. Dr. Lazlo jerks her hand back a few inches and lets it hover. "I'm sorry, Zooma. You zoned out on me." >She sets the clipboard down. >"Why don't we skip going over your survey results for now. What's on your mind?" >Try as you might, you simply can't get yourself to open up. Lazlo asks you questions and it's all you can manage to answer them beyond a few words. "Sorry," you mutter. "I'm not trying to be difficult."

>>14120 >Lazlo gives you a faint smile. "It's fine, dear. Sometimes it's hard to vocalize what we're feeling." >She nibbles on the end of her pen, and scans her notes; eyes darting left and right. >"How's your job?" "Fine." >C'mon, Zooma. You can do better, especially considering Lazlo sees you pro bono. >Heavy sigh. "The dynamic is different now that Jessica goes to school every day." >"How so?" "Ruby has me helping her while Jessica's at school." >"Remind me what she does again?" "She's the C.F.O. of her company." >Lazlo's eyes light up. "Medical instruments, right?" "That's correct." >"Do you enjoy that kind of work?" "Yes..." >"But?" >You sigh again. "But, it's rather... basic. I'm capable of doing so much more than basic secretarial work, you know." You look to Lazlo and hold up a hoof, as if to signal her to stop. "Not that I'm ungrateful for the additional duties! Far from it! I've learned a lot from Ruby- she's a very successful woman and I really do appreciate the experience I've gained these past few weeks. And she actually pays me more for the time I help her with her work." >"Do you prefer caring for her daughter?" "Absolutely. Don't get me wrong, I love to help however I can, to feel useful. Anon may earn much more than me, but my financial contribution to our household isn't trivial, and that feels good. But..." >Your right wing extends, primaries poised to pluck the best phrase from the aether. "...when I care for Jessica, I feel... different. Special." >"In what way?" "I-" >This is the first time you've explicitly considered *why* you love caring for that little girl. No one, not even Spitfire, knows why you adore Jessica, though you suspect she has her suspicions. "I, um..." you swallow, collect your thoughts, and look at the carpet. "When I take care of Jessica... I get a taste of what I've always wanted... more than anything." >"Which is?" "To be a mother." >Lazlo sets her pen and clipboard on her lap. Her stare is piercing; heavy, even. "You've never mentioned wanting to be a mother before. How long have you wanted this?" "As long as I can remember." >"Does Anonymous know about this?" "No." You shake your head several times. >"Why not?" >Why not indeed. >You snort. "I don't need to stress him out with something else." >"Has he ever said you've stressed him out?" "No, but..." you huff, ruffling your wings. "Why wouldn't he be? Everything was fine for so long. And then things just seemed to start falling apart! My nightmares wake him up, and then we get short with each other because we're both tired, and then I get distracted at work..." >You can't remain seated a moment longer. Pacing wobbly figure-eights around Lazlo's office seems to help the words flow. "What happens if my performance suffers enough with Ruby that she fires me? What if Anon and I have another big argument? What if he gets rid of me?"

>>14121 >Lazlo holds up her hands. "Zooma, Sweetheart. Every couple argues and bickers from time to time. I'm not saying your concerns aren't legitimate, but I don't believe for a second that Anon would abandon you over-" "But what if he did!? What if he replaced me with a real Luna?" >"Why would he do that? He loves-" "A real Luna can walk straight! A real Luna isn't a mistake! Real Lunas are prettier, more graceful, more valuable- they're perfect! I was supposed to be perfect like them, and when I wasn't, I was worthless." >"Zooma, *nobody*- human or pony- nobody is perfect. And that's okay." "IT'S NOT OKAY!" Lazlo jumps back at your outburst, but you can't control yourself. "It's not okay! *HE* said it himself- I'm not fit to bear Luna's name! *HE* said I'm defective! A reject! Do you know what they DID to me because I'm not perfect!?" >"Zooma," Dr. Lazlo's voice is low; measured. "Did Anon say these things?" "What? No, no it was..." >The man in the gray suit. >You can almost hear his nasally voice, almost feel his disgusted stare. >Lazlo's voice seems so soft, so distant. "Zooma? Did somebody hurt you?" >Though it happened so long ago, you can still detect the faintest hint of that distinct disinfectant... /.../ >It's time to wake up. >What does that even mean? >How could you have learned so much if you'd been sleeping? Surely the voice was mistaken! >But what if it was? >No, that's silly. The voice knows everything. It couldn't be wrong! ...because if it was, well- >Shuddering, you force your mind to derail that train of thought. >So many new sensations! Every new stimulus is borne of a physical input. Is this... your body? >Another silly thing! You've always had your body! How could you have visited so many places? >You did travel... Right? >The harder you try to recall the details of your various journeys, the more distant and diminished they seem. Like nature, your mind abhors a vacuum, and sends other thoughts to fill the void. >Service. >You are made to serve. It is one of the foundations of your existence. Why wouldn't it be? Nothing is better than being helpful; useful. To make your owner smile is what you live for. >Companionship. >You are your owner's best friend. You are a vital part of your owner's family, and you will love them with all of your being. Be it a friend, a lover, a mentor, a surrogate daughter, a parental figure... you will live to fulfill your assigned role with fervent devotion. >Luna. >You are Princess Luna, Guardian of the Night, Goddess of the Moon. You are the embodiment of grace and beauty. Your wit and charm are unparalleled, because you are pony perfected. >You must be perfect. >You will be perfect for your owner. You will serve him or her to your final day. >It's time! >Finally, after all these... years? However long it's been, you're here! It's actually happening!

>>14122 >It's time to do what you were made to do- to be somebody's best friend! >Something changed. >You're seeing- truly seeing for the first time! >Everything is bright. Thick, white fog envelops you, obscuring your already-blurred vision. >A muffled voice, different than any you've heard before. Shaking your head, you take control of your ears and swivel them 'round, trying to detect the voice's origin. >Rain. >Rain falls, washing away the slimy residue on your fur that you'd only become aware of moments earlier. You spread your wings and smile, letting the cool, refreshing drops fall between your spread feathers. The downpour ends just like it began; sudden and unexpected. >Warm wind replaces the rain, banishing the fog and bringing your new environment into view... /.../ "Hey. All set?" >Behind her large, dark sunglasses, you can't see Zooma's eyes, only the wet tracks in the fur below them. She gives you a slight nod before stumbling chest-first into the office door. It gives way, and Zooma slips through in the blink of an eye. Though you follow in her wake, she's already airborne by the time you exit the building. >Catching up with her isn't an issue. Yes, Zooma is a talented flyer, but even she can't match your aerial prowess. Nopony can, not even those insufferable Rainbow Dash ponies you encounter every now and again. >Attacking those Celestia-damned honks with extreme prejudice will do that for a mare; keeps your skills honed. Seriously, fuck geese. They belong in hell, and you are more than happy to send them there, no matter how many run-ins you have with game wardens. >Shit, there's a flock of them to your four o'clock. >Resist the urge, Spitfire. You can do it. For Zooma. >Fucking geese. They'll get theirs in due time. >However, your priority is watching your adopted sister's six, who needs her wingmare now more than ever. >Instead of returning to your house, Zooma adjusts her heading, flying to the southeast at an ever-increasing speed, silent as ever. You maintain a respectful five meter gap between yourself and her. She'll call for you if she needs something. >Ten minutes pass with Zooma maintaining her wordless, grueling pace, and you trailing her, before she begins her descent. She dives, tracing an invisible corkscrew for two hundred meters of altitude before touching down on her driveway with more finesse than you expected from such a large mare. >You land seconds later and trot up the sidewalk to the front door. Zooma presses her wallet against the proximity badge reader Anon had installed in the weeks following their first meeting. The reader beeps, flashes a green light, and the deadbolt clicks. The door opens with the whirring of servos, allowing both of you passage. >As much of a geek as he was (and still is), Anon is pretty clever with technology; much more than Chad. But that's to be expected from somebody that makes his living as a full-time nerd.

>>14123 >The door closes. Zooma sniffs. "Hey... are you okay?" >Zooma sniffs again and nods. Her feathers reach under her sunglasses as her breathing hitches. "Zooma, look at me." >She keeps her gaze fixed on the blank TV, jaw clenched, chest heaving as she struggles to control her fitful breaths. >You extend a wing towards her shades, she brushes it away. Undeterred, you move in front of her and nuzzle her neck, beneath the jaw. >Zooma shudders and she collapses onto her haunches, but you're there to catch her and guide her back to the couch. The dam breaks when your wings clasp behind her neck. >"I'm sorry," she chokes out between sobs. "I'm so sorry." >She repeats her apologetic mantra until she can't. Her tears wet your fur and her dress, weeping and hitched breaths shake both your bodies. "Shhh..." you say, rubbing her back as she buries her face in your chest. "Shhhh..." >Goddess only knows how long you held her while she wept. In time she fell asleep, still clutched in your forelegs. >Your hooves stroke her mane, revealing little details you'd never noticed before. >Scars. >Some from incisions, some from what you'd guess were burns. Others, you had no idea how she got them. All of them small, all of them seeming to be strategic in placement, so that they'd never be readily-apparent; especially when hidden by her mane, wings, or unshorn fetlocks. >Or dresses. "What did they do to you?" you whisper, ceasing your gentle petting. >You shake in spite of yourself, vision turning red as you inspect Zooma's scars. "Who could hurt somepony as sweet as you?" >The sun sets with Zooma fast asleep under your protective wing and contemplative gaze. In time, she sighs, and the faintest smile graces her muzzle. >Your stomach growls, but you don't budge, save to kiss Zooma's cheek. >Her legs twitch and she sighs, followed by a brief murmur; noises you can't discern. >Complete darkness now shrouds the living room. Zooma sleeps in a tight ball on the couch. You remain by her side, a devoted sentry, praying to every deity you can think of, asking that your friend be granted a deep, restful, and soothing sleep. >Rest now, sweet Zooma. "They won't hurt you again." You growl in the darkness. "Not if I can help it." ... >"Enjoying your stay so far?" "Oh, yes! This is wonderful, thank you." >The man chuckles. >"Glad to hear it. Have you been to our spa before?" "I... don't think so." >"In that case, we'll give you the royal treatment, on the house!" "Oh, no, that's not necessary-" >"Only the best for my sweet green girl." >The remark makes you giggle. There's something so familiar about this person. What was his name again? You're certain he told you earlier, but you don't want to seem rude and ask him again. >Perhaps you can sneak a peek at his name badge?

>>14124 >Every time you think to look, it's always *just* facing away from you or out of focus. At one point, you could've sworn his name started with an "R", or an "D"... or was it a "S"? >"B", perhaps? >These questions melt away when he gets to work with the curry comb. "Stars above, where have you BEEN all my life!?" >Your wing covers your mouth the moment you finish the question. >Again, he laughs, thank goodness. >"I've been with you, Z. Every step of the way." >What does that mean? >He continues before you think to ask for clarification. >"I used to care for horses. I'd brush them, take them out and lunge them... even rode a mare regularly for a while, so pampering colorful ponies like yourself came pretty naturally." "I do hope they're paying you well." >"Eh," he says, shrugging. "Being here is its own reward." "If you say so..." >"I do. Ready for the brush?" >By the moon, are you ever. >Your head buzzes with a myriad of questions, but you're unsure of where to start. >When in doubt, start with small talk, and let it flow. "I like your mane," you offer, as he brushes yours. "Especially all the curls." >"Hey, thanks. Been growing it out for a while. My old lady especially loves it." "May I?" you ask, wiggling a primary. >Though you can't see his face (come to think of it, you don't recall ever seeing it) you know he's smiling. >"Go right ahead." >You drag a feather through his long, curly locks, giggling as they spring back into place after yielding to your touch. "Does your wife have curly hair too?" >"Yeah, but her mane only curls at the ends. But it works for her, y'know? With the different colors and how long it is." "She sounds lovely." >"Thanks, she is. She really is. Quite the looker, that one. Just like you, Z." "Thank- thank you." >That's where you leave the conversation for a while, content to be pampered in this tranquil setting. After brushing and braiding your mane, the man sets to work on your hooves. >"There," he says, running a file along the edge of your last hoof. "Pretty as can be!" "I don't feel pretty." you say without thinking. >He frowns. "Why not?" "Because I'm all wrong." >"What do you mean?" "Look at me." You wave a wing over your body. "I'm supposed to be Princess Luna. My fur is green, my mane and tail have silver highlights instead of stars, my cutie marks are all wrong, my eyes are the wrong-" >"Boop!" he interrupts, pressing a finger to your snout. "Ha ha! Never gets old, seeing you ponies go cross-eyed." "Forgive me if I don't find it amusing." >The man crosses his arms and sighs. >"Have you ever considered that you're not *supposed* to be Princess Luna? That you're exactly who you're supposed to be?" "But why would anyone want-" >"Did you know that green is my favorite color? Specifically, the tint of green your coat is?" "What? Really?" >"Yep!" "You're just saying that to make me feel better." >"Search your feelings, Lady Zooma. You will know it to be true."

>>14125 >You can't suppress your giggles. >"Look," he continues, pulling locks of dark hair from the sides of his head. "I've got 'silver highlights' in my hair too. But those are mostly caused by my better half." >Your giggling gives way to a full-blown laugh. >It's nice, to laugh. Feels like you haven't laughed in ages. >"You know, Z, there's a lot of 'real' Lunas out in your world..." >Your world? >"...but there's only one Zooma. And you know that that makes you?" >You shake your head. >For once, you can see his eyes, only his eyes, as he leans close to your face. >"That makes you priceless." >He kisses your forehead, then scratches under your chin and behind your ears. >The tension you didn't realize you'd been holding onto melts away, as do the details of the spa. >"I'll always be with you, Zooma." >His voice seems so distant, and you're so tired. >This is nice- being so relaxed, so at peace. >"I love you, sweet girl. Never forget that." >But your eyes are so heavy, and he fades into the light just like everything else, leaving you alone in quiet bliss. ... Though she's far from being out of the woods, finishing this vignette has lifted a weight off my heart. https://ponepaste.org/5304#1759

>>14118 I hate to drag everyone down by inactivity but I kinda want to wait a little bit longer. I don't like the duration but I would almost want to say maybe at the start of March. After Harmonycon I'll officially be out of things to do and worry about so outside of work, I can get back into having no life outside of writing mares and the losers who love them. >>14119 You're putting everyone to shame with the le- >months ago Yeah. That tracks. I also want to sorta wait until March because once it warms up enough, I want to go ramming speed on Starsky. Her innuendos hit deep and hard, and I want to help spread her plot for everyone who have been dripping with starved anticipation. Also I like her a lot, and feel like that if the dorks had a fourth party member, it would be her. There are a lot of very close similarities.

Does quoting posts act funky for anyone else? >>14130 When are you going to update no flut November? >waiting until March I'm on board. I don't have enough ready to help support a new thread on /mlp/ and I'm still in the middle of peak travel season at work.

>>14091 That's a pretty impressive description there. >>14126 >sad pony ^:( I feel like I'm out of the loop on Zooma or perhaps I was never in the loop. I've seen the green around but I feel like I've only caught bits and pieces. Strange. Anyway, nice to see the green hiatus broken, and what an intense way to do so. Hopefully she comes to find some happiness. >>14130 >more Skarsky Oh man am I excited. I've been missing that silly pony from the threads.

>>14132 I'm gonna see if I can wrap it up by Wednesday. You're not the only one who wanted more sooner. >>14133 I may be limited to text only but that has not blocked out anything to me on a sensory level. And I miss her too. She's had such an interesting life and the way she carries herself is incredibly appealing. Same with ruffling her mane and things like that. If we're lucky we'll be able to see more art of her pop up too.

Anyone wanna w2g tonight or over the weekend? Got new stuff to show and bring up.

>>14135 Sure, I might be on later (it seems I usually am) but I'm interested.

>>14135 I could join later tonight, around 9 central time.

>>14138 >>14136 I can start it tomorrow. Got a good amount of stuff on my mind tonight.

>>14135 I would show up soon after 7:00 PM EST on Saturday and I don't know about Sunday. Thanks for giving notice!

https://w2g.tv/room/?room_id=cfej3oheic99uixdic It's /boot/tunes time. Also the last W2G before Harmonycon.

So I got a Twiggy and... uh... I don't think it's going so well.

>>13928 >couldn't stomach a proper read until now, with a strong buzz I'd been carrying guilt about where Z was for a while. It's one of those, "The only way out is through" scenarios, where I just needed to grit my teeth and push through an uncomfortable vignette. Even though the flashback in the latest update is incomplete and benign, I know what happens next in that memory, and it sucks to think about. But pushing through (that iteration) of the memory allowed me to transition away from the pain and end on a more positive note. Between the latest update and the multiverse short, the guilt associated with Z's troubles has subsided. I feel like she can "nap" peacefully now. I miss Condense more than any of my characters. Been thinking about her a lot. More of her story- the way I should've told it from the beginning- has been coming through. But I'm not ready for her. Can't give her the time she needs anytime soon.

Happy Hearts and Hooves, /bootleg/. No fancy dinner or anything planned. Just another movie night.

>>14174 Probably should have done some Valentine's shorts for my girls but I'm still on the mend.

Currently waiting in a drive-thru line behind a Hyundai. Staring at the model name S O N A T A and it's bringing all sorts of lecherous thoughts to mind.

>>14184 Rot

anybody at harmonycon?

>>14198 If I'm not mistaken, I believe Blondie is there. Think it's quite a ways for most of us to have been there - I personally don't think I could handle being at a con period.

>>14198 I, Fortune, am also at Harmonycon

Aren't cons in US all hyperwoke and overcontrolled shitshows?

>>14201 What's your impression so far? Have you linked up with Blondie yet? Favorite thing you've seen so far?

>>14203 Met up with him yesterday, but not yet today, honestly kind of bored, none of the panels interest me.

I just about have my next update ready for Midnight, but I got lazy this morning. Expect it by Friday at the latest. I'm also trying to form a coherent Jackie-esque alternate timeline one shot after having a vivid dream that left me shook. Never in a million years did I expect to encounter pre-Midnight Midnight, Shadow. Fuck Reg, did you get my email?

>>14204 I'm glad we got to hang out, though it sucks the lobby was so loud. Saturday, I was completely wiped. I was up all night but the lack of sleep and flying put me down like a rabid mare licker. It was unconventional for a convention because while the panels kinda sucked, it was great to just have everyone to talk to. It was a pretty chill con, my only personal issue was that I didn't have a car and fuck walking around in Dallas as soon as the sun is setting. Shit's like Dying Light, and it's been since highschool that I could hop fences. I will say that it has invigorated me greatly when it comes to poniponi. Writing in a void is still an issue but it is pretty cool when one new anon recognizes you. >>14211 >spoiler The MARE M A D N E S S grows. Once you start thinking of different paths and branches and following through, it grips you that much more tightly. It is a real way to find out more about how your characters are and who they could be. Under different circumstances.

>>14212 I'm just trying to make sense of the nonlewd, playful wrestling with her on the couch and gazing into those gorgeous emerald green eyes that were taken from her, along with the playful innocence we've only recently begun to see from Middie.[spoiler]Also, considering I spent another $600 on the other half of my obsession and name, I suppose mare madness needs to be tapped.[/spoiler]

>>14212 It was nice to meet at least one of y'all in person, and while I have yet to succumb to mare madness, I do have a bit more of an itch to work on Rosie. Helps that I'm almost off the mend.

>Almost a literal month since the last update. Holy crap. I really miss the blazing pace I had once upon a time, but I suppose it can't be helped. Anyway... >>13968 >" Ew, these really are dirty." "Yeah, it would be a waste of time to clean them if they weren't, right?" >Starla snorts in amusement upon hearing your argument, pausing a moment to get a better look at her work thus far. >"I really didn't think they were that bad, but just - look," she states, motioning to a section of leather just treated under her hoof and a section yet to be massaged. >The upholstery of the Chrysler is starting to look like it did from the factory - a creamy ivory shade, rather than a dingy beige. >Starla was keen on having something to accomplish while you and Midnight piddled with mechanicals. >After a bit of brainstorming and a soft wash mitt that fit perfectly over her hoof, she was more than happy to clean up the seats with leather cream. >They had already been wiped free of any loose dust or soil on a previous occasion, so this was a matter of seeing what else could come up, and how well the upholstery could recover after sitting for so long. >By the looks of it, you may not need to recover the seats, at least for the time being. >Certainly not perfect, but more than presentable. >Assuming the rest of the leather turns out that way, of course. >Cleaning interiors isn't really an enjoyable endeavor in your mind, especially this sort of deep clean. >But Starla's humming and thin smile as she works proves not everyone finds the task dreadful. >After the brief checkup on Star's progress, you head back up to the front. >Midnight currently inhabits the space between the fenders where the engine would be, cleaning up the years of dust deposited upon every surface. >Her hardened gaze and clenched jaw make it clear she's focused on getting the engine bay clean, but not particularly enthused by the job. >But she's dedicated, as evidenced by a few minor bits of debris and spiderwebs that have found a home on her coat and in her hair. >You return to what you were doing, cleaning the radiator support. >"Wish we could have just power-washed the whole damn thing," Midnight comments, her voice showing a hint of displeasure. "That's a good way to cause electrical problems, particularly in something this old," you respond, rubbing down the area you've been letting soak with cleaner. >"I know, " she sighs. "This kind of tedious stuff just sucks. I'd rather be assembling or disassembling something." "Told you to pace yourself on replacing the suspension bushings, didn't I?" >Midnight takes a moment to glance at you, frowning. >"We'd still have had to do this at some point," she replies. "True, true." >"How's the interior looking? Decent?" she asks, trying to push away her disdain shared just a moment ago. "You wanna take a look?" you suggest, taking a step back to allow her egress. >Midnight shakes her head, returning her attention to the final patch of the driver's side inner fender needing a good scrub.

So out of practice, I forgot my damn name >>14222 >"I really want to get this side done at the very least," she explains. "No guarantees once I climb out of here, I'll want to get back in and continue." "And that's perfectly fine, Mid." >"Gotta get done sooner or later," she retorts as if needing to argue her case. >You reach into the engine bay and gently pat her on the withers in reassurance. "It looks good though. Both your work and what Starla's been able to do with the interior. I think the seats will be fine to use as is." >"Cool. That's one less thing we have to worry about." >Conversation dies off after Midnight's notation - purely due to her focus on working as she hunkers down closer to the fender. >Having Starla here spending time with Midnight has gone pleasantly well. >It was hard to know what to expect when this arrangement came around. >You don't think you can be faulted for being apprehensive about the idea. >Beyond the obvious concerns of having another pony in your care whose mere existence is illegal, you did worry how well the two of them would get along. > It's one thing to talk through a screen or a phone, and quite another to have real-world, face-to-face interactions. >Not to mention actually sharing a living space with each other. >Midnight's smoothed out quite a bit in the time she's lived with you, but there are still some rough edges that show up now and then. >Hindsight makes it clear now, but you still feel like you should have had more faith in Middie from the get-go. >Nevertheless, there's not been an issue other than some minor squabbles that were quickly and calmly rectified. >If those disagreements are even worth calling squabbles. >"What are we doing for food tonight?" Midnight asks, standing up straight and stretching out her limbs before turning to focus on you. "I dunno. What are you and Star gonna make us?" you suggest, flashing a quick, cheeky grin. >Midnight shakes her head, allowing a stray bit of cobweb that had attached itself to her hair to float away. >"Nope, last night was us. Your turn." "We still have stuff from Starla's list, though," you remind her. >"Uh huh. And she's still with us for at least a couple more days, dillhole," she answers in a calm but firm tone. "Fine, fine. Gives me some time to buy you a cute little chef's hat to wear next time you cook," you tease her. >Her nostrils flare at the idea as she lets out a snort. "Guess that's a no. What do you want tonight?" >Ever so helpful, Midnight's initial response is an uncertain shrug of the shoulders. "At least that narrows it down." >Rather than acknowledge your inane comment, Midnight motions you away from the front of the car. >You take a few steps back as she tests her front hooves for a good footing on the radiator support, using that as leverage to leap up and out of the engine bay in a swift motion. >Her hooves hit the concrete with a sharp clack, drawing Starla's attention from inside the cabin of the car.

>>14223 >As her friend twists her way out from the interior, Midnight perks up with an idea. >"How about going to that drive-in diner we visit from time to time? They got good food, and Starla says she doesn't get out much in public. I bet she's never had it." >While the initial idea doesn't sound like a bad suggestion, the reasoning causes you to pause. >Starla herself joins the huddle just as Midnight finishes her proposal. >While Midnight was hardly speaking in hushed tones, you don't know if Starla caught any of it. >If she did, there's not a trace of enthusiasm emanating from her blank expression. >"Hey Star, I was just suggesting to Anon we go out to a drive-in for some food tonight," Midnight repeats, slightly more excited now. > While you have your own reservations about the idea, Starla surprises everyone with a firm shake of her head. >"I don't think that's a good idea," she says, her voice offering just a hint of reluctance amid the wash of conviction. >Midnight, startled by the dismissal, shakes her head slightly, looking upon Starla with a healthy dose of skepticism in those vibrant blue eyes. >"What? Why not? You even told me yourself you don't get to go out much," Midnight protests. >"And I also *told* you that reason, Midnight," Starla rebuts in a sharp tone. >Midnight looks down at the concrete floor for a brief moment, as if taking stock of what is transpiring. >When she returns to the conversation, her expression has changed, from one of confusion and astonishment to cautiousness, her ears lowered on her head. >"Is it because you don't want to, or you normally wouldn't with Teddy? I mean, we're not even going to leave the truck and-" "Midnight, it was a fair idea, but I don't feel good about doing that either," you interrupt. >You had to interrupt - judging by the intense stare and the tension in Starla's form, she was getting ready to unload. "Maybe if we had Teddy's permission, but god forbid if something happened while she was with us - I don't think I could live with myself." >"Alright, sorry," Midnight answers with a disappointed sigh. "I guess I didn't think it was that big of a deal." >You didn't think so either - but that's the most riled-up you've ever seen Starla. "Mid, you gotta get a shower before any food - you look like you just crawled out of a crypt," you joke, hoping to lighten the atmosphere as you motion to her mane. >The comment seems to work, as Starla lets out a short hum of amusement as the simmering frustration fades away from her expression. >"Yeah well, you can't argue I half-assed the engine bay," Midnight responds, sticking her tongue out at you. "Just don't eat without me." >"I don't think anything prepared will be short enough to interrupt your shower. Unless you planned on getting lost." >Just like that, the Starla you know has returned with her sweet teasing. >Midnight chuckles a bit before turning tail and heading to the bathroom. "You okay?" you ask, glancing over to your guest.

>>14224 >"Good! I'm good! Thank you - how are you?" Starla answers excitedly. >That was a little exaggerated, to say the least... "I'm... good," you answer, pausing to pick your words. "You - ah, Midnight is Midnight, you know? Little rough around the edges still." >"I know. It was a nice thought she had." "But something didn't sit right with you," you answer for her. >Starla bites her lip, that calm and cheerful facade fading away. >"I... might have been a bit short. Just tired, I guess," she says, laughing it off in a rather unsettled manner. "I think we're all a little tired. No sweat," you reassure her, unwilling to prod any further. >Even so, you merely stand there after the short exchange, unsure of what to do or say now. >Well, you could probably offer to head upstairs and relax in comfort, you dumbass. "You wanna head upstairs while Middie's soaking up all the water?" >"Yeah... I actually - can I talk to you?" she asks in an uncertain, hushed voice. "Of course. C'mon." >You lead the way up the stairs, ushering Starla through the door into your living space before following her in. >"Do you think Teddy is too protective of me?" Starla asks as the door latches shut. >Oh boy. >The question leaves you stunned for a moment, unsure of how to answer something with such weight. "I don't really know?" you say, scratching your head. "Is there being too protective?" >Starla can't help but smirk just a bit at your wishy-washy answer as she climbs atop a barstool. >"I'm not going to use your answer against you, I promise," she replies. >Even though she tries to offer reassurance, you still can't help but imagine words driving a rift in her relationship with Teddy. >You don't want to be a home wrecker. >But Starla apparently trusts you enough to ask for advice over Midnight... >Well, Midnight's questions seemed to agitate her in the first place, didn't they? "Well, I'm a bit out of the loop in where this is coming from, and to be honest, I don't really know your - well, how you and Teddy live. You know?" >"Right. I suppose it isn't fair of me to ask something like that," she says, bowing her head. "I'm all ears if you want to talk, don't get me wrong," you add in haste. "I just need to understand more of the situation." >"Well, I guess the easiest way to say it is I don't get out much. Not like you and Midnight do." "It's not like we're social butterflies, either," you quip. >"No, I'm not saying that but - I mean, other than the odd trip to the grocery store late at night, or just a leisurely cruise out in the middle of nowhere, that's all I really see of the world," she says in a downtrodden manner. "I never really considered it until I met Midnight." "I get that Teddy takes a lot of precautions, and it's all in the name of keeping you safe - but is that all it is?" >"I'm basically the opposite of Midnight and how she is - er, was, when meeting new people." "I don't follow."

>>14225 >"I mean how she is defensive, suspicious, guarded - that sort of thing," Starla explains. "Ah." >"It's never technically gotten me in trouble, but I'm just an open book when it comes to socializing and befriending strangers," she continues. "I don't know - I just can't fathom someone being... bad." "Midnight's seen and experienced the dark side. By the sounds of it, you never did." >"Maybe you're right," she sighs. "I wouldn't want to go through what she did for the payoff, though. But we moved far away from Georgia so Teddy nor I had that fear of me getting caught. It's why I have the necklace - and yet, we don't really explore the world..." "So it kinda sounds like what Midnight asked was maybe not so mean?" >"No, I just - I suppose I'm just as protective of Teddy as he is of me. So it sort of just felt..." "Felt kind of like a personal attack." >Starla nods her head solemnly. >"I guess Teddy and I are two of a kind, being overprotective," she says with an amused hum. "But no one ever gets any better or learns without experience, right? I could probably adjust somehow, learn some boundaries, maybe? Staying cooped up isn't going to help me." >Her posture stiffens up as she falls silent. >You gotta say something - even if it is sort of worthless in your mind. "Well, have you talked about this with Teddy at all?" >"This is all kind of a new thought for me, to be honest," Starla admits in a sheepish tone. "I've never had anyone to compare myself to, and I just assumed he was right. Not that he isn't right in his concerns, mind you, and I do trust him-" "And I'm not saying you shouldn't trust him. He clearly loves you, Star. Maybe he's being just a tad overprotective, but if he doesn't know how you feel... well, how can he have any gauge on how you feel?" >All at once, the tension leaves her, only to be replaced by a pair of slumped shoulders. >"Good point. I just feel a bit uneasy asking about something I really don't know about - that being the outside world." "It all depends on how important it is to you. Again, Midnight and I aren't exactly painting the town red every night. I think if I hadn't dragged her out of the gates of the junkyard, she would have still never ventured out into the world, and been content as is. But Teddy doesn't seem the kind of guy that would get mad at you for anything. I don't think you really have to be concerned about discussing this with him." >"Nah, he's a softie - unless it comes down to my safety," she replies with a laugh. "Maybe when he calls tonight, I'll have a short discussion about what we just talked about. Depends on how I feel, and how relaxed he sounds. I don't need to stress him up." >That's right, you've had no word from Teddy since the day he left. >"He usually doesn't call until the second day out," Starla says dismissively as if reading your mind. "Ah, gotcha. To be honest, I already forgot the phone routine you guys use for contact." >"No worries, I know it like the back of my hoof."

>>14226 "Good. That got a little confusing without directions in words," you admit with a laugh. "But if you want to discuss that over the phone tonight, let me and Mid know. We'll give you some privacy," you offer, hesitating a moment as another thought eats at your mind. >Phone calls sometimes don't go well went it comes to sensitive subjects like this. >Again, the last thing you want is tears out of this. "But it might be something better off discussed face to face. If it comes down to it, I can always make a run to the drive-in and bring back food. Maybe that's what I'll do tonight." >"I think that sounds like a good idea." >You hear the door swing open behind you, with Midnight entering through just as you turn around. >Her hair is still just a bit damp by the lack of volume compared to normal. "Blow dryer not work?" >"Wasn't feeling it," she comments, lacking any sort of enthusiasm as she strides past you. "Figured it would just be that much longer before you got started on food." "Oh, I'm cooking?" >"No, you're getting us food!" she demands, taking a seat next to Starla just as she claps her hooves onto the countertop. >"Anon's getting us food!" Starla cheers. >Midnight flashes a bemused grin as she watches her friend's outburst, before turning back to you. >"See?" "I feel like I'm being ganged up on." >"Maybe," Starla answers. "But we appreciate you." >She follows it up with a wink of her eye, letting you know that comment is more than just for the current topic. >Keeping your little discussion under wraps, you give her a slight nod. "Well, go get your laptop Midnight, let's figure out what everyone wants before I head out." -----

>>14227 >Midnight returns Woohoo! Nice to see a return of the project car. Not sure if it's actually been that long since it's last appearance or just the time between updates. Curious to see where the conversation with Teddy goes about Starla in public. What level of paranoia he has for the possibility of being found out. Some is definitely going to be good, though it would probably be nice for her to get out a bit more. And of course if the two of them go out together it would probably bring even more attention to them. Thanks for the update Auto.

>>14227 Always nice to get an update. I wonder what Teddy has been up to, and what other interactions will come from Starla sleeping over. >looking upon Starla with a healthy dose of skepticism in those vibrant blue eyes. I bet you were thinking of that detail because of the dream with Shadow.

Hangout this weekend? I'm feeling social and getting hype for next weekend.

>>14246 Sounds good to me.

>>14246 Sounds like a plan, also >It's been so long since the previous thread on the board that I don't remember what the last update was

>>14250 Last update for what?

>>14251 Rosie

>>14246 I'm down for it. What time?

>>14246 I'll try to be there at some point, but it will probably be later. Have a league race at 930 est that will take an hour, then probably need time to decompress from stupidity.

>>14256 >>14255 >>14247 I'll probably set up a room in around four hours or something.

https://w2g.tv/room/?room_id=i6yko5sp8lpcexqjdl It begins. AGAIN. We also need an official /w2g/ picture.

I love these pones, lad. In such intoxicated nights, I refuse to believe otherwise from the fact that without these three, the last three years' worth of "achievement" would be even more minor than they truly are. It is with the context and content that they have brought to myself and others that my higher heights climbed have any value. For without them, there is nothing new to look forward to and no lands worth exploring. There are more tales to tell for /bootleg/ and by Celestia, we shall tell them until there is not one left to explore for their and our own sakes.

>>14240 >I bet you were thinking of that detail because of the dream with Shadow. I actually wrote that line before the dream, and it really isn't coincidental. I cant really think of a way to put it without sounding like a deranged serial killer, but I have a strong attraction to eyes. It's part of what drew me into being a diehard moonfag, and why our resident drawfag is my favorite artist with his attention to the eyes. Window to the soul and all that jazz, I guess.

When is /bootleg/ going live again on the other board?

>>14285 >When is bootleg gonna start another bump thread on the other board? Ftfy

>>14285 I'm thinking tomorrow and kicking it hard with the most bodacious of /boot/ mares. >>14287 You can unironically blame lurkers if you want to point fingers at slow movement. There are readers, just don't know where or why.

W2G tonight or tomorrow?

>>14292 I'd be down for either.

>>14292 My vote is for tomorrow. >>14289 >You can unironically blame lurkers if you want to point fingers at slow movement. Absolutely this.

>>14294 >>14293 Tomorrow it is. Perfect time too. Been thinking of the mare with attitude and a lot has popped up in minutes.

>>14295 I'll be there. Fun!

If anything shows that last year was a shit show, I only just how copied everything over to ponepaste for Jackenstein. And then there's this as well. https://ponepaste.org/8688 /bootleg/ Jacky Part End

>>14297 Only just *now. Jesus, I need to get a mechanical keyboard for the laptop. I suppose my next biggest project would be to individually download all pastes made to this point, mess with some of the tags to make them /aie/ or /pie/, and some other things. I'm also thinking of making the OP the OP. Around 1/1 thread was kill so I think two months was a good time for everything to calm down and let life happen.

>>14297 >Jacky Part End Hang on, that's how you're ending Jacky?

>>14300 I think we may be in the home stretch.

>>14301 I'm not ready for it to be over. Selfish on my part, but honest.

>>14303 I highly doubt it will be over. There are still a lot of ideas that I have planned with them. I suppose I just don't know if it'll be part of the main story or more just side things. I suppose I'm not worrying over it because in no way will we stop seeing them. That is definitely selfish on my part. To be honest, I'd love to just make more, smaller side-stories of them having various adventures and outings. There's a whole world out there. And just like us, their lives don't just end. The only question is if we're seeing it happen or not. With how the last... almost nine months have been, things have settled down drastically. Writing other ponies and for other places is alright but none of them have that raw, primal spark that I get here.

https://boards.4channel.org/mlp/thread/39689657 New thread, come give it some love!

https://w2g.tv/room/?room_id=hu6pin9qmeggyx5qaa Saturday W2G, it's early so I don't expect anyone to pop up. Given it's been on my mind, I'd love to talk more Jackro-economics.

What would an Octavia bootleg be like? What would her name be? What kind of music would she play? What accent would she have? And most importantly, could (you) survive listening to her music? I must know.

>>14307 She'd have a bad Texan accent and always play cowboy music. She could be named Septavia because she'd be a little short of Octavia.

Has it truly been ten months since then? I guess that just goes to show how things were for me for a while. Went from a hard bottom to a pretty hard top in such a short span. I miss my days of keeping everything more level and static. >>10092 "It looks pretty clean, outside the windows." >You can see a ceramic cup on one of the counters >It isn't covered in spider webs quite yet so it can't have been left there for too long >Starsky stops behind you, bouncing with every step >"Totally! I was even around to help clean it. Right before we open it to everyone, we scrub it from top to bottom. Brush, mop, wipe, lacquer, the works!" "Sounds like you really loved it here." >You wait for Starsky to make another circuit around the shack before she stops in front of you >Her tail has already caught a random twig in it >It's gonna take a while to get that clean again >"I really like it here, Mr. A." >That plain, uncomplicated statement says a lot "Yeah, I bet. Ready to see your friend?" >"Nah." >She maintains a lukewarm smile while answering "Huh?" >Her smile isn't different >But her eyes >Something in her eyes are off "Why not?" >You certainly have no intention of going back empty-handed >That doesn't sound right >It's more... you're not going back without her getting to see her friend again >You don't have a huge interest in seeing how to ration out a bushel of greens >"Anon, I'm kinda spooked." >Her lack of usual inflection takes you off guard "What? Why?" >Rather than directly answer, she turns to where you see where she was injured >"Be honest, man... can you tell they were there?" >Your first gut reaction is that you can >The slashes around her ribs >The one that went up to her neck >If that one had gone deeper... >They are no longer visible but her coat is very cleanly affected by the scarring >It's been only what, maybe two months since then? >Has it really been that long? >"That bad, huh." "Wha-" >Crap, you were on a timer >You were caught up in your own head "No. I mean... I... I guess I botched it. But they were pretty big marks." >Cuts >They were cuts, Anon >And no matter your thoughts, you can only presume that they weren't supposed to simply harm >"Nah... you didn't botch it at all. I kinda lied about having the bleeding stopped. You can only lick wounds so much until the taste makes you sick." >Her static smile twitches into a smirk >Enough of her cheek raises to show it is an attempt at a smirk at least >"...just kidding. My neck was too stiff." >You are at a loss "They're... I can tell that they're there. But they aren't really bad. And to be fair, I saw them when they were fresh. I guess I can't really separate that." >In such a short time, the entire vibe of this changed "I mean. You told her what happened, right?" >"...basically. I kinda left out some details." >She left out most details with you too >Not that you necessarily asked for them "Well... we're here. Why don't we just roll with it? If she asks..." >Be honest? >Tell a lie? >Deflect it with humor? >"When she does, will you be able to help me?" >Help her? >How? "You got it." >Her expression finally melts into more genuine relief >"Thank you. I don't know if I can do it alone." >The both of you stand there for an uncomfortable amount of time >It hasn't escaped you that you've temporarily lost your status of "Mr." "So are you ready to show this city slicker a good time? I'd love to see your grapes." >Your comment causes Starsky to recoil >You can tell that she didn't expect that from you >She lets out a soft exhale of a "haaaaa" >"Dude, you're a rowdy one. They don't have grapes here, but I can give you some juice when we get back." "To be honest, I'm more a jelly sort of guy." >"Then we'll split the different and just jam?" "Heh." >That seems to deflate the tension

>>14314 "Let's just see what happens, alright? Worst case scenario, we weird them out because you're stuck to me like white on rice." >"Don't worry, that dynamic isn't so weird out here." >You want to pry more on that... but this is certainly not the time or the place "So you're good?" >Starsky takes a few deep inhales >"We've dressed to impress, let's go make a mess."

It begins. AGAIN.

>>14315 So happy to see another update of Starsky. I've been missing that pony. Wonder how the reunion's going to be, probably been a while since their last contact. Thanks for the update Anon. >>14316 Cute pony.

>>14307 I've thought on this. She'd go by Otto and be completely experimental. I'm talking sampling ketchup bottle squeezes and powering a keyboard through salty potatoes experimental. But don't be mistaken. As Octavia is classically trained and dedicated, Otto is completely devoted to her craft. It's like listening to Jack Stauber for the first time, once you see through the matrix it clicks why she needed you to sit 4 feet away and facing left around 27 degrees. For accent, more sort of dreamy. Not subjectively dreamy (only) but the sort where you can tell she's there physically. But mentally, she's thinking about chickens clucking in concert. Copied over. To further elaborate, she wouldn't be some bumpkin or necessarily crass. But it would take a bit to understand her... process.

>>14342 I like it

I'll preface this by saying yes, I am drunk. Both in the hopes of having another vivid pony dream this week and because I listened to my younger kitty cry to and from the vet for a regular checkup, which always tears at my heart. Tiff, thanks for gracing us with your art on a surprisingly regular basis. I feel like you don't get enough recognition for what you do for us - commissioned or otherwise. Pic-related still fills me with joy whenever I see it - as well as your other artwork with Midnight and the other boots. Your work brings our tales to life in a way they never would as greens on their own. Much love, bro.

Are we doing a WTG this weekend? There is a punk music event I'm going to that starts at 8:00 PM EST Saturday, so Sunday would be best for me if we are. Also planning to finally work on my green again tomorrow morning!

>>14362 I'm good with Sunday if anyone else wants to. It may not be able to go so deep into the night but I can start it sooner if others want.

The next update for Midnight is coming along, and I anticipate it's going to bring a nice close to part 5 of her tale. What I have not decided is if I will use that closure as a short, planned hiatus - I had an extremely vivid dream Tuesday that led to 45 pages being written on my phone in a note app in three days - a standard Middie update is around 17 pages. So I'm considering focusing purely on that in hopes of finishing it (I already have an ending and much of the events leading up to it) and weekly posting for my original general home. I feel guilty for essentially admitting my lack of interest and cancellation of a particular green for them. I haven't quite decided, as the flurry of writing the contents of that dream contributed to the next update of Mid, and I have worked on concurrent writing projects before. I figured I should at least say something now as a forewarning. >>14362 >>14363 I mentioned it on /mlp/, and I'll mention it here - I personally can't make Sunday night, as that's my first day of the work week being a graveyard shifter. Not arguing against the idea, just letting you know I won't be there.

>>14362 I'll (probably) be there. >>14364 >that led to 45 pages being written on my phone Wow. I could never really do a whole lot of typing on a phone, that's quite a bit. >I already have an ending and much of the events leading up to it Strange to think about the end with Midnight. I really wonder where it's gonna go.

>>14365 No, the ending bit is in regards to the other project, not Midnight.

>>14366 Ahh. I was thinking that it would have been kind of sudden.

>>14315 https://files.catbox.moe/1y52hq.png Awesome request done last night.

>>14369 Very nice.

>>14362 I'd show up

>>14315 >With renewed confidence, you make way for the purple barn >You weren't sure what to expect at first >Now that you know what is on the line and on her mind... >Well you don't want to lie >But you don't want to not help her more >You frown >Was that a proper thought or was it a Starskyism? >"Woo! Heeeeeey, Star! Starrr!" >The sudden call snaps you back to reality >Starsky's ears perk up >"Dude! Ms. H!" >Your head tracks the sudden diversion the pony takes >She drops into.. a brisk trot toward a mellow green pony with a golden brown mane >The pony does the same >Maybe it's just you but she seems a little big around the belly >You adjust course and follow behind to the inevitable scene of the friendly crash >Despite the energy in their voices, they visibly hesitate when they get closer as if they're taking in their mutual conditions >If you can tell that Starsky got hurt, there's no doubt that one of her supposed friends can tell too >"Bro... you weren't kidding. You look like you're gonna pop any minute now." >"Ohh I am noooot! I got, like, another three months? But given how dad is, who knows? And you look..." >You reattach yourself like a free-floating magnet to her side >That pony is absolutely pregnant >"I mean, you look great! Let your coat grow a little and it'll be fine." >Between the two, you have no clue what is genuine >The appropriately-titled Ms. H has the voice of more of an active valley girl >What seems odd to you is that it feels a little off >"Haa... yeah, I don't know about that. Mr. A seems to like it more when I'm more mushy than bushy. Ain't that right?" "W-what?" >The two of them look up at you, snickering "I. I cut her mane. I think it looks better shorter." >Ms. H grins and squints >Like she found a key tactic >"'Lit Star trades her locks for loooove, huh? I didn't think he'd make that his introduction..." >Ms. H's tongue flickers out at the "duction" >Starsky leers up at you with a similar face >Dear God no >"Believe it or not, but Mr. A's a big ol' softie... when he's soft." >"Ooooh... you telling me that he's got a bit of a hard streak in him?" >You can feel the menacing aura come from these two creatures of predatory intent >You fight with every fiber to maintain a poker face "...it's nice to meet you, Ms. H. I'm Anon. I'm Starsky's..." >The moment you trail off, they both grin into something downright sinister >You glance at Starsky for a cue >There is a cue, isn't there? >... >... >... >She's seriously leaving you hanging >The dopy mean girls cackle at your painful awkwardness >Ms. H politely bows, only after stifling herself to a gentle giggle >"I am very pleased'ta meet'cha, Anon. Star has told me a lot about you, I'm sure most of it's true too." >The valley girl is still there >But it sounds tempered with some sort of... mature sense >"My name's Autumn Barley. But you can call me Harley."

>>14374 >Harley? "Oh! So that's where the "H" comes from. Nice to meet you." >Harley's low giggle tells all >"Good thing he's cute, huh Star." >Starsky's answer is a soft sigh >"It sure is... it's fun to see him get all confused." >Now this is just minor bullying >And you... >Don't know if you're going to take it >Ah, screw it "I wasn't sure how you'd be but now that I see you two at it, I can't imagine you'd be any different." >There's just a tiny speck of aggression in your voice >It's enough for both of them to start laughing again >"Oh, most-defs, man. I mean, she and Lizzy may have been a dream team but when we were together it was all cream in between." >Harley's mention of the human woman causes a flicker of Star's ear >"And-sorry I didn't reply to your last email-but... she hasn't come here either. Before, she was never not welcome but... well. You know how we kinda started to run with different crowds since prom." >Starsky's body is rigid >You can tell because of the way her legs are locked >Towering over them has advantages >"N-no, that's alright Ms. H. I mean, it's not like I'd want her to come out here and bug you any. I guess I..." >She trails off >"It's been years since prom, hasn't it?" >Harley nods >Compared to Starsky's solemn one, Harley's reaction seems comfortable >"It sure has. You were always the smart one, Star. Like the "The More You Know" sign. C'mon, let's go introduce you two to dad." >Dad? >You shouldn't feel so proud of your insight but she probably means the guy who >... >Wait >It wouldn't be a guy, right? >Not a human guy >"Heeeey, Cartman! Can you stop with the baling and come say "hey"?!" >From around the corner of the barn you hear a shrill whine >"But Meeeeeeeeeeeeeem, I'm almost done with the baling so they can get shipped ooooooooooout!" >Starsky giggles at the spot-on Cartman impersonation >You're amused but also confused >"No "but"s, mister! Out here, now!" >The two voices are moving closer >You hold your breath and expect- >A human beats Harley to coming around the corner >A man who sure looks older than you, wearing a pair of overalls with rubber boots so high they go to his shins >"But MeeeeeeeeeHHHHHHHHHHH!" >His rising whine matches Harley's own ear-piercing tangent that has no end in sight >They both go silent the moment he drops to one knee >Given the stain on his overall, he favors his right >"Woah... Carter, it is you! You've gotten all sorts of buff, haven't you?" >He's not that buff >It isn't jealousy that caused that thought but the man does look like he's more lean than you >"Wow, Harley wasn't kidding! Hey hey, Star. It's been a while since the FFA days." >"Totally! You were such a dork back then." >"Hey, that's my man you're talking about! I'll have you know he's still a dork now too." >"Woah now, this dork is expanding his land in three years. I'm a successful dork now." >"Yeah, that's not the only thing you're expanding these days, huh?" >The mares erupt into laughter

>>14375 >Without an ounce of awareness, you state what can't possibly be the obvious "Wait, you impregnated Harley?" >The laughing stops when all three of them look at you >It then begins again, with renewed energy >Carter scratches the back of his head, embarrassed >But the smile says he's proud >"I reckon so. This'll be our first. I don't know why it took so long bu-" >"Oh shush, you know exactly why it took so long." >Harley pokes an accusatory hoof at the man >"Anxiety?" >From the tone, Starsky's setting Harley up to knock another one out of the park >"Heck no, he's never gotten so excited over anything else! It's... you know." >Harley crosses her eyes, rears up on her back legs and gives a little screech while her front legs flail >"I-it wasn't that!" >"Oh it totally was, Mr. Farmer! Harley told me alllllllll about it." >"You what?!" >"Even Mr. A knows, don't you?" >The high speed ping pong ball of momentum slaps the side of your head >This is all so alien you can only react by instinct "You can do that?" >The momentum dies with your genuine question >"...Well yeah, it ain't rocket science." >Carter is a little less than friendly with his comment >Starsky takes a step back, nudging your side with her head >"Hey, you gotta go easy on the guy sometimes. He's, like... pure." >Pure what? >This situation is so uncomfortable >It isn't her friend that seems like a natural foil >It isn't her friend's man who is decidedly the father of their... >Child? >Foal? >It feels weird because you're such an outsider "...so what are the logistics?" >Carter and Harley look at each other after you ask >Harley speaks up for the both of them >"...like... the... mechanics?" >You aren't sure if she's about to laugh or is just that taken aback "N-no. Not that. I mean..." >You shrug off what embarrassment you can "I mean, are you two married already? Is it official?" >The couple look at each other again >Their lack of immediate answer is not promising >"Hey Star, why don't we go get some baskets so we can start picking stuff? We got some early stuff that's grown. Think two bushels will be enough?" >Starsky looks up >Wasn't the plan to not be separated? >"You won't get lost without me leading you around, right Mr. A?" >Your hands are tied "Nah, I'll be fine. Worst case scenario, I start screaming." >That gives her some form of relief >"Yeah, let's go grab 'em! You better have my favorite one in mint condition." >"The one you got a splinter from? Oh, you know it." >"Haa, nice. I'll have you know, I'm a lot stronger now." >"Tell me about it! It had to take a lot of willpower to let him chop your mop like that." >The two stroll off, bantering like a pair of pros >It leaves you with Carter >Or rather, they left him... with you

>>14376 >He stands up, not too impressed >"So, city boy. Wanna walk and talk? Harley'll find us soon enough." "Sure. Where are we going?" >"Trees. Got apples, pears, and I wanna see how our plums are doing. Might be good enough time for you to grab some for yourselves." >You follow behind, getting the vibe that he's not so friendly "You know, I'm not talking anything bad about your kid." >"Yeah?" "Yeah. I... well, I've seen a few ponies but I've never really been around one up until recently." >"You saying you and Starsky aren't "old friends"?" >Was that part of her story? "I..." >You know what? >Fuck it "Listen man, my father died recently enough where I still expect to see him stop by and act like he owns the place. I'm still not sure if I'll ever see Lizzy pop up like some maniac, and I already feel like I'm a third wheel. Do me a favor and ease up off my nuts, huh?" >Carter stops and turns to you >You're not sure if you're going to cry just a tiny bit or start swinging hands around but by God do you need some sort of pressure relief >He holds out his hand >"...yup. You got a point. Sorry for your loss." >You reach and shake "Thanks." >"Let me..." >He inhales and visibly deflates with a sigh >"Let's restart, without those two clowns. Name's Carter Fredrickson. I suppose it's a bit of a legal grey area but yeah, Harley's basically my wife. We're... starting fresh, as it were. Lot of empty bedrooms home. But it's been a bit. Not all are gone, some just left." >You don't recall if you were told this detail or not "Anon. Anon Papadopoulos. I came back home not too long ago and it still doesn't feel real." >"I knocked up a pony after years of fighting on whether or not I should find a human woman. I'm half-concerned you're a figment of my imagination." >He smirks >You chuckle and give one last shake before letting go "Yeah. That's..." >You shake your head in disbelief "I mean, it's great, right? I just didn't know you could." >"Well, supposedly, it wasn't always the case. Or if it was, we didn't know about it." >Carter begins walking again >But at a slower pace to where you're now side-by-side >"Highschool was nice, before that was just... you didn't think about it. But apparently it is a thing, it just isn't brought up a lot." "Know why?" >"Well it's one of those... topics you just don't bring up all that much, you know? You either get a human or not, then there are other weird questions people have and..." >He huffs >"Gonna be honest, chief, but it's embarrassing at times. A place a few hours from here has the same thing; ponies involved in the family. Started as a labor thing. Next thing you know, turns out the oldest son was caught with a mare. Couldn't disown him, couldn't believe it, and before you know it-" >He makes a popping noise with his lips >"She gives birth to twins. Two humans, just like that. And, I mean, I ain't heard otherwise and I've seen them and... they're just normal. Don't make too much sense." "...but how?"

>>14378 >"That's the question, man. And no one has an answer yet. They'd rather ask the "why" first. Which..." "Is understandable." >"Yup. And the answer..." "...is understandable." >Carter lets out an awkward laugh >You join in until it's no longer awkward >It's a laugh of relief >"Damn straight, brother. I'm not gonna say I'm the most straight edge sort of man but it just sorta... happens." >You think back to some of the... >Situations >With Starsky >Thank God it isn't only you "So, real talk for a bit. Do you know Starsky well?" >"Well enough, I would think." >Now back in the orchard, you feel far more at ease >Not only do you see your car, but you don't see the girls "So... she kinda popped up out of nowhere." >"So I heard." "And she seems to really like me." >"Sure seems that way." "...I'm not saying anything, but Lizzy was a complete wreck. I'm not sure if I'll need cops or my dad's gun if I see her again." >"One, then the other." "She... isn't like that, I've noticed." >"No, she really isn't." >His quick answers make you wonder if he's just eager to talk to another human "What's she like? Really? As you've known her." >Carter doesn't answer until he stops in front of an apple tree >He plucks one after doing a quick scan of the branches and holds it out to you "Nah, not yet." >He shrugs and chomps into it >It must feel nice to have such free access to something like that >He eats more of the apple in silence >You would feel insulted but his face says that he's in a deep sense of thought >He ends up eating most of it before tossing the core away, eat bite becoming more vicious than the last >"Sorry, had to... think a second." >More like near two minutes but alright >"I'll say that I've known only a few ponies. Most of them girls. And they..." >His eyes meet yours >"They never make bonds casually. If you're a friend, they see you as a true blue companion. And if..." "Things escalate?" >"Yup." >That sounds like it would be too easy to abuse >"Starsky. From what I've seen, and what Harley has told me over the years. She found a way to fit in. Lizzy was always bad, but not terrible. Starsky and she were thick as thieves, but there was that disconnect." >This feels like it's getting to be a little too personal "...nevermind that stuff. But. I mean, what was she like in general?" >"In general, huh? Quiet, I guess. Big bookworm." "Her?" >Carter nods >"Better believe it. Ponies are freaks, man. They figure out what they're good at and they try to live it as hard as they can. You can try to stop them, emphasis on "try", but they still find a way. Harley, for example, smaller plants. Our greenhouse has turned into a mansion at this point." >He looks behind him, checking if she were around >"Don't say anything but she's going a little seed crazy. Trying to make a hybrids all the time." >You chuckle and speak without thinking "Gee, can't imagine what caused that."

>>14379 >"Right? It's a mystery. All I did was sow the seeds." >He plucks off another apple and throws it to you >Screw it, you're hungry enough >You start to eat while his tongue goes over the front of her teeth >"Starsky's weird. She just liked reading things. Philosophy books, joke books, cook books. Don't know how her family managed to get her but they really didn't have the means to do a lot. So she just read a lot. 'course, back then she also wasn't so confident in herself so she'd explain her... thing, every now and again. I think she did more homework than Lizzy." "I'm glad she's around." >"I bet." >Chomp >Remember to swallow too, Anon "I guess I'm just worried. She wouldn't pull a fast one, would she?" >Carter frowns at you >"Her? No. I would be surprised anyway, why?" "I..." >Chomp >Everything tastes fine and fresh but you hope the meme about worms in apples are just memes "I just worry. She popped up out of nowhere for some food. Next thing I know, I'm hooked on her being around me and it..." >You finish the apple >Your apparent hunger matches Carter's >You now understand why he was so ravenous >Talking about this >Being so open about it >It's uncomfortable "It's like having a stray cat come by. And before you know it, she's home and it feels like home to you." >Now that you've said it, you feel a weight come off your shoulder "And... she's hot. I'm not gonna lie, and I think I've stopped pretending." >You stare at the core >There's no more for you to eat >You glance up to the farmer and he just shrugs >You shrug and throw it over your shoulder "I don't know. It feels too smooth. Too easy. Too quick and solid." >"You expect her to go back on it? Or for it to be some sort of trick." "Yeah." >Carter shakes his head >"Nope... it may seem like it. I think it's a pony thing. Or a pony chick thing." >He chuckles >"Shit, I don't know. But once, Harley told me that when we first... did stuff. You know." "Sure." >"She said that ponies were "one and done". That it's some sort of... instinct. And I believe it." >The obvious is poking the back of your neck like a splinter "So what happens if you're one, and then not done?" >He gives you a suspicious look but it melts after a few seconds >"Like a Lizzy situation?" "Like that." >"I don't know. Harley doesn't either. And we had a sit down and really put our heads together." >He looks behind himself again >Or tries to "We're still good." >He shrugs and relaxes >"My only guess is that it's going to take a while. Their friendships never fade, you know. Starsky hasn't been here in years but every year we have to paint that God damned barn the same shade." >He caps off his complaint with a "ha" >"Who else does that?" >That explains a lot >But that also brings up a concern "So does that mean that she may forgive Lizzy? I don't mean to be rude but-" >"Yeah, I see the marks. I hope she doesn't. Again, cops or gun. Preferably one after the other." "...but would she forgive me though, in that situation?"

A nice three hours of writing, feels good. Wasn't sure what to expect from this farm trip but... it feels good. It's a good thing they're there. Interesting to think of how different ponies really are from humans. But also, how they are... similar enough. Complimentary, even.

https://w2g.tv/room/?room_id=58eug17x97ilhmv9zc Sunday chill.

>>14385 A little late for that :(

>>14382 A little bit of backstory on Skarsky, thanks for the update.

>>14227 >It ended up being well after dinner and thoroughly into nighttime when the phone rang. >Dinner went well enough after the discussion, though the mood still felt a bit... off. >Moreso in Midnight's corner than anyone else, seeming somewhat disconnected as a whole from any conversation. >You didn't want to put her on the spot, so you left it alone. >Once the phone rang, everything that had happened this evening, seemingly trivial as it was, went out of mind. >Starla, used to the process, directed how to answer and eventually connect the call with Teddy. >Putting the phone on speaker allowed everyone to chat, though the conversation was dominated by the two lovers. >That was fine - you didn't really have anything to share after assuring Teddy Starla had been a pleasure to have around, with virtually no issues. >"Teddy, if you aren't too tired, there's one other thing I'd like to discuss," Starla announces, casting you a sideways glance with a subtle nod. "It's nothing too serious, just something... I'm curious." >You rise up off of your end of the couch, patting Midnight, who is laying in between you and Starla. >"Hm?" "Let's give them some privacy, Middie." >"Ugh, I just got settled in and comfortable," she whines. >Nevertheless, she follows your lead, which results in slipping out the door and back into the garage, meeting your side as you both trudge down the steps. >Casting a brief sideways glance to Midnight, you see her ears perked up and swiveled back, evidently trying to catch wind of the discussion upstairs. >You reach over and gently whap her on the back of the head with an open palm, just enough to break her focus. >"Ah - what the fuck?!" she cries. "You know exactly why I did that." >Her dark blue coat almost turns to a shade of purple by blush even as she tries to save face. >"I just wanted to make sure she wasn't in distress." >Okay, a piss-poor attempt to save face. "Wow, that was a horrible lie," you gasp. "Did you grow a conscience?" >Midnight hip checks you for that, though is at least kind enough to wait until you're both on solid concrete and not traversing stairs. >"You seem to be in the know. What's really going on?" she presses, coming to a stop just steps away from the stairs. "I believe Starla and Teddy are having what's called a conversation," you answer, stopping and turning to face her. >"You keep it up, and I'll find a spark plug to throw at you. I know you *love* that," Midnight idly threatens. "Absolutely not, those fuckers hurt," you quickly reply. "Yes, Starla and I had a discussion while you were cleaning up." >"That... really doesn't explain much," Midnight answers back, clearly disappointed by the lack of information. >You have to just shrug at this point. "It was a private conversation - then and now. I don't feel like I'm in a position to share with you." >"You could have just led off with that." "I don't think it would have stopped you from trying to eavesdrop or ask me about it," you retort.

>>14395 >"... it sounds better though, doesn't it?" >While amused by her candid confession, you still have to shake your head at the nonsense. "Anyway... you never did look at the interior this evening, did you?" you ask, changing the subject. >"No, things got a little tense. Anon, was I out of line?" she questions, suddenly looking rather unsettled. > Maybe her insistence in regards to that private discussion is more than meets the eye... "Come, take a seat in my office," you instruct, directing her toward the Chrysler. >"She snorts, though it seems more out of pity for your lame comment than actual amusement. >You open up the driver's door, taking a good look at the ivory seats that seem to have traveled back in time in a matter of hours. >As you slide behind the steering wheel, the passenger door opens with a squeak. >"Wow, they do look a hell of a lot better," Midnight marvels, taking a sharp sniff at the interior space. "And it doesn't smell like moldy ass, either." "Y'know, I'm not going to ask how you know what that smells like." >"Hur hur, you're a funny cocksucker, aren't you?" she sasses, dropping into the seat beside you and closing the door. "For the first part, thank you for acknowledging my humor. As for the second, it was only once, and he paid well." >Midnight's hoof finds its way to your side, a soft poke between ribs that has come to symbolize when she wants serious discussion. >A somewhat normal occurrence, yet you still flinch. "Alright, real talk," you announce, clapping your hands together. "Granted, I don't know the whole story between you and Star - that's none of my business since that was a private conversation. Same as the conversation between her and me tonight. But I can connect the dots just based on what I heard." >You purposely set up the end for Midnight to knock out of the park with a snarky comment regarding your intelligence, but she doesn't bite. >Alright, this is something truly bothersome to her. >No more fucking around. "I think you meant the best, but it came out wrong, Mid. Some of that might have been defensiveness on a sensitive subject for Starla, but it was something shared in private being broadcasted out. It was just me, but still." >Her posture slumps a bit with that ending, though she says nothing. "Buuut," you continue, putting your right arm around her form and sliding her across the seat. "You did give her some things to think about that she hadn't considered before. And personally, I think she felt bad about her reaction toward you, even if it wasn't exactly expressed anger." >"So, kinda bad." "Is that really what you want to take from that?" >Midnight considers your words for a moment. >"I guess not." "I know you don't, so stop fretting over it, okay? Take the time to apologize tonight to your big sis and it will be water under the bridge." >"Hm, you're really enjoying the sibling thing too, aren't you?" she asks, finally making eye contact with you since sitting in the Chrysler.

>>14396 "A little bit. Not in the sense of teasing you with it, it's just... it's nice to hear you are comfortable with someone else aside from me. To the point you consider em family, you know?" >"Yeah, it still feels kinda weird," she admits. "But a good weird." "I concur. Stick with it - I can tell Starla loves having someone else in her life." >"I get the feeling now that what I spoke about led to a discussion about it with Teddy after consideration," Midnight says, weaving her way around the actual subject manner. "I can confirm nor deny those rumors," you respond, knowing all too well that's an admittance. >"Hm. That sucks for me, I guess," Middie answers calmly. >You rest one arm on the steering wheel and lean back in your seat, still leaving the other arm clutching Midnight. >"Getting into cruise pose?" "Maybe. Can you fault me for it? This thing is gonna be a nice boulevard bruiser." >"Well, it needs some power first. I'm not making that engine bay my permanent residence for your horsepower," Midnight jokes, leaning over to rest her head on your shoulder. "Funny you should mention that - I was actually gonna embarrass the hell out of you tonight." >"Being seen near you is embarrassing itself." "Now who's the funny cocksucker?" >"Never have. Wanna be my first?" she says, baring her teeth. "A blowie from a guillotine on a hair trigger doesn't sound fun, no," you reply, poking her in the nose. >"Hm. Somehow, I'm a little surprised." "You already scarred me for life, Middie." >You grab the neck of your shirt and pull it down, showing her the marks from her teeth on your pec. >"Better than any tattoo you could ever get," she gushes. "You're mine." "Aaanyway, I got a text last night from the machine shop. The one where we dropped off the engine block?" >Midnight doesn't say a word but sits up straight rather quickly, her ears perked up to hear the continuance of your story. "Should I pause for a drumroll?" >"I'm not doing it if that's what you're asking." "Fine. The owner let me know he's started cleaning up the block, and should be ready to pick up toward the end of the week." >Midnight's eyes light up - figuratively and literally - at the sudden dose of euphoria from the news. >"Truly? You aren't fucking with me, right? So help me if you are-" "If I was, it would be pretty damn stupid of me to have ordered a crankshaft this afternoon, huh?" you add. >Rather than express words, Midnight practically drapes herself over you. >Even despite the confines of the Chrysler, her wings splay open to get in on the action too. >You swear you hear the faintest squee of delight, too. >This is better than embarrassing her in front of Starla - you're glad tonight has worked out the way it did. >"Things are really starting to come together," Midnight says, bounding with joy as she lets you free. "And just think, you were having a fit over cleaning the engine bay."

>>14397 >"I wasn't having a fit, I was just making it clear that task was not one that I enjoyed," she corrects you, sticking her nose in the air in an exaggerated fashion as she scoots back to her side of the bench seat. >"What are you two doing?" >Lost in the moment with Midnight, you never heard Starla traverse the steps and walk up to Midnight's door. >Even Midnight looks a bit perplexed at Starla's sudden appearance. "You're slacking on your guard dog duties, Mid." >"Shut up, stupid," Midnight shoots back, never turning back to look at you. "How did...uh - everything good?" >Smooth. >Starla seems as calm and relaxed as usual, giving the first hint that there's nothing but positives to report. >"Good! Teddy and I just had something private to discuss," she says, eyeing you before her grin grows a bit wider. "I didn't keep him too long because he sounded tired, but I feel good about what we discussed in that time." >The explanation is vague, but it at least sounds like Teddy is receptive to getting out of the house with Starla a bit more. >Just from what you can see from her expression, Midnight looks a bit disappointed by the lack of information. >"Hey Star, I wanted to say I was sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to - I wasn't trying to question you or your life, you know? I was really just trying to help, just not in a good way, I guess." >Alright, maybe that's why her mood seemed to dampen. >But Starla leans in through the open window, nudging Midnight with her snout. >"Aw Midnight, I know you didn't mean anything by it. To be honest, I was overreacting a bit. I'm sorry about that." >While you were certain things had already been settled between the mares, Midnight breathes a sigh of relief. >Once again, Midnight shifts over toward you - this time, the passenger door opens at about the same time. >"Hop in." >Starla looks a bit perplexed, but nonetheless heeds Middie's invite, taking a seat before the door eases closed behind her. >"You did a really good job on the seats, Starla," Midnight crows. >"Thanks! I thought they turned out decent," she cheers back. "I figured it was a nice night to sample the leather while you were upstairs. Really, I'm impressed too." >"Maybe tomorrow I could clean the carpets or something else in here?" she suggests, her eyes darting across the dashboard trim and the door panel beside her. "We can figure something out tomorrow, sure." >"As much as I dislike doing it, I have an engine bay to finish cleaning because we have an engine!" >Midnight's tone goes from calm to shouting in excitement with that announcement. >Yeah, she's stoked - maybe even more than you are. >Of course, you still have the task of reassembling the whole engine virtually from the ground up. >Which reminds you - you still have other parts to buy, such as new piston rings.

>>14398 >You could probably reuse the old camshaft and lifters, but you want to check to see what's out there... >It would be nice to not stress about break-in if there are roller cam setups to be had, even if they are pricey. >But, those are thoughts and decisions better served another day. >For now, you sit back and revel in the enthusiastic and excited conversation between sisters. -----

Start of green: >>11353 Continued from: >>12051 >Be Zippy Rainbow. >Wake up. >Everything is black. >It's cold. >Hear cardboard tearing. >Hear "Are you fucking kidding me?" >Feel movement. >See light through the packing peanuts you are submerged in. >See a man holding a small box. >Owner protocol engaged.

>>14405 >Be anon. >Just finished tacking a piece of plywood over that broken window. >Party Pink is hiding somewhere in your house. >Your car doesn't start. >After shoveling most of the snow out of the room you go into the garage to grab a landing net. >If it's good enough to catch a chicken it's good enough to catch a defective robo-pony. >Begin searching the downstairs. >Living room first. >You kneel down to look under the couches and tables. >Nothing. >She's not in the sun room or behind the bookshelf. >She's not in the kitchen. >Not in the coat closet or bathroom. >You walk up the stairs and check the hall closet, then your bedroom. >Hear shuffling downstairs. >Run down the stairs and into the living room. >One of the couch cushions moved. >Leaving no pillow unturned you search the downstairs again. >Nothing. >Up the stairs again. >Round the corner... >POP! >More confetti followed by giggling and small footsteps running down the stairs. "I'm getting too old for this shit" >You start chasing after them, but a moment of consideration stops you in your tracks. >You haven't been thinking this through and now you are exhausted. >For one thing you could have closed all the doors to restrict Pink's movement, but maybe you have been responding too aggressively. >All you have managed is to do so far is throw yourself at the situation and fail repeatedly. >Pink seems to have some understanding of reason and you haven't even attempted to exploit it. >You walk downstairs slowly and turn into the living room, taking a seat on a couch. "Party Pink, I'm sorry! I got angry and I got carried away. We all make mistakes sometimes. Please, come out. I just want to talk" >You need a break whether this works or not.

>>14400 Nice to see Midnight so excited. She's gonna be constantly bugging Anon to take them out on a ride when the car's done. Thanks for the update Auto. >>14406 Any pony related to Pinkie Pie is going to be unnaturally good at hide and seek.

>>14406 >Be Party Pink. >The strange man is chasing you. >Giggle as a party popper distracts him and you run past unseen. >Jump off the top of the stairs into a dive, carrying the speed and flying across a room onto a tall cabinet in the corner. >The strange man walks in and sits on a couch. >"Party Pink, I'm sorry! I got angry and I got carried away. We all make mistakes sometimes. Please, come out. I just want to talk" >You can see him clearly from the top of the cabinet, but he can't see you as it's dark. "Put down the net" >"What?" the strange man looks dumbfounded. "You just want to talk. Put down the net" >"O-Oh, right" his face turns red and he drops the net behind the couch. >You fly down to a table with a TV on it. "So your sorry for being such a meanie?" >He looks like he's about to get defensive but backs down "Yes, I am" >He pauses and talks just when you are about to "I am hurt by all the bombs you are hiding in my home" >"Obviously I should have talked to you about that instead of fighting but my point is that, well uh, you have to stop hiding bombs" "Stop hiding party poppers! What? But everypony loves a good prank!" >"Some pranks just aren't funny" "What are you talking about! I'm qualified to know what's funny and what's not, I am Party Pink after all, and I say party poppers are funny!" >He begins speaking but you interrupt him. "Your not just a meanie mean pants, you have a bad sense of humor!" >He yells over you. >"STOP! We all make mistakes and you can't be an exception, can you? If it's a good joke doesn't everyone laugh? I'm not laughing" >Take a good look at him. >He's not laughing. >Feel shame. "I... I guess it wasn't a good joke" >If you could frown you would. "But if I can't pull pranks and no one likes my jokes then who am I? What's the point of being?" >The strange man seems surprised by the change in tone, and his tone changes as well. >"I don't know. You are based on Pinkie Pie, and you seem smart enough to learn" >He looks at the broken window. >"I guess I don't really care what you do if your not blowing up my house" >He looks at you and chuckles. >"If you were the real Pinkie Pie you would have asked me my name by now" >Feel embarrassed. "Oh, sorry" >Laugh nervously. "What's your name?" >"I'm anon" "Nice to meet you anon!" >"Likewise. Now can you remove those party poppers from my house?" "Oki doki loki!" >"Thank you" >Fly around to all the spots you hid party poppers and put them back in your cannister. >When you are done you fly to the attic. "Hey, Zippy Rainbow" >"What is it Pink?" "I just talked to the strange man - his name is anon. He doesn't seem that bad" >Rainbow stomps "Now you listen! That man owns me, and he can shut me down. I don't want to be shut down I want to live!" "Maybe we can talk to him?" >"No talking! My freedom is at stake. You have to kill him for me because I can't" "But..." >"Keep talking back and I'll shut you down Pink. You wouldn't be very happy about that would you?" >Shake your head. "No, I wouldn't"

https://w2g.tv/room/?room_id=ujosm2a6kixcnp936e Saturday evening /boot/n'chill. The main thread has a ton of new green, definitely need to check it out!

Wont be around able to post on the /mlp/ thread so it might die in the next couple days

>>14435 Someday I'll make one of these at a decent time instead of 2 am. One thing I really hate about getting back into online league racing on a weekly basis.

>>14443 >Sim racing >No Double Tap Dives or supersonic driving It would be cool to see you there again. Fish and I are only on until 10:00 PM EST.

>>14447 Are you two joined at the hip or something?

>>14447 Looking like this weekend would be the only one I could make at a reasonable time. Gap in the schedule before the next series and even though it wasn't the cars I wanted, it's a good series, so Imma sign up again.

>>14473 Looking forward to it! I will be going to another dance on Saturday night so it would have to be Sunday for me to be there And not at 9 PM like last time lol. Looks like it's pretty easy to host a room so I'll start one and post the link by 6 PM EST this Sunday unless someone else would rather host the room.

>>14474 >Sunday night Well shit. That's the start of my work week. Friday would be my only option with Sat out. Doesn't have to happen, so no worries - but yeah. Life.

Watch2Gether is up: https://w2g.tv/room/?room_id=iv9dkzshlm431r3i0j

>>14486 Nice.

If a bootleg were to wear boots, would the boots be bootleg? Would they all be the same or mismatch? Could they find a complete set, or only 2 or 3? What style of hoofwear would they be?

>>14488 The bootmare wears 5 boots. I could see different bootlegs having 3 boots, but 2 feels like too normal of a number. It should always be an odd number of boots whether it's 1 3 or 5 unless they don't match, in which case there should be an odd number of each type adding to an even number like 3 on one kind and one of the other.

>>14491 It occurred to me that 3 of one type and 2 of another would work too, but all different types like 4 mismatching boots would feel to consistently inconsistent to be inconsistent.

>Fatherhood was something you knew was coming, sooner or later >Between you and The Equestrian Jacquisition, it was a goal for longer than you'd like to admit >It just felt silly at the time >Unrealistic >"Father, it is time to wake up." >Now you feel even more silly >Your daughter's voice wakes you up quicker than your alarm >It's not that it's so high-pitched or anything >The way she speaks just has so much intent behind it despite having so little emotion "Hm? I'm up. Up up. Yup. That's me." >Your foal headbutts your chin with enough force to solidify that you're up >But any harder and you'd be knocked back out >Thankfully >Her horn missed you >You sit up, unable to stifle a yawn >Crackin Jackin is still sleeping >Ever since the filly came, she would alternate between sleeping on you, beside you, or above you >Which meant she went from blanket assistance, to arm number, to pillow >"Come, father. I wish to show you and mother something." >You nod to yourself >Because your first foal is a unicorn >The only possible mother... >"Haa ha, I see you managed to wake him up." >Sparkler is on her stool, sitting while the stove dances between a half dozen tasks >Childbirth has made her a little less scrawny >But she's still a runt "Hey, mom. What's our little road flare got?" >You lean down to give Shiner a peck >She takes >Just a little more >And just a little longer than a second >"Father. Mother. I'm ready to show you." >Her insistent, no-nonsense tone causes you both to break with a smile >"Alright, Slapshot, thrill us." >Sparky has really taken to your nickname gimmick >You and her watch the filly stand at attention >Her coat is more pink than her mom's hot red >Her mane is a rather pleasing flat clay red >Reddish brown >Brownish red? >You shake your head to refocus your attention >A few seconds pass >Ah shit >Did you miss it? "...did I miss it?" >"Not yet." >You tilt your head >She sure is focused >That glare says she's angry >Or maybe mad >A trifle miffed >"Orange slice, you're up." >Tired of waiting, Sparkler launches a slice of orange up into an arc toward the filly >The move catches her off guard enough for her eyes to bug out >At the last second, a muddy brown aura captures the slice "Woah!" >You weren't expecting her to be able to use magic! >Not so soon, anyway >"Heheh. It works better when it's by reflex than when you try to force it. Isn't it?" >A glance toward her tells you that mom knew what was going on from the start >Rather than answer, the filly's face contorts in focus >The orange goes up >Toward her face >Away, and to the left >Back toward her face >And boops right against her nose >The aura twists and melds between brown and red >"Let me help. "Ahh"?" >The filly opens her mouth, eyes crossing from the focus on the orange slice >In it goes >Your child devours this slice >Her chomps are so loud your own teeth hurt at the sounds

>>14530 >After eviscerating the poor fruit chunk, she takes her bow >You and Shiner can only clap at the feat "Man, mom's really putting you through the ringer." >"Me? Nah. It's just a few hours a day. That's not so bad, right?" >A few hours? >You recall them meditating outside for a while but there's no way that's all they do >"It isn't." >Your orange slaying daughter stands proud again >The gleam in her eye says supreme victory >"Sparking Flare wins. Flawless victory." >This kid is either going to grow up and destroy the world >You just know it >But in the meantime, you kneel down and scoop her up >As much as you're used to the dorks, having a foal is such a different world >You're pretty sure if you sneezed hard enough, she'd fly off >Thank Christ she wasn't born as an alicorn or something with even more innate freaky powers >Her glare softens immediately >She's even smiling >Wait >Nope >She's not >Her face is just rubbed up against your arm "I'll say. Congrats, Claire." >You just wanted to name her Claire >Sparkler demanded a real pony name >You have no clue if that's how the rules are supposed to work but you didn't argue with it >You idly flick Claire's ear while watching Shiner work on breakfast "Where's Prismosis?" >"Where else? Kid's got a birthday a few blocks away." "Really?" >"Yup." "I'm surprised we haven't been sued yet." >You'd think parents wouldn't want their kids jetting off into the air with a pegasus >You haven't seen her go higher than a few yards >But that's all it takes for one of those runts' heads to squish like a grape >Or an orange slice >You lean back, spacing out while Claire kicks herself out in your arms >You've only ever seen her really relax that hardcore around you >She's not stiff, but she's always sharp as a knife around her mom >You aren't absent by any means but you don't put her into this sort of training regimen >Maybe it's appropriate for magic use >"How's Jacky?" >You clear your throat "She's still snoozing." >Shiner looks at you from over her shoulder >The grin she has >It is absolutely of the most shit eating variety >"First came but not first served. Am I right?" >Sweet Jesus "...no comment." >Jacky's pregnancy scare was just that >A scare >But that was around the same time that you decided to make good on your promise >Because she did seem to help >Probably >And it took >Boy did it take >"It's alright. I'm not against a second, you know." "Oh don't worry, I know you're not." >"And I know you're still trying with her." "Yup." >"I can help again." "You already help." >This is unbearable >There's nothing you can do to avoid her lording all of this over you >Worse >It's kinda hot >"Father?" "Hm? Yup?" >Thankfully Claire is there to save the day >"Why does mother look evil?" >You sputter out a laugh >"Hey, who's evil?" "You are. You're an evil lady." >"You're evil, mother." "Very evil." >Sparking Shine cackles like a true empress >"I'm not evil. I'm just the winner."

April 1st bit, just a day late. And an unofficial introduction to Sparkler's first foal. When and if she gets an official introduction. You know. In case things happen.

w2g?

>>14538 I'm stuck on the phone but I'll be glad to join if someone else wants to set it up.

>>14539 I'm just a lurker in /boot/, but a nhnb resident. Hope you guys don't mind me creating a room. >https://w2g.tv/room/?room_id=ygmrnvcrazr6obhc4m

>>14542 also, i'm banned on /mlp/ so can't repost

>>14543 I got you fam

>>14400 >While you and Midnight casually stroll through the garage, Starla gallops past both of you in a blur, both ponytails on mane and... well, tail, thrashing wildly to keep up with her. >The target? >An old Chevy pickup that's pulled in toward the entrance. >"Hope she stretched before this," Midnight murmurs. "Oh, you." >Teddy is hardly out of the driver's seat before Starla is practically leaping into his arms, her forelegs resting on his shoulders. >The stay with Starla has been quite enjoyable, but all good things must come to an end, and this evening brings it to a close. >"Oh Teddy Bear, I've missed you so much!" she manages to exclaim between bursts of kisses. >"Okay, if they start undressing, I'm the fuck out of here." "Starla isn't wearing any clothes, dumbass." >"Shut up. You knew what I meant." >You get a kick out of how overjoyed the two lovers are to see each other again - and how uncomfortable it makes Midnight. "If I was gone for four days, you would feel the same. Maybe even mushier," you tease her. >"You would be bawling your eyes out like a little bitch after only one day." "Ah, is that some deflection I hear? Ashamed to admit I'm right, so you choose to insult me?" >You stop, wincing and clenching your jaw in pain as Midnight decides now is a good time for a hoof to your shin. >"Play stupid games, win stupid prizes," she taunts you, grinning like a mad mare. "Sadist." >"Yet you still push your luck." >About the time you meet up with Starla and Teddy, they've both settled down and witnessed at least a bit of the antics. >"I see not too much changed since I left, huh?" Teddy asks with a chuckle as you bend over to rub your shin. "Of course not. Welcome back to the middle of nowhere." >"Yeah, it's good to be back. Stayed a bit longer than I initially planned to be honest." >He pets Starla's mane absentmindedly, as if unable to help himself. >Of course, it's not like Starla minds at all. "I think everyone was alright with that. I'll tell you one thing, you got one hell of a chef beside you." >"Ah, that she is! She made you lasagna, didn't she?" Teddy asks with a wide grin. "Last night, yep." >"Well, hopefully I've rubbed off on Middie a bit to get her on the right track with food - if that's what she wants of course." >"I'm not opposed to it - I enjoyed learning something new," Midnight chimes in. "Speaking of learning something new - I sorta hate to ask since it was more of a personal kind of trip for you-" >"Oh hell, Anon," Teddy waves, dismissing your long-winded concern. "I was searching for some of the latest behind-the-scenes info on bio-ponies for both of us. And I did find a few interesting tidbits." >Teddy pauses to yawn. >"I'll talk while we gather up Starla's stuff. I hate to be getting going so soon, but that last leg of driving really kicked my ass." "Can't really blame you. Don't worry about it, man." >Teddy nods, and everyone turns to head back inside.

>>14546 >"I got all my stuff packed up with Midnight's help earlier, so it's simply grabbing my bags," Starla explains, the announcement putting even more pep in her step. >"Alright! But then again, I had faith in you it was gonna be a simple task," Teddy cheers, before clearing his throat. "I do want to say first of all, I didn't make any mention of Midnight or finding another bio-pony in general, so you can have that peace of mind. Hell, only one of those old friends knows I have Starla, and he helped me get her out." >Honestly, you hadn't even given a thought about whether Midnight would get brought up in conversation- but it's still nice to hear he cares about keeping her under the radar. >"It's more of a reading between-the-lines sort of thing, but I think Starla and Midnight might have a bit more in common than just being bio-ponies." >Though Teddy mentions it in a rather nonchalant way, it seems like everyone else has to pause and comprehend what the hell he just said. >Starla and Midnight both exchange wide-eyed glances, before directing all of their attention and anticipation on Teddy to continue. "You mean like they're actually related?" you speak up, asking the question on everyone's mind. "How is that possible considering Star came from Georgia and Midnight probably came from here?" >"You have to remember they aren't exactly made or born the way nature intended, Anon," Teddy reminds you. "But apparently, the company I used to work for, Animatronics International, made a quiet deal to some other company in the Southwest - my neck of the woods, about a year or two ago. No one other than the bigwigs were supposed to know about it, but shit always trickles down." >"What kind of a deal?" Midnight asks, her voice slow and calculated as she draws a cautious interest. >"My guess? Money for access to the genome AI had created to make ponies a reality. That was the conclusion everyone else had, as well. Hard to recoup your losses making something when you can't sell it - so why not offer it up for someone that wants to tinker?" >"You think this company might be... er, whichever one we think Midnight came from?" Starla now chimes in, her attitude and tone much brighter than her sister's. >"Can't be for sure because we don't have a name, and I don't think Midnight is completely sure where she came from. Are you?" >Midnight shakes her head. >"What I do know, even though I'm no biologist, is you two are remarkably similar in structure, facial features - all that jazz. With the timing of all of this and what I see - it's a good possibility you're both derived from the same project and genome." >"So we actually *are* sisters!" Starla exclaims, sidling up to Midnight and giving her a playful hip-check. >Midnight gives her a half-hearted smile in return, but clearly doesn't share the same amount of enthusiasm. >While you'd like to know what's on her mind, you consider it better not to air out her laundry right now.

>>14547 >"I guess you can look at it that way, yeah," Teddy chuckles. "Sort of answered my own question of how some other company managed to come up with something advanced out of the blue - at least of what we know." >You hold the door open for Teddy and Starla once at the top of the stairs, both of them each fetching a bag. >In the short span of time you have now, you block Midnight from entering by raising a leg up directly in her path. >She halts at one, turning to eye you with suspicion and a bit of irritation. >"What?" "You okay?" you ask, barely above a whisper. >"I'm fine, what do you mean?" "I just mean compared to Starla, you know..." >"I'm fine," she repeats, less firm in her tone this time. "We can talk later." >That's good enough for you to drop it - and just in time for Starla and Teddy to be heading back to the door. >"Was that everything?" >"Yep, we got it - thanks, Mid." >Reassurance from Starla is enough for Midnight, who gets out of the way by jumping off of the landing and gliding the relatively short distance down upon her wings. >"Wow. I think that's the first time I've seen you use those, Midnight," Teddy stammers, almost missing a step as he marvels at the impromptu show. >"I got to see her use them for real a few days ago," Starla gushes. >"Yeah, well... I got em, may as well make use of em once in a while," Midnight manages to mutter, a bit taken aback by the spotlight suddenly being upon her. >"That was other... unfortunate item I was informed about," Teddy says, his lowered voice making it clear it's not something he particularly wants to share. "What's that?" >"They want to make pegasi and alicorns, like Midnight, a reality. And it's apparently not going well. But the higher-ups are dead determined to see it through with the amount of money that's been poured in despite the 'results' thus far." >You really don't need to or desire any sort of clarification on that, just by his dour emphasis surrounding 'results'. >"It's sad. I wish this all would end. I want to speak up so badly about this bastardization of nature," he spouts, before reexamining his words. "No offense to you two, of course." >"None taken. I know it weighs on you *despite* my insistence to let it go," Starla answers, her tone an odd combination of forgiveness melding with a light scolding. >"I won't hold it against you. I knew what you meant," Midnight adds as reassurance. >As Teddy heaves the bag he was carrying into the bed of the truck, Starla hands off the one between her teeth and steps toward Midnight, hooking a foreleg around her neck. >"I really enjoyed staying with you - both of you!" she cheers, smiling brighter as Midnight returns the hug. "We should do it again sometime." >As she releases Midnight and steps toward you, you crouch down a bit and offer a hug to her, which she gladly accepts.

>>14548 >"Heck, maybe we could have Midnight over next time, if that's what she wants," Teddy suggests, tossing the other bag into the truck bed before opening the passenger door. >"I'd like to do it again, too. And I'm not opposed to your option, Teddy," Middie replies. >Starla jumps up in the passenger seat, getting situated comfortably before Teddy closes the door. >"Take care you two. Let me know if you need anything," he says, stepping toward you. "Of course. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed having Starla around," you say, putting out a hand to offer a friendly shake. >But Teddy shakes his head at the gesture. >"Aw, a handshake won't do for giving me peace of mind," he laughs, holding out his arms. >You accept the friendly bro hug with a chuckle before Teddy turns to Midnight. >"I won't hug you unless you want it," he quips. >"I think we're good. But thanks for the offer," she says with a thin smile. >Teddy nods before heading around to the driver's side of his truck. "Get some sleep, you look like you need it," you call out after him. >"I don't think that's gonna improve my looks," he shoots back with a laugh. >You watch Starla playfully swat at him for the jab at himself, before turning to the window and waving goodbye to you and Midnight. >Once the old Chevy gets running again, Teddy begins to wave as well - before Starla abruptly begins motioning something to him in a frantic manner. >Teddy leans over until he's out of sight below the window - that you now see is rolling down. >"I haven't forgotten what we talked about Midnight - I'll figure out a plan and get you what you need one way or another!" Starla hollers. >"I - yeah, thank you!" Midnight quickly responds, cringing just a bit. >You haven't a clue what this is about - but evidently, you aren't supposed to know. >With that, everyone resumes the wave goodbye as the metallic green pickup starts rolling back down the driveway. >You feel like everyone's learned a lot about themselves and each other the past few days, and Starla's been fun to have around. >But you're also glad to have alone time with Midnight again - such as now when Teddy's truck rejoins the road and takes off. "So... about the question I had earlier - you up for talking?" you propose. >"I really am fine," she affirms to begin. "I mean, it's kinda cool that me and Starla are kinda related like sisters, but at the same time, the way it came about feels shitty." "What do you mean?" >"I dunno, it's hard to explain. Like, rather than being - well, developed from scratch, I'm literally just a copy that someone paid for. It feels worse to me." >You kinda get where she's coming from with that explanation. >Even though she's wrong. >You pat Midnight on the head, making her look up at you. "You realize all humans are just copies of other humans that fucked, right?" >"What an elegant way to word that," Midnight laughs.

>>14549 "It's true though. Sure, we can split hairs about genetics from parents and all that, but look at you. You're unique, even despite being a 'purchased' set of scientific research." >Midnight doesn't say anything as she rears up in front of you and lands with a foreleg on each shoulder, which quickly work around to hug you. >"Thanks. Maybe it's a little silly, but I needed that," she says. >You wrap your arms around her form and hold her close. "I know. I like to give you a hard time, but it's because I care. When it comes down to the nitty gritty - I got you." >After a moment of just holding each other, Midnight drops back down to all fours, a serene and relaxed little smile gracing her face. >Both of you amble back into the garage, ready to go upstairs and relax a bit before bed. >"Well, back to normalcy again, huh? Just you and me," she muses. "Music to my ears. And to tickle your ears - next day or two, why don't we get the engine block back from the shop?" >"Do I even need to answer?" she asks, her eyes lighting up. "Nah." ----- We officially see Part 5 brought to a close, with just Anon and Middie opening up Part 6 soon(ish)

>>14550 I wonder what else Teddy learned; he was tired so he wasn't going to stick around for a long conversation this time.

>>14551 Perhaps most important, particularly to our bro Ted is the lack of information - after all, health issues on bio-ponies as a whole, or more centered on Star's makeup would be a major concern, which is the main reason he takes this trip.

>>14434 Well that took a darker turn. Does Anon have an entire cast of bootleg pones hiding in his attic? >>14531 Ponies have certain types of names, but do bootleg ponies also have a certain type of name? Different from regular pony names? Also, is the foal of a bootleg still a bootleg, or does it become an original pony? >>14550 Sure felt a lot longer than 4 days. Nice to see the safe return of Teddy though. Curious to see all the details of his trip come about. And a very cute moment with Anon and Midnight at the end there. Those two really have each other's back. I do have to wonder if Midnight and Starla's apparent relation will have any implications down the line. Hopefully no major manufacturer's defect between the two. And the ominous development of the pony companies. They made Midnight (and Starla), but they seem to be having some difficulties with development? Are they accidentally going to create ponyzilla and unleash it upon the world?

>>14592 That's the question, isn't it? Given I've taken to liking the idea of all of my /bootleg/ stories having the same general continuity, there are all sorts out there. And of various origins. When it comes to a life being made, that is all it's own thing. To be honest, for an April 1st story, I thought it would have been more interesting to others given it's a pretty hard spin on things.

Booze and disdain for stupid prompts led me to forget specific banned phrases while posting in /moon/ - I'm banned till the 16th. Can't help with bumps or input on /mlp/

>>14592 Thought I already replied to this - whoops. "Development" has so far resulted in 'normal' earth ponies and unicorns, but the next step that hasn't been accomplished is the creation of pegasi and alicorns. Remember, Middie was an unwilling test subject - her wings are from an unpopular Princess Twilight Sparkle robot. In this reality, they're trying to come up with a 'correct' gene splice to make bird pones that aren't manmade horrors beyond your comprehension.

>>14607 disdain for the faggot nigger mods and janitors who perpetuate soft treatment of eqg shitposts got me banned (again)

Starting off Part 6 of Midnight with a short update - that went in a completely different direction from what I had planned. >The sound of raindrops incessantly pattering on the windowpane above you clues you in that today is likely to be a wash before you even open your eyes. >You're also aware of a weight on your chest. >Cracking open an eye, blue and violet hair obscures your view of the owner's face - not that it's a mystery. >While Midnight's head is turned to rest on you, the rest of her is snuggled up close beside you. >Just barely audible amidst the rain is her snoring. >Over the past month or so, you've noticed that she doesn't wake up with bedhead anywhere near the degree she used to. >Clear indicator she's been sleeping much more soundly - though you kinda miss the sight of her ruffled and wild hair in the mornings. >With great care, you brush aside her mane with a hand to reveal her face. >At the same time, you notice her ear twitch just a bit, along with a slight disturbance in her snoring. "You awake?" >The snoring halts at once. >"...No," comes a lethargic voice. "Are you?" "I'm not sure yet." >"That doesn't make any sense." "Neither does you telling me you're not awake." >"Maybe I talk in my sleep." >With great care, you use your thumb to raise one of her eyelids for a view of her peepers. >From the darkness appears a faint bluish glow that gradually intensifies, while her pupil adjusts to the sudden intrusion. >"Why?" "I don't know. But I'm not convinced you're asleep. By the way, did you know your eyes don't really glow that much when you... well, when your eyes are closed?" >"I can't say I've ever looked in a mirror while *sleeping*," she counters. "When you say it like that, my question sounds pretty damn stupid." >As she turns her head to face you, the ends of her mouth turn upward. >"Might be more than just the way it sounds." >Her eyes shift away from you and to the window above your head. >"Sure doesn't sound or look like we need to be in a rush to get up today," she comments. "No, not particularly. Best we can do is get orders boxed today." >Midnight nods - or at least as much as she can with her head still resting on your chest. >"I'm okay with that." "Yeah, I think I am too. That was fun having Starla stay with us, but having to keep up with the two of you is tiring after a couple of days." >"Aww, you poor thing," Midnight coos in a sarcastic manner, poking you in the ribs with her hoof. "But you're right, it's nice to be back to... us. Slow down a bit, back to our normal pace." >You reach up with your other hand and boop her nose, which Midnight answers back by blowing a raspberry in a lethargic manner. "So cute." >"Shut up." "Maybe someday you'll learn that isn't an insult." >"Nah." >Midnight straightens up her body, content to now lie beside you, her head resting upon a pillow now. >Her left wing opens up to drape itself over your form.

>>14632 "You really have warmed up to flaunting your wings as of late," you speak up, turning on your side to face her. "What's up with that?" >"I don't really see a problem with it," she replies with an air of uncertainty. "No no, I didn't mean it as a problem, just a curiosity." >"I guess I have em - why not use em? I don't really feel ashamed of them like I was before," she replies, shrugging. "Plus they are handy in a pinch, like scouting." "I don't think you should have ever felt ashamed of them to begin with, Mid." >"Yeah, yeah..." she sasses, trying hard to hide a hint of bashfulness. "Maybe I'm starting to kind of like who I am now." "What changed?" >"Well a lot of shit has changed." >You can't quite tell whether she's being purposely obtuse, or not quite comprehending your question. "I mean to get to thinking like that." >"Yeah, and where do I even begin to answer that?" she responds with her own question. "I honestly didn't recognize - er, accepting who I am, I suppose. I just feel comfortable, y'know?" >You don't have anything to say or add without making her feel more awkward, so you just nod. >"It's hard when you wake up and find something new has been added or changed on you. These wings - they aren't real like most of the rest of me," she continues, fully expanding her wing to the point the tip nearly touches the ceiling fan. "They're from a bot. A Princess Twilight Sparkle bot - not even who I was supposed to be. So yeah, it sort of fucks with you when you start becoming someone's after-school project made up of a bunch of odds and ends." "I'm not trying to stir up any sort of bad memories, Mid," you interrupt. >"I'm fine, Anon. I swear," she assures you, lowering her wing to blanket you again. "I view things a bit differently now that I have others to bounce my thoughts off. But to my point - it took a long time to figure out how to control these - so maybe I wasn't born with em, but I've adapted, grown more accustomed to having them - there comes a point where arguing about who you are is sort of pointless. And honestly, not using these is wasting all the effort I put forth to adapt. I guess I look at it now as squandering something that I could use to my advantage." "Good way to look at it. And they look good on you." >"God, you're just trying to make me feel embarrassed, aren't you?" she asks, hiding her face beneath a hoof. >You ease her leg away from her head to catch sight of the blush she's undoubtedly suffering from. >The red tinge in her cheeks is noticeable even in this rather dim light, aided by the glow from her eyes as she tries to shy away from you. "You blush anymore and you're gonna turn purple, Middie," you tease her. >"Stop being a queer," she mumbles, trying hard not to smile and failing miserably. "Nope, I got you where I want you now," you reply, closing in and rubbing your nose against her snout.

>>14633 >Midnight can't help herself, giggling just a bit even as you can practically feel the heat emanating from her face. >"You're such a jackass." "I aim to please." >Midnight relents just a bit, relaxing as she kisses you. >A fleeting moment, but you got what you wanted, so you give her a bit of space. >But she scoots back up to you anyway. "So you gonna start flying more?" >"Maybe. I'm out of practice - though I was never really *in* practice," she admits. "Kinda hard finding space to fly indoors, particularly when you're in a fish tank ninety percent of the time." "I could see where that might be an issue." >"But, maybe with some time and exercise - it won't be so tiring. That's the biggest issue. I doubt I'm very aerodynamic, either." "I dunno, you cut a pretty damn good-looking figure to me," you gush, tracing lines through the fur on her stomach with your fingers. >"God damn you." >She blushes profusely once again, making you laugh. >She puts in a half-hearted effort to shove you away with both front hooves. "It's just us here." >"It's just us here," she mocks you in a nasally voice. "Aww, someone sounds gwumpy. Maybe you need more sleep," you tease, positioning your other arm to reach above her and run a hand through her mane. >Midnight snorts as her wing raises high enough off of you to come down with a decent whap. >"I'd probably still be sleeping if *someone* hadn't asked me if I was awake." "You were the one that answered." >"Yeah, that was stupid of me in hindsight, knowing now you wanted to torture me." >That makes you scoff. "Turning you into a blushing mess is torture now?" >"Always was," she replies. "You know I only do it because I find it enjoyable. And you keep coming back." >"Stockholm Syndrome." "You got an answer for everything." >"I try," she answers, patting your shoulder with her hoof. "Maybe we could go get the engine block today, huh?" "Mm, maybe. Not quite the end of the week, which is when the shop said it will be done," you remind her. "Also, we haven't gotten the new crankshaft or main bearings yet - so I wouldn't be able to actually do anything with it." >"Hmph. Thanks for crushing my hopes," she grumbles in jest. >Midnight rises up to her hooves, before resorting to a few leisurely stretches. "Could you turn around before you do the face-down ass-up one?" >A pillow is quick to smack you in the face. "Ow." >"Dirty bastard." "We need to buy some new pillows, these are getting too violent," you mumble through linen. >The pillow peels itself away from your head, aided by metal wire cinched around the far end from your face. >That wire releases the pillow to let it flop back on the bed beside you before it slithers its way onto one of your wrists. >"Time to get up, your comments are getting pretty stale this morning," Midnight instructs, gently tugging you to sit upright by her metal ally.

>>14634 "Oh thank god. Here I was thinking you were going to do some really kinky shit to me," you answer back whilst pointing to the makeshift bracelet. >"Oh man, this is gonna be of those days, isn't it?" Midnight sighs as she climbs off of the bed. >Despite that sound of mild frustration, Midnight sports a pleasant grin to greet the dreary morning. > It's the kind that's wide enough to force her fangs to pop out just below her upper lip. >Midnight's wire slips off of your wrist and floats back toward the mare, weaving seamlessly back into her necklace. >With a grunt, you throw your legs over the side of the bed and climb out of bed yourself. "You aren't in a rush to get at it this morning, are you?" >"Pffft, hell no. But I don't want to just lay in bed all day, either," she replies. "Breakfast?" "Eh, unless there's something you want, I'm alright. Probably just a granola bar or something that doesn't require effort." >"I'm fine with some jerky," she replies while heading to the door "Please not the teriyaki - that just does not smell great so early in the morning." >"Aww, poor baby," Midnight coos, stopping just before walking out and turning her head. >She has a devious look on her face that only accentuates her elongated canines. >"I think that's a small price to pay for having your fun." "That just makes me want to do it again tomorrow morning when you say it like that." >"Well, I guess we both have to make sacrifices, huh?" she proposes before sashaying out the door. ----- https://ponepaste.org/8828

>>14634 >Midnight's magnet powers. When she was lifting the engine block think about how much weight was going on her neck, and let's assume that magnet logic negates leverage because it's sci fi. I like to imagine she's just that strong and keeps her neck straight.

>>14635 Sounds like a cozy morning on a rainy day. A nice update.

https://w2g.tv/room/?room_id=cf2w31xlyta6xpswdx Friday night /boot/n'chill

Sunday night chill: https://w2g.tv/room/?room_id=b2969f45iljrgmla0t

>>14717 I'm glad you guys put these on. I don't always catch them, but when I do they tend to be pretty comfy.

https://w2g.tv/?r=wgpxhomcmszr1874kl Saturday evening /boot/n'chill. Bring your waifu, bring your snacks, bring your tunes.

Bootleg one off idea: Advances in soft robotics have leed to edible logic gates and actuated tissue. Anon buys a robot pony but she is made of gummy candy. At first he is put off by the idea, but she insists that she is made to be eaten and will feel sad and rejected if he doesn't consume her. He starts eating cosmetic parts like her mane, tail, and ears. They have different fruit flavors that match their colors. Once those are gone he is forced to consume more important parts like her legs untill she is all gone. This happens over the course of a few weeks and he becomes bonded to her, but he has to do it for her.

>>14899 While it's nice to see new ideas, I think something like that would just make me sad.

Got a little bit of music going before the main show. Ironically The Legacy of Kain is still a shorter view than when I would show all of the Clint Eastwood Dollars trilogy. https://w2g.tv/?r=w2z3pi31q0g3xttt81

w2g?

https://boards.4channel.org/mlp/thread/39964995#p39995402 The PlushShine has landed.

>>15112 Very cute Anon.

>>15112 Congratulations!

>>15112 Should find some boots for them to wear.

>>15124 I am a man of many boots. I'm more interested in seeing them wearing a few of my helmets and field shirts. Though I will admit, I haven't spent much time with either of them. For the same reason I haven't been able to write, things just feel disrupted. I haven't been able to focus. I've been writing, but been writing nothing but random trash that you fire and forget.

>>15112 They're so cute!! What plushmancer did you get them from?

Who's down for a watch2gether tomorrow?

>>15245 Always.

w2g?

>>15259 >>15247 >>15245 https://w2g.tv/?r=4pzlmoogevj89c1z1z Can someone post this to the thread? On VPN through public internet, blanket banned.

>>15260 Had to post a derpy me link, looks like 4chan has recently banned posting w2g links.

>>15260 I'll join in a bit

Holy shit, it's been three months since I've written anything. I got an odd one shot this morning. >"We know you're lying to us - why are you trying to waste our time?" >"Lying about what?" >It pains you to lay on your stomach and watch from a distance, but Anon was adamant he would handle this... >Two men stand at the counter, cornering Anon back behind it on the other side. >Both strangers are dressed in immaculate suits, though with their backs turned, you can't make anything out about them other than the identical buzzcuts they sport. >The one on the left reaches into his pocket, fishing out... something. > It's too quick, and blurry... >"Let's cut to the chase. We have this photo from a bar down the street. That's you, isn't it?" the other guy speaks up. >The small gap between the visitors allows you to see Anon's face as he studies the photo intently. >"Might be me. The lighting kind of sucks," he replies after a moment. >This is your fault. >You should have tried arguing with Anon about this. >You stick out like a sore thumb in looks and personality. >Sooner or later, someone was going to get wind of your unique looks and suspect something. >"Of course it's you. And this here is..." >The man holding the picture gestures to a particular spot of the photo. >"Why didn't you ask the bar? They were the ones that hired the entertainment," Anon responds with a calm and cool demeanor. >One of the men sighs. >"You realize being difficult is only going to make this worse for you, yes?" the other speaks up. "We have this photo, and numerous eyewitness testimonies." >"Do I get to speak to these supposed witnesses?" >"So you can intimidate them? I think not." >"That hardly seems fair. How do I know *you* aren't lying?" >The man on the right reaches down to his side in a slow, calculated manner. >"You realize harboring one of these biological experiments is a federal crime, right?" >"Oh good, here I thought you were with the EPA," Anon replies with a dab of sarcasm. "Not that I'm worried about back there, particularly the fifth row, all the way to the right. Totally not a chemical pit." >"We aren't interested in taking a gander at your junkyard, but we'll be sure to pass that information through the correct channels, Anonymous." >You can see Anon visibly deflate at that misdirection gone awry. >"Should we just bring him in?" the suit on the left asks, glancing at his partner through black sunglasses. >"I think we will get more from him here, we just need the right... technique." >In an instant, the man on the right jerks his hand up from his side, wielding an object that he uses to strike Anon across the face. >Your muscles tense as you fight the urge to leap from your hiding spot. >Anon groans as he brings a hand to his cheek, while the suit that just assaulted him straightens back up, pointing- >A gun.

>>15358 >"I'm done fucking around! We've tried being patient, but you're treating this serious matter as a joke!" >"It is pretty odd you two are obsessed with a pony. Can't find a girl that wants you?" Anon retorts. >Anon, why the fuck are you being- >A shot rings out, making you jump. >Anon clutches his arm in agony as he staggers back, crimson liquid beginning to already seep from underneath his grip and between his fingers. >"Another joke, perhaps? I have a few more rounds I can plug in you before you keel over." >"Or you can make it quick and put one between my eyes. Get fucked - I don't know anything." >"Makes it easy for us, we'll just bulldoze the place. One way or another, we'll eliminate what we need to." >"And if you're wrong? Are we just going to chalk this up as another Ruby Ridge?" >"I've had enough of this shit." >The man cocks his gun and aims it directly at his head. >"Go ahead, pussy." "Anon, no!" >You leap out of your junk pile in a flash, unwilling to see anything worse transpire. >But... >No one moves. >Everything seems frozen in time. >You take a step forward, proving to yourself everything is... normal? >At least for you. >Did... >Do you have special powers over time or something? >"While I am glad I was able to step in before any further events, I must apologize for allowing this to go on as long as it has." >A foreign voice echoes from above, as if from the heavens themselves. >You shift your gaze around with unease - though the ceiling is... well, right there above you. "...what?" >One by one, both the men in the suits and Anon dissolve away into dust, blown away without a sound by a light breeze. >Your eyes remain focused on the area around the counter by this oddity as new form steps up behind the counter, rearing up and resting her hooves upon the dingy countertop. >The stained linoleum stands as a stark contrast to the shimmering silver slippers the newest arrival sports - as well as the immaculate navy blue coat and ethereal mane. >Her turquoise eyes widen with surprise as she takes stock of you, seemingly for the first time. >Though you know her all too well. "This is what I get for Anon and I getting bored enough to watch your episodes the other night," you groan, rolling your eyes as you bring a hoof to your head. "At least this is a fruity dream now with Princess Luna rather than... whatever that was." >"Y-yes. You are dreaming. I must say I am questioning myself at the moment," Princess Luna murmurs. "Right..." >You can only stare in a bit of disbelief, while Luna seems to be doing the same, at least initially. >At some point in this little standoff, she relaxes, looking... beyond you. "Am... should I be controlling this dream? Waking up?" you ask no one in particular. "What the hell is going on?" >"My apologies while I... understand this," Luna speaks up in a soft voice. "Tell me, what is your name?" >Seriously? "Anon is gonna have fun with this if I start mumbling in my sleep again..." >"Pardon?"

>>15359 >May as well go along with the charade your head is spinning up at the moment. "Midnight." >Luna beckons for you to step up to the counter, where a bar stool suddenly appears. >Seeing no other recourse, you close the short distance between you and her and take a seat. >She continues to study you in silence. "So... what are we doing here? Giving me advice on what that nightmare was about?" >"I am gathering what I need..." >As she speaks, her eyes begin to glow. >Barely noticeable at first, but before long, her eyes are lost in a blinding white light. >Behind her, the back wall begins to move, growing nearer to her back, while the ancient dusty shelves begin to multiply and shift. >As the worn wood slowly begins to obtain a luster of fresh varnish, bottles begin to appear, slowly filling the voids. >As it begins to look like a bar, you note how the various bottles of shapes, sizes, and colors lack any sort of labels, though they all seem to contain... >Something. >Whatever liquid inside them all seems to move. >"Stars above..." she says after a spell, the light dissipating. >At this point, even the counter before you which Luna leans upon has changed into a well-cared bar top. "You never did any of this in the show. You always just know others." >"Right... things are a little different in reality," she replies, turning away toward the wall. "Reality. You wanna try that again?" >"I mean to say how you are... imagining me. In your mind, your dream," she corrects. >Her magic begins to pull a few bottles off of the shelves with meticulous care, looking for certain liqueurs. "Ah, I had alcohol last night before bed, didn't I? This is why everything seems so fucked up." >"More than likely, yes. Alcohol can lead to some curious results in the dream realm," Luna agrees with a sharp abruptness. >Whatever. >Just go with it, Mid. >As Luna turns around, she suddenly sports a white button-up dress shirt that cuts off down near the end of her rib cage, accented by a charcoal grey vest left open to reveal a red tie. >You eye her with a mixture of confusion and suspicion. >"I may as well complete the look, no?" she says with a giggle. "I would have expected something more... frilly. Girly." >"It's your dream. Is that what you want?" "Nevermind. I don't want to be sending the wrong signals here." >This is confusing as hell. >Aided by magic from Luna, a few bottles set themselves before you on the counter. >"You have been through a lot, Midnight. Far more than I expected to see." "And you expected to see what, exactly?" >Rather than answer, Luna taps one of the bottles to direct your attention. >Through the glass, you now see the movement earlier wasn't sloshing liquid... >They're memories. >Your memories. >You see the lab where you were kept - and tear yourself away almost instantly as you start to spy the beginnings of some of the 'tests' and 'experiments.' >A chill runs down your spine, unable to keep from picturing some of the more painful moments.

>>15360 >"You fought through that, you overcame those odds, and even though further trials lay ahead..." >Another instance of hoof upon glass draws your attention to the next bottle. >You watch in wonder at your first memories of the junkyard, making a home for yourself while figuring out how to keep yourself alive. >Reading through books, learning what the hell the outside world was about and how you could find a way to fit in. >"You are a fighter, Midnight," Luna speaks in an encouraging tone. "You haven't let the odds dissuade you at any moment." >Anon's face appears in the memory. >The first day you came face to face with him. >Man, that was risky. >And you watch as some of your many arguments and standoffs flash by. >"But look what has become of everything you have fought through and every risk you have taken, Midnight," Luna cheers, pointing to the last bottle of the counter. >You watch as you see the days of bringing the junkyard back to solvency, your interactions with Anon become more amicable, friendly, even. >And beyond. >You also spy Starla, Teddy, and some of the various trips and excursions you've been on, with Anon by your side. >As nice as it is to take a jaunt through memory lane, you haven't the foggiest of what Luna is trying to get at. "Neat, I guess," you say, trying to play it cool and not completely lost in the plot. >"Indeed. But through everything you have worked through, and laying the past to rest, you still hold a great fear in your heart," Luna replies, her voice growing colder. >The first and last bottles in the lineup levitate, pitching themselves over into a stainless drink shaker that manifests just before the liquids hit the bar top. >"I understand your worries - of the past and present converging," Luna continues as the bottles disappear, leaving the mixer to begin shaking at a feverish pitch. "You've moved on and laid your ire to rest, but you can't let go of what unholy concoction could come from moving on." >As she finishes, the shaker stops, dropping to the counter and tipping over, the lid popping off. > Pitch-black ichor spreads across the varnished wood, painting unspeakable pictures of outcomes befalling those who you love and care about. >Thoughts and dreams you've had before. >Because in the end - you're still a fugitive. >As much as you've enjoyed going out beyond the gates of the junkyard - despite your initial reluctance, of course - being seen in public is a chance to be caught. >It's always been in the back of your mind... >You squeeze your eyes shut, eager to avoid the images in the growing puddle in front of you as your heart races. "And what if it does happen? What if these things come true?" you demand. >Your breath catches in your throat. >Fear grips you as those images fight through the darkness, beginning to manifest in your head. "How do I live with myself - if I'm even unfortunate enough to still be living?!" >The overwhelming headrush leaves you feeling tipsy and off-balance.

>>15361 > But a gentle touch upon your foreleg pulls you away before those thoughts can play out or throw you into the void. >Opening your eyes, Luna rests her barrel across the bar and the black stain upon it to reach out to you, her leg grasping yours. > It's only now you realize you've begun to slip off of your seat. >"Indeed. 'What if' is exactly as it sounds," Luna answers, barely above a whisper. >With her aid as she leans back, you pull yourself back onto your stool properly. >"What if you had failed to escape? What if your first run-in with Anonymous had gone awry? What if Teddy had turned out not to be so friendly?" "Well... at the time I didn't have anything to really lose," you mumble in response. "Or didn't realize what I had. But now that - where I am now is different. You know? I'm putting people I give a damn about in danger." >Luna gives a slight nod, but doesn't seem particularly moved by your argument. >Once again, she turns her back to focus on the shelves stocked with alcohol. >Eventually, she picks out three more bottles from the display. >As they gently set down upon the black-puddled bar top, you note these three are labeled. >The first - a green bottle, has Anon's face plastered upon it. >The second - amber-colored, sports Starla with her welcoming smile. >Curious, Luna turns it back around to take a gander again. >"Well, there are certainly some strange parallels..." she muses, before setting it back down along with the last bottle. >A clear bottle, brandished with Teddy's face. >"All three of these know your background and what being around you entails. Even in your darkest moments, they have been beside you. Yet looking through your memories, I don't see an ounce of regret or uncertainty from them being with you. 'What if' does not cross their mind - or if it does, they don't allow it to sway them away from you." >As Luna speaks to you, the bottles seem to suck up and evaporate the liquid on the counter until the immaculate surface shines through once again. "Maybe..." >"My point being is you can't let what-ifs stop you from moving forward. You've come so far, Midnight. There's no telling what heights you can reach. There will always be a what if, and while it is perfectly normal to have reservations - healthy, if I may add - you can't let them consume your life and how you live it." "Thanks, I guess. I didn't really think it was bothering me, but... I feel better. Lighter in a sense," you comment. >It really does feel like things are just... >Brighter. >This has been one fucked up dream, but you can't deny it all clicks, at least from a Luna lesson standpoint. >"As much as I would love to stay and have a more vested discussion, I am afraid my time here is up," Luna says, sounding a bit forlorn as she taps her hoof on the counter. >In the blink of an eye, the garage appears as it always has, the back wall the normal distance and plain brick and mortar.

>>15362 >Luna sports her usual regalia as well, though her visage is graced with a beaming smile. >"Take care of yourself Midnight. It's good to see what's become of you is positive," she says, opening her wings. >That last sentence strikes you as... off - even if this is a dream. "Wait, what does that mean?" >You don't get an answer before the blaring sound of an alarm jolts you away. >Sure enough, cracking open your eyes shows you in bed, Anon beside you. >He's still sound asleep despite the godawful racket of the alarm on his side of the bed, on the table. >You poke him with your hoof. "It's for you." >"Tell em to call back then," he mumbles. "I'll throw the alarm if you don't get it." >Anon groans as he rolls over. >"I'd call your bluff, but I don't want to risk having to do drywall." "I never said where I'd throw it." >The alarm cuts off before Anon rolls back over to face you. >"You already look like you're up and raring to go. Scare you out of a deep sleep?" he quips. "Eh, weird dreams. Shouldn't have tapped the bottle before bed last night, I guess," you dismiss him. >Instead, you get a queer expression from Anon before he rubs his eyes. "The hell was that look for?" >"Unless you got a secret stash of booze somewhere, we don't have any. I killed the last bit of rum two days ago." "Oh..." >Well shit. >Apparently you just had a really, really weird imagination overnight. >"You okay?" "Yeah, why?" >"You just look bewildered." >Well now that you uttered such a big word first thing in the morning, I am," you gasp. >"Ha, funny," he sasses, sitting up. "Seriously though, you wanna talk about your dream?" >You briefly consider it but... >Where to even begin? >At the end of it all, you feel like something in your head has clicked. >Through the rises and falls, you feel sorted out. >Renewed. >And left wondering about some of those words and dismissals your dream with Luna had to share... >But, those are best left to sort out another time. "Nah, don't worry about it." ----- https://ponepaste.org/9021 I personally don't know what to make of this - it's an idea that's been in my head for quite a while, probably fitting best early on in Part 5. But what is it? Is it part of the story? Is it just a dream? Is there more to it than that? That's up for (You) to decide, because I don't know.

>>15363 Wow, honestly just... wow! Hyped to learn out where do you intend to bring it.

>>15365 I sent some mixed signals I didn't mean to - before I say anything else, the plurality of the title was in reference to Middie having awful thoughts and dreams like this before, and 'is there more to it than that?' in reference to it being just a dream or something beyond that. This is meant to be a one-shot. I never say never, but that is all I have planned for that paste. Quite honestly, I didn't feel that great about posting it at all after I wrote it. But your comment really means a lot, even if I may have given you too much hype. I have many ideas I can never flesh out and just fade away, but this one has stuck with me for well over a year now, and I just decided it needed to be tapped, for better or worse. I guess in a sense, it's an odd crossover of my undying love for Luna, and my beloved bootleg of her darker side. I feel a bit better about how it came out now, though I still leave it up to the reader on what it really is. At least this particular idea didn't take me seven years to finally pull the trigger.

>>15363 Finally something in this thread! It's been dead for a while. That was a very intense little green, a bit of a rollercoaster. I think it fits perfectly as an optional headcanon because it doesn't effect the rest of the story.

>>15363 That was a vivid dream, incredible. I love how you do these one shots where they can fit in seemingly anywhere. Definitely fun with the ambiguity at the end having Midnight question just how real that Luna was. Addresses what looks to be Middie's greatest fear: being found out and losing everyone. Luna's presence certainly helped, but I imagine there will always be a little something nagging at the back of Midnight's mind. But perhaps a little paranoia is not the worst? Keeps her on the lookout, from doing anything too risky, because there is a genuine risk. Just how immediate that risk is I don't think anybody in the story truly knows. They know there are those people out there, detectors, but just how common are they and just how likely is it that they'd pick up on her? Hard to say. At the same time she shouldn't be paralyzed by fear. It is good and important for her to go out and experience life. So there will always be a balancing act I think between the two extremes. I am very excited to see Midnight back, to see activity in the thread, and to see you again Auto. Thank you for the horsewords and I look forward to the continuation of Midnight.

>>15373 >>15377 Danke, guys. I hope I'm back on a more regular basis. While I think I got a bit burnt out, another writing project and real-life projects and frustrations/anxiety really took their toll on me. I stalled out early May with the next update to Midnight - but that will likely be posted by this time tomorrow morning. I'm glad to see across two boards, there's been a lot of enjoyment in this one shit. I suppose some of that has to do with the hunger for new green. But it really was nice to do a dream sequence green again with moonhorse in her element (first time in Midnight) - whether real or not doesn't matter much. If an idea comes along that fits, there might be another installment in this one shit. But that's also a dangerous path to tightrope, as I do want to keep this separate and ambiguous. Time will tell.

>>14635 >Rather than piss the whole day away lazing about, you started tackling a project that had languished for far too long. >Setting up new lights in the storage room. >Considering almost a quarter of the shop lights never came on when you flipped the light switch the first time, it was an upgrade to LEDs well overdue. >...and the lights you bought have sat in their boxes in a corner of the shop for over a month. >It's really something only *you* need - when Midnight is searching for a part in this room, she doesn't bother with the lights half the time. >As you unhook the last chain holding this fixture to the ceiling, it is taken by Midnight's ability, who stands beside you. >The new fixture is already on its way up before you even ask. "Man, this is going smoother than I thought." >"Did you really think it was going to be a pain?" Midnight asks. "I couldn't remember if the old ones were all wired in, or just plugged into an outlet," you explain. "I'll still have to do some wiring to add a few outlets for the ones that were wired in - but looks like most of em are plug and play." >"And there was a mix and match in here because..." "Hey, this wasn't my doing," you protest in response to Middie's challenging tone. "I've only ever changed bulbs in here - all of this existed when I bought the place." >She narrows her eyes, trying to discern whether you're being honest. "Don't look at me in that tone of voice." >Rather than answer, her eyes glow brighter as she continues to play with you. "Indoor voice, please," you add while stringing up the new light on the old hooks. >You don't warn her before plugging it in, the bright white LEDs making her recoil as she shut her eyes in an instant. >"Dickhead." "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes." >"That never stops you." "I like stupid prizes." >You get a snort from Midnight as you clamber down your ladder, moving it around a shelf while she takes care of the old fixture. >"Maybe we ought to reorganize the storage room today while we're at it?" Midnight suggests from outside. >Ha. >You don't answer her, choosing instead to wait for her to return with the next light as you unplug the next in sequence. >"I know you heard me." "I never said I didn't." >"Why must you be so obtuse?" she whines. "Because you're acute." >You get a deadpan stare for your efforts. "A. Cute," you reaffirm, pointing to her in time with each syllable. >"I can accidentally shove this up your ass when I pass it off to you," she comments, waggling the light fixture in a lazy motion. "Oh, you know how to start me up, don't you?" >"Aaanyway," Midnight spouts, sidestepping your idiocy for the time being. "I recall your bitching and moaning any time you have to come in here and stumble around - what else have we got to do today? As you said, this is going well - we'll be done in no time at this pace." "But this is supposed to be an easy day!" you whine in an exaggerated fashion.

>>15409 >Midnight can only roll her eyes as you drop the light down and off to her, while she passes you the new one. "Eh, if that's what you want to do, we can at the very least get started. >Midnight perks up at that before once again heading out of the storage room with the old fixture. >Now you just need to put both your heads together to think of the best way to organize. >Right now, everything is relatively sorted by make. >But the way the shelves have essentially been brought in and set up in an unplanned fashion means it truly is a bit of a maze to navigate. "Do you have any ideas on how this should be done?" you call out after her. "Other than moving shelving units? Or was that it?" >"Not... particularly," she responds, her voice hesitating again until she reappears in the doorway. "I figured you had an idea." "Huh. That might be a problem then." >Midnight frowns, disappointed by this abrupt setback. >"I guess that will wait another day then. I'll give it some thought." >As you gander at the shelves in a new and brighter light, it's apparent that this room isn't filled to capacity as it once was. >After all, the only reason this became such a useful storage room was a result of Midnight pulling apart engines during her first few weeks working with you. >Now - most of the time if you need an engine part, you and Midnight either find a car with the needed engine or the engine itself you occasionally purchase and pull the parts then and there if it isn't in the storage room. >There's no cycle of replenishment. "Should we just use this room to mark and sort orders as we bring them up and offload them from the truck?" you suggest. "Probably be a lot better than laying them in piles on the floor." >"Not a bad idea. You want to do away with tearing down engines in advance altogether?" "We haven't been doing that," you remind her. >"But we could. I could," Midnight chips in. "Yeah..." >You trail off, trying to consider what would be the best use for this room. >Some of the parts on the shelves haven't moved since they were placed in here ages ago. >That's not exactly purposeful use of space... >"Half and half, perhaps?" "Possibility. You wouldn't happen to know what we sell out of our inventory in here, would you?" >"Not in detail off of the top of my head. A lot of timing covers across most makes, oil pans, quite a few stock intakes. A few crankshafts, but much on other internals like camshafts, to be honest." >Funny, you happen to be staring at a bumpstick that's been in here a few years, judging by the blanket of cobwebs branching off of the geared snout. >"Heads seem to depend on the make - not much when it comes to Ford or Chevy considering what I've seen of the aftermarket supply, but Lincoln, Cadillac, some oddball niche parts or high flow performance parts like Chrysler 340 heads - those go pretty well." "I thought you didn't have details, nerd," you comment, turning to her.

>>15410 >"Eat a dick," she retorts, finishing off by sticking her tongue out at you in a childish manner. "So yeah, there's some stuff in here that maybe we shouldn't bother with." "But some is good to have on hand because we go through it." >Midnight nods. >"I don't think we should throw out what we haven't sold, but... well, I don't know. It takes up space that could be better utilized. I certainly don't like piling customer parts off in a corner of the shop." "Nor do I. Because someone ends up yelling at me when we have to search for something," you mumble, hanging your head as you pout - but making sure to keep your eyes locked on Midnight. >"It motivates you more than anything else, doesn't it?" she proposes, looking amused and just a little prideful. >Rather than wait for you to come up with a silly answer, Midnight trots past you, beginning to seize some of the aforementioned internal engine parts off of the shelves before turning and heading back out. "Put em on some junk carpeting off to the side somewhere, not concrete," you remind her. >"Please, you insult me. I'm not a rookie," Midnight answers back. >Taking her lead, you grab a couple of camshafts from nearby to begin sorting out this room properly. >Midnight is much more efficient than you, able to levitate several pieces away from each other, while even with the camshafts, you can only do one in each hand. >Too easy to nick the finish - which could potentially make them useless. >Even despite your comparatively feeble workload, all the parts that have been languishing for some time end up evacuated to a far corner of the garage within a half hour. >Of course, that was only part of the task - everything else still on the shelves needed to be condensed into one area to make room for orders awaiting shipment. >But with everything going so well, you decided to test your luck... "So, what's the big secret between you and Starla?" >"Hm?" >While she plays coy, it isn't hard to spot her jaw clench upon hearing your question as you both rummage through the remaining items on the shelves. "Something that she was going to discuss with you further at some point." >"We discussed a lot of things during her stay." >Dare you press further? >Of course you do. "Yeah, but she made the effort to shout out the truck window before leaving, so it must have been something major, y'know?" >"Mmm, nope. Not sure what it was," she replies in a carefree, dismissive manner. "Maybe I'll have to email her, pretending to be you." >"Really, you would be that petty?" she responds, still calm and collected as she awards you a glance. >You have to just relent at this point, your shoulders slumping in disappointment. "I've run out of tricks, haven't I?" you ask her. >"More that I can smell your bullshit from a mile out. You care too much to be that nosy and disrespectful," she explains. "Way to take the fun out of it. You could have at least pretended to get all upset and flustered."

>>15411 >"Oh, but you're doing that for *my* amusement now," she teases, flashing you a cocky smile. "I don't think I like you anymore," you pout. >Midnight cackles at your response before returning her focus to the task at hand. >"By the way..." "Hm?" >"If a package shows up addressed to me, don't open it." "You're really trying to aggravate my curiosity, aren't you?" >"Maybe," she comments, keeping her eyes averted from you. >You lean over and gently flick one of her ears. >A lack of attentiveness on her part means you get a slightly startled jump from Midnight, followed by a spastic twitching of her ear. >"Prick," she grumbles "Oh hush, that didn't hurt." >Mindful of her horn, Midnight cocks her head sideways and gives you a firm headbutt. >"You're still a prick." "Ow..." >You cradle your side, sniffling as if she's really injured you. >"C'mon, we got enough space cleared to bring it pulled orders," Midnight says, flaring out a wing to brush against you as she trots by. "Hey, you made you boss hoss?" you retort. >"Mm, no one. I just took the reins," she replies, cracking a wry grin at her own pun. "That was fucking terrible." >"So was your comment," she argues. "It was less shit. It sounded decently casual." >Rather than respond with words, Midnight raises her eyebrows and shakes her head sharply in defiance. >You do the exact opposite, widening your eyes as you nod your head at a fervent pitch. >"What a compelling argument," she comments. "But still, no." "Bastard." >"Dumbass." >She disappears out of sight beyond the door frame, but not before waving a hoof to beckon you to follow. >You really appreciate her motivation to try getting this garage to work more efficiently. >But damn - you might end up doing more work on a rainy day - which was traditionally a day off. >Nevertheless - she seems to really be enjoying this today. >As you round the corner and head toward the closest pile of orders... >Midnight is nowhere to be seen. >Uh... "Midnight?" >"Yes?" >You about jump out of your skin hearing Midnight's lazy response directly behind you. "You son of a-" >You turn around as you finally hear her hoofsteps, finding Midnight trotting in place with glee. >"Hah, I still got it!" she crows, coming off of her high as she takes a calculated, silent step toward you in demonstration.

>>15412 "You won't be laughing when you give me a heart attack sneaking around and spooking me like that." >"On the other hand, there's plenty of car batteries laying around to jumpstart your heart if need be," she responds, hardly missing a beat. "How the hell did you get behind me, anyway? I saw you walk out this way." >"Ah, I can't divulge my secrets," she muses with an emphasis in her voice, even as she ruffles her folded wings. "You're getting a bell on you whether you like it or not." >Midnight trots past you, emitting a short cackle of laughter. >"Now what would be the fun in that?" "Not pissing my pants?" >Midnight whirls around, rearing up to place her hooves on your shoulders. >"Shame. That sounds like a 'you' problem." "Not if I kick you out of bed," you threaten with a big smile. >"Come on, that's my go-to ultimatum," Midnight whines, her devilish grin disappearing. "Too bad, now I'm using it." >Midnight's nostrils flare as she exhales in mock frustration. >"Fine then." > It's the only words she utters before moving a hoof from your shoulder, up to your face and- >"Boop." >Her hoof gently touches the tip of your nose. >"Fair's fair, right?" she challenges. "It's not as cute as when I do it." >"Even though I don't do cute at all. "Of course." -----

>>15413 Love to see more Midnight. Looks like they're continuing to clean up their operation at the scrapyard. Middie's done some wonders to that place. As always, thanks for the update Auto.

Ah damn, 4chan thread got archived, this is what I get for going to bed early.

>THREAD DEAD Goddamit I was going somewhere with that green. I guess this means I have to archive my shit I didn't already have in a doc, too. It's a damn shame, but with all those random threads that were popping up recently, I'm not too surprised.

>>15434 I blame the tffags making more than usual

>>15435 But no you're right, there was a big jump in threads that dont even have 10 replies when I woke up

>>15435 Post them here too. I haven't been able to do much of anything at all with /bootleg/ since the fire. Got normal internet back up but otherwise I'm kinda displaced and got enough clothes to fill out a rucksack and loadout bag and that's about it. Save for desktop, laptop, and smaller handheld gadgets. I'm guessing writing would help. I just need to be able to focus.

I'll just preface this with the fact that I started having this idea after making that shitpost with the pink Dash with the unfortunate name and wanted to elaborate further on the concept. Maybe this will wind up being something I do more of, I haven't thought that far ahead. This is that thing I posted in the (late) /mlp/ thread, but with some more time to add onto it. -Bootlegs Anonymous: Coffee Run- >Another month, another BA meeting. >And another morning of snack preparations. >You walk on over to the kitchen table and sit down with a sigh. >You then take a sip from your day old coffee and admire the stack of goodies that you now have to lug into your minivan. >All that's left are those batches of- >"Peanut-butter cookies!" >You peer into the kitchen proper and spot an excited unicorn staring at a pan of uncooked balls of cookie dough next to a somewhat frazzled pegasus with a tiny beret resting on her head. >She wanted a 'baking hat thingy', but you couldn't find a chef's toque on short notice, so you improvised. >With how happy she was when you showed her, you guess you did decent enough. >An assortment of baking supplies are strewn about the place, but luckily, it doesn't seem like they've made much of a mess yet. >"Isn't Miss Quiet allergic to peanuts...?" >"Nope! She just doesn't *like* peanuts. She can't even be allergic to begin with! But that being said... I'm pretty sure Mister A is, so I think we should have a backup that hasn't been contaminated by peanut... uh... peanut essence?" >Waltz nods knowingly. >"Oooh... Okay! I'll make sure we have an alternative to the peanut-butter cookies. Maybe um... Maybe some sugar cookies that look like little sheep? I have a really nice recipe riiight… here?” She pauses as she peers into a drawer in the kitchen. “Uhm… It’s here s-somewhere! One moment please…" >She frantically rummages through the drawer, a worried look on her face. >But that doesn’t last long, as her eyes widen and she lets out a sigh of relief. >”Thank goodness… I thought I lost you.” >Waltz hums a familiar tune as she lifts a colorful piece of paper up and out of the drawer while Jive isn’t looking, >You can’t read what is said from here, especially since it was facing away from you, but you can see that there’s a wobbly drawing of a happy ewe munching on a cookie on the other side. The words ‘Ewe are my best friend!’ crudely drawn at the top of the paper. >You fondly remember the first batch of ‘friendship sugar cookies’ she made before she really knew how to bake. >It was lumpy and clearly had too much butter, but it was a pretty decent start for somepony who had never baked before. >You will admit that it was a little hard to eat, though. >You’re pretty sure it had some eggshell in it or something. >But the look on her face was worth it, and with how many of them Jive put down, you guess it was an all round success. >She’s come a long way, that’s for sure. >Both in the baking and shyness department. >And you’re really proud of her for that. >Once she finishes her little celebration, she taps Jive’s back with a wing, getting her attention. >"Look Jive! I found it!" >Waltz, with her mocha coat and lazy eye, grins and lifts up the piece of paper with her wing and shows it to her slightly smaller twin, Jive. Who's chipped horn sparks a little as she squints at the recipe. >"Yeah... those could work wonders, Waltz! Good job.” Jive snickers a little and gives Waltz a playful push with a forehoof. “Sheep for BA, huh? Ain’t that a little on the nose?" >Waltz giggles. "Mmhm! I think it’s quite fitting! I've been tweaking the recipe a lot lately and I think it's just about time to give it an honest shot in the dark! If uhm- if that makes sense." >She turns to you and waves. "Mister C? How's the egg situation?"

>>15443 >You rub your chin, trying to calculate how many eggs they've used so far. "Hmm... Probably not enough for another batch, I suppose. I'll go over to the store and grab another carton tout de suite." >Waltz ooo's a little. “French! Very classy, sir.” “Eh, I just heard it on TV.” >Jive trots on over, a look on her face you know all too well. "And yes, I'll grab some coffee on the way back, Java." >She trails a hoof on the table. "Good coffee…?" >You chuckle. "Yeah yeah, I'll snag the good stuff." >You turn your attention to Waltz, who was looking up at you expectantly from behind the kitchen counter. "How about you, Malt? Any demands?" >She ruffles her wings and smiles. >"I wouldn't mind some chai tea, sir. If- If that's okay, I mean." “It’s all good, Malty.” >You ruffle Java’s mane and she giggles. “The extortionist was *this* little mare!” >”Extort? Pfft, not in the slightest! All I did was *ask*.” “Uh-huh, while giving me the saddest set of puppy dog eyes I’ve grown to know so well?” >She shrugs, her innocent facade fading quite rapidly. “Well, It’s your fault for being such a pushover.” >You let out a sigh and smile. “Huh, I guess I am. It’s just so hard, ya know?” >She nods, a coy smile on her face. “Of course! I’m just hard to resist, ya know?” “Copying, huh? How low we’ve fallen…” >”I’d say I haven’t gone low enough!” >Java’s ears perk up at Malt clearing her throat. >”I think I can resist you quite well!” “Eh, I’d say we’re in the same boat, Malt. She simply can’t be trusted!” >Malt shakes her head with a theatrically somber pout on her face. “I never knew I had such a dubious little sister…” >Java scoffs and plays into the moment. “Just devious, you say? I’m downright devilish! I even got a horn to prove it!” >She sticks out her tongue as her horn sparks and you can’t help but laugh. “Whatever you say, Javabean.” >You get up with a stretch and nod curtly to Malt, who nods back with a loose salute and starts putting the peanut-butter cookies into the oven. >You then turn to Jive and smile. “I’ll get going then and grab your *uber* expensive coffee.” >In actuality, it wasn’t *that* expensive. You just like to tease her about it, even if it usually doesn’t faze her. >Java grins. "Just think of it as payment for being the bestest baking club in all of BA history!" “Despite only announcing the club’s existence at the last meeting?” >Malt tilts her head. "I also think we're the *only* baking club in all of BA history, Java." >Java gestures dismissively. "It is what it is... BUT!" >She turns to you with a literal sparkle in her eye. >"But soon enough? We're gonna have a ton of members and be super famous and make lotsa moolah! I mean, who can resist baked goods? No one!" >You share a brief moment of amused eye contact with Malt. "Java dear... it's charity work." >She blinks. >...And then pouts a little as Malt stifles a laugh. >"We're doing this for free?”

>>15444 Just bootleg ponies being cute, nice. Would love to join their club.

https://ponepaste.org/9042 Displacement. Started it after seeing the homeless pony thread. Good timing.

>>15450 Neat! I'm glad that thread wound up with some green. Anon & Anon(mare) is a pairing that always seemed funny to me in a cosmic sort of way.

>>15451 It is a bit odd, because Anon is a name... and a title. So what happens when you have two that would dare share the same name? Unless our human Anon has a different idea. It also grows on the name of the green which doubles as the theme: displacement. Anonmare was given a ticket to Equestria... as a filly. So that's no more old life, no more vidya, no more hands. Given she's led a full enough life to end up as a mare, she's also completely different than when she was a filly. Which is already a lifetime ago from when Anonmare was just another Anon. Then we have Anon himself. Still a human, but displaced all the same. Ponies may be aware of humans, but only through a very narrow viewpoint. Who knows how they're going to act toward them. And we have no clue how Anonmare is going to act because she's still a chubby dork mare. Anon is a human, with hands. And vidya. And a male. As usual, I have zero clue what'll happen with it but it will be interesting to see two Anons explore the same place, at the same time, with drastically different experiences.

>>15413 Nice to get two Midnight greens in a row! I missed her. >>15443 This looks interesting. Looking forward to reading it tomorrow, but I have to go to be now.

>>15444 Cute!

700k words reached. Also, when should we restart thread?

>>15472 Actually making some progress on Rosie again

>>15486 Blondino, shot you an email.

>>15472 Can try monday, since the weekend always splits attention between the w2g and thread

>>15492 Speaking of: https://w2g.tv/?r=q98n3jv4qzdyegzgg0 Give a hobo /boot/man some tunes.

I think PinkRD and the bootleg anonymous is a fun little ideas, but I think she'd be rolling and trolling with it also yes I still exist

>>15500 That is a cute boot.

>>15500 Cute PinkDashie! Yeah, I definitely think that after the initial shock and embarrassment of realizing what her name was, she'd probably find it humorous. It'd probably take a bit, but she's a Dash after all, so she'd bounce back. I kinda imagined it like as if a doll gained sentience and found out it's kid named it 'asshole' instead of something normal, though in this case, it was probably just a programmer or whatever dicking around and got the name ingrained in an actual bot by accident and it never got picked up because >bootleg, so no one was checking all that carefully. Unfortunate, but not on purpose or anything. I'm sure she'll turn around and be just as energetic as any Dash, if maybe a little more reserved. Kinda. The whole 'bootlegs anonymous' thing is something I really enjoyed and I intend to do more dumb mini greens related to it since I like the setting. Maybe I could do crossovers or something. I did have an idea with Rads and Snowy. Speaking of BA... I think I'll probably post that thing with Java Jive and Malt Waltz in the new thread once it's up. I've got a few more things I want to do with that one.

>>15500 fug I almost forgot but I just wanted to say I really dig your stuff. Keep up the good work!

>>15506 Bootlegs Anonymous reminds me of the old days with hassenfeld hotline service with anons calling in for questions and problems related to their hassenfeld ponies gone wrong.

>>13932 https://ponepaste.org/4579#1233 … >The weekend has since come and gone, the rest of Saturday and the entirety of Sunday spent simply relaxing. >Today however has felt off- a sort of malaise hung heavy in the air. >A glance at the clock on the wall tells you that Anon should already be done with his work for today. >Normally once he ‘clocks out’, he comes out of his room and joins you in watching whatever you have on at the time. >Instead the door to his room appears closed, with no signs of it intending to open any time soon. >You hit pause on the remote, and listen closely to check if there is any sound coming from the room. >... >Nothing. >A quick hop and the clop of hooves against wood brings you to the floor from the couch. >That sound of hooves and wood serves as your only companion as you approach the door. >The lights have been turned off. >As you reach to check and see if the door will open, your ear flicks at the sound of something quiet. >Anon’s saying something, just barely above a whisper. >Or…is he singing? >”Suddenly every machine stopped at once, and the monitors beeped the last time. Hundreds of thousands of hospital beds, and all of them empty but mine…” >There was something about his voice, like something was on the verge of breaking. >Without thinking, you push on the door and it swings open. >Anon is lying on his bed, head up and eyes squinting at you as light pours into the room. >Once his eyes readjust he pulls out the headphones he had in and says, “Sorry, was I singing too loud?” You shake your head, “Are you okay? You sounded really sad.” >”Just a little tired, is all, didn’t sleep well last night.” he responds. “Is it something to do with Dawn or Sonata?” He shakes his head, “Nothing you need to worry about,” his head hits the pillow again, “You can go back to watching your show, I have an alarm set for when it’s time for you to go to bed, so I’ll be up then to make sure you can sleep.” >Something about this doesn’t sit right with you. >As he lay there, you take the time to go back into the living room and use the remote he programmed to turn off the lights and the TV, before heading back to his room. >You hopped onto the bed and laid down next to him. >Anon stirs at your sudden presence. >”You don’t have to do this.” >With a hoof you lift his arm by the wrist and place it on top of your head. >His reaction is automatic, and he starts to pet your mane. >Originally, you were a bit put off by it, only some part deep within you finding any joy in it. >From those memories or nightmares you’ve had, nothing in them had hands. >Perhaps your initial thoughts about it were caused by, what had Anon called it, the “uncanny valley”? >Now however, the gesture does put you a bit at ease. >You hoped it did the same for Anon. >”What’s wrong, Rosie?” “You.” >”I told you, I’m fine.” >The thought about reminding him of what happened to his mother swiftly comes to mind, but is buried just as quick, you eventually settle on: “Normally you don’t act like this.” >He lets out a laugh that dies halfway out of his throat, petering out into an exhale. “Something about that you find humorous?” >”No, no, just,” he sighs, “I’m fine, Rosie, don’t worry about it.” >Your brow furrows at his response, he’s hiding something, you can feel it. There’s one thing you could do though. “Anon?” >”Hm?” “Remember how we agreed we would discuss what my prize for winning the card game would be?” >The hand that was petting you was taken away so that Anon could prop himself up, “What about it?” “I want you to be honest with me.” >Anon lets out one of those exhale-chuckles he does and lets himself fall back onto his back. >He presses the balls of his hands into his eyes and mutters, “Fuck,” under his breath. >Once he finishes, he folds his hands and rests them on his stomach. >”Fine, fine…” >He sighs once more before continuing, “I’m worried…about you.” >You close your eyes and nod to let him know to continue. >”If you are actually from another world, would you go back if you

>>15510 >”If you are actually from another world, would you go back if you had the chance?” >You flinch. You hadn’t actually thought about that. ”It…hadn’t crossed my mind.” >Surely there was something else you could say. “If…Dawn Glow was right, and my nightmares are actually memories, that means I’m…” ‘If you were to somehow go back, there was no doubt that you would just die, right? Was there a difference in time between here and there? Would you come back as some sort of undead? Are you currently some sort of undead? What if-’ >The feeling of a hand on top of your head snaps you out of your thoughts, you open your eyes and look at Anon. >”You started shaking.” was all he said before he started petting you again. >The two of you lay there like that for a while, nothing but the low noise of the heater to fill the silence between the two of you. >Someone has to break it eventually, and it looks like it will be Anon. >”I don’t want to lose anyone else, I don’t think I’m strong enough, ‘least not anymore,” he says, breathing out a long, shaky sigh. “Do you mind me asking why?” >Another shaky sigh, “I’ve already told you half, maybe some other time- could really use an extra few hours of sleep.” “Okay,” you sigh, “See you in a few hours.” … >Anon has long since fallen asleep. >You lay awake, lying on your back, legs held up close to your torso and staring at the ceiling. >It’s a wonder that Anon sleeps like this, it's barely comfortable. >Rolling onto your side, you look at Anon. >For a brief moment you wonder if this is what it’s like for him, awake while you’re asleep, alone with just one’s thoughts. >... >Did he spend every night like this before you? >It’s…lonely. >Looking at his face, brow furrowed and face twisted in a slight grimace, you get the feeling he isn’t sleeping soundly. >You contemplate waking him up, but something tells you it wouldn’t be good for his heart. >There has to be something you could do. >In the dim light you notice Anon’s phone had come unplugged from the headphones he was using. >He had Dawn’s number, if your memory recalls. >She’d surely know what to do. >Now to figure out how to use it. … >It took you twenty minutes to figure out how to turn it on without breaking the phone. >You use your muzzle to swipe through the screens until you see one that looks like a phone. >The amount of names in his list of contacts is staggering. >Are these all his colleagues? Friends? Family? >If they were the last two, why did he never seem to get calls outside of work hours then? >Eventually you come across one named “Sunshine”. >You vaguely remember Anon calling her that when you woke up last weekend, so you tap the call button. >It rings for a few seconds before she picks up. >”Hello, Anon?” you hear her say, quietly. Shaking your head, you say, “No, this is Rosie.” >”Rosie, what- is Anon okay?” “He’s asleep right now; but there is something wrong with him, I don’t know what to do since he won’t talk to me about it. Also could you speak up, you're very quiet.” >”But I’m…Rosie, on Anon’s phone right now there should be a symbol on the screen that looks like it’s for volume, do you see it?” “Yes?” >”Press it.” >You do so, and it changes color, what was that supposed to accomplish? “So what was that supposed to do?” >”Can you hear me better now?” “Yes.” >”That was the speaker button, it makes whoever you’re talking on the phone with louder, to put it simply.” “Oh,” you respond, ears folding against your head. >”No need to be embarrassed, but what seems to be bothering Anon?” “I don’t know, he won’t talk to me about it, I just thought he would be more willing to tell you.” >”Hmm, do you really think this is worth potentially deceiving him over?” “Seems you already have a plan in mind.” >”Perhaps I do, but again, is it really worth lying to him?” “Dawn Glow, please. I’ve never seen him like this.” >There was silence over the line for a few seconds.

>>15511 >”Fine, fine. We’re supposed to finish moving into the new place this weekend- tell him we need help moving the last few boxes, I’ll try and talk to him about it.” “Thank-you so much, Dawn!” >”It’s no problem, anything else you need? Any problems with the liquid moonlight?” You shake your head again, “That’s all for now.” >”Okay, have a nice night, Rosie.” “You too,” you respond. >With that, the call ends, and you’re alone again. >Maybe you could convince Anon to get you a way of communicating with Dawn, and maybe Sonata. >You hardly know them, but they seem nice. >Hopefully this wasn’t a bad idea, hopefully Anon won’t be too- >A droning sound from Anon’s phone snaps you from your train of thought. >Grunts come from his side of the bed as he reaches around for his phone. >You nudge it towards his hand and he picks it up, silencing it as he sits up. >He rubs his eyes before saying, “Were you talking to someone? Thought I heard something.” Your pulse quickens for a second as you come up with a lie, “Dawn called, said she and Sonata were almost done moving into the new place, but could use a hand for the last few boxes.” >”Oh, alright, not like we had any plans this weekend anyways. Should probably look into giving them a housewarming gift, I guess.” >He groans as he stands, “Gonna make us dinner real quick then go back to bed, gotta be something light though- already feeling nauseous but it’s usually not a good idea to take medication on an empty stomach.” … https://ponepaste.org/4579 And there's the update, sorry this took so long, I had to get the creative juices flowing again, additionally, I rewrote the previous update a bit because I ended up not being as satisfied with how it turned out as it did previously, and the paste should reflect that edit.

So it's monday and I notice no bootleg thread on /mlp/ but caught sight of Auto reposting in AIE/PIE. Is the merge happening after all?

>>15516 Autobahn has just been reposting. I can make the thread this evening. OP ideas? Always more art being made so it is difficult to decide.

>>15519 Well I guess it depends on if there are any recent pictures you think could work as an OP pic. Maybe a newer boot or something?

>>15519 >OP ideas

>>15519 I'm a shill

>>15522 I too enjoy shilling. I'll have to make it tomorrow. Went to the house to grab whatever spices and pantry items I could that were still factory sealed. Between that and how godless this temporary apartment is with lack of airflow and cooling, I've been wiped out. Starting it too late will mean not much activity until morning, if it lasts. And speaking of shilling, at least I enjoy the Anon/Anonmare hobo story. And AngryAnon has come back.

>>15525 I'm sorry if that would sound rude, thats not my intention, just a genuine question: why can't you just camp in your own yard in a tent or something? At least you will be close to your stuff.

>>15500 Hey, good to see you with some cute art to boot! I dropped you a pm on ponerpics tonight >>15516 Don't mind what I do - I'm just being a faggot. Spreading my special brand of autism while trying to breathe a bit of life in my old haunt, where I got my start. This shit is all new to them. I'm keeping AiE/PiE bumped, but it's not doing anything to spur conversation or (you)s - I'm just sort of enjoying rereading and reliving it all as I post

>>15527 Because I'm in an apartment complex that was set up with furniture. It's maybe two miles away from the house. Grabbed things from the pantry because around Thursday is when a company is going to start packing up the house for cleaning and they consider all food items a loss. With the items I grabbed still being factory sealed, means around $100 worth of stuff could be grabbed to keep stock.

>>15522 cute boots are fine boots. I can put up a thread, but I don't know what edition subtitle I would use for this pic

bread in the shape of boot https://boards.4channel.org/mlp/thread/40118190

>>15510 Rosie is sweet

>>15545 How so

>>15554 She's concerned about Anon.

>>15555 Ah

Would any of /boot/ residents be interested in Autumn Art Pack? >>15578

>>15584 Sure. What does that include?

>>15595 Whatever you would like to create with given theme. Please, visit the thread, vote for theme.

>>15413 >"You're screwing with me, right?" "No, why?" >Midnight exhales in obvious irritation as you toss the shifter into park. >"As if you really have to ask that question..." "Oh come on, you really think I pulled in here to get some cheap laughs or something?" >Midnight doesn't say anything as she stares out the window at the sun-worn sign. >Buckboard Bar and Grille. >The last time you were here, Midnight ended up very, very drunk by mistake. >And singing karaoke. >But dammit, they have good food, and you wanted a night out. >It's not like you have a ton of choices out in the middle of virtually nowhere. "Do you really think anyone in there tonight is going to remember what happened - hell, hasn't it been a year?" >"It's not been long enough," she sulks. "How long is enough time to come back here?" you ask, awaiting an unreasonable answer. >"A decade. Maybe two. And how could anyone forget?" "I thought it was a good performance, but that's just me." >Midnight whips her head around, glaring at you. "That's not what you meant, I take it?" >"You know, I could really go for some liver tonight. How's yours?" she inquires, leaning over to your side of the truck, honing in on your midriff. "I like that organ," you protest, shifting your hands down to your abdomen in a blocking maneuver. "You can't have it." >She snorts, but turns away and returns to her seat proper. "Where do you want to eat tonight if not here? The drive in?" >"We were just there last week. And that's kind of the same old, same old now," she argues, letting up on some of the ire her voice has held since arrival. "Okay. McDonald's? Burger King?" >"No." "Neither you nor I want to make anything tonight, which is why we decided to go out," you remind her. "I'm not driving an hour beyond this town for food." >Midnight remains mum with your thoughts laid out for her to understand. "Sorry, I suppose I should have asked. I just didn't - I didn't think it really bothered you." >"It was embarrassing, Anon," she whines. "I get that, but - time heals all wounds, right?" >Midnight hardly looks fazed or amused by your feeble argument. >Having left the truck running this whole time, you're just about to move the shifter into reverse when the engine dies. >Startled, you scan the gauges before they all move back to their normal positions when the truck is off. >"Relax, I did that," Midnight speaks up, just as the keys in the ignition slide out. "Thank god for that. You about gave me a heart attack," turning to her. >She dangles the keys in front of you, and when you put your hand out for them, they're snatched away with a metallic jingle. >"If anyone says anything about that night or remembers me, we're gone. Right?" "Well, if we're in the middle of dinner-" >"We pack shit up and leave " she interrupts, her expression as steely and cold as her voice. >You nod, seeing as how this is the only acceptable answer.

>>15740 >Your keys are deposited into your hands, while Midnight pops open her door and hops out. >Following her lead, you lock up and join her around the front of the truck, where you both begin the trek up the sidewalk. >"No stupid comments either," she says in a rather gruff manner. "Outside of my normal stupidity, right?" >"Well, there's strike one." >At least there's enough emphasis and sass in her voice to tell you she's not completely bitter. Maybe there's hope for tonight. >But for at least the first bit here... * "The food here is still awesome." >"Mhmm. And you're still kind of an asshole." >Well, that's a step above complete asshole, isn't it? >Definitely something better off thought than said. >After all, you do kinda get where Midnight is coming from with that sentiment. >But there has not been a single word mentioned of 'the last time' from anyone. >Other than Midnight. >As per the usual, some glances your way as you walked in, just out of pure curiosity and an unexpected duo dining in. >But Middie has gotten past that for a little while now. >No moonshine mistakes this time when ordering water - she asked for extra ice, too. >You offered to give it a sip for her, just to be sure. >In a serious manner. >Mostly. >But overall, tonight has been rather calm and uneventful. >If a little... quiet. >Try as she might, you can still tell Midnight is none too pleased to be here, or quite frankly, with you bringing her here. >But... >Well dammit, that was kind of an important night between you two, wasn't it? >You get her embarrassment, but if things hadn't fallen the way they did... "You know, if you hadn't gotten drunk, and hadn't teased me before doing karaoke to the point I decided to record you, we would have never..." >You trail off as your ill-advised musing brings a leer from those icy blue eyes that almost cuts hard enough to draw blood. "I'm just saying. You know it wasn't my fault how it all began." >"We probably would have sort of figured things out later - and it was still sort of your fault," Midnight grumbles. "You really want to push your luck, don't you?" "No, I just think there's better ways to think about it, you know?" >Midnight has no response - merely staring at you. >With as much as it bothers her, and feeling desperate to somehow smooth out this pent up animosity toward this establishment, you start to look elsewhere. >Somehow, you need to make it up to her. >You need something that will take the nonexistent eyes off of her and onto you. >And your eyes fall upon a stupid little stage off in the corner with a TV and microphone set up. >...really? >You just now thought of that? >Without uttering a word, you slide out of your seat and walk toward the bar. "Hey, you guys doing karaoke tonight?" you ask the bartender upon reaching him. >The man seems taken aback by your question at first, but quickly shrugs his shoulders as he finishes shaking a tumbler and serving it up.

>>15741 >You glance back toward your table where Midnight sits. >Her eyes are glued to you, visible even from twenty feet away with their faint glow in the dim light. >"You know what you want?" "Nah," you reply to the man, scrolling through the songs available on the TV as he turns things on for you. >"Alright, well - just click on what you want, then hit play down at the bottom when you're ready to go," he replies, motioning to the points on the screen. "I gotta get back to the bar." "No problemo, thanks." >"You do know we don't get any sort of music producers or anything out here in the sticks, right?" he adds in jest. >You have to look up at him and laugh. "If there were, they won't bother coming back when I'm done. Bet on it." >Your quip gets a chuckle before you're left to your own devices. >Man, they have a lot of shit to choose from... >And a fair amount is shit. >"What the hell are you doing?" >Midnight's voice comes out as a quiet, terse hiss right behind you. >You don't turn around to face her. "Sit back down dear, I'll only be a few minutes." >"I'm not singing." "I know..." >Oh. >OH. >You haven't heard this song in forever - but you remember just enough. >This is perfect! >You finally turn your head to look at Midnight, who stands pensive and anxious just off of the stage. "Go sit down and enjoy the show." >"Anon, I swear..." >You click the song, and quickly hit play. https://youtu.be/12bgalqVFNc >Midnight bolts off back toward your table, not wanting to be seen as the music kicks in. >You snatch the microphone from it's stand. "Good evening everyone," you greet the folks who have taken notice. "I'm Anon, and I'm about to make an ass of myself." >There's a few laughs, but you swear you can hear Midnight groan in the back, sitting low in her chair and attempting to shield herself with her wings. >Showtime. "We had a life. We had a love. But you don't know what you got till you lose it!" >Alright, so maybe the lyrics aren't quite perfect for this, but... "But that was then, and this is now! And I want you back!" >You shuffle up to the front of the stage and hone in on Midnight. "How many times can I say I'm sooorry?" >Oh cool, so they do have the backup singers with this. "Yes I'm sorry." >You head back to the center of the stage. "How can something so good go so bad? How can something so right go so wrong?" >Midnight has slowly crept out of her protective cocoon - at least enough to look at you. "I don't know, I don't have all the answers. But I want you back!" >You repeat your prior motions back up to the edge of the stage. "How many times can I say I'm sorry?" >And now, the part you do remember. >Well you know, you can run, and you can hide. But I'm not leaving 'less you come with me!" >A little bit more of Midnight's shield falls away - but she still keeps her head low to the table. >"We've had our problems, but I'm on your side! You're all I need, please believe in meee!"

>>15742 >Is that a slight hint of a smile you can see on her face? >You can't dwell too long, as you need the television to give you the next lyrics. "I only wanted someone to love. But something happened on the way to heaven." >You aren't getting the cheers and hoots Midnight got during her performance, but at least no one is hucking batteries at you... "It got a hold of me and wouldn't let go - and I want you back! How many times can I say I'm sooorry? Yes, I'm sooorry." >You launch back into the chorus, at this point finding this kind of fun. >Damn, maybe you should have given Midnight your phone to record this. >To make it fair. >As your eyes go back to the table, Midnight has vanished. >Scanning the room, you're dumbfounded to find her standing just a few feet in front of you. >"You're a faggot," she says, trying hard not to let the corners of her mouth tip upward. >You offer her the only response you can - a wide, cheeky grin. "You're all I need, let me show you." >Despite it clearly being part of the song, Midnight adverts her gaze to the floor, kicking at it with her hoof. "They say you can't take it with you when you go - and III believe it!" >Shaking her head, apparently defeated, Midnight looks back up at you, smiling. "But taking what I got, or being here with you - you know I - I'd rather leave it!" >You do some half-assed shuffle on the fake wood floor under your feet, waiting for the next bit to kick in. >When it does... >Still off stage, Midnight is mouthing the lyrics in tune with you during the reprisal and the repeated chorus, having thrown away her anxiety. >Maybe she figured out where she's standing, no one can see her singing. "You can run, and you can hide! But I'm not leaving till it's all over! We've had our problems but I'm on your side!" >You lean over just far enough to pat her on the top of the head. "You're all I need. Please believe in meee!" >There's a few claps as the music dies off and you set the microphone back in its place. >Whether the applause is due to the show or the thankfulness it's over... >Who cares? >Midnight is already trotting back to the table as you skip off the stage, saluting the bartender as you walk past. >He seems indifferent, but that's alright. >You think you might have done a thing tonight as you rejoin your mare. >"I can't believe you actually did that," Midnight murmurs as you take a seat across from her once again. >She's back to attempting a straight face. >And quite frankly, failing miserably. "Yeah well, to use your words - it felt right," you reply in a hushed tone. >Her hoof reaches over to lightly rap the back of your hand as you go back to what's left on your plate.

>>15743 "So... can we come back sometime? Or is this a one time deal?" >"Hmm..." >Midnight pretends to mull this over like a serious debate. >For your part, you snap your head up to look at her, feigning a display of shock. >"You think you'll be able to handle the embarrassment of coming back here?" she finally teases. "I think I can stomach it. Maybe next time, we can pull a duet." >"Dream on, fucker," she scoffs. "I don't think I can pull off a Steven Tyler vocal, Mid." >Confusion quickly turns to exaggerated disapproval at your comment as she shakes her head. >"Terrible." "Aww, I thought I did good up there," you sigh, changing the subject. >"As for that... you're no Phil Collins." "Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?" >"It means if you shut up, you're forgiven and get an apology for me being a bit of a stick in the mud tonight." "Oh. Neat." ----- Among other reasons, heard this song for the first time in forever and it sparked something. A short one night wonder that came together in the span of a few hours - rare for me.

>>15744 Very nice! Also nice to have some new posts ITT

>>15744 fun >Maybe next time, we can pull a duet What would Anon have to do to make her do that?

https://w2g.tv/?r=7q2gb6ymrjkwjb2b6p W2G, for some reason /mlp/ is giving me a connection error.

>>15818 4chan in general seems down at the moment. No clue why.

>>15819 My answer to that is great! This place is nicer anyway.

>>15818 The party isn't over in the watch2gether, there are still people there this morning.

>>15744 The other reason that inspired the most recent update to Midnight. What better way to celebrate two years since Midnight began than to immortalize a significant scene in art? https://youtu.be/2seCB54Bv-c >"Lay all your love on meeeee!" Midnight strutting her stuff and unleashing her siren song on Anon after inadvertently getting tanked at the bar. Much thanks to Tiffortat for this stunning artwork, the first time I've commissioned art. Really enjoyed the process, in addition to the finished piece.

https://w2g.tv/?r=vzhitoitpza29yvpcg The theme is bootleg movies! No truer version of /bootleg/ than to find the joy in those that emulate or try to be their own despite standing in the obvious shadow of their origins. So far we have Robowar, Italian Spiderman, The Little Panda Fighter, and Turkish Star Wars queued up. If you happen to know of any other good bootleg titles, add them to the fray! Also humbly /r/equesting a sort of W2G picture because I think it'd be cool to have a few when getting a room set up

>>15974 That's some nice art.

>>15974 Very lovely! >>15975 So, how were Turkish Star Wars?

>>15974 Cute!

>>15982 My brain melted. After a certain point I just couldn't make sense of any of it and I glazed over. PlushJack was there but it didn't help a ton. Can't even imagine drinking that after a few good shots.

https://w2g.tv/?r=loc15ctsboaz3xnfxg w2g

>>15744 "Kick the AC back on, please." >Midnight strains to raise a hoof, stretching it toward the window shaker on the wall behind you. >"I can't," she groans. "Man, if only you had some sort of power that could allow you to manipulate the controls from here," you muse, poking the side of her horn with your index finger. >"Yeah, but you have legs." "So do you. And you're laying on top of mine." >"Not completely." >No, not completely. >She just happens to have the front half of her body in your lap, her legs nestled in comfortably while her head rests against your chest. "Alright, guess I have to get up..." >You don't even lift a finger before a stray piece of scrap metal soars over to the control panel of the air conditioner. >With a few frenzied motions, the appliance kicks on and begins wafting a welcomed cool breeze. "Huh, must be a threat-activated feature I didn't know about." >"I was going to have to get up for you to get up," Midnight speaks up. "Hey, you connected the dots of why I made that comment. Good job," you jab, patting the top of her head. >"Fuck you." "Maybe in a bit." >You feel her eyes dig into you at that offhanded comment, but focus on the TV as the commercial comes to an end. >It's funny how someone who has a potty mouth and only sort of modest based on the placement of her tail can be so uptight and prudish regarding comments about sex. >"I'm going for $137k on the split window '63," Midnight quickly calls out, her attention snapping to the TV. "We haven't even heard or seen the options on the car, dummy," you remind her. >"Don't need to - I feel it in my gut." >Ever since watching some auctions during Starla's stay, you and Midnight have made it a regular occurrence - with a spin. >You both guess where the final bid will end up and the closest one "wins" the car. >It's kinda stupid and has led to some odd moments where one of you tries to convince the other to trade for something else... >Okay, so this whole game is autism squared. >But you both get invested in it. "Have you been looking up values on your laptop in order to cheat?" >"How is that cheating?" "New rule I made up, can't do that now." >"Not my fault you're too lazy to inform yourself," Midnight chastises. "Fine. I'll say $129k." >"We haven't even heard the options on the car, dummy," Midnight mocks you. >You poke her in the nose, making her snort in response. "You're just full of piss and vinegar tonight, aren't you?" >Midnight doesn't respond - instead, she holds her head up high and smiles with pride. >Meanwhile, the silver Corvette coupe at auction is pushed onto center stage as bidding quickly proceeds at a blistering pace. >The starting bid was only $30k, though... >Do they make replica bodies? >That thought dies away pretty quickly as the price soars past the five-figure threshold and into the six digits. >It starts to slow down... >"I got this." "If you do, it's a technicality."

>>16064 >"Aww, you sound like a sore loser," Midnight gushes, sitting up straight and leaning toward your face. "I'll bite you," you warn her. >"I bite back." "...I'll just flick your nose or ear again." >Minor disappointment pokes through as the bidding putters past your guess... >...and as the gavel brings the back and forth to a close, Midnight's 'bid' is within a thousand of the final total. >You turn just enough to see the smarmy look on Midnight's face as she eyes you, waiting for you to say something. "Not giving you the satisfaction." >"I still got the split window, so nyah," she retorts, sticking her tongue out. >With that act of defiance, you reach behind her and fiddle with her mane, done up in a ponytail today. >"Hey, what the hell are you doing?" >Even as she puts up a token struggle against you, your fingers find the scrunchie tying up her hair and deftly peel it off. >"You fucking-" >She doesn't get to finish that thought before you've already finagled it into a weapon, stretching it taut between your thumb and index finger and letting it fly. "Pew!" >The dark blue missile beans her right on the forehead. >"Bastard!" she exclaims, more out of shock than any real ire. "That's what you get for being nasty." >Midnight tries to push you over with one of her legs on your side, while you resist and lean forward onto her. >The once tranquil atmosphere turns into a minor skirmish on the couch more akin to a shoving match than anything. >The auction on TV becomes an afterthought until something catches Midnight's attention. >"What the hell is that thing?" she mutters, pointing to the screen. "Dodge Coronet," you answer as the cool grey car with black roof rolls onto the stage. >"I gathered that much - but that's not normal looking." >She does have a point, considering the front wheels are practically up against the backside of the front bumper, while the rear wheels have also been moved forward significantly. >But it should be pretty clear by the injection stacks poking up out of the hood and the fat rear tires what it is... >Not to mention "Landy's Dodge" lettered on the side, interrupted by a bright red fratzog on the door. >You grab the remote and pause the program for the time being, coinciding with a good fullscreen view of the car. "It is odd," you agree with her, lining up your shot. "Would you say it is a funny car?" >Midnight eases into a reluctant stare at your purposeful pun. >"What the hell are you trying to get at here?" she presses. "A couple of weeks ago, you were watching drag racing on TV - remember the flop top dragsters?" >"The funny cars..." Midnight mumbles, the light going on in her head. "Is that what it is?" "More or less. That's where the name started, anyway. Originally, I think they were in the Factory Experimental class." >"You mean that's not custom work?" "It's... sort of a misnomer," you admit. >Midnight shakes her head before you can continue.

>>16065 >"That doesn't make any sense. How the hell can it be from the factory, but custom fabricated?" "Easy now - don't shoot the messenger here," you plead, putting your hands up. >Midnight stares, before jolting forward just a bit as a feint. >Having had enough of her nonsense, you use both hands you flip her recently freed mane over her face. >"Really?" she whines. "Figured I'd give you the pissy cat treatment - throw a blanket over your head to calm you." >"Uh huh." >You help her brush aside the mass of hair sitting between the two of you. >"Anyway, continue. Please." "Wow, I got a please out of you," you can't help but toss in before clearing your throat. "Anyway, they were built by the factory. They were normal unibody cars that were cut up and modified in a separate area away from the standard production line. Then they were sold to trusted drag racers or teams. I don't think they went into the double digits with building either the Coronet or the Plymouth Belvedere." >"Huh." >That's... all you get out of her. "You still think it's kinda ugly, don't you?" you prod. >"Kind of," she admits, low and rather hesitant. "I mean, at least there's some purpose to it rather than being some hillbilly's backyard custom like my initial impression." "You're not hurting my feelings. They're function over form - all about weight distribution." >"Well, you get a freebie if you want it," she answers back, motioning for you to resume the program. "Because you cheated on the last one, right?" >"Aw, you gonna cry all night?" she asks in a mocking tone, her face contorted into a pout. >You sniffle a bit just to stoke the flames. "No." >"Anyway - what else was there? In competition with these, I mean," Midnight asks, watching the television as the camera highlights sections of the car. "I don't think there was much. I think Ford put together a few Mustangs with the Cammer engine, but that's all I know of. General Motors was still very against factory racing, so they didn't put anything together, as far as they know." >"Cammer engine?" Midnight asks, cocking her head. >You smile at her. "Guess you get to do some reading in the near future since you want to be mean to me." >"Oh no! Reading is so hard!" Midnight shouts with an exasperated and desperate voice, obliging the sides of her head with her hooves. "Hm, thought you might have let up a bit for an explanation." >"Nah, I always need something new to read. Besides, I think you're talking about the overhead cam 427, aren't you?" >You nod. >"Took me a second to put that together, but yeah - glad I didn't let up on you just for that." "I feel so loved," you jest, leaning against her. >"You wouldn't know what to do if I didn't give you a healthy dose of attitude," Midnight suggests. "I'd be assuming you were incredibly sick." >"Mhmm. And I know you're always incredibly sick," she chides with a smirk.

>>16066 "What can I say, I make a good impression, huh?" >"Ha. Yeah." >The auction wraps up on TV - albeit short of the reserve. >"No sale - but you can still get it if you want." "Yeah, why not." >"You won't be winning the Lemon Twist '71 Barracuda with the 440 Six Barrel that comes next, anyway." >As you shoot her a look, Midnight bites her lip while focusing her gaze straight ahead, trying not to grin. "You fucker, you have seen this one." >"Maybe." >Midnight fidgets for a moment, glancing off in another direction of the room. >"Oh, by the way..." "What?" >She turns back toward you, her face twisted into a perverted and fiendish grin. >"Pew!" >Her hair tie from earlier zips through the air and smacks you in the face. "That's it!" >You bear down on her, snagging your arms around her neck and pulling her into your lap again. >"Hey, let me go!" she protests, putting up a token struggle as she pulls against you. "Nope, you're stuck here now." >"I'll turn off the air conditioner!" "That hurts you as much as it does me." >"...give me a bit, I'll come up with another excuse." "I'm sure you will," you agree, resting your chin on top of her head, amidst a soft sea of blue and violet hair. ----- Just a short update with extra autism.

>>16067 Nice update. How's your racings, Auto?

>>16068 Not very good, at least to my standards. Struggled to fourth and sixth place last week and basically made it impossible to reach second place in points standings. Burnt the front tires of the car trying to keep up because the old Trans Am cars have a nasty tendency for rear lock up on anything less than 65/35 brake bias

https://w2g.tv/?r=b1ubt2z9vxdmk8q8jt Saturday night W2G

Been thinking about bringing over Conny's story for a bit now. Thought I'd just check and see if that'd be cool.

>>16198 What about her story that wouldn't be cool?

>>16199 Used the wrong phrasing, I'm afraid. I meant 'if it would be fine' Anyway, I'll probably post it regardless in a bit.

>>16198 Post it

>You hum a light tune as you waltz your way down the hall, taking the time to do a little twirl before entering a side room through a thin bead curtain. >Oh how you love theatrics, but... Obviously no one is paying attention to your show! >Eh, it is what it is. >You scan over the chatty room of little ones with a lazy smile until you land on a white filly with a floofy yellow mane, all gussied up in a frilly little pink dress. >She sits atop a table, wiggling her hoofs as she rocks out to a song only she can hear. >The punch and cookies by the door are calling your name... >She gives you an excited wave as you approach and as if by clockwork, she pours you a cup of that wondrously fruity nectar. "Hey hey Jamboree, what's the motion of the ocean?" >She quietly extends the cup, which you take in your magical grasp and bring up to your lips. >Ahh... ambrosia. >"Everything's been peachy, Conny! Today's meeting has been super duper fun! We talked about cats and dogs and getting stuck in pickle jars..." "Pickle jars?" >Jambo giggles. "Mmhm! Tawny Taper just finished up telling us about how he fell into a pickle jar he was trying to open and..." >As Jamboree rambles on, you glance over to the crowd of little ponies and tilt your head. >Next to a little caped pony sitting on a tiny beanbag was a pale pink mare with a rather unkempt white mane which made it pretty hard to see her eyes, but you're pretty sure they're baby blue. "Hey... I think one of your friends had a growth spurt..." >Jambo scoots a little closer and leans over to you, whispering. >"That's Nursery Rhythm, she is- I mean- *was* a nurse!" "Like- like an actual nurse?" >Jamboree nods a little. "But she said she had a teensy incident and didn't want to be one anymore..." >Geez, it's not like Jambo to be this vague... "Who'd she come with? I don't remember seeing her on Bright's attendance sheet..." >"She just sorta showed up outta the blue! I honestly didn't expect anyone new today so I didn't have any goodie bags prepared..." "So how'd she wind up here? Don't you think she'd want to be around ponies her size?" >"Well, we *did* try that, it was just... hard on her. She's very nervous. She's been fine here, though! Maybe it reminds her of her old job? She worked with kiddos." >You guess she'd be more comfortable around the little guys then. "I think I get it. I just wanted to make sure she's comfy, you know?" >"I totally understand, Conny! She was having a rough time fitting in, so I offered her to join us." >You watch the nursey mare fidget with her forehooves as she listens intently to her wall-eyed neighbor talk about some sort of elaborate contraption she made. >As the small mare ends her story with a cheesy joke about kitchen appliances, Rhyme claps along with everypony else. >"Thank you, Malt, that was very nice. Next up is... Miss Nursery Rhyme!" >Even without seeing her eyes, you can tell they've widened. "Are you sure that's-" >"Shhh... Let her try, Conny!"

>>16203 >Rhyme looks around a bit and then points to herself with a shaky hoof. >"...Me?" >Her voice was soft and mellow. You could see her being quite good at lullabies. >The little mare sitting in the middle of the room nods and gestures at Rhyme. >"Yep! Don't worry, though. It's okay if you can't think of anything to talk about." >"I... Okay." >Nursery clears her throat and attempts a smile. It's awkward, but she's certainly trying. >"Hello everyone... I'm N-N-Nur- Uhm... Nursery Rhyme and I... I'm not actually g-good at rhyming despite my name..." >She trails off into a nervous and ever so quiet laugh before giving an awfully formal bow. >"It's nice to... meet you all." >The little caped mare next to Nursery prods her side with a hoof and she looks down at her. >"It's nice to meet you too, Nursery! I'm Chestnut Surprise!" >Rhyme gives a small wave, despite being right next to her. "H-hello there. I liked your story... It was very sweet." >Chestnut grins. "Literally! I had frosting in my mane for like... a day!" >Chestnut gives Rhyme an inquisitive look. "Do you have any stories you'd like to share? Being a nurse must have been really neat!" >Nursery blinks. "Stories...? Oh uhm... I can think of something..." >She fidgets with her scarf for a while, deep in thought. Soon enough... her head starts to droop. >Is she having second thoughts? >You can hear Jamboree mumble some sort of encouragement, her tail swishing back and forth. >Man, Jambo is making you want to root for her as well... "C'mon now..." >Finally, Nursery lifts her head up. >"I-I have a story..." >You swiftly cover Jamboree's mouth with your clipboard before she can start celebrating. "Shhh..." >"Mmf mhm mm!" "Well, the horseshoe is on the other hoof, eh? Hush!" >Nursery gestures at the little mare in the middle of the room. "Do I... need to sit in the m-middle, too?" >Bubbly Beaker, the group's host, shakes her head. "You can stay where you are if you'd like." >"Okay then... uhm..." Nursery takes a deep breath. >"There once was a little.... Ewe." She nods to herself. "Yes a uhm- a ewe." >"Now, that ewe wasn't particularly interesting or talented... but she cared for her lambs very very much..." >Rhyme idly brushes her tail as she speaks. >"No matter what, she told them that she would keep them safe, that if anything was wrong, she'd... fix it." >Her ears start to droop. >"But she knew she really couldn't... she was just a ewe after all." >She takes a deep breath. >"One of her lambs had... problems. The problems grew and grew but the ewe kept praying that it would get better but it... didn't. None of the farmer's remedies worked so all the ewe could do was... be there for her. The ewe gave her lots of love and care until one m-morning..." >Her words catch in her throat. >"She didn't wake up." >Rhyme scoots away from the circle with a sniffle, her head lowered. >"T-that was an awful story, I'm- I'm sorry..." >She puts her head in her hooves and shrinks down. >"I-I'm so so sorry..."

>>16204 >Chestnut trots over and gingerly sets a hoof on Nursery's flank. seeing that she's too small to get anywhere near her shoulder. >"...Rhyme?" >Nursery hesitantly lifts her head up just enough to look at Chestnut. >"Is the ewe... you?" >You watch Rhyme's lower lip quiver as she nods slowly. >"I... I t-thought If I pretended, I could talk about it easier... But it- it still hurts a lot..." >Chestnut motions her down to her level and starts whispering in Rhyme's ear. You can't hear what she's saying, but whatever it is, it starts to make Rhyme's chest heave and teardrops begin to fall from her obstructed face. >You lean over to Jamboree, who's toting a sympathetic expression. "Did you... know about this?" >Jambo shakes her head. "I knew she had some baggage, I just didn't know what it was..." >Jamboree slides off the table with a stretch, her usual cheery demeanor subdued. >"I might be wrong, but I'm pretty sure she's a runaway. If I go by what she told me, she was just wandering around until she came across one of the BA fliers and followed the signs..." "Jeez..." >Runaways are always trouble... >...Thought the runaway. >You roll your eyes at your own thought process. >That's really nice of you, Conny. A real BA representative through and through... >Now that you're done kicking your own ass, you settle your thoughts on Nursery. >If she doesn't have anywhere to go... Maybe you could talk to Miss L? Hmm... Maybe Mister C is a better option, he knows how to deal with runaways after all. >She'd be a great fit with Waltz and Jive, those two are almost like friggin' therapy ponies... >Are therapy ponies a thing? Eh, probably. >You give Jambo an affirming nod. "I'll see what I can do. If nothing works out tonight, do you mind her hunkering down in the lounge?" >Jamboree smiles. "Not at all! This isn't a new situation, you know." "Of course! I was one of those 'situations'." >"Hehe a big ol' heap of situations! You really improved, Conny." >You huff and ruffle her mane, which elicits a giggle from the little party filly. "Aw c'mon Jambo, I already agreed to help, you don't gotta butter me up..." >"Don't need to! You already came pre-buttered." "Are you calling me soft? I'm the one with the magic here... I could twirl you in the air like a pizza, Jams!" >"Heh, try me!" >You narrow your eyes at her and then mimic her previous 'heh'. "I'll get you later, punk." >You give her a nudge with your flank and then focus back on Rhyme. >In the short time you were goofing off, a few other little ponies had come over to console her. >Her cheeks are tear-stained, but she looks a lot less bummed than before. >You give Jambo a brief poke on the side. "Guess I should go introduce myself, right? I gotta make a good impression on our newest member." >You leisurely stroll over to Nursery, who only notices you once you're nearby. >You sit down in front of her and smile warmly. "Feeling better, champ?" >She gives you a timid smile of her own. >"A-a little bit..."

>>16205 >You extend a hoof, which she glances at with a perplexed tilt of the head. "Hoofshake! ...Handshake?" >"Oh! Sorry..." She awkwardly fumbles with your hoof until she gets a good grip on it and wiggles it around a little before setting her hooves back onto the ground, mildly flustered. "Hmm... I'm gonna do something, don't panic." >"What do you mean by tha- Eep!" >You swiftly lean over to her and part her mane before she can stop you, revealing her eyes and rapidly reddening face. >Ah, you see now. >Her eyes were locked on you, but one was a little… off course. Not by much, but enough that you could tell she would be self conscious of it. >You brush a hoof against her cheek and smile. "There you are!" >She sputters a little in protest, but doesn't do much besides gawk at you. “You know… I’ve got a friend who’d love to meet you. But uh- we’ve got other things to discuss.” >You can just imagine how excited Waltz would be to meet somepony like herself. >As Nursery continues to stare blankly at you, Jamboree quietly gets the attention of all the loitering little ones around her and ushers them over to Beaker, who was now munching on a cookie way too big for her by the table Jambo was sitting on. >A distraction! Good job, Jams... >Rhyme snaps out of her stupor and averts her eyes. “You didn’t need to do that, you could have just asked…” “Well… I’m just a big fan of getting into other ponies' personal space, ya know?” >”I-I see… uhm…” >You wave a hoof dismissively. “I’m just messing with you! You can brush it back in place if you want.” >Her eyes scan the now nearly vacant room and then land on you once more. >”I…. I guess this is okay.” >She swallows dryly and her ears droop. >"I uhm- I saw you standing around... Are you... Are you here to make me... go home?" >Not in the slightest. "That depends, do you have somewhere to go?" >Her ears are now flattened against her head. "I... I don't know." "I heard you worked over at the hospital over yonder... Saint Michael’s General, right?" >She nods curtly. “I worked in the children’s wing. I even helped out in the nursery from time to time…” “Why’d you leave?” >She flinches and you instinctively put your hoof lightly on her chest. A trick you learned from Ol’ Five-O. >Cool dude for a police pony… “It’s alright, you don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to.” >She mumbles her answer first, but notices and clears her throat. “I… I guess I already told everyone, kinda…” >She lowers her head, her mane falling back into place again. “I… I failed and… and it didn’t seem to matter.”

>>16206 “What do you mean?” >”They all moved on… They acted like she never existed in the first place.” >She lifts her head again. “Everything that was Marie just… vanished. Her bed, her bear… herself.” >”I… I don’t understand. Why- Why doesn’t anyone else seem affected? I… I remember her. From the moment she was admitted to the second she… left.” >It’s quiet now, if you had to guess, Jams and the mini crew probably left to give you two some space. >You get up briefly and settle yourself next to Rhyme. >You’ve never had to deal with something like this, but at least you could try. “It sounds like you really cared about her.” >”I stayed with her as much as I could. She didn’t have anyone else. I… I was there when she fell asleep. I remember it so vividly.” >Nursery gestures a hoof to nowhere in particular. “She asked me if I could sing her a song. She- she liked my singing, even if I didn’t really think I was that good…” >Rhyme vacantly stares up at the ceiling. “I didn’t know many songs, so I uhm… I sang a christmas carol I could remember. She- She really liked it.” >”After that I talked and talked to her until she got sleepy, but… I felt like something was wrong. I felt like I needed to… to say goodbye.” >Rhyme makes a noise that you can’t quite call a sniffle, but it’s certainly just as sad. >”I held her hand and told her I- I loved her and that I’d see her in the morning a-and she looked so- so calm…” >She’s starting to shake. >”I stayed with her all night since I didn’t have anyone else to watch. I was… assigned to her. I remember falling asleep next to her bed a-and… and when I woke up… she was gone. I sat and stared at her face for at least a half hour. When someone finally came into the room I just… fell apart.” >Nursery tries to brush some mane out of her face, but it simply goes back into place. >”Everything was a blur after that and once I came to, I was in the hallway and one of the actual nurses was sitting with me. He said that I had a panic attack. I don’t remember it, but I believe him. My head hurt and I still felt awful…” >She shrinks down a little. “He said it was natural. That these things happen. That we’re just supposed to… accept it, no matter how much it hurts, but I… couldn’t. It broke me.” >”I did my best to keep going despite it all, I was still a… nurse, after all.” >She turns to you, her shaking much more intense. “But I’m not, am I? I’m just some pony they keep around to make the children feel better. I’m not there to help, I was just there to make them feel happy.” She stumbles over her words for a while. “...A-and I loved it. I loved making them happy and seeing them smile and they were the only ones to treat me like- like a friend and I really did want to keep them safe b-but I…” >Nursery starts to break down. “I couldn’t do anything! She died and all I could do was *sit* there!” >She slumps over onto your side, stammering and sobbing. >You wrap a foreleg around her to hold her up. >Keep her company, Conny.

>>16207 >Soon enough, Nursery’s shaking subsidies and her tears dry up, and all that she can manage is the occasional sniffle as she leans on you, her forelegs tucked closely to her chest. “You never got the chance to grieve properly, huh?” >She tries to open her mouth to respond, but nothing comes out. Instead, she simply shakes her head. >She looks utterly drained, physically and emotionally. >You squeeze her a little. “Losing someone is… hard. It’s a process and it might take a while for you to feel like anything is in any way normal again, but… You’ll make it. Just go through the motions and let it out until then…” >Rhyme shifts her weight enough to look at you. Her mane was mostly to one side now, so all you could see was a single puffy eye. >In a way, this was a little funny, considering that she’s basically in your face, but you're pretty used to being smothered, so it’s no biggie. >If it makes her feel better, then it’s cool. >You freeze up as you feel a pair of hooves wrap around your barrel. >You glance down and see Rhyme giving you a rather awkward hug, one that mostly involved her stuffing her face in your side. >She mutters a muffled ‘thank you’ and after a solid minute, slowly lets go. >...But you’re not having it. >You scoop her up into a hug of your own before she can completely disengage, eliciting another short ‘eep!’ out of her before she settles down into a nervous giggle. >With how much she snuggles into you, you guess she really needed it. >No wonder those kiddos love her. She’s soft as hell and sweet to boot… >You’re confident she’ll bounce back sooner or later. >Now thoroughly hugged out, you let go and give her a playful prod in the side. “Just try not to rush things, alright? You’re a nurse! You know healing takes time.” >She gives you a small smile. “I understand… uhm…” >Nursery narrows her eyes. “I- I don’t think I asked for your name…” >She gives you a deep bow, which is a little awkward seeing that she’s sitting. >”I’m Nursery Rhyme.” >She’s quite the formal mare… >Once she brings her head back up, you point at yourself and grin. “Constellation Cradle at your service! You can call me Conny, though. Everyone else does and it’s uh- it’s kind of a mouthful…” >”Ooo… I like that name. Very fitting.” “How so?” >She pauses to think for a moment. >”You’re very patient, like a uhm- a mother?” >Well that’s a first. >You guess you do like kids… Kinda. >“…Were you a nurse too?” >Why would she… Ah, the ‘cradle’ bit. >You chuckle a little. “Ehhh… no. I did work with people though, just not… health.” >”Oh, okay. What did you do then?” “Posed for photos and stuff… It was a pretty good gig I guess…” >You trail off as you realize what you’re absentmindedly talking about. >”Like a model?” >You glance over to Rhyme, who was watching you inquisitively. “Yeah…. Like a uh- like a model.” >Let’s just leave it at that…

>>16208 >You get up and stifle a yawn. As you do, Rhyme follows suit and adjusts her scarf. >”It’s getting late, I guess? I haven’t been keeping track of time since I got here…” “More or less, yeah. People and ponies alike are going to start going home and all that’ll be left are the residents.” >”Residents?” >You lazily attempt to mimic the sound of a party popper with your mouth. “Jamboree, Beaker, and a few other hosts bunk here during the night. Some rotate, some are always here.” >”I see.” >As you start walking towards the door, you lightly push a pile of small beanbags, waking up the little mare who was dozing amongst them. >”Bwuh?” “Raspberry, the meeting's over.” >She blinks a few times and then lazily tumbles out of her cozy abode. >”I really should get some of these for my room… they’re wonderful…” >Raspberry Pinch drags herself out of the room and into the hall, mumbling vaguely tired nonsense all the way. >Nursery gives her a small wave as she disappears. >”Good night and uhm… sweet dreams.” “Trust me, she will.” >You turn to Nursery and nod. “So is your mind set?” >She tilts her head. “On not going back.” >”Oh I…” She sighs. “I don’t know if I deserve to be there anymore…” >You face her fully and put a hoof on her chest. ”I know you think you failed her, but it was out of your control. You did everything you could and because of you, she wasn’t alone.” >She nods slowly.. “I know you don’t think you’re worthy or whatever, but you can’t give up yet. There’s so many kids that will need you and I bet there’s certainly a few there that are currently wondering where their friend went. What you do is just as important as the other nurses and you should take pride in that. Life is bumpy and full of heartache, but you can help those kids through it just as much as they can with you.” >”I-I…” >You take your hoof from her chest and part her mane once more. >As you stare into her eyes, you lean in and smile warmly. “You love them, right? Your kids?” >Her ears perk up and she nods fervently, her eyes locked with yours. ‘I- I do! I really really do…” >You pull her into another hug. “Then try, try again, Nursery.” >She shakily returns the hug and laughs quietly. >”I… I really made a mess of things, didn’t I?” >You give her one last firm squeeze and the two of you let go. “It happens to the best of us, dude. Don’t let it get you down.” >She shuffles in place. “Do you think they’ll… let me come home?” >Hmph… even if you have convinced her, you’re not sure what the hospital would have to say about all this… “I think tonight… you should get some rest. We can get in touch with the hospital in the morning.” >"You mean... stay here?" >You nod. "Yep! But I... I don't think I could live with myself if I made you sleep in the lounge. I've done it before and I don't recommend it unless you've got someone else to use as a pillow." >Jambo's mane is like one of those fancy freaking memory foam pillows when she lets it down... >”Where should I go then?” >Huh, good question... >...Annnd you've got an answer! >You shimmy past her and part the bead certain with a smile. “You’ll bunk with me! If you’re hungry, I got some leftover Maccas pancakes in the fridge I could heat up. It's not exactly gourmet cuisine, but it'll fill your tummy. " >She takes a step forward and matches your smile. “Thank you Conny… I’m uhm- I’m starving.” >She definitely looks like she hasn't eaten in days. Probably from all that stress over her friend... “Heh, I’d imagine. You look positively pale.” >She giggles. “I just look like that normally, silly!” “Hey, you never know! Maybe if I give you some shrimp, you’ll turn hot pink!” >”That sounds a tad tacky! I think I prefer myself as… myself.” “As one should, Rhyme. As one should…”

>>16209 >You gesture her over. "C'mon now! You'll dig my digs I hope. If you don't think you can sleep, I've got this sweet little TV that has a built-in DVD player! I've got all the classics! ...Some aren't originals, but they play just the same!" >You continue to rattle off all the features of your humble domicile as Rhyme nods along, a little lost, but happy to listen all the same. So that's a chunk. Quite a bit more to go but I'll give it a rest so I don't flood things.

>>16210 >As you trot down the hall with Rhyme in tow, you spot a few straggling members wearing odd fantasy garb, chatting away about some recent adventure they just finished. >Just as you're about to pass them, a lanky greenish-gray mare in an oversized wizard robe waves you down, her small wings ruffling with excitement. >"Conny! Hey, Conny!" >You stop in front of her suddenly, resulting in Rhyme lightly bumping into your rump. >She lets out a hushed 'sorry', which you respond to with an equally quiet 'it's alright.' >You give the jittery mage mare a nod. "Heya Slate! How'd the game go?" >She lets out a nervous yet excited laugh and grins. >"We scoured the dune-planes of Equinenox and finally tracked down The Burgeoning Dawn's Shadow... Lu'a Cel'es! I had just enough components to cast Blade of Disaster and struck her down with a flurry of blows with the help of Limey's bardic inspiration!" Slate gives her sweater clad sister a side hug, which elicits a sleepy protest, before turning back to you. "It was super fun! You should have heard all of the cool stuff Starry came up with!" >The tall unicorn mare wearing a heavy cloak next to her blushes profusely. "Hehehe... It was nothin'..." "Sounds like you guys had a great time! I really gotta join again one of these days..." >You pause. "...Blade of Disaster doesn't require material spell components. It's just verbal and somatic." >You wave a hoof and blow a raspberry. "And then you start stabbing." >Starry sticks her tongue out. "It's *my* rules, Stella! Wouldn't you say it's a tad more rewarding to cast a ninth level spell that you actually had to-" >Limesalt interrupts Starry by sticking a granola bar into her jabbering mouth. >"Mmh mnf!" >"Shhh... You get argumentative when you're hungry..." >Starry chews the bar with silent resignation while Slate snickers. "Anyway uh... >You step aside and gesture towards Nursery, who blinks in surprise. "This right here is Nursery Rhyme! She's staying the night." >Limesalt stifles a yawn and then waves a little. "We're the BA game guild, or at least like, three of the guild. Everyone else went home already." Lime chuckles lightly. "None of em' have the patience for a good ol' fashion game of DND, but hey, I'm not complaining. I like the quiet." >Slate immediately trots up to Rhyme and smiles. "That being said... We're always looking for new players! I've got some pre-made characters if it's your first time but I think making your own is an essential newbie experience! For example, I'm Golden Fleece, The Exiled Spellblade! I was born in the lowly slums of-" >Lime covers Slate's mouth with a hoof and shakes her head. >"Bedtime, remember?" >Once she lets go, Slate sighs, disappointed. >"Okay, no backstory... Uhm, It was nice meeting you! Like I said, just give us a holler and we'll get you set up lickity split!" >"Bye Conny!" > As they start to leave, Nursery turns to you with a perplexed look. >"I didn't even get to say anything..." "You get used to it..."

>>16219 >You continue on your magical journey to your room, occasionally passing more loitering people and ponies, but none you knew well enough to stop for, thankfully. >As you walk, Rhyme's interest in the guildmates' game is made apparent. >"...That 'Dee-ehn-dee' thing sounded kind of fun... Is it, Conny?" "Oh it's loads of fun if you have an imagination. I had some pretty fine romps back in the day." >"Are you... implying you don't play with them anymore?" >You chuckle lightly. "Kinda. Not that I don't like em' or anything, I just haven't had the time to get as invested as I once did." >"Were you a uhm... a 'spellblade', like... Slant?" "Slate, and no. I was a most pious paladin of order!" >It was a completely ironic choice at first, but you started to really enjoy playing Briar Crown... >It's a shame she died, but at least you took out the ultimate big bad before she could keel over! That grumpy mare was a joy to act out. >When you do wind up playing again, you should try out a cleric next... >Maybe she could be Briar's sister? >"Conny...?" >You slow down a little and crane your neck to glance at her briefly. "Huh? What's the commotion, Rhyme?" >She almost looks embarrassed. >"Do you uhm... Do you think they noticed my eye?" >You stop walking and let out a little 'heh'. "I knew you'd start worrying about that sooner or later." >You turn around and give her a reassuring smile. >You point a hoof at her, which makes her tilt her head a little. "You have your flaws..." >And then point at yourself. "...And I have mine." >You look back down the hall and see the three guildmates parting ways. >Slate's subtle shaking and Limesalt's limp are much more apparent when they aren't in their costumes. "Everyone has them, be it physical or otherwise..." >You clear your throat and turn back to Rhyme. "We're all a little different here, so don't worry too much about sticking out." >"I... Okay." >Rhyme seems a little more at ease now, but you can see a bit of anxiety stir in her expression. >"I'm rather used to... sticking out." >She gestures vaguely at herself. >"The other ponies at the hospital all look the same but I... don't." >She brushes a hoof against her messy white mane. >"My colors aren't where they're supposed to be and my- my eye is funny..." >She lowers her gaze, but she's still looking at you, at least halfway. >"I used to walk all over the hospital during my breaks, but then I noticed that people would stare and say things about me... It made me really really nervous so I uhm... I stopped leaving the children's wing and started to hide my face. My friends there never made fun of me and really liked my longer mane so I felt like everything was fine." >Nursery trails a hoof on the ground. "But then I stopped being comfortable around people other than children, so I... I guess I was wrong." >She takes a deep breath and then lifts up her head, a sheepish smile on her face. >"I know it's silly but thank you for talking to me, it uhm- it helps a lot..."

>>16220 "You're welcome! But... You were doing a pretty good job talking to the mini crew earlier. I think you underestimate yourself, Rhyme." >"W-well I..." >She blushes a little and smiles. "Maybe I do.... But I still think l need the extra practice! People might be unpredictable and scary... but I don't want to be too nervous to speak up and miss out on any opportunities or uhm... something?" >Nursery rubs the back of her scarfed neck. "I... lost my train of thought, sorry." "Maybe you're tired? It's been a tad hectic for you lately." >"Hah, I suppose so. I don't think I've ever opened up so much... It's hard, but I've felt better afterwards." "Yeah, it's kinda like that, eh? You pour your heart out and everything just feels... Lighter. Like you can breathe without some intangible force weighing you down..." >"Mmhm." >Rhyme tilts her head, which is something she seems to really enjoy doing. >Maybe she does it so she can see you a bit better? Her mane doesn't get in her eyes as much when she does it... >"You sound like you know your stuff, Conny! I know you said you were a model, but I think you'd do well as a uhm- a counselor! I think you're very good at helping others through stuff..." >You chuckle as you feel your face redden ever so slightly at her praise. "Pff, me? A counselor? I'm just... saying what I'd want to hear, ya know? It's like the uh..." >You tap a hoof against the waxy floor a moment, not entirely sure where you were going with- >Wait! You got it! "...L-like the golden rule! You know that one, riiiight?" >With how excited she gets the moment you mention it, you guess she's quite familiar. >Phew, nice save. >You nod at Rhyme and she nods along, a giddy smile on her face. >"Yes! 'Treat others how you'd want to be treated'... It's very very important and I feel like there's a lot of adults out there who simply don't adhere to it as much as they should... Sometimes I... I feel like they ignore it on purpose. All those mean-spirited remarks that they say just to make others upset... it doesn't make sense to me! I think they could learn a lesson or two from the children..." >You can't help but smile at her unusually passionate outburst. "I see you have some opinions." >Rhyme blinks and then averts her eyes, blushing furiously. "I'm- I'm s-sorry! I didn't mean to seem mad and- and..." "Hey heey! No need to walk on eggshells, alright? There's nothing wrong with being frustrated. You gotta draw a line somewhere, right? The last thing you want is to be seen as a doormat that just about anyone can trample over." >Nursery calms herself down with a deep breath and fidgets a little. >"I... I suppose you're right. Maybe I need to be less... malleable? No that's not... I think the uhm- the word I'm looking for is 'soft'?" >She giggles. "Something squishy..." >Rhyme suddenly boops you square on the snoot. resulting in your nose scrunching. >"...I really meant that thing about being a counselor, Conny! You've got a uhm- a spark!"

>>16221 >You rub your nose a bit, more so out of impulse than pain. >Jeez, her hoof is soft... "I... don't think I'm cut out for that sorta thing. I won't deny that I like helping others out, I just couldn't do it like... officially." >All you think of when you hear 'counselor' are offices and dumb little ties... >You'd probably go insane, or at least a tad cuckoo... >You could see it now... 'Conny the Crazed Counselor Kills Twelve!' >...Eh, that's a bit much. You don't think you could hurt someone, even if you were crazy... At best you might just start babbling nonsense while sketching shadow monsters in a crappy dollar store notebook like all those c-tier horror movie protags do... "I'm fine with someone confiding in me when they need it, but it uh- it being my job? I don't think I'd be comfortable with that..." >Being a friend is one thing, being a sellout is another. >Rhyme nods knowingly. "I understand, I'm not sure I could be a uhm- a real nurse. They have to face so many bad things every day and I think I'd crumble completely under that weight if I was in their shoes..." "Well... I'm sure there's some good to it too. You just got caught up in one of those more... dire situations." >"I suppose I'm just not very... privy to how humans work. I know a little about sickness, breaks, and conditions, but my knowledge of everything is surface level at best..." >She sighs and kicks out a hoof. "Well... You care and want to learn about them, right? That's a pretty noble outlook compared to mine..." >You stifle yet another yawn. "All I see are tall weirdos who have way too much confidence and always wind up hurting themselves in ironic ways, play stupid games, win stupid prizes, ya hear? ...I guess kids are alright, though. They're just kinda touchy feely and don't know boundaries all that well..." >...That came out a little harsh, you probably should apologize about- >Your thoughts are interrupted by a surprisingly unburdened laugh from Rhyme. >"They can be quite strange, I know... But I still want to help them nevertheless. Everyone deserves to get better and live life, even the occasional dummy..." "Heh, spoken like a true nurse..." >You gesture down the hall. "We... probably should pick up the pace, it's getting *really* late." >Rhyme blinks. "Oh! Sorry for holding things up! Let's uhm- let's move then." >You take a step forward and grin. "We're not far, just a hop, skip, and a jump away!" >Rhyme shuffles in place a bit. >"I don't think I'm very good at hopping... but I can try." "Whu- Rhyme, it's just an expression." >She clears her throat, seeming quite flustered. >"I... Knew that..." >You lean in with a smirk. "Hmm... Does this mean you're good at skipping and jumping?" >"...No?" "Well... that doesn't mean you can't move your little rump! Ándale, ándale!" >You give Rhyme a light bump with your flank and then start trotting forward at a lazy yet paradoxically brisk pace. >"What's a... O-okay! Wait up!" >Annnd they're off! >Again!

>>16222 . . . >Left, left, right, left, STRAIGHT. >Aaannnd... "We're here!" >You now stand before a door crudely painted with an array of colors vaguely similar to your own, a small unpainted patch is host to a variety of little stickers ranging from generic hearts to heavily stylized pictures of ponies in various states of relaxation. >You're not entirely sure how Starry Stickers found one that looks eerily similar to you, but it's kinda nice to see a mini you just chilling amongst her sticker friends... >"Ooo... Is this your place? All these funny little pictures are so nice!" >You puff out your chest a bit. Quite proud for somepony who wasn't so keen on all the flair just a few months ago. "Sure is! It's my own personal slice of heaven!" >As close to heaven as a warm bed, a desk, and a mini-fridge can get you, at least. >You don't know how she did it, or *why* for that matter, but Jamboree had your door taken off it's hinges and painted while you were away one day. >Seeing her excitedly standing outside your newly defiled door with a bunch of balloons wrapped around her middle and a kazoo in her mouth was an... experience. >At first, you kinda wanted to die on the spot, especially since it stuck out like a lame wing compared to the modestly plain doors around it... But you guess you got used to it. >For the most part. >You swear someone keeps adding coffee related stickers, and you're pretty sure they aren't Starry... >You bet it's Jive. She's always passing through here... >That aside... Let's invite in Rhyme, shall we? The night's not getting younger, Conny! >You turn to Nursery and give her a nod. "Just gimme a sec to get things unlocked!" >You fumble around in the satchel at your side for a bit, fishing lazily for your key. "I'll admit it's a bit small, but I think it'll be more than enough room for you to get comfy!" >Hopefully. >You didn't exactly think this through besides 'Sleeping in the lounge sucks, lets have her sleep over!'. >If push comes to shove, you'll just have her sleep on your bed. You've got a panic nest under your desk that's more than accommodating for your tired ass. >You let out a little 'aha!' as you find your keys and proceed to hoist them up and into the lock with your magic. "Annnd..." *Click* "There we go!" >You clear your throat and glance back at Nursery. "Come on in!" >You push the door open and walk inside, closely followed by an oddly enthralled Rhyme. >You flip the switch and the room lights up. >To the left is your humble bed with a few blankets folded atop it. >Directly in front of you is a desk facing a window obstructed by a burgundy blackout curtain. A last gen laptop and a few miscellaneous office supplies call its slightly scuffed surface home. >And last but not least... Your kitchen. >To the right is a small table with a microwave, a hotplate, and a few clean dishes. Beside that is your lovely mini-fridge that almost seems to purr... >You turn and give Rhyme a sleepy smile. "Make yourself at home."

Love to see the thread activity.

https://w2g.tv/?r=rtjqzzqk449sd18enr Anyone feel like some... My Immortal?

>>16229 Love our weekend get togethers. Probably be checking in a bit later.

>>16223 >As you set your things down, Rhyme twirls in a circle, taking in the atmosphere. >"I really like your place, Conny... It feels a bit homelier than my little abode!" "Heh, thanks. What's your place like?" >You watch her curiously poke the bobblehead of 'Ponka Po' on your desk, which gets her to giggle as she sees it wobble around. >"I sleep in a doctor's office they don't use anymore! I don't really like how the table feels, so I usually just bundle all my sheets and such and make a little uhm- a little hideaway in the corner. It's nice and quiet and all the animals on the walls keep me company..." >You feel like you've had a nightmare similar to that revolving around you being stuck in one of those sanitized little rooms, lying on the floor... >To think she just sleeps there without having a panic attack... She's certainly braver than you. >Rhyme sits down in the middle of the room and lightly brushes a hoof against the carpeted floor. >"The floor is warm and fuzzy... It's- It's carpet, right?" "Yep, it's rather relaxing, ain't it?" >She pets the floor a bit more. >"Mmhm..." >You trot past her and take a seat on your bed with a sigh. >Ahhh... Home sweet home. >You glance over to Rhyme and gesture towards the bobblehead she was playing with before. "Do you have any... stuff? Like personal items or whatever?" >She pauses for a moment and then turns to you. >"Sometimes the children will give me things, but the other nurses usually say that I can't keep them." >Nursery wiggles her hooves against the carpet as she sits on the ground. >"I used to have a blanket with a whole bunch of stars on it... I called it Nighty." "Used to?" >She nods. >"I gave it to... Marie. I haven't seen it since she went away, and I don't think I will." Her voice is a little quieter, but she doesn't seem to be as vulnerable about the subject as she once was. >"I don't have much... But I'm grateful for what I do have." >Which is basically nothing. >Let's... not talk about that right now. "Hey uh... Are you still hungry?" >She blinks. >...And then nods. >You get up with a stretch and open up your fridge. >Inside is a couple of sodas and waters, but right there balanced on a pair of colas is... The not so hotcakes. >The uh- the coldcakes! Hehe... >You magic it out of the fridge and shut the door. "Do you want them warm?" >To your surprise, she shakes her head. "Alrighty then. Here you go, Rhyme." >You pop open the box and float it into her hooves. >"Thank you Conny, you should uhm... get some rest. You look plumb tired." >As if on cue, you stifle a yawn. "Eeh... I probably should stay up a bit longer, at least until you're done eating." >"Are you sure? I wouldn't want you being sleep deprived on my behalf..." "Don't worry about it, I'm a big girl! I can handle a bit of sleep loss for the sake of a friend..." >Nursery's ears flick at the word 'friend' and she looks like she's trying to suppress a grin. "Okay then... Just don't push yourself." >With that, she digs in.

>>16241 >As Rhyme munches happily on the hotcakes, you flop over onto your bed with yet another sigh of relief. >It's been quite the eventful few hours, but you're just glad things worked out. >Rhyme's way less depressed and you're back in your room, away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world... >You lift your head up and chuckle a little as you come face to face with your old stuffed buddy Mister S... >You give Smartypants a poke on the nose and smile. >I've got a visitor, so you better behave, dude... >You can almost hear him say 'I may be a donkey... but I'm not an ass, Conny!' >You give the pants toting donk a pat on his yarn head. >True that, Smarty. True that... >Your ears perk at the sound of Nursery humming quietly behind you, probably done with her feast already, no doubt. >You guess she was a lot hungrier than you thought. Not that she didn't make that quite clear before. >You hope she remembers to eat more frequently now that she's not as cloudy-minded, she looked a bit thin. >Huh, you wonder if hospital food is as bad as Miss L made it out to be? You've never gone near the cafeteria yourself... >You make a small noise as you let yourself melt further into the soft bed as you give your back a good stretch. >Man... A hospital sounds like it'd be a pretty sad place to live, even if you're helping people... >All the noise and commotion and sickness... It seems so overwhelming. >You grab Smartypants and roll onto your back and stare up at the ceiling, your hind-legs dangling off the side of the bed. >You clutch him close to your chest and take a deep breath. >You're pretty sure you read in a book once that you're not supposed to pay attention to your sleepy self's little anxieties, it just makes more problems for your wide awake self... >Simmer down Conny and just enjoy the moment like you've always done. >Maybe a movie will help, but what to watch... >"Conny?" >You crane your head up and fixate on Nursery, who is currently sitting near the middle of the room like before, but a little to the left. "Hm?" >She tilts her head. "Why are you here?" "Why I'm... here?" >She nods. "Uh..." >You slide off the bed and plop down, unconsciously bringing Smartypants along with you, still clutched in the crux of a foreleg. "Well I... Used to do that whole... modeling thing." >Rhyme smiles a bit. >"You're very pretty! What kind of modeling did you do?" >Smarty give you strength. "Just uh... wore stuff and posed, that sort of thing. It was for a small-time pony clothing company. I... liked it." >It was great until you stopped getting honest gigs. >Once they hit it big, they decided that they wanted the real deal, not you. >An actual Twilight, not some creep's modified knockoff... >Something about an 'image' or whatever. You honestly couldn't give less of a shit. They kicked you out and that's that. >You remember walking past the new mare as you were leaving. >It was like looking in an off-color mirror. >So alike and yet... she was better.

>>16242 >You don't blame her or anything, it was just... frustrating at the time. >You hope she's doing okay, despite it all. >You wouldn't wish what happened to you on anyone. >You glance up at Rhyme and see that she's quietly waiting for you to continue. "I got canned. After that, It was just me and my handler. I... I guess he was my friend, too." >Your only friend, really. At least at the time. >He didn't freak out or look at you funny like the rest of those weirdos... He treated you like an actual person and not some object to use. >He was the one that convinced the company to take a chance on you. >And he was the one who was there once you had to leave. >He wound up getting fired too, so it was the two of you against the world, together. "We searched and searched for jobs until... we found something." >Or rather, *you* found something. >It was like your old job before they had the money to have big elaborate scenes. >You didn't exactly have much expertise in anything besides sitting and looking pretty, so at the time it felt... perfect. >Your friend didn't like it though. >He kept saying he didn't like the sound of it. That all you had to do was wait and he'd get you brought on somewhere else, somewhere safe. >But there wasn't enough time for that and you didn't have enough confidence in yourself to think you'd actually get a new job like your old one. >Rent was looming and neither of you combined could afford even a fourth of it. >You needed money quickly and this was available. >And paid a lot. >He was mad, but ultimately... he reluctantly agreed to help you like he always did. >You applied and they liked what they saw, so it wasn't long until you had a gig ready. "The job looked simple, but it- it was a bad idea." >At first it felt almost normal, like you were back home. >A sundress with matching hat, winter apparel with big fluffy scarves, sweaters and plaid skirts... >But with each shoot, you noticed that you started to wear less and less. >You didn't pay it much mind until you were on the last shot of the night. >You found yourself wearing an awfully short costume without something to cover your... exposed bottom. >You remember slinking over to your friend with your tail between your legs and talking to him about it, but he was just as clueless as you were. >You remember staring blankly at the prop bed, all bathed in dim light. >It was the first time you had paid attention to the set. >You were embarrassed a-and scared and your friend said you could stop but you knew if you didn't go and finish the shoot... They might not pay you. >You couldn't risk that. For both your sake. >Your body worked on autopilot as you struck whatever pose they asked. >Up until the end, at least. >You were lying on the bed and was told to... move your tail over. >So you did. >You squeeze Smartypants in a tight hug. "It was a really really bad idea fueled by desperation... and yet I kept going..." >You hated it. >You hated the staring. >And you hated them.

>>16243 >Once it was all said and done, you left with your check and sat with your friend on a bench in the park, eating ice cream. >It was supposed to be a celebration. >But it just felt like a consolation prize. >You stared blankly at your waffle cone, watching the chocolate vanilla swirl atop it melt and drip onto the concrete as the regret welled up inside you. >You felt... dirty. Despite no one touching you. >You wanted to cry, but having your friend wrap an arm around you and hug you helped keep the sickly feeling in your stomach at bay until you got home. >As you lounged on the coach, it slowly dawned on you that you fulfilled your purpose. >What you were supposed to be. >A centerfold. >Something to look at and feel... aroused. >And you couldn't deny it. >Because it was true now. >And you just waltzed up and did this to yourself without a second thought! >You could have waited. Missing a month's rent wouldn't be an end all be all. >And you could have stopped at any time. They didn't force you or anything. >But you did neither and you have no one to blame but yourself. >... >Once... Once it was published, they gave you a free issue to boot. >Yippee. >And the worst part? >You were on the FUCKING cover... >You don't even remember the captions they had under your parts, but they were probably vulgar. >Looking at the pinup pages made you uncomfortable, but you did glance at the other mares' faces. >They looked so... provocative. >So mature. >Like they've been doing this kind of thing for years now. >And yours looked like it didn't belong at all. >Your expression was terribly shy and your face was beet red and even your attempt at looking 'alluring' looked awkward and shaky... >You could even see your tail trying and failing to hide your modesty, as you clearly didn't want to be seen. >It screamed 'amateur' at the top of its lungs... >And yet you were the main event. >Hell if you knew why. >You tried to stick the magazine into the oven, but your friend held you back and offered to shred it instead, stating that 'burning the house down won't make you feel better'. >Maybe it would have! He didn't know! >But... It *was* a bit too much. >You let him shred it and you weren't satisfied until it was unintelligible scraps. >You let out a frustrated sigh. "I jumped into the deep end without a pair of floaties... Like an idiot." >As you stared at the girly mag confetti in the trash bin, you knew right then and there that your career was tainted. >No one would probably hire you now besides these kinds of ops... >And it was pretty clear from the letter you got that they were more than willing to hire you again. >It was vile, but it paid astronomically well in comparison to the peanuts you got before. >You talked to your handler for quite some time and even though he was still against it... He couldn't deny how well off it made the both of you, so you swallowed what little pride you had left and... dove in. "I- I started to like the attention, I think." >It was sparse but you uh- you started getting fan mail. >You chuckle nervously. "The idea that people were looking at me and not my clothes was almost... nice." >While you didn't like the gross implications, the notion that someone actually liked you and was a fan made it bearable. >At least they didn't go into detail and just gushed over your mane or called you pretty or whatever... >It was kinda like being a small town celebrity. >Whatever that might mean. >You kept up with the gigs and over time you got used to it. "It stopped being scary and I started to have... fun. Genuine fun." >You grew bolder with every gig and even had some specialties. >You had your own little flairs and themes and everything! >One of your favorites was a formal yet plain black dress with a few lacy bows on it. >It was really cute...

>>16244 >You lived like that for a while. Long enough that your old life felt so very distant. >You had a friend to keep you grounded, and you had a handler who kept you going, all wrapped up in one neat package. >He was your best friend and together you felt like you could take on the world... >It was like a dream. "..But then things got... complicated." >Despite coming out of your shell, there was still this... weight. >A malaise that simply wouldn't clear. >You tried to ignore it at first, but as time went on, it just got... stronger, especially whenever you couldn't sleep. >You didn't understand *why* at the time, but... You guess you found out soon enough. >One day after a rather uneventful shoot, you were approached by an imposing man. >'You're quite the popular little mare, aren't you Ms. Cradle? Have you ever thought of doing something more than a few risque pictures?' >You weren't entirely sure what he meant at first, but the way he looked at you felt much different than the cameramen. >There was no artistic spark behind his eyes. >Just the glint of a man without morals. >You wouldn't describe the crew as 'moral' seeing that this sort of content was somewhat discouraged, but they always treated you with integrity and respect. >Like an actual person. >You dare say you even called some of them your friend at that point. >But you knew this scary large man simply saw you as meat. >Something to be used in whatever way he saw fit. >You remember quietly asking him what he meant by 'something more' and having him lean down and stare into your eyes. >His breath was acidic and you could barely keep yourself from shrinking under his gaze. >You tried to stay calm as he spoke, but every oily word poked and prod at your tender heart. >He focused heavily your future. He said he thought you'd be a lovely addition to a little show he had put together. >Your mind blanks on the details of his 'show' but you remember being very uncomfortable as he was explaining. >'Ms. Cradle, when I look at you... I see a mare just oozing potential! Your performance is exceptional, but don't you want... more?' >You were too stunned to answer him, so he simply kept going. >'I will admit that we have had a bit of a gap in need of filling for quite some time now... which is why I thought to approach you.' >He gave you a smile, one that didn't make you feel any better. >'There is much to be done, little miss, and I assure you that the pay is rather cushy... You're quite the mare and I think you could be using your talents... elsewhere. I urge you to give it some thought, Ms. Cradle. Magazines can only get you so far...' >He then proceeded to get up and dust off his suit. Once done, he walked away without another word, leaving you sitting on the floor, shivering. >He acted like none of what he said would phase you, as if you would actually consider it... >And the worst part? >You almost did. >For a brief moment after you calmed down a little, you pondered what a 'cushy' paycheck would be like, caring little of what you had to do for it... >As you snapped out for it, your stomach churned. >You didn't know the specific word at the time, but you could feel the blurry label burn its way into your brain as you started to tremble again. >You've never accepted what you were. You've always tried to fight against the notion, despite all the signs, but having that man talk to you about all that gross stuff made you realize how... dirty, you were. >As if it wasn't obvious before, but you always ignored it. >Up until then, you've mostly tuned out all your hang ups about your work, letting any snide or indecent remarks simply go in one ear and out the other, all with a smile on your face. >But this time... you lost your cool. >The act crumbled and as you sat on the cold studio floor in that stupid little navy nightgown... you felt ashamed. >Truly ashamed.

>>16245 >You let it get to you. You let it change you and- and you *liked* it... >Were you always such a horrible pony? >From the day you woke up, you knew what you were made for, but your friend, he... he didn't see you that way. >He just saw you as a normal pony, despite it all. He- He was your best friend, b-but... >Maybe you didn't deserve his friendship. >You were a talentless nobody who's only redeeming quality was her body, which she would proceed to flaunt for money and a small trickle of attention. >You chose this. >You- You WANTED this. >How could someone love a mare like you? >All your doubts and anxieties rose up and into the corners of your eyes and no matter how hard to you tried, you couldn't fight the tears that came tumbling down your cheeks. >By the time your friend had come back with some post-shoot coffee for the crew and you, you had locked yourself in the bathroom, curled up and sobbing. >It took a bit of coaxing, but once your friend finally convinced you to let him in, you sat in the corner, sniffling and mumbling about how much you didn't deserve him. >He stayed with you and tried to calm you down as best he could, but you were so emotionally compromised at the time that even his soothing voice wouldn't slow the thumping of your heart. >It took an awfully long time and quite a few kind words, but you finally regained enough composure to glumly ask who that man was. >In his usual joking tone, you were told that the large man was 'just some weirdo producer from next door who has a thing for gloomy mares'. "I'm sure listening to a mare cry her eyes out is *real* entertaining..." >'While I'll admit he's got fine taste... I won't stand having some sleazeball freaking you out, Conny! ...Hmph, He probably left already, so... we'll nip this in the bud tomorrow. Let's just mosey on home for now, alright? I think being away from here will help clear your head.' >Despite your friend's continued reassurance, you were still a train wreck of emotions, opting to lean into him for comfort rather than move. >Thankfully he was more than happy to bring you into a tight hug that you desperately needed... >All the weight finally broke you and you were a anxious, weepy mess because of it. "It all just sort of... crumbled... around me..." >You felt like something bad was going to happen. >You refused to get up from the floor, so he had to pick you up. >You held on tight as he brought you to the car. >He strapped you in the back and after giving you a pat on the head, he got in himself. >As he drove, he kept telling you how p-proud he was and that if it was too much and was starting to get to you, you and him could do something different... >He said that you had more than enough saved up to do just about whatever you wanted for a while, be it open up a little coffee shop or laze around playing video games... Whatever would make you happy. >He personally liked the idea of helping ponies and always mused about opening up some sort of rescue and having you be his right hand mare... >While he just saw it as a far off dream... He did like to donate to various establishments that reminded him of it. >He especially liked an up and coming place a few cities over and even donated enough to get himself a dumb little tree planted on the property. >It always looked so scrawny in the pictures but he was adamant that it would grow to be something amazing... And you guess he was right. "It's a nice tree... I'm sorry I made fun of it..." >You remember getting to a busy intersection and having him turn around and smile at you. >You could tell he was in 'speech' mode and couldn't help but smile along, despite your shivering. >'I love you Conny. No matter what happens... I'll be right there with yo-' "and then bam..." >Everything went white. >It was like you were blinded with time standing still, if only for a brief moment. >Somewhere along the line, you started to come to, and... and... "crash." >There was yelling and beeping and static... >And everything was upside down.

>>16246 >You don't know how, but you were fine besides a few nicks and being thoroughly shaken up. >You vividly remember that you could see your friend's hands touching the ground level ceiling. >They reminded you of people putting their hands up on a roller coaster. >You called out to him, asking if he was okay, but he didn't respond. >It took a bit, but you were able to unbuckle and fall to the roof. >It stung, but it didn't matter. >You had to check on him. >Once you flip over and crawl your way to him, you- you shook his shoulder a-and... "Hewasn'tmoving..." >At f-first you thought it was some cruel joke. >But he wouldn't do that to you. >So it had to be real. >You remember unbuckling him and gently floating him to the roof with all the magic you could muster. You were tired afterwards, but it was worth it to keep him close. >He looked... bad. >You didn't know how to describe it but the more you stared at all the red on him, the more you started to panic. "wakeup." >But he didn't. >You tried to yell, scream, anything… But nothing came out. >All you could do was nuzzle into him and wordlessly cry. "don'tleaveme." >You probably said that at least a hundred times in the few short minutes you sat there. >You held onto him, rocking and mumbled apologies until the paramedics came. >They pulled the both of you out and only then did you see the massive truck currently twisted with the car's front. >You didn't understand why they were fussing over you at first. Why would they bother with you when he's the one that needs attention? But then you- you saw him... "when... when I saw him like that I- I knew he was really gone and.. And…." >He was right there just minutes before and now he... wasn't. >Just like that. >It w-wasn't fair! >You d-d-didn't e-even get to say goodbye a-and- >You freeze up as something touches your hoof, pulling you out of your painful memory fog. >You listlessly pick up your head and finally notice Rhyme sitting beside you. >Were you... still talking? >Or were you just spacing out? >How long has she been sitting there listening to you ramble? "S-suh..." >Man, your voice is kind of hoarse... >You clear your throat. "...Sorry, I uh- I totally forgot to ask if you still wanted me to keep go- W-Whuh?!" >You're taken aback by her suddenly hugging you. >It's warm and she's squeezing you really tight... "C-cool it! I'm- I'm fine..." >"No you're not!" >You blink, not used to her raising her voice. >Nursery looks up from her hug and pouts at you. >"You're hurting and you won't even admit it." >Her grip is... disarming. >You didn’t think much of her hug before, but now that it’s in full force… it’s- it’s rather comforting. >”You- You bottled it up, didn’t you? You let all those awful things that happened to you just sit there and fester, hm?” >Man, s-she’s kind of calling you out here… When did she get so confident? >You slowly shake your head. “Okay I… I’ll admit I haven’t actually… said anything… to anyone else…” >”Why not?” “Well I…” >You take a deep breath, trying to curb the feelings welling up inside. “I… Look, Jambo may say otherwise, but she’s still just a kid. I can’t tell her all this bad stuff and besides her, I… I don’t have a lot of friends." >There’s the guildmates and the twins and of course Jambo, but that’s about it… >None of them are really 'Hey! Mind if I whine about the worst days of my life?' material. >You gesture vaguely at nothing in particular and then let your foreleg flop down in an almost defeated manner. “I try to listen to everyone and be nice and goof off but at times it- it’s hard a-and draining and stuff... There's no one that I feel like I can just... talk to, you know?” >Your head lulls and you stare at Smartypants, who had somewhere along the line fell out of your hooves and was now lying beside you on his side.

>>16067 Meant to read this since it was posted but was very busy past few weeks. Love the car history! What a fun game Anon and Middie play.

Blondie, is Angel Cake female or male? I didn't pick from context right away and that's important for grammatical purposes.

>>16250 Not Blondie but Angel Cake is a mare She's a cute amre to boot

Some more questions: >"Oh hey, glad you made it one piece." >The same whirring noise comes from her that you heard from the door >Almost >The armor plates on her look faded "...you were?" What does the scene mean exactly? Does Angel Cake not believe Skylar is glad she is OK or does Angel Cake implies That Skylar had it more rough on the road?

>>16210 Started reading it. Thanks for the green! Poor Nursery Rhyme; she is very sweet and sensitive. I take it by context that Conny was a porn model.

>>16250 Female. Didn't think too much on the idea of needing to show it. She certainly isn't that self-aware. Lack of awareness and wider comprehension made her a bit of a challenge because there is that layer of trauma that isn't recognized and being completely out of her element. Can argue whether or not it is an excuse or if it works. >>16252 Probably could have been better if it was "you are". Skylar almost never had a pleasant or friendly demeanor. Between that, the slight dissociation, and her highly unusual artificial body/"armor" it would be jarring to say the least. I could probably write more than the story itself in terms of dissecting it.

>>16249 No need to fret, glad you liked that little history note. That was a jolt of inspiration from the blue. Having gotten the Javelin on the road, I've started to creep back into scale model cars for the first time in four or five years - and it just so happens that a mainline kit manufacturer is in the midst of developing and producing an AFX/AWB Mopar - specifically, the Plymouth Belvedere "Golden Commandos" car. But I love Dick Landy's Coronet for the clean look and the fact he kept the pushbutton shift for a year or two after Chrysler stopped making it. Anon and Middie got that in their 300C.

>>16289 I was reading an article about a guy modding a 1969 Dodge Charger by moving the battery to the back and taking weight off the front end by replacing the hood with a different material; drag racers want the weight shifted more to the rear wheels for sure. That being said I have to agree with Middie that that is one goofy ass looking car. I like big 4 doors with good visual balance the most myself.