Another AnokoVA inspired piece - though I think it quickly gains a life of its' own beyond this initial bit. Watch in amazement as Hearthsong bases his entire understanding of the entertainment industry around Tony Hawk's Underground. Skateworld? Musicworld.

Part One:
>Ah, Canterlot City
>In the past decades most people would describe it as a sleepy little town
>If one had to mention anything of note about the place it'd probably be the completely one-sided rivalry that had been going on between the two local high schools for decades
>The kind of losing streak Canterlot High had going on really had to be studied, something that truly sad only came around once in a lifetime
>Of course then a demon tried to enslave the school's populace and things really weren't ever the same afterwards
>Ever since then, the city gained a bit of notoriety, being ranked pretty damn high on clickbait articles of dangerous towns to avoid visiting across the country
>So many exploded gas mains, peculiar weather balloons falling, mass gas leaks had been reported over the years that it almost made one question how there was even a city left standing
>The locals knew better, of course
>Just a bit of chicanery to keep any government higher than the local authority from turning their eyes on the town and getting a real look at what was going on: the continued leakage of Equestrian Magic into the world
>Almost everyone had stories to swap about cherished items gaining enchantments, or a neighbor going berserk and turning into an angry grievance-themed wizard before getting their ass beat by a septet of women
>It was just a fact of life living in Canterlot City that at some point you were going to get hit in the face with a rainbow
>Don't make a big deal out of it
>(Seriously, don't make a big deal about it, no one wants the FBI raiding the town)
>And so for a time that was life
>But as everyone got a little older
>A new aspect of the town was developing
>Ever since that fateful Battle of The Bands a little over half a decade ago, the music scene in Canterlot City had grown more and more prominently
>Dozens of bands and solo acts had been spurred to action by the Dazzlings and their Siren's Call
>Inspired by the breakout performance of The Rainbooms that had saved the school from being turned into a feeding ground for the Sirens, many groups were also keen to try their hand at being something
>Years after this generation had graduated from High School, many groups still persisted
>Bookings for gigs were cutthroat in Canterlot City
>Dozens of acts fighting over the scraps they could, trying to get their names out there
>And so, what was originally a nowhere town with almost nothing to speak of about it turned magical hotspot was now on the precipice of something else:
>Becoming the next Nashville or New Orleans
>All this town needed was one breakout group to put it on the map
>Anyone not actively participating in the scene "knew" that that was going to be The Rainbooms, still going strong all these years later
>But Trixie and The Illusions, Flash Drive, The Snapshots, MC Snips, DJ Pon-3, among many others...
>Well, they certainly had their own ideas on who was Number One in town
>Where did (You) figure into all of this, though?
>Well, that's simple:
>In the middle of all of these competing bands, (You) were a Mercenary
>...
>No, not that kind of mercenary, obviously
>That wouldn't be at all relevant to the premise we just spent 3500 characters setting up, now would it?
>You were a Lyrical Mercenary
>A surprisingly lucrative profession, if you say so yourself
>Because at the end of the day, there's two things these bands manage to have in common:
>Almost everyone is in their mid-20s, and no one's doing this professionally yet
>Which means beyond having to practice their sets and meet up for gigs
>They also their day jobs to contend with
>Some have college courses to attend
>Most often have both
>And sometimes? A bandmate couldn't make a show because they spent all night cramming for an exam and they're totally burnt out
>Or their boss is being a huge dick and sprung overtime on them on nights when they already had a show lined up
>Or a litany of other reasons that resulted in the same thing: a band was down a member and needed someone to slot in on short notice
>That's where the Mercenaries came in
>Musicians unaffiliated with any band who were happy to fill in those missing slots... for a fee
>(You) were far from the only one, of course
>But if you were to let yourself crow a bit, you were absolutely the best Mercenary in the city
>(You) are Power Chord, and ever since you were a snotty little baby, playing with the toy drum you mother bought you to distract and wear you out while she fucked the pool boy, music was your life
>As you grew up and got more acquainted with it, there wasn't an instrument you didn't try your damndest to master if you could get your hands on it
>And at Crystal Prep Academy, with its' ludicrously funded music department (along with every other department being flush with cash, who was Principal Cinch fucking?)
>That meant you got your hands on quite a few of them
>The end result being an incredibly well-rounded proficiency with all manner of instruments
>Guitars of all stripes (Lead, Bass, Rhythm), drums, violin, piano - even the mighty keytar
>There hadn't been a request for mercenary work that crossed your way that you hadn't been able to fulfill yet
>Your ability to slot into any role had made you quite in demand
>From running drums for Flash Sentry and his Flash Drive
>Shredding lead guitar for Photo Finish's Snapshots
>You once even took the stage with Octavia Melody for a cello duel at her behest
>Your most prominent and persistent clients, though?
>Easily The Rainbooms
>Fielding seven members all with incredibly busy lives meant that more often than not at least one of them simply couldn't make a performance here and there
>Whether the bassist Applejack had put off the harvest for too long and couldn't leave the farm
>Or keytarist Rarity had deadlines to meet for her boutique that simply couldn't be pushed back further
>Or the drummer Pinkie Pie finally crashed after a week straight of partying and working overtime at her bakery job and was going to go into a coma for at least 48 hours
>Or anything the rest of the group couldn't hold off any longer
>They made for a most lucrative group on your end
>And tonight was no different
>The aforementioned Pinkie Pie was in the midst of another one of her sugar comas, leading you to take up the role for them
>You all performed exceptionally, naturally
>This was far from your first time working with the Rainbooms, and despite not being a member you had picked up on their cadence as if you'd founded the band by this point
>So when the crowd for the decently sized auditorium they'd managed to pack erupted, you simply basked in it with them
>(That and finally let out a deep breath behind the mask you were wearing)
>(Mercenaries tended to make it very apparent that they weren't a member of the band they were working for - some of them took to wearing elaborate costumes that clashed against the rest of the group's aesthetic, along with stage names)
>(You kept it simple: a green full face mask that Rarity had very kindly stitched together for you, obscuring your face and replacing it with a massive question mark)
>(Your stage name? Anonymous)
>After a time Rainbow Dash finally grew tired of soaking up cheers and called it a night
>Leading you to your least favorite part of the experience:
>The post show bar crawl
>Now, don't get you wrong
>You liked working with The Rainbooms, they were an exceptionally talented band
>And individually, they all seemed like pretty cool ladies
>But you regretted your inability to turn down the bar crawl
>(Too many wide, expecting eyes on you at once, you weren't made of stone!)
>But whenever you went on these crawls, you... pretty much became an afterthought to them
>Not maliciously
>At least you don't think
>But this was a group of friends who had known each other, some of them for over a decade now
>They knew each other like the back of their own hands
>And trying to slip into that group dynamic was like trying to get around a brick wall by running straight through it
>Splat
>So, they chattered among themselves, shared in-jokes that were years in the making, and you...
>You just kinda existed at the same table as them
>In the least the 'newest' member of their group (still a present part of their troupe by half a decade at this point), Twilight Sparkle realized you were still there
>And she was always happy to engage you in conversation if someone else wasn't taking up her attention
>Though admittedly it was mostly a conversation with her at the head, so it lead to a lot of scientific jargon that flew so far over your head it was laughable
>It was much the same when she talked about her burgeoning magic theories (She and Sunset were pretty much the brains of this operation when it came to their activities regarding that stuff, and it showed)
>In the least, being the complete librosexual that she was, she was all too happy to discuss literature with you on top of all that, which was much more easier for you to keep up and actually engage with
>So when you weren't filling in for her these bar crawls often times turned into a two-person book club between the two of you
>Tonight's discussion on the character motivations of "Middlemarch"'s Dorothea Brooke and her disastrous pursuit of Edward Casuabon wasn't going so well, however
>Rainbow Dash had bullied Twilight into "living a little tonight"
>By which she meant actually drinking instead of enjoying a soda while everyone else drank alcohol
>Which led to the bookworm enjoying her first Cuba Libra, or rum and coke
>It also led everyone to realizing that Twilight was a complete fucking lightweight (something that probably should've been apparent in the first place, given that she wasn't a prominent drinker in the slightest)
>You thought she was trying to say something about Tertius Lydgate's subplot, but she was slurring her words so badly that she could've been talking about Typhoid and sewer grates for all you could tell
>Then she lost her balance and smacked her head on the table
>The sudden bang caused everyone at the table to jump
>And the den mother, Applejack, to take stock of everyone
>Rainbow Dash was holding her own, to your continued surprise
>She was like five feet even and had at best 5% bodyfat
>You have no idea where she got the alcohol tolerance she had from
>Or where it all went
>Rarity was currently trying to let Applejack wear her like a scarf, hanging off the farmgirl and giggling shamelessly
>Bit too much wine for that one, but AJ certainly didn't mind
>Fluttershy was sleeping in the booth already, with four drained daiquiris in front of her
>And Sunset...
>Well, Sunset left already
>She had an early morning to get ready for, with a fairly major psychology exam waiting for her
>"Alrigh', I think we're about done here for th' night."
>Rainbow Dash immediately started whining and protesting while you got out of your chair to check on Twilight
>Fortunately, she hadn't headbutted the table nearly as hard as it had sounded
>There was a bit of a mark but she hadn't broke the skin at all
>Still, it was prudent to be sure
"You alright there, Twilight? Brain still in one piece?"
>The young woman groaned, standing up on spaghetti legs and immediately putting both hands on the table to steady herself
>"Feeling... dizzy."
"Rum, coke, and head trauma will do that to you. Lets get you home, huh?"
>Applejack interjected at that point
>"Ah, don' worry about it, Anon."
>Your stage name had become a bit of a nickname among the group, which was fine
>"Ah'll handle gettin' her home, don't you worry."
>You eyed Applejack, taking stock of her... current stock
>Rarity was currently coiled around her neck, hanging on for dear life
>The farmgirl was also carrying Fluttershy, still snoozing away, over her shoulder like she was carrying a sack of flour
"Your load looks pretty heavy already, AJ. Though I guess Rainbow Dash could take her?"
>You turned to face Rainbow Dash...
>And got a distinctly empty space where there used to be a lead vocals and guitarist
>From the front of the bar you could hear Rainbow Dash call out 'see ya guys later I already paid for my part byyeee!'
>Goddamnit, Rainbow
"... Or she could ditch us. That would've at least been one drunk for each of us to handle. Much fairer odds."
>"True, but still. Ah got this."
"And I still insist. You shouldn't have to ferry everyone home yourself, super strength or not."
>Twilight stared between the two of you
>She blinked one eye, then the other before really registering the conversation
>"'Non, you'll walk me home?"
"Of course I will. It's not far, right?"
>"Yeah! I mean, no? Um. Yes, it's not far."
>Twilight perked up at the offer, stumbling over and grasping at your forearm
>You turned to Applejack and shrugged
"Looks like she's on board. I'd say be careful getting those two home, but Hell, Fluttershy weighs like, what, a few grapes?"
>Applejack gave you a look that you couldn't quite place
>Narrowing her eyes but giving you what mostly felt like a genuine smile
>"... Right, she's a dainty thing. You take care of your charge too, y'hear? Ah'll be right cross if y'don't."
"Wouldn't dream of it. Goodnight AJ, Rarity."
>And with that you split up
>The crawl tonight had seen you across three establishments tonight, and this last one was definitely in the nicer, more upscale part of town
>Incidentally, Twilight's apartment wasn't too far off from it
>You honestly couldn't believe she bothered moving out, especially since her actual mansion wasn't even that far off from the apartment she was renting out
>You had asked about it before and she said she wanted the full college experience, and she wasn't going to get that living at home and commuting to Horsepun University
>(The fact that she was matriculating at Horsepun was also fucking mindblowing, Twilight was a goddamn genius)
>Not that Horsepun was a bad school by any means, but she should absolutely be studying at Harvard, or... was there anything better than Harvard? (Ultra Harvard?)
>You didn't really know any prestigious schools beyond the ones everyone already knew via cultural osmosis
>Either way, you had pointed out the 'real' college experience would've been sharing a cramped dorm on campus
>Not renting out a high rise in the rich part of town
>In the face of that point, she just got sheepish and admitted that she was nervous about living with a total stranger
>And
>At the moment you kind of wish she'd put on that sheepish air, because drunk Twilight doesn't know how to walk
>After just five minutes and two blocks she'd tried to stumble into the road three times too many for your liking
>Which led you to your current situation, holding her hand firmly to ensure that she didn't try to wander off to her death again
>"I'm not THAT tipsy, I'm just walking a little diagonally... the sidewalk is being purposefully wobbly..."
>You simply responded to her by quirking up an eyebrow
>'Tipsy' was a slurring of the speech and a stumble here and there
>This was some legendary levels of alcohol intolerance
>You hoped Rainbow kept her peer pressure to herself in the future, but you imagined this was going to be a more common occurrence
>When you didn't respond verbally Twilight simply got a stupid smile on her face, violet eyes dipping down to the hand you were currently holding on to (cupped, not interlocked)
>"Thank you for holding my hand... I promise I'm not going to fall. Again."
"You'll forgive me if I don't entirely believe that, Twilight. I'm just going to hold on to this for safekeeping until we get you home, alright?"
>That just got a giggle out of her
>"You really didn't have to walk me all the way home, you know. My apartment's literally on the opposite side of town from yours, after all!"
>You're pretty sure if you WEREN'T walking her home she'd be in the middle of the road either passed out or making a complete nuisance of herself
>... Or Applejack would be desperately trying to corral two drunken goblins and one sleepy lush right about now
>Your mouth thinned at the comment about your own apartment, but you let it slide without comment
>"But you still did, and you said... you said, 'Of course I'll walk you home!' like it was so easy and not a burden. You're really nice, Anon."
>The woman suddenly throws her free hand in the air, before resting her palm over her eyes
>"I only had one drink! ONE! And now my brain is being very unscientific. You don't mind if I talk a lot, right? Because all my thoughts are gathering together in a big circle and chanting 'Okay Twilight, confession time'!"
>Twilight punctuated that last sentence with a few pumps of her arms, trying to mimic a cheerleader with pom-poms
>You simply shrugged at that
>You were kind of curious what someone like her would have to 'confess' to, anyway
>What, turn in a few library books too late?
"Sure, if you feel like talking, I'm all ears. What's on your mind?"
>"I had a lot of fun tonight... with the girls, I mean."
>You managed to keep your mouth from turning down at that addendum, though you think even if you let the hurt on your face show Twilight wouldn't have noticed
>Was that necessary?
>"Rainbow was loud and trying to talk to everyone at once, Sunset was moody... Rarity tried to order something more expensive than my grocery budget, and my heart nearly stopped!"
"That's saying a lot, given who's saying that."
>Twilight blearily turns her head to stare at you, and she smiles
>"I really appreciate you keeping an eye on me tonight, even when I couldn't articulate myself properly... and when my elbow slipped and I knocked my head on the table, you were the first one there to make sure I was okay. That made my chest feel warm... not from the alcohol, but from knowing I mattered to someone."
>She wasn't kidding when she warned you about being chatty
>It felt nice to hear someone say that, though
>Twilight suddenly gained an introspective look on her face
>"It's funny... I'm not majoring in it like Sunset, but I study psychology all the time. A lot of the magic that leaks into our world is heavily influenced by emotions - both negative and positive. I understand a lot of the concepts, but... I'm really bad at saying how I feel. About you."
>You were a bit blindsided, there, and it apparently showed on your face because Twilight immediately kept rambling
>"I don't want to mess things up! So I keep it locked up. Do you ever think about how sad that is? We keep our feelings towards the people who mean the most to us locked away, refuse to be honest about them... because we're scared of being honest with those people the most."
"It is kind of ironic, I guess. The people we should be most comfortable with are the ones we worry the most about upsetting, so we maintain a status quo with them. In a way, you can be more honest with strangers because, well, who cares, right? You don't know them enough to hold their opinions of you in esteem."
>Even through her bleary gaze Twilight seems to register that you understand, offering you a ten-megawatt smile and nodding so enthusiastically she rocks unsteadily on her feet, causing you both to have to stop walking until she stops swaying
>"That's right! Exactly what I was thinking, Anon!"
>Twilight lets out a loud sigh of contentment, stumbling forward and pulling you along, sidling a bit closer to you as she does
>"I think I like walking with you like this... just us. The streets are quiet, the night air is crisp. It feels safe. I feel safe."
>The fact that you were in the part of town that the local police patrolled the most was probably a factor in that
>You couldn't help but glance around, your eyes set to look for threats out of habit that... simply didn't exist in this part of Canterlot City
>What few people that were out this late at night were friendly, all smiles and upright postures
>Not a single person you and your charge had passed looked like they were capable of throwing a punch without breaking their thumb
>As you considered the baffling income disparity that could exist in even a town as small as this, you stumbled slightly as Twilight suddenly bumped into you, leaning way more heavily on your person
>When you looked down at her (having a whole head and a half of height on the young woman), you found her grinning that stupid sort of grin you could only find on drunks who'd taken leave of social inhibition
>"Also, you smell really nice. What kind of shampoo do you use? My brain's decided that's important information!"
>You perked up a brow at that
>You're fairly certain if this girl was just slightly more sober she'd be mortified of both the question and the insinuation that she'd been sniffing you
"Honestly, I just grab the cheapest bar I can find. Couldn't tell you what brand or even the intended scent for a million bits."
>With that (and a bit of a disappointed pout), you gently push Twilight forward to get her off of you
>Her apartment isn't that far off, right? Please.
>Despite failing to give her the information she desired, the young woman rebounds from this disappointment to sigh contentedly and stumble without a care in the world
>"You know, most people don't go out of their way for me like this. They think I'm responsible, that I always have myself 'put together'."
>Couldn't fathom where people got that idea from
>(You knew for a fact that Twilight used a level to make sure her bangs were perfectly straight, but you refrained from pointing that out right now)
>"Tonight though... you let me let my hair down and be messy, even if I went a little too far and couldn't talk about "Middlemarch" like we planned to. Tert... Tet... Lydgate's name is hard to say tonight! My tongue's tied up in knots..."
>Technically that was more Rainbow making her let her hair down tonight and you not being in charge of her, giving that Twilight is a grown ass adult
>But you suppose you could've just drank her rum and coke and made the point moot
>(Rum and whiskey are good friends, even, you probably would've been fine)
>"I liked that. I like... you."
>Did you hear that right?
>As you're about to ask the young woman suddenly stomps her foot and throws her chin in the air
>"There! I said it! Not just like, oh, you're nice, but like...  I appreciate your presence. Your kindness, the way you listen patiently about magic and my scientific studies even though I can see on your face that you don't really understand what I'm talking about." 
>That wasn't untrue, but you did feel like kind of an idiot when she said it like that
>"Everyone's gotten so casual about the magic in this city, and hardly anyone wants to listen about chemistry and biology, but you let me gush."
>Twilight stares at you with a bright smile on her face, and continues to bulldoze this conversation
>"If I were sober, I would NEVER say this out loud... but since I'm scientifically compromised? I think you're attractive, too. Not just on a physical level, but... urgh."
>Judging by the expression on her face, it looked like it was causing her physical pain to get this next bit past her lips, 'scientific compromise' or not
>"Your... energy and vibes."
>Honestly? You're floored
>Twilight Dolores Sparkle using the phrase 'vibes' unironically?
>Someone must've broke the thermostat in Hell
>"You make me feel calm when you're with us on stage. Normally my brain's calculating all the ways the performance can go wrong, but you never let the pressure get to you, and you're so relaxed that it's really easy to just follow your lead and really enjoy the show. I've never mentioned it, but I really appreciate that..."
>Twilight suddenly glances around
>You can see recognition cutting through her hazy gaze
>"We're almost at my building... that went faster than I thought. I kind of don't want the walk to end yet... not because I don't want to go home, of course, but because I want to stay in your company just a little longer."
>As the pair of you find your way to the gated entrance of her apartment complex, and Twilight fiddles with her purse to find her ID, she still has more to say
>"I always thought that feelings were something you had to analyze and break down to understand, but with you, they're just... there. Simple, warm. Not complicated. I wish I could walk you back home so you didn't have to make your way back alone, but that would defeat the purpose, wouldn't it?"
>You can't help but chuckle quietly at that
>It helped quash the relief that she wasn't going to try and follow you 'home'
"Just a bit, Twilight. Do you need help there?"
>"I got it! Just.. give me a minute."
>You watch with amusement as the poor girl pulls out a set of keys, a library card, her college ID (which she tries several times before realizing why it wasn't working, to her great embarrassment), an unattached keychain of a cheap little plastic dog that vaguely resembles hers, and then,
>"Ta-da!"
>Her ID card for the gate, well done
>As your walk continues, so does your friend's talking
>"I always want to be brave and ask you to hang out more, like... all the time - but then my brain does what it does best and thinks up the worst case for every possible outcome." 
>"Like, What if you're too busy?" ("I'm usually not."), 
>"What if you aren't interested?" ("I would be, most likely."), 
>"What if I'm annoying and talk too much?" ("You make it endearing, usually.")
>"But tonight, I don't feel too scared to ask -"
>Twilight stares up at you with a puzzled expression, suddenly
>"Which is weird, and probably the alcohol now that I say it out loud, but... also wonderful. Can we... do this again? Preferably with less rum involved. But the walking, being close... I liked all of it. Hearing your voice so close to my ear, the way you let me set the pace and didn't rush me... I want to get to know you better, Anon."
>Twilight fired off another rapid-fire series at you, then
>"Like, what's your favorite place to go when you're tired?" ("Bed? Kind of an obvious one, Twilight.")
>"What music do you listen to when you can't sleep?" ("Something with a low BPM to calm my brain down.")
>"What do you dream about when no one's watching?"
>That one struck you harder than the rest of her inane line of questioning, to the point that you actually stopped walking
>Twilight kept walking, but given that you were still holding her hand, she quickly stopped making progress moving forward and stared back at you questioningly
>You looked at her, really looked at her, with her glazed over eyes and flushed cheeks and that little grin on her face that was both incredibly cute, and an excellent indicator that that massive brain of hers wasn't fully all there right now
>And you couldn't help but be honest
"... Belonging somewhere. Really belonging."
>The violet-skinned girl simply stares at you for a few moments more before erupting into some giggles
>"I'm being really forward, aren't I?"
"... Just a bit."
>You tamped down your disappointment, and kept walking, prompting her to do so
>"I want to learn all of that and more. I've been holding this in for a long time. When I see you laugh with the others, I get this tight feeling in my chest, like. I want to be the one that made you laugh like that. I want to be the one you come home to, and tell your day to."
>As she rambles, Twilight pulls you in directions more confidently despite her stumbling gait, clearly having a better idea of where she is now compared to earlier
>Before long you stand before the door leading to her apartment, and, perhaps predictably, the yap continues as she fishes for her keys
>"I always tell myself not to be weird, but I find that worry really distant tonight. I really like you, Anon. Enough to not even feel mortified that you're seeing me like this. I feel safe."
>With her keys retrieved, you're now privy to a show of the Twilight trying and failing to thread the needle and put it in her keyhole
>After a few moments you gently reach out and steady her hands so that she can actually get the key in
>She offers you a very grateful smile and giggles
>"You're being very patient with me right now... and that's just making me like you more, you know."
>Twilight pushes the door open and takes a few shaky steps inside her home
>She looks back at you, waiting
>And despite yourself you follow after her
>Twilight's apartment is...
>'Lavish' doesn't seem strong enough of a world
>'Luxurious' might be in the ballpark
>Part of you wonders if Miss Moneybags over here brought this high end furniture from her room at home or if her parents kitted her out with brand new stuff just for this place
>You honestly wouldn't be surprised by the latter at all
>"You know what I want to do?"
>Twilight snaps you out of your envious appraisal of her living room
>(You're pretty sure the carpet is authentic Persian)
>"There's a really nice cafe near the library in this area, with cozy booths and window seats. We should go there! I'll bring a book, you'll bring..."
>Twilight stared at you
>Then kept doing so for just long enough to make things awkward before her brain rebooted
>"You could bring... you! And we can just... talk. About whatever we want. I've always wanted to do that with you, but I didn't know how to say that without sounding... desperate."
>You really aren't sure how to take that, to be honest
>Desperate as in she thinks asking you out would be a desperate move, or as in she wouldn't know how to word it without sounding... overeager?
>It didn't sound that way to you. so...
>"But I don't want to be hung up on things like that. I want to be with you, so I'm saying it as boldly as I can."
>Twilight kicked off her shoes in a lackadaisical fashion you're pretty sure she'd never do sober, and started to stumble towards a door across the room
>She stopped just short of it to make eye contact with you again, and smiled lopsidedly
>"I don't want tonight to be a sudsy memory, I want it to be the start of something. More walks, more talks, and more of your time. But I'm going to pass out in my bed, now."
>At that, Twilight opened her bedroom door and stepped inside, but not before she poked her head out of the frame
>"I hope I remember this courage, but even if I don't, I hope I remember how you made me feel... safe and seen. Thank you for walking me home, Anon. Lets do this again... just you and me, okay?"
"Of course, Twilight. You get some rest, okay?"
>With a cheerful nod, Twilight closed her door
>You waited a few moments to make sure you didn't hear her trip over something in her bedroom and fall over
>When you were satisfied, you took another glance around the apartment you had been left alone in
>Ritzy rugs, handsome leather chairs and a couch, a solid mahogany coffeee table
>Pictures covering every inch of the wall
>Some friends you recognized, her dog, Spike
>Folks that were presumably family
>Even having been invited inside, you couldn't shake the feeling that you were trespassing
>Like you had no business being in this world
>Her kitchen was tucked away, seperated by a half-wall
>All sorts of doodads and devices littering the counters that you wondered if she even knew how to use
>What were the odds she had a butler or something for this place?
>No one answered the door to receive you, so maybe a visiting maid
>Either way you looked around the kitchen just for a bit, considering one last favor to leave Twilight with before you left for the night
>Procuring a pen and some scrap paper, you began to scribble down a family recipe before you heard the lock to the front door 'clack' as it was engaged
>Did Twilight have a roommate?
>Glancing over at the door you felt like a deer in headlights
>Though that paralyzing shock gave way to confusion as the front door was pushed open
>And standing in the doorway was not some upper crust roommate...
>But Applejack
>The farmgirl stared across the way at you, brow perked up so high it almost disappeared into her bangs
>"What'cha writin' there, sugarcube?"

Part Two:
>"What'cha writin' there, sugarcube?"
>After the initial surprise of seeing Applejack, you calmed down pretty quickly
>You knew the farmgirl after all, so it wasn't like you had to introduce yourself to some stranger and play a game of 'no wait I'm not here to rob you put the phone away'
>With that concern making itself apparent and immediately resolving yourself, you got back to your writing
"Well, I'm trying to remember my grandfather's hangover cure. He swore by it up until that train accident he caused and them permanently taking away his license. So far I'm recalling tomato juice and sliced ginger. Your family probably has something like this, right? Any suggestions?"
>Now it's Applejack's turn to seem taken aback, as she walks further into the apartment
>You don't miss the way her Mutsu green eyes tick around the place, as if looking to make sure everything's where it's supposed to be
>As much as you would love to drag this couch home, AJ, it's clearly a bit too big to shove in your pants pocket
>Appreciate the 'subtle' insinuation, though
>"Well... that depends. Are y'goin' fer 'so nasty it clears yer head right up' or 'actually helpful for recovering'?"
>You hum at that, that's a good question
"I figure the latter for her first time getting drunk, seems like it'd be cruel to prank her like that when she's already going to be dealing with that sort of headache."
>Applejack nods approvingly
>"Well that's swell of ya, Anon. In that case ah'd suggest a fruit smoothie; milk, frozen bananers, blueberries, and just a lil' bit of spinach. Maybe some yogurt. Helps calm the stomach down, an' that goes a long way to not feelin' like death in the mornin'."
>With her preliminary search of the apartment completed to her satisfaction, Applejack jolts as she realizes something is missing, at least from her field of vision
>"Say, where is Twilight, anyway?"
>You respond as you scribble down Applejack's suggested cure
"Well, hopefully she's in her bed right now... face down. I listened for a minute to make sure I didn't hear any faceplanting on the floor or her crashing into whatever furniture she's got in there."
>At that, AJ gives you that look again
>You really aren't sure what her deal is
>"Y'didn't go in after her to make sure?"
"Shit, AJ, I already feel like I'm intruding in here as it is without going into her personal bedroom. You're free to go make sure she landed safely, if you want."
>"Righ'... alright, Anon, ah'll do that."
>With that, Applejack exits stage right, entering in Twilight's bedroom while you enter the kitchen
>After considering the best place for it, you eventually use one of her fridge magnets to pin it in a place of prominence on her fridge
>You sign the bottom of the page
>'Two out of seven of your friends recommend this concoction. That might seem like a really bad fraction, but we didn't ask the other five at all. - Anon'
>Stepping back into the living room, however
>Now it's your turn to have realization strike you like a lightning bolt
>You move over to the front door of the apartment, and poke your head out, looking up and down the hall
>Applejack calls out behind you
>"What'cha doin', Anon?"
>You pull yourself back into the apartment, giving Applejack an expression of alarm and concern
"Uh, AJ? Are you missing some folks? Like, say, a tall, sleepy wallflower and a fashionista who was trying to turn herself into a scarf?"
>Applejack stares at your confusedly before realizing what you were asking
>"Oh! Uh, Don't you fret none, Anon. Ah set them up with one of them Goobers usin' Rarity's phone and called ahead t'let Big Mac to know to expect'em. By this time they should be safe 'n sound in th' guest room."
>You almost don't catch her mutter 'at least Fluttershy oughta be' under her breath
>You choose wisely not to comment on that
>Something far more important was bugging you anyway
"That's... unlike you, if you don't mind me saying. Just shoving them in a stranger's car like that. Why would you do that?"
>And then... Applejack gets that fucking look on her face
>You've seen that look before
>The way she's not making direct eye contact
>Scrunching up her nose and sucking her lips into her mouth
>The last time she made this face she made the band fifteen minutes late for a show because she forgot her bass guitar at home and kept making up stories about where it was until everyone else ganged up on her about it
>"We should, uh. Probably get goin', Anon. S'a long hike back to the Acres and... where ever you live, surely."
>The implication being of course that you wouldn't live in the nice part of town
>You do deign to follow Applejack out, though you keep staring at her intently the entire time
>The farmgirl is visibly sweating buckets by the time you reach the gate leading out of the complex
>You know Applejack
>Everyone else in the group calls her 'Mom Friend', 'Den Mother', 'The One Who Makes Sure We Don't Get Arrested', and she takes those titles seriously
>So her just... sending two drunks, one of which wasn't even conscious off in a stranger's car?
>It goes so far against everything you know about her as a person that you wouldn't initially believe someone telling you she did it
>What could be so important that she'd act so contrary to her character?
>... Now that you're really thinking about it, what the Hell is she doing here, anyway?
>Twilight's apartment was on the opposite side of the city from her farm, it was going to take hours for her to walk back at this rate
>Did she just want to make sure you didn't get lost?
>No, that doesn't make sense
>If Applejack thought you two were lost she would call Twilight to see if you two needed help navigating and then come meet you two in person, most likely
>Going to Twilight's apartment by herself doesn't make any sense
>Unless...
>You feel like a stone's sinking into the bottom of your stomach as an idea suddenly comes together in your mind
>You don't want to think it's what's going on here, but it should be easy to prove
>You pump the brakes and relax your intense stare on Applejack, leaning back and resting your forearms behind your head
>Let the walk lapse into silence to bring the tension in the air to a simmer before you strike up the conversation again
"So, did you have a good time tonight?"
>Nice and casual
>Applejack seems to appreciate the new subject and nods, giving you a tired smile
>"'Course, Anon. It's always nice to unwind with everyone after a show like that. How 'bout you?"
"It was nice, yeah. Twilight and I were going to discuss "Middlemarch" more tonight, but she got sidelined by Rainbow 'encouraging' her to try rum, and you know how that went down. Remember how she encouraged Twilight by ordering a rum and coke too so they'd share?"
>"Heh, yup. And Rainbow downed her glass before Twilight could get three sips in. Really makes ya wonder where she puts it all, that girl could pass for a beanpole ah swear."
"Easily. By the way, are you going to join Fluttershy at the shelter this week? I think I remember her asking all of us if anyone could make it, apparently they got a lot of new dogs in after that one grandma died and the surviving family weren't willing to take them in."
>"Ah'll definitely try and make time. Those poor critters... it really burns me up how some people can be so cruel like that. In th' least they're all still together, but y'know folks are gonna part 'n parcel'em out... Ah should lean on Granny a lil'. Winona could use some friends."
"I'm sure she'd like that, especially since she's getting up in years, right? And hey, how about when Twilight stumbled on the sidewalk, got embarrassed over tripping over her own feet, and tried to veer off into the street?"
>"Ah, yeah. That poor girl's gonna need to either steer clear'a alcohol or ease more into it, her balance jus' went entirely out the window tonight. Ah was impressed that you managed to corral her out of harm's-"
>Applejack immediately clams up and 'the look' is back on her face, as her eyes shrink practically to pinpricks
>You baited the trap and she stepped right into it
>You're pleased with the success... but also incredibly disappointed
"Well see, that's something, because that didn't happen until we parted ways at the bar, and we crossed a corner down the block. How did you know that happened, Applejack?"
>You pick up the pace so that you can round on the farmgirl and stand in her way, staring Applejack directly in the eye
"Did you dump Rarity and Fluttershy in a Goober just so you could tail me and Twilight, Applejack?"
>Applejack outright refuses to meet your gaze
>Her face scrunches up even harder
"Why would you do that? I would've been perfectly fine if you wanted to join us on the walk."
>The scrunching intensifies, but her teeth are starting to grit
"Hell, I could've used the help keeping Twilight from walking into traffic or stopping her from faceplanting."
>Finally, she breaks out into a full snarl and starts stomping her feet
>"Ah wanted to make sure y'weren't a creep, alrigh'?!"
>The farmgirl's face is tinged with color, but you already know it's out of annoyance than anything demure
>"Ah wanted to see what kind'a guy y'were when you were alone, so I hung back t'make sure Twilight was safe with ya."
>And there's the confirmation
>You had a feeling, but you were naive enough to hope that maybe you were off base about it
"... I can't believe you."
>You turn on your heel and start stomping off, your own face burning with embarrassment
>Applejack immediately takes off, matching your gait despite her shorter stature
>"Look, Anon. It weren't nothin' personal. Ah was jus'.... apprehensive. Yer a damn fine musician but we don' really know ya that well, is all."
>Honestly?
>Part of you can even understand that
>Applejack was just looking out for one of her friends, that's something a good friend would do
>But that mistrust still stings in your chest
>You look back to stare at her sternly, trying and mostly failing to keep the bitterness out of your voice
"Well, it's not like we regularly hang out after gigs for hours at a time. Wait, shit, we do do that. Honestly, I don't know why you all even bother inviting me to the crawls afterwards."
>"Yer part of the show, Anon. Of course we're gonna invite ya to hang out afterwards, it's th' courteous thing to do."
"Yeah, and it's like hanging out with a big polycule. Or at least two really intense couples. I legitimately think this is the longest conversation we've had outside of work, Applejack."
>Applejack flinches back as if struck, but going by the hesitation on her face she knows she really can't refute what you're saying
>"...Yer right, Anon. Ah should've made the effort. Then we wouldn't be in this situation righ' now t' begin with. Ah'm sorry."
>It's really hard to stay mad at someone who sounds so sincere, damnit
>You chew on your lower lip, trying to stew and keep some of that anger nice and hot
>But you can already feel yourself cooling down
>With a defeated sigh, you just shake your head
"You're a good friend, Applejack. I can tell. I'd just like to see some of that my way."
>"Ah'll try from here on out. Y'really do seem like a solid guy, if it helps. Treated Twilight real courteously even with'er getting rambunctious as she was. Very respectable."
>That... gives you pause
"How close were you following us, anyway? Could you hear us talking?"
>"Nah, ah was keepin' my distance t'be safe. Ah heard her shout a few times but couldn't really make out at her normal volume. Ah admit ah am a mite curious..."
>You manage to keep your sigh of relief internal
"She was just getting really passionate about her opinions on the latest Daring Do movie adaptation versus the source material, is all."
>Applejack seems to pick up on your bullshit, though
>"Righ'. And the truth is?"
"Well, the truth is that's what I'm going to tell her if she asks about it in the future, so I think that's good enough for you."
>Now, you're getting blasted with Applejack's other signature look
>One of her eyebrows is perked up while the other furrows, and a small frown slips over her face
>"Anon..."
>Any of the girls would be sweating already, but you just look at Applejack like she's a fucking idiot
"I get that you take the 'Mom Friend' title seriously, but that doesn't make you entitled to your friend's private conversations. Especially after stalking them. Put that eyebrow back where it belongs."
>Applejack grimaces, but, given that you are very thoroughly on the moral high ground right now, complies with you
>Before long your walk leads you back to the bar where this all started
"Now, I think this is where we part ways. Sweet Apple Acres is... thataway, I believe? And I'm going this way."
>You gesture in the appropriate directions, to which Applejack nods
>"Righ'. Listen, Anon. Ah'm sorry again. For not trustin' you, and bein' nosy. Next time we hang out ah'll make an effort. Ah kinda wanna know who you think is datin' who in this group here."
"Tch. No prizes for guessing you and Rarity. But sure, I'll hold on to my other guesses until then."
>"Right cruel of ya, heh. Good night, Anon."
>With that, the two of you part ways
>Applejack makes her way northeast - in the direction of her farm relative to the bar
>You veer straight south, turning a corner...
>... And then waiting about five minutes just to make sure she's good and gone
>When you're confident you won't be spotted, you return to the bar parking lot
>Making a beeline for the very back, to an ancient, boxy, ugly ass van parked as far back as you could've managed
>This piece of shit was forged in the 1980s, as far as you can tell
>Some real vintage Mystery Machine shit
>It gets at best 9 miles a gallon and it smells like burnt oil most of the time
>But it's your baby
>Your chariot is a glorious royal purple with some stubborn rust spots
>And along the side is a truly majestic airbrushed mural of a classic wizard, complete with giant hat, massive gray beard, and starry robe
>This master of the arcane faces directly forward and scowls at the world
>Flipping everyone who perceives it the bird with both hands, which are on fucking fire
>The piece of shit van? 600
>This mural? 1500
>And it was worth every fucking bit
>You head around to the back and open it up
>The cargo area is fairly crowded
>Featuring a massive bag of clothes that you really need to get around to running through a laundromat
>A display stand for your beat up, well loved bass and lead guitars, the only instruments you personally own
>And a twin sized mattress to really sell your current situation
>No one who's in a good place in their life is sleeping on a Twin-sized mattress
>Closing the door behind you, you leap onto the mattress, groaning as the old memory foam is currently suffering from Alzheimer's, the way you feel every inch of the flooring underneath as you land on it
>Home sweet home, Anon

Part Three:
>With that dramatic night behind you, life pretty much returns to normal
>As you suspected, Twilight didn't breach the subject of her tipsy confession or act any different around you
>And as you elaborated to Applejack, you weren't going to remind her
>You recalled a few things about the latest Daring Do movie she did hate and were able to convince her of your cover story pretty easily, to which she apologized profusely for ranting your ear off about terrible greedy movie studios and the perverse glee they surely get off on, getting important details like the exact shade of beige Daring Do's wardrobe wrong
>... That is to say, she apologized profusely 'again', because that was neither the first and would absolutely not be the last time you're going to hear about something like that from your nerdy friend
>Now, you know full well that there's plenty of guys that would've given their masturbating arm to catch a girl like Twilight Sparkle's attention
>She's Scrooge McDuck loaded, she's unfathomably intelligent, cute as a button, and her constant state of anxiety is pretty endearing most of the time
>And yes, you're aware of all those things and absolutely appreciate them
>You just don't trust a thing drunk people say
>Fuck, man
>Your own mother looked you in the face with a wine glass in hand and told you that she loved you plenty of times
>... Then she wouldn't even look in your fucking direction, still sipping from that goddamn glass as your dad shoved that check into your hands, told you to get the fuck out of his house, and-
>Whoa ho, hey
>Very sneaky, brain, but how about you put those memories right back in their box this instant
>The point is, you didn't trust like that, for issues you weren't super keen on elaborating on
>If Twilight really felt that way she could convey it sober
>But that was neither here or there right now
>Right now, you're at a practice session with Flash Drive, slotting into the drums once again
>Brawly Beats had a sudden death in the family that's got him out of state entirely to attend the service, and he'll be out of reach for the next two weeks
>Just enough time to miss a gig Flash Sentry had lined up
>So with a quick ring on your busted ass cellphone, here you are, filling your calendar for the next two weeks on your schedule and getting back into the groove with this group
>Flash Drive's one of your less frequent clients, due to their members being so close knit
>They're pretty much the only band that had formed in Canterlot High far before the Sirens came and gave everyone the bug, after all
>Flash's brand of "I'll have her home by 9PM sir!" super safe pop rock takes some getting used to, but you can hang
>Honestly, a few days of practicing the setlist Flash's cooked up for their next show, you're pretty confident can do your part in your sleep
>To the point that when you get a call mid-practice you didn't even hesitate to pull your phone out of your pocket
>Lurching your head against your shoulder to hold your cell in place while you continue to plug away at your midtom and snare
"Ahoy hoy - I didn't look at what number this is, so who we got here?"
>"Yo Anon! It's Rainbow Dash. What's that racket? Sounds gay."
>You hope Flash can't hear your phone over your drumming, or else he's going to be bummed out
>If Rainbow's calling his setlist gay, well shit, who would know better?
"I'm in the middle of a practice with Flash Drive. What's up, Dash?"
>"You're working with Flash Drive? Man. Do you think you can get them to wrap up soon so you can get over to my house? We've got a practice going on here today too, I finished writing up an awesome new song I wanna get some practice in on and I figured you ought to come over so you can learn it too."
"That's not really my call Dash, besides, I'm pretty much spoken for. Flash already booked me for the rest of the month. First come first serve, you know that."
>"Dude, c'mon. It's Flash Drive. We're the Rainbooms. How are you gonna pick them over us? We're going to start in about an hour, try not to be late."
>You were about to respond with something along the lines of 'Their money is as green as everyone else's', but Rainbow almost immediately hung up on you when she was done talking
>You can't help but grimace as you let your brick of a phone slide off your shoulder and onto the floor
>It's fine, it's basically indestructible
>Rainbow's always been pushy like that, when she wants something she's pretty much used to getting it
>Tough kitty toenails though, you're not going to ditch a client, that's just terrible business
>Especially when the money's already in your account and you're pretty damn tired of eating off value menus
>Tonight Anon's going to eat some motherfucking actual people food
>Or probably Denny's
>The sound of your brick-like phone crashing onto the floor causes all the rest of the band to jolt
>Flash gives you a look
>"You alright, Anon?"
"Sorry about that. Got a call, can't really afford to ignore'em with a business like mine."
>"... Jeez man, you're a machine, it didn't sound like you missed a beat at all."
>You just give Flash, Ringo, and Sandalwood a grin
"That's why they pay me the big bucks. Lets get back to it, eh?"
>With a brief, shared laugh, you all get back to practice
>...
>...
>A few hours later, with a nice burn in your arms, you scroll through your phone after leaving Flash's place
>Rainbow Dash completely blew up your brick, goddamn
>Several texts that range from antsy but curious to pretty damn aggressive
>And one voicemail that you just went ahead and deleted rather than subject yourself to
>You fired off a quick "I told you, I'm booked. Can't be helped." text before putting your phone away and parking about two blocks away from your actual next destination:
>The Canterlot City Animal Shelter
>You'd been giving some thought to what Applejack said that night
>The girls really didn't know you that well
>And while you personally felt that a lot of that was on them
>It did give you the idea of trying to make some inroads with them on a more personal level, instead of trying to pierce through the thick hide that was them as a massive group
>So, that's what's led to you visiting this drab building on a lovely Sunday afternoon
>Instead of being at a Denny's demolishing a fucking Slamburger
>Fluttershy basically lives at this place, as far as you can tell
>It's basically the only thing she ever talks about during the post-show outings
>'Oh gosh, you should really see the cat we got recently', 'Mr. Feathers said the funniest thing the other day', 'We got a new Labrador in and his name is Hamburger, can you believe that?'
>You can in fact believe that, people name their pets stupid shit all the time
>You don't really have anything against animals, per se
>Your parents simply didn't want one running around the house, getting fur all over the place and shitting everywhere
>And now, well, now you live in a fucking van, so subjecting a small animal to that kind of environment seems incredibly irresponsible
>You can't directly talk to animals like Fluttershy, but you can pretty much figure out what the dogs want (food, playtime, the chance to shit)
>Honestly, you get a little more into it, probably owing to not having the chance to actually have a pet as you mentioned already
>To the point you don't even realize you're eventually not alone until a bit of pink catches in your peripheral vision
>When you look over Fluttershy's staring at you like a deer in headlights
>And just... keeps doing so, to the point that the person with her that you didn't initially notice feels the need to clear his throat
>"Ahem. Well, as you can see, we have another volunteer for once. Do show them how we do things around here, won't you,  Fluttershy? I'll be up front at the reception desk if either of you need me."
>With that the presumed receptionist gets the Hell out of dodge, leaving you in this suffocating atmosphere
>You decided to break the ice first
"Hey there, Fluttershy. Sorry I'm unannounced, but I remember you mentioning the Shelter was a bit overwhelmed with all the new dogs that came in. Thought I'd make an appearance at some point to help out."
>She's still just fucking staring at you
"I, uh. It sounds like I'll be in your care for the next few hours, so if I do anything wrong please tell me?"
>The awkwardness of this conversation is so dense you're pretty sure if it fell over on you you'd be crushed like a bug
>Eventually Fluttershy finally nods and hurries away to deal with the cats in the shelter, instead
>And that just about sets the tone for the entire rest of your time in the Animal Shelter
>When you finish dealing with the dogs and move on to the cats, she moves on to the small contingency of birds that the shelter hosts
>You swear despite her fleeing your presence you can still feel her eyes on you
>But when you give in and glance around there's no one there
>Eerie
>Part of you really wonders if Fluttershy got hit as a kid or something, no one is just naturally this jittery
>You'd love to ask, maybe even potentially bond over shitty parents, but the woman's rejected every stab you've taken at small talk
>It's only at the end of your visit that you finally get something out of Fluttershy
>As you exit the front doors of the Shelter she hesitates and looks directly at you
>Rubbing at her arm nervously before finally getting the nerve to say,
>"...Rainbow Dash was really mad you bailed on us today."
>And then there she goes, power walking away before you can properly respond
>Well shit, now you can't tell if this was her being shy or showing solidarity for her pissed off friend
>Both, maybe?
>Little Miss Dash is just going to have to deal, she knows your policies
>...
>...
>About a week into your contracted period with Flash Drive, you've got their setlist down pat
>Their BPM is a bit slower than you're used to, so having to hold back like this is actually kind of a fun challenge
>Especially when you're trying to sell that you're into the whole thing instead of moving at a more sedate pace
>Keeping up the energy of the performance is just as vital as keeping on beat, maybe even moreso
>You have to completely tamp down your enthusiasm when you're working with Photo Finish's Snapshots, for example
>Their Germare roots are very present in their performance, you still shiver with terror at the memory of Photo Finish screaming at you in a foreign language for smiling during one of their shows
>Terrifying, but also kind of hot
>If that doesn't describe the photographer to a 'T'
>That's the past, though
>Right now you're enjoying a break with Flash Sentry and his crew
>Shooting the shit, talking more about yourselves than having a real conversation
>It's nice at least, especially since owing to there only being four of you instead of eight, it feels a lot easier to get a word in edgewise
>Ringo suddenly looks over at you, a thoughtful expression on his face
>"Say, Anon - you've been running as a Mercenary for a few years now, right? Have you ever thought of putting down roots with any band? Maybe even starting your own?"
>Only every single fucking day, buddy
>You don't answer so bluntly, though
>Just shrugging your shoulders lazily
"That sounds nice from time to time, yeah. Devoting myself to a sound, playing a static role. Honestly there's already so many bands in town though, I don't know if this scene could stand another group."
>Plus you aren't really sure who you would recruit for that sort of thing
>One or two Mercenaries maybe
>There's a murmur of agreement across the other three guys, having not considered how bloated the music scene already is
>You're spared having to really think about it when you phone buzzes in your pocket
>You pull it out to find Twilight's sent you a text message
>'Hey Anon! Are you on your way? Everyone's already here - did Pinkie remember to pass along directions?'
>Confused, you fire back a text of your own
'I wasn't aware I was expected somewhere. What's going on, Twilight?'
>'What? Pinkie said she invited everyone. We're going out to the woods to do a little camping, Applejack really got into a nostalgic mood thinking about our time at Camp Everfree and talked us all into it!'
>You take a quick peek at your texts, but you know you don't really need to bother
>You don't have Pinkie Pie's number, and vice versa
>The energetic drummer's energy is... a lot, to speak it plain
>Your wavelengths don't really match up
'Must've lost my invite in the mail. You lot have fun, try not to get too eaten by mosquitos.'
>'Oh, well. I'll do my best! Have a good weekend, Anon! We're going to be pretty radio silent for the next few days.'
>You set your phone back in your pocket and grimace
>Objectively, you didn't think you'd be invited to an outing with the Rainbooms like that
>But knowing they're out there and Twilight was looking forward to seeing you there leaves an odd warmth and bitterness in your heart
>Apparently it shows on your face because the other three members of Flash Drive are all staring at you with expressions of curiosity and concern
>You really don't care for it, and get up out of your chair to excuse yourself
"Sorry fellas, that was important - I gotta jet. I'll see you for the show, alright?"
>The members of Flash Drive all clearly aren't buying it, but none of them call you out and simply wish you a good night
>You sincerely doubt it's going to be one, now
>...
>...
>The day for Flash Drive's latest show finally arrives
>They're playing Opener for a touring, more established band
>You're so engrossed in the local scene to the point you're a bit out of the loop of what's popular on a wider stage, but judging by the packed crowd of the Canterlot Amphitheatre, whoever's headlining must be a fairly big deal
>Flash's sound must match up well with them because the crowd's nice and hot by the time you run through the set, saying your thank yous, and departing the stage
>Running with these guys has been fun for the past two weeks
>They have their own in-jokes and references that fly right over your head, but you had a good time regardless
>It's always bittersweet when engagements end like this, but you know you'll probably be linking up again with them sooner or later
>It's easier to beg off their invitation to hang out post show than the girls, but it doesn't hurt that in the midst of your spiel you phone goes off
"Sorry guys, I gotta take this. We'll go bowling soon, promise Ringo."
>When you pick up the call you're immediately hit with a cacophony of background noise
>It sounds like someone's in a club
>A familiar raspy voice comes through your speaker
>"Yo Anon, we need you right now man, Applejack had to cancel at the literal last minute and we're due on stage in like thirty minutes. In and out. Twenty minute set. Can you do it?"
>All that exposition catches you a bit off guard, but you get it
"Uh, shit. Yeah. I just finished up with Flash and his show, so I'm free. Just text me the address and I'll be there as fast as I can."
>Fortunately the venue is nearby enough that your van can get you there well within the time frame
>You park a block away and pull out your mask and bass guitar (though you suspect Rainbow Dash will want you to play with an instrument that doesn't look like you threw it down the stairs a few times)
>You enter in through the back, flashing security the credentials Rainbow texted over to get you in
>And...
>Applejack is here
>Didn't Rainbow Dash say she called off?
"What the Hell?"
>Applejack is steadfastly not meeting your gaze
>"Sorry, Anon."
>You're about to ask what the deal is when the Rainbooms exit their dressing room
>And... what the fuck are they wearing
>The first thing that comes to mind is the Sergeant Pepper album cover
>But like, take that shit up to eleven
>Every girl is dressed up in their own color-coded marching uniform, bedazzled to the extreme in a parody of good taste
>Rainbow Dash immediately makes eye contact with you and smirks
>"About time, jeez. Come on. We're doing "Awesome As I Want To Be", "Better Than Ever", "Shake Your Tail", and "Shine Like Rainbows" tonight.
>Her expression darkens a bit
>"We'd be doing the new song tonight but SOMEONE couldn't be bothered to show up for the practice sessions. Lets go."
>You match Rainbow's glare with one of your own
"You know how my business works, Rainbow. Flash got to me first, I'm not going to bail on him-"
>Apparently Rainbow was banking on you defending yourself, because despite her making a show of rushing everyone on stage, she turns right on her heel to get in your face
>"Oh please. Can we talk about that, really? This 'Mercenary' crap. You know you play with us like, three shows to every one of some other band, right? I had Twilight do the math on that."
>You really ought to get a medal for holding your tongue on that and not saying something incredibly mean, there
>That said the fact that their band is twice the size of every other act in town is probably a factor there
>There's way more opportunities for one of them to need to be replaced compared to every other band that averages out between three and four members in comparison
>"Everyone who's anyone knows we're the best band in this town, and you're always running with us. They ought to know better- honestly, you ought to know better, too."
"What exactly am I supposed to know better about?"
>Rainbow just stares at you like you're an idiot
>"Dude, you're basically a Rainboom. We should be taking priority here - so when I call you for a practice session I'm expecting you to be there next time, got it?! Now lets GO already."
>As if she wasn't the one who delayed you all going on stage in the first place
>You stare at the rest of the girls
>Most of them have apologetic expressions, but they certainly didn't even try and interrupt Rainbow
>You eye their flashy, elaborate, over-designed outfits, then look down at the simple green mask in your hands
>You think of how Applejack didn't trust you enough to be alone with a mutual friend
>You think of how Fluttershy wouldn't say a word to you at the shelter
>How the group headed out to enjoy time together without you
>This is 'basically being a Rainboom', huh?
>Well, this basically fucking sucks
>Gritting your teeth, you slip your mask back on your head for the second time in the day
>It stinks of sweat by this point and you're sure there's some salt stains here and there
>You're going to go out there in front of that crowd and fucking kill it, even if you are pissed right now
>You're a fucking professional after all
>But you know this bullshit can't be allowed to stand as it is
>Something needs to change