BNS Chapter 11 — Shopping for two

Alan followed Maud and Starlight, examining the walls of the cave, which were abundantly covered with various gems. He was surprised to see a hole in one of the granite walls leading into a huge cave area with a small waterfall flowing into a crystal clear cave lake.

Along the edges of the cave walls, here and there, large crystals of various colors stuck out. The entire inner space of this place was overgrown with various plants, and it seemed as if a small lost world had formed here.

When Alan saw this cave, he immediately remembered the story of Jules Verne, entitled "Journey to the Center of the Earth", as what he saw was very similar to what the writer described in his book. Looking at all this sight in a daze, he only said in amazement.

— Wow…

Maud was pleased with his reaction, and therefore smiled slightly. Starlight had seen this place before, so her reaction was much calmer. After dropping a few seconds, Alan finally came to his senses, and turning to Maud said.

— Damn, this cave is incredible! You have chosen a great place to live.

— I agree, this place is really beautiful.

Starlight said with a smile, turning her gaze to Maud she asked.

— So, Maud, do you already have all the things to set up the room, or are you planning to buy them in Ponyville?"

Starlight looked around, asking Maud about it. Alan also looked at Maud with interest. The mare glanced at the watch she carried with her in her bag, and having found out the time, she said.

— I ordered a transfer of my things to Ponyville in the Sugarcube Corner. I left the address there with the route to the cave entrance, so there shouldn't be any problems. The only thing missing is a more comfortable and large bed.

Starlight was surprised and asked.

— Didn't you have it before?

Maud glanced furtively at Al, and then answered.

— For some time now, it wasn't enough for me, so I thought about buying a new one, larger, softer and more comfortable.

Starlight just shrugged, and Alan smiled at Maud and said.

— A large and soft bed, this is definitely a good idea, I support you on all fronts.

Maud glanced slightly at Starlight and then said.

— Then why don't you and Starlight go to the furniture store together and choose some suitable option?"

Starlight tilted her head to the side and answered.

— Well, I don't mind, but what about you?

— I'll go to the Sugarcube Corner, watch how my things are transported.

Maud responded in her unemotional manner.

Starlight and Alan looked at each other and nodded their heads smiling. Agreeing with the plan, the three left the cave and headed towards Ponyville, where they parted in different directions.

Maud walked toward the Sugarсube Corner, and Starlight led Alan toward the furniture store. As they walked the streets of Ponyville, the gazes of others fell on them from time to time, and it was noticeable that Starlight was very uncomfortable because of this. With a slight tension on her face and voice, she asked.

- Why... is everyone looking at us like that?

Alan shrugged his shoulders and answered casually with a slight smile.

— Who knows. Maybe it's because Pinkie has already trumpeted about the Ponyville party in honor of Maud and me. Or they just wonder how it happened that a stranger like me, walking with the beautiful student of the Princess of Friendship.

As he said that, he winked at Starlight.

She was at first taken aback by his words, but then laughed slightly embarrassedly, forgetting about the past tension. She hit Alan on the shoulder with her hoof in a friendly way, and said.

— Yeah, of course, haha. I think the Pinkie option is more appropriate. Although...

Looking around again, she realized that most of the watchers were mares. After thinking for a while, she turned her gaze to Al walking next to her, and finally understood what was the matter. In this easy communication with him, she had already forgotten that Alan was a very attractive stallion, and besides everything else, she obviously liked his taste in choosing clothes.

Usually, Starlight doesn't like to wear clothes, at least not the ones offered by the vast majority of stores. But if she could find something similar to Alan's clothes, she would definitely wear them. And so, when some stallion approached to inquire about clothes from Alan, after answering a stranger, Starlight was surprised to learn that these clothes were from Rarity's boutique. She looked strangely at Al and asked.

— Did you really get these clothes from Rarity? It doesn't look like her style.

Alan smiled slyly and answered.

— That's right, it's not really her style. This is my own design, and Rarity sewed it exactly as I asked. After that, I gave her permission to create a new clothing line based on my design. So, in a short time, many new men's outfits will come out from under her beautiful hooves.

— So this is your design? Wow, I didn't know you were a fashion designer.

Starlight clearly didn't expect Alan himself to be the designer of this outfit. But before she had time to be surprised, Alan's next phrase amazed her even more.

— Actually, I'm not a fashion designer. It just so happened that I know how to create blueprints, and the modern Equestrian fashion didn't suit me very much. So I decided to create something according to my personal taste.

Surprised, Starlight continued to stare at his clothes, which Al noticed. He thought a little, and remembering good women's outfits in a similar style, he said enthusiastically.

— If you like this style so much, then I could draw something similar for you.

Hearing this, Starlight was delighted and said happily.

— Really? Great, I would be very grateful!

— Then we agreed. As time goes by, I will sketch out a drawing with clothes for you.

— Thanks Alan. Oh, right, if you're not a fashion designer, then what do you do? And where did you live before, if it's not a secret?

— Well... I'm not from Equestria. I used to live and travel outside of it. I made my living doing absolutely any kind of work that I could come across. So you can say that I am a professional handyman.

— Pony handyman from outside Equestria? I haven't heard of this before. Usually, ponies do only one thing, but you were not just a handyman, you were also a professional. You must be really good at a lot of things.

— Hah, that's right. The circle of my skills is very extensive, so if you need help with any issue, you can feel free to contact me. In return, when we're done with Maud's house, I'll need your magic-related consultation.

— Magic related?

Starlight looked at him oddly, asking again.

Alan nodded and answered with a smile.

— Yeah, but more on that later, in a quieter environment.

This is not the first time Starlight hears that Alan and Maud want to discuss something with her, and she has long been interested in what will be discussed. And now, finally, she was able to find out the topic of future discussion. Her interest grew a lot, as the topic would obviously be about magic, in which she was very strong.

And considering that Alan was an earth pony, her curiosity about him grew even more. The more she thought about this pony, the weirder and more extraordinary he seemed to her.

Finally, after a few minutes, they reached a furniture store. Once inside, they quickly went to the sleeping area.

It was a rounded room in shades of blue and light green. There were various beds against the walls, with shelves above them. On the shelves were pillows, blankets and other bedding.

After looking around, Alan quickly headed towards the beds intended for two or more ponies. This act embarrassed Starlight, as she did not quite understand why he was headed towards them. She silently followed Al, and looked at him with a strange look.

Passing the different bed options, Al stopped at one particular model. It was a triple bed, made of patterned wood, painted black, with a diamond mark on the back.

Its size was large enough to fit not only three, but four ponies at a time. Looking at Al's satisfied smile, Starlight could no longer remain silent, so she asked.

— Um, Alan... Are you sure Maud needs a "this" big bed?

— Of course! She asked for something bigger and more comfortable, how could it be otherwise?

— Uhh-haaa...

Starlight was still looking strangely at Al, to which he only smiled and replied.

— Well, if you doubt my choice, then let's try it.

Without waiting for Starlight's answer, Alan took her by the hoof, and pulled her down on the bed. Starlight gave a small cry of surprise, and, closing her eyes, landed on the bed. It was so soft and comfortable that for a second she forgot and lay on it with a feeling of bliss.

Alan was also pleased with the sensation of the bed. He sighed happily, and turning on his side towards Starlight spoke.

— Well, what did I say? It's just amazing, isn't it?

Starlight finally opened her eyes, and turning on her side towards Al realized that she was lying almost tight with Alan, face to face. Lying on her side, she looked at his face, and for a second was mesmerized by his appearance. This calm look of his red eyes, drooping black mane, clean and warm smile. All this fascinated her, and she answered in a slightly hazy voice.

— Yes ... it's really wonderful.

Alan was a little embarrassed, and at that moment a voice sounded from the side.

— As I see, this lovely couple liked our special model of a triple bed?

At that moment, Alan and Starlight were distracted from each other, and looked towards the talking pony. It was a store employee. His fur was coffee-colored, and he had a bow-tie collar around his neck. He looked at them with a smile, and making sure to get their attention, he added.

— We have a fifteen percent discount in our store on all beds for pony couples, if you decide to purchase it right now, I will gladly raise it to twenty percent.

At this moment, Starlight finally came to her senses, and, slightly embarrassed, hurriedly spoke.

— A... A couple? We are not...

But before she had time to finish, Alan covered her mouth with his hoof, and said smiling to the seller.

— This is just wonderful, we will gladly accept your offer.

Saying that, he got out of bed, and turning towards Starlight, he smiled tenderly at her, and held out a hoof to help her up.

— This discount would be helpful, do you agree, dear? I am sure your lovely hooves and delicate body will obviously be delighted with such a soft bed.

With that, he winked at Starlight playfully, embarrassing her even more. Quickly realizing what was happening, she got ready, and smiling, put her hoof on his, getting out of bed. When she got up, Alan, holding Starlight by the hoof, pulled her closer to him, and turning towards the seller's pony, said.

— We are ready to pay for our purchase.

Already fully aware, Starlight just nodded her head in agreement with Al's words. She knew it was essentially cheating, but she was not the type to care much about this kind of thing, plus this "cheating" was not inherently serious, so she decided to play along. Besides, playing a couple with someone like Alan would certainly not be a problem for her, she even felt a certain pleasant feeling.

The seller smiled broadly at the successful sale, and happily led them towards the cash register. All this time, Alan held Starlight's hoof with his own, while smiling happily. When they got to the cash register, the salesman asked.

— Would you like to choose the right bedding at the same time? We have a wide selection.

Alan thought a little, and said enthusiastically.

— Of course, where can we look at them?

The salesman smiled even wider and answered.

— Follow me, please.

Following the seller, they entered another department, where bed linen was the main product. After carefully examining all the options, Alan went to one interesting set, with beautiful patterns in blue-violet, and said.

— I think it will fit just perfectly.

The seller immediately said.

— Excellent choice sir! This set is made from the finest fabrics from Manehattan. There are only three of them in our store.

— Seriously? I just chose based on the color palette.

Alan was a little surprised at the successful choice, and smiled with satisfaction. Starlight glanced at the selected bedding and then turned to Al and asked.

— And what is it about this color?

Alan turned to her, and after thinking a little, gently answered with a slight smile.

— It's just that this color is perfect for your beautiful eyes and mane. I am sure that by lying on this bed, in the light of the moonlight from the window, you will be a real manifestation of the "Starlight Glimmer".

Starlight at first was dumbfounded, listening to his words, fascinated, but then coming to her senses, she laughed slightly, and embarrassedly poking Alan in the side said.

— Damn it, Alan, you make me blush again.

— I'm just saying it as it is, dear.

Alan shrugged his shoulders, holding an ambiguous smile.

Although Starlight understood that this was all a game so as not to arouse suspicion from the seller, she was still pleased to hear such words in her direction.

Usually, she didn't really like all these tenderness between other couples, but now, being in the place of a mare that receives such compliments, she was surprisingly pleased.

Having finished with the choice of bed linen, they paid for the goods to the satisfied seller, and leaving the address to the movers, left the establishment holding on to their hooves, and showing themselves as a couple until the very last moment.

After moving some distance from the store, they finally stopped holding on to their hooves. Starlight sighed calmly, and said with some excitement in her voice.

— Fewh, that was great! I didn't expect you to decide to play a little show for a discount. You spoke so beautifully, you clearly have acting talent, you are a sweet-talking bad guy, He-he.

After scratching his head in embarrassment, Alan answered.

— In fact, it's not about talent, it's just that when you have such a really beautiful and inspiring pony with you, it's easier to play such a role. Just say what you really think and everything will turn out right.

Starlight opened her mouth slightly in surprise when she heard his answer. She thought for a second and then retorted with a bitter smile.

— Inspiring, huh? I'm not sure I have achieved anything like this, I would say that my past is not something that can inspire.

— You are not right. Regardless of who you were before, who you are now and what you have achieved, truly delights and inspires. To some extent, it even helps me not to stop developing further, and always become better than before, regardless of obstacles. So when I say you are awesome, just shut up and deal with it!

Alan finished with a perky smile. Starlight was touched by his words at first, but then froze in surprise with a strange smile, hearing the last part of his words, she looked at Alan for a while, and then laughed loudly.

Her laugh attracted the eyes of some of the ponies around, but Starlight didn't care. She even had tears, and it was difficult to tell whether they were from laughter, or from feelings from Al's words at the beginning. When she finished laughing she said.

— Oh my stars, Alan. I don't even know what to say, you're just something else. Now I understand why Maud likes you and why she advised me to hang out with you. You truly have the most unusual temperament of any stallion I have ever met.

Alan embarrassedly scratched the back of his head and answered.

— I also think that you are one of the most unusual mares that I have seen. It is much easier for me to communicate with you, and I do not need to be so delicate in conversation, afraid of offending you with my words, since I know that you are cool with this.

Starlight nodded with a slightly surprised face and agreed.

— Yes, I understand what you mean. It is quite difficult to be friendly all the time and be careful about what you say. Especially if you take into account my past, it becomes clear that… Mmm, let's say... it's not really my element.

Starlight and Alan continued to walk around Ponyville, chatting on various topics, and learning more about each other. Starlight found Alan quite extraordinary, and she was gradually filled with joy from the fact that she met a stallion so close to her in spirit and mentality.

At some point, she looked at him with a completely different look, and looking at him, she caught herself thinking that she wanted to extend this walk a little more. Looking around, she noticed a pastry shop, and without thinking twice, she invited Alan to come into it and have a snack. Alan was really a little hungry, and therefore did not refuse.

Inside the place, although there were many different sweets, donuts were the main feature of this place. There were several tables inside, and having bought a couple of donuts, Starlight and Alan sat down at one of the free tables, and continued to talk, expressing their thoughts and opinions about certain problems.

To Starlight's surprise, Alan turned out to be a very smart and perceptive pony, and communication with him was incredibly interesting and easy-going. This is the very quality that she highly appreciated in other ponies, but rarely met. To her luck, she met Alan, who was practically an alien with a lot of different knowledge from another world…

Finally, after a light snack, Alan and Starlight left the pastry shop and headed towards Maud's cave. But before they had time to walk fifty meters, Alan's eyes were attracted by a small shopping cart, with a strange pony hiding its appearance with a burgundy raincoat.

On the cart were laid out seemingly ordinary cupcakes, but there was something about them that attracted Alan's attention, since they seemed familiar to him, and he could not understand what exactly.

After a little thought, he turned to Starlight.

— Wait a bit, I want to see what the сupcakes are selling there.

Starlight looked where Alan pointed and answered.

— Hmm? Aren't these the most ordinary cupcakes?

— Perhaps, but I'm still interested.

— Okay, let's see.

Starlight just shrugged, and nodded, followed him.

Walking over to the small cart, Alan began to carefully examine the cupcakes. While he was trying to figure out what they remind him of, he was distracted by the calm voice of the salesman.

— Are you interested in my product, sir?

Alan turned to the seller, and answered a little thoughtfully.

— Yes... These Cupcakes remind me of something, but I just can't remember.

The seller was surprised at his words, and said.

— Really? Usually my cupcakes are always the only ones in the world, are you sure you've met something like this?

— I am not sure, unless...

Bringing his face closer, Alan sniffed their scent, and an old memory flashed in his eyes. In this memory, as a child, he sat at the table and waited for his mother to come from the kitchen and bring the cupcakes that he loves so much.

And when she finally brings them, he breathes in their unforgettable scent with his whole chest, which has always made him hungry.

This pony's muffins smelled exactly like his mother's muffins.

Alan smiled brightly and said.

— I remembered! As a child, my mother made exactly the same cupcakes. If I'm not mistaken, the inside is a perfectly balanced banana and chocolate filling with small pieces of strawberries, right? If so, then I would like to buy several from you.

The pony salesman stared at him in surprise, but then laughed and answered.

— Wow, I never thought that someone would be able to guess the filling of my exclusive cupcakes by the smell! Usually, I don't sell more than one cupcake for one pony, but since something interesting has happened, I'll make a small exception and sell you two, plus one for your lovely lady.

Starlight was embarrassed again, but this time she did not deny, and simply agreed. She didn't really want a cupcake, but decided to take the third one for Alan. Alan, on the other hand, was very happy, and having paid for the purchase, he received a package with two cupcakes, which immediately went into the bag.

He wanted to eat it afterwards.

Then, remembering something, he thought.

«By the way, I think it's worth leaving the second one for Pinkie, she will definitely appreciate such a delicious treat. After all, this cupcake should be incredibly tasty.»

While he was thinking about it, the pony salesman began to collect his goods, and fold his cart into a state of movement. Alan looked at him in surprise and asked.

— Isn't it early to close?

With an enigmatic smile, the salesman replied.

— Maybe early, but my policy is that after selling more than four Cupcakes, I go to another city. My cupcakes are too tasty, and I cannot satisfy the hunger of all the ponies that might come here.

Alan smiled, and nodded understandingly, nevertheless, everyone has their own reasons for actions. And he sold the cupcakes themselves at a fairly high price. Ten bits for one cupcake.

Starlight believed the salesperson was exaggerating.

Saying goodbye to him, the couple continued on their way to Maud's cave. On the way, Starlight wanted to give the cake to Alan, but Alan refused, insisting that she should definitely try it herself.

Eventually, they came to a decision to keep the cupcake to share with Maud.

Within ten minutes, they returned to Maud's cave.

The gray mare was already waiting for them there, with a bunch of various things arranged, forming a small hill. Glancing at the arrival of Alan and Starlight, Maud noticed a change in Starlight's attitude towards Al, and couldn't help but smile.

Starlight and Alan looked at the unloaded things, and after discussing some details with Maud, they began to arrange furniture and other things. The whole process took them about twenty minutes.

After completing the placement, Starlight looked around and said.

— It's perfect.

— Indeed.

Maud just nodded her head.

The trio finally relaxed and sat down to rest.

It was at this moment that Alan and Maud exchanged glances, and nodding to each other, they looked at Starlight. She didn't quite understand what was going on. Alan suddenly became serious and looking at her, said.

— Starlight, since we have finished all our business, I think it is time for us to talk to you.

— About what?

— This is the topic that I already mentioned earlier. I want to talk to you about magic.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Autor Note:

So, on my Раtrеоn, I finally finished the first introductory Volume of this fanfiction, so I'm posting another free chapter here.

Now I'm starting to write the first chapter of my second Naruto fanfiction. I don't know how long it will take, and what will happen in the end, because there is a very complex world, with its own characteristics and details, but I hope it will come out bearable.

If you want to support me as an author, or get access to 4 new chapters a little earlier than others, then you can subscribe to my Boosty (russian analogue of Раtrеоn) and read it right now.

My Boosty profile link: (site name) dot (to) /silentdudestory

Or you can just find the link in my Webnovell profile, or in the fanfic description.