Dirty Work CYOA

>>25957198
>So in the grand scheme of extricating yourself from this rut you’ve fallen into, you’ve done jack-shit.
>Well, that was up until today.
>A few hours after lunch, while Tally and you were following your daily routine of mutual moping, you’d received an unusual knock at the door.
>Rye and Willow would have both been at work, so you were puzzled at the idea of who could have been calling.
>Curious, you opened the door to a small white mare with a clipboard, her sky blue mane and golden eyes darting up and down your features.
>She proceeded to invite herself in and pull you aside, and while you normally would have asked her to leave, you were a little too flustered to do anything about it.
>After asking Tally for a little privacy and your roomie having retreated to the bedroom, the mare sat you down on the couch and began to speak.
>Her name was Kismet, Kis she liked to be called, and she supposedly worked for the ponies you’d been indebted to, The Gilded Hooves.
>With her mention of that name the thump of your heart picked up pace, your weeks of inaction finally catching up to you.
>But to your surprise, the mare quickly assured you that she wasn't a debt collector, her main job was in fact running a bar.
>Today she was merely here to help you out, offering a way to pay off the burden hanging over your head, as well as make some extra money on the side for rent and food.
>Still feeling a little skeptical, you decided to listen to her, repressing your anxiety for the moment.
>After making sure she'd assuaged your fears, she explained that her employer Drachma, a higher up in the Gilded, knew you'd been having some money trouble and understood that it was hard to get back on your hooves after such an ordeal.
>His offer was that through Kismet he'd deliver jobs for you to complete, and while on the sketchy side of legal, wouldn't require anything too nasty.
>And so, in a bit of a blind panic, you accepted.

>>25957203
>Impulsive, yes.
>Stupid, possibly.
>A glimmer of hope for escaping debt?
>Sadly, yes.
>Kismet took it very well, smiling happily as she pulled you into a hug, told you that everything was going to be alright and that she’d be back with your first assignment sometime in the next hour or so.
>In addition, she would explain the terms of the agreement upon her return, though there wouldn't be any contracts for you to sign.
>During the hug, the mare had also tucked something into your braid, but you still hadn’t taken a look at it just yet, a bit too distracted by what you’d just agreed to.
>From there her business was finished and you escorted her to the door in a daze, parting on somewhat happy terms.
>Once the mare was gone, Tally exited from the bedroom and asked what was going on, but for the moment you ignored her, rushing instead to the bathroom and splashing freezing water across your face to shock some sense back into you.
>What have you gotten yourself into this time?
>You stare into the cracked bathroom mirror, baby blue coat and orangey mane shining back in the dull light, trying to keep calm as the droplets of cold water find their way through your fur.
>To your right is a toilet, and behind you, a shower, a stack of neatly folded but aging towels, and the last of some shampoo bottles lazily tossed askew on the floor nearby.
>In front of you, below the mirror on the edge of the sink, are some toothbrushes and toothpaste, yours on the left, Tally’s on the right, and a clear difference between the two sides in terms of tidiness.
>From outside, Tally calls out to you.
>”Sharp? Are you alright? What happened with that mare?”

>input action

>>25957218
NOTHING

>>25957218
Ask her if there are any bits on the floor that you might have dropped.

>>25957218
N-nothing, I'm okay.

>>25957218
Check mane while trying not to panic.

>>25957218
Check mane.
Tell Tally we might have a way out of the debt.

Masturbate.

>>25957218
Was Tally a business partner or party to our debt? It sounds like she's a roommate who had her own job, if that's the case maybe we shouldn't involve her.

Say it was nothing for now, we can tell her later.
Check mane.

>>25957218
Check braid.

>>25957218
Try to leave through the bathroom window.

>>25957329
Anon, our earth pony hips will never fit.

>>25957344
As much as I'd like that, Sharp is a small pony, Anon.

>>25957318
This, and scold ourselves for not doing so sooner. We're much more likely to fail spectacularly if we don't pay attention to anything.

>>25957361
Yes. Small and wide.

>>25957382
Short and stout?

>>25957218
Willy is a childhood friend. I'm sure she's not stupid and will notice something's amiss.
Let's tell her we're finally getting an opportunity to get something done, but it seems risky or something. You're not sure you fully understood, but she'll come back soon with more information.
For now we just need to calm down and think.

>>25957382
Exactly. Just because we're on the smaller side it doesn't mean our ass can't be on point.

>>25957416
>Willy
Ugh
I meant Tally, obviously

>>25957432
Had me thinking I misread something for a moment there, Anon.

>>25957416
>>25957432
Ah yes Willy, our imaginary friend.

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>>25957432
Oh I'm sure we can see a Willy too.

>>25957432
That was last CYOA. Hav was a very close friend of willy.

>>25957481
Harv*

>>25957472
>Willow is imaginary
It's too soon to spoil that, Anon.

>>25957478
A wily Willy?

>>25957504
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrBj3u5dPgM

>>25957501
>Willow
Now who are we talking about?

>>25957519
One of our other two friends, Rye being the other.

>>25957519
Willow from Hijack?

>>25957519
Another imaginary friend.
Just like Willy, Willard, and William.

My head hurts.

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>>25957512

>>25957416
Tally had her own job in construction.

>>25957245
>>25957301
"I-It's nothing Tally. I just need a minute to think..."
>you stammer out, hoping it'd satisfy her curiosity
>after a short, awkward pause, she chuckles
>"If you say so Sharpie. If you ask me, I thought you were a little anxious there, rushing past and locking yourself in there. I'm not going to pry, but if you need anything, I'll be here."
>she then mumbles something to herself before trotting off
>shortly after, you hear a puff of released air
>probably her collapsing onto your couch

>>25957264
>>25957276
>>25957301
>>25957318
>you inspect your braid, taking deep breaths as you fiddle with it
>inside is concealed a small white business card, the corners embellished with small, flowery designs
>in its center is a name, and underneath that an address, both in fancy lettering

The Last Laugh
44 Grapevine St, Canterlot

>input action

Character List: http://pastebin.com/eSW5Hevs

>>25957609
Apply cold water directly to face area.

>>25957609
>shortly after, you hear a puff of released air
Did she fart?

>>25957635
Can you read?

>>25957609
Splash water on face, exit bathroom, address Tally.

"Hey Tally, you ever hear of 'The Last Laugh'?"

>>25957609
We should go check out this address after Kis comes back.

>>25957641
>probably her collapsing onto your couch
>probably

I'm pretty sure that dirty skank just farted.

>>25957666
We must know for sure.
Quickly, burst out of the bathroom and see if she is on the couch or not.

>>25957666
Fillies don't satan. Everyone knows this.

>>25957696
This. And if she is, we have to make her ours. Mares like an assertive stallion. She'll love our forwardness.
No means Yes

>>25957697
>fillies don't satan
Fillies satan all the time, anon.

>>25957717
>Stallion

>>25957717
We're not a stallion tho

>>25957743
>>25957742
We're going to rape her. So we're a stallion. Females can't rape. If not physically, we're a stallion at heart.

>>25957717
Aren't we a mare though
I guess that was never explicitely stated.
Are we a mare or a stallion?

>>25957758
yes

>>25957758
It was explicitly stated in CYOA general that we are a mare. Not that we should let that stop us.

I say we do everything suggested so far.

Burst out of the bathroom, and demand that Tally tell us if she has farted, if she has heard of the last laugh, and if she wants to do it.

>>25957626
>>25957651
>you splash a little more water onto your face and wipe your eyes
>again, the cool sensation runs across your cheeks, and you let out a contented sigh
>you feel a little better now, if still rather stressed out

>>25957651
>>25957658
>you then open the bathroom door and trot into the living room, Tally already having settled into her usual position on the couch, napping
"Hey Tally, you ever hear of 'The Last Laugh'?"
>you ask, plopping down next to her
>eyes still closed, she mumbles
>"Ah... I think it's a bar. Not too sure. Only heard the name, never seen it. Why? You get a job offer or something?"

>input action

>>25957758
You are a mare.

>>25957609
Wash face.

>>25957796
...Yes

>>25957796
Yeah, it's something. Might be able to get me back on my hooves.

>>25957796
Tell her you do.
Then go to the bathroom and wash your face.

>>25957796
Yeah. Guess I'll go have a look in a bit.

>>25957796
Offer, not really. Opportunity more like.
The mare who came here earlier left me this card and it had the address on it.

>>25957796
"I think so. Maybe? I'm not really sure, but I got this business card."
>hand over card for inspection
>covertly sniff air to confirm or refute fart hypothesis from earlier

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>>25957823

>>25957796
Or something, not really sure what it is yet.

>>25957796
Sort of.

>>25957810
>>25957811
>>25957816
>>25957819
>>25957821
>>25957823
>>25957873
>>25957884
>Fiddling with your braid, you gulp down nervousness and nod
"Eh, I guess you could call it that. Maybe more of an opportunity?"
>You then tap Tally with the card you'd been left, and she rubs her eyes before opening them and inspecting the evidence presented before her
>"Odd..."
"That mare from before gave it to me. I'm not too sure what for."
>after a few more seconds of consideration, Tally hoofs the card back
>"Well, did she tell you anything else? It seems strange some barmare'd come all the way out here to tell you she had a job for you."

>input action

>>25957904
Does our friend know we went in with the pone mob to start up our business or does she think we have normal debts?

>>25957904
Yeah whatever. Hey, wanna get pissed?

>>25957904
"She said that everything would be alright, and that she'd be back in an hour with my first assignment. Then she hugged me and covertly put this card in my hair, like we were in some kind of spy novel or something."

>>25957904
She said she knew about my money situation and wanted to help.

>>25957904
I think she's representing more than one bar.
You ever heard of the Gilded Hooves?

>>25957933
Anon pls.

>>25957953
This.

>>25957928
Ordinary debts.

>>25957952
>>25957953
>>25957967
"I think she's representing more than one bar... Said she heard about my money situation and was looking to help. Ever hear of the Gilded Hooves?"
>Tally raises an eyebrow
>"I have. Has somepony found themselves treading water a little too deep for their hooves?"

>input action

>>25958023
Probably, but that somepony wouldn't be us. Obviously. Haha, there's no need to worry about us, truely. Aha.

>>25958023
N-no, of course not.
What have you heard?

>>25958023
Uh, why? What have you heard?

>>25958023
What a silly notion. You are silly. What a silly pony.

>>25958023
"What? No! I'm perfectly fine, I just-- YES! IT'S ALL TRUE! I don't know what I'm going to do Tally, for the love of Celestia please help me!"
>break down in sobs and grab her in a hug just a bit too tightly.

>>25958066
>and for maybe just 20 seconds too long

>>25958045
>>25958050
>>25958052
>>25958058
>quickly, you plaster on a fake smile and giggle, trying to conceal yet more anxiety
"W-What a silly idea, m-me? No, of course not."
>this earns you another raised eyebrow, but no comment from Tally herself
>quickly looking to change the subject, nudge her and ask
"So, what have you heard?"
>"Mostly neutral things. They run a few bars across town. I imagine the 'Laugh' is one of them. Beyond that, I'm not well informed. Bit of a shady organization."

>input action

>>25958119
"How shady? Do you think I should toss the card or follow up on it?"

>>25958119
Oh. I guess I'll have to be careful then.

>>25958119
Shady and neutral? How do you mean?

>>25958119
Oh. Well it's a good thing we don't have anything to worry about. Anything regarding money and debts.
...she's going to try to follow us without us knowing as soon as we leave.

>>25958138
>>25958155
>>25958158
"Oh. Guess I'll have to be careful then. Do you think I should toss the card or follow up on it."
>Tally chuckles again, then closes her eyes
>"We're both hurting for bits Sharpie, I don't think tossing it's an option right now. At least check it out. If it's much too dangerous, I'd say drop it, but other than that I'd go for it."
"Hm. Alright. You said neutral. What do you mean?"
>"Maybe that wasn't the greatest adjective... It's an organization that likes its privacy. I wouldn't be surprised if they were pulling some strings behind the scenes of the public. That sound better?"

>input action

>>25958215
Clop hooves together nervously and chew your bottom lip.

>>25958231
Seconded. I like the idea of us being a nervous pony.

>>25958215
No, that sounds much worse.
Oh fuck.

>>25958215
Ehehehehe....

>>25958258
I agree. Nervous is a good character.

>>25958215
Guess I'll check it out for now then. It'll probably be fine, toootaly fine, hehe.. Anyway, uh, that mare said she'd be back in an hour or so with some more info, so I guess until then we should cuddle.

>>25958288
A nervous easily panicked pony, involved in the mob.

YES.

>>25958306
Do we get a mob nickname?
I vote Twitch.

>>25958322
Oh hell yeah.
I pray to all the gods of irony that the mob names us this.

>>25958304
I vote for saying this, but only if we include the elongated "totally" and the nervous laugh.

>>25958231
>>25958258
>>25958262
>>25958272
>>25958304
"N-No, that sounds much, much worse."
>you stutter, starting to hyperventilate a little
>Tally cracks open an eye and watches you for a moment, then places a hoof on both of yours
>without realizing it, you'd been clopping them together in nervous fright, but you quickly stop and hide them behind your back
>Tally gives you a goodnatured smile and places them back on your lap, before cooing
>"Listen sweetie, I'm not trying to scare you, i-if you've gotten yourself involved with these guys I'm sure you'll be fine. Just watch yourself. Alright?"
"A-Alright. I'm probably just overacting anyway... That mare said she'd be back in an hour or so with some more info. Hopefully good."
>Tally nods sleepily, then stands and yawns
>"Sounds fine. I'm going to get a drink, then come back here and sleep. You have any big plans yourself?"

>input action

>>25958377
"Actually, a drink sounds good to me too. Maybe it'll calm me down, so I don't look so nervous. Wait, do I look nervous? Tally, why didn't you tell me I look nervous?!"
>hyperventilate

>>25958377
Try to read something while waiting.
Read the same page six times.

>>25958377
No, i'll just wait. Don't want to miss her arrival.

Kill time by doing your favourite hobby; knitting.

>>25958377
>Drunk sounds good. I mean drink. I'm just thirsty...

>>25958377
Drink will defintly help settle the nerves!

>>25958406
Knitting? Our cutie mark is a numbered pad of paper. Our favorite hobby is clearly trying to place everything in the proper order to combat the inherent chaos of the universe.

>>25958377
>Hiding our hooves behind our back
What?

>>25958377
Tally is gonna die somehow, I'm calling it now.

>>25958434
Agreed. It's not OCD, it's efficiency!

>>25958434
What is more chaotic than a ball of yarn? What is more orderly than turning it into something useful?

hmm. Maybe jigsaw puzzles instead?

>>25958439
We were sitting on the couch at the time.

>>25958434
Now we're nervous AND neurotic. Huzzah!

>>25958434
>nervous nancy
>probably owed to her ocd
This is hilarious.

>>25958458
You know what's REALLY good at turning chaos into order? Compulsive cleaning. And it fits in well with the QMs earlier comment about one side of the bathroom being a lot cleaner than the other side.

>>25958477
That works.

>>25958477
Dubs confirm!
We must spend the next hour alphabetizing our sock drawer!

>>25958492
"Black... blue... cyan... WHITE?! What are you doing here! You belong on the other end, right after violet!"

>>25958567
Do you think if Kisnet and Tally are in the same room, we'd move around so that the ponies are in a proper colour spectrum order too?

>>25958587
Yes, but we'd have to keep moving around to change it.

Alphabetical by color name? No, that doesn't feel right. In order of color saturation? No, that doesn't work either. Organized by the relative warmness of the colors? Hmm, that will do. For now, anyway.

>>25958427
>>25958403
>>25958433
>>25958434
>>25958477
>>25958488
>>25958492
"Drunk sounds good, I-I mean drink. A drink sounds good. Maybe it'll calm me down, so I don't look so nervous. W-Wait, do I look nervous?"
>Tally giggles
"T-Tally, why didn't you tell me I look nervous!"
>"I-I don't know Sharp, it's pretty obvious to me. Anyway, I was just going to grab something small from the convenience store. Maybe I'll get a six-pack if you're feeling thirsty too."
>feeling a little slighted, you nod and lie back on the couch, Tally exiting the apartment shortly after

>so, now that Tally's out of the house, you decide to do some cleaning
>during grade school, you always used to tidy your sock drawer before tests
>sometimes, you even did your sister's, and once your mothers
>the latter had resulted in a flurry of embarrassment from your mother, and her asking you to refrain from poking around in her private drawers
>with more experience now than your naive younger self, you also like to refrain from imagining what your mom had been hiding, and what you could have accidentally stumbled upon

>today, you decide to tidy up the bathroom
>Tally had left all the shampoo bottles strewn across the floor, and wasn't one for folding her towels after using them either
>but in a flash, you're able to whip it into sparkling order
>just as you stop to admire your work, letting out a contented sigh, the door to your apartment opens and Tally calls out to you
"I'm back Sharp! You want a can?"

>input action

>>25958630
"Yes please, I'd love one."
"No, not that one. The one on your left."

>>25958630
Take the one that evens out the pack so four are left in a square.

>>25958630
sure

>>25958675
...but then realize that the can we took has a hoofprint on it. Consider switching it out, but then chicken out.

Drink from the far side of the can so we don't have to see the hoofprint.

Get weird looks from Tally.

>>25958703
Ok, there's being nervous, and then there's being insane.
Just ignore the hoof print while silently screaming.

>>25958719
Fair enough.

As long as we're still silently screaming, I have no problem with having enough willpower to not make an ass of ourselves in public.

>special talent is organization
>has Howard Hughes style OCD
>is about to start working for the mob
This game isn't over until we're running the world's most efficient crime syndicate.

>>25958790
>Someone refers to our money as being dirty and we go legitimate overnight and legally buy up half the city and turn out to be a force for good
>The salty old cop that's been chasing us for years retires and takes up drinking

>>25958651
>>25958675
>>25958683
"Oh, Sure!"
>You trot out from the bathroom and see Tally grabbing a can from the middle of the pack.
>Instantly, you dive for it and snatch it from her hooves, then remove two cans from the end to make the pack into a square.
>Tally gives you an odd look as you hoof her one of your pilfered goods, but shrugs and takes her drink just the same.
>You place the pack neatly on the floor and take a seat as well, then crack it open and take a long swig.
>After finishing your first draught, you set the can down on the couch's hoofrest, noticing that a muddy hoofprint has taken residence on the side of your can, and it certainly wasn't you who put it there.
>It makes you uncomfortable.

>After a lovely half hour of lounging with Tally, a knock on the door breaks the two of you from your stupor.
>"Well, that's probably your mare... You want me to leave so the two of you can talk in private?"

>input action

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>>25958790
>>25958813
I still think the 'jobs' is probably lewd related and we're gonna become forced to be whores.

>>25958836
Yes

>>25958836
"No. Why would you have to--"
>Oh right, mafia.
"Uh, actually yes, if you don't mind?"

>>25958836
Yes, thank you.

Ooh, I really hope this bar needs a new accountant, because we would balance the SHIT out of those numbers.

With color co-ordinated pie charts, sales projections carefully regressed to the mean, and scaled graphs of liquor sales showing the popularity of various mixed drinks at different times of day.

>>25958841
Dont worry anon
We're a little mare
We'll be fine

>>25958841
Not at all.

>>25958852
>>25958878
>>25958911
"Why wo--Oh, y-yes, that'd be great. I-If you don't mind."
>She nods.
>"Sure, sure, whatever... Maybe we won't be stuck here in the mud anymore if this goes well for you."
>She quickly exits to the bedroom, while you stumble to the door.
>As soon as it opens, a white hoof forces its way through and Kismet pries the door open.
>In a bubbly voice, she smiles, shutting the door behind her.
>"Hiya! Have you had time to think about the off--"
>She stops suddenly, peering around the apartment.
>"Is your friend still here?"

>input action

>>25958841
It's not dirty if you use protection.

>>25958990
She lives here.

>>25958990
She's in the bedroom.

>>25958990
Yeah, she's in the other room though.

>>25958990
Uh yeah. Is that a problem?

>>25958990
"Yeah, but don't worry, I had her go into the other room. That way she won't hear all our secret mafia plans!"
>"..."
"I already fucked up, didn't I?"

>>25959003
>>25959004
>>25959025
>>25959033
"She lives here."
>you deadpan
"But don't worry, I had her go into the bedroom."
>"O-Oh, alright! We'll have some privacy then?"
>you nod
>"Great!"
>like lightning, she escorts you to your own couch and sits you down, noticing the cans you and Tally had drained
>"So... Business! As I mentioned before, you'll now be working for the Gilded. Every so often, I'll arrive with a job for you. You'll be like a freelancer, only on call when you've been given a task to complete. But trust me, it'll be often. To generalize it, you'll be doing odd jobs that it'd be difficult for other ponies to complete. You... Did get the card I gave you right?"

>input action

>>25959168
Oh, yeah I did.

>>25959168
Sure did. So does pay vary with the jobs or...?

>>25959168
Yes
I assume I have to go there when I'm done with a job, no?

>>25959178
>>25959183
>>25959219
"Yes, I did."
>she grins, and claps her hooves in excitement
>"Goody! That's sort of a... Ah, base of operations for the Gilded. I'm the boss over there, so if you ever need help or info, it'd be a good place to visit."
>you nod
"So, more on the financial side, will the pay vary with jobs?"
>Kismet nods
>"Indeed! The difficulty of the job will determine how much you'll make off it, as well as the length of your involvement. For example, tonight's job is relatively easy compared to what's been given out before, and only lasts one night. It'll earn you a couple hundred bits total, if all goes well."
>you whistle a little, before asking another question
"And to get paid, I-I'm going to have to go back there when I'm done with a job. Right?"
>"Right Sharp! Oh, another thing, do you have a nickname or something you'd prefer to just Sharp?"

>input action

>>25959283
D-do we need a nickname?

>>25959283
Twitch.
That's what they called us at school.

>>25959283
Go for something super cheesy from a action film, like Bon, Bon Bon. Just like the secret agent films featuring Sweet Drops the CIA mare!

>>25959283
We should probably have an alias if we're working on the... sketchy side of the law.

Anything you think that fits, as long as it has an even number of letters

>>25959318
Yep

>>25959318
Seconded with every fiber of my being.

>>25959318
Works on two levels.

Twitch, because we're neurotic, and Twitch because the structure of CYOAs means that this quest is basically "twitch plays pony mafia".

Praise the Helix fossil.
But praise it in an orderly fashion.

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>>25959461

>>25959305
>>25959318
>>25959412
>>25959415
>>25959417
>>25959461
"D-Do we need a nickname?"
>Kismet shrugs
>"I like to think it's fun, but whatever you like is all good with me."
"Then maybe... Twitch! Y-Yeah Twitch."
>Kismet gives you a curious look, and queries
>"Why that?"
"O-Oh, it's what they used to call me at school. Sort of a playful thing. Oh, and it has an even number of letters."
>you grin happily, very pleased with yourself
>this earns a laugh from Kismet, who finishes the tail end of it with
>"Well, it'll work just fine for our purposes. I assume you'll want to hear about tonight's job now, but if you have any more questions I'll be happy to answer them before we get started!"

>input action

>>25959555
nothing I can think of.

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>>25959555
What do I owe?

>>25959589
>what do we owe?
Fifty thousand bits, according to >>25957198.

>>25959555
Are these jobs going to be, um, violent?
Not to pry into your business, but violence usually causes messes and, well I'm just not a messy pony.

>>25959642
Not that we're against CLEANING UP after violence. We'd be fine with that.

>>25959555
"Yes, actually. What is the interest rate on our loan, and how often is it compounded? I've been meaning to make a spreadsheet, you see..."

>>25959628
That's what we borrowed, not what we owe.

>>25959699
Fair point. We should find out.

>>25959687
Ask this stuff too.

>>25959657
We'd be good at that. No bloodstain unscrubbed!

>>25959589
>>25959628
>>25959642
>>25959687
>>25959725
>The word "questions" echoes in your mind.
>Your stomach sinks to your hooves.
"If I was to be forward... H-How much do I owe? It was fifty thousand originally, but I understand there's probably been some... Interest. I've been meaning to make a spreadsheet actually."
>she nods
>"Ah, yes... It's upwards of seventy thousand now, but I don't know the exact amount. Y-You can work it off though!"
>Kismet grins and pulls you into another hug, which you awkwardly accept
"O-Oh... Alright. A-Another question. Are these jobs going to be, um, violent? Not to pry into your business, but violence usually causes messes and, well I'm just not a messy pony."
>Kismet releases her grip on you and thinks for a second
>"Well... The short answer is yes. There might be some misunderstandings on your jobs, specifically if you end up getting caught. But you won't have to kill or seriously injure anypony."

>input action

>>25959776
I guess that will have to be good enough. It's not like we're in any position to say no. Accept and ask about the job.

>>25959776
trip
Good. So what's the first one?

>>25959776
Will we get hurt or seriously injured?

>>25959776
O-okay

>>25959776
"Don't worry, I don't think I'll get caught. I'm small and unassuming, and really good at being careful. Uh, not that I'm bragging or anything. It's just that I'm reeeeeaaaaaalllllly good at being careful."

>>25959776
Oh. Goody.

>>25959826
Not if we're careful.
And we're as careful as OCD can be.

>>25959776
Ok then, we should get started. We want to work this off as fast as possible, and I'm sure better work will come our way if we do a good first job.

>>25959776

>>25959822
>>25959824
>>25959826
>>25959840
>>25959873
>>25959877
>>25959930
"O-Oh. Goody."
>you say, a bead of sweat forming on the nape of your neck
"W-Wait, could I get killed or seriously injured?"
>you say, panic rising
>unable to answer, Kismet stammers before responding
>"I-It's possible, but incredibly unlikely. Especially killed, I doubt anypony's looking to kill a pretty mare like you."
>not very reassuring, but you decide to psyche yourself up, if only to boost your confidence
"W-Well, I don't think I'll get caught. I'm small and unassuming, and really good at being careful. What's my first job?"
>Kismet grins
>"That's the spirit!"
>next, from her mane she retrieves a small vial
>"Your job tonight is to head to a winery, 'Bitterhoof.' They're holding a party tonight, so most of their employees should be distracted with that. During the party, you're going to do a little exploration, and find their 'animal' wine cellar. Inside, you'll slip this sedative into all the barrels they have of what they refer to as Snake 3. I don't know what it is, I guess they just nickname some of their wines that way. Then make a snappy exit, and head back to the 'Laugh.' Sound alright to you?"

>input action

>>25959978
>have a beer
>work place is a bar kind of
>first mission involves a winery
What the fuck is going on with all the alcohol today?

>>25959978
What type of sedative? Some ponies are allergic you know!

>>25959978
Anesthesiology is the most dangerous medical position for a reason! You might not meant to but if the sedative reacts poorly...
Ponies could be seriously hurt here! This mare is lying, or is ignorant of the facts.

Keep all this to yourself though, just nod and smile. Hopefully they have an invitation for us.

>>25960036
Also alcohol can mess with a lot of drugs.

>>25960034
You ever heard of a roofie?

>>25959978
"Sure, I can do that."
>AHHHHH! They want me to poison people and I'm going to get caught and then they will send me tojailandIwillnevergetoutandmylifewillbeoverandahhhhhhahhhhhhahhhh
"Could you hand me another of those beers you're sitting next to?"

>>25960034
>>25960036
>>25960060
>>25960141
"What type of sedative?"
>You ask, thinking about the possibilities of allergic reactions, and what could happen if you put just a little too much of the drug into one of the barrels.
>"Oh, I'm not sure. It was given to me as part of the job. It's liquid though, I know that much."
>She says, giving the vial a small shake.
>She then tosses it to you, and you fumble to catch it for a moment.
>Once safely in your hooves and your unsettling thoughts of it being smashed upon the floor pushed from your mind, you ask another question.
"So, do you have an invitation for me?"
>she nods
>"Indeed! Just say you're with Green Wrench and they'll let you in easy peasy."
"O-Oh, that's Great!"
>You falsely stutter, smiling on the outside, heart thumping a mile a minute on the inside.
"On an unrelated note Would you mind hoofing me one of those beers on the floor next to you? The rightmost one, p-please."
>"Oh, well don't get too tipsy..."
>Kismet, seemingly oblivious to your inner pain, mentions as she grabs the drink you motioned for and passes it over

>input action

>>25960208
Anything else I should know?

>>25960208
Drink beer, try to be satisfied with just half so we don't get drunk.

Ask when we should show up to the party by, and if we need to dress up for it.

>>25960208
Do I need to dress fancy?

>>25960263
>>25960245
>>25960306
>After a small gulp, you put the drink down and ask.
"So, what time is it at, and will I need to dress up?"
>Kismet shakes her head
>"6:00, and the party runs until 9:30. Oh, and you can dress nice if you like, but I've been told its a casual setting. And... Well, I doubt you'd have anything too formal to begin with."
>The comment stings a little, but you ignore it and move on.
"A-Alright. So is there anything else I need to know?"
>Kisment nods
>"If you get thrown out, don't expect to get paid. This needs to be a stealthy operation. Other than that, I think you're good. Any last questions on the specifics?"

>input action

>>25960409
"Do you have a map? Or at least a description of how I'm supposed to find the room with the snake wine?"

>>25960409
If I get thrown out, what happens to me? A-are ponies less friendly than you going to come for me?

I love how many questions we're asking.
We're so careful and prepared.

>>25960429
>>25960442
"Okay... Do you have a map? Or at least some sort of description on how to find the room with the wine I'm supposed to find?"
>Kismet shakes her head.
>"Sadly, I don't. What I do know is that in their back room, there's a host of cellars, each holding a different style of the establishment's wine. Get back there, and you should be able to scope it out."
>You nod, and prepare another question for launch.
"A-And i-if I was to get thrown out, what would happen? A-Are ponies less friendly than you going to come for me?"
>Kismet shakes her head again.
>"No sweetie, nobody's going to come for you. The guards might ah, rough you up a little, and you might be banned from the premises, but if you play it off right you could just be some ditzy mare who got lost."
>Kismet ends the last line with a wink
>"So I think that's all for now... It's about... 3:30 right now, so you've got a few hours to prepare. Good luck!"
>After this, she stands and begins heading to the door.

>input action

>>25960583
See her to the door.
Say say see you later with a smile.
Hyperventilate into a paper bag.

>>25960583
So "Snake 3", right?

>>25960583
Good night Kismet. Let's scope out the place real quick.

>>25960512
What's that supposed to mean?

>>25960583

Do this stuff first:
>>25960613

Then go tell our roommate that we got a job. Rejoice. Hug. Leave out important details.

Then place our unfinished beer in a plastic baggie on the far left of the top shelf of the fridge for later.

Then try and find out about the winery. Ironically, the bar might be a good place to ask around.

>>25960636
It means exactly what I said.

We ask a lot of questions.
This shows that we are careful and like to be prepared.
This fits with Sharp Catalog's characterization, and I like it.

>>25960613
>>25960629
>>25960636
>>25960655
>immediately, you stand to escort her grinning all the while
"Snake 3, right?"
>"You got it Twitch! See you later!"
>she smiles, before giving one last hug and exiting, leaving the apartment empty

>shaking, you place your beer into a neat plastic bag, zip it up, and place it in the fridge, on the top left shelf
>breathing heavily, you then trot back to the bedroom and peer inside
>Tally is sitting on your bed reading, and when you open the door she gives you a small smile
"I got a job."
>you say softly, plodding over to see her
>in an instant, she's pulled you onto the bed and into a hug
>"Hey, good job Sharp! Now I just need to get off my lazy ass and... Well, anyway, what was the job she was hiring you for anyway? Must be something important..."

>input action

>>25960989
Shit, we didn't plan this through.

>>25960989
Uh... advertising.. for the bar... at a party...

>>25960989
...stuff

>>25960989
The mare who runs the bar needs us to...
...do odd jobs?

Yes, that. Talking to people and delivering things and stuff. It'll have irregular hours, but the pay is good. My first task is tonight.

None of that is lies.

>>25960989
Working for the bar doing a bit of this, a bit of that.

I actually have a delivery of a special booze additive that they want me to make just this evening.

>>25960989
Uh, catering assistant!

>>25961005
>>25961044
>>25961055
>>25961056
>>25961110
>>25961182
>You start sweating.
>You had in no way prepared for this, and rack your brain for an excuse.
"I-I... Odd jobs? Like talking to ponies and delivering things. T-Tonight I'm going to advertise and deliver something... At a wine tasting party."
>Tally gives you a playful punch, and grins.
>"Lucky. Seems like a strange thing to come all the way up here to ask for, but it seems like a pretty good gig. How's the pay?"
"She told me it'll be irregular, but good."
>"Well, as long as it can keep us off the streets, it'll be fine."
>You're then freed from Tally's grasp, and you unwittingly roll out of her hooves over to the other side of the bed, ending on your back and staring up towards the ceiling
>after a pause, she sighs, and in a bit of a gloomy tone continues
>"Well, I guess I'll see you later. Unless you're not leaving right now. I don't know."

>input action

>>25961195
Yeah, I should be back later tonight.

Also, let's flip through our closet to see if we have anything decent to wear.

>>25961195
Well, it doesn't actually start until six, so we could stay for a little while.

>>25961213
This.

>>25961213
This. If not, skip it.

Then I vote we go to the bar to ask around about the winery.

>>25961213
A casual sundress should work.

>>25961213
>>25961214
>>25961224
>>25961225
>>25961246
"Well, it doesn't start until six, so I could stay a while. Anyway, I'll see if I have anything decent to wear."
>Tally sighs and nods, and you respond by rolling off the bed and trotting over to the closet
>you then decide on a nice, light purple dress that in your opinion, compliments your coat
>it's rather airy, and as such still retains freedom of movement
>sadly, it happens to be one of only two dresses you own, the other being a much heavier gown you've saved since graduation

>input action

>>25961348
Seems good to me.

Though if we're going to go case the joint, we should probably come back for the dress.

>>25961348
Lets go find the place first. Wouldn't want to get lost on the way.

>>25961365
>>25961348
How fast can we get in or out of the dress? It might pay to be able to change appearance quickly.

>>25961365
>>25961394
>>25961401
>if you wanted, you could probably ditch the dress in just a few seconds, but it's a nice one, and you'd only want to lose it as a last resort
>for the moment, you take off the dress and nearly fold it back into its position on top of your gown, then turn back to Tally
"I'm going out to size the place up, but should be back before the party."
>Tally grunts
>"Alright... Guess I'll see you later then."
>and on that note, you exit the apartment, excited, but also frightened
>it's an odd feeling

>you spend about 20 minutes ambling around Canterlot and asking for directions before you find the place, which happens to be a rather large stone building sandwiched between two apartment complexes
>it appears to be only one story, but you assume there's probably some floors below for the cellars
>between the rightmost apartment complex and the building is an alley, which you also assume leads around the back
>the entrance is a large stone archway, and a sign hangs from it advertising 'Bitterhoof's Annual Wine Eatery and Tasting, tonight at 6PM.'
>the entrance itself is a set of open, wooden double doors, but from your position on the street you can't view the inside of the building

>input action

>>25961595
Try to go around the outside and look for any other exits to the building.

>>25961595
There any fire escapes near the roof?

>>25961595
Look in windows.

>>25961595
>but you assume there's probably some floors below for the cellars
>probably
You are not a very smart pony.

>>25961691
>not having a cellar in your attic

>>25961649
>you look to the apartments adjacent to the building, and spot a fire escape on the left complex rather close to the stone roof of the winery
>you'd have to make a small jump from it to reach the roof, which is a bit frightening, but nothing you can't handle

>>25961622
>>25961689
>next, you head around the back of the building via the alleyway, peering in windows to inspect the inside
>the first window you peer through is stationed at the back of a bar, overlooking a grungy looking diner style eatery
>it appears to be closed, each table having an assortment of chairs stacked atop it, but a few of the lights inside remain lit
>in the next, you spot quite the contrast, a beautifully laid out set of dinner tables in a ballroom, surrounding a ballroom floor
>in the third and final one you can peek through, you spot a kitchen, with a few cooks busying themselves preparing dishes, in preparation for tonight
>after these three windows you peer into the alley behind the building, inspecting the back wall for any other entrances
>a back door emblazoned with "Staff Only" lies in the middle of the stone wall, and a retractable ladder leading to the roof lies pulled up, out of your reach

>input action

>>25961819
Continue around the building, looking in all windows. We need all the information we can get.

>>25961836
>you continue around the building, looking for more windows to peer through
>on the back and left side, you find none, but looking through the front you discover another angle of the dingy bar you spotted before, and what appears to be a reception desk
>looking through the open double doors, there appear to be three possible directions to travel, right to the bar, left to the reception, and forward, of which your vision is blocked by yet another wood door

>input action

>>25961937
Head to reception.
Ask about the wine tasting advertised out front.

>>25961937
We don't want to get caught snooping.

>>25962017
Who's snooping? We're just a curious pony who likes wine and is inquiring about the event promoted out front.

>>25961937
Check reception. Give fake name if necessary. No, Fake Name is not a good fake name.

>>25962054
>>25962073
Would that not seem strange if we are appearing at this event later, anyway?

>>25962104
Not really. Asking about the event then showing up? Seems about what you'd expect.

>>25962104
Not really. We're just someone's +1. No reason to think we've actually been here before.

Agreed, but we WILL need a fake name for the party.
We can't use Sharp Catalog, that's our real name.
Should we give "Twitch" as our name?
"Hi everybody, I'm Twitch Plays!"
It works.

>>25962146
I second using Twitch as our name.

>>25961988
>>25962073
>next, you decide to head inside, and saunter up to the mare at the reception
>coolly, you ask
"So, would you mind informing me what's going on with the wine tasting tonight? I saw the ad outside and was, ah, curious."
>the mare dully nods, and in a deadbeat voice reads off, as if from memory
>"It's an annual event, where the company holds an paid wine tasting event. There'll be wine, food, and dance. You can pay for a ticket here, where it'll be ninety-five bits, or if you were invited by Bitterhoof, it's free admission."
>here, the mare brightens up a little, and appears to go off script
>"We've got quite the crowd tonight, and if rumors are true one of the princesses may be showing. I think wee'll be in for an exciting evening."

>input action

File: 1390227317538.png (104KB, 496x498px) Image search: [Google]

104KB, 496x498px

>>25962188
Oh. A princess. How delightful.

>>25962188
"Ooh, a princess? Which one? Spill!"

>>25962201
Don't be such a pussy.

>>25962188
Guys! Guys! Hey guys!
Seriously, guys, hold up for a minute!

Are we about to poison a princess?

>>25962216
Pussies stay out of jail.

>>25962205
>eager to hear, you excitedly ask
"Ooh, a princess? Which one? Spill!"
>the mare chuckles at your response, before shrugging
>"Well, it's only a rumor, but I believe Princess Twilight may be making an appearance. No promises though."
>the mare ends with a wink, giggling to herself as she lies back in her chair, spinning a pen on one of her hooves

>input action

>>25962287
Oh god, we're going to poison Twilight.
"What wines are being served?"
>pleasedontbethesnakeonepleasedontbethesnakeonepleasedontbethesnakeone

>>25962307
It's okay, it's just a sedative. R-right?

>>25962307
I don't think Twilight's the one they're after. We're going after this wine during the event, not before. They'll have already brought up the wine being served.

>>25962322
Like they would tell us if it wasn't? Face it, we're working for Maven Blackbriar now, and she wants Honningbrew out of business.

>>25962307
>starting to get a little fearful, you stammer out as calmly as you can
"O-Oh! So what wines are being served?"
>the mare shrugs
>"Oh, a variety from our forest and urban collections."
>the mare smiles
>"You know, it's great to find somepony else interested in wines, and you strike me as being somepony who does. Do you plan on coming tonight?"

>input action

>>25962404
Thank God.
I think I will. I have a friend who's going to this, and I'll see if I can't piggyback off of him.

>>25962423
This.

>>25962404
I might have a ticket already, depending on if a friend comes through for me or not.

I am very interested in your wine selection though. Big fan of Pinot Noir and Primitivo or Zinfandel. Will you be serving any of those varietals?

>>25962452
Do wines even have the same names in Equestria? How do we know we won't sound like an idiot making up words?

>>25962470
Honestly, I assume it's all translated horse noises.

>>25962452
>implying Sharp knows anything about wine
She's not an innkeeper anon.

>>25962486
>JAD joke
Goddamn it anon.

>>25962423
>>25962443
>>25962452
"I think I will... I've got a friend going to this, and I'll see if I can piggyback off him."
>the mare grins
>"Great! I hope to see you here. I'll be running the desk, so if you're ever bored or just need somepony to hang out with during the party, come visit! It gets lonely out here, with the party happening inside."
>to her words you nod along thoughtlessly, mostly ignoring the mare's statements while trying to think of wine names
"I, uh, a question about the wine selection. I'm a fan of... Pinot Neighr and Zinfandel. Will either of those be on the table tonight?"
>the mare taps her chin
>"Well, I believe there's a Zinfandel in the forest collection, but I'm unsure about the Pinot."

>input action

>>25962513
Well, hope to see you tonight then.

>>25962486
None of those are obscure, just basic types of wine.
Plus she's had a beer and a half in just a few hours, she probably does know something about alcohol.
Plus, I think it would be funny if while sober we're a neurotic wreck, but when we drink we become a party girl.

>>25962526
>drinking beer
>drinking wine
Anon pls.

>>25962540
I started as a wine drinker, but college made me drink both.

>>25962513
"Great, see you there!"

Hey wait a minute, we used to manage a grocery store, didn't we? Did we sell liquor there? Do we know anything applicable?

>>25962524
>>25962562
"Well, I hope to see you tonight then!"
>you say, exiting the building
>the mare smiles at your friendliness, and politely waves goodbye with your exit

>standing in front of the building, your mind goes back to when you'd been previously running your grocery store
>you'd sold very little alcohol there, but knew enough about drink to not make yourself look like a complete fool in casual conversation
>next, you look to the sky
>the sun appears a little lower than when you'd first left your apartment, time is ticking on

>input action

>>25962513
What are the collections and why are they named like they are?

>>25962680
Back to our apartment to relax for a while.

>>25962680
How much time do we have, specifically?
How far away is this place from home?

>>25962680
Go home and get washed and dressed.

>>25962732
>>25962709
>>25962702
>You're pretty bad at telling the time from the sun, but if you were to hazard a guess it's most likely around 4:00.
>If you were to measure out the time it took to reach the winery, minus your initial bumbling around, you'd say it was about a 10 minute walk.

>So, snapping out of your little thought, you head off home, making careful notes in your head about the path.
>In the expected time limit, you reach your apartment and trot back inside, relaxing as you cross the threshold.
>First, you head to the bathroom to wash up, the shampoo bottles having been overturned once again.
>With a sigh you pick them back up and wash up, giving your blue coat a loving scrub, and giving your mane a good, thorough wash.
>After your bathtime adventures, you return to the living room, with a damp coat and a wet, unbraided mane.
>In the center of the living room is the couch, and off to the side, a small bookstand and lamp.
>In front of the couch is a radio, which you and Tally normally listen to at night.
>Behind you is the bathroom, the left, the apartment's exit.
>Across the room is the kitchen, and to your right the bedroom, where you assume Tally is at the moment.

>input action

>>25962963
We should rebraid our mane while talking to Tally.
If we could, we might want to wrap the vial of sedative in paper or something to protect it from falling.

>>25963002
>you head into the bedroom to talk with Tally, braiding your mane as you walk
>inside, Tally is nose deep her book, and the six pack has appeared to move from the living room to the bedroom, another two cans missing from the package
>noticing your arrival, Tally looks up from her book and nods weakly
>"Oh... Hey Sharpie."
>she says with a melancholy tone, before returning to her book

>input action

>>25963136
>braiding your mane as you walk
Impressive for an erf

>>25963136
Ask what she's reading.

>>25963136
Which two cans?
This is important.

>>25963165
Also this.

>>25963136
Something wrong?

Wait a minute, I missed the word melancholy.
Changing my vote.

>>25963182
This.

>>25963136
What's she reading?

>>25963182
>>25963268
>>25963179
>>25963344
>>25963165
>she appears to be reading an older Daring Do novel, you can tell by the logo emblazoned on the book's front, but the actual cover of the hardback has long been stripped away
>to your relief, the the two cans removed from the pack were the top two of the square, leaving two at the end of the pack
>feeling something a little off, you then hop up onto the bed and ask her
"Is something wrong Tally?"
>Tally shakes her head
>"No, no, just me being... Jealous."
>she sighs and puts the book down
>"While we were... Well, before today, I felt like I'd be the one back on my hooves sooner. Even though neither of us were really putting effort into job-hunting, I thought I'd find something. Construction's a busy business, and I was sure something would come up sooner or later. But then out of the blue you get this gig! Hell, you didn't have to do a thing, it just fell into your lap!"
>Tally stops, then hits herself with a hoof to the forehead
>"I-I'm guessing I sound like a pretty selfish cunt at the moment, but I just don't want to feel useless..."

>input action

>>25963414
Hug.
Tell her we understand. She'll find something.

>>25963414
She shouldn't be jealous, she doesn't have to break the law.

But we can't tell her that...
Just tell her that we don't think she's useless and certainly not a cunt. Then hug her.

>>25963414
Did she drink the other half of our beer from earlier? We drank two together and we drank half of one when Kismet revisited. There are two empty bottles here and two still in the pack. Unless six packs come in sets of seven in Equestria I think she drank our beer.

>>25963414
"You're not useless, selfish, or anything else you said. You're my friend, and you're about to get a big hug, weather you like it or not."

>>25963538
The extra half beer is in the fridge in a plastic bag on the top shelf, which Tally agreed to let us have because we wouldn't stop complaining about the foods not being sorted by expiration date.

>>25963465
>>25963451
>>25963571
"Oh, come on Tally... I don't think you're useless... And certainly not a cunt. And you're also about to get a big hug, whether you like it or not."
>you then pull her into a bear hug, which she gladly accepts, giggling
>after she lets go she whispers to you, wiping one of her reddened eyes
>"Thanks... Means a lot to me Sharp."
>Then after a pause, she states, in a slightly less vulnerable sounding voice,
>"So how was the winery? Find out any more info?"

>input action

>>25963538
Well, that's an embarrassing continuity error. Apparently she only drank one beer.

>>25963635
I say we momentarily forget that we are now in the mob and start fangirling about princesses.

"Yeah, it's an even fancier party than I thought! Princess Twilight may be there! I really hope this job pans out, because it sure is exciting!"

>>25963635
It looks like a nice enough place.

>>25963635
Yeah, they're serving Urban and Forest. You know either of those?

Also, did you drink my beer? Not that I'm complaining or anything, it's just that the top shelf of the fridge has been mine ever since the mustard incident.

>>25963719
Worse, she threw out the plastic bag.

>>25963754
Time to go to our happy place.

>>25963781
Ah yes, the celestial grocery.
Where all the products are alphabetized, and all the expiration dates are even numbers.

>>25963673
>>25963696
>>25963719
"Yeah, it's an even fancier party than I thought! Princess Twilight may be there! I really hope this job pans out, because it sure is exciting!"
>Tally's jaw drops, and in response she playfully socks your front hoof.
>"Oh, you lucky punk!"
>She grins, clearly trying hard to evade her previous, depressing thoughts.
>"Always get to do the fun stuff..."
>So, to take her mind off work, you motion to the two empty cans on her bedside table, and query.
"By the way, did you drink my beer? Not that I'm complaining or anything, it's just that the top shelf of the fridge has been mine ever since the mustard incident."
>She then rolls her eyes and groans.
>"Listen, I thought it had expired in June, it was an honest mistake!"

>input action

>>25963863
I wish we could bring her along to lift her spirits.
We totally can't, but I still wish we could.

When we go back to pick up our money after the job is done, we should ask if the Gilded Hooves are part of any construction projects currently.

There's got to be someone in the mob building something huge and deliberately inflating the costs so there is more to skim from.

>>25963863
We could listen to the radio. I know you said we normally do that at night, but we don't know when we'll be back from our mob job.

>>25963863
It was clearly an L.

>>25963863
Tell her we should go out after our business is dealt with, either later or tomorrow morning if we end up returning very late. Perhaps that'll brighten her up.

>>25963863
Y-yeah, I know. I'm over it. Really.
But seriously, June?

>>25963863
It's no big deal.
silent screaming

>>25963897
I don't know about that. I think getting her involved in that might endanger her, and doing so without informing her is especially unethical

>>25963957
Ech, fine. I still wish we could do SOMETHING for her. I guess >>25963946 will have to be the next best thing.

>>25963917
>>25963936
>>25963946
>>25963948
>>25963957
"Oh, it's no big deal..."
>You smile, internally screaming.
>How in Equestria does somepony mistake June for July?
"So, want to listen to come listen the radio? I know it's more of our nightly tradition, but I was thinking we move it up into the afternoon because of my forthcoming absence."
>"Oh, sure thing! I guess we can bundle up with the sun over the horizon instead of under it."
"And one other thing. I was thinking that we could go out tomorrow, not too sure what we'd do, but it has been a while since we've been out on the town."
>Tally grins sheepishly
>"You mean it's been a while since we could afford such ventures... And, yes I would very much like to. No way in hell I'd turn down a deal like that."

>The two of you spend the next hour and a half curled up on the livingroom couch underneath a blanket, arguing and cuddling to the sounds of the radio.
>It turned out to be a strange experience for the two of you, as neither of your favorite shows were on at this time.
>Topics ranged from daily news (negotiations for a trade contract with the Griffon kingdom having been finally completed), to gardening (and how to grow the perfect petunias), to live broadcasts of the races all the way out in Los Pegasus.
>It was an interesting afternoon to say the least.
>But sadly, as the clock touched 5:45, you reluctantly stood from the couch and put on your dress, mentally preparing yourself for whatever the night could throw at you.

>In essence, hyperventilating in the corner of your closet.
>You were ready.

[PAUSE]

Well, that was a fun first session. I should be back bright and early tomorrow, and we'll see how this job goes.

>>25964262
trip

>>25964262
What time zone are you in?
Bright an early tomorrow could be anything.

>>25964305
PST

>>25964262
Don't push yourself too hard mate. I remember with Heat you ran something like 14 hours a day churning out three or four updates an hour.

>>25964320
Goddamn, anon. Go to bed.

Also how the hell do you pronounce "aighy"? Eye-ga-hee?

>>25964262
Nighty night.

>>25964320
Nighty night, aight.

>>25964333
And I damn near killed myself too. I was thinking of doing a weekly update schedule with this quest, just so I don't burn out. I guess we'll just see what happens.

>>25964342
Nah, I just spelled it wrong and hit enter too early.

>>25964262
sleep tight sleepyj

Middle of the night bump.

>>25964262
That was a good first session. Big turnout and instant introduction of the plot. Lot different from how Heat began.

>>25966044
To make it clear: The heat is around us and it's not us who is in heat, yes?

File: 1393195364703.png (66KB, 525x590px) Image search: [Google]

66KB, 525x590px

>>25966736
Both.

twitchy bump

Bump and whatnot.

Etherbump.

Wait, no.

Twitchybump.

Sorry, I got confused about which text-based CYOA featuring a mare with thinly disguised mental neuroses I was reading.

>>25964262
>And so, after your preparation you wished Tally a good night and set out to 'Bitterhoof,' arriving just before the party's formal start.
>Already, ponies were forming a line at the reception, leading out of the building and down the block a short way.
>You feel a twinge of annoyance that ponies aren't taking the phrase "single file" seriously, but repress it for the moment.
>A pair of masculine looking stallions stand at the double doors of the winery, chatting idly with the surrounding patrons and occasionally checking a list taped to the wall behind them.

>input action

>>25968279
Get in line, then.

>>25968279
Queuing mode: Activate

>>25968312
>>25968327
>Feeling your duty as a good citizen, you join the queue and wait your turn, inspecting other ponies around you to get a feel for the party.
>Thankfully, you don't appear either under or overdressed, most ponies appear to be wearing simple dresses and collard shirts, with a few suits here and there.
>As time goes on, more ponies join the queue, and while you try your hardest to stay single file, ponies cramping you from the back force you into a sort of half in, half out of line position.
>But once the clock hits 6:00, the line begins to file forward, and you feel a visible sense of tension leave your body.
>As you approach the double doors, one of the stallions approaches you, standing a few inches above your head.
>His coat is a nice, warm green, with a bluish tinted, short cut mane, and he sports a plain white shirt.
>"Name?" He asks, squinting towards the list plastered to the inner side of the encompassing doorway's arch.

>input action

>>25968464
Twitch. I won't be on the list, but I'm with Green Wrench.

>>25968475
yup

>>25968279
We do have a name to get us in, but we don't know if it is of "straight to the front of the line" importance.

Queue up, mate.

>>25968580
Discount this. I was being slow.

>>25968475
This instead.

>>25968475
>>25968488
>>25968592
"Twitch. I won't be on the list, but I'm with Green Wrench."
>You say, nervously shifting your weight from one side to the other.
>After a couple of tense seconds, the stallion nods.
>"Go right on in miss."
>And motions with a hoof through the entrance.
>Relieved, you trot inside and consider your options.
>The bar on the right appears to be closed, but the front entrance appears to be opened now, leading into the ballroom you spotted previously.
>Inside, you spot stallions and mares rushing around to find tables, and a pair of couples already exploring the dance floor, albeit without music.
>To your left, the mare at the reception waves at you, noticing that you showed up for the party.

>input action

>>25968607
Say hi to the receptionist.

>>25968607
Say hi to the mare. Check if there's actually anyone in the bar. There must be a way down to the cellars from there.

>>25968607
Greet receptionist.
Wait until there are more people to make escape.
Try and spot all exits from room. Build a mental map.

>>25968630
>>25968641
>>25968763
>You trot over to the receptionist and give her your best smile.
"Hi! Guess I did show."
>The mare nods.
>"So where's your friend? Didn't you say you'd be coming with them?"
>Instinctively, you lie thinking of a response.
"I-I think he'll be here soon? J-Just gave his name and they let me in..."
>To your intense relief, the mare buys the story and returns to her desk
>"Well, you have a good time tonight. I might be serving later, so if I'm lucky, I'll be at your table!"
>You give her another polite smile and trot off, now inspecting the supposedly closed bar
>The bar itself is empty, and as you fiddle with the handle it appears unlocked.
>Ponies are beginning to flow in to the party steadily now, all seemingly distracted by the tables laid out down the hall in front of them.

>So far, your mental map consists of the following.

Entry Hall:
Right of Entry Hall: Bar (unexplored)
Left of Entry Hall: Receptionist desk, Staff Only door behind said desk
Forward from Entry Hall: Ballroom (unexplored)

Behind Building: Staff Only entrance, ladder to roof


>input action

>>25968806
Lets go check out the ballroom.

>>25968806
I suppose we could peek behind the bar.
If we get caught, we were just looking for someone to ask when the booze would start.

>>25968840
We're best leaving it for a little while. She just told us she'd be leaving reception for the ballroom. We should wait until everyone has arrived before making our move.

>>25968900
Sounds reasonable.
Okay.

>>25968823
>>25968900
>>25968907
>You decide to follow the crowds, heading inside the ballroom to inspect the premises
>As you saw through the window previously, the dance-floor is surrounded by tables of eight, about a quarter of which have now been filled.
>At the edge of the room appear a pair of doors that appear to lead to the kitchen, and on the rightmost area of the room lies a long table that hugs the wall, void of chairs.
>Maybe the location of a buffet to be brought out later?
>At the back of the room are four doors, three on the left side and one on the right, a small sign above the rightmost one that reads "Kitchen."

>input action

>>25969061
Look around for the toilets.

>>25969101
>you take a moment to find the restrooms, which appear to be in the back left corner of the ballroom, each marked by a small pair of "Mare" and "Stallion" signs.

>input action

>>25969151
How many people are here right now?
How noticeable would it be for us to duck out?