"You two look exhausted," Scarlet said the next morning as Zecora and I walked into the kitchen. She was back in her Pony form and Zecora had regained her Zebra form overnight. "Lemme guess, you slid your enchanted sword into her cave of wonders? Do battle with the fearsome dragon within?"

"Oh, for fuck's sake," I rolled my eyes. "It's too early for thi-"

I was interrupted by a mug of steaming hot coffee being thrust into my face. Looking at the owner of the person behind this gift, I saw Gemini glaring at me. "Here. Take it."

"Thank you," I said, grabbing the mug and taking a sip. The coffee she made was actually some of the best I'd ever had, and I perked right up.

Gemini handed another mug to Zecora, who took it and sipped as well. "Thank you, Gemini."

"Uh huh," she said dismissively as she walked over to the stove. I took a deep whiff and smiled. She was cooking this world's version of bacon, which was a bit thicker than the variety I was used to, but delicious nonetheless.

"So, what are your plans for today?" I asked as I took a seat next to Mica, who was chewing on a piece of bacon. Zecora sat next to me on the other side, cradling her mug of coffee.

"I have a half day shift at Sugarcube Corner," Scarlet said, "and after that, Rainbow Dash is going to teach me a few tricks."

"I'll be doing some more training," Mica said with a large smile.

"Training him," Gemini said, pointing to Mica.

"I have to get back home and look over a few of my potions," Zecora said. "Then there's some meditation I've been neglecting. Then I'll be back this evening for our stargazing. How about you, my love?"

I took another sip of the coffee. I had no plans until the evening, since today was cleanup of my house and yard. "Well, since I have nothing planned today except some time with Fluttershy, I was just gonna wander around Ponyville. Maybe pay a visit to Sugarcube Corner for some treats, visit Sweet Apple Acres for a bit, study something with Twilight, spend time showing Rarity some more Earth fashions, and try out some flying tricks of my own."

"Sounds like the makings of a rich, full day," Scarlet said with a chuckle. "I'll be sure to save a cream pie for you. Or would you rather give your own to Zecora-oh wait, you did that last night, didn't you?"

I let my head hit the table. I've created a monster…

My first stop was Fluttershy's cottage. We'd agreed to meet up at around ten in the morning for some time spent together reading manga, but today I wanted to show her something else. Carrying my laptop with me, I made my way up the pathway towards her front door. I barely got one knock out before the door opened quickly, revealing a smiling Fluttershy. "Jethro, you're a bit early," she said.

"The earlier I get here, the more time I get to spend with you," I smiled. I wasn't afraid to admit that seeing the absolutely beautiful yellow Pegasus always made my day. "Today, I have something special planned, unless you say otherwise."

"Oh? What is it?" she asked, stepping aside to let me in.

"Well, I feel like I robbed you of a lesson a while ago," I explained as I made my way to her couch after removing my shoes (Fluttershy was big on that sort of thing), "so I wanted to share an episode of My Little Pony with you. If that's okay."

She looked a little nervous at that. "Um…well, if you think it'll help," she said, moving to sit next to me as I opened my laptop, placing it on a small table Fluttershy put in front of the two of us whenever we watched anime or read manga. "What's the episode about?"

"Well, remember when you went up that mountain to discover the source of that roar?" I asked as my machine booted up.

Her eyes widened. "Yes," she said uncertainly.

"Well, I wanted to share what would have happened had I not scared that dragon away," I explained as I opened up my MLP folder and went for Season 1. I clicked on Dragonshy, and paused it just as the media player opened. I turned to her. "If at any time you decided you don't want to finish, please tell me, and we'll watch something else."

Fluttershy moved closer, placing her front hooves on my lap as she always did. I didn't mind that, in fact, it felt rather nice. "Thank you," she said softly, handing me a small tray with two teacups and a teapot on them, along with crackers and cheese slices.

"You bet," I said, pouring her tea first, then mine. "Are you ready?" I asked. When she nodded, I hit play.

Fluttershy watched her animated self and her fear turned more into curiosity. "It's always confusing seeing myself looking like that," she admitted. "And a bit scary."

"It's a headtrip, I'll give you that," I said as I paused it, "but I don't even know where to begin on any semblance of explanation on why we have this look into your world. That's probably something Twilight could talk about all day."

Fluttershy giggled. "Yes, I agree." To my surprise, she reached out with her wing and hit the space bar, letting the show play again.

As we watched, I reached down to stroke her mane absently. She shuddered a bit, but that was all. After a few minutes, I paused the video again, making Fluttershy look up at me in confusion. "Sorry," I said, "it's just that I don't like how Rainbow Dash was acting in this episode. She was…really rude and condescending." I sighed. "I also didn't really like how they try and force you to do things you aren't comfortable with sometimes. To me, a sign of a good friend is someone who respects your boundaries. Sure, there are times when it's fun to try new things, but this? I mean, they all clearly can see how scared you are, and they push you anyway."

Fluttershy looked touched at that, and she sat back up, putting a hoof on my shoulder. "Thank you," she said, "for understanding. And the truth is, I don't want to be so scared all the time."

Just then an idea came to me. "Well, there's another cartoon we can try and watch that might give you a bit of perspective. But for now, let's continue."

It took us a bit longer since I had to pause to calm down after a few of Rainbow Dash's somewhat out of character lines and dismissals of Fluttershy. Each time, Fluttershy would snuggle closer and reassure me that during what had actually happened, Rainbow had not been so dismissive, and had actually been by the yellow Pegasus' side for most of the journey there. When the cartoon Fluttershy stood up to the dragon, the real Fluttershy's eyes went wide. "I…did that?"

"It's called character growth," I smiled. "You have an incredible amount of inner strength. It just needs a time to shine. And I feel bad that I took that away from you just to secure capital."

Fluttershy giggled, and looked up at me. "I appreciate you showing me this," she said, "and don't worry. I forgive you, even though there's nothing to forgive. You didn't do anything wrong."

"Well, even so, I still feel bad," I said.

"Then don't," she said, giving me a soft glare. "Jethro Bethridge, when you first arrived in Equestria, were you scared?" I nodded. "I would be too. But you didn't let your fear stop you. And thanks to you, I didn't have to meet that scary, awful, dragon."

"Believe it or not, dragons have their own society," I explained. Since my life had become busier, I'd begun to resort to looking at the MLP Wiki for my information. It was quicker and well maintained. "They aren't beasts. Their culture might be different, but that doesn't make them any less intelligent. Same with other cultures. Even the Lycans."

Fluttershy's demeanor changed at the mention of the Lycans. Her eyebrows creased and she looked angry. "Lycans," she said. "They almost killed you, Jethro!"

"Yes, and now I have two of them living in my house. The one who tried to kill me is training me to fight so it doesn't happen again." I hugged Fluttershy, who was trembling a bit in anger now instead. "We don't have to agree with their culture, but that doesn't mean we're better. It's just a different way of thinking."

I calmed the trembling mare down until she took a deep breath. "I'll try and think that way," she said, "but it's hard, especially when they almost killed one of the best friends I've ever made."

I tightened my grip on her. "I know. These kinds of things take time. Not everyone knows about friendship and how special that kind of relationship can be." Not yet, anyway, I thought. If there was any Dragon I was looking forward to eventually meeting, it was Ember. She struck me as one of the more reasonable ones in the bunch. I felt like we'd actually get along fairly well, and I hoped to ask her to teach me how to fight in the air.

Fluttershy noticed my far off look and poked my cheek with her hoof. "Jethro?"

"Ah, sorry. Just thinking about the Dragons," I admitted. "At least, what I've seen of them in the show. They seem like a unique culture."

"And d-dangerous," Fluttershy said nervously.

"Fluttershy, my race is dangerous too, and yet you're friends with me. And you're friends with Spike," I pointed out. "We both come from a race that can be very dangerous at times, but that doesn't mean we have to be. I'm gonna sound very cliché here, but the power of a simple friendship is beyond most magic I've seen here."

A small smile creased her muzzle, and she nodded. "I guess you're right."

"I'm confident I'm right," I said. "After all, you all became my friends and helped me through some of my old wounds. Sure, most of you were asked to by Celestia, but I'd like to think the friendships are genuine."

Fluttershy nodded. "Of course."

"Now, then…what should we watch next? Oh! How'd you like to see some fan art of you?" I asked.

"Um…maybe another time," she said with a nervous smile.

"Fair. Well…let's see what else we can watch now. Oh! How about Ouran High School Host Club? Nah, that'd be something Rarity would enjoy more. Hmm…"

"Um…what's that show about?" Fluttershy asked.

"It's about a high school girl who's forced to join a club full of boys to pay back a debt," I explained.

"Well…could we try it?" she asked.

"Oh? Sure, why not?" I opened up the folder and selected the first episode.

Sweet Apple Acres in the fall was absolutely gorgeous. The leaves on the trees, which had not yet fallen since the Running of the Leaves was scheduled to take place in about a week, were already turning yellow, orange, and red, with little bits of green still mixed in. It was just past twelve, now, and I saw a little gathering of the Apple family at one of the picnic tables, eating heartily. Apple Bloom was the first to see me, and she shouted my name, running up to me eagerly. Granny Smith called out something to her, but the little filly didn't hear her as she jumped up when she reached me. I caught her and spun her around, laughing. "Well, you're a bundle of energy today," I laughed, looking at the cute filly. "I'd have thought you'd be tired from staying up late last night."

"Nope!" she giggled. "I'm wide awake!"

I ruffled her mane, causing her to giggle again. "That's good."

"Can I go flying with ya now?" she asked.

"Apple Bloom!" Applejack called out, galloping up to my side, "That's now how we ask fer things 'round here. Ah'm sorry 'bout her, Jethro."

"That's alright, she' just excited." I turned back to her, however, and gave her a small smile. "Your sister's right, you know. How do you ask properly?"

Looking a bit sheepish, she cleared her throat. "May you please let me fly around with you?"

"That's better," I said, "but I think you should go ask your grandma first. It's up to her."

She jumped out of my arms and rushed back over to the table. Applejack stood by me, chuckling. "Ah'm glad she's taken a shine tah you, Jethro," she said.

"I like her, too," I said. "Her and her friends are my favorite fillies. And not just from the show. Those Crusaders are so full of enthusiasm and determination, it's inspiring. Sometimes I envy them."

Applejack chuckled, then turned to me. "Whatcha stop by here fer," she asked curiously.

"I had a free day, and I wanted to spend some time with my friends," I said.

"What about yer marefriend?" Applejack grinned, nudging me playfully.

"I'll see her tonight for some stargazing," I said. "Her and Luna."

Applejack's eyes widened. "Yer seein' the Princess?"

I shrugged. "Anything wrong with that?"

"Nope! Not at all," Applejack said quickly. "Just surprised, is all."

"I don't blame you," I said. "I like spending time with her. She and I are still somewhat strangers in this new land, and we both love the night."

Applejack looked at me carefully, eyelids narrowing. I returned her gaze with a calm one of my own. "Hmm…yer not tellin' me everything, sugarcube," she said.

I nodded. "You're right, I'm not, but I've been sworn to secrecy on the matter," I said apologetically. "I hope to tell you all someday."

Her smile returned. "Ah'll hold ya to that."

Just then, Apple Bloom came running back. "Granny said I can go flyin' as long as you don't go too high!"

"I can handle that," I said, kneeling. "Climb onto my back. It won't be a long flight, though."

She smiled and wrapped all four of her legs around me. "I'm ready!" she said eagerly.

Spreading my wings, I gave Applejack a playful wink as I launched myself into the air. Apple Bloom squealed in delight as I did some simple maneuvers above the orchard. Below us, I saw a worried Applejack following us. "Not too fast, yah hear, city colt!"

"I know what I'm doing, country filly!" I called back down as I started going a little bit faster. I kept Rainbow Dash's training in my mind, keeping my new Pegasus senses open and detecting any little thing, like a change in wind current, a nearby swarm of gnats, the smell of a small stray cloud passing over the southern portion of the orchard, the sound of Apple Bloom's laughter and Applejack's slightly worried voice, and more.

After a good five minutes of flying, with Applejack still following us, I landed back near the picnic table. Apple Bloom climbed off, and jumped around, giddy with delight. "You should try it, sis!" she said. "It's so awesome! The farm looks cool from the air!"

Applejack chuckled. "Ah prefer tah keep mah hooves on the ground," she said. "Besides, ah doubt Jethro would let me fly on his back."

"I'd be glad to, actually," I said, kneeling and turning back to look at her. "It's really fun, and I won't drop you."

She looked at me hesitantly. "Are ya sure?" she asked. "Ah'm not as light as Apple Bloom."

"AJ, I have the wings of a Pegasus, the strength of an Earth Pony, and the magic of a Unicorn," I reminded her. "I will not let you come to any harm. Come on! The orchard from the sky is quite a sight."

I waited as she mulled it over, then she approached me. I smiled as she removed her Stetson, handing it to a beaming Apple Bloom. "Yah better make sure tah keep that promise," she said as she climbed onto me.

When she was secure, I stood and spread my wings wide. She was a bit heavier than Apple Bloom, and if I was my old human self, she'd probably have crushed me with pure muscle weight. As it was, I felt relatively confident that I could fly her around. "I'll keep you safe," I said. "Hold on!" And with that, I launched into the air once again.

"Whoa!" she gasped as the ground fell away from us. "Oh, gosh…" she said as we headed further up into the air above the orchard treeline, "Ah see why Apple Bloom likes this," she said.

I could still detect a little bit of fear in her voice, so I reached up and took her hoof in my hand. Looking back at her, I gave her my best reassuring smile. "This view is pretty amazing, isn't it?" I asked.

Our faces were really close, and when I spoke, I saw a bit of a blush creep up her cheeks, but she nodded. "Ah feel like ah'm on top of the world," she said in an awed voice.

"Nah, this is nothing," I said as I went higher up. "If you wanna be on top of the world, you'd need to go a hell of a lot higher."

"Not too high, please," she said, clinging tighter to me.

I chuckled and stopped moving up. Instead, I began moving horizontally. Taking a breath, I sang, "When you're flying up there, in the sky, rising high, every hue, it's like a dream. Out of this world, into a new. When you're soaring up there in the sky, spread your wings, and you will see the cirrus swirl shimmering down below. And you'll recognize the glow from the Double Rainboom. A Double Rainboom."

"Ah've never heard that song before," Applejack said.

"It's a song that fans of My Little Pony made," I explained.

"Was…there any song about me?" Applejack asked.

I pulled out my phone. "Let's check." I opened YouTube and entered Applejack fan song. The second result looked promising, so I turned up the volume and clicked on Applejack by ponyphonic. Applejack listened, and I was rewarded by her blush. I couldn't help but smile. This song was definitely one I planned on downloading later. As I got the hang of the song, I began singing along with it.

When the song ended, the lovely farmgirl was blushing hard. "Ah, shucks," she said, "do other humans really think that 'bout me?"

"Well, sure," I said as I began heading back. "You've got a lot of fans back on Earth. Tons who call you Best Pony."

"Ah see," she said, face still a bit red.

"You're definitely an amazing Pony," I said. "Strong, self-assured, brave, honest sometimes to a fault, hardworking, and everything that song said about you."

As I landed, she let go and stood back on her wobbly legs. I steadied her as Apple Bloom rushed up, the Stetson still in her mouth. "Wavn't vat fun?" she asked.

I gently took the Stetson, placing it securely on Applejack's head. "I think she enjoyed it," I said. "Didn't you, AJ?"

Her smile returned, and she nodded. "Ah sure did, pardner." She pointed over to the picnic table. "Would ya like tah join us for lunch?"

Thirty minutes later, and with a belly full of sandwiches and apple pie, I left the farm, after thanking the Apple family for letting me stay for lunch. In private, Applejack thanked me for the flight and the song about her. She said she'd never really considered herself all that special, but after hearing that literally millions on Earth loved her, she was feeling a bit overwhelmed, but in a good way. I gave her a parting hug where I whispered that I was definitely a fan of hers. She shoved me playfully, but I saw another blush form on her face. She watched me go, waving before she went back to work.

My next stop was Rarity's Boutique. As I approached, I saw her putting up a sign at the front of her business. Nearby, Sweetie Belle was sitting and eating her Nightmare Night candy. When she saw me, the young filly dropped her basket and made her way over to me quickly. "Mr. Jethro! Hi!" she exclaimed happily.

"Drop the mister, Sweetie Belle," I chuckled as I knelt. "How are you doing, today? You're not eating too much candy at once, are you?"

She pouted. "Now you're sounding like Rarity," she huffed.

"She's just looking out for you, little filly," I said.

"Jethro, darling! How lovely to see you today," Rarity said, still focusing on straightening the sign, but looking over at me. "Give me a few minutes, and we can have tea!"

"Take your time," I said, "I was just about to take your little sister on a brief flight."

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened excitedly. "Yay!"

"Hold on a moment there," Rarity said, putting the sign down and trotting quickly over to me, "are you sure that's safe?"

"I just flew Apple Bloom and Applejack around without any problems," I said.

"I was wondering why you looked tired," she said with concern. "Are you absolutely sure you can keep my sister safe?"

"I won't let her fall, and I won't be going too far up in any case," I promised.

"Please sis, please?!" Sweetie Belle looked at her sister, giving the older Unicorn the cutest puppy dog eyes.

Rarity finally gave in, sighing before turning to me. "As long as you keep her no higher than the Boutique, you can give her a little flight."

The pink maned filly bounded immediately over to her sister, hugging her quickly. "Thankyouthankyouthankyou!" she exclaimed before she let go and ran over to me.

I turned around, and once more knelt. "Alright, just climb onto my back and hold on tight, okay?"

"Got it!"

The flight didn't last very long, and I could have sworn Rarity's eyes twitched whenever I took a turn that was a bit too sharp or when I passed near a building, but at the end of the trip, Sweetie Belle was super excited and begged to go to the CMC treehouse to meet with her friends and talk about the flight. Rarity let her go, but made her promise to be back by dinner. Sweetie dashed off, beaming happily. I crossed my arms and watched her go. "She's a good kid, if a bit excitable," I said.

"They're all like that," Rarity agreed. "Now then, let me finish this sign and we can have our tea."

"I can help," I said as I walked over. Picking up the sign, I held it up. "Now then, where should I put it?"

"Darling, are you sure? I can do it easily enough," she said.

"The quicker we do this, the more fashions from Earth we can look at," I grinned.

Rarity laughed. "Our conversations don't just have to be about fashion, you know?"

"Who are you, and what have you done with Rarity?" I teased.

"Oh, hush you," she said. "Now then, if you're really okay with offering help, I accept. See the small mark on the grass? If you could push the sign in there until I say stop, I'd appreciate it."

"Of course," I said, lifting it up. "Facing where?"

"A hair to your right…a little more…just a bit more aaand…perfect!" Rarity clapped her hooves.

I used my magic to stabilize it, then pushed down with my Earth Pony strength. "Alright, just tell me when to stop."

After a few seconds, she held up a hoof. "Right there, darling! Perfect!"

I let go of the sign and walked over to stand next to Rarity. Nodding, I said, "Yeah, that's perfect! Winter Clothing sale starting November 15th, huh?"

"You can never prepare too soon," Rarity stated as if it was fact.

"Okay, that's a fair point," I said. "I should break out my winter stuff soon here."

"You'd better send anything you haven't converted to me," Rarity said.

"Of course, I will," I replied as we headed inside her boutique.

She put a sign on the door, the led me to the table in the kitchen. "Please, take a seat, darling," she said as she made her way to her stove. "And how's our favorite human doing today?"

"I'm the only human here," I smirked, "but I'm doing alright. Mostly tired from flying three Ponies around and from staying up a bit later than I should have."

"Oh? What did you do?" she asked, pouring some water into her tea kettle.

"Well, after you left, I decided to pay Fluttershy a little visit," I explained. "I know she hates Nightmare Night, but I couldn't just celebrate without at least seeing her."

"And how was the poor dear," Rarity asked as she put the kettle on the stove to boil.

"About as scared as you could expect, but I spent a little while with her. Even got her to leave the house for some flying stargazing. I'm going stargazing again tonight, though."

"Oh? With anypony I know?" she asked, nudging me playfully.

"Just Luna and Zecora," I stated without fanfare.

Rarity's jaw dropped. "W-With Princess Luna?!" she exclaimed.

"Yeah…ah, I shouldn't have mentioned that…" I groaned.

"Why are you spending time with the Princess of all Ponies?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at me suspiciously.

I shrugged. "Like I've said before to others who asked, she and I are similar in a few ways, and having someone to talk to about those things can actually help us not go crazy. And besides, I love the night. Stargazing is a favorite of mine. And Zecora's too."

Rarity continued staring at me for a bit. I felt a small bead of sweat falling down my neck and I hoped she didn't notice. "That's…suspicious, I won't lie," she said.

"Just don't tell anybody, okay? I already told Applejack, and I trust her to keep it secret. I'm trusting you, too. You saw the newspapers about her appearance at the Gala a couple weeks back, didn't you?" The papers had been polite about it, but there had been a certain mocking undertone in a few of them, wondering what kind of magic she'd been using. There had been images snapped covertly of the two of us as we'd snuck away to speak. Only one had even remotely implied anything sexual going on between us, and that was one of the less reputable tabloids. For the most part, however, the newspapers here had reported the facts, how Princess Luna had appeared in a strange form. Celestia herself had made a statement saying that it had been Luna's choice to appear in this new form.

"I did," Rarity said.

"I don't want her good name smeared because she's seen with some unusual alien," I said. "Besides, it's just something informal. An hour or so of stargazing. And that's it."

"It's almost like you're starting a herd," Rarity said as she turned away, placing tea leaves in the kettle.

"Ugh, this again," I muttered. "Rarity," I continued, louder this time, "a herd is…not something I feel confident in accomplishing. I don't know how it works for Ponies, but it's almost impossible, if not completely impossible, for a human to give an equal amount of romantic love to more than one person. There's always going to be a favorite."

"Darling, that's how we are here," the Unicorn said as she hovered over a few trays of teacakes. "It's expected that a Prime Mare would be the favorite of the stallion." Her expression softened and she gave me a very supportive smile. "Nopony would be upset with you because of that."

"Well…it just doesn't feel right," I said.

"As long as you show love and affection to the members of the herd, it wouldn't be a problem," Rarity said. "If you're curious about it, I know a herd right here in Ponyville. You could discuss it with them."

"That would have been nice to know earlier," I groaned. "Well, I guess I could do that sometime."

Rarity looked closer at me, and her expression changed into one of concern. "You're really worried about this, aren't you?"

"Wouldn't you be in my position?" I asked, putting my head in my hands.

Rarity put her hoof on my back. "Dear me, I'm sorry. You must still be a bit overwhelmed from the culture shock."

"Even now, yeah," I admitted. "I just hope there doesn't come a time where I snap…"

"Your friends will be there for you if that happens, and that includes me," Rarity said as she began pouring the tea with her magic. "Tell you what, why don't you come join me and Fluttershy on our weekly spa day one of these days?"

I chuckled. "As much as I'd love to, I'm not sure how they'd be able to handle me since I'm alien. A hoof massage sounds more painful than anything."

"Who said you'd need to get a massage, although I see your point," she conceded.

"I'll think about it," I said, taking the teacup from her, lifting the steaming cup. "Well, let's change the subject for now. I believe today we were going to discuss Mexican fashion."

Rarity's eyes widened in excitement. "Oh, I can't wait!" She sat down next to me as I opened my laptop. "So, where do we begin?"