For the most past, during the latter part of the council, the Princesses had taken center stage. When we'd gotten back, I had informed the delegates that I was rescinding the world tour idea, but that I was open to other ideas down the line. Celestia mentioned the spell she knew, while the Deerfolk mentioned their own attempts at long distance communication through their magic. I knew a bit about the Deerfolk's type of magic in that it was solely based on enchanting items to perform a specific task. They had tried a long-distance communication crystal, but it hadn't panned out like they'd hoped. Celestia proposed an exchange of mages between their two kingdoms in a hopeful attempt to complete the research.

Without the constant interruption from the Lycan delegates, things began to go more smoothly. Despite the initial hidden hostility between the various nations represented, it seemed that everybody was at least wise enough not to want war, and was, at best, reluctantly willing to attempt negotiations and trying to come up with ways in which each nation could benefit from a relationship with others around them. There was already a number of trading routes between nations, but those were few and far between.

Seeing an opportunity, I spoke up and made a motion to at least try and open new trade routes all across Equestria. Not only would it provide new opportunities for exchange of new goods, but like the Silk Road back on Earth, it could transport new ideas and ways of thinking along trade routes.

The look on Celestia's face said it all when I mentioned that: how proud she was of me. I'm sure she'd had the same idea, and I was almost positive Twilight had thought of it as well, or at least would have thought of it. I was surprised, however, when a quiet Ambassador Jasper came back. She apologized for her princess' behavior, blaming it on stress and exhaustion, and assured Celestia that Amethyst had given her permission to speak for the Lycan Empire. Even Celestia's diplomatic mask faltered for a brief moment when Jasper said that.

Until the dismissal of the first day of the council at five that afternoon, most of the discussion was about what could be traded and where. The map on the table was soon outlined with lines of different colored strings courtesy of Rarity's travel sewing pack. For some reason, I felt slightly more relieved that the topic for the day had wound down to something a bit more mundane than a potential world war.

That wasn't to say that it was easy. There were plenty of arguments between the delegates on the best pathways to take and what could be sold in different countries. I wrote a private note to Celestia which said that this conversation would be better suited to merchants, since they had the mind for such things. Celestia actually hoofwrote a reply, agreeing with me, but reminding me that every friendship starts with a simple step. Then she added that the merchants could iron out details later.

I added input where I could, using some of my business degree for the first time in a while. Some of my suggestions were taken into account, and others were flat out rejected, but most were for good reasons.

After a very long and stressful day, Celestia called the council meeting to a close, at least for the day. The delegates were escorted back to their rooms and given meals of their choices. I was about to go talk to Ember about a couple things when a familiar pink Alicorn blocked my pathway. "Jethro? Can I talk to you for a bit?" she asked.

I watched the somehow more humanlike Dragon princess walk out of the room and out of sight before turning back to Cadance. "I'm all yours," I said with a chuckle.

Cadance smiled, then took me to the waiting room. When the two of us were alone, she closed and locked the door behind her, then found a seat near the fireplace. I sat across from her and waited in silence. Finally, after a half minute or so, she spoke. "I know about your date with Scarlet," she said.

I groaned and facepalmed. "Who told you? No wait, lemme guess: Twilight?"

Cadance chuckled. "She was pretty worried about you, so she actually wrote a letter to me."

"Nosy mares, the both of you," I sighed, but then smiled a bit. "So…who exactly am I speaking to right now? Cadance my friend and confidant, or Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, Princess of Love?"

Cadance giggled, hiding her muzzle behind her hoof for a bit before lowering it and smiling warmly at me. "A bit of both, if I'm honest. I just wanted to know how it went and how you're feeling about it?"

"Are you sure you're not my counselor?" I snarked with a smirk. Before she could reply, I held up a hand. "Don't worry, I was just pulling your leg. But to answer your question, the date went off without a hitch. I had a really good time, and I think Scarlet did too. Especially judging from the way she wanted to sleep with me and Zecora."

Cadance's eyebrows shot up, and a knowing grin formed on her lips. "Oh? You move fast, playcolt."

I rolled my eyes. "Sleep as in we fell asleep in the same bed, you pervert," I replied.

She threw back her head and laughed hard for a few moments before looking back at me. "Oh relax, Jethro. I know what you meant." A genuine smile returned and she added, "I'm glad it went well, and I'm glad you're giving the idea of a herd a chance."

"Yeah…I was just afraid of change for the most part," I admitted. "Spending time with someone who actually gets my humor and some of my inside human jokes was a breath of fresh air. Not that dating Zecora isn't fun, but you know what I mean."

"I get it," Cadance said. "Some herds work that way. Each mare brings out something a bit different in their stallion. If you do decide to include Scarlet in a herd, she could bring out the parts of you that know your past world. Just a thought."

"Yeah, I can see that," I said. "Then again, with Sunset Shimmer here, there's someone else I can talk to about Earth, even if it's not the right one."

Cadance's knowing grin returned. "Ohoho, are you planning on pursuing Aunt Celestia's former student?"

I shook my head. "I barely know her, and what I do know about her might not be completely accurate since the world she was in wasn't the one from Equestria Girls."

"I was just teasing, Jethro," she giggled again. "But that's not the only reason why I wanted to talk to you."

"Oh?" I was intrigued now, so I leaned forward, hands folded and in my lap. "What else did you wanna talk about?"

She took a deep breath. "Jethro, earlier when the others came in and dissuaded you from attempting that world tour idea of yours, I noticed a few things. I won't go into specifics, but it would seem Scarlet isn't the only Pony interested in you. Romantically, that is."

"Is this about Fluttershy and Luna?" I asked, "because if so, I mean…it seems pretty obvious to me."

"Again, I won't say who, but there was a lot of love for you in that moment. It was almost overwhelming. And I'm the Princess of Love." Cadance smiled warmly down at me. "I've never felt such strong feelings. Well, maybe except for my Shining."

I was sorely tempted to turn the conversation back on her, as I was wont to do, but I resisted the urge. "Cadance, if you're worried about it, I'm planning on actually asking at least Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Luna about it."

"The direct approach? Are you sure?" Cadance asked.

"I know it would be the best with Pinkie," I said. "For a while, she's been extremely affectionate with me. I was an idiot and just thought it was Pinkie being Pinkie, but when she poked some extra sense into me earlier, she gave me a kiss that wasn't like the ones she normally gives. I might not be the best at reading human body language, and Pony body language is even harder, but I need to at least clear the air with her. Fluttershy…well, ever since that one incident with me stroking her mane before my Welcome to Ponyville party has been pretty kind to me. After she apologized over and over again for her, shall we say, forward behavior. And she isn't displaying the normal type of kindness either, if that makes any sense. She's extra clingy with me, too. I'm sure you're aware of that."

"I did notice," Cadance said with a nod.

"We have a good number of things in common, too," I said. "We love manga and manega, and when we get to talking, she's engaging and gets very eager to share what she thinks about things with me. It makes me happy seeing her like that."

"I'm glad to hear that," Cadance said.

"And then there's Luna," I said. "I mean, I'm pretty sure she's at least got a crush on me, seeing as she's acting pretty out of character whenever I'm involved. Hell, she even used her Anthro form at the Gala, when in the show she wasn't even there. She's pushing herself harder to get back into the swing of being a Princess of Equestria, and I can't help but suspect that it has to do with me. At least, she isn't acting like she does in the show."

"We aren't in the show," Cadance reminded me. "And you're right. Auntie Luna told me that you told her you preferred the night as opposed to day. You and I both know why she grew jealous of Aunt Celestia. Having somepony who appreciates her night is a dream come true for her."

"This conversation sounds familiar," I chuckled. "But you're right. She's gonna be the hardest to talk to, I think."

"I admire the fact that you're taking the direct approach," Cadance said. "A lot of stallions would be too nervous to just straight up ask."

"I'm a guy, Cady," I said with a smirk. I was rewarded by me using a new nickname with her eyes widening. But before she could say anything, I continued, "A lot of us don't do subtle. You'd be surprised at how many subtle hints my Trixie gave to me before she finally took the direct approach and had to pin me down during a cool summer night to tell me how she really felt."

Cadance chuckled. "We mares do tend to give out more subtle signals. Showing off our lower side just a bit more, flipping our manes, fluttering our eyes, laughing at jokes we might not normally find funny, and more. You're right that there is the differences in culture to consider, but trust me, I've seen some of those mares and their body language around you. They're definitely interested. And I won't say who."

"I wouldn't want you to," I said. "I need to take care of this myself. No magic spells from you, please."

She put on a fake offended face and put her hoof on her chest. "I would never! You wound me, sir knight!"

"Oh, fuck you," I snorted.

Cadance laughed. "That's Shining's job."

"And with that disturbing image plastered in my head for all eternity, I think we're done here," I said, facepalming as Cadance laughed harder. I stood and headed to the door.

"Wait wait, before you go," Cadance called out, giving me pause, "I just want to wish you luck. I know this whole idea of a herd isn't an easy thing for somepony like you to consider, but I know it's bringing a lot of hope to those girls. And I know they'll be patient with you. The ones who have feelings for you, that is."

"So…ignore the impatient ones?" I teased.

She smirked. "You know what I meant. Who you're gonna talk to first?"

I turned, then chuckled. "Well, there's this certain sexy pink mare I feel like would make an easier conversation partner. I'll work my way up in difficulty from there."

Despite those words, the closer I got to the room where all six of the Bearers of Harmony were staying, my heart was pretty much pounding in my chest. Come on, get a hold of yourself! It's just Pinkie Pie! You're not a hormonal teenager anymore, goddamnit! I smacked my face a bit, remembering the sting of Celestia's not so little slap from earlier. The pain helped to clear my head a little bit and my resolve returned in full force. I needed to address this sooner rather than later.

Finally, I was at their door. I could hear a few voices from behind it, so I steeled myself, raised my hand and knocked on the door. The conversations inside died down before a familiar fashionista's voice called out, "Who is it?"

"It's Jethro," I replied.

I heard the telltale sound of magic, and the door was flung open to reveal Rarity with her mane up in curlers. "Darling! So nice of you to join us! Did you want to join in our little sleepover?"

I chuckled. "Hmm…tempting, but isn't it a bit early to be having a sleepover? The sun hasn't even set yet."

"Well, we figured that after Twilight's first ever sleepover turned into a disaster, we should have a better one," Rarity said.

"You know, maybe I will join in, but not right now. I've got some other business here." I looked around, then spotted Pinkie Pie in a corner, jumping on the bed. Her normally poofy mane had been styled to be a perfect copy of Rarity's, and somehow it stayed in place unlike that time in the Gala episode where it poofed back into position after she'd tried to straighten it. "And it involves some private conversation with the Princess of Parties over there," I finished, pointing with a smirk to Pinkie Pie.

No sooner had those words escaped my lips then Pinkie was in front of me, her newly styled mane reverting to its normal curly state. "Oh? What is it? No wait, lemme guess! You wanna play some cool private party with me? Oh this is gonna be so cool! We'll have so many balloons and streamers and-!"

I grabbed her muzzle, keeping her from speaking for a bit. I knelt and smiled at her. "Not a party related issue, Pinks. I need to talk to you about something important, though." I looked at the rest of the gathered mares. "Listen, is it okay if I take her for a little walk? I'll bring her back, I promise."

"Ah don't mind," Applejack, who had curlers in her mane herself, nodded at me.

"Must be something big," Rainbow Dash said. She was sitting on one of the beds, just watching the others. She had no curlers in her hair.

"You could say that," I said as I released Pinkie's muzzle. "Pinks? Could you come with me?"

"Okie dokie loki!" she said as she fell into step with me. I closed the door and headed down the hallway. Pinkie continued bouncing on her hooves like some chaotic pink Pony version of Tigger. I could almost hear springs in her feet as she did so. "So, whatcha wanna talk about, huh?"

"Well first, let's talk in here," I said. We were standing in front of a large set of double doors. I used my magic to open them and we were standing in a large sitting room, similar to the one near the Council Chambers. I motioned for her to take a seat, then I sat across from her.

I stared at the energetic pink mare as she bounced up and down on the couches around the room. The bright and wide smile on her face was always infectious to me, and this time was no exception. I caught her in my magic, brought her over to my lap and set her down before stroking her mane. I was rewarded by a very cute purring sound as she curled up in my lap, nuzzling her head into my hand.

"Pinkie," I finally began after a few false starts, "I wanted to talk to you about your PDA when it comes to me."

"PD-what now?" Pinkie asked, looking at me with an innocent smile. Or perhaps not so innocent as she suddenly leaned forward and planted a big wet kiss on my cheek. "You mean like that? Oh Jethy, isn't it obvious?"

"Yes and no," I said plainly. "Pinkie, I wanted to ask you how you feel about me."

"Oh you silly colt," she giggled, nuzzling my face affectionately, "I love you, you dolt."

"Yes, but how?" I cupped her cheeks in my hands and made her look at me. "Pinkie, back where I'm from a lot of guys don't like to act on subtle hints or even not so subtle hints. Each girl flirts differently. All I wanna know is if you are trying to tell me that you have romantic feelings for me."

Pinkie's smile only widened and she leaned closer. In a voice that sent shivers down my back, but the good kind, she softly sang in a sensual voice, "Boom boom boom boom. I want you in my room. Let's spend the night together, from now until forever. Boom boom boom boom. I wanna go boom boom. Let's spend the night together, together in my room."

I simultaneously wanted to blush at the image of me and Pinkie Pie in bed together and laugh at her song reference. My body decided to do both. I blushed but also burst out laughing as I held her close. She nuzzled my face as I said, "Guess the Vengaboys are back in town."

"Yep yep yep!" She kissed my neck gently before pulling back. The smile on her face was one of complete warmth and affection. "Jethro, I've wanted you to be my special somepony for a while. You make me smile wider than I've ever felt myself smile. I love how handsome your smile is, how you try and make others happy like me, and so much more. Jethy, because of you I know what it's like to be on the receiving end."

"And yet you guys lectured me about trying to make the world happy," I chuckled.

She shook her head. "Jethy, that's different. I like making Ponies happy because it makes me happy, but I also do things that make me happy as well. You try to do it too much without taking a break. I don't just work at Sugarcube Corner for the bits. I do it because I absolutely love to bake. Experimenting with new flavors and getting to eat them makes me really happy. It's a hobby of mine, just like when I make Ponies happy. You do it for a different reason, don't you?"

I sighed and nodded. "I think you're right."

She wrapped her forelegs around me, pulling my head close to her fluffy chest and began stroking my head affectionately. "Tell Auntie Pinkie all about it."

"I'm older than you," I rolled my eyes. However, her fluff was relaxing and I closed my eyes. "Have you ever been completely hated by someone?"

Pinkie paused and remained silent for a while. Instead of answering she simply said, "Go on."

I readjusted myself so that she had her head snuggling in my chest, and my chin was on her mane. She hugged me closer around my midsection and I held her back, stroking her back gently. Taking a deep breath I began. "I'm the type of guy who internalizes how others treat me. I'm starting to realize that I have this overwhelming need to be liked. Oh sure, I can give all the excuses I want about trying to save the world from a war, and I totally do mean them, but in the end, it's a selfish desire to not be hated."

"Now hold on," Pinkie said, putting a hoof over my mouth. "Nopony likes to be hated, and there's nothing wrong with being nice, but not everypony will like you no matter how nice you are. And that's okay." She removed her hoof from my mouth and sat up, gazing deep into my eyes with her cerulean orbs. "Spoiled Rich doesn't like me, and I've accepted that. There's nothing wrong with wanting other to be happy, but how can we be happy if you're forcing yourself?"

"I'm starting to get that through my thick skull," I admitted sheepishly. "Trust me, there's nothing more humbling than getting bitch slapped by the fucking Princess of Equestria. I swear, you Ponies are so not fair."

"Are you complaining?" she crooned as she moved closer, wiggling her hips a bit.

"Oh God, don't tempt me," I said, biting my lip a bit to stave off arousal, "but no. Pinkie, I'm a mess of a human being. Are you sure you're okay with loving me?"

"How could I not?" she asked. "Sure, it started when you called me sexy on Nightmare Night, but even then I always thought you were a really cool stallion. You always make me laugh, and you love to bake with me."

"Baking is fun, yes," I admitted. "I never had much time to do it before coming to Equestria."

"And you have a very handsome smile," she said, "and your hugs are really warm. Pony hugs are great and all, but with you it's like I'm encompassed in pure warmth and protection."

Automatically, I wrapped my wings around her, and I felt her snuggling in close. "You're one of the best friends a guy could ask for, Pinks," I said sincerely.

"Maybe mooore?" she cooed.

I sighed, shaking my head and smirking. "Pinkie…I've already just started testing the waters with Scarlet."

"I'm not hearing a nooo~" she crooned. She looked up and somehow managed to give me seductive puppy dog eyes.

I groaned. "Stupid, sexy Ponies…"

She wiggled her rump against me, giggling cutely before her gaze returned to its surprisingly tender appearance. "I know it's new to you, Jethy. Dating is new to me, too. I know I can get a little carried away, but I really do care for you. I love you, Jethro."

I stroked her mane. "Thank you for telling me this, Pinkie. Is it okay if I talk to Zecora about this?"

"Please do!" She beamed at me before she leaned forward and, wrapping her forehooves around my neck, kissed me deeply once again. After a good five seconds, she pulled back, giggling. "I hope someday you kiss me!"

I smirked. "I don't doubt it. You're a good kisser, Pinkie."

That got a blush out of the pink mare and she giggled. "Thank you!"

"You're welcome. Now, let's get you back to the sleepover, alright?"

"Okay!"

I walked out of the room, and Pinkie bounded away down the hall, keeping only a few feet away from me as she sprang up and down in her normal Pinkie Pie way. As we were walking, I grinned. It was time to get back at her.

Walking up quickly beside her, I made a show of looking her up and down. Pinkie looked over at me quizzically. "What's up, Jethy?"

"Oh, nothing much…it's just…I like big flanks, and I cannot lie! You other Ponies can't deny! That when a mare walks in and she's struttin' that flank wearing Rarity's dress like a tank, you get sprung!"

I couldn't help but laugh aloud when Pinkie went from pink to a deep red. Her smile grew after a while, and she leaped into my arms, hugging me tightly with what I presumed was all her Earth Pony strength. "You're so silly!" she squealed happily as she buried her face in my neck.

I spun her around, arms around her and laughing. "Revenge is a dish best served steaming, isn't it cutie pie?"

"Nah, Cutie Pie is my cousin. I'm Pinkie Pie, silly!"

I snorted. "I am so not surprised…"