I woke to something tapping on my head. Groaning, I opened one eye and looked around. The mare was looking down at me, pure fear in her eyes. I slowly sat up, rubbing sleep out of my eyes. Looking at my clock, I saw that it was four thirty-six in the afternoon. Turning to the Pegasus, I gave her as disarming a smile as I could. "Hello there, miss," I said as kindly as I could. "I'm glad you're awake. How are you feeling?"

"Wh…what are you?" she asked, her voice trembling in fear.

"Hey, relax. I'm not going to hurt you," I replied, hands raised to show I wasn't dangerous. "My name's Jethro. I'm what's known as a human. What's your name?"

"S-Scarlet. Scarlet Dusk," she replied shakily.

"Miss Dusk, it's nice to meet you," I said as softly as I could. "How are you feeling?"

She looked at herself a bit, then back at me. "Um…my head hurts and my leg does too, but I'm alright."

"Your leg and head? Would you like me to get the doctor?" I asked.

"No!" she shouted, petrified. I jumped in alarm. She shrank back in her bed. "I-I mean…I can't afford anything…"

"You don't have to worry about the cost. This hospital trip is on me," I reassured her, standing. "Just relax. I'll go get the doctor. He'll want to know you're awake."

"Um…alright," she said.

Walking over to the door, I headed out and looked around. Finding Redheart in a supply closet looking over stock, I knocked. "Nurse, the Pegasus patient is awake. Where's the doctor?"

Redheart turned to me. "He's in his office. I'll go get him." She galloped down the halls.

I returned to the recovery ward and sat back down next to Scarlet. Seeing she was still scared, I moved a bit away. "I promise I won't harm you."

"I…how can I believe you," she replied, curling up in a protective ball as best she could.

"Please allow me to help you," I pleaded. "I'll pay for all of your medical bills; I'll find you a home to stay in free of charge for as long as you need to."

Scarlet's eyes widened at my unexpected generosity. "But…why…?"

I froze, trying to think of an answer that would satisfy her. Fortunately, the doctor came in with Redheart behind him, saving me from answering. "Aah, I see our newest patient is finally awake," he said, picking up a clipboard attached to the end of the bed. "Now, how are you feeling, miss?"

"My head and leg hurts," she said nervously.

"Hmm, alright. I can give you some more painkillers to help you sleep," the doctor said. "Is there anything else?"

"No…" she said, shaking her head.

"Nurse, increase her pain meds," the doctor said. The nurse nodded and trotted out. Turning to me, the doctor continued, "Mr. Bethridge, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk with the patient alone for a while. Some of these questions might get a bit personal."

I nodded. "I'll get out of your hair, then."

I headed back out to the lobby and sat back down to wait. Five o'clock came and went, and still the doctor wasn't back. Feeling anxious, I stood and began pacing back and forth. Nurse Redheart found me like this at around fifteen minutes past. "Mr. Bethridge, please try and relax. The doctor is just asking the patient some questions. There's no need to be so nervous."

"I can't help it," I said apologetically.

She sighed, but then smiled at me kindly. "Well, if you're going to pace, could you at least do it outside? You're making Dew Drop nervous," she said, indicating the receptionist.

Looking over, I saw that Dew Drop did indeed look a little nervous. "Right…I'm sorry. Please come get me as soon as the doctor is done."

I headed outside and continued pacing. Memories flashed in front of my eyes as I did so. My parents…her…I can't let it happen again! Not again! I won't be responsible for anything like that ever again!

"Jethro!"

"Darling? Are you alright?"

"Is something wrong?"

"You're missing your welcome party!"

I looked up and saw the Elements of Harmony as well as Zecora galloping over, worried looks in their eyes. The moment they surrounded me, some of them began to bombard me with so many questions my head started spinning. Clamping my hands over my ears, I screamed, "SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Looking around, I saw their shocked, confused and hurt faces and immediately felt guilty. I slowly removed my hands from my ears, stumbled over to the stairs to the entrance and sat down. "I'm sorry. That was rude of me…"

"Indeed it was, darling," Rarity said with a huff, but her expression softened slowly, "but you must have had a good reason."

"Come on, you can tell us," Twilight said reassuringly. "We might have just met but the princess did ask us to be your friends." The rest of the group nodded in agreement.

I told them everything that happened at Shady Acre, not leaving out a single detail. The more I talked, the more I hugged my legs. When I was finished, I felt a hoof on my hand. Looking over, I saw, to my surprise, a worried looking Fluttershy looking at me. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Ah've got a feelin' there's more than what yer tellin' us, sugarcube," Applejack said.

"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to hide my growing panic. I really didn't want to tell them, but I was more afraid that they'd push the subject. To my dismay, one of them did.

Rainbow Dash flew up to glare at me. "Out with it, mister."

"Easy there, silly filly," Applejack said, pulling Rainbow Dash away by her tail, "If he doesn't want to tell us, that's his business."

Tell them, my faithful student, Athena's calming voice said soothingly in my ear. They are here to help you regain what you lost.

While Rainbow Dash and Applejack were arguing, I sighed, rubbing my eyes. "You're right, Applejack," I said softly. "There's more to it."

"We'll listen to whatever you're willing to tell us," Twilight said reassuringly.

I gulped, suddenly really nervous. "It…It's just a really long story, is all."

"We've got time," Applejack said.

"Right."

Zecora came to my side and knelt so we were eye to eye. "Please, just tell us what troubles you. I promise we will see what we can do."

I exhaled deeply, but looked up into her eyes. "Thank you," I told her, using one of the more intimate forms of the phrase in Farasi.

She nodded, a hint of pink in her lovely cheeks. "We all just want to help you."

Nodding, I took a deep breath and began.

Her name was Beatrix, or Trixie to her closest friends and family. We'd known each other since kindergarten. We were the best of best friends, inseparable. We took family vacations together, we helped each other with homework, went out to play together, shared nearly every interest possible, everything.

When the two of us were sixteen, I realized, after a few sleepless nights and a long late night talk with my parents, that I was in love with her. Of course, being a dumb teen, I was nervous as hell and unable to confess my feelings for fear of losing the only friend I really had.

Trixie, on the other hand, was too impatient to wait for me to make a move, so she did it for me. One evening, we were stargazing, when she sat up and quickly straddled me. She told me right then and there that she loved me. That was when we shared our first kiss. It was awkward as hell, but it was one I would never forget.

We continued doing things we'd done before, but we went on more date-like outings as well. Our parents thoroughly encouraged our dating since they'd all been friends in their high school days.

That was when the first tragedy struck.

My parents had invited me to go out with them for a family night when I was eighteen. However, I'd had a bad day at my waiter job and lashed out at them angrily. They didn't look angry at me, but had left in silence. Only a couple of hours later, a cop showed up at my door to inform me that my parents had been in an accident. A drunk driver had sideswiped them and caused their car to twist around a nearby tree, killing them on impact.

This event caused me to pick up a nasty habit: smoking. Trixie wasn't really enthusiastic about my new habit, but she understood that I needed a way to deal with the pain. Of course, I only smoked when I was alone and always outside.

Trixie's parents took me in after that. If it hadn't been for them, I would have probably gone deeper into the depression that followed my parents' death.

I lived with Trixie and her family for four years. During that time, I received my bachelors in business and got a job at the same bank where I would eventually become a manager. After the two of us graduated college, we moved in together with her parents' blessing and some financial help. They were truly like my second family.

When I was twenty-three, Trixie suddenly began growing sick more and more often. It wasn't until she collapsed while making dinner a few months after these symptoms began that we went to the hospital. The news I'd received broke me and my heart a second time: Trixie had an advanced case of lung cancer.

Trixie never blamed me for it, but deep down I knew the truth. I knew that my smoking had killed her. I quit immediately, but it was too late. I only had three more months with her before she passed away.

I was so in a funk after her passing, that after I returned all of her belongings to her parents (who also never blamed me for Trixie's death) and moved into a smaller house farther away from town, I practically threw myself into my work. I worked up in the bank faster than most and became assistant less than a month after her death. I volunteered for overtime, took double shifts, anything to keep my mind occupied and not think of her.

Fortunately for me, my manager was an understanding person who noticed the strain the job was having on me after only a few months. However, I ignored his suggestions for time off until one day I collapsed on the job. My manager ordered me to take a month's vacation despite my protests.

When Trixie's parents, who'd moved away after her death, heard about my collapse, they immediately took time off from my job to come take care of me. I didn't leave my bed except for necessities for days. Finally, the two of them sat down and had a heart to heart with me. I constantly apologized while crying heavily. They both comforted me and wept with me as best as they could.

When my month of leave was over, I went back to work, but I also made sure to pace myself. Despite Trixie's parents' reassurances, I still completely blamed myself for not only her death, but for the death of my parents. I learned over the years how to bury my feelings beneath my work and interests. I called it "getting over things". I'd also made a vow never to make close friends again out of fear of feeling that intense pain again.

I finished my story to the sniffles and soft sobs of six Ponies and a tearful Zecora. Looking around, I saw Pinkie Pie bawling her eyes out, Fluttershy was clinging to me and crying softly into my shirt, Rarity was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief, Rainbow Dash was looking away, possibly trying not to show her own tears, Applejack was giving me a look of sorrow and understanding, and Twilight Sparkle was softly crying.

Before I knew it, Zecora was nuzzling me once more, only much more intimately. To my surprise, I heard her voice crack. "I…I am so sorry that has happened to you," she said.

With my free hand (Fluttershy had the other in a vice grip), I reached up and ran my hand through her mane. "You have nothing to be sorry about," I replied through a tearful smile. I was trying so hard not to cry.

The other Ponies approached me slowly, surrounding me. Unlike before, though, I could feel their sadness and desperation to try and cheer me up flowing from them all. I was immediately reminded of what I felt when that light hit me that month past when the Elements of Harmony defeated Nightmare Moon. However, I was unable to hide from it this time. Zecora continued nuzzling me. "It's alright to cry," she whispered.

That did it. The floodgates opened and tears streamed down my face in ever flowing rivulets. The others pressed themselves around me and enveloped me in a tender group hug. Even Rainbow Dash joined in despite her depiction in the show as a tomboy.

Fluttershy, being the closest to me still, tightened her grip on me as she sobbed into me. Since she was so close, I automatically wrapped my arms around her, burying my face into her fur. She didn't even seem to retreat; only clung to me even more. The more time passed, the harder I cried, as if I was starting to release nearly half a decade of pent-up grief and mourning in one complete sitting. Or at least, the majority of it that was blocking my ability to feel anything other than slight affection.

When I opened my eyes once more, the sun was further down in the sky. My eyes felt puffed and dried out, but emotionally I felt refreshed. I still hurt inside and missed my parents and first love, but I felt ready to finally begin to properly face my feelings. I looked around at the Elements and Zecora, smiling through my decreasing tears. "Th…thank you very much…I never…realized how much I needed this…"

To my surprise, it was Rainbow Dash who spoke first. "I'm not normally one for this mushy stuff, but I can make an exception for a story as…depressing as that."

Applejack approached next, putting a hoof on my shoulder. "Ah know how you feel," she said, her own voice cracking. "Apple Bloom, Big Mac and ah…we lost our parents. But ah gained a whole new family after a while. Not all family is yer kin, ya know?"

I sniffed, and nodded slowly. "I'm…starting to realize that now," I replied. "I knew that could happen up here," I said as I pointed to my head, "but down here, I just didn't want to accept it." I pointed to my heart. "But…I think I'm willing to try."

That got a smile from every single Pony there. Looking down, I saw Fluttershy looking up at me with the kindest, gentlest smile I'd ever had the pleasure of being graced with. "That's good," she said.

"We'll help ya out, and that's a promise," Applejack said.

"Every little step of the way!" Pinkie Pie said with a wide but teary smile on her face.

"Nothing it too little for you, darling," Rarity said.

"You're stuck with us now, whether you like it or not," Rainbow Dash grinned, front hooves crossed as she hovered over us.

Twilight walked up to me and knelt. "I'm still new to the magic of friendship too, so let's go on this journey together." She held out a hoof to me, a loving smile on her face.

Reaching over, I grasped it and nodded. "You'll have to be patient with me," I said with a half-smile. "Change doesn't happen overnight for me, you know."

"My friend, you have a loving bunch who want to help you very much," Zecora smiled. "And I will help as well."

"I appreciate this, all of you." I gently stood, Fluttershy releasing me.

Just then the door to the hospital opened. Redheart walked out and found me among the crowd. "Mr. Bethridge, Miss Scarlet Dusk is free, and she wants to see you."

I wiped my eyes. "She does?" I asked nervously.

"Yes, but please make your visit with her brief," the nurse said. "She's still very weak and malnourished."

"Of course." I turned to the others. "Why don't you guys head back to the party? I think I'm more in a mood to be cheered up by a nice party right now. I'll be along in a moment."

"No way," Rainbow Dash said. "We're gonna wait here for you. Go do what you've gotta do." The others nodded in agreement.

That warm feeling spread across my heart and I smiled. "Thank you, that means a lot. I'll be back in a jiffy." I followed Redheart back into the hospital and down the corridor towards the recovery ward.

I found Scarlet sitting up in bed with the doctor standing next to her. Seeing me, he nodded in acknowledgement and approached. "She's more or less calmed down," he whispered to me after I asked about her welfare. "but she's still very weak. I'd like to keep her here for a while until she's healthy again. She's extremely malnourished as you can see."

"I'll pay for everything," I promised.

"You're a very kind stallion," the doctor said with a smile. "She wants to see you before she falls asleep, though."

"I heard. Thank you for everything, doctor," I said as I walked past him. Sitting in a stool next to Scarlet, I folded my hands and looked at her. "Scarlet? You wanted to see me?"

She looked up at me, her expression much calmer than before. "Um…yes…Mr. Bethridge, was it?"

"You can just call me Jethro," I replied.

"Well…I just…thank you for saving me," she said softly. "And…I'm sorry for lashing out."

"I understand. You were frightened. It's not like humans are common around here," I replied. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

"No, it wasn't your fault," she said, shaking her head quickly. "I was just getting out of bed to investigate the downstairs noise when the floor collapsed under me."

I felt guilty again. "I didn't mean to startle you, either."

She then smiled slightly. "It was my own fault. I knew that side of the bed had rot in the wood, but I wasn't thinking when I got out of bed." She yawned.

I frowned. "You tired?"

She covered her mouth with her good hoof. "I'm getting a bit sleepy."

"Well, I'll let you sleep. Would it be alright if I come back and maybe bring some others to meet you?"

Scarlet tensed up a bit. "Others? What others?"

"Some friends I made recently," I explained. "I promise, they're all really awesome Ponies. Well, one's a Zebra, but you get the gist."

Still looking a bit nervous, she looked down at the blanket. "I don't know…"

"If you don't want to meet them, I won't force it, but can I come back alone then?" I asked.

After a few moments of silence, she looked back up at me. "Well…you can come back alone, and I'll think about meeting others…"

"That's perfectly fine," I said, feeling relieved. "I should be going. Those friends of mine are waiting to take me somewhere. I'll visit you as soon as I can. Sound good?"

She nodded slowly. "Sure thing."

After saying our goodbyes, I walked over to the doctor and gently pulled him aside. "Hey doc, she's gonna be in the best of ha-hooves, right? And what about vaccinations? Is she gonna-?"

"Relax, Mr. Bethridge," the doctor said with a patient tone. "Once she's feeling well enough, we'll begin some of the basic inoculations. She's in capable hooves here, I promise."

I nodded, taking deep breaths again. "Right…I'll leave it to you."

"Leave Scarlet in our hooves. We'll take care of her," the nurse said reassuringly. "We all took the Hippomaric Oath, after all. 'Do no harm'."

I nodded. "Thank you. I'll probably be back soon to see her," I replied. "Sorry for being so…you know…"

"Don't worry about it; your compassion for a Pony you just met speaks great volumes to your character," the doctor said.

"Thanks…" I said, not really feeling that was the truth. "Well, see you later." I bowed gratefully and turned to head towards the door.

"Have fun at Pinkie's party!" the nurse called out. "They're always ones of special magnificence!"

Despite everything, I nearly snorted at the unbidden reference. "Well, that should please her," I chuckled back as I walked down the hall.

When I reached the outside once more, I saw the others waiting near the door. Upon seeing me, they approached, expectant looks on their faces. Smiling sadly, I shook my head. "She's not really well enough to see you all." When they all looked simultaneously disappointed, I quickly added, "Don't worry, she said she'd think about meeting you all. The poor girl needs plenty of rest and recovery time."

"Should I bring her a cupcake?" Pinkie Pie asked hopefully, reaching into her mane and bringing out a fresh-looking cupcake.

I chuckled, and shook my head. "She's not healthy enough for that right now, but in time she will."

"Aww, but cupcakes make everypony feel better!" Pinkie Pie said with a whine.

"Are you sure you're up for a party?" Fluttershy asked, coming up to my side and looking at me. "Nopony would blame you if you didn't feel like it."

I reached down and stroked her mane slowly. "A party is just what I need at the moment," I replied. "Something to distract me for a while."

What happened next seemed to surprise the other mares. Fluttershy stiffened, eyes wide. I didn't have much time to react as a shudder went through her. The moan that the golden Pegasus made was clearly sexual in nature. Her tail went straight up while she simultaneously leaned into my head scratches.

"Fluttershy! Cover yourself! Have you no shame?" Rarity exclaimed, a horrified look on her face.

"It's always the quiet ones," I heard Rainbow Dash mutter.

"Jethro! Stop!" Twilight said, eyes wide.

I removed my hand from Fluttershy's mane immediately, eyes just as wide as Twilight's. She made a whining sound as I removed my hand from her, but it seemed to break the spell. She looked around, then at her tail which was still pointed straight up. "Ah!" She quickly lowered it, covering her more exposed areas. "I…I don't know what came over me," she sputtered out. "I-I'm sorry."

"Just keep that errant tail under control," Rarity said in a scolding tone.

"Um…I…I will," Fluttershy replied, looking away from me.

"Erm…I think we have a party to attend?" I said, trying to bring the focus of the conversation back on topic.

Pinkie Pie's signature wide smile returned. "Righty-o! Come on!" She grabbed my shirt with her teeth and began dragging me down the street.

"Whoa there! Easy on the shirt! I don't have many clothes back home," I chuckled.

Pinkie Pie giggled and released me. "Ahaha, sorry about that. Follow me!" She turned and began bounding up and down as she led me back into town.

"Hold on, you only have the clothes from your house?" Rarity asked, eyes wide.

I chuckled and nodded. "I have a good amount for each season, but I'm a guy. I'm good with whatever can cover me. No real fashion sense."

"That simply just won't do," Rarity said with finality in her voice. "I insist on creating a wardrobe for you!"

"Wait, you serious?" I looked at her with incredulity. "I mean, I do have the money for it, but-"

"I won't hear about money," she said, glaring up at me. "I've never worked on a human before, and I want you to look your best!"

"I…are you sure you'd be willing to do it for free?" I asked. I knew she was the Element of Generosity, but this was a bit much for me.

"One hundred percent sure," she said, and in that moment she seemed to stand taller and prouder.

"Then…I'm in your capable, er, hooves," I said.

I could almost hear her squealing in delight. "You won't regret it, darling. I promise!"

"I don't doubt it," I chuckled, turning back to continue following Pinkie Pie.

However, what I saw sent shivers down my spine. Fluttershy was ahead of me as well. What caught me off guard was that she was looking back at me, but the look in her eyes was one I hadn't expected out of the shy introverted Pony: a seductive look. To complete the look, she was swaying her hindquarters as well. Thankfully, her tail was still covering her modesty, but I quickly looked away regardless.

Looking back at the others, I caught sight of Twilight looking over at me. Approaching her, I lowered my voice and gently nodded towards Fluttershy. "Is she always so…amorous?"

Twilight shot a glance at Fluttershy, and her eyes widened. I saw a small blush form on her face. "I don't know," she replied. "I've only known her for about a month, and she never stuck me as the flirtatious type. She's too reserved for that."

"Think it might have to do with me…petting her?" I asked in a softer tone.

"Maybe…I think I'll research that at some point," she replied. "But if I were you, I'd stay a bit clear of her as best as you can. We Ponies only go into our estrus cycle twice a year, but that doesn't mean we can't get aroused."

"Duly noted, thank you." I almost reached out to pet her in thanks, but thought better of it as I stood and continued following Pinkie Pie.

Soon we arrived at a massive building straight out of Hansel and Gretel. Pinkie Pie turned, grinning wide. "Well, here we are! Go on in!"

I did my best to look more presentable, straightening my tie, brushing off any dust that accumulated, and faced the door. "Alright, time to face the music." I walked right in…

The party was a phenomenal one, to say the least. I mingled with the many Ponies Pinkie Pie had invited along, all of whom seemed more open to me being an alien. I was once more bombarded with questions from everyone there, but they were all extremely respectful about it. The food was phenomenal as were the pastries. Despite not really being a party guy, I really enjoyed the night.

As the evening turned to night, I started growing sleepy, and tried my best to politely excuse myself to go home, but Pinkie Pie always found an excuse for me to meet someone new. By the time I'd met practically every Pony in the town, it was midnight and it was too late to even consider traveling through Everfree back home.

When I'd asked about a hotel to crash at, I received a few offers from the Elements, telling me they had a place for me to crash at least for the night. I was grateful for their hospitality, but I wanted to spend some time to myself, so I thanked them but politely declined, making a promise to take each of them up on any future offers.

Twilight led me to the Ponyville Inn while carrying Spike on her shoulder. He and I had hit it off, seeing as we were two of the only non-Ponies present at the party. I could plainly see his crush on Rarity through the night. I resolved also to inform him about the secret Celestia had told me to keep regarding the TV show, but only after getting permission from the princesses.

The inn set me up in a room that the owner of the inn, ironically named Inn Keeper, told me was normally reserved for visiting griffons. It cost me more than the normal price, but it did give me a bed that I could sleep on comfortably. Soon, I was fast asleep.

Welp, now you have some insight into Jethro's past. However, he isn't some immature fool. Of course he knows he needs help!