"I'm impressed," Cadance said, sipping onto her tea during our once more weekly visit. "You've really begun to pick up magic, flight and strength control in only a month of being here."

Fall had arrived in Equestria a couple weeks ago, and I'd brought out some fall tea from my dwindling collection. I chuckled a bit nervously. "Well, I'd give more credit to my three teachers," I said. "Sure, their methods are all different, but the results are definitely worth the effort. And aching muscles," I added, stretching my arms up.

"That's to be expected," the voice of the Solar Princess added in. Cadance had brought not only Celestia along for this visit, but Luna as well. We'd adjourned to the actual manor itself for the tea this time. "You're using parts of you that haven't exactly ever been exercised."

I laughed, taking a sip of my cold sweet tea. "True. Even my normal muscles ache. That's what you get for sitting behind a desk for five days a week and eating a less than healthy diet."

I'd been in Equestria for about three months. So much had changed since I'd gotten here. I'd made several friends, had become some superpowered mix between a human and Alicorn, had become a permanent citizen of Equestria and an inhabitant of Ponyville, and was being taught about the new abilities I had by three of the six Elements of Harmony.

Not to say that I didn't spend time with the other three. Rarity had gone above and beyond designing me a wardrobe she was super proud of, and I didn't blame her. I had to hang most of it in the Shady Acre house since it wouldn't fit in my own place. She'd also begun Ponifying some of Earth's best styles in her boutique, which had gone over very well with her clientele. We met up once a week where I'd bring her some human fashions I thought she might like and to talk about events of the day or week. She'd also just finished altering my Earth wardrobe to better accommodate my new wings, creating small sleeves that came out of the back of each shirt.

Pinkie Pie and I had spent time each week trying out recipes that I would write out from the static internet I had. The Cakes, owners of Sugarcube Corner, had even begun selling many Earth sweets.

Fluttershy and I would meet up a few times a week for our own tea party as well as a manga and manega reading session. We also spent time with the animals. Angel had slowly begun warming up to me despite our first meeting being a bit strained. I felt like he started accepting me after I pet him for the first time.

Spike and I continued our weekly guy get together where he introduced me to a tabletop game called Ogres & Oubliettes. We'd get together every week with Big Mac and enjoy an adventure or two. I'd told them about Dungeons and Dragons as well, which to my understanding was practically identical.

I made it a point to visit Scarlet Dusk in the hospital for about an hour or more every day. She was looking much better and her spirits were definitely lifting. She'd agreed to meet the others, but only after she was released from the hospital, which was happening today after the meeting was over. She was beginning to walk too, and her wing muscles were nearly strong enough to support her weight now. We would spend that hour talking about all sorts of topics or watching Netflix together. I'd even loaned her one of my spare laptops and a flashdrive full of my favorite movies, shows, music and audiobooks so she wouldn't be bored. She was practically inhaling Earth media like it was going out of style.

"Well, being so busy is helping me to slowly adjust to living here," I said, "and it keeps me somewhat distracted from the homesickness I get sometimes."

The three Alicorn's faces fell slightly. Celestia put her tea down. "I wish there was a way we could send you back, but like I said, that spell can only be cast once every three hundred years at the earliest. I wish I hadn't left that spell where I did."

"I'm not upset at anyone for not being able to send me back," I replied, taking a bite of teacake. Wiping the frosting off my mouth, I continued. "You forget, I saw Twilight casting that spell. The look of terror on your face was heartbreaking, to say the least. I know it was a pure accident, and I'm not blaming anyone. A part of me is glad I came to this place."

"How so?" Luna asked, looking at me quizzically.

"Well, I've thought about my situation a lot," I explained, cradling the glass in my hands. "Homesick or not, there've been plenty of upsides to being in a world like this. First meeting aside, almost every Pony I've met has been incredibly kind to me, and you've all helped me begin to overcome some of my own personal hurdles."

"You have definitely been opening up more," Cadance said with a proud smile. "And you're no longer terrified of my aunts."

I chuckled nervously. "Ehehe…yeah."

"While I'm glad you've been settling in here," Celestia said, putting down her tea and telekinetically grabbing her fourth teacake, "are you sure you aren't pushing yourself a bit too hard? I wouldn't want a fellow Alicorn to exhaust himself. Or to distract yourself too much from your own worries."

"I'm doing my best to pace myself," I promised, "and these talks with Cadance have been really helpful."

"I hope you remember that you have others you can talk to besides me," Cadance said. "All your friends would be more than willing to listen."

"Well, maybe not RD," I chuckled. "She's way too much of a tomboy."

"Tomcolt," Celestia corrected me with a grin.

"Of course that's what it's called," I chuckled. "and, to be honest, I'd rather roughhouse with her than talk with her about my feewings," I added with a wink.

"We are worried about you, still," Luna said. "And not just us," she said, indicating herself. "Our sister and niece are worried too."

I smiled, a small blush forming on my cheeks. "I appreciate it, that means a lot."

"Um…Jethro?" Cadance suddenly looked a bit nervous.

"Yes?" I tilted my head, curious at her sudden change in tone. She wasn't the only one who's facial expression changed. Celestia's and Luna's had also grown a little concerned as well.

"Well, you've been here for three months already," she said, "and I know you've been busy and there's some baggage in this particular area, but have you thought about…looking for a special somepony?"

"Special somepony?" I had a sneaking suspicion I knew what she meant, but I wanted to be absolutely sure.

"A romantic partner," Celestia explained.

A lump appeared in my throat as thoughts of Trixie came back to me. It wasn't just that, however. Being raised in a world with only one sapient species that viewed fornication with anything other than your own species as twisted and a sin, I'd been trying to avoid the thought of a romantic partnership with any of the Ponies. I looked down at my sweet tea, swirling the liquid inside thoughtfully. "I was wondering when you'd get around to that, being the Princess of Love," I sighed.

"From what you've told me, you've already made some great connections with plenty of mares in town," Cadance said. "Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. And not just them, but Scarlet Dusk and especially Zecora."

I bit my lower lip. I was scared of their reaction to some of my blocks and reasons behind avoiding this issue, but I knew better than to lie. Applejack would buck me into next week if she found out. "Listen, Cadance, I've got my reasons for avoiding that particular can of worms."

"Would you like to share?" she asked.

"It's only fair that I do," I said. "I hope you don't take offense to what I'm going to say, but coming from a world like mine, where there's only one sapient species, and being deposited into a world where the sapients have physical forms equivalent to non-sapient animals back on Earth, well…"

"I understand," Celestia said softly. "A part of you is being held back by your upbringing in your world."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "I know it's not fair of me to think that, and most of me has accepted the inhabitants of this world as sapient, but…there's that still small stupid voice that won't shut the hell up."

"And thou hate thyself for thinking such thoughts?" Luna guessed.

I nodded. "And that's not the only reason."

"Trixie?" Cadance asked tenderly.

I nodded again. "My Trixie. Not the showmare who showed up a while back. I know it's idiotic, but whenever I think about moving on and pursuing another relationship, I feel like I'm betraying her. I've even had nightmares about it back before I came here and stopped dreaming."

Luna perked up at that. "What kind of nightmares?"

"I…they're not ones I like thinking about or remembering," I admitted. "Which is why I'm glad I've got my Morphean abilities. I haven't dreamed since I got here."

Once again, Luna looked at me with a worried look. "Jethro, forgive us, but that doesn't sound healthy for thee. If we understand this ability right, you're not letting your mind rest along with your body. And thou art avoiding the issue."

"It's not like I do it every night anymore," I replied. "I just cast a spell that allows for a dreamless sleep when I'm feeling extra exhausted."

"So, it's our forms and your lingering longing for Trixie that's holding you back?" Cadance asked.

"I mean…I think so," I said. "Pretty stupid reasons, dontcha think?"

"Not at all," Cadance said. "I can't speak from personal experience about your upbringing in an alien world, but the fear and pain of loss is something our worlds share. Let me ask you something. If Trixie were to come back for a time, do you think she'd give you her blessing to try and find the happiness you've so long denied yourself?"

I took a thoughtful sip and thought back to my memories of my time together with Trixie. I thought back to all of the amazing times we had together, all our dates, the intimate moments we shared, the caring looks she gave me, everything. "Yes," I whispered, "She would want me to be happy."

"You wouldn't be betraying her," Cadance said. "You'd be making her happy. I'm sure if she saw you denying yourself, she'd be pretty depressed herself." Seeing the look of guilt that appeared on my face, she quickly added, "but she also sounds like she'd understand why you'd be doing this to yourself. Can you at least promise me that you'll think about it?"

"I can do that," I said.

"As for your other dilemma, I'm afraid there's not as much we'd be able to do about it," Celestia said. "I do know a transfiguration spell that can change species, but it would require a sample, and there are no female humans around."

Just then I remembered the twelve feathers I'd gotten from the time I touched Poison Joke. "No there aren't, but I might have something that could help."

"Oh? Like what?" Celestia asked.

"Not long after I arrived here, I managed to step in some Poison Joke," I started. "I didn't know that at the time, but when I woke up the next morning, I was a humanoid female Alicorn. Hooves for feet, human feminine features, horn and wings, fur, female voice, the whole package."

The three other Alicorns looked at each other, then burst out laughing. And not just some polite princess-type laughing. Their laughter felt more genuine, hearty and loud. Luna even fell out of her chair and rolled around on the floor, unable to hold back. I couldn't help myself; I laughed a bit with them. "Laugh it up, fuzzballs," I chuckled.

"I wish I could have seen that," Celestia said between laughs.

"You wouldn't be willing to do that again for us, would you?" Luna asked, snickering.

I rubbed my forehead. "Dear Lord, give me strength," I chuckled. "Another time. My first time was less than pleasant. It was terrifying. And humiliating…"

The three princesses recovered themselves and sat back down. "Ah…aha…so…these feathers you collected, where are they?"

"Back in my other house," I said.

"Hmm…" Celestia stroked her chin thoughtfully. Then a grin spread over her face. "You know, this might be an interesting experiment for my faithful student."

I raised an eyebrow. "I don't follow."

"She is the Element of Magic," Celestia explained. "I'll send her the spell and tell her to visit you. It might be fascinating to see what she'd look like when she figures it out."

I raised an eyebrow. "'When'?"

"I have confidence in her abilities," Celestia said.

"Why do I have the feeling you're, like, fifteen steps ahead of the whole world?" I teased.

"'With age comes wisdom', isn't that what you said?" Celestia grinned at me.

"Trolls…all y'all," I muttered quietly as I rolled my eyes and chuckled. "I guess it could result in some kind of friendship lesson for her."

"True, but we're getting off topic." She tsked and shook her head. "You're good at that."

"Yeah, you know it," I said.

"Listen," Celestia began in that gentle calming tone she used, "from what I've seen and heard about you, the only difference between us is the physical one. Our kinds are capable of great love, friendship and care, but we also are familiar with suffering, sorrow and pain. Nopony is a rock. I feel like the same is true of humankind, correct?"

"Well, I suppose that's true, despite many humans attempts to be so," I replied. "I'll try to break through that block, but it'll hard."

"Can I give you a suggestion?" Cadance asked.

"Sure."

"Talk to the others about this too," she offered. "You have plenty of friends now. Besides," she turned to Cadance, "I do have need of my favorite niece elsewhere."

My heart dropped again. "Wait, you're gonna stop coming here?"

"Oh no no no!" Cadance replied hastily, "but Aunt Celestia has asked me to take on a bit more responsibility around Canterlot. I'll still come see you, but it might not be every week. Would every two weeks be alright?"

I felt relieved. I liked Cadance, and her down to earth nature was something I really enjoyed whenever we talked. "Yeah, I think I can manage that," I replied.

"I'm proud of you, Cadance," Celestia said. "You've proven that you are worthy of taking on more responsibility." She turned to me. "And I'm really happy she was able to start helping you. It's nice not being feared."

I chuckled. "With all Cadance has told me about you, what's there to fear, really? She's been practically singing your praises."

Celestia giggled, and I'd never heard a cuter giggle in my life. "She's a sweet talker, even more so since she started going out with Shining Armor. Which I understand is partially thanks to your advice?" Her smile turned into a knowing grin.

"Weird, right? Me giving out romance advice to the personification of love herself?" I cocked a smile at her.

"I would have given her the same advice too had you not intervened," Celestia said. "She's such a silly little filly sometimes."

"Auntie!" Cadance exclaimed with a blush.

I looked over at Luna. Simultaneously we both smirked, snorted, and burst out laughing. I fell out of my chair laughing heavily. The presence next to me on the floor had to have been an equally amused Luna. I turned over to face her, and she'd done the exact same. We laughed harder, and the next thing I knew, we were in each other's arms, or front legs in Luna's case, just laughing heavily.

"Heh, you've only been here three months and you're already hugging my sister?" I heard Celestia's voice.

That snapped us out of our laughter. The two of us looked at each other's eyes for a few moments. Her cyan eyes were pretty mesmerizing, and she was staring at mine in presumably the same expression of embarrassment. We quickly broke apart, blushes on both of our faces. "Ah, um, I'm sorry," I said sheepishly.

"There's nothing to forgive," she said in a similar tone. "We were the ones at fault."

"Lulu, it's okay to lighten up," Celestia smiled. "I haven't seen you laugh that hard in ages."

"We…we'll try," she said with a smile.

I helped her up, the two of us blushing hard. Turning to Celestia, I said, "I'm really glad you three came. I've enjoyed spending time with you, which is ten times better than being scared out of my socks," I added nervously.

"We were glad to come," Celestia said. "It was nice to dress as a commoner and escape the pressures of palace life."

I couldn't help it. I started singing. "It's Cellie, gorgeous is she, Princess Celestia! Genuflect, show some respect, down on one knee!" Luna and Cadance burst out laughing once more, and as I continued, I saw a blush creep up on Celestia's cheeks. Pony or not, she was definitely gorgeous. Even a human like me could see that. I grinned at her. "Now try your best to stay calm. Brush up your Sunday Salaam. Then come and meet her spectacular coterie! It's Cellie, mighty is she, Princess Celestia! Strong as ten stallion men definitely!" She blushed harder as I grinned. "You walked right into that one. In fact, I really should rewrite that song to fit you."

Celestia did something I didn't even expect from her. As Cadance and Luna laughed harder, Celestia hid her head in her wing. I laughed harder and walked over to her. "There's nothing wrong with liking Disney movies, you know? We're all adults here. It's our prerogative to enjoy children's entertainment."

She slowly came back out, still blushing but also smiling. "It's one of my favorites of the movies from your world so far," she said. She cleared her throat and stood taller. "Thank you for having us over," she said in a tone that suggested she was trying to regain her dignity. "Are you doing anything after we leave?"

I nodded. "I'm going to the hospital with Zecora. Scarlet Dusk is ready to leave, and I was hoping to introduce her to my new friends."

I saw a slight glint in Cadance's eye when I mentioned Zecora, but ignored it Celestia smiled warmly at me. "We're all glad you've been making so many friends since coming here."

"It wasn't what I expected, but I'm glad too," I replied

An old grandfather clock began to chime. It had been in the house when I'd bought it, so I'd had it restored to its pristine perfect condition along with every other object that remained. Whatever was missing I'd had meticulously recreated to match the time period of the house itself. The hour was up. I walked them out. "Thank you for coming," I said to the three of them as they stood outside my door. "It's been great having you three here."

"We were glad to be here," Celestia said. She then approached me and nuzzled me, putting her wings around me. I hugged her back, smiling. "Take care of yourself and your friends for me?"

I smiled, and looked into her eyes. "Always." Turning, the three Alicorns flew towards the Sunny Acre entrance. I leaned against my doorframe, watching them go. Closing the door, I headed back to my Earth house. It was time to save my new roommate from the hospital. And to meet up with my first friend in this world.