"No, no, no!" Gemini frowned as she walked up and grabbed my arms, forcing them into a different position. "Your swings are still too wide. Mica's doing better than you!"

Beside me, I saw the young teen Lycan look at me with an embarrassed look. Today was the day just before the Grand Galloping Gala, another sunny but cool autumn morning. There was a shower scheduled for the late afternoon, but that was still hours away, so Gemini had gotten me out of bed earlier than normal that morning for drills. We'd only been training for a few days, and I was already feeling drained, and not just physically.

Twilight and I had begun meeting at least daily to discuss the different interpretations of what made a good ruler. It was exhausting to say the least, but since studying was Twilight's element, I put up with it for her sake, and for mine.

I did, however, have to calm the poor mare down when we finally got to the realization that, as an Alicorn, Twilight would be effectively immortal should she choose to accept. She had an intense nervous breakdown that lasted for a full hour. I'd asked Spike to get Zecora, who quickly mixed her more of that nasty tasting sleeping potion. When she'd woken a few hours later, she was still in my arms since she'd clung to me desperately in that breakdown. She thanked me for helping her, and decided to put the issue of immortality aside since it scared her too much. I decided against telling her about the Twilight creepypasta I'd read the summary of, since it would only have made things worse.

Practice with my magic, flight, and Earth Pony strength went on as normal. With the latter, Applejack had been extremely happy to have a new type of apple to sell, especially since the first time she tried making apple pies with it, they'd come out extremely delectable. I made one of my own and added a bit of cinnamon, which made the flavor seem to burst. The two of us, along with Big Mac and Apple Bloom, planted a few acres of those seeds, and they all grew to full sized trees when I poured my magic into the earth.

I was nearly there with flight, and Rainbow Dash was being oddly encouraging about the whole thing. The longest sustained flight I'd accomplished was ten minutes, and I'd even reached a cloud. Sitting on a cloud without the help of the cloud walking spell was definitely an experience. I had no trouble gliding down after that.

Simple magic was easy for me now, and I could feel the flow of magic within me at what Twilight called an intermediate level, which surprised both of us since it normally took years to reach said level. It had taken Twilight only months, of course, but she was an exception. We were currently working on magical teleportation, which so far had eluded me, but I felt like I was almost there.

Someone was snapping in front of my face, and I blinked. A clearly frustrated Gemini was glaring at me. "Wake up, whelp! Don't you lose focus! That could spell your death. Understand?!"

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, straightening.

"And don't be so stiff," she said, smacking my back. "A good fighter is loose and limber. Stiffness means more chance of missing the fatal blow when the time comes to end your opponent! Now, face each other and begin again!"

The morning training went on and, to my utter humiliation, I kept on being beaten by Mica of all people. However, I knew better than to let my anger and frustration get the best of me. Gemini saw the growing frustration and had me throw some swings and punches at a large barley bag she'd filled with all manner of flowers, grass clippings, dirt etc. It helped, but not as much as I hoped. Sure, it helped vent my frustrations, but it also made me sweaty, stinky and sticky from the sap.

As clouds began rolling in, I sat underneath the brand new Younger Golden apple tree, panting heavily. I closed my eyes and tried my best to relax, but frustration quickly came back to me.

"Moping isn't the warrior way," a voice said from beside me, a voice which warmed my heart. Opening my eyes, I saw Zecora standing there, holding a tray with two glasses of lemonade in her mouth. I sat up straighter and grabbed the tray from her, setting it on the ground. She sat next to me, took the glass in her hooves and took a sip. "I was watching you from the window, my love."

I snorted as I grabbed the other glass. "Pretty pathetic, isn't it?"

"No, I will never think you are pathetic," she said, scooting closer and nuzzling my face affectionately. "You can't think you'll be better just because of your age difference with young Mica."

"It's more about my stupid male pride," I admitted. I pointed to my temple. "I know he's better than me up here, but my instincts tell me I should be able to beat him."

"The young Lycan was raised in this world, in a kingdom of female warriors," Zecora reminded me. "You were raised in a nation that, by your own admission, hasn't seen real war within its borders."

"My town was remote, and everybody knew everybody," I admitted.

"My love, my point is that you cannot expect to be better than young Mica in just a few days."

"It's not just that," I said. "I feel like I'm not learning anything. Not that Gemini isn't a good teacher, but I just feel…well, like an idiot. I'm not sure why, but magic, flight and Earth Pony strength seems to come marginally easier than this…than physical fighting."

"We all have our weak spots," Zecora said.

"Yeah, and I can't find one weak spot about you," I chuckled, reaching over and tickling her midsection.

Zecora yelped and dropped her glass of lemonade. She struggled in my grip, and her giggling caused the tension of the early training exercises to flow out of me. "Jethy! Stoooop!" She laughed as I continued tickling her stomach.

"Stop being so adorable and I will," I cooed, kissing her face all over.

"Jethyyyy!" She squealed and continued struggling.

The two of us broke down laughing as I continued tickling her, that is, until my hands reached down farther and I felt my finger brush against a rather large bump. Zecora's eyes widened, and her laughter stopped. Mine did too and I looked down. There, for all to see, were Zecora's bare exposed teats. They looked more human than equine, which surprised me. I pulled my hand away and backed away from Zecora, heart racing in fear. "I'm sorry!" I blurted out. "I didn't mean-"

She reached over and put a hoof on my mouth. She had a blush on her cheeks as she moved closer and wrapped another hoof around my neck. "It was a mistake, my love," she said reassuringly. "You didn't mean to. Besides," and here she leaned in and whispered, in a surprisingly sultry voice, "we're lovers now." She nibbled on my ears. "You're the only stallion allowed to touch them."

I swallowed hard and gulped nervously. "Ze…Zecor-"

"Ahem!" a familiar posh voice said from nearby. The two of us jumped away from each other like a pair of hormonal teenagers. Standing there, frowning in disapproval, was a fairly frazzled looking Rarity. "If you two are going to behave like that, at least have the decency to find a private room."

"My house, my rules," I said, but I still straightened. "So, what's up? No offense, but you don't exactly look one hundred percent there, darling."

She growled. "I've been up all night making last minute preparations for the Grand Galloping Gala, I'll have you know!"

"Right, that's tomorrow night, isn't it?" I asked. "Hope you all have a good time with that."

Her anger changed into confusion. "Wait, you're not going?"

"Nope," I said. "I was just planning on a quiet night alone with my paramour here," I said, pulling Zecora close and stroking her mane.

"B-But, nopony declines an invitation to the Gala!" Rarity exclaimed in shock.

"Well, for one, I'm not a Pony," I chuckled, "and two, I wasn't invited."

"You WEREN'T?!" Rarity screeched.

"What is it with you Ponies and screaming loud enough to burst an eardrum," I asked in annoyance, sticking my pinkie finger in my ear again to try and stop it from ringing. "No, I wasn't invited."

"But…but…"

"Leave it alone, sweetie," I said. "I'm perfectly content staying with my girlfriend around a cozy fire either watching TV, reading a book, talking, or doing something only couples do-"

"Lalala! Can't hear you!" she shouted, putting her hooves to her ears. I chuckled and Zecora emphasized my last words by snuggling closer to me. "This is unacceptable," she said, stamping her hoof on the grass. "You deserve to go to the Gala, too! I even came here to get you a brand-new suit for the occasion!"

"Well, there's less work for you then," I said, although a part of me regretted saying that since I was curious to see what kind of suit she might have prepared for me. "And besides, me being at the Gala can only end badly."

"Badly? But why?" she asked.

"Rarity," I said softly, "do you honestly expect me to be able to enter a courtyard with Ponies of higher class and be immediately accepted?"

Her ears lowered slightly as a look of realization appeared on her face. "There…there's got to be something we can do," she said.

"Don't push your luck on that," I said. "I'm really okay with staying here and spending quality alone time with Zecora. Besides, if I went, I would want her coming with me and if one oddity wasn't enough, two would just make the night unbearable for us."

Her ears lowered even more. "It just doesn't feel right…you've done a lot to help Ponies since coming here, you deserve to have a good time."

"And I will be having a good time, by spending it with Zecora," I said. "I've been busier and busier, what with this whole potentially ruling Equestria business and training to fight with Gemini and making time to spend with all my new friends. It'll be nice to have a night where I can relax. I mean, Scarlet's gonna spend the night with Derpy at my house, Gemini and Mica are probably going to spend more family time together in their rooms, leaving me and Zecora to spend a quiet evening alone."

"Something I look forward to, my love," Zecora added, kissing my cheek once more.

"Well…I'll respect your decision," she said sadly, "but it just doesn't feel right…you should be there. You deserve to be recognized for all you've done!"

"I'll be fine, I promise," I said with a small smile.

"Well, I'm sorry I came over and wasted your time," Rarity said as she turned away, head hung low.

"Whoa there," I said, quickly standing and rushing over to her. I put a hand on her back, stopping her. "You didn't waste my time. I'm always happy to see any of my friends. If it'll make you feel any better, I'd love for you to design a suit worthy of the Gala after it's all over. You look stressed enough as it is." I began running my hand through her mane, straightening it out as best I could.

"Jethro…I…"

"Nuh uh, let me work my magic," I said as I continued my best to fix her hair. After about half a minute or so, she looked more or less presentable. "That's definitely better," I said, pulling out my phone, taking a picture, then showing it to her.

Rarity looked at the screen, then back up at me. "You know, you aren't bad for a stallion. Have you ever considered making this a career in case you decide not to become a Prince?"

"And take the job away from someone who actually needs it?" I asked. "Rarity, I've got more wealth than Filthy Rich. Jobs should go to someone who actually needs it."

Rarity looked up at me with what looked like a respectful expression. "That's awfully…generous of you."

"I can't tell whether or not you're joking or not," I smirked.

"A bit of both," she admitted. "I mean, you could easily volunteer your time."

"I already do work at Applejack's farm, and they still insist on paying me for it," I said. "Those Ponies and their stubborn pride. I just donate all they give me anyway."

"Now that is generous, and I mean it this time," she said sincerely.

"It just feels wrong to accept pay, but I feel like AJ would buck me into next week if I tried weaseling out of that," I chuckled. "Anyway, I should let you go. I'd hate for you to get behind on your work."

"Ah! My work!" she galloped off, muttering about 'stripes' this and 'sequins' that.

I smiled, then returned back to my spot underneath the apple tree. Zecora immediately put both her front legs around me and leaned her head on my shoulder. "My love, I know I've asked this before, but are you sure you wish to avoid the Gala?"

"I've seen what happens there," I replied. "No need to go and make things worse. Besides," I added, reaching up and scratching behind her ear, "I want time with you. I've been so busy that I feel like I've been neglecting you."

I felt a pair of lips pressed against mine, and she pulled me deeper into it. Relaxing into it, I threw my arms around my girlfriend and kissed happily back. When we broke the kiss, she gazed at me with her gorgeous dark blue eyes. "I have never felt neglected by you, my love. Never."

I smiled happily. "Whatever did I do to deserve you?"

She reached up and poked my nose. "Don't think like that."

"Ah, sorry," I said as I held her close. My hand lazily brushed through her longer mane as the clouds grew thicker. "I've just been looking forward to this night for the past couple of days."

"As have I," Zecora said. "A quiet night, just the two of us with no distractions. Sounds like a dream come true to me."

A small rumble of thunder rolled across the skies. "Well, let's head back inside before we get all drenched," I said, grabbing both of our now spilled lemonade glasses.

A few drops fell on us before we reached the porch. With another louder rumble of lightning, the rain began pouring down. We were, of course, inside before that started. I sat down and looked outside at the now darkened landscape. Zecora immediately joined me, and to my surprise Scarlet did as well. "Well damn! Look at that rain come down," Scarlet exclaimed.

"'Damn'? Why my dear Scarlet, I never thought you capable of such language," I said with a grin as I ruffled her mane.

She giggled. "You try holding onto your tongue when you've been gobbling up TV shows from Earth."

"Next thing you know, I'll be telling people to go buck themselves and saying something like, 'What the Tartarus'!" I replied with a laugh.

"Buck isn't a swear word here," Scarlet said. "In fact, it's actually considered worse to swear by Celestia than anything else."

"That makes way too much sense," I said. "I mean, considering I'm sure some Ponies revere her like she's Jesus Christ."

"Who?" Scarlet asked.

"I'll tell you later, but I doubt you'd be interested," I chuckled. "It's a religious thing."

"Ah." She chuckled. "Never was big on all the religious stuff-hey, is that Twilight Sparkle and Spike?"

I looked out and saw Twilight galloping towards the house, a magical barrier over her head to keep her and Spike dry. "It is…wonder what she's doing here? I'll let her in." I stood and walked to the front door just as Twilight made her way up the stairs. "Twilight, what-?"

"Why didn't you tell me you weren't invited to the Gala?!" she shouted, panting heavily as Spike dismounted from her back and walked up closer.

"Um…because it wasn't really that important," I said. "I wasn't planning on-"

"Princess Celestia told me she wanted to introduce you there!" Twilight interrupted me, holding up a letter from her saddlebag towards me.

I took it and opened it.

My dear Jethro,

Please forgive my oversight in not inviting you to the Grand Galloping Gala sooner. Twilight told me what you'd told Rarity about your reluctance to join, and I will respect your decision to decline the invitation if you so choose. However, I'll be upfront and say that it was my desire to introduce you to those of higher society in the hopes that you would be more receptive to the idea of being a Prince. I know that's wrong, and I won't force you to mingle with the other guests, but I personally would be greatly pleased to see you there. My sister Luna also wishes to see you there as well.

Your friend,

Princess Celestia.

"Jeez, guilt trip much?" I asked as I held up two tickets and looked them over. "I think I'm going to pass-"

"Wait, Jethro," Zecora said, approaching me.

"What is it?" I asked, looking down at Zecora with confusion.

"As much as I would love a quiet evening with you, we can have that happen anytime we want," she said. "From what I know of this Gala, it's once a year, correct Twilight?"

"Yep!" the tired looking Unicorn said.

"Do you want to move our special night to another night?" Zecora asked. "Then you can go to the Gala tomorrow."

"Zecora, I was so looking forward to a quiet starlit evening with you," I said.

"And we can still have one," she said.

I pursed my lips, thinking hard. Most of me didn't want to go, but another smaller part wanted to be there and actually help some of the issues be avoided. "I…don't know…"

"Would it help if I went in that form you found so alluring on our first date?" she said, her eyes slowly blinking.

"You'd…do that for me?" I asked, completely shocked that she'd even offer.

"That way, they would both be the odd ones out," she explained.

My face fell. "Zecora, I wouldn't want that-"

"We're a couple now, my love," she said, standing on her hind legs and facing me directly. "I won't allow you to face anything alone anymore."

Slowly, and trembling slightly, I wrapped my arms once more around my girlfriend and held her close. "You've got me wrapped around your hoof, haven't you?" I smirked.

"Damn right she has," Scarlet laughed.

"And I wouldn't have it any other way," I said, stroking Zecora's mane. "Well…I guess we can reschedule our night together."

"Does that mean you're coming?" Spike asked with a hopeful tone.

I looked down at him, grinning. "Zecora and I are both coming."

"Yes!" He pumped his fist in the air, grinning. Oh, if only the poor Dragon knew…

"So first, you say you're not coming, and then you say you are?! Stop playing games with me!" Rarity asked a couple of hours later after the storm had passed. I was in the shop with Zecora, who was now in her anthropomorphic form and wearing a pair of my black sweatpants and my largest t-shirt, a dark blue shirt that had the words MOUNTAIN DUDE written on it in the style of the Mountain Dew logo. Getting her into the clothes wasn't an issue, it was doing my best not to stare at her now human-like private areas that made it difficult.

"Trust me, I'm not," I said, putting an arm around Zecora. "The two of us are both going."

She facehooved, groaning. "I was just about to go to get a hooficure, too…"

"Well, I have a suit back home I could use," I said, feeling bad now, "and Zecora still has that dress she wore for our date, so-"

"Nope!" Rarity exclaimed, looking stalwartly at the two of us, "the two of you are getting the best in clothing that I can make for you!"

I chuckled. "You're a tenacious woman. Just be warned that Zecora will be in this form instead."

"Of course, darling," Rarity's smile returned and she rushed to the front door. She closed it and locked it, then turned to us. "I have your measurements already, Jethro, but I'd like to retake Zecora's."

"You might want to make her a bra and some other panties while you're at it," I said.

"A bra? What's that?" she asked.

I pointed to Zecora's breasts. "They're a piece of clothing designed for these. Here, I have a few pictures for you to look at." I pulled up a few pictures on Google, showing her the basic layout of a bra. "So, yeah. You're gonna need to take a measurement of her bust. Back on Earth, having large ones like that can really mess up your back."

"Oh my! I wish I had known before," she exclaimed apologetically. "You're not in any pain now, are you?"

"Don't fret, my dear Rarity," Zecora said. "It was only one night."

"Well, I'll make sure that I make a 'bra' that is comfortable and supportive," Rarity said. "Come!"

"Revenge is a harsh mistress, isn't it?" I grinned as Rarity dragged the Zebra away.

"Perhaps," Zecora said, a grin spreading across her face, "but you won't get to see me in my birthday fur, now will you?"

I blushed and sat down. It was going to be a long visit.

"Miss Doo!" I exclaimed, grinning down at the gray Pegasus who answered the door. It was the day of the gala, now. Scarlet was busy preparing my Earth house for her night with Derpy. I'd allowed her to eat one of my last frozen pizzas (cheese only), gave her one of my many twelve pack sodas, and microwave popcorn. She already knew more about how to use my appliances than even Twilight did. I wasn't entirely sure what they'd be doing, but I knew Scarlet was excited. I'd already allowed Derpy access through the shield for the night and was going to pick her up before I went to Rarity's so she could stuff me into my new suit.

Derpy stood there, staring at me with a stunned look, then grinned and flew up, throwing her hooves around me in one of the warmest hugs I'd ever had. "Jethro! Hey there! How are you?"

I'd seen Derpy a few times around town after she was taken home by Spitfire. The young mare and I had another long conversation and she'd actually told me that eventually she'd be quitting her job as a malemare. Since I had more money than God still, I was more than willing to put her up in my house or even gift her enough money to pay for utilities and groceries if and when that actually happened, but Derpy insisted on staying in the house she'd been living in for years.

However, I wasn't going to give up. Her house was decent and all, but I felt like the rooms in my new house were larger than the home she was in. It was barely the size of a studio apartment back on Earth. That, and I wanted her to have a safer space where she wouldn't have to deal with others.

I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close. "Doing just great! How about you?"

She flew down, grinning. "Doing great!"

"Just came to see if you're ready for your little get together with Scarlet," I said.

"Yep!" the Pegasus said as she grabbed a saddlebag and walked back out, closing the door. "You can call me Derpy, you know," she added as we began to walk towards my house.

"Heh, I've always found that word a bit rude," I said. When she gave me a questioning look, I continued. "The word derpy is an insult back where I'm from. It means that someone is stupid."

Her ears flattened a bit. "Oh…well what about Ditzy?"

"Ditzy is also a word that means silly or scatterbrained," I explained.

"Well…you've gotta call me something other than Miss Doo," she said, trying to sound cheerful, but I could tell it was a bit fake. I swear, this girl is like a hyperactive Fluttershy.

"What would you like me to call you?" I asked.

"It's really okay to call me Derpy," she repeated, her ears rising again and her smile returning to its genuine nature. "I don't mind it at all."

"If you're sure," I said, "then I'll do just that." I ruffled her blonde mane.

She laughed and, as most Ponies did whenever I touched their manes, nuzzled my hand. As before, her eye seemed to right itself until she looked just like everyone else. "Your, what did you call them, hands? They're amaaaazing!"

"So I've been noticing," I chuckled. "Hey, how have you been, really?" I asked, a bit concerned. "How are things between you and Spitfire?"

"Hey, don't worry about me. Spitfire's been great," she said. "She's trying to get me a job in administration with the Wonderbolts."

I beamed. "Admin work, huh? Think you're up for it? And what kind?"

"I'd be working with numbers," she said. "Treasury work, I think is what she said."

"Well, damn," I chuckled. "I used to do similar work back on Earth."

The two of us talked all the way back to my house. Derpy seemed genuinely happy about getting a job as a treasurer. Apparently, she'd been great with numbers for her life, and had been a pretty smart filly in class. However, almost none of her teachers gave her the time of day.

After a bit, we switched topics. She told me that ever since I'd stuck up for her in the bar, anytime she visited now she would be greeted with more politeness than before and even invited to join a few tables for either a drink or a game of cards. It made me smile to hear all of this, considering how I remembered her from the show as a carefree bundle of joy, like Sayori from Doki Doki Literature Club.

She asked me how my relationship with Zecora was going and showed genuine remorse at having judged the Zebra too quickly. She expressed a desire to apologize to her, and I told her she'd get the opportunity since she was currently staying with me for a while.

That got a grin out of the sweet Pegasus and she nudged me playfully. "Awww, you already asked her to move in? Do I hear wedding bells?"

"It's a bit early to be thinking about marriage," I chuckled. "Besides, she's staying with me only for a little bit. Maybe a month at most."

She smirked and nudged me again. "Riiiight. Next thing you know, there'll be little foals running around your home."

I paused. Children…how possible even was that? I was stuck here pretty much permanently now. And I'm the only human around. I'd always had dreams of having children of my own. Maybe not right away, but when I felt I was ready. But then my Trixie died and I felt no love would find me again. And now I have Zecora, but…how would children work between us?

"Jethro?" A gray hoof waved in front of my face, then a concerned face popped into view. "You okay?"

"Ah, sorry. I was just lost in thought."

I resumed walking, but she put a hoof on my shoulder, her frown deepening. "Mom always said that it's good to talk about what's bothering you with a good friend. We're friends now, right?"

I smiled slightly. "Yes, Derpy. We're friends."

She flew behind me and put her haunches on my shoulders, wrapping her front hooves around my forehead. "Tell your friend Derpy what's on your mind. It'll make you feel better!"

"Oh, it's just…when you mentioned children just now, it got me thinking how that's possible, that's all," I said.

"Why wouldn't it be?" Derpy asked innocently, looking down at me upside down with a smile on her face. "I mean, Pegasi can have foals with Unicorns and Earth Ponies," she said. "And I've heard of Zebras having foals with us Ponies in the past."

"Derps," I said, "I'm not a Pony. I'm not sure if we're compatible."

"Then you can adopt!" she said encouragingly.

"I mean, I could yeah," I said, "but I've always wanted children of my own. At least two."

"Weeeell, you'll never know unless you try!" Derpy said with an innocent smile. A smile which turned into a smirk. "And try again. And try again. And-"

"Yeah yeah! I get it!" I laughed, reaching up to ruffle her mane. "It's really hard to be depressed around you."

"Well, except when I'm drunk," she said, her ears flattening.

"Please tell me you're cutting back," I said. "Drinking a lot isn't good for your brain."

"I know…" she said softly.

Sensing she didn't want to talk more about it, I let the matter drop. "So, how'd you and Scarlet meet? I know you saw her when you came home with me that one time, but still."

"I met her at Sugarcube Corner when I went to get my daily muffin order," she said, her smile returning. "I'd never seen her before and I'm so used to Pinkie being there. I was at her party, but I never really talked to her."

"Yeah. You know her story, I take it?" I asked.

"She nearly died in the old house before you found her, right?" Derpy said.

I nodded. "And she was stealing to survive. That's why she was working at Sugarcube Corner. She stole from them and a few other places."

"And she's paying it back?" Derpy asked.

"Pretty much. But you were saying?"

"Oh!" Derpy giggled. "We talked a bit, and she mentioned that you had some cool things, and I got curious. So we were going to…what did she say, again? 'Bing watch TV shows like a boss'? What's a TV show?"

I laughed as I stopped in front of my gate. "Oh boy, you are in for a treat. Don't worry, you'll love them." I unlocked the gate and gently opened it…