It had been a few weeks since Knox had revealed his secrets to Pinkie Pie, and the two ponies had been spending more and more time together. He was the happiest he'd been since Cozy Glow was sent to Tartarus. He'd finally made another friend. One he could discuss his problems with without fearing judgement. Nonetheless, still ever present in his mind was the unsettling image of a terrified little filly in a prison of stone. No matter how much Pinkie's friendship meant to him, he knew he'd never forgive himself if he ever tried to forget about the loss of the one he still considered family.
He was currently in the middle of his latest therapy session with Trixie, but even she could tell that he was anxiously awaiting the session's end.
"What in Equestria," started the counselor, "has got a flashbee in your saddlebag?"
"I'm sorry, Trixie," Knox replied, "I'm just nervous about going to Pinkie's party tonight."
This was the pure and simple truth. For the second time, Pinkie had invited him to a party. He didn't know what the party was in celebration of. He hadn't asked. To him, it didn't matter. The party was just an excuse to spend more time with his new friend.
"You know," said Trixie in response, "I've noticed you talking more and more about Pinkie Pie lately. Is there anything going on between you two?"
She ended her question with a sideways smirk and a knowing glance.
Knox didn't know how to respond. He was fairly certain everypony knew about his feelings for Pinkie, but nopony had so directly asked him about it. He began to stammer over his words as he replied.
"What? No," said the now furiously blushing janitor, "I mean, maybe... I don't know! Well, I mean, she's really nice, and she's gentle, and she's pretty, and..."
Knox continued babbling about how perfect Pinkie Pie was for several minutes before Trixie interrupted.
"Yeah, I've heard this one. Guy meets girl. Guy falls for girl. Girl remains oblivious for a long time. Am I right?"
Knox raised his hoof and opened his mouth as if to argue, but then he just said "Yeah, pretty much."
He was now thoroughly embarrassed.
"Well, then get out of here and go to that party!" concluded Trixie with great enthusiasm.
Although he hadn't really gone there for the party games and fun, the party had actually been fairly enjoyable so far.
First, they'd all played pin-the-tail-on-the-pony, and almost everypony had laughed when Rarity somehow managed to pin the tail on her own flank. Even Knox had managed a small chuckle. Then, they danced for a few hours. (Knox wasn't a very good dancer, though, so that part of the night hadn't been quite as fun as the rest.) Then, after the dancing was done, everypony just drank some cider an earth pony named Applejack had brought and enjoyed each others conversation and company.
Things hit a small rough patch when Rainbow Dash drank too much cider. She ended up flying out the window and, although it was the middle of autumn, she'd been making it snow over Sugar Cube Corner, all the while singing Winter Wrap-Up. She only came back inside when the party had started to die down.
Now, as the party was coming to an end, almost all of the guests had left. Only Knox, Applejack, and Rarity remained.
"So..." Pinkie said to the remaining guests, "Who's ready for a sleepover?!"
She gestured to Rarity and Applejack, but they both had to decline. Applejack needed to get up early the next morning to work on her farm, and Rarity had to start on an important order for dresses from her boutique.
"I'm free," Knox found himself saying. He froze for a second, having surprised himself with this declaration.
"Really?" asked Pinkie, bouncing up and down with excitement. Knox nodded in agreement.
After Rarity and Applejack had left, Pinkie excitedly escorted Knox up to her loft. Once they'd arrived, Pinkie practically squealed.
"I am so excited!" she proclaimed. Then, she seemed to slow down a bit.
"We're going to have so. much. fun," she said in a slightly ominous tone.
Knox gave her a questioning glance as she slowly closed the bedroom door behind them.