> Living and Dying in Equestria
>  by TwilightsmyMare
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 (Arrival)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Ordinary guy, ordinary life.  Lousy job, no one special in my life.  Don't get me wrong, friends and family both great but would they miss me if I was gone?  Not long I'm sure.
Just running out my life's clock like billions of others like me.  Until one night...
I was heading out of my apartment/condo on my way to work, running a bit late so I headed across a nearby park.  There wasn't much for light as the streetlights were some distance away, but as I was walking I caught a slight glint ahead.  I bent down brushing aside some weeds growing there to find a quarter, Hah not much I thought but it’s a good start to the day.  
At that moment I felt strange, like something was surrounding me.  I couldn't move, crouched there on the ground then all of a sudden the light all seemed to disappear, the streetlights and even the stars.  I closed my eyes feeling I must be dreaming or maybe having a stroke or something.  
Then it was if I was wrenched across a long distance at great speed and suddenly, though instead of tearing me to pieces like it felt it was.  
Disoriented I fell to the ground retching and doubled over for a minute or two. As I slowly regained my senses I found myself laying in a small clearing in a heavily forested area as I pulled myself to my feet from behind me I hear a gasp.
Turning around I beheld a strange sight, a creature?  On all fours before me shrouded in a hooded cape. 
"Uhh hello..?"  I managed to choke out as the figure tossed its head back throwing back its hood to reveal the strangest sight I had ever seen.  A Zebra?  Maybe, its mane cut in a Mohawk style, gold bands around its neck and left leg as well as earrings.
To my amazement as I gawked, it opened its mouth and spoke!  "A human man, how odd, this was not part of my plan."  The voice definitely female and rhyming strangely.  
"Did you just speak?"  I asked shaking my head. 
"Zecora is my name, speak yours and make it plain."  I was still trying to wrap my head around the situation and only managed a "Rick."
"Hmm…” She looked at me strangely.  "My apologies for bringing you here, the way to get you home will not be clear."  She gestured towards her home, "Come in, sit, my library I must research a bit."  As she headed towards the house I noticed her duck her head and pick up a familiar plant in her mouth, the weed I had been bending over!  
Ducking to enter her abode I saw a simple domicile, strange African looking masks and fetishes all about.  I stooped down to take a seat in a chair, a bit small but easily sturdy enough to handle my weight.  Zecora busied herself looking through a large pile of books while I tried to sort out what’s happened to me in my mind.  
Now I enjoy Sci Fi and Fantasy quite a bit so I am familiar with parallel worlds and dimensions, or at least the idea of them, though it seemed very unlikely to me.  In all likelihood it seemed to me I was asleep in bed having a very realistic dream, also I supposed I could have been struck by lightning or shot and am laying in a coma right now!  They seemed more likely then a world of talking Zebras!  
Just then interrupting my train of thought came a knock on the door, looking over to Zecora I could see she was totally engrossed in her books so I got up to answer it.  Before I could get more then a step a strange purplish haze seemed to surround the door and it opened revelling a sight I could not have imagined.
A unicorn, though not like any that I had read about or seen in films, to start with its hide was a light purple, its mane and tail a deeper purple with a dark pink streak thru it and two of the most amazingly deep and beautiful violet eyes I had ever seen.  
"Hello Zecora, I just thought I'd stop by and...  Oh... I'm sorry I didn't know you had, um company?"  She said in an unmistakingly female voice while looking at me strangely.  "Oh!  You’re a human aren't you?  Wow there hasn’t been  a human in Equestria for ages!  This is remarkable!  Oh...  Excuse me, my name is Twilight Sparkle.  I'm a student of Princess Celestia studying in Ponyville.  And you are?"  I was overcome by her enthusiasm and excitement, I stared at her a second before managing a reply.  
"Oh sorry!  I'm Rick um a human being I guess from Earth?  Sorry I'm just a little bit confused right now…”  I sat back down still staring at Twilight, no not like any unicorn I had ever imagined she was small, perhaps a little smaller then a Earth pony on her four hooves she came up to about my midsection and would stand nearly as tall as me if she stood straight up.  Zecora looked up from her books. 
"Yes Twilight my mistake to bring him here, but in this book the answer is clear." 
Twilight trotted over to take a look.  "Oh yes!  I see Zecora.   The stars will be in alignment to send him back in about three months."  
"Three months!"  I shouted.  "What am I going to do until then?" 
Twilight turned to study me for a second.  "Well, you should come to stay with me in Ponyville."  
"I wouldn't want to be an inconvenience…”  I said nervously. 
"Not at all, no no Zecora,"  Twilight said tuning to her seeing she was about to interject.  "You have a small home, barely enough room for you.  As Princess Celestia's most trusted student it is my duty to welcome...  Well different species, and it’s the least we can do for you.  Also I have lots and lots of questions for you!"  She blurted out quickly, blushing slightly and folding her ears back a bit.  She looked so adorable it was all I could do to say.  
"Well ok then, if you’re sure it won't be an imposition..."  I looked to Zecora for some indication of her feelings on the matter but she was already looking through her books again.  
"Ok then!  Just follow me."  Said Twilight, as we headed out Zecora waved her hoof in farewell not looking up from what she was reading.  As we walked Twilight asked me question after question about Earth and what things were like where I came from, I was more then happy to answer.  Her excitement was quite contagious as well as so cute.  As we walked I noticed Twilight looked around quite a bit.  
"Uh is there something I should be looking out for?" I asked.  
"Oh nothing to worry about!  Really, it’s just the Everfree forest does have dangers."  She replied.  
"Such as?" I asked.  
"Well Zecora lives fairly close to the edge so nothing much comes this far out.  But there have been
Cockatrice as well as Manticore’s seen."
"Whoa!  Those are both really dangerous!  Well at least from what I know about them.  Which in this world might not be a lot."  I admitted.  
"We should be safe as can be, its daylight and...  Eek!!!!"  I spun around from looking nervously behind me and caught Twilight as she jumped into my arms.  
"What!  What is it?"  I asked holding her tightly.  
"A snake!!!!"  She squealed, pointing frantically.  I looked quickly and expecting a huge serpent was a bit surprised to see a tiny snake, perhaps the size of a garter snake back home traveling along ignoring us completely.  For a moment I thought she was just messing with me but then I could feel her trembling.  
I suddenly realised she was very, very close.  I could smell her coat which had a faint pony/horse smell, not unpleasant at all as well as something else, some pony perfume mayhap or just her own scent.  I didn't want to make her any more uncomfortable so being very careful I stepped away from the snake and got us some distance away from it.  
To be honest I really didn't want to put her down, though she was quite a bit heavier then I might have imagined having her in my arms was quite nice.  I put her down gently and she immediately went beet red laying her ears back again in that so amazingly cute fashion.  
"Oh!  I'm so sorry!  You must think I'm silly!"  She cried.  
"Hey, hey.  Its ok, fears happen to everyone."  I comforted, leaning closer I said.  "Personally its spiders that give me the creeps."
"Really?  You don't think I'm just being silly?"  She sniffed.  
"Hey everyone’s scared of something.  Weather they admit it or not." I replied.
"Thanks, let’s keep moving we're almost out of the woods then its just a little ways to Ponyville."  Her fear apparently forgotten she pranced ahead of me looking back occasionally and resuming her questions from before.  A short ways from the wood there came into view a medium sized town I would have expected to see in a fantasy movie, Timber and brick buildings with thatched roofs, plants growing everywhere even on the buildings themselves.  
"This place is amazing!"  I gasped.  
"Really?  Don't you have towns like this on earth?"  Twilight asked as we walked on.  
"Maybe a hundred years ago.  But no, nowadays our buildings are pretty uniform for the most part.  Houses look much alike and we have many, many story tall apartment complexes.  Generally trying to cram as many people into a small space as we can.  Not always of course."
"That sounds awful!"  Shaking her head Twilight led me into the town.  There were quite a few ponies out and about all different colors and manes as well as unusual marks on their flanks.  Some wore simple outfits or saddles, which seemed quite strange to me as there was no one to ride them I could see.  It seemed we were gathering a bit of attention, most of the ponies stopped and stared as we passed by.  A few turned tail and fled!  A pink pony with a yellow mane ran up and stopped about ten feet in front of us and yelled.  
"Twilight!  There’s a monster behind you!  Run!"  
Twilight glanced back at me rolling her eyes "No Lily, it’s a human being.  It’s nothing to get upset about."  Feeling a bit exposed I waved gently.  
"Um, hi."  I offered, waving to her.
"It talks!"  She shrieked before fainting to the ground.  
"Uh maybe we should get to my place fast before we get too much attention.  Put your hand on my shoulder please."  I moved forward and did as she asked, marvelling again at how soft her coat was.  Just then her horn glowed with that same light purple color and the scenery suddenly changed!  After a moments disorientation I found myself in what seemed to be a library in the middle of a tree?  I could see out the windows the branches and foliage of the tree still alive and growing it seemed.  And books, books all over the place.  Not little paperbacks all these seemed to be sturdy. Hardcover, well worn and used.  Suddenly a voice shouted, 
"Look out Twilight!  What’s that thing!?”  I quickly looked about and beheld a small lizard?  No not really small as lizards go maybe three feet tall with dark and light green spikes and a purple body.  At the moment he was standing between Twilight and I holding up an arm to block me from her.  "I'll protect you!"  Sucking in a great lungful of air he turned to me blowing out an almost comically small and short ribbon of fire.  Small it may have been but it was hot I could feel the heat off of it.  
"Spike!  Stop it!  Rick is my guest.  Lets just calm down a moment and let me explain."  She quickly outlined what had happened and Spike calmed down quickly and apologized.  She introduced him as her friend and assistant Spike, a baby dragon!  Amazing!  
"Now I'm going to have to go and see the mayor before all of Ponyville gets into an uproar.  Can you wait here for me to get back Rick?"  She asked.  
"Of course.  I'm sorry to cause so much trouble." I apologized. 
"Oh it will be alright.  They'll calm down quickly enough.  I'll be back soon."  As she turned to go Spike jumped onto her back and rode out.  Feeling a bit embarrassed by the trouble I had caused I began to look around the liberty, examining books and putting them back where I found them.  I found several that were quite interesting dealing with the history of Equestria, whatever that was I didn't know but was interested in finding out.  I sat down on a sturdy but small couch and began to flip thru the first book.  
Several hours passed and I was beginning to get a bit worried when the door again had slight purple glow around it and opened on its own accord, magic indeed!  Twilight came through the door alone and she didn't look distressed to my relief.  
"So is everything ok?"  I anxiously asked.  
"Yes I explained the situation to the Mayor and quite a few ponies that were there.  We shouldn't have too much more trouble."  She replied with a smile.  
"Whew, I was worried I might get you into trouble there for a sec, oh…  Where’s Spike?"
"Oh he’s gone off to gather my dearest friends.  I'd like to introduce you to them if you don't mind?"  She asked looking a little apprehensive.  
"Of course, any friends of yours I'd love to meet.  I hope they don't find me too strange."
"Oh I think you'll find them to be very adaptable.  Come on then we're going to meet them at my friend Applejack's farm.  Just to keep anypony from being too nosy."  She then came right up beside me tucking her head under my arm and with a flash of her glowing horn the scenery changed again.  
"Offf…” I gasped sitting down hard.  "That takes a bit of getting used to.  Must be really handy though."
"Oh I'm sorry!  Are you ok?  I just thought it would be faster and more discreet..."  Twilight cut herself off as I raised my hand.  
"It’s fine.  You were absolutely right.  And no harm done."  She offered her hoof to help me up and I gladly accepted, gaining my feet and looking around I saw rows upon rows of apple trees as far as the eye could see.  Behind us was a large Red barn as well as some other fields.  
"Beautiful!"  I gasped, as I gawked about.  I noticed Twilight looking at me then a small smile on her face; she turned away as I looked.  
"They should be here soon, let’s wait in the barn out of the sun, ok?"  She turned and headed into the barn, as I turned to follow I heard a woosh and a thud behind me.  
"Now what the hay are you supposed to be?!"  I spun around to another pony, but this one winged!  A light blue body and rainbow colored mane and tail.  
"Rainbow Dash!  You sure got here fast."  Twilight's said from the doorway.  
"Uh, of course."  She said sauntering by me with a flick of her tail. 
"This is Rick; he’s a human being from a different dimension!"
"A humawhat-now?  From a what?"  Twilight sighed, looking slightly exasperated by Rainbow Dash.  
"From a long, long, long way away, ok?"
"Sheesh, fine."  She then flew up to the rafters looking down at me suspiciously. 
"Nice to meet you."  I offered.  I looked around the barns interior then and noticed another pony a bit further in; this one was more like an actual pony as I knew them.  A bit taller then Twilight and definitely sturdier of build, with a orange coat and light yellow mane and tail,  she was grabbing tied bales of hay with her teeth and tossing them with amazing precision into a pile.  
As Twilight and I stood watching for a few seconds she grabbed her last bale and tossed it up.  Then from behind a pile of crates a pair of pink arms popped out and dropped another bale right behind her then swiftly disappeared again.  I opened my mouth to say something but Twilight quickly put a hoof up to her mouth in a Shh gesture.  Turning around the Orange pony stopped and scratched her head.  
"What now?  I thought that was the last one?  Ah well."  She grabbed and tossing it up.  As soon as her back was turned again the pink arms placed another bale right in the same spot.  She turned around again, stopped and looked around suspiciously.  Grabbing it she turned slowly only to drop it and spin about grabbing the bale the pink arms were just about to deposit.
"Got ya Pinkie!"  She shouted pulling another pony out with the bale, this one all pink, her coat a light shade and her mane and tail darker pink.  She immediately fell on the floor giggling and laughing.  From behind the crates came another bunch of giggles as well.  
"Apple Bloom!  Were you helping Pinkie prank me!?”  The orange pony yelled trying her best to look upset but with a big grin on her face.  
"It wasn't just me sis!  It was Scootaloo and Sweetie Bells idea too!"  A voice came from behind the crates.  "Was not!",  "Was too!"  Despite the unreal strangeness of the whole situating I found myself smiling and chuckling beside Twilight who also had a smile on her face looking up at me.  
"Ahem.  Applejack, this is Rick, he’s a human but don't be worried he’s a friend.  Rick this is Applejack and Pinkie Pie."  Applejack walked up and gave me a good long look then extended her hoof. 
"Well if Twilight's vouched for ya that’s good enough for me!  Welcome to Ponyville and to Sweet Apple Acres!"  She said while shaking my hand vigorously.  
"Wowahuman!I'veneverseenahumanbefore!Infacti'veneverevenheardofahumanbeforethisisgreat!Doyoulikesweets?IfyoudoyoushouldcometoSugercubeCornersometime..."  Pinkie Pie comes bouncing up talking a mile a minute I’m definitely having trouble separating her speech when Applejack extends a foreleg to stop her.  
"Slow down there Pinkie.  He’s just met you, give em a lil time to get used to ya."
"Ah, pleased to meet you both."  I said.  Staring at me with wide eyes two of the three little fillies came out from behind the crates they nudged one of them forward, a cute little orange pony with a deep purple mane.  
"Go on Scootaloo."  One pressed, a little unicorn filly with a white coat and a pink and purple mane.
"Ya g'on."  The other filly pushing her said, she had a light yellow coat and a red mane with a light pink bow on her head.  Again I'm amazed by the diversity of the pony coloring.  
"Um, mister human guy…  You uh don't eat pony’s right?"  She asked nervously.  
"What?  No, no.  Though I don't want to lie to you some humans have been known to eat equines.  But mostly we eat cows, pigs and chickens..."  Even as I finished my sentence I knew it had been the wrong thing to say.  Everpony suddenly burst into speech all getting louder and louder I couldn't get a word in edgewise to explain myself though I’m not sure how I would even if I could.  
I looked to Twilight to see if she had any idea what to do, she was backed up a few steps her ears down as she looked nervously from one pony to the next looking like she wanted to speak up but was unsure what to say.
I was feeling pretty low; I had screwed things up for her.  When she was looking at me for a second I mouthed 'I'm sorry' and was about to back out of the barn.  Maybe I would be less of a bother if I did stay at Zecora’s.  All of a sudden there was a loud shout from behind me at the barn door.  
"Girls!"  I spun about to look along with everypony else, and there in the doorway was pretty little Pegasus with a bright yellow coat and a long light pink flowing mane and tail, just behind her was another unicorn beautifully white with a dark purple mane and tail, Spike trailing right behind her.  The Pegasus paused momentarily; with all eyes on her she looked a bit nervous, then shaking her head she continued.
"Haven't I taught you girls anything?!"  She asked.  "It’s natural for animals to eat other animals sometimes.  I wouldn't deny my little ferret and bear friends the fish they need to survive!  I don't know anything about these humans but I’m sure wherever he comes from its natural that they eat meat.  But you wouldn't do that here… right?"  Suddenly she
looked very shy and nervous.  
"No!  Never, I swear for as long as I am here I'll eat only what you all eat.  I'm very sorry to have caused such a commotion.   I should have thought before answering."  I  apologised.
"There we go.  Well said Fluttershy dear.  All taken care of.  And you human… Person…  Well whatever.  I am Rarity.  Pleased to meet you."  The white unicorn stepped forward tossing her mane and extending her hoof toward me.  
"A pleasure to meet you as well Lady Rarity."  I responded trying my best to be diplomatic, taking her hoof in my hands, clasping it and kissing it softly.  I then turned to Fluttershy the Pegasus that had defended me, and took her hoof into my hand clasping it tightly also kissing it gently.  
"Thank you very much Fluttershy."  She blushed deeply and pulled her hoof gently away, smiling shyly she squeaked, fleeing over behind her other friends.  Rarity looking pleased with herself also passed by to join the others followed by Spike who gave me a dirty look as he passed; I turned to Twilight and saw she was looking at the ground.  I bent down and took up one of her hoofs and held it tight.  "And thank you Twilight."
"Me.  What did I do?  I just stood here." she said sullenly.  I kissed her hoof gently and tilted her face up so I could see her beautiful violet eyes were forming tears.  
"I could see you wanted to say something, that’s enough Twilight.  Why would you stand against your friends for someone you just met?  So thanks, and don't worry another second about it.  Ok?"  She sniffed softly.  
"Really?"  She replied. Looking at her that moment I just wanted to hug her.  But that might be going too far for someone she just met.  So I just nodded.  
"Really, really."  With a smile she got up taking her hoof away gently but letting it linger for a moment.  Then we joined the conversation.  I quickly learned who was who and all their connections to one another.  Pinkie Pie promised
to throw me a welcome party soon and everyone was excited about that.  After a bit of conversation everyone excused themselves one at a time, they all had things to do and it was getting late in the day.  
Spike offered to walk Rarity and Sweetie Belle home saying he'd meet Twilight and I back at the library.  So Twilight and I started walking back towards town.  
"Are you sure you don't want to just teleport?"  She asked.  
"Ah, that’s ok.  I'm getting used to it, but I do want to see some more of Ponyville."  I replied.  So we walked back into town, all the ponies were still pretty shy and nervous but weren't running in fear or screaming when they saw me, so a bit of progress.  
Twilight showed me her favourite shops, the stationary store, the market area and Sugarcube Corner where Pinkie Pie worked.  An amazing store built to look like it was made of baked goods...  Or was it really made of them?  I couldn't be sure as Twilight was pulling me onward to her favourite restaurant where we sat down to eat.  The chair was a little small for me but I made due. 
The waiter pony looked personally offended that I would be sitting in his restaurant but he seemed to recognise Twilight and gave us our menus.  Thought I knew we spoke the same language somehow I was a bit surprised to find our written language also the same.
The menu was quite varied though I wasn't sure if I could eat some of it, hayfries?  Odd.   And daisy sandwiches which Twilight ordered.  I settled for a house salad figuring it would likely be fairly normal.  I noticed there were prices listed as well; I wasn't sure beforehand if they used currency or not up to that point.  
"Oh, uh Twilight.  I don't have any money."
Twilight giggled.  "Of course you don't silly.  Not to worry it’s on me this time."  She replied with a wink.  We sat there awkwardly for a moments, ignoring the stares from the few other diners.  
"Soo Rick.  What do you think of our little town so far?"  Twilight asked.  
"It’s an amazing place.  I can't wait to learn more about you...’re culture and everything.  Oh look here’s our food."  Whew I thought, saved by the waiter.  He deposited our plates and filled our water glasses amazingly with his hooves and mouth.  He wasn't a unicorn so I guess he had to work with what he had, still interesting to see.  I looked across the table to find Twilight staring at me an unreadable expression on her face.  
"Ah, sorry.  Just amazed at what some ponies can do without hands."  I stammered picking up my water glass and taking a sip.  She looked thoughtful for a moment watching me drink.  
"Yes I can see where they would come in useful."  Her horn glowed softly and her glass floated up to her as she took a drink.  
"But I can see you have no problems there.  Your so amazing Twilight…  Ah you’re magic that is.  None of that where I come from."  Feeling a bit foolish I looked around for a fork for my salad.  Seeing none I realized that ponies would have no need of them so I picked up a slice of tomato and proceeded to try it out.  
"Mmm, very delicious.  So fresh."  I said after swallowing.  Twilight’s sandwich floated before her as she took a bite.  
"Isn't it?  And my magic's not that amazing.  I'm still a student after all.  I know some tricks though...  Maybe you'd like to see some sometime?"  She asked looking at me over her food.  
"Absolutely!  I hope we can spend a lot of time together...  Exchanging information and all that, you know."  Grabbing some more of my salad I stuffed my mouth.  Jeez way to sound like an idiot, maybe I should shut up before I really say something dumb.  Never been good at talking to women…  Uh Fillies?  Mares?  Too much to process in not even a day, I needed sleep.  
"I look forward to it."  She replied with small shy smile.  Finishing our dinner she lead me a meandering path thru town showing me different sights, by now it was beginning to get dark.  "And here we are.  I have a spare bed but you might be a bit too big for it..."  She said while opening the door with her magic.  
"Hey I'm pretty beat I appreciate whatever you can provide me Twilight."  I replied entering behind her.  
"The washrooms right over there, if you want to get cleaned up.  Spike!  We're back."  She indicated with her hoof, and I followed to a small bathroom.  Amazingly it seemed to have everything I would expect in a washroom, sink, toilet that seemed to be a flushing kind.  Even a quite large bathtub, amazing.  It seemed to be an almost medieval society,
but with these modern touches…  Even lights that flick on and off!  Magic?  Maybe, all in all I was amazed.  I washed up and exited to find Spike waiting just outside the door.  
"This way."  He still looked a bit annoyed with me though I wasn't sure why.  I followed him through the library up a flight of stairs to a landing where twilight was just getting into her bed.  
"The spare beds right there.  You don't mind if I read a bit do you?  It always helps me sleep."  She levitated a book from her night stand and opened it before her a light just behind her illuminating it.  I felt a sudden yank on my hand pulling me down to Spikes level.  He was standing on a small bed right at the top of the stairs.
"You might have Twilight fooled, but I'm watching you buddy!  You try to hurt any of my friends and you’re in for a world of pain!  Don't think you can get up to any mischief tonight cuz I'm just gonna stay up and...  Zzzz..."   Reaching that pitch he fell over asleep suddenly.  
"Oookay…”  I mumbled taking his blanket and spreading it over him, I couldn't fault him for being suspicious he'd just met me and I hadn't proven myself yet.  I turned back and saw Twilight quickly move her book back in front of her face.  Smiling to myself I turned to the bed she had indicated only five feet away from hers.  
"Uh Twilight are you sure you don't want me to sleep downstairs or something?  I mean its kind of close I don't want to invade your privacy or anything..."  She put her book down looking at me for a moment.  
"That’s sweet of you.  But it’s fine…  I mean if the bed isn't too small, if you want to sleep downstairs that’s fine too."  She seemed a little embarrassed by what I said so I held my hand out.  
"No, not at all I would be more then happy here."  I sat down on the edge of the bed to show just that.
She smiled winningly and picked her book back up.  The bed was mayhap five feet long but also quite wide I figured I could curl up a bit and fit just fine.  I took my boots off remembering just a short while ago I had been heading to work!  Heh they must have put me down as a no-show by now I'd certainly have some explaining to do when I got back.  I took off my socks and turned to pull the covers back on the bed noticing Twilight peeking at me over her book.  
"Say, what are you reading Twilight?"  I asked.  
"Oh!  It’s my new copy of the The Astronomical Astronomer's Almanac to all things Astronomy.  There’s a perfect time to study the stars coming in a few weeks and I want to be ready."  She replied enthusiastically.  
"Wow that’s quite a title.  It must have a lot of information in it."  I replied impressed.  
"It sure does.  Do you want to see?"
"Absolutely."  I figured she would just float the book over to me but she surprised me by shuffling over in her bed the book still held in front of her.  I walked over and sat on the edge of her bed leaning over to have a look.  The book was filled with long lines of text and illustrations of star positions. 
Twilight started to tell me about what she was reading then remembered she was aways into the book and flipped back so I wouldn't miss anything.  I had always liked to look at the stars though I never had much interest in the science behind it.  As she talked I found myself paying less attention to the book and more to her.  Studying her profile as she talked excitedly, her sweet breath smelling of the daisy sandwich she had for supper as well as her natural aroma which was intoxicating as well.  Still I managed to pay enough attention to ask the occasional question.  
I noticed she was talking slower and her eyes were half closed as her head fell to the side and she fell asleep I managed to grab the book before it tumbled down on her.  I closed it and put it on her nightstand turning off her light.  I looked at her sleeping peacefully for a moment before pulling her blanket up for her.  Shaking my head I turned and looked out her window at the moonlit night.  
What was I doing?  Sleep, I need sleep. I sank into the soft bed curling up a bit so I’d fit.  I could hear Twilight breathing softly and it lulled me to sleep quickly.  Well either I'll wake up at home late for work.
Or...  If I’m lucky...
> Chapter 2 (A Plan)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	 Awakening after a good sleep I stretched feeling my legs sticking over the edge of the bed I was in.  My eyes flew open, I'm still here!  It’s real!  At that moment I noticed Spike standing on the headboard looking down at me.
"Humph, still here I see.  Here I was hoping you'd disappear back where you came from."  Shaking his head he frowned.  "Sorry dude, I don't mean to be so rude.  It’s just…  Twilight means a lot to me.  She's my best friend; we've been together a long time.  Since I was hatched.  If anything happened to her..."  I rose up to a sitting position looking at Spike seriously.
"Look Spike, I can see you care for Twilight deeply.  All I can tell you is I would never do anything to hurt her.  That’s a promise between us men."  I offered my hand and after a second he extended his and we shook on it.  I could hear Twilight's hooves clopping back and forth down below on the floor; she was muttering something to herself.
"What’s up with Twilight?"  I asked.
"Oh, she’s just overreacting over some minor thing.  Again.  Oh by the way Pinkie Pie would like you to stop by Sugarcube Corner for breakfast, she had something she wanted to ask you."  
I got up put on my socks and boots and headed downstairs.  Twilight was pacing back and forth a list held magically in the air in front of her.
"Oh good morning Rick…  Now if I move my meeting with the mayor ahead a week maybe I’ll have time for…  Oh!"  Remembering something she turned to me.  "Did Spike tell you Pinkie wanted to see you?"  I nodded.
"What’s wrong Twilight?  Maybe I can help?"  I asked.
"Oh, well.  Its just Rarity's birthday is coming up in a month and I forgot to set aside some time in my schedule to get her a nice gift!  She given me so many nice things, dresses and things she's made by hoof.  I need to get her something special!"  She was beginning to look a little freaked out so I cut in.
"Ok, well do you know anything she's looking for?"  She shook her head no.  "Hmm well.  And you want it to be a surprise right?"  She nodded.
"Yes definitely!  She deserves it."  I thought for a second.
"Well you can't ask her yourself.  How do you feel about being sneaky about it?"  She looked at me a second then came to a decision.
"Spike.  There’s no way you can keep this a secret from Rarity.  Go back upstairs a second would you?"  Spike turned around and clomped back upstairs muttering to himself.
"Jeez, just get her a big beautiful gem like I'm going to."  Twilight smiled.
"He's a bit enamoured with Rarity.  Shh he’s a little sensitive about it."  Spike turned and groaned.
"Not upstairs yet.  Could you wait until I'm out of earshot at least to tell my secrets?  Ugh!"  I held up my hands in mock surrender to Spike.
"Didn't hear a thing buddy."  He went up the last few steps and I leaned down close to Twilight and whispered in her ear.  "Ok, well I'm sure to see Rarity at some point before her birthday.  So I'll start up a casual conversation, ask about what dresses she likes or what she's interested in lately.  I'll relay it to you and you can get it for her.  Surprise."  Twilight smiled.
"Yes!  That could work.  Oh thank you Rick."  I smiled back, captivated.
"Anything for you Twilight…  Uh well I better run Pinkie Pie is waiting.  See you later Twilight.  Later Spike."  I said as I headed out the door.
"Ya, ya, later.  Now are we ready to get to work Twilight?"  Spike replied as I closed the door behind me and started into town.
Sugarcube Corner was pretty easy to spot so I headed right there, I saw a few ponies on the way and waved in greeting, a few of them even waved back.  At least none of them screamed or ran.  Coming to the store I pushed open the door ducking a bit to enter.  From behind the counter popped that bright pink mare Pinkie Pie.
"Yay!  You made it!  Come in!  Come in!"  She rushed over grabbing my hand by curving her hoof around it and dragged me to a side room pushing me down in a chair beside a table.  Taking a seat herself she started talking.
"Okay!  What kind of a party would you like?  I can do all kinds!"
"Gee Pinkie I don't know.  I haven't had a party thrown for me since I was a little kid."  I replied.
"What!  No Parties?  That’s so sad.  Oh would you like some breakfast?  I was just about to eat!"  From one extreme to another I was beginning to see.
"Sure Pinkie if it’s not too much trouble that is."  She zipped out of the room quickly and was back in a flash with a tray with waffles, powdered sugar, syrup and juice on it.
"What the...  How did you…”  I stammered.
Pinkie giggled.  "Well I had it all ready of course silly."  She grabbed a few waffles drowning them in syrup and sugar.  "Now then what do you think you would like for a party?  All my friends have their favourites of course."  She said digging into her breakfast.
I grabbed a few waffles and poured a bit of syrup over them, I filled my glass and Pinkies with juice.
"Mmmm, thank you."  Pinkie said swallowing.
"Well I really don't know Pinkie…”  I said between bites.  "Um, what kind of a party does Twilight like?"
"A Twilight party?!  You mean in the evening and all?  That could be fun!"  Pinkie gasped.
"Oh.  Yes that’s what I meant of course."  I mumbled as I finished off my breakfast.
"Yes!  I can see it now!  Well not right now I'll have to make some stuff…  Invite some ponies.  But you'll see it'll be great!  Ok, ok you'll let me take care of everything right?!"  She asked, clearly excited now.
"Of course Pinkie, your the expert right?"
"Yes!  I am!  Bye Rick!  Ooh I've got so much planning to do!"  As I headed to the door Pinkie zipped up to me a package held in her mouth.
"Mood youth mliver iss or me?"  I took the package from her so I could understand what she was saying.  "Thanks!  It’s for Applejack!  It’s got a surprise in it so no peeking!"  And with that she sped off.
"Thanks for breakfast Pinkie!"  I said leaving.  Back on the street I tried to orient myself.  Now what way was Sweet Apple Acres...  A pony was stopped nearby staring at me; she had a silver and grey mane and tail and a light brown body as well as wearing glasses.  I cleared my throat quietly.
"Excuse me.  Could you direct me to Sweet Apple Acres?"  She started back for a second but quickly regained her composure.
"Ahh yes of course.  Your the…  Human?  Twilight told me about?  I am the Mayor of Ponyville.  Pleased to meet you."  She extended her hoof in greeting and I gladly shook it.
"Thank you for allowing me into your town madam Mayor.  I really appreciate it."
"Well.  You’re not what I expected at all.  I think you'll be fine here."  She smiled.  "Sweet Apple Acres is just that way, down this street and keep going you can't miss it."  She pointed the way.
"Thank you.  See you again Miss Mayor."  I bowed slightly and started heading the way she had indicated.  It was quite away farther then I had imagined, it was getting on to past noon and I was feeling a bit tired by the time the Orchards came into view.  All that fast food and little exercise don't pay off here I thought to myself.  	
I stopped to rest for a moment when I heard a loud THUD come from in the orchard.  I stepped over the fence and went cautiously to investigate.  I came to a small clearing and saw Applejack turn and slam her back hooves into a tree causing the apples above to fall precisely into waiting baskets she had placed.  She turned and saw me standing there.
"Well howdy there.  What brings you out to these parts?"  She greeted me.
"Oh, sorry to intrude.  Pinkie Pie asked me to bring this package to you.  She said it was a surprise…  Oops I guess I shouldn't have said that."
"Hmm a surprise from Pinkie?  Put er down there a sec."  She said indicting to a turned over basket.  I did as she asked and she came over and unwrapped it carefully, using her teeth to untie the string and peel back the wrapping to reveal a pie.  She sniffed it and stuck her hoof lightly into it pulling it back out and giving it a taste.
"Ha!  A zap apple jam pie!  She must have used up the last of her jam to make this.  How sweet.  Well it’s about time for a break and frankly you look a bit tuckered out.  Care to come and have a slice and rest a bit?"  She asked.
"Yes please Applejack."  As I followed her up the cottage through the orchard she shouted out.
"Hey Mac!  Apple Bloom!  Sweetie Belle!  I got Pie!"  As we came up to the house two little fillys came running up I recognised from the day before as well as another pony.  A very large one!  Standing very nearly as tall as me and quite massive he had a dark red coat and a dark yellow mane and tail.
"Big Mac this here’s that human feller I was tellin ya about who’s staying with Twilight, Rick.”  Big Mac looked me over once and extended his hoof in greeting with a.
"Eeyup."  I shook his hoof grateful that he didn't seem to feel the need to crush me.  As we entered the house I noticed an elderly looking pony in the corner of the room slowly rocking back and forth in a rocking chair snoring peacefully.
"Granny wake up we got a guest."  A small snort was the only reply.  "Watch this."  Applejack smiled as she took a small piece of the pie over to Granny waving it under her nose.  She sniffed a second and her eyes shot open.
"What’s this!?  Mmm Zap jam pie."  She sniffed again taking a quick lick.  "From two seasons ago!  An excellent year for zap apples!"  She opened her mouth and chomped the piece of pie down and immediately fell back asleep. 
Laughing Applejack lead us into the kitchen where she grabbed some plates and cut up the pie giving everyone a piece as well as a glass of milk.  The pie was amazing.  Sweet and tangy at the same time, I could have eaten two of them!  We all sat back relaxing after eating.
"Well thank ya kindly from bringing that.  Deelicious.  Say, I hate to ask but I could use a favour if you have the time?"  Applejack asked.
"Of course.  What can I do for you?"
"Would ya mind seeing Sweetie Belle here home?"  Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle both broke in with groans.
"Awwww does she have to go already sis?"  Apple Bloom asked.
"Fraid so.  I promised Rarity I’d have her home by supper and its gittin late."  Sweetie Belle looked up at me apprehensively.
"Hey.  Nothing to be afraid of kiddo.  I won't bite, not even a little."  I said with a grin.  She looked at me even more strangely.
"What?"  I asked.
"What’s a kiddo?"  She asked in her cute little voice.
"Oh, well that’s what we call children in my world sometimes."  She thought about that a second as we headed for the door.
"Well ok.  But were not in your world."  She chastised me as we exited followed by Applejack, Big Mac and Apple Bloom.
"You’re absolutely right.  Nothing to be worried about little filly."  She smiled up at me.
"That’s better!"
"Do you want a piggyback ride to your sisters?"  I asked.  She looked at me strangely again.
"What’s that?"
"Oh, well like when you ride on your sisters back.  Well just let me show you."  I kneeled down.  "Just put your forehooves over my shoulders like so..."  And holding her backhooves firmly I lifted her up to sit on my shoulders.
"Whoa!"  She exclaimed.  "I'm so high up!  See you later Apple Bloom!  Bye Applejack!  Bye Big Mac!" 
We headed back down the trail towards town Sweetie Belle talking a mile a minute about her friends and their plans to get their cutie marks.  I really didn't know much about cutie marks having read just a little about them.
"Say Sweetie Belle.  Where’s your friend Scootaloo today?"  I asked.
"Oh she’s with Rainbow Dash!  She’s giving her some flying pointers.”
“Well I’m sure Rainbow Dash can help her out.  So your sister makes dresses does she?"
"Not just dresses!  She’s a fashionista!  I wanted to be like her too…  But I'm not that good at that stuff."  She said sadly.
"Hey!  That’s alright, I bet your good at a lot of things!"  I tried to cheer her up.
"Well...  Maybe, but still no cutie mark."  She pouted.  I chuckled a bit.
"I'm sure it will come to you in time Sweetie."
"That’s what everpony says!"  She fumed.  I laughed.
"Sorry, not making fun of you.  I'm sure it must be frustrating.  So a fashionista eh?  Is there anything she’s made lately that’s extra cool?"  I asked.  She thought about it a second.
"Oh yeah!  She’s making this amazing dress for some Canterlot big shot’s wife.  She’s worked soo hard on it!  She won't let me anywhere near it!"
"Sounds amazing."
"It is!  I'll show you when we get there!  But don't touch!"  We walked through town ponies seeming to relax even more seeing me carry Sweetie Bell around.  Before too long we came to Carousel Boutique, I let Sweetie Belle down and she led me right in shouting.
"Rarity!  I'm hooome!  And I brought a human with me!"  She giggled.
"Oh!  I'll be right down!  Take a seat.  And Sweetie Belle, don't touch that dress!"  She answered down the stairs.  Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes.
"Sheesh, I know, I know."  We sat down and I looked around the shop.  Everything was neat and tidy, plenty of dresses and outfits displayed.  Hopefully I'd be able to find out something for Twilight.
"Sorry for the wait."  Rarity came down the stairs dressed up in a beautiful what looked like a Kimono.  It was quite fetching as I stared I whispered to myself.
"Wow…  Got to get one of those for Twilight."  My train of thought got derailed immediately by a giggle right beside me.
"Rick and Twilight sitting in a tree..."  Sweetie Belle began.
"I'll buy you five cupcakes next time I'm at Sugarcube Corner if you don't finish that."  I interrupted her.  She thought about it a second.
"Fine.  Hey sis!  Can I show Rick the new dress you’re making?  I won't touch it!"  Rarity clearly looking for a little attention came forward extending her hoof.  I had no problem being a gentleman for her as I clasped it and bowed down bringing my lips to it.
"A pleasure to see you again Lady Rarity."  Sweetie Belle made a gagging noise that Rarity ignored.  With a smile she ushered me into another room with a large armoire in it.  With a flourish she opened it revelling a stunning dress, festooned with gems and what looked like gold and silver spun thread.  All in all it was stunning, she stared at it as well tears in her eyes.
"It’s the most beautiful dress I've ever made.  I only wish I could..."  She reached out with a hoof only to slap it back down herself.  "Bad Rarity!  It’s for a customer!"  She turned to me looking sheepish.  "Ahem, sorry I do so what to try it on, but I mustn’t!"
"Its quite amazing Lady Rarity.  Are you sending it away?"  I asked.
"No, someone is coming to pick it up.  Jet Set, he’s a stallion from Canterlot.  A bit of a snob but...  Business is business.  He'll be here by train today to get it." 
She turned.  "And my beautiful gown will be gone!  Oh woe is me!"  She lamented.  She shut and locked the armoire with a look at Sweetie Belle.  "Please, join Sweetie Belle and I for tea."  I accepted and we three adjourned to her parlour where she quickly whipped up some tea and cookies.  We had a nice chat and I promised her if she needed and help to just let me know.  
I excused myself and headed out; walking back towards the library I turned a corner and bumped into a unicorn stallion with a light grey coat and black mane and tail.  He was wearing what looked like a sport shirt as well as having a sweater knotted around his neck, very preppy.
"My word!  What’s a beast like you doing here!?"  He didn't seem particularly frightened, more put off.
"Ah my apologies.  You must be Jet Set."  I guessed.
"Oh?!  You've heard of me of course!"
"Um…  Yes.  What I have heard is that you’re buying a dress from Rarity."
"Yes.  So what of it?"  He looked at me suspiciously.
"I would very much like to acquire that dress for a friend of mine."
"You?"  He laughed uproariously.  "A ruffian like you couldn't even afford a thread from that dress."
"It is true I don't have any money at this time having newly come to this land.  But I would be willing to do whatever it takes to acquire it from you."  He sneered at me seeming about to unleash a tirade on me.  Then he stopped a weird smile on his face.
"Hmm..."  He circled me looking me up and down.  "You do look quite fierce...  Yes, yes that could work."  He chuckled.  "Very well.  You see for ponies of my status, impressing others is what it’s all about.  If you'll do as I ask I will be more then happy to give you that dress.  I can just buy my wife another one in Canterlot and say it come from here she'll never know the difference."  He said haughtily.
"Alright...  What is it you want me to do?"  He grinned leaning in close to explain his plan.  Quite devious I had to admit.  I agreed to meet him the next day at the train station so his plan could commence.
It was getting quite late in the day by this time so I headed back toward the library.  On the way I noticed an overturned cart with flowers strewn about.  A little mare was trying to push it back up.  She had a light yellow coat and red and light pink mane and tail.  I walked up casually.
"Can I help you?"  She jumped turning and then gasped backing away.
"Sorry!  Sorry!  Didn't mean to scare you!"  I leaned down and levered the cart back onto its wheels.  I backed away holding my hands out peaceably.
"Wait!"  She took a step forward.  "I'm sorry I didn't mean to be rude...  You just startled me is all.  Thank you!"  She looked around scooping up a bouquet and tossing it to me.  "Please take this.  I really appreciate the help."  I caught the bouquet and bowed slightly.
"Anytime I can help.  And thank you.  Oh my name is Rick by the way."  I turned to leave  
"I'm Rose.  Have a nice night."  I waved and headed to the library.  I knocked on the door when i got there and it flew open Twilight standing there.
"Oh thank Celestia!  I was getting worried.  Its late you know?"  As she scolded me I held out the bouquet for her.
"Sorry.  Did a lot of exploring today.  And met some nice ponies, they seem to be getting used to me."  I said with a grin.  "Forgive me?"  She tried to look annoyed but smiled instead sniffing the flowers.  She nibbled the top off of one and gasped.
"Yum!  Thank you Rick!"  Levitating the flowers with her magic she moved forward and gave me hug.  I leaned down hugging her back tightly.  I released her after a moment reluctantly and we headed inside.  She had a small table set up with food on it a half burnt down candle in the center of the table.
"I'm sorry Twilight.  I see now I made you wait."  She put the flowers in a vase nibbling another head off as she did.
"Oh that’s alright.  Spike fell asleep though."  She giggled.  I sat down and we ate together, I told her how my day went though I left out my plans with Jet Set.  She likely wouldn't approve of them.  But she was happy when I told her I had some ideas of what she could get Rarity.  
I was tired but she was falling asleep on her plate.  I quickly cleared up the plates and put them in the kitchen sink, when I got back she was out like a light leaning on the table.  
I gently picked her up, and managed to carry her up the stairs to her bed.  I set her down lightly pulling her covers over her sleeping form.  I brushed her mane out of her face looking at her for a moment before I headed over to bed.  Pulling off my boots, socks and shirt I pondered how I was going to handle Jet Set's request.  As I lay down, again Twilight's soft breathing lulled me asleep in moments.
I could get used to this I thought as I slipped in sleep.
> Chapter 3 (The Dress)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I awoke in the middle of the night, nature calling.  As I got up I noticed Twilight wasn't in her bed.  Down below in the library there was a light.  I headed down quietly to find Twilight with a pile of books at her desk reading and writing away.
"Oh!  I'll need the Zoological guide to Equestria as well please."  She said.  I wasn't sure if she was talking to me.
"Pardon?"  I asked.
"Ah!  Rick!  You scared me!"
"Sorry!  Sorry, I thought you were talking to me."  I apologised.
"No I was talking to Owloysius."  She gestured behind me.  I turned and noticed an owl swoop over to one of the bookshelves and grab a text in his claws and fly back to Twilight then settling down on a stand near Twilights desk.
"He helps me when I work at night...  Oh!  I didn't wake you did I?!"
"No, no.  Just needed the washroom is all."  I noticed she was looking at me strangely.  "What is it Twilight?"  I asked.
"Hmm…  Oh, I just never knew humans grew fur as well."  At that moment I remembered I wasn't wearing my shirt.  Feeling a bit embarrassed I backed slowly towards the washroom.
"Well yes, I guess you'd just call it hair.  We do grow it on some parts of us.  Males more so."
"Fascinating.  But you don't grow enough to keep warm in the cold weather?  That’s why you wear clothes all the time right?"
"Not quite the whole story, but close enough.”  I chuckled as I headed into the washroom, ahh Twilight so curious about everything.  I finished up and washed heading back out.  Twilight was back at work, I walked up to see what she was doing.  A lot of graphs and diagrams of star positions, she was making notes and flipping through the books quickly.
"Do you stay up working late a lot Twilight?"  I asked.
"No, not too often.  But sometimes I wake up with an idea and I have to work on it quickly before I forget it!"  She replied without looking up from her work.  I put my hand on her shoulder squeezing it gently for a second.
"Well don't tire yourself out too much Twilight."  I yawned.  "I'm going back to bed, Goodnight Twilight."  I headed to the stairs.
"Rick?..."  I turned to see her studying me with those big beautiful purple eyes of hers.
"What is it Twilight?"  I asked.
"Um…  If you want to that is.  You can call me Twi.  My friends do.  Sometimes..."  She blushed slightly, her ears folding back in that so cute way.
"Twi..."  I said, testing the word out.  "I like that.  Thanks Twi."  I smiled at her and she blinked.
"Thanks for what?"
"Well, if your friends call you Twi.  I guess that means you consider me a friend?  Right?"
"Oh."  She said blushing again.  "Yes.  I do."
"That makes me happy Twi, goodnight."  I said heading back up the stairs.
"Night!"  I looked down the stairs and she quickly turned getting back to her work.  I laid back down, friends eh?  As I slipped back into sleep I thought, well everything starts somewhere…

I woke with a start in the morning to Spike yelling to Twilight that he was coming!  As I rubbed sleep from my eyes I saw him rushing down the stairs a bundle of scrolls in his arms.  I got up quickly putting my clothes on, as I descended the stairs Twilight was heading out the door saddlebags crammed with books.
"Were running late Rick!  Sorry!  There’s food in the kitchen."  And with that she and Spike were out the door and gone.
I walked down to the kitchen and grabbed a couple of apples for breakfast and headed out the door.  I had some time until I needed to be where Jet Set and told me to be for his plan.  I walked through town nodding and saying hello to ponies I passed, most greeted me in return.  I was glad I wasn't freaking anyone out, as I walked I found myself near Sugarcube Corner so I stopped by to say hi to Pinkie Pie.  She was zipping around the store putting goodies on display and taking customer orders.  She was like a wild pink whirlwind!
"Hi Rick!"  She zoomed by me greeting me quickly.
"Hiya Pinkie.  Wow your busy today."  Then I remembered my promise to Sweetie Belle.  "Ah right I have to get Sweetie Belle five cupcakes..."  I whispered to myself.
"Five cupcakes for Sweetie Belle?!  How sweet!  In more ways then one!  Here you go!"  Pinkie was somehow standing right by me pressing a package into my hand.
"What the?!  How...  Thanks Pinkie but I don't have any money to pay for these."
"That’s ok!  I love to help out my friends..."
"Pinkie Pie!  No more free samples!"  A light blue pony with a dark and light pink mane and tale came storming out of the kitchen.  Pinkie hung her head down looking sad.
"But Mrs Cake..."  She began but I interrupted quickly.
"No that’s quite all right.  I am more then happy to pay when I can.  I just haven't found any jobs yet.  I've only been here for a few days after all."  I explained.  Mrs Cake stopped and looked at me a second.
"Well that’s different then.  And we could use a bit of help...  What do you think Pinkie?  If he does your deliveries he can have the cupcakes for free.  Any a few bits too."  She offered.
"Okie dokie with me!  Rick?"  They both turned to look at me.
"Uh, of course.  I'd be glad to help out."  That settled Mrs Cake and Pinkie loaded me up with a dozen packages as well as a list of where to take them.  Finally Mrs Cake placed the package of cupcakes on top and tucked some bits into my pocket.
"Thank you!  Feel free to come and help again if you have the time."  With that she pushed me out the door.  Ponyville isn't a huge town but definitely big enough for me to get a bit lost trying to find the addresses I needed to deliver to.  
I started to get my bearings and with a few helpful ponies directions after a few hours I managed to deliver the last package.  As luck would have it I wasn't far away from Carousel Boutique, I would have time to drop off the cupcakes and still make it to my appointment.  I walked up to the door and headed in the little bells above the door jingling announcing my entrance.  Rarity came trotting in from a side room.
"Oh, Rick.  So good to see you again so soon.  How may I help you?"  She said again extending her hoof towards me.
"Milady Rarity, so nice to see you again."  I said kissing her hoof electing a small blush from her.
"Ooh Milady.  I like that one!"  She exclaimed.  I grinned at her.
"Then that is how I shall refer to you from now on with your permission."
"Please do!  Say, darling...  Aren't those the same clothes you were wearing yesterday?"  I looked down at my clothes, definitely not fashionable but good enough for work.
"Well yes...  Their all I have here you see..."  She gasped levitating a measuring tape and clipboard over to her.
"I can make you new clothes!  Ooh I can see it now!  Human fashions!  For the only human in Equestria!  It will be fabulous!"  She immediately began measuring me and taking down notes.
"Well that’s very kind of you, but I really can't afford..."  I remembered the few bits that Mrs Cake had given me and dug them out.  "Well at least let me give you this little amount.  As a down payment!"  She looked at me a moment the bits in my hand.
"Darling.  I didn't ask for any money.  You are a friend, and I insist you let me do this for you."  I stood there shocked for a moment.
"Really?  That’s so nice of you Rare…  I mean Milady Rarity.  I will repay you in kind someday."  I bowed to her putting the bits away.  "Oh yes I have something for Sweetie Belle, is she here?"  Finishing up her measurements Rarity started heading towards her workroom.
"Yes, she's just outside with her friends.  Please do come back tomorrow and I will have something made up.  Take care."  I wished her a good day and headed out behind the store to look for Sweetie Belle when I suddenly heard.
"Look out!"  Just as three little fillies crashed into me from above knocking me off my feet and sending the cupcake box flying into the air.  Apple Bloom hopped up catching it easily on her head and deposited it on my chest.
"Sorry bout that mister."  She then turned to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.  "Anything?"  They all turned and checked each other flanks; apparently they weren't happy with the results as they all hung their heads low.
"Nothing.  I guess base jumping isn't our special talent...  Or maybe we just need to jump from a higher height!"  Scootaloo said.
"Whoa, whoa girls.  That sounds a little dangerous.  How about you do some more brainstorming and have some cupcakes?  Just like I promised Sweetie Belle."  I said unveiling the cupcakes to them.  Pinkie the little devil!  Somehow she knew all three of them would be together and included another cupcake so they would each have two.
"Thanks Rick!  Your secret is safe with me."  Sweetie Belle said with a wink.
"What secret?"  Asked Scootaloo.  "Ya what!"  Apple Bloom chimed in.
"I'll tell you later."  I gave Sweetie Belle a fake shocked look.
"Sweetie Belle!"
"Oh…  I mean I won't tell you later."  She said grinning cutely up at me.  Now how could I resist that?  I gave them each two cupcakes and excused myself rushing off towards the train station.
I arrived a bit early and took a short breather.  Then I tossed dirt all over myself and messed up my hair trying to look as gruff as I could.  
Right on time the train pulled up and Jet Set came out of the train office to greet some posh looking ponies who disembarked.  As a group they headed my way as I waited around the corner of a building, I rounded the corner bumping into Jet Set again just as they were walking up.
"I say!  How rude."  His friends backed up a few steps clearly never having seen anything like me.  He glanced back at them and with a sneer and said.  "Now why would Ponyville let a beast like you wander the streets is beyond me.  I invite my colleges here for a nice lunch and you get in our way.  I must insist you apologise immediately ruffian!"  I had my part to play and did so up to the hilt.
"Uh, you be quiet pony.  You get out of way."  I then tried to brush by him and was topped by his extended forehoof.
"How dare you!  Monster I challenge you to hoovesicuffs!"  I stared at him dumbly.  "A fight you idiot."  I raised my arms up menacingly.
"Me smack you round pony!"  He held up his hoof haughtily.
"Not here fool.  Let us retire to behind the train station.  I wouldn't want you to get drubbed in public."  He laughed and turned walking away his friends far less convincingly laughed and followed him keeping an eye on me.  I followed dimly.  We went around the building and his friends formed a small semicircle with us in the middle, he rolled up his sleeves tossing his sweater to one of his friends.
"Now let’s see what you've got beast.  If you’re as tough as your stink I may be in trouble."  He snickered.  	Standing on his Backhooves he put up his forehooves up in a classical fighting stance.  I moved up mimicking his stance awkwardly, and he zipped in with a quick one two hoof to my face and chest.  I let my head roll with the punch but it had still hurt a bit, he might be a pansy of a stallion but he still had hard hooves.  I growled menacingly and took a few swings at him which he ducked easily, he then came back with a few jabs in my stomach and then a uppercut which dazed me momentarily, despite the lack of authority it had.  
I stumbled back and then with a roar rushed forward swinging wildly, he ducked my clumsy swings striking me once more across the face opening a small cut and again in the kidney stumbling me forward.  With a laugh and cheers from his friends he kicked me in the rump sending me sprawling.  I lay there groaning in very real pain but feigning much greater.  He sauntered over dumping a small pouch of coins over my head.
"See how gracious I am in victory my friends.  Go get yourself fixed up at the hospital weakling."  With that he kicked me in the side and dismissing me grabbed his sweater knotting it around his neck and walked off with his friends laughing all the way.
I lay there a second making sure in his playacting he hadn't really damaged me when out of the blue Pinkie Pie was at my side.
"Rick!  Are you ok?!  That big meanie!  I'm going to go and give him a piece of my mind!  Or maybe even my whole mind!  Or maybe I'll round up some other ponies and give him all their minds too!"  She turned and started stalking off after him, I managed to grab her tail, she started to slowly drag me along seeming not to notice.
"Pinkie..."
"He can't go beating up on my friends!"
"Pinkie!"
"What?  Oh I'm sorry are you ok?"  I calmed her down explaining the situation to her.  I somewhat unsteadily got to my feet with her help and scooped up the bits Jet Set had dumped on me, waste not want not.  I then went over to the case he had left and carefully opened it.  The dress was in it, I sat down heavily, relieved.  I admit I had doubts that he would go through with giving me the dress as he seemed hardly a trustworthy type.
"Pretty!  So let me get this straight.  You let a meanie stallion beat you up for a dress, so you can give it to Twilight, so she can turn around and give it to Rarity, who made the dress in the first place?!"
"Uh…  Yeah that’s about it Pinkie."  Pinkie stared at me for a second.
"Makes perfect sense to me!"  She stopped and looked at me strangely for a second.  "Ooooooohhh…  Now I get it."  She giggled.
"Ok…  But Pinkie, you can't let Rarity know ok?  Or Spike.  Promise?"  She nodded her head.
"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"
"What was that?"  I asked.
"That’s a Pinkie Pie promise!  I won't break that no matter what!"  She grinned at me.  I struggled to my feet and picked up the case.
"Well that hurt.  But it was worth it.  I'd better get back to the library.  Hmm I better try to stay out of sight so I don't worry anypony right?  Wait a minute.  How did you find me?"
"Oh!  I finished work and went to see if you had any trouble making those deliveries.  Here let me help."  Pinkie let me lean on her and together we made our way thru town in a meandering fashion finally arriving at the library late in the day.  I peeked in the door and came face to face with Twilight.
"Rick!  What happened!?”  Her magic glowed as she pulled me thru the door and quickly sat me down on a chair levitating a cool wet cloth over and putting it on my bruised face.  Pinkie popped into the room as well bouncing over to us.
"Oh!  Rick let a mean unicorn stallion beat him up so he could get a dress for you to give to Rarity!"
"Pinkie!"  I shouted.
"What?  You said not to tell Rarity or Spike.  You didn't say anything about Twilight..."  She looked at me confused while I slapped my palm into my face.  Ow.
"Is that true Rick?"  Twilight asked, staring right into my eyes.  Nervously I answered.
"Well yes…  But Twi, it’s not a big deal.  Really!  He didn't hurt me badly and you should see the dress.  Rarity made it for his wife, but she loves it so much, she'll be so surprised!"  She stared at me for a moment more some tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
"Why would you do that?  It’s not worth you getting hurt.  What if he had hurt you badly!  Never do that again!"  Her tears were flowing freely now and I felt like a real heel.  I leaned forward and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"I'm sorry Twi.  I never wanted to worry you.  Forgive me?"  I held her hooves in my hands staring into her beautiful eyes.  Then I noticed Pinkie Pie sitting right beside us looking quickly from one of us to the other a huge grin on her face.  Twilight noticed her as well; clearing her throat she gently pulled her hooves away.
"I forgive you.  But don't scare me like that."  She playfully nudged me in the arm with her hoof; I grabbed my arm in mock pain.
"Ow!"  Then I stuck my tongue out at her and grabbed the case opening it for her.  "Take a look."  She gasped.
"Beautiful!  Oh Rarity will be surprised.  Thank you…  Pinkie do you want to have dinner with us?  Spike should be here soon."  She got up and headed to the kitchen Pinkie following close behind.
"Sounds good Twilight!  What are we having?  Cake?"  Pinkie and Twilight quickly set the table just as Spike entered; we all sat down and ate, Spike looking at my bruises strangely.  I explained I had taken a bit of a fall, nothing to worry about and he seemed to accept that well enough.  After dinner Spike headed up to bed and Pinkie headed back home.  I helped Twilight clean up feeling quite a bit better already.
"So where are you going to hide the dress."  I whispered to Twilight.  She levitated it up to the top of the room tucking it between a pair of branches there.  She giggled.
"No one will notice it there.  I'm bushed Rick.  That all nighter sure tired me out."  She turned to go but then turned back to me.  "Thanks again, really."  She leaned in and gave me a quick hug, blushing slightly she turned and headed to her bed.  
I finished cleaning up and headed up myself.  Twilight and Spike were both sound asleep when I got up I just stood looking out at the night sky for a bit lost in my own thoughts.  After a bit I got undressed and laid down.  Tossing and turning a bit I wondered to myself how I’d gotten so lucky to be brought to this place.  Then I remembered that I had to go back eventually.  Somehow the thought of going home didn't appeal to me as much as it had a few days ago.
I shook my head.  I guess I don't really belong here...
But still...
> Chapter 4 (Partytime!)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

		I woke up early, the sun just rising.  Twilight and Spike were still asleep.  I got dressed and quietly headed downstairs, heading to the kitchen I went to see what I might whip up for them for breakfast.  While by no means a great chef I can cook fairly well, finding some pancake mix I quickly gathered the ingredients and got to work.  I even found some forks and knives, must be for Spike I thought.
I had just finished getting everything set up when Spike came down the stairs sniffing.
"Pancakes?!  Awesome!  Thanks dude!"  He hopped up on a chair helping himself.
"Twi still asleep?"  He nodded with his mouth full.  I grabbed a tray and loaded up a plate for her, a little breakfast in bed can be nice.  Although her bed was only ten feet from the kitchen, and she could just teleport there.  It’s the thought that counts right?
I headed up the stairs snagging a couple of books I’d flipped through the day before hoping to ask her a few questions.  She lay there sleeping peacefully, her mane in disarray around her head.
"Twilight…”  I whispered.  Her response was a grunt.  "Twi..."  I tried a little louder. 
"Five more minutes mom..."  I chuckled softly and waved the tray in front of her enticing her with pancake aroma.  That did it; she popped open one eye and looked at me stretching languorously.
"Morning…”  She smiled at me.
"Morning Twi.  Pancakes?"  I offered her the tray and she levitated it beside her on the bed blushing slightly.
"You didn't have to go to all that trouble..."
"Just making myself useful."  I grinned at her.  She gestured to the books in my hand.  "Oh!  I just wanted to ask you a few questions…  After you eat of course, no rush."
She smiled and looking over the rail down below levitated a plate with a few pancakes and syrup up for me before Spike could finish them off.  We ate quietly looking at one another then quickly looking away more then a few times. 
Finishing up and putting our plates aside I opened one book after another and asked her a few questions, one question often raised a few more when she answered.  But I was able to learn about cutie marks, a bit of Equestria's history as well as the primary differences between Equestria and the Earth that I knew, also Pegasus and Unicorn ponies as well as the Alicorn’s.  Nigh Immortal beings with vast magical powers amazing!
Twilight and Spike had to head out again; I had no idea how much she did around Ponyville.  Helping out and organizing things like only she could.  
I cleaned up after they left and headed out myself remembering I had promised to go and see Rarity again today.  As I headed over there again I noticed ponies around town waving and seeming to accept me more, it was a nice feeling.  On my way I stopped at a playground and pushed some young fillies and colts on the swings their mothers watching me cautiously at first from the side of the park.  After a bit of fun I left the park with promises to come again and made my way to Carousel Boutique.
Shortly after walking in Rarity came into the room looking lovely as always.  I took her hoof and kissed it lightly.
"As always a pleasure to see you Milady Rarity."  She blushed slightly and led me into another room where she had several outfits made up for me already.  She insisted I try them on and I did so, they were very well made though they did make me look like I should be in a Doctor Who episode.  Very formal while still being somewhat outlandish as well as some colors I wouldn't normally wear.  But she had generously made them for me so I was thrilled with them, I certainly couldn't go on wearing my old clothes much longer anyhow.
Thanking her profusely I headed out back to the library to store my new outfits.  When I got there I found Pinkie Pie waiting, looking in the windows and pacing back and forth.
"What’s up Pinkie?"  I asked.  She spun around excited.
"Wow!  Nice outfits!  Rarity must have made them!  She’s so talented!  Oh!  I'm late for work but I made up the invitations for your party tomorrow night!  I mailed a few of them but most of them are nearby!  Could I ask you to deliver them pretty please?!?!"
"Sure Pinkie but who do I..."  She ran up dropping a basket in my arms.
"The address's are on them sorry gotta go bye!"   And with that she was gone.  I went inside and deposited my new clothes on my bed then looked through the invitations, there were a lot!  Well better get started then.
I headed through town locating addresses and delivering the invitations to many ponies, a lot of them were a bit wary of me but assured me that they would never miss a Pinkie Pie party.  
I headed back to Carousel Boutique and delivered Rarity’s invitation, Sweetie Belle's also.  Rainbow Dash's was much harder to deliver, eventually I had to get the assistance of a strange but very nice Pegasus, light grey with a blond mane and tail named Derpy to ask Dash to come to the library to collect her invite herself.  Conveniently I also had an invite for Derpy too.  Working my way to the edge of town I came to a quaint little cottage, moss covered with birdhouses all around.  Little bunnies hopping here and there a small chicken coop in the back.  I knocked on the door, a few moments later it opened a crack and Fluttershy peered out nervously.
"Y… Yes?"
"Hi Fluttershy.  I brought an invitation for you for the party Pinkie Pie is throwing."  I slid it through the crack to her.
"Oh…  Thank you…  Um…  Bye."  As she slid the door closed I managed say.
"Bye…”  Strange mare.
I was almost through the invitations; I headed out to Sweet Apple Acres to drop off Applejacks, Big Mac's as well as Apple Bloom and Granny Smith's invitations.  Granny Smith looked at her invitation.
"After dark?  Shucks I'll be asleep long before that sonny."  She then stopped and looked at me closely.  "Lands sakes!  Yer fur done all fallen out!  Come on inside for some tea an biscuits ya poor thing."  We all went in the house and did just that, I excused myself after a bit as I had a couple of invitations left to deliver.  
I made my way back into town to Sugarcube Corner where I found Pinkie playing with a couple of little foals, a cute little unicorn and a cute little Pegasus while Mr and Mrs Cake ran the store.
"Uh…  Pinkie, here’s your invitation."  She jumped up excited and grabbed it.  "Why would you need a..."  She interrupted me bouncing around me in a circle.
"Everypony likes to get invitations!  Its soooo exciting!  Woo!"  Laughing I exited heading back to the library to deliver my last two invitations for Spike and Twilight.
As I approached the library Rainbow Dash streaked down from the sky landing in front of me with a thump.
"What’s up?"  She asked.  I grabbed her invitation and offered it to her.  "Thanks, but really you could have just asked Derpy to deliver it to me ya know?  She is one of Ponyville’s mail ponies after all."
"Oop I guess I could have.  Sorry Rainbow Dash."  She grinned at me.
"Hey no big deal.  And just call me Dash."  With that she zoomed off.
Finally making it back to the library I entered to find no one home yet.  No big deal I collapsed onto the couch and relaxed, my legs and feet killing me from all the hiking around I had done today.
Before too long I dozed off only to be awakened by the door swinging open Twilight clopping in with Spike on her back a bunch of bags levitating beside her.  I quickly sat up rubbing sleep from my eyes.
"Let me get those for you Twi."  I grabbed the bags from midair.
"Thanks Rick, just in the kitchen please.  We picked up some takeout for supper."  I brought the bags into the kitchen Spike right on my heels licking his chops. I'm not sure where these ponies learned to cook Italian but it was excellent.  Vegetarian of course but delicious none the less.  Spike excused himself and trotted upstairs to bed.  Twilight and I cleaned up then sat on the couch relaxing in silence for a few minutes, she looked over at me.
"Do you want to go for a walk?"  My feet were still killing me but spending time with Twilight wasn't something I was going to miss out on.
"Sure."  We left the library walking randomly seeing and greeting ponies on their way home for the day as dusk overtook us we found ourselves in the park I had visited earlier in the day.  Empty now, we sat on a pair of the swings, swinging back and forth quietly looking at each other and then looking away quickly time and again.  I felt I should say something, but I was worried about sounding stupid.  Remembering I dug into my pocket and pulled out Twilights invitation and reached over to hand it to her.
"Here Twi."  She turned and reached out but we were swinging a bit too fast and I over reached falling off of my swing on the ground.
"Are you ok?!"  Twilight asked with concern reaching over to help me up, but she too forgot she was swinging and toppled right on top of me flattening me back down to the ground.
"Oof."  I grunted managing to flip myself over coming face to face with Twilight.
"Sorry."  She grinned apologetically.  I laughed.
"Not a problem Twi."  I noticed she hadn't moved, just inches away, her coat and mane shone in the moonlight and her eyes were so beautiful my breath caught in my throat.  I managed to bring up my hand, her invitation now somewhat crumpled still grasped in it.  "It’s for you."  She sat back levitating the envelope and opening it scanning the contents quickly.  She smiled softly.
"Pinkie Pie always goes all out for a party.  Should be fun."  With a sigh she leaned back looking at the sky.  "I guess its getting late, we should get back."  
I got up dusting myself off and offered my hand to help her up.  Getting to her hooves with my assistance she shook her mane and tail to get the dust out and we headed back to the library, we walked side by side, unconsciously I put my hand over her body on her far shoulder as we walked.  It seemed so natural I didn't even notice that I had done it, in response she walked a little closer to me.  We made our way back through town like that; I was oblivious to anything else.
Walking back into the library I reluctantly took my hand off her soft coat and excused myself to the washroom to clean the dust off my hair and skin.  Standing there I looked at myself in the mirror.  What the hell are you doing?  She's not interested in you; you’re not even the same species.  Splashing cold water in my face I then dried off and headed up to bed.
Twilight was already in bed reading.
"Goodnight Rick."
"Night Twi.  Thanks for supper. And the walk.  It was… Nice."  I folded my new clothes and set them aside with the other sets Rarity had made for me and got into bed.  Twilight put her book aside turning out the light.
"Anytime…”  She replied, we both settled down.  
Sleep overtook my tired body quickly, tomorrow would be another amazing day.



I awoke the next morning to the smell of eggs and toast.  Just as I was getting up Twilight appeared at the top of the stairs levitating a pair of plates.
"Oh no you don't."  She said with a smile while floating one of the plates over to me.
"Aw, you didn't have to Twi."
"No problem at all."  As we began to eat I heard Spike downstairs grumbling.
"No one ever brings me breakfast in bed..."  Twilight and I grinned at each other.
"Spike weren't you going to help Rarity gather gemstones today?"  Twilight asked.  We heard a crash come from downstairs as Spike rushed for the door.
"Ahh!  Right!  Can't be late!  Bye!"  Finishing eating Twilight turned to me.
"Well if you have no other plans today would you like to help me study?"  She asked me hopefully.  I smiled at her.
"Sounds like fun."
For several hours she poured over tomes, occasionally asking me to get more for her from the vast number she had shelved.  I took the books she had finished with and looked over them myself before returning them to the shelves.  
Most of them had to do with magic and I was unable to make heads or tails of them.  Some were about astrology, zoology and even pathology.  Apparently there were many different diseases unique to this world and ponies themselves, hopefully I wouldn't catch or pass on anything.
We took a break for lunch.  While we ate I asked.
"Couldn't you just be using your magic to get these books?"  She blushed slightly.
"Maybe…  But when I get concentrating on something I can't control it very well.  And…  Well it’s nice to have company."  I smiled at her.
"Glad to help.  Anytime."  After we finished eating Twilight started showing me some of her magical tricks.  They were all amazing and I told her so.  She blushed a lot, clearly not used to getting complimented so much.  Her last trick was growing magic, causing my several days worth of stubble to explode into a full beard.  She giggled reversing the spell, but it took all the hair it had grown as well as the facial hair I had already grown.  A quick shave indeed.
"Oops, sorry Rick.  They don't always work the same way."  I chuckled.
"That’s alright Twi.  I was probably overdue for a shave anyhow."  She awkwardly shuffled one of her hooves on the ground.
"Oh... I kind of liked the gruff look..."
"Well it will grow back...  But if you want to try using magic I’m ok with that."  She looked up at me excited.
"Really?!"  I grinned at her; she was so cute when she was enthusiastic.
We spent the rest of the afternoon trying spell after spell, some of which had some unusual, but thankfully reversible side effects.  By the time she had the spell perfected both of us were worn out.
"Maybe we should take a short nap Twi?  So we'll be ready for the party tonight?"  She yawned and nodded.  We both relaxed on the couch and fell asleep before too long.
I'm not sure how long we slept but I was awoken when Spike came ambling thru the door a package in hand.
"Aren't you guys ready...?”  He stopped and stared at me.  I wasn't sure what he was looking at until I noticed Twilight curled up beside me her head resting on my chest.  I made a shh motion to Spike.
"We'll be right there Spike."  I whispered.  He smiled at me, threw me a salute putting the package on the floor while walked out closing the door quietly behind him.  
I sat there leaned back quietly for awhile enjoying my proximity to Twilight, I still couldn't place her scent but it was intoxicating.  I absently stroked her soft mane lost in my own thoughts when she began to stir.  She stretched languorously.
"Oh, how long did we sleep..."  She realised she was pressed right up against me, looking up at me she went beet red and pulled away.  "I'm so sorry!"  I smiled gently at her.
"For what?  You can lean on me anytime Twi.  I think it’s almost time for the party though.  Spike came by and left that package for you."  She walked over levitating it while reading the card attached to it.
"It’s a new dress from Rarity.  She says she made it especially for me for this party.  See how generous she is?"  She immediately trotted upstairs to put it on.  I waited to see not wanting to intrude.  As she came down the stairs my heart stopped for a moment.  She was wearing a beautiful silk kimono, nearly the twin of the one I had seen Rarity in.  How had Rarity known…?  Sweetie Belle!  That little rascal.
She looked at me seeking my reaction to the dress; seeing my staring slack jawed she looked down at the floor her ears laid back.
"Oh…  It looks ridiculous, doesn't it?"  I stood up quickly still staring but not as awkwardly.
"No.  You look beautiful Twi...  I mean…  You always look beautiful...  I mean the dress, it looks good…  On you?  You make it look good.  Why am I babbling?  Why can't I stop?  Why don't you stop me??"  She giggled blushing.
"Thanks…”  I squeezed by her trying to hide my burning face and went up to change into another of my new outfits.  Strangely enough I found one that complimented Twilights new dress perfectly, that sneaky Rarity.  I quickly changed and came down still feeling a bit embarrassed but she was waiting for me by the door, smiling radiantly.
"Shall we?"  She asked.  I needed no further invitation, I joined her and we started walking.  
Applejacks acreage had the most room and with her permission that’s where Pinkie Pie had set up the party.  It was quite away from the library but neither Twilight nor I even mentioned teleporting, we simply enjoyed the walk together.  As we approached Sweet Apple Acres we could see Pinkie had been busy.  There were streamers and lights as well as decorations all around, a large banner was hung across the barn.  Welcome to Ponyville!  It read.  As we walked up Pinkie Pie popped out from behind a tree.
"Surprise!  Well I guess it’s not much of a surprise since you were coming here for a party anyhow.  But you know what I mean.  Ooohhh pretty dress Twilight!  Come on!  Come on!  Lots of people to meet!"  She bounced circles happily around us as we walked up.  There was quite a crowd, ponies of every type and coloring.  I was pretty sure I hadn’t given out quite this many invitations.  It looked like every pony in town was here!  Pinkie apparently reading my mind leaned over.
"Well, I got to thinking that maybe I was leaving some ponies out of the fun so I invited more ponies!  More is fun right?!"  With that she bounced off to help with the party and have fun.  I was a little nervous; I was never good around large crowds.  Twilight looked up at me sensing my apprehension.
"Here, just put your hand on my shoulder and we'll go mingle a bit.  It will be ok, I promise."  She smiled at me and I felt better.  As we moved around the party and Twilight introduced me to everypony we met I could see she knew everypony in town by name, their families and what they did for a living.  With Twilight by my side I managed to get over my apprehension somewhat and was able to be social.  And there was a lot to do as well as a lot of ponies to meet.  Pinkie Pie had all sorts of games lined up for everypony to play, music and dancing too as well as plenty of food.
I was sitting enjoying a moment of peace as well as a piece of pie when Applejack came trotting up.
"Well howdy Rick.  Hope your having a good time?"  I finished my last bite of pie before answering.
"I certainly am Applejack.  It was nice of you to let the party be held here.  I hope we aren't keeping Granny Smith awake?"  Applejack laughed.
"Sugar, a full blown tornado couldn't keep Granny awake."  She grabbed my hand and pulled me up.  "Time to dance."
"Oh I don't know Applejack; I'm really not a good..."  My objections went unheeded as she dragged me to the dance area, a lively square dancing tune playing.  Oh what the heck, I tried my best to match her dancing style as well as I could on two legs.  I imagine I looked pretty silly but no one seemed to care, they were all having a good time.  The song ended and I turned to head back to my seat but was intercepted by Rarity who was wearing a beautiful gown.
"You wouldn't leave without having a dance with me would you darling?"  I bowed at the waist and took her hoof.
"I wouldn't dream of it Milady."  A lively waltz began to play and I tried to keep up with Rarity, Even balancing on two hooves she was a better dancer then me.  I followed her lead and we danced for awhile until she handed me off into Fluttershy's arms.
"Oh…  I hope you don't mind…”  I smiled at the shy little mare.
"Not at all Fluttershy."  I managed to take the lead thanks to what I had learned from Rarity moments earlier.  Maybe it was her wings but Fluttershy was amazingly light on her hooves.  As we danced she seemed to lose a lot of her apprehension and let herself enjoy the dance.  When the dance ended she gave me a quick hug.
"Thanks."  Then she wandered over to the buffet.  I was about to get off the dance floor as well when someone hip checked me from the side.  Dash had made her entrance.
"Alright, enough of this mamby pamby dancing.  Its time to rock!  Hit it!"  She gestured over and I saw a white unicorn mare with a dark and light blue mane and tail at a dj booth, she immediately put a record down and some hard rock came on.  Now this was music I was more used to.  Dash and I rocked out on the floor, plenty of other ponies joining us.  As the song ended Dash held out her hoof and we fist/hoof bumped.
A slow song came on and Dash immediately zipped off the floor.  Chuckling to myself I turned to go as well when who did I find waiting a few steps behind me?  
Twilight Sparkle.
"You didn't forget about me did you?"  She asked with a slight blush.
"Never."  I moved over to her and we embraced, I ducked down a bit so she could put her head on my shoulder and we gently swayed back and forth to the music holding each other.
"I hope your having a good time?"  She whispered in my ear.
"I was, but this is a lot better."  She squeezed me softly and we continued dancing.  I shut my eyes and concentrated on her scent, her soft breathing and the gentle beating of her heart.  The song seemed to go on forever and yet ended far too soon.  Little did I or Twilight know that we were the only two dancing.
As the song ended Twilight and I opened our eyes looking at one another.  I had the overwhelming urge to kiss her, but that was just me being foolish.  I took her hoof instead kissing it softly.
"Thank you for the dance."  I said.  She smiled at me.
"Anytime."  We made our way off the dance floor and the music started back up.  I got us a couple of cups of punch and we sat down with Rarity, Spike and Fluttershy as well as Dash and Applejack.  Pinkie Pie was still bouncing around the party, playing games and having the time of her life.
It was getting late and ponies were drifting away in twos and threes, excusing themselves and thanking us for a wonderful party.  I told them Pinkie Pie deserves most of the credit as well as Applejack and everypony who helped out.  After awhile Pinkie came and joined us and we all sat, snacking and talking until all the guests had gone.  
Then we all pitched in to clean things up, Big Mac lent his strength to the task helping immensely.  Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom as well as Scootaloo tried to help but couldn't keep their little heads up and soon dozed off.  Spike following shortly after.  Laughing the rest of us finished cleaning up; Applejack scooped up Apple Bloom and Scootaloo and started to head inside.
"Well got to get these little filly’s to bed.  Thanks for comin ya'll.  Have a safe walk home."  Rarity scooped up Sweetie Belle and Twilight levitated Spike onto her back, Dash, Fluttershy and I as well as Pinkie Pie proceeded to walk them home.  About halfway there Fluttershy had to turn off to go to her own home.
"Goodnight everyone…  Um…  Dash, would you walk me home?  It’s dark…”  Rainbow Dash just rolled her eyes.
"Of course it’s dark Fluttershy, its night time.  Come on, let’s go."  The two of them flew off and we continued to Carousel Boutique just before we arrived Pinkie Pie headed off to her own home at Sugarcube Corner.
"Thanks for letting me throw that party Rick!  It was so much fun; ponies will be talking about it for months!"  As she trotted away we came up to Rarity's doorstep.
"Thank you so much for escorting us.  You two have a nice walk home now."  She bid us farewell with a knowing smile.  As we walked away Twilight shook her head.
"Our friends are weird sometimes."  I looked at her.
"Our friends?  Well what do you know?  I guess they are our friends.  I hadn't really thought about it.  I don't usually make friends that easily."  She smiled at me warmly.
"Well your doing pretty good here."  We slowly walked toward the library enjoying the night air.  When we arrived we were both yawning a bit and headed upstairs right away.  Twilight levitated her dress off, folding it neatly and stowing it in a dresser as i got undressed and laid down.
"Sweet dreams Twi."  She extinguished the light.
"Sweet dreams Rick."
I lay back very tired but also exhilarated.  What a day.
As I fell into sleep i thought to myself.  Why couldn't I accept it?  She's perfect.
The perfect woman…  Mare…
> Chapter 5 (A Royal Surprise)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The rest of the week seemed to fly by.  Apparently word had spread that I was looking to work, and every pony in town it seemed had a job for me to help with.  
Perhaps it was just the novelty of having a strange bipedal being work with them?  Well for whatever reason I found that these ponies were hard workers, kind and generous.  I suppose I should have guessed that already from my interactions with Twilight and her friends.
The citizens of Ponyville sure kept me busy; I had dozens of jobs every day.  Most were quite simple affairs, helping to hang signs, picking up and disposing of litter, more deliveries for the Cakes.  But each and every pony insisted they repay me in some way, often a few bits here and there or a snack or some item that they sold.  
I didn't really need the money or payment of any kind; I was just trying to help out.  But it would be rude to refuse so I made sure to acquire items that Twilight and her friends might want or have some use for.  The money I kept most of, you never know when I might need it.  Though I often bought treats for Twilight and many of the little fillies and colts about town.
I had almost arrived back to the library late Sunday eve after a long day of work, the sky getting a bit cloudy.  	Suddenly I heard a thud behind me.  Thinking it was Rainbow Dash trying to spook me again I spun around and quickly backed off, falling backwards on my butt.
A large mare stood there, her coat a dark blue and her mane and tail both dark and light blue they seemed to ripple as if blown by the wind though there was none.  She had a long horn and atop her head rested a small crown, she also had a simple necklace draped around her neck a picture of the moon upon it, the same as on her flank.  Her wings unfurled making her look even larger, wait wings and a horn?  An Alicorn?!  I thought they were all in Canterlot?
I started to rise but fell back again as she stomped her hoof down causing a small clap of thunder and lightning to erupt from the clouds above us.
"HOW DARE YOU INVADE THIS TOWN KNAVE!?”  Her voice was amplified beyond measure as she took a step forward pointing her sharp horn at me.
"YOUR KIND HAS BEEN BANISHED FROM THIS KINGDOM FOR NEARLY TWO THOUSAND YEARS!  EXPLAINE YOUR PRESANCE AT ONCE!"  
As I pushed myself backwards trying to think of something to say that might placate this powerful being as she continued to stalk towards me.  
From behind me I heard galloping hoof beats and looking up I found Twilight standing beside me.
"Princess Luna!  Please let me explain!"  The Princess halted her advance.
"TWILIGHT SPARKLE!  WE COMMAND YOU TO STAND ASIDE!  THOU KNOWIST NOT HOW DANGEROUS THESE HUMANS CAN BE!"  
Twilight stepped right over me interposing herself between the Princess and I.
"He’s not like that!  Just listen please!"  She begged.  The Princess seemed to calm down slightly; she let her wings fall to her side.  She didn't look quite so large and dangerous anymore.  I struggled to my feet beside Twilight and took a step forward.
"My deepest apologies your highness."  As I began to bow she took a step forward her sharp horn coming to rest under my chin stopping me in my tracks.
"It is only because of our fondness for Twilight Sparkle that we do not call for our guardsmen.  If we do not like what she has to say thou will find thyself deep within our castles dungeons, understand?"  She spoke at a normal volume but her voice had a hard edge to it.  
Stepping back I nodded my ascension.  Keeping me beside her Twilight led us back to the library, once inside we gathered around her table Spike watching nervously from up in the bedroom.
The princess began to explain.  "Many years ago, when I was but a young filly myself."  I noticed she had switched from referring to herself in a royal fashion, odd.
"The human’s world had some magic of its own back then; its spell casters managed to create a portal between our dimensions and came through it seeking knowledge.  At first all was well, both our cultures learned a great deal from one another.  Our magic and theirs allowing us to learn each others language.  But the humans had something we never had much interest in.  A lust for power, wealth and resources."  
I cringed inside, if she only knew how much worse things had gotten.
"They began to come through in greater numbers, many of them not spell casters or even knowledge seekers.  Instead they sought wealth, gems and gold.  They did not seek to trade for these items though, but to take them by force.  We would have gladly opened trade with them if they had simply asked.  Small offences soon became commonplace, but we tried to maintain our peaceful relations.  Only once they took the lives of some townspeople who would not give them their meagre supply of gems did things truly get out of control."
I was beginning to think my time here might end in a hangman’s...  Er Hangponies?  Noose.
"My sister and I's parents ruled Equestria at that time, they were furious at the humans murderous ways.  Gathering their royal guard they marched to the portal and demanded they leave immediately.  Our parents were kind rulers, they believed in the good nature of everypony.  They assumed the gathered humans would go, seeing they were not welcome here any longer."  
Her voice got very low; I could see the sorrow in her eyes.  Under the table Twilight placed one of her hooves in my hand and I squeezed it comfortingly.
"They did not go.  Cowards that they were they surrounded and attacked the royal delegation, the guards and my parents fought valiantly I heard.  But to no avail.  They...  They were killed..."  
Twilight gasped, tears filling her beautiful eyes.  I had suspected that would be the outcome, but to hear the anguish in her voice was heartrending.  Even after hundreds and hundreds of years she felt the pain clearly.  I began to see just what a curse a near immortal life could be.
"All of Canterlot... No all of Equestria arose as one!  Filled with wrath we descended upon them, my sister and I leading them.  We drove them back through their portal, killing any who resisted.  We sealed it and wove powerful magic’s to see to it that they could never create another.  That day...  Celestia and I, we ascended to the throne to rule together...  Too soon...  Far too soon."
She lifted her gaze from the table and focused it upon me.
"How is it this human is here!?”  She demanded.
"An accident!  He was brought here, alone.  No others came with him or can they find their way here.  I wrote to Princess Celestia about him...  She didn't tell you?"  Twilight explained.  The Princess brought her hooves down on the table forcefully splintering it.
"She did not!"  She sank down into her chair suddenly looking very young and alone.  "She...  She must have known what memories it would bring."  
She looked at me again.
"She is far too forgiving.  Were it up to me you would be in chains.  So human, do you deny what I have said?  Do you call me liar?!"  I held up my hand in supplication, the other still holding Twilights hoof tightly.
"Never.  I fully admit humankind’s weaknesses, the atrocities they committed here still pale in comparison to what we do to one another.  Don't get me wrong."  
I looked at Twilight.
"There are many, many acts of kindness and love in my world.  But they are often overshadowed by human greed and cruelty.  I wish it weren't so."  
I released her hoof putting my hands on the table.
"Humans do not belong here.  Nor do you belong in our world.  Twilight, I never want you to go there.  You would be in so much danger; there are people with power who would stop at nothing to learn of this world.  Learn how your magic works, I couldn't bear it."
I put my head down on my hands dejected; a second later Twilight put her head beside mine, her foreleg over my shoulders.  I turned and hugged her tightly.  
How could this mare know me so well after so few days?  A few moments later we broke the hug and turned to find the Princess studying us carefully.
"You are no citizen of Equestria...  But...  I can see you are no enemy to it as well."  She sighed heavily.  "I will trust my sisters and Twilight Sparkles judgement. Do not betray that trust human."
I nodded my agreement to her.
"I am supposed to take him to see Princess Celestia at the end of the month.  It’s the soonest she could fit us in."  Twilight turned to me.  "I... I was going to tell you later.  I didn't want to make you nervous."  I put my arm around her and squeezed her gently.
"I understand.  But I am a bit nervous now.  It'll be ok though Twi."  The Princess rose from her seat.
"I heard tales of a strange creature in Ponyville, that’s why I came.  Now I must get back to my duties."  Twilight quickly rose and bowed to her, I attempted to do so also only to be stopped by her again, fortunately by her forehoof and not her horn this time.
"As I have stated you are no citizen of this land, you need not bow.  And indeed one might be insulted if you did.  Don't forget that."  She patted me on the side of the face with her hoof and then turned and exited.  Spike came running down the stairs.
"Holy guacamole!  I thought you were in some serious trouble there dude!"  I collapsed back into the chair.
"You got that right Spike."  I turned to Twilight.  "What do you think the other Princess will say?  Or do?"
"Celestia is an amazing ruler.  She will understand, you'll see."  She smiled but I could see a definite undercurrent of nervousness in her eyes.
We ate a simple dinner and headed up to bed.  I laid there thinking, staring at the ceiling when Twilight spoke up.
"Rick?"
"Yes Twi?"
"I'm sorry you were dragged here against your will."  I sat up and looked over at her.
"I'm not.  I know I can't stay.  The Princess was pretty clear about that.  But it’s been amazing, meeting all the ponies of Ponyville...  Meeting you.  I'd do it again in an instant."  She blushed slightly and smiled.
"I'm so glad you’re not mad.  Goodnight."
"Night Twi."

Clashes between humans and ponies way back then?
Not good.
What could i do to prove myself?
Could it even be possible?
> Chapter 6 (Starry Night)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As nervous as I was about being introduced to Celestia at the end of the month I trusted Twilight and tried my best to put it out of my mind.  There were still plenty of ponies who needed my help, though I was sure to check with Twilight everyday to see if she needed my assistance first.  
Some days she did, I was a bit worried that Spike might be annoyed with my taking up any of his share of Twilights attention.  But when I asked him about it he explained that any time I took to do his job was more time he could spend with Rarity.  So he didn't mind just as long as I remembered HE was the number one assistant.
About halfway through the week Spike came to me to ask a favour.  He and Twilight were travelling to Fillydelphia by train to get a new load of books and he had forgotten that he had promised Rarity that he would go with her to gather gems.  
I said I would be more then happy to help out Rarity if he needed, but wouldn't he be happier if he helped her and I went with Twilight?  He had thought of that but they had decided it would be better not to shock another town with the sudden appearance of a human.  Made sense.
I accompanied them to the train station bidding them a safe journey then headed to Carousel Boutique.
As I approached I found Rarity waiting, a cart strapped to her back with a shovel and pick resting inside.
"Milady Rarity surely I could pull that for you?"  I asked with a bow.
She smiled back giving me a little curtsey in return.  "Nonsense darling.  The digging is the difficult part.  I am more then happy to do the detection and transport.  You’re the one doing me a favour, remember?”  I laughed and she led the way out of town to the north.  After a couple of hours of walking we came to a mountainous region.
"Lets start here shall we darling?"  She asked with a smile, her horn glowing light blue faintly.  "There."  She pointed to a spot on the ground and I got to work, after digging a few feet I came upon a small deposit of gems.  Just lying there!  Not embedded in rock or anything.
She levitated them into the cart giving them a quick glance and then we moved on.  She found gems all over the place; some in rocks that I needed to break open with the pickaxe but most simply buried a few feet under the earth.
Around midday we stopped for a rest and to have a bite to eat.
"Milady Rarity why are there so many gems just lying around?  It seems odd to me."  Rarity turned to me with a smile.
"Well as Twilight explained it to me, young dragons before they set themselves up a permanent lair often bury gems with the intention of reclaiming them later.  They have quite a lust for treasure, you know?  They eat gemstones as well though I am not certain if they need too, or they just like the taste.  At any rate, they tend to get distracted easily and often never return for them.  Which is quite fortunate for us darling."
As we traveled to another location we discussed the gems and how she used them in her fashions.
"Do you have a favourite type of gem?"  I asked.
"Oh of cource.  My little Spikey Wikey gave me the most beautiful ruby once; it is my favourite gem and type of gemstone.  All my friends have their own favourites too of cource.  And I'm sure to incorporate them into outfits I make for them."
"I see...  Uh...  What type of gem does Twilight prefer?"  I asked nonchalantly.  She looked at me over her shoulder with a slight smile.
"Why I believe her favourite is the Star Sapphire dear.  Quite rare but beautiful."
"I see...  Well perhaps if you come across one...  I mean, I could earn it somehow?  It...  It would be a nice present for her.  You know for all she's done for me."
Rarity just looked at me a moment, the look in her eyes unreadable.  "Of cource my dear.  That would be a thoughtful gift; I will keep my eyes open."
We worked throughout the rest of the day filling her cart to the brim.  I was dead tired upon our return to Ponyville, as I dropped Rarity off at her home I asked a small favour which she graciously granted.
A small bag of gems at my hip I returned to the library flopping down on the couch exhausted as soon as I entered.  Twilight and Spike were staying the night in Fillydelphia so I was on my own.  
I made a simple dinner and after cleaning up went up to bed and read a short while, I placed my small bounty of gems under my mattress and with a glance at Twilights empty bed I settled down into a restless sleep.

I awoke early the next morning, the sun shining through the window.  I shook the cobwebs out of my head, I hadn't slept too well.  You never realise how quickly you get used to little things when you sleep.  Twilights soft breathing, even Spikes little snores and grunts.
I got dressed and had a quick breakfast before heading down to the train station.  Twilight and Spike were coming in early and I wanted to be there to meet them.
I arrived just before the train pulled up, Twilight and Spike exited the train, waved to me and headed to the baggage car.  I caught up to them there.
"I'm glad your here Rick.  Twilight went a little crazy with the books."  Spike teased.
"Spike!  They were all very reasonably priced."
"Oh yeah?  Tell him how much money you have left."
"Well...  None."  She said slightly embarrassed.
I laughed and helped unload a seemingly endless amount of books into Spikes little red wagon.  By the time we were done it was loaded almost five feet high and was a bit wobbly.  I got Spike to sit on top and steady it as I dragged it back to the library.  Twilight skipping along merrily beside us.
"Ooh...  I can't wait to shelve them!  I can't wait to read them!  So much fun!"  
I smiled at her enthusiasm and excitement, too cute.
The rest of the day was a whirlwind of shelving and unshelving, making room and setting aside the books she just couldn't wait to read.
That night we were all exhausted but Twilight still brought a couple of books to bed with her and fell asleep reading them.
I lay down to sleep contently.

I awoke early again the next morning, I quietly snuck downstairs and got a bowl and came back up.  I retrieved my small bag of gems and poured them into the bowl then walked over to Spike's bed.
"Spike..."  I whispered.  A grunt my only reply, I waved the gems by his nose causing him to lick his chops hungrily.
"Wha...!?"  He awoke suddenly.
"Here you go Spike, breakfast in bed."  I said with a grin.
"Alright!  Thanks man!"  He dug right in crunching up the games one at a time.  
I sat back on my bed and looked over to find Twilight awake and watching me, a small smile on her face.
"Well, look who's the big softie."
I blushed slightly embarrassed and shrugged.  "Maybe so.  And what would you like for breakfast Twi?"  Together we went down and had a nice breakfast before I headed out to see who needed help today.
As I walked into town Rainbow Dash swooped down out of the sky and landed in front of me.
"Hey!"
"Hi Dash.  How are you?"
"Not bad.  I hear you’re helping everypony."
"Just making myself useful.  Do you need a hand with something?"
"Well ya.  Normally I'd get Applejack to help but she's busy."
"I'd be more then happy to help Dash.  What do you need?"
She led me over to her home, a floating house on a cloud with rainbows coming out of it.  Amazing and quite fitting.
"Ya see I need to train harder so I'll be ready to audition for the Wonderbolts!"
"Are you sure Dash?  I mean Twilight already says that your one of the best flyers in Equestria..."  Dash turned and shot me a look.
"One of the best!?  I have to be THE best!  How else will they ever accept me?!"  I held up my hands in supplication.
"Ok, ok.  So what do you need help with?"
"A good old fashion tug of war."  She indicated to a length of rope nearby.  "AJ and I are pretty competitive you know?  So it’s always a challenge.  Builds up my endurance.  Think you’re up for it?"  She said with a grin.
"I'll do my best Dash."
We looped the rope around her chest and I wrapped it around my waist gripping it tightly with both hands.
"Ready?"  She asked.
"Anytime."
"Three, two, one!"  With that she heaved forward mightily, I was taken completely by surprise.  I had braced myself, but she was far stronger then I had anticipated and I was pulled forward off my feet almost immediately and sent sprawling in the dust.
Dash rolled her eyes and looked at me.  "You do know you’re supposed to pull right?"
I got up dusting myself off.  "Ha, ha.  You're stronger then you look Dash. Those four legs give you a lot of traction.  Ok let’s try this again."
We got in place again, this time I threw myself backward as hard as I could and even made it a step or two before she pulled me off my feet.  Again and again I tried, hardly managing to get the upper hand for more then a few moments before she pulled me over repeatedly.
By late afternoon I was exhausted and Dash was even sweating a little.
"Sorry I'm not more of a challenge Dash."  I gasped catching my breath.
"You didn't do too badly."  She said with a condescending smile.  "Anyhow that’s probably enough for today.  Twilight would be mad at me if I broke you."  She laughed.
"Thanks for the thought.  See you later Dash."
I dragged myself back to the library; Twilight and Spike were apparently out so I went to the washroom and undressed to have a shower.  I was dust and dirt covered from head to foot.  I cleaned off my clothes as well as I could then had a long and hot relaxing shower, by the time I exited I almost felt human again.
Wrapping a towel around myself I grabbed my suit and left the bathroom to go and change.  As I exited the washroom I stopped suddenly, Twilight was back.  A couple of bags at her feet.  And she was staring right at me...
"Ah!  Sorry Twi.  I didn't realise you were back..."  I said embarrassed.
She blushed fetchingly and turned away.  "Sorry!  I just went to get a few supplies for tonight."
I quickly made my way upstairs.  "What’s happening tonight?"  I called down the stairs.
"It's the perfect night for stargazing.  The skies will be clear and the stars will be very visible.  You...  You don't want to come, do you?"
I looked down from above.  "Of cource I do!  Who all is coming?"  She looked slightly embarrassed by the question.
"Oh.  Just you and me...  My friends aren't really interested in it, if it’s not a comet shower or something like that.  And Spike will be asleep of cource."  She said with a small smile.
Finally dressed I began heading down the stairs.  "Just you and me then Twi."
"Really?  You still want to come?"
"Of cource.  Why wouldn't I?"  I asked.
"Well...  It’s kind of boring, and with nopony else there..."
I laughed lightly.  "I think it'll be fine Twi."  She smiled up at me.
I helped her gather up what she would need tonight, books and scrolls.  Ink and parchment for her notes as well as some snacks.
We walked out of town to a small hillock as the sun went down and the stars came out.  She studied the constellations and made notes of their positions and any changes she could see.  
As the night progressed we stopped to have some snacks, the evening had gotten a bit chilly with a slight breeze.  I noticed Twilight shivering slightly and took off my jacket and put it over her shoulders.
"Oh...  Thank you."  She said with a slight blush.
She worked some more taking down notes and looking through her small telescope.  Even with my coat on her she still seemed to be shivering, steeling myself I moved closer beside her and tentatively put my arm around her.  She stiffened slightly and I was about to back off but then she leaned against me with a sigh.
We laid back on the grass, my arm still around her as she pointed out the constellations to me, describing their history and significance.  Eventually we just lay there quietly; I began humming a song that was stuck in my head as I enjoyed her presence beside me.
"What is that?"  She asked.
"Hmm?  Oh just an old song I know, sorry it’s been bouncing around in my head for the past few weeks."
"Would...  Would you sing it for me?"
"I don’t know Twi; I'm really not a good singer..."
"Please?"  She looked at me in the moonlight, her beautiful eyes luminescent.
"Ok."  I cleared my throat and tried to remember the lyrics clearly.


Wise men say only fools rush in.
But I can't help falling in love with you.
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin?
For I can't help falling in love with you.

Like a river flows, slowly to the sea.
Darling so you know.
Some things are meant to be.
Take my hand, take my whole life too.
For I can't help falling in love with you.

Like a river flows surely to the sea.
Darling so it goes.
Some things are meant to be.
Take my hand, take my whole life too.
For I can't help falling in love with you.
For I can't help falling in love with you...


I finished, feeling embarrassed at my no doubt poor performance I looked down at Twilight to find her staring up at me her eyes filled with tears.
"That was beautiful."
"All the credit goes to Elvis Presley."  I grinned.
"Who was he?"
"Well he was a very famous singer."  I explained.
"Was?"
"Oh.  Yes he died just after I was born."
"He was old then?"
"No, not that old fourtysomething I think.  Middle aged."
"What happened?"
"Oh just the lifestyle.  In a way it was good, because of his early death he lives on in people’s memory as a great singer."
"Forty is middle-aged?  Are human lives so short?"
"I guess that’s a way to look at it.  The average life expectancy is about eighty.  What about ponies?"
"Well the Earth ponies have the shortest, usually about a hundred years.  Then the Pegasus about one hundred and fifty years."
"And the Unicorns?"  I asked.
"Usually about five hundred...  There are exceptions to each of cource; Granny Smith is almost a hundred and fifty years old and still going strong.  Unicorns strong in magic usually live longer as well.  Starswirl the Bearded lived to be almost fifteen hundred years old!"
"Wow.  I hope you live that long Twi."
"Me too, there’s so much to learn...  But, my friends..."
I squeezed her tightly.  "You'll be with them their whole lives Twi.  What could be better then that?"
She snuggled against me laying her head on my chest.  "What about you?"
"Me?  I'll be long since passed away."  I felt her stiffen against me and squeezed her again.  "Hey it’s alright.  That’s just the way life goes.  I know I'll remember my time here to my dying day though."
"I don't want you to go."
What did she mean by that?  Did she want me to stay in Equestria?  No...  She must just be sad I wouldn't live very long.  "I don't want to go either."  I said giving her a squeeze.
We laid there looking at the infinite cosmos; I could feel her heart beating against my chest.  Soon her breathing softened as she fell asleep.  I remained awake staring at her.
Well...  There’s nothing I can do.  I'm in love.
You can't be in love with a horse!  My mind chastised me.
A pony.  I reminded myself.  And why not?  She's beautiful, intelligent, funny...  Everything I've ever wanted in a woman...
I had to admit to myself the fact she was a pony didn't even matter to me anymore.
But...  What chance did I have?
I would make the most of the time we had together.
What else could I do?
> Chapter 7 (Sleeping Accommodations)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	


The morning light hit my face waking me up, I was confused for a moment at the open sky above my head rather then the entwined tree branches of the library. 
Once I remembered where I was and looked down at Twilights peacefully sleeping form, her head laid upon my chest and my jacket spread out over her.
As the sun crept over my face and approached hers I raised my hand to shield her eyes from it.  Just so she could sleep some more I convinced myself, not to prolong contact with her.
I laid there just staring at her; she is so beautiful I thought to myself, I loved every facet of her.  Ironic after years of searching for a perfect woman for myself on earth that I would come here and find my ideal soul mate just to have to leave again in a few short months.
I sighed putting my head back down and closing my eyes concentrating on Twilights soft breathing and steady heartbeat.  Doesn't matter, your her 'friend', been in that place before.  Friends forever, lovers never.  Didn't make me love her any less, or make my knowledge of our eventual separation any less painful.
Eventually I felt her stir; she stretched and yawned then looked up at me with those amazing eyes.
"Morning."  She said with a smile, she didn't move away or seem embarrassed as she had before at our close contact.
"Morning Twi.  Sleep well?"
"Best I've ever had in my life."  She blushed slightly as she spoke and pulled herself up stretching again.
"So tell me, what is the Princess like really?"  I asked.
She thought about it a moment.  "Well she's been my teacher for many years.  She taught me all about magic and sent me here to Ponyville.  She's really why I met all my friends...  And you too I guess."  She said with a small smile.
"Well I'll definitely have to thank her for that."
"She raises the sun every morning and..."
"Wait...  What?  She raises the sun?"
"Well yes...  Now that you mention it I've been meaning to ask how that works back where you come from."
"Well the gravity from the sun rotates the Earth around it and the Earths own rotation brings the suns radiance to each side of it everyday."
Twilight sat and gave that some thought for a moment.  "Interesting...  Not how things work here at all Princess Celestia raises and lowers the sun and Princess Luna the moon.  Princess Celestia held both duties for a thousand years while Luna was banished to the moon."
"Again...  What?  How did that happen?"
She lay back down against me as she began to explain. "Well..."  For the next couple of hours she told me Luna's story including how she and her friends became known as the Elements of Harmony and their part in redeeming her.
I just laid there staring at this beautiful mare I was head over heels in love with.  "Wow Twi, your even more amazing then I thought...  I mean you and the others too of cource."  I covered quickly.
She blushed fetchingly.  "Thanks.  Oh it’s almost noon.  I guess we had better get back to the library before Spike sends out a search party."  She said with a grin pulling herself up.
I got up as well missing the feeling of her against me already; I put my jacket on and noticed it held her amazing scent all over it.  Not washing this for awhile I thought to myself. 
We gathered up Twilights things and headed back into town, side by side my arm draped lightly over her shoulder.  Twilight greeted everypony we came across, I nodded and added a greeting of my own when we encountered anypony I knew particularly well.
Shortly we arrived at the library and headed in, Spike was waiting for us tapping his foot impatiently.
"Sheesh what took you guys so long?  We're way behind on YOUR to do list Twilight."
"Sorry buddy, we just lost track of time."  I apologized.
"Oh yeah, Fluttershy stopped by too and asked if you had time, if it wasn't too much trouble, if you could come to her cottage, please.  Her words not mine dude."
Twilight giggled.  "I guess you had better go Rick, honestly if her cottage was on fire she might go to the fire brigade and ask if they had the time could they come and help her.  If it wasn't too much trouble."
I chuckled.  "Well I better hurry then before she changes her mind.  See you both later."
I headed out through town towards Fluttershys cottage; the ponies about town didn't seem bothered by me at all anymore.  I suppose my acceptance by the Elements of Harmony might have a lot to do with that.
Arriving at Fluttershys cottage I found her pacing back and forth out front, seeing me she stopped suddenly hiding behind her long mane.
"Oh!  You…  You got my message?"
"I sure did Fluttershy.  Do you need my help with something?"
"No...  Well yes, but only if your not busy..."
"I would be more then happy to help you out Fluttershy.  What do you need?"
She brightened up immediately.  "Oh!  Well it’s the annual bunny census.  When I count all the new baby bunnies.  I usually do it by myself; I got Applejack to help one year...  It didn't turn out well...  But I thought maybe you might be able to help.  And here you are!"
"Ok, shouldn't be a problem.  Where are they at?"  She pointed over to an adjacent field where quite a few bunnies were hopping about.  I gave the matter a little thought.  "Do you have some treats for them so we can entice them all out into the open?"  I asked.
She quickly zipped into her cottage and came back with a basket full of sliced up carrots, lettuce and tomatos.  We walked over to the field and I sat down putting the basket in front of me.
"Should we try rounding them up?"  She asked timidly.
"Sit, please Fluttershy.  I admit I don't know a lot about animals but one thing I do know if your patient and let them come to you they won't be frightened."
She looked happy about that and sat down beside me, we waited a bit and before long a bunny hopped up sniffing curiously.  I took a small piece of carrot and put it in front of him withdrawing my hand immediately after.  He sniffed it cautiously then grabbed it and quickly hopped away.
"Darn..."  Whispered Fluttershy.
I smiled at her.  "Its ok just give them time."  Clearly she was more used to animals coming up to her right away but with me there clearly we would have to be more cautious.
Several of the bunnies gathered around the first one to see what it had gotten, a minor scuffle broke out over the piece of carrot before it got eaten.  Several of them hopped over cautiously, I again placed several small treats out for them sitting back and letting them take them away.
After another grouping quite a few of them hopped over expectantly, again I put out small samples of the treats.  I didn't want them to get filled up, just to get used to us in their midst.  Several of them grabbed their treats and hopped away but a few of them sat and nibbled their treats right there.
I slowly reached out my hand to one of the bunnies and let him sniff it; he did so and was apparently satisfied with what he smelled as he turned his attention back to his treat.  I reached over and gently scratched him behind his little ears for a moment; one of his little back paws thumped the ground happily.
"Awww..."  Cooed Fluttershy.
I put out more treats and soon we were surrounded by a horde of bunnies looking for food and attention, between giving out scratches I looked around to see if we had them all here so we could count them.  There were still a few staying back so I quickly counted them and then tried to concentrate on the mass of cute furry critters all around me.  
Counting them was definitely easier said then done, Fluttershy and I counted and both came up with different numbers several times before we finally came up with the same. 
We had pretty much run out of treats by then I tossed the last few out to the bunnies that stayed back so they could have a treat too.
We continued to give the bunnies pets and cuddles until they began to wander away to their burrows, as it was getting late in the day.
"Ooh thank you so much for helping me."  Fluttershy said giving me a hug.
"Aww thanks Fluttershy.  I was glad to help."
"Oh just a second!"  She flew off with the basket behind her house and came back a few moments later with it laden with vegetables; I took it from her so she could speak.  "Here you go.  These are from my garden.”
"Thank you Fluttershy.  I'll go and share them with Twilight right now."
She smiled at me softly.  "Don't forget Spike too."
"Oh!  Of cource.  Goodnight Fluttershy."  I said slightly embarrased.
"Goodnight.  Say hi to Twilight and Spike for me."
"I will."  I said as I got up started to head back to town.
As I approached the library I heard a loud FOOSH!  Immediately followed by a scream I recognised as Twilights, I rushed into the library throwing the door open to see Spike rolling off the upper level.  I rushed forward catching him before he hit the ground, I was concerned he had been hurt but I immediately noticed he was shaking with laughter, tears streaming from his eyes.
"Bahahahahaha!   Oh Twilight you really did it this time!”  He laughed.  I quickly put him down and rushed up the stairs, Twilight was sitting on the floor in front of...   Well in front of where my bed had been, now there was just a small scorch mark on the floor.
"Twi!  What happened?  Are you ok?"
She looked up at me tears forming in the corners of her eyes.  "I...  I just thought if your bed was a little bigger…”  She burst into tears and I quickly knelt down and took her into my arms hugging her tightly.
"Hey, it’s ok.  Don't cry, what happened?"
She sniffed looking miserable as I wiped her tears away.  "I could see that you didn't fit in the bed...  It was uncomfortable for you!  So I tried a small spell to make it bigger...  But I disintegrated it!"
I was trying my best not to smile but it was impossible, the look on her face and the situation was too funny.
"What are you smiling about!?”
I hugged her tightly.  "Your not hurt Twi, its all fine."  I whispered to her.  I leaned back and grinned at her and Spike.  "Well, I guess I'll be bunking on the couch now."
"Well..."  Twilight looked down at the floor fidgeting with her front hooves.
"What?"  I asked.
"My...  My bed is big enough for two..."
"I couldn't do that to you Twi..."
"Why?  There’s nothing wrong with two friends sleeping in the same bed is there?"
"Nooo, but..."
"But what?  I insist!  That couch is far too small."  She seemed to remember what she was insisting upon and backed away a bit blushing.  "I mean...  If you want."
I smiled at her.  "Now you sound like Fluttershy.  Ok Twi."  She smiled happily.  "Oh, Fluttershy says hi to you both by the way and she gave me a basket of vegetables for supper."  I got up and headed downstairs to gather them up from where I had dropped them when I violently entered.
"No gems?  Yuk.  But fine."  Spike said.
Gathering the vegetables up we took them into the kitchen and made a nice supper, bellies full we all headed up to bed.  As I undressed to get into bed Spike caught my eye from his bed with an 'I'm watching you' gesture, I smiled and climbed into bed coming face to face with Twilight.
"Oop sorry."  I apologised.
"No my mistake."  She said, we turned and settled down back to back.  My skin was tingling from the contact with her soft fur; maybe I should have put a sheet between us?  Too late now...
"Thanks for sharing your bed Twi."
"I'm the one who messed up.  Goodnight Rick."
"Goodnight Twi."
As we drifted off to sleep I could feel her every breath, her smell was all over her sheets I couldn't get it or her out of my head.
Sleeping in the same bed with the mare I love and trying not to embarrass myself?
I'm so screwed.
	
> Chapter 8 (The Rule of Celestia)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

I woke up in the middle of the night to find I had shifted onto my back, my feet only just hung off of the edge of Twilights bed.  To my surprise Twilight had also shifted, she was pressed right up against me her head resting on my chest just like the night before.  
I was surprised she wasn't awoken by the sudden increase in my heartbeat, looking down at her asleep like that her mane in disarray...  
Even if I got kicked back to my own world by Celestia today it had been an amazing experience.  I softly stroked her mane and neck as I drifted back to sleep completely at peace.

I woke up in the morning still in the same position, as much as I wanted to stay there with Twilight resting on me...  Well I had to make use of the washroom.  I gently untangled myself from her and quietly made my way down the stairs to the washroom.
I kicked off my boxers and hopped into the shower turning the cold water on, that’s all I need a nice cold shower.  I shook my head under the freezing water flow calming myself down, after awhile I turned up the heat and finished showering.  I dried off staring at myself in the mirror, what the hell am I going to do?  
With no answers forthcoming I put my shorts back on and left the washroom.  No one appeared to be up so I crept up the stairs and found Twilight and Spike still asleep.  I'm not usually much of a morning person, but this place...  And my new vegetarian diet clearly were helping me out, I had even lost a bit of weight.
I got dressed and quietly went down to the kitchen to see what I could whip up for breakfast.  I got some eggs and the leftover vegetables from the night before and began to make some omelettes.  Some ham would definitely go well with this.  I shrugged, a small price to pay to be here.
I heard some gentle hoof clicks on the floor behind me before I was finished, I turned around to see a sleepy-eyed Twilight yawning her way into the kitchen.
"Morning Twi.  I hope I didn't upset your sleep?"
She smiled at me.  "Nope, I slept great...  I didn't make you uncomfortable did I?"  She must have woken up at some point in the night as well; heck I could hardly tell her I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her lying on me like that now could I?
"I couldn't have been more comfortable Twi."  She smiled happily and sat down as I served her an omelette.
"Spike!  Breakfast!"  She called up the stairs.  He came stumbling down moments later and took a seat.
"Sorry buddy no gemstone omelettes today, hope you enjoy it anyhow."  He grunted sleepily and dug in, Twilight and I grinned at each other and began to eat as well.
"Well this is the day.  I'll meet the Princess.  How are we going to get there Twi?"  I asked between bites.
"The Princess sent us two train tickets; I guess that means your staying here Spike."
Spike had finished eating and was lounging back in his chair yawning sleepily.  "Fine by me, I could use a few more hours anyhow."
Twilight giggled and turned back to me.  "The train leaves in about an hour so we had better get down there soon."  We finished eating and I cleaned up quickly while Twilight got cleaned up and ready in the washroom.
Spike was fast asleep curled up on his chair as we headed out the door.
Twilight lead the way excitedly.  "I haven't seen the Princess in quite awhile, we correspond with the letters I send of cource but it will be good to see her!"
I could see Twilight cared deeply for her mentor and made a mental note to at least try not to screw things up.  	We got to the train station well ahead of time, we watched it pull up and Twilight presented our tickets to the somewhat taken aback conductor.
"And this...  Thing is with you madam?"  He asked.
"What?  Oh I mean yes!  Of cource he is."
"Well we have some room in the baggage car if you want to put it in there."
Twilight stared him down for a second.  "Just because he looks a little different doesn't mean you need to treat him with any less respect then anyone else!  Honestly some ponies!  Come on Rick!"  She grabbed my hand with her magic and dragged me into the car; she quickly located our passenger car and dragged me in.
"Whoa Twi.  Its ok, calm down.  I'm not upset."
She sat down in a huff.  "I'm sorry; intolerance like that just gets me mad!  There’s nothing wrong with the way you look!  I like the way you...  It just gets me so frustrated is all!"  She fumed while blushing slightly.
I sat down beside her and hugged her gently.  "Thanks for sticking up for me Twi.  I appreciate it."  
She turned her head up to look at me, those beautiful amazing eyes of hers...  Another situation where I was so close, I could just lean down and kiss her...  Instead I forced myself to lean back and look out the window as the train began its departure.
"So how long is the ride?"  I asked.
"About three hours.  The path up to Canterlot is pretty winding.  We may not get in to see the Princess until later in the day, she's very busy."
"Not a problem, whatever it takes."
"I used to live in Canterlot, maybe I can show you around?"
"I'd like that.  Well I hope I don't freak out too many ponies though."
"Oh right...  I'm so used to you; I forget your appearance might be disturbing to others..."
"That’s alright Twi.  If any ponies start giving us trouble we can just go somewhere out of the way to wait."
She smiled up at me.  "You always know what to say to make me feel better."  She shuffled over beside me and I put my arm around her.
"That’s what friends are for right?"
The rest of the ride we talked about Canterlot and watched the scenery pass by.  The train wound its way around the mountain eventually reaching a huge castle, as the train entered it opened up into a large affluent looking town.  Smartly dressed ponies were all over.
"We're here!"  Twilight squeed happily.  "There’s the royal palace."  She pointed out a tall elegant structure in the distance, pristine white and gold towers shining in the sun.
"Amazing!"  I gasped.  
Twilight and I exited the train and got quite a few strange looks from the ponies in the station.  Undeterred Twilight led me towards the royal palace.  It was even more amazing close up; I craned my neck upward to see the palace's impressive heights.  As I looked down I suddenly saw a formation of impressive looking stallions blocking our path, led by a large unicorn stallion with a white coat and a dark blue and teal mane and tail.
As I stood there stunned Twilight took off galloping and threw herself into the arms of this stallion hugging him tightly.  I stood quietly gritting my teeth and clenching my fists trying to keep my jealously under control, after they had a short conversation Twilight turned to me motioning me over.
"Rick, come here."
I walked somewhat stiffly over keeping my emotions veiled and put on a smile.
Twilight trotted over beside me.  "Rick I would like you to meet my brother Shining Armor.  Oop, I guess that’s Prince Shining Armor now isn't it bro?"  She giggled; I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding in.  Her brother!  That was a relief; I regained my composure and offered my hand to him.
"Nice to meet you."  He looked at me cautiously for a moment sizing me up.
He extended a hoof and shook my hand.  "So you’re the guy who’s been staying with my sister?"  He glanced down at her with a smirk.  "She seems quite taken with you."
Twilight gasped and punched her brother in the shoulder.  "Arrrmor!  Don't embarrass me!"
He rubbed his shoulder while grinning.  "Sorry Twilight, just having a little fun."
I chuckled and looked him straight in the eye and told the honest truth.  "Well Shining Armor I am quite taken with Twilight as well."
Twilight blushed then cleared her throat.  "When can we get in to see the Princess?"
Shining Armor walked over to the wall and checked a list that was hanging there.  "I'm afraid she's booked solid until suppertime sis.  Can you come back at around seven?"
"Sure that’s not a problem.  I wanted to show Rick around town anyhow."
"Hmm just a second then."  He trotted over behind the wall and returned a second later with two emblazoned sashes telekinetically held before him.  "These sash's show you are guests here on royal business.  They should keep you out of too much trouble."  He said with a wink.
"Thanks bro.  We have been getting a few strange looks."  Twilight said as she put the sash on.
"Well I don't know about the looks if anything you might get looked at even more strangely.  But it will keep anypony from trying to deny you access from anything.  You two have fun.  Oh and sis, you really should let Mom and Dad know how your doing more often."  With that he walked back over to his guard formation.
I took a moment and put on the sash.  "Your brother, he seems nice.  Accepted me pretty easily."
"Well...  I may have written him a letter about you as well so he knew what to expect."  She said as we walked back towards town.
"Ah, very clever.  So where to first Twi?"
She thought about it a second then dragged me to her favourite book store.  She browsed through the books gasping and exclaiming over ones she wanted, I managed to break away while she was looking through shelves and found a small book she had expressed interest in, 'A Pocket Guidebook to all things Equestria' and fortunately I had enough bits on me to buy it for her, I quickly hid it in my jacket just as she came back over to me.
"I wish I hadn't spent all my money in Fillydelphia the other day!"  She groaned.
I laughed.  "We'll have to come back another time Twi."
Twilight led me to a small shop that sold donuts and sweets; behind the counter was a robust unicorn stallion that had a dark yellow coat and a brown mane and tail.
"Twilight Sparkle!  Nice to see ya!"  He exclaimed.
"Donut Joe, this is my friend Rick.  I'm showing him around Canterlot."
Joe stopped and looked at me carefully.  "Well any friend of Twilights is welcome here."  He extended his hoof friendly and I shook it.
"Thanks Joe I appreciate that."
He then served up several donuts for us each waving off any offer we made to pay.  We thanked him and exited the store enjoying our treat; Twilight took me all over the city.  From parks and secluded areas she liked to study in, all the way up to an out of the way rampart of the wall that was deserted.  We stood there side by side looking out at the amazing view across Equestria.
"I always came here when I was feeling alone...  I guess I came here a lot.  My brother and Spike, my parents, even Celestia.  I love them all but...  Even in Ponyville with my friends I still feel alone sometimes."
I could see tears forming at the corners of her eyes as she stared into the distance.  I knelt down and put my arms around her holding her tightly.  "Your not alone Twi."
She turned and hugged me back.  "Since I got to know you...  I don't feel so alone anymore...  Why is that?"  She asked staring into my eyes.
"I...  I don't know.  But I feel the same."  Nice going jerk, another chance for you to admit your feelings and you blew it again.
We both sat back on a bench near the overlook, she leaned against me as I put my arm around her.  I pulled out the book I had bought for her and presented it to her.
"Oh!  Thank you, thank you!"  She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek starting my heart racing, as she flipped through the book excitedly I leaned back hoping my flushed face wasn't too obvious.
By that time it was beginning to get late in the day, we headed back towards the palace side by side.  As we approached the guard station I removed my arm from Twilights side and moved a few steps beside her, I didn't want to get her brother mad at me or anything.
Twilight gave me an annoyed look over her shoulder and moved right back beside me pulling my arm right back over her side with her magic.  Well...  I couldn't fight her and why the hell would I want to?
As we approached Shining Armor came forward favouring us with an impish grin.
"Princess Celestia will see you both in her waiting room.  You remember the way right sis?"
"I do, thanks Armor.  It was great to see you."  She hugged him quickly and then led me into the monolithic palace.
We passed through shining golden archways and up stairs past guards who stiffened until they saw our sash's, and past courtiers who gathered in small groups and whispered while stealing glances at our backs.  Up and up we went until we came to a mirrored hallway that led to a large gold embossed door.
Twilight disengaged herself from me and nervously tried to straighten out her mane and tail in the mirror.
"Twi, it'll be ok.  I won't embarrass you I promise."
"Oh, it’s not just that.  I just always want to make a good impression on her."
I turned and straightened out my suit and hair, if this was important to Twilight than I had to do my best.
"You look beautiful Twi."
She blushed slightly and walked up to the door and raised her hoof to knock.
"Please, enter."  Came a voice from inside.  The door glowed softly golden and swung open before Twilight could knock.
As we entered we beheld a being...  I knew about Alicorns of cource and had seen Princess Luna up close but Celestia was quite different, taller even then Luna.  Six feet tall at least, a golden crown rested on her head with a large purple gem in it, around her neck a golden necklace also with a purple gem.  Golden hoof covers on her feet, her coat a pure white, and her mane and tail flowing in the wind that wasn't there much like Luna’s had, a rainbow of colors, pink, teal, purple and green.
I stood staring and almost dropped to one knee but remembered Luna’s warning at the last moment and simply ducked my head in deference to her.
While I was staring at her she was likewise examining me, her eyes had an ageless quality, by staring into them you might feel as if you were staring into an abyss, filled with hundreds if not thousands of years of memory.
She turned from her examination of me to Twilight.  "Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student.  Come sit beside me."
As Twilight trotted over to her she indicated to a chair across from her at the table.  I obediently sat down and was promptly ignored as the two mares across from me caught up. 
Looking at them both together like that I could see many similarities’ between them, the way they spoke and composed themselves.  Celestia was amazingly beautiful but my gaze never strayed far from Twilight.
She was more...  Real.  Everything I knew about her, everything I hoped to learn about her.  I didn't want to be apart from her.  
Even if that meant I was only a friend to her.
They finished chatting and turned their attention to me.
"I have heard a great deal about you from Twilights letters...  And my sister."  She sighed.  "I had hoped she would never have to learn of your existence here human.  But what’s done is done.  The past can be painful, I have had time to move on but she..."  She shook her head as if to dislodge troublesome memories.  "My faithful student has told me of your accidental transportation here.  Now I ask you, what are your intentions?"
I was somewhat taken aback by her question.  "My intentions?  Well I...  I suppose to simply cause no trouble until such time as I am sent back..."  I blurted out he first thing that came to mind.
She regarded me carefully as Twilight sat beside her looking a bit forlorn, what did she want me to say?
"I would send you back right now as I am certain my sister would have done when she encountered you.  But the barrier we erected so long ago blocks traffic both ways from crossing...  Strange this Zecora's magic can find a way around it.  Be sure to question her about it Twilight, we must be sure it poses no threat."
"Of cource princess."  Twilight replied meekly, clearly she didn't like to see her mentor upset.
"Now for you.  It seems you may be of a different breed then the humans we knew so long ago.  Twilight vouches for you so perhaps you can be allowed to roam free until such time as we can remove you from Equestria."
I was about to thank her for her kindness when she interrupted me.  "If at such time this Zecora cannot send you back where you came from...  You will be banished from our borders."  Seeing Twilight about to speak she silenced her with a wave of her hoof.  "We have made exceptions in the past for those not of Equestrian citizenship.  But not I think for a human.  The scars run too deep with Luna and I.  It would take a very special circumstance...  No matter.  Twilight do you wish me to arrange some other lodging for him in Ponyville so he won't be underhoof all the time?"
Twilight gasped.  "No!  I mean no Princess.  Rick is no trouble, he even helps me sometimes."
"Very well.  Now the two of you will join me for dinner and spend the night in one of my guest chambers."
She clopped her forehooves together and a small army of waiters brought forth plate after plate of dinner courses.  Though they ignored me completely I managed to get a fair meal out of what I could snag as they put the dishes down to serve the Princess and Twilight.   The Princess ignored me pointedly and conversed with Twilight who responded to her, shooting me pained looks when she could.  I simply smiled back to her to let her know everything was fine.
After the meal the Princess led us to a chamber a few floors below, beautifully decorated with a large four poster bed in the middle of it.
"Sorry there’s only one bed but there are spare blankets and pillows in the dresser, feel free to make yourself comfortable on the floor human."  She said as she exited the room.
I went over to the dresser and got out a blanket and pillow as Twilight went into the washroom.  I laid out the blanket and took off my coat, as I did I heard muted sobs coming from the washroom.  I walked over and tapped lightly.
"You ok Twi?"
"Just give me a minute.  I'm ok."
I backed off and sat down on one of the sofas and waited for her.  She came out after a few minutes her eyes a bit red; she looked at the blanket laid out on the floor.
"Don't be silly.  There’s plenty of room on the bed."
"Well Twi, the Princess..."
"Please?"  She interrupted me; her eyes seemed on the edge of tears again.
"Ok."  I relented.
She crawled into bed as I turned out the lanterns and got undressed following her in.
She didn't turn her back to me instead she shuffled beside me putting her head again on my chest.
She sniffed slightly.  "I'm so sorry Rick.  I didn't know she could be so...  So cruel."
"Hey, hey now.  She's only doing what she has to.  She lost her parents; I can't imagine how it must have felt.  It's ok."
"I didn't even stand up for you!  You must hate me."  She said in a small voice.
I leaned up gently lifting her head to look into her beautiful eyes in the dark.  "Never Twi!  I could never hate you.  She’s your teacher and mentor I would never ask you to take my side over hers."  I hugged her tightly.  "I...  I want to spend as much time with you...  With all our friends as I can until Zecora can...  Well if she can't maybe you can come visit me wherever I'm banished right?"  I said with a grin.
"That’s not funny."  She laid her head back down on my chest.  "You don't mind me sleeping like this do you?  It just feels...  Right."
"I wouldn't have it any other way.  Night Twi."
"Night..."

As we drifted off to sleep together I thought I could feel another presence in the room, with my eyes cracked open I couldn't see anything in the dark of the room.  

Just my imagination I guess…

Well spending another two months with Twilight in Ponyville is a lot better then being thrown in a dungeon.

Maybe I can prove myself some way...

I really did not want to return home, everything I wanted was with me right now...
> Chapter 9 (Parents and Princess)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

I awoke the next morning staring up at the canopy over my head, something was wrong.  I couldn't feel Twilight against me, her beautiful head resting on my chest.  I sat up quickly looking around and almost upsetting the tray sitting right beside me, Twilight was right beside the bed smiling at me.
"Morning!  Happy monthiversary!"  She said pulling off the cover on the tray beside me to reveal breakfast for two.
"Monthiversary?"  I asked while blinking sleep from my eyes.
"Well...  It’s been one month since you arrived here."
"Oh!"  I said as I caught on.  "Thanks Twi!"  Together we enjoyed the delicious breakfast no doubt provided by Celestia’s expert chefs.
After eating Twilight went into the washroom to shower as I got dressed, as I was finishing there suddenly came a knock at the door.  I walked over and opened it to reveal two unicorn ponies.  A stallion with a light blue coat and a dark blue mane and tail and a mare with a white coat and a purple and white mane and tail.  They somehow looked familiar to me.
"Can I help you?"  I asked.   Taken aback they both stepped back.  The stallion stepped forward.
"We are looking for Twilight Sparkle.  Is she here?"
I was about to answer when Twilight called out to me from the washroom doorway.  "Who's at the door Rick?"  I turned to tell her and stopped dead, she was standing in the washroom doorway towelling herself off, her beautiful mane soaked and flat against her body, she looked so beautiful I felt my heart skip.  
I quickly turned back to the open door.  "Two unicorns looking for you Twi."  I stepped back as they both rushed in having heard Twilights voice.
"Darling!  Thank Celestia your ok!"  Said the mare as the stallion interposed himself between me and Twilight.
Twilight stood shocked for a second as they rushed in.  "Mom?!  Dad?!  What are you doing here?"  Her parents?  Well I guess that would explain the similarities.
"First we hear you've come to town and didn't stop by to see us.  And then your brother informs us your showing some strange creature around town?!"  Her mother said breathlessly.
"Armor did not say that!"  Twilight retorted.
"Close enough dear.  And we can plainly see he’s right here with you.  While you were taking a shower no less!"  Her father said while watching me closely.  I just stood to the side trying to make myself look as harmless as possible.
Her mother turned to me.  "Please wait outside while we speak with our daughter would you?"  I opened my mouth to say something but thought better of it and with a small wave to Twilight exited the room, the door closed as I left.
I could hear voices raised in the room but I sat across the hall to wait I really had no business hearing that conversation anyhow.  Well maybe I did...  I had just begun to raise myself up off the floor when the door swung open and Twilight's father stepped out and closed the door behind him.  I stood up straight and waited for him to say something.  
He just stared at me for a minute then spoke.  "So.  You’re going to be staying with my daughter in Ponyville?"
"Yes sir."
"Hmm...  She’s so stubborn, takes after her mother."  He sighed heavily.  "Just take care of her."
"Of cource!  She means a lot to me...  Sir."
He looked at me with a small smile on his face.  "Good."
Just then the door opened again and Twilight and her mother came out.
"Are you sure about this dear?  He’s very strange to look at."  Her mother asked her.
"Mother!  Don't..."
"Yes, yes."  She trotted up to me then circled me looking me up and down.  Coming back around to the front of me she leaned in close whispering.  "If you hurt my daughter I will make sure you regret it."
"I would never...  I'd die first...  Ma'am."  I replied.
She leaned back looking slightly shocked and a bit pleased.
"Well good then.  You two have a good time."  Her sudden change in attitude was surprising.  She leaned over to Twilight and whispered.  "Remember to use protection."
Twilight stood shocked for a second.  "Moooommm!!  Stop it!"
"What dear?  You remember the spell I taught you when you turned eighteen don't you?"
Twilight quickly galloped over beside me.
"Yes mother!  Okay good to see you both, love you, we've got to run now bye!"  And with that she leaned against me and teleported us.
After a moments disorientation I looked around and found we were on the abandoned section of parapet we had visited before.  Twilight turned out looking at the view and screamed.
"AHHHHHHHH!!  They frustrate me so!!"
I just sat back on the bench and let her vent for a few minutes, eventually she finished and came over to sit.  I put my arm around her and pulled her close.
"Everyone’s parents drive them crazy sometimes Twi.  Their just trying to look out for you."  I whispered in her ear.
She sighed and leaned against me.  "I know."
We just sat there quietly for a few minutes, the wind picked up blowing her mane in my face and with it her beautiful scent.  Okay, this is my chance.
"Twilight?"
She looked up at me, her eyes so amazing.  "What?"  So close, just a little more.
"I...  I think..."
I was interrupted suddenly by a voice from above us.
"Here you are Twilight!  I thought you might be here, but I didn't expect you would have company..."
Flying down before us was another Alicorn!  My god was Twilight connected with every powerful being in Equestria?  Well I guess she has saved it a couple of times now so why wouldn't she be?  This Alicorn was close to the same size as Luna and had a light pink coat and a purple, dark pink and yellow mane and tail.  She had a small crown also with a small purple gem in it similar to Celestia’s, also a fairly simple golden necklace and hoofcovers.
Twilight hopped off the bench excitedly.  "Cadence!"  As she landed they both did a cute dance.
"Sunshine, sunshine.  Ladybugs awake!  Clap your hooves and give a little shake!"
I stood back as they giggled and laughed together.  After a moment they turned to face me together.
"Cadence this is my friend Rick.  Rick this is Cadence; she used to be my foalsitter and married my brother!  So she’s my sister too isn't that cool?!"
"Very cool."  I bowed my head slightly to her.  "Very nice to meet you Princess."
"I've been hearing a great deal of rumours about you Rick.  Celestia, Luna and even my husband all seem to have a different take on you.  And your connection to my sister here."  She said with a smile.
"Nothing too bad I hope?"  I replied.
"Well Luna...  Never mind about that.  I'm just concerned about my favourite sister in all of Equestria."
Twilight grinned happily.
"I assure you I mean Twilight no harm, or anypony for that matter."
"That’s not quite what I meant, but it’s good to know."  As Twilight walked past her over to me her horn glowed softly its aura surrounding Twilight and I for a moment.  It faded quickly and she displayed a surprised look on her face that was quickly replaced with a smile.
I looked around but couldn't see any effect the spell might have had.
"That’s very interesting...  I suppose I'll have to tell my husband he was right, for once.  Oh Celestia I'll never hear the end of it."  Cadence giggled.
"What do you mean Cadence?"  Twilight asked.  She had missed the spell when her back was turned.
"Oh just that he thought Rick here was nothing for me to worry about.  I can see now that’s true."
"Really?  I'm so glad!"
I still had no idea what had just happened but if Twilight was happy...  "I'm glad you've put your trust in me.  I'll do my best not to disappoint."
"I'm sure you will."  She smiled slyly at the two of us.  "I would love to invite you both over for dinner but I believe you have a train to catch right Twilight?"
Twilight looked shocked for a second.  "Oh!  Yes we do.  We will have to do dinner later sis!  Give my love to Armor!"  With that she grabbed my arm and dragged me off down the stairs towards the train station, I managed to wave bye before Cadence disappeared from view.
"What’s the rush Twi?  We could catch the train tomorrow if you want to see your brother and sister in-law tonight."
"I know, and I would love to stay but it’s the beginning of applebucking season."
"Apple...  Bucking?"
"It’s what the Apple family call harvesting time.  A few years ago Applejack had to do it alone because Big Mac had been hurt.  She worked and worked, wearing herself out and she just refused any help.  She was being very stubborn!"  Twilight explained as we traveled.
"You wouldn't know anything about being stubborn now would you Twi?"  I asked, nudging her side as we walked.
She gave me a gentle hip check back with a grin.  "Maybe a little.  Anyhow, after some time she realised she just couldn't do it on her own and relented allowing all her friends to help her.  Now we go and help every year!  She and Big Mac could handle it, but it’s a fun thing we all just do together."
"Sounds nice.  I hope I won't be a third wheel.  I mean if it’s alright I come."
"Of course!"  We arrived at the train station just in time.  Twilight fixed the conductor with a 'don't mess with me' stare and handed him our tickets, intimidated he took them and stepped back allowing us entrance.  We quickly found our cabin and sat down a bit winded from our rush here.
"Rarity’s party is coming soon too right?"  I asked.
"In a week!  Thank you again for getting that dress."  She hugged me tightly.
"Anything for you Twi."
Twilight flipped through her new book as we traveled letting me read over her shoulder as she leaned against me.
After a few hours Twilight drifted off to sleep, she must have gotten up early to get that special breakfast for us.  I just relaxed gently stroking her mane and neck. 

Strange...  All those other times I thought I was in love; they were meaningless to what I was feeling for this amazing purple unicorn pony...

I was suddenly jerked awake as the train slowed, I must have fell asleep too.  Looking out the window I could see we had arrived at Ponyville.  
I gently shook Twilight and whispered in her ear.  "We're here Twi."
"Oh!"  She yawned and stretched against me.  "Lets go home Rick."
"What about the applebucking?"
"Early tomorrow morning.  Really early."  She giggled and yawned again.
We exited the train and walked through town to the library.
"Spike!  We're home!"  Twilight shouted as we entered.
"Oh!  Uh welcome home!"  Spike said from the kitchen hiding something behind his back.
"Spike!  Have you been pigging out on ice cream again?"
"Aww...  What gave me away?"
"Might have been Twi's super sharp deductive skills...  Or maybe because your face is covered with ice cream."  I chuckled.
"Didn't you learn your lesson last time Spike?"  Twilight asked.
"Obviously not."  He answered pulling the bucket from behind his back and scooping another spoonful into his mouth.
Twilight levitated the bucket out of his grasp while she walked into the kitchen.  "Honestly Spike."
"Aww man."
I grinned at him.  "Easy come, easy go Spike.  We miss anything exciting yesterday?"
"Nope.  How was the visit?  You didn't get banished I see."
"Not yet.  It went well enough I think Spike."  I told him what had occurred as Twilight came over with a bowl of ice cream for her and I.
"None for me?"  Spike whined.
"You ate three buckets already!"  Twilight sighed.  "Just go lay down Spike."
He grumbled his way up the stairs but we soon heard him snoring away.
As we finished our ice cream Twilight asked.  "Want to go for a walk?"
"Sure Twi."
We exited the library and started walking side by side no place in mind just meandering.  We saw Pinkie Pie delivering sweets and waved as well as Rainbow Dash clearing some clouds.  Plenty of ponies were out and about and Twilight greeted many of them asking about the latest news.
Eventually we reached the edge of town, by this time it was late afternoon.
"I guess we better get back if we're going to have to get up early right Twi?"
"Really early.  I guess your right.  Let’s head..."  As we turned to go she stepped in a depression in the ground and stumbled.  "Ow!  My ankle!"  I immediately knelt down gently taking her ankle in my hands as she sat rubbing it softly.  
I looked up after a moment to find her looking down at me; I just couldn't get enough of looking into her eyes.  I could stare at them for hours; I turned my attention back to her ankle quickly before she could see my face flush.
"Are you ok Twi?"
"I...  I think so.  Let me try it."  She took a small step, as soon as she put her weight on her injured foreleg her face crinkled up in a painful expression and she gasped slightly.
"Maybe we should go to the hospital?"
"No.  I just need to rest it, some ice maybe."
Without really thinking I scooped her up into my arms carefully and started walking back towards the library.
"You ok?"  I asked concerned I was bouncing her ankle around too much while I walked.  She nodded to me and laid her head on my shoulder carefully so as not to poke me with her horn.
It was a long walk carrying her, but all the work I had been doing for the citizens of Ponyville had certainly increased my strength and endurance a bit.  As we arrived at the library Twilights horn glowed softly opening the door, I carried her up to her bed and gently laid her down.  Spike was still fast asleep I noticed as I rushed down to the kitchen and got some ice and a towel to wrap it in.
I placed it on her ankle carefully.  "It doesn't look swollen Twi.  I think you'll be ok with some rest."
"I hope so.  I would hate to miss the Applebucking tomorrow."
"You'll be there if I have to carry you all the way."
She smiled at me.  "Thanks.  Rick I..."
"What Twi?"
"Nothing.  Let’s get some sleep."  I got undressed and carefully got into bed so I didn't jar her leg.  She shuffled over to me putting her injured leg on my stomach and her head on my chest.
"Ooh cold."  I gasped.
"Sorry."  She levitated the ice off to the side of the bed.
"Rick?"
"Yes Twi?"
"I could have teleported us back here..."
"I know.  I don't mind carrying you...  I mean if you don't mind...  Er didn't mind."
"Thanks."
I gently rubbed her ankle and stroked her mane as we drifted off to sleep.

Well that was interesting, parents and her sister in-law.  I'm glad they didn't make too big a deal about me.  Well I guess they know I'll be gone soon enough so not much to worry about.

Applebucking...  Sounds painful.
	
> Chapter 10 (Applebucking and Jealousy)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

I woke up to an annoying ringing sound beside me.
"What is that?"  I asked groggily.
Twilight snuggled against me.  "It’s just my alarm clock.  Turn it off so we can go back to sleep."
I reached over and felt around the nightstand until I located it and fumbled with it a couple of seconds before my sleep addled brain figured out how to turn it off.
With that distraction gone I put my arm back over Twilight and tried to slip back into sleep.
A few moments later I felt Twilight twitch against me.  "Applejack!  Applebucking!  Rick wake up!"
"I'm awake."  I stretched and opened my eyes; dawn was still a short while off.  I gave Twilight a squeeze.  "I guess we better get up then."  I reluctantly pulled myself away from her.  "How’s the ankle?"
She gently lowered herself off of the bed and took a small step.  "Seems much better thank you."  She carefully made her way over to Spike.  "Spike wake up.  Its applebucking time."
"Don't wanna.  Go way!"
Twilight looked over at me with a smile then whispered to Spike.  "Rarity will be there, I bet she could use the help of a big strong dragon..."
With a twitch he jumped out of his bed.  "Ready!"
I laughed and stood up putting one of my feet onto a cold wet towel.  Oh right the ice.  I grabbed it wringing it out outside the window and mopped up the dampness on the floor then quickly got dressed and followed Twilight and Spike downstairs.
By the time I got down they had loaded Spikes wagon with some books and snacks.  As we started out towards Applejacks farm dawn was just peeking over the horizon.
As we walked I noticed Twilight was still favouring her hurt ankle a bit.
"Twi...  Are you sure you’re ok?"
"Yes.  I won't miss this!"  She replied through grit teeth.
I scooped her up into my arms.  "I didn't mean you shouldn't go.  I just wanted to help."
"Oh!  Thanks."  She replied in a small voice.
Spike pulled his wagon and the three of us traveled for awhile.  There was a pleasant breeze blowing towards us, I was drowning in Twilights scent and I couldn't be happier.
"Why do you smell so good Twi?"  I whispered to myself.  I had forgotten that equines of all kinds have excellent hearing.
"You...  You really think I smell good?"
"Oh!  Uh...  Yes I really do."  I admitted.
"Its just soap...  And vanilla oil Rarity got for me."
I sniffed jokingly at her neck.  "I guess its you then."
She blushed and turned her head away momentarily.  "I...  I like how you smell too."  She said turning back to look me in the eyes.
I grinned.  "Stinky mansweat?  And the same soap you use?  I dunno."  I laughed.
"I guess it’s just you then."  She said with a smile.  I gave her a squeeze and we kept moving towards the farm.
As we arrived the sun was shining brightly Applejack and Big Mac were waiting at the barn along with Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity.
Everypony looked at me a bit strangely walking up with Twilight in my arms.
"Oh...  She hurt her ankle a bit."  I explained embarrassed as I gently put her down.  Everyone grinned at us nodding their heads knowingly.
Applejack outlined what they needed to do and assigned jobs for everyone.  When she came to me she was a bit stumped, I certainly couldn't levitate the apples out of the trees like Twilight, when I tried kicking a tree the only thing I got was a sore foot out of it.  Try as I might I couldn't pull the full applecart’s very quickly either.  
I was beginning to feel a bit useless.
"Well...  Maybe you could help Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo in the kitchen then?"  Applejack offered.
"Whatever I can do to make myself at least a bit useful."  I laughed.
I headed to the house past Granny Smith napping on the porch in her rocking chair and entered the kitchen to complete bedlam.  The fillies had flour everywhere, pots and pans of all shapes and sizes were strewn about as they mixed seemingly random ingredients together.
"Uh hi girls...  What’s happening?"
All three of them quickly spun to face me angelic smiles on their faces.
"We're bakin some pies!"  Said Applebloom.
"And cookies!"  Squeaked Sweetie Belle.
"And cupcakes!"  Chimed in Scootaloo.
"Oookay...  Shouldn't you have some recipe books?"
All three of them looked around.  "Oh...  Well we did have them when we started."  Explained Scootaloo.
After a bit of searching we managed to locate them buried under a pile of ingredients.
"Ok girls.  I'm going to help you if that’s ok?"  All three of them nodded their heads in unison.
After we cleared up a bit of clutter we got busy mixing and pouring.  Baking isn't too hard when you follow the instructions, the three fillies were quite helpful, and they were so energetic and cute.  After a few hours we had everything made up and had just placed them in the oven.
I leaned back in a kitchen chair.  "Whew...  Thanks girls you were great helpers.  I guess we had best clean up before anypony comes back right?"
The three of them looked back and forth between each other.  "Or we could go play outside!"  Sweetie Belle grinned mischievously as they backed towards the door.
I quickly got up from the chair and blocked their exit.  "Ooh you think you can get away scott free do you?  Not without some punishment."
The three of them gathered together looking nervous.  "What kinda punishment?"  Asked Applebloom.
"I'm afraid only the most severe punishment will do for you three...  Tickle torture!"  I hopped forward snagging the three of them; they squealed and struggled to get away, though not very hard.  As I tickled Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo snuck around onto the table and launched herself off it onto me.
"Counterattack!"  All three of them started tickling me back, now normally I'm not very ticklish but when you’re caught up in a tickle fight its easy to let go and pretend to be as ticklish as anyone else.
The four of us rolled around on the floor giggling and laughing, the three of them definitely had the upper hand.
"Surrender!"  Said Scootaloo standing on top of me poking me in the ribs with her hoof.
"Never!"  I laughed.
Suddenly the three of them backed off and lined up with mischievous grins on their faces looking at the doorway.  I turned my head to see what they were looking at; Twilight was in the doorway smiling down at me.
"Oh!"  I got up dusting myself off.  "Hi Twi.  Just having a little tickle war."  I grinned to her.
"I can see that.  Looks like you were about to lose.  Good thing I'm here to rescue you."  She said with a mischievous grin.
"Yup!  He was goin down!"  Piped in Scootaloo.
"Alright girls.  Why don't you go play until the baking is done."  I said and like a flash they were gone, I turned back to Twilight.  "Oh!  Did you need something?"
"My ankle is a bit sore I just came to get a cold cloth..."
I zipped over to the sink and grabbed a clean cloth running it under the cold water for a few moments before bringing it back and kneeling down to gently wrap it around Twilights ankle.  
She sat on the floor as I gently rubbed her ankle.  "Why are you so good to me?"  She whispered as I looked up into her eyes.
"Why...?"  Because I love you, is what I wanted to say, wanted to shout, all across Equestria.  But I wasn't ready yet, maybe I would never be.  You can't just tell someone you love them then leave, never seeing them again, I couldn't at least.  Until I figured out...  Something.  I would have to keep holding it in.
"Because you deserve it."  I said lifting her leg carefully and kissing her sprained ankle.
I heard a giggle from the doorway; I didn't even need to turn around to know who it was.
"Did you change your mind about helping clean up Sweetie Belle?"  I asked.  When I turned to look she quickly galloped away.  "Well you just rest there Twi.  I've got to get this place cleaned up."
As I turned to get started I noticed a lot of pots and pans floating their way to the sink as well as a broom and dustpan working on their own.  I turned to Twilight with a smile.  "Thanks."
Between the two of us we quickly had the kitchen back in order.
The cookies and cupcakes were cooked by the time we finished so I sent some cookies out with Twilight along with a big jug of apple juice for the workers.  The Crusaders were lured back by the delicious smell and they helped me frost the cupcakes while we waited for the pies to finish.
It was getting late in the day and Granny Smith chased us out of the kitchen so she could make supper, she was impressed by our baking though she still seemed to think I was a pony with a fur problem.  We met everyone else coming back from the orchards.
"How did everything go today?"  I asked.
"Yeehaa!  We made some darn fine progress.  If we keep goin like this we should be done in another day or two."  Applejack stated.
"Eeeyup."  Agreed Big Mac.
"An how did things go with you an the Crusaders today?"
"Not too bad at all right girls?"  All three of them nodded their heads.  "A bit of a messy start but they were excellent helpers."
We all went inside and had dinner, after everyone complimented the Crusaders and me on our baking and we all headed home to get an early start the next day.

Over the next few days everyone worked hard and made a lot of progress, the girls and I baked up a storm.  Most of it went to Ponyville to be sold at Applejacks stand but we certainly snacked on our fair share.  Early afternoon on the third day of applebucking I had released the girls early and was just finishing cleaning up when Rainbow Dash suddenly burst into the kitchen.
"Rick!  Ya gotta come quick!"  She got behind me pushing me out the door.
"Whoa, what happened?"
"No time!"  She zipped under me and took off into the air.  I quickly wrapped my arms around her neck amazed she could lift off so easily with me on her back and fly so fast.  Within moments we came to everyone gathered around what looked like an old well.
Applejack came galloping up as soon as we landed.  "Appleboom and the others fell down the ol well!  We can't fit down there, can you help?!"
I quickly walked over to the well and looked down, it was pitch black and with my shoulder width it would be a tight squeeze.  But I was definitely the best choice, pony bodies don't bend very well in a straight line.
"Are you ok girls?"  I called down.
"We're ok...  But Sweetie Belle hurt her leg!  I...  I think it might be broken!"  Scootaloo's voice echoed up.
I turned to Applejack.  "You have enough rope to get me down there?"
She pulled a long coil of rope off her back.  "Got ya covered."
I went and got two reasonably straight sticks and got her to cut me a short length of rope.  I wished I hadn't let my first aid training lapse, it had been a few years since I had had training, hopefully I remembered what I needed to.
I lashed the sticks to my arm and Applejack looped her rope around me, I squeezed into the well and she and Big Mac began lowering me.  Twilight and Rarity looked down at me their horns glowing providing light.
"Be careful."  Twilight whispered.
As they lowered me deeper the light grew dimmer but the well widened out a bit.  I could feel something skitter over me, then again and again.
"Spiders dammit!"  I cursed.
"Do you want more light darling?"  Rarity asked.
"No thank you.  It’s bad enough having them on me I don't want to see it too."  I tried to ignore them, I didn't squish any, they weren't biting just curious and I didn't know if they were poisonous or not.
Eventually they abandoned me skittering off as I came to the bottom of the well a faint glow from Sweetie Belles horn illuminating the area.
All three fillies sat in the mud looking miserable; Sweetie Belle's left back leg was twisted under her.  I quickly went to her and lifted her gently up to see.
"It'll be ok Sweetie."  She gasped as I straightened her leg back into its proper position, tears streaming out of her eyes.  "Sorry."  I apologised.  Her leg was definitely broken but it seemed to be a clean break, not compound thankfully.  I placed the sticks on either side of her leg and made a split carefully apologising again when I had to pull the rope tight around her leg.
"Okay girls I have to take Sweetie Belle up first.  I'll be right back I promise."  I hugged each of them then gently picked up Sweetie Belle and called up for them to lift us.
"There'll be some spiders just shut your eyes and ignore them Sweetie."  I held her tight until we got back into the light then Twilight levitated her the rest of the way out.
"Okay lower me back down."  Back into the darkness I went, damn spiders ugh!  As I got to the bottom I felt around to find the girls in the pitch blackness.
"You both ok?"
"I'm scared."  Applebloom sniffed.
I knelt down and gathered them both in for a hug.  "You’re both very brave.  Who goes next?"
"Take Applebloom.  I'm ok."
"Ok.  I'll be right back Scoot."  I gather up Applebloom and we began the slow ascent.
"Fresh air!"  Applebloom cried out as Twilight lifted her from me.
Down I went again as I got to the bottom I could hear sobbing in the dark.
"Scoot?  You ok?"  She rushed into my arms her little body heaving with sobs.
"You came back!"
"Of cource I did."  I hugged the little pegasus tightly.
"I was so scared."
"You’re the bravest filly I know Scoot.  Come on lets get out of here."  She continued to cry as we were pulled up; I wiped away her tears as we came into the light.
"See, we're ok.  Show Dash how tough you are."  She nodded to me as Twilight lifted her up and out.  They pulled me out moments later into the bright sunlight and fresh air.
I immediately took off my coat and shook it out to dislodge any arachnids in there, running my hands thru my hair making sure I didn't have any stowaways.  Satisfied I turned to the group and immediately got tackled to the ground.  
Applejack hugged me tightly.  "Ya saved em!  Thank ya!  Thank ya!  Thank ya!"  With every thanks she planted a kiss on me, when she let me up Rarity with Sweetie Belle on her back came over and kissed me soundly on the cheek.
"Thank you so much!  I'm going to take her to Ponyville Hospital right now."
I tousled Sweetie Belles mane.  "You hang in there little filly."  She gave me a quick peck on the cheek as Rarity took off at a steady pace towards Ponyville.
Applebloom and Scootaloo tackled me to the ground each kissing me on a cheek as I laughed and hugged them both.
"Thanks for saving us!"  They said in unison.
"Anytime girls.  But no more spider infested wells ok?"
"No worried Big Mac is gonna fill this well full up so this never happens again."  Said Applejack.
"Eeyup."  Agreed Big Mac heading off to get his cart to do just that.
Rainbow Dash walked up to me and somewhat embarrassed gave me quick kiss on the cheek as well.  "Thanks for saving the squirt.  But don't be getting a big head about it."
"No worries Dash."  As Pinkie Pie was bouncing around happily Fluttershy Zipped in and quickly kissed my cheek, blushing she immediately fled afterward.
I turned to locate Twilight and found her giving me a stare that could...  well not kill but definitely slap me in the face.  She turned and headed back to the house and we all followed.
As we headed back home a short while later Spike and I were dragging the wagon as it was loaded down with quite a few pastries and treats Applejack insisted I take, Twilight walked in front of us not looking back.
"Uh Twi...  Can you give us a hand?"  I asked.  She turned and glared at me a moment before galloping off.  Spike and I looked at each other and shrugged before we started pulling again.
As we came to the library the cart was a bit lighter as Spike had been snacking, as soon as we crossed the doors threshold he collapsed almost immediately asleep.  I chuckled and put him on the couch then put all the treats away in the pantry.
I headed into the washroom and undressed making sure to shake out and check every pocket and cranny of my clothes.  Then I got in the shower and rinsed off good trying to get the icky bug feeling off me.
I left Spike on the couch he looked comfortable there and headed up to bed.  The lights were dimmed and Twilight was reading a book, as soon as I slid into bed she closed her book with a slam and put it on the nightstand, turning out the light she then turned her back to me.
"Twi...?  What’s wrong?"  A humph was my only reply.  I reached out and gently touched her back.  "Twi?"  She wiggled away from me, I moved a little closer and again she moved away.  I moved a bit closer and again she moved away, this time I lunged forward wrapping my arms around her before she could wiggle away and fall on the floor.
"Let me go!"  She said struggling against me, although not very hard it seemed.
"Not until you tell me what I did so I can make it better."
"What are you asking me for?  Why don't you go kiss your marefriends some more maybe they'll tell you!"  She growled still not looking at me.  I thought for a moment marefriends?
"Twi...  Are you jealous...?"
She spun to face me I could see tears forming in her beautiful eyes.  "What?!  Jealous?!  Why?  Just because...  Because..."  Her voice got lower as she yelled at me.
"Twi they were just happy I rescued the Crusaders that’s all.  Their just my friends."
"So...  Isn't that all we are?  Just friends?"  She looked down as she spoke breaking my heart with the sadness in her voice.
I gently tilted her head up to see the tears glistening in her eyes.  "Twi, remember when we first met your brother?"
She nodded.  "Um hm."
"I was insanely jealous of him."
She looked at me shocked.  "Why?"
"Why?  You ran right up to him and threw yourself on him.  I thought he must be your boy...  Er stallionfriend?"
"Coltfriend."  She corrected me gently.  "But why be jealous of him?"
"Twi...  I like you...  A lot.  I...  I don't want to ever hurt..."
She stopped me placing her hoof on my lips.  "Stop there.  I...  I don't need to hear any more now."  I moved back to the middle of the bed and she moved with me putting her head on my chest as I pulled the blankets up to cover us.
"I'm sorry I was so mean...  I was just so mad."
I squeezed her gently.  "It’s ok.  It’s kind of nice to have someone...  Er somepony care about you that much."
She sighed contentedly and snuggled against me.

My mind was still going a mile a minute as I tried to get to sleep.

She likes me too?

As more then a friend?

Wow...
> Chapter 11 (Raritys Day)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I woke up the next morning to an amazing feeling I'd gotten very used to.  Twilight sleeping peacefully against me, her beautiful mane in disarray, her soft breaths, it made my heart ache just watching her.
How was I going to live without this...?  I'd never be able to sleep again.
The morning sun illuminated the room and as I watched her Twilight awoke, she looked up at me and smiled.
"Morning."  She breathed as she stretched against me.
Ugh!  Did she know what effect she had on me?  I hoped not as she was torturing me.
"Morning Twi.  Are we late for applebucking today?"  I asked as it was early but later still then we had been heading out.
"Oh!  I meant to tell you last night..."  She blushed.  "I guess I got a bit distracted..."
I gave her a gentle squeeze.  "It’s ok."
"Applejack and Big Mac are going to finish the last few acres so the rest of us can get the preparations for Rarity’s party underway."
"Sounds like a plan.  How can I help?"  I asked.
Twilight levitated a checklist over to us with party preparations on it.  Pony’s names and what they were taking care of were side by side, nearly everything was covered.  Near the bottom I noticed Twilights name and beside it, it just said Magic.
"What are you taking care of?"
"Well the organisation of course.  But I have been working on a new trick...  Sort of a magical firework show."
"Sounds cool!"
"I hope so.  I need more practice though."
"Well can I help?"
"Sure."  She smiled at me as we reluctantly got out of bed.  I got dressed and headed downstairs to have breakfast; Spike sleepily came trotting down shortly after.
"Spike, don't forget your helping Pinkie Pie and the Cakes with the baking ok?"
"Oh yeah, right!"  He grabbed his breakfast to go and headed out the door.
Twilight and I finished breakfast and headed into her private study.
"There’s going to be a lot of ponies there and I'm worried I might lose focus if I get distracted.  So as I make my spell can you try to distract me?"
So for the next couple of hours I generally made a nuisance of myself, yelling and waving my arms, accidentally bumping into her and just plain being in the way.  She weathered every challenge with ease, her spell was amazing to behold more then a few times I caught myself just standing and staring before I snapped out of it.
"Whew...  Looks like your set Twi.  No distracting you."
"Thanks!  Let’s try it one more time then have lunch ok?"  I nodded my agreement and she began casting.
I had tried everything I could think of that was in your face annoying so I decided to try something a little more subtle this time.  As she cast I moved up beside her and gently but slowly ran my hand down her neck to the middle of her back then back up.  About halfway back up she seemed to shiver involuntarily and lost her focus.
I was about to laugh and say gotcha!  When her magic veered off course before she could cancel the spell setting the curtains in her study on fire!
I quickly ran to the kitchen and soaked a towel, running back I quickly slapped the flames out; it hadn't been a serious fire thankfully.
I turned to Twilight with a relieved look on my face to find her blushing heavily looking at me.
"That... That was cheating!"  She accused.
I smiled at her.  "Hey, you said to try to distract you.  I promise I won't do that when you’re casting again."  I said with mock seriousness.
She tried to look annoyed with me but couldn't quite seem to pull it off.  After a second she gave up and burst into laughter, I laughed along with her as we walked to the kitchen for something to eat.
"Okay, I think I have that mastered.  Assuming someone keeps their hands to themselves."  She said with a glance at me as we ate.
"Sorry!  My bad."  I grinned.
She smiled back.  "At least while I'm casting..."
"Oh..."  I cleared my throat.  "So what’s next?"
"Well I need to go and check on every other pony and see how their preparations are coming."
I thought for a second.  "Okay...  I think I'll go see Sweetie Belle in the hospital, I'm sure she could use some cheering up."
"That’s a great idea.  Hmm...  Here."  She levitated a small collection of books off the table to me.  "Rainbow Dash just returned these the other day maybe Sweetie Belle would enjoy reading them?"
"I bet she would."  I helped Twilight clean up then gathered the books in a basket and we headed out.  Halfway to the hospital we had to split up, I ran my hand teasingly up her back as we parted and she snapped her tail gently at me.
I detoured over to Rose's flower shop, entering I  looked around before grabbing a small vase with a nice display of flowers in it.
Rose was waiting at her desk for me as I walked up.  "Hmm...  Those aren't Twilights favourite flowers."  She said with a smile.
"Oh!  Well these are for Sweetie Belle; she's in the hospital with a broken leg."
"I see.  Well she'll love them.  Say, I have a few deliveries to go to patients there, if you drop them off for me you can have the flowers for free."
"Well sure Rose...  Um since you brought it up...  Just what is Twilights favourite flower?"
She loaded up my basket with several carefully wrapped bouquets.  "Her favourite is the Dahlia."  She pointed me over to where she had some displayed.  "Beautiful aren't they?"
"She sure is...  I mean they are!  Thanks Rose.  I'll go deliver these right away."
"Just ask for the names on the cards."  She called out to me as I exited.
I made another small detour to Sugarcube Corner, as I entered Pinkie Pie zipped out of the backroom.
"Hi Rick!"
"Heya Pinkie.  I'm going to see Sweetie Belle and I thought some cupcakes might make her feel better."
"Aww!  You bet!"  She quickly gathered me up a small selection of six different flavours.  I paid for them and headed out with a wave to her.
I arrived at the hospital with my load of stuff and began to deliver the bouquets, before too long I made my way to Sweetie Belles room.  Peeking inside I found her sitting up in bed her back leg in a cast.  She was staring out the window; I could see she must have had quite a few visitors as there were homemade get well cards tacked up on the walls as well as some flowers by her bed.
I opened the door and she turned to see who it was, with a big grin on her face she squeaked.  "Rick!"
I walked over putting down my basket and gave her a big hug.  "Heya Sweetie.  How are you doing?"
"I'm sooo bored!"  She said with a cute pout.
I laughed.  "I mean how’s your leg?"
"Oh!"  She looked down at her cast leg, I could see now she had signatures on it, no doubt from her classmates.  "It hurts a little.  But its ok."
"Glad to hear it.  How long are you stuck here?"
"Just a few more days then I get a walking cast and Mom and Dad are coming to bring me home."
"Well that’s ok then.  How about some cupcakes to cheer you up?"  I asked pulling them from the basket.  "And I got you a little bouquet as well."  I put that on her nightstand beside the others.
"Thank you!"
She gave me one of her cupcakes and we both enjoyed our treat.
"Twilight also sent these books for you in case you were bored."  I pulled out the books and lined them up on her bed to look at.
She looked them over and put her hoof on one.  I picked it up to have a look.  "Let’s see, Daring Do and the Azure Throne."
Sweetie Belle nodded enthusiastically.  "Mmm Hmm...  Um...  Rick?"
"What Sweetie?"
"Would you read it to me?  Please?"  She stared at me with her big green eyes, how could I say no?
"Okay little filly get comfortable."  She snuggled down in her bed as I opened the book.  "Daring Do was relaxing in her office deep in the bowels of the university she taught history at when she wasn't off adventuring.  She stared at the Sapphire Stone on her desk; it had been quite an adventure to get it.  As she looked through her accumulated mail she found an odd package from an old friend of hers, she ripped it open and found it contained only a plane ticket with a hastily scribbled message 'come quickly' on it..."

"...  Somehow she had survived!  The front of her lifejacket had been shredded but luckily the shark hadn't gotten a tooth on her..."  I had been reading for a few hours, as I looked over to Sweetie Belle I found her fast asleep.  With a grin I put a bookmark in the book and closed it putting it back in the basket beside her bed on top of the other books.  I pulled her covers up and brushed her curly mane aside giving her a soft kiss on the forehead.
As I turned to go I found Twilight in the doorway watching me.
"How long have you been there?"  I asked quietly.
"Oh, since Daring Do's boat sank.  I finished checking up on everyone and thought I would visit Sweetie Belle too.  But I see you tired her out."  She whispered.
I motioned her over.  "Here sign her cast and she'll know you were here."  We both signed the cast and quietly exited.
As we walked down the hallway she leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.
"Oh.  What was that for?  Not that I'm complaining."  I asked blushing slightly.
"For being so nice to Sweetie Belle."  She said walking beside me with my arm over her side.
I squeezed her gently.  "So how are the preparations?"
"Everything is looking good.  I hope Rarity will like what we've done."
"I am certain she will."
Over the next two days preparations continued, we weren’t really trying to hide anything from Rarity; she knew her birthday was coming up.  We just kept her from seeing how we were setting things up.  I helped out where I could but most things were taken care of, I visited Sweetie Belle each day to read to her.  Scootaloo and Apple Bloom stopped by bringing Sweetie Belle her homework and were more then happy to listen in.
Twilight came by each day to walk home with me.  I was so head over heels for her I just didn't know what to do.

The day of the party finally arrived, everyone arrived in the early afternoon and there were quite a few guests.  Rarity had a lot of friends and acquaintances from her dress shop as well as from around town.
I was dressed in one of my nicer suits Rarity had made me and Twilight had a beautiful but simple dress on, I had the case with the dress for Rarity in it on my shoulder as we arrived.
"You know Twi I guess I should have gotten Rarity something too.  I just didn't think of it..."
"Don't be silly this is from both of us."  She said with a smile.
We went up and wished Rarity a happy birthday before putting our gift with the others.
She opened her gifts first, we made sure to hold ours back until last.  Rarity got many beautiful gifts; Spike had found another ruby nearly the twin of the one he had given her before that she was thrilled with giving him a big kiss on the cheek nearly causing him to swoon.
I brought forward the case and carefully put it before her.  "From Twilight and me too I guess."
She smiled and levitated the case up opening it.  Seeing the contents she immediately gasped letting the case fall back to the ground.  She covered her mouth with her hooves tears forming in her eyes.
"How...  How did you...?"
"It was Rick.  He found a way to get it for you."  Twilight explained.
"Only because you wanted her to have the best."  I complimented back.
Rarity levitated the dress out of the case turning it back and forth showing it off for the crowd.  Everyone ooh'd and aww'd.
"I have to put it on right now!"  She took off to do just that as we set up the tables for dinner.
She came back a few minutes later the beautiful gown sparkling as she spun and showed it off very pleased with the attention she was getting.
We all sat and ate; all the food provided by Sugarcube corner was amazing.  After that was games, Pinkie Pie naturally excelled at them beating even Rainbow Dash at some to her chagrin.
The time came for Twilights magical display, everypony gathered as she got ready.  I stood off to the side not wanting to distract her.  As I watched she looked out at the crowd and seemed to shrink back shaking nervously.  She fled behind the curtain; no one seemed to take much notice of it.  I saw all her friends were busy and hadn't noticed or they would clearly be rushing to her side.  I headed over behind the curtain and found Twilight sitting on the floor hyperventilating into a paper bag; I knelt down taking her in my arms.
"Twi.  What’s wrong?"
"Too many ponies!  I can't..."  She gasped.
"Come on Twi.  What about when you sent that Ursa Minor away?  Everypony was watching you then."
"Who told you about that?"  She asked blushing.  "And that was an emergency, totally different."
"Dash told me about it.  I know you can do it Twi.  I believe in you."  I said massaging her shoulders gently.
She peeked out the curtain again.  "No!  No I can't!  What am I going to do?  I can't let everypony down!"  She sobbed.
I thought for a second.  "Okay.  How about if you do it with your eyes closed?  Then you won't be able to see everypony looking?"
She thought about it a second.  "No...  What if the magic goes somewhere I don't want it to go?  I need to control it."
"Okay...  Well, how about if I stay right beside you?  I'll watch and let you know if it needs to move?  I won't let you down."
She turned to face me, just an inch away.  I wiped her tears away gently.  "Are you sure?  Everypony will be staring at you then."
I smiled at her.  "That will be daunting, but for you...  Not a problem."  She hugged me tightly.
Walking out on stage I could definitely see why she was nervous, there were a lot of ponies here...  I pushed it out of my mind and sat down beside Twilight.
She began casting, her horn glowing brightly.  Fortunately I had witnessed the spell many times and I knew what to expect.  I leaned over whispering in her ear with small adjustments as she set off magical bursts of multicoloured energy, each exploded into smaller bursts fading into small silhouettes in the sky, flowers, trees and animals.  Everypony was watching the display and not us which took a lot of pressure off.
She brought her display to a finish with a huge magical explosion which ended with a huge silhouette of Rarity high in the sky; everypony broke out in enthusiastic clopping of their hooves together.
"You did it Twi."  I whispered to her.
She spun, her eyes opened as she tackled me in a hug laughing.  "We did it!"
After the applause died down the music started up, Twilight was off to the side surrounded by admirers complimenting her on her magic.  She blushed and accepted their compliments humbly.  While watching her I felt a tug on my hand, looking down I found Sweetie Belle, she had a pretty dress on and a sturdy looking cast on her back leg.
"Dance?"  She asked with a smile.
I scooped her up and made my way to the dance floor, she giggled and smiled as I swung her around as we danced.  I was sure to be careful of her leg, after a bit I felt a tap on my back and turned around to find Rarity resplendent in her beautiful dress.
"May I cut in?"  She asked.  I put Sweetie Belle down and she scampered off.  Trying to remember what I had learned last time we had danced I took her into my arms.
"I hope your having a great birthday Milady Rarity."
"Oh I am.  I don't know how you managed to convince Jet Set to part with it but thank you."
"Well...  Twilight wanted something special for you.  I still should have gotten you something from me too."
She smiled at me.  "Oh but you have darling."  Seeing my confused look she spun us around to face Twilight and her crowd of well wishers.  "I've known Twilight for quite awhile you know.  And I can honestly say I have never seen her happier then I have in this last month.  So thank you."  She whispered to me.
I blushed slightly watching Twilight for a moment before spinning us away.  "Thanks...  I don't know what to do...  I like Twilight...  A lot, but...  Well the Princess's made it quite clear I will be going when my three months is up.  I don't want to hurt her..."
She thought about it as we danced.  "Well darling, I am not sure what to tell you.  I will give it some considerable thought, perhaps we can come up with something?"
"Thank you."  We danced a bit more when I again felt a tap on my back, I turned around to see Spike balancing on a pair of stilts, Twilight helping him stay up as they danced.
"Move over man, I'm cutting in."  Laughing I stepped back letting Rarity swoop him up.  I turned to Twilight and offered my hand, she put her hoof in it and we came together and began to dance.
"Hope all the admirers didn't bother you too much?"  I asked.
"It was a bit nerve racking.   I...  I don't take compliments too well."
"You’re amazing.  You’re beautiful.  You're one of a kind Twi."  She blushed but didn't turn away.  "See, you can take a compliment."  I said giving her a squeeze.
"Oh you."  She laid her head on my shoulder and we danced slowly oblivious to the music.
"Thank you for helping me...  I couldn't have done it without you."  She whispered to me.
"I think you could have.  But I am glad to help you anytime, anyway I can."  Feeling a bit bold I kissed her soft ear gently and she hugged me back.
We danced for quite some time lost in our own little world, eventually we parted to get some refreshments.  The dance continued until late evening when things began to wind down, everypony heading home wishing Rarity a happy birthday again and complimenting her on her party.
We all cleaned up quickly, the final part of the party was a girl’s slumber party at Carousel Boutique.  So Spike and I headed back home with a load of leftovers.
"So Spike, just us guys tonight what do you want to do?"
He thought about it a second and I probably could have guessed his response.  "Junkfood!"
I laughed as we arrived and broke out the snacks, for a small dragon he could really put it away.  We sat on the couch talking about the party and snacking together until he passed out amid the remains of his snacking.
I smiled to myself and cleaned up; I headed up and got his blue blankie for him spreading it out on him as he snored quietly on the couch.  I got undressed and got into bed turning out the lights. 
Twilight’s bed seemed very large and empty.  I sighed inhaling her amazing scent and tried to get to sleep.
Tossing and turning I just couldn't seem to get comfortable, I turned to look at the clock to find it was three in the morning.  I thumped my head down on the pillow with a groan of exasperation as I tried to clear my mind.
Lying there quietly I heard the door creak open.  I lay still breathing softly, burglars?  I hadn't heard of any such thing in Ponyville but...
I heard quiet hoofclicks coming up the stairs, I opened my eyes a crack to see what I could in the moonlight getting ready to switch on the lights and jump up.
"Are you awake?"  I heard Twilight whisper as she peeked over the ledge.
I relaxed immediately.  "I'm awake.”  She smiled and quietly came trotting over.  "Is everything ok?"  I asked.	"Oh...  Yes the slumber party was a lot of fun.  All the girls went to sleep but...  Well I just couldn't seem to..."
I smiled at her in the moonlight.  "Same here."  I held up the covers and she happily crawled in snuggling up beside me.  "What am I going to do without you Twi?"  I whispered stroking her silken mane.
"Maybe...  Maybe you won't have to go."
"I've racked my brain trying to find some way..."
"You want to stay?!  What about your friends and family?"
"I'll miss them its true...  But I really never fit in.  No one there needs me for anything...  Uh, not that anyone here does."
"Oh what about the Crusaders?  They would have been in some serious trouble without you."  She teased.
"Well I guess..."
She hugged me tightly.  "Somepony else here does too."  She whispered.  I looked down into her beautiful eyes, her lips...
I leaned down.  "Twilight I..."  She stopped me pressing her hoof to my lips.
"Shh..."
"I was just..."
"Shh, I hear something."  Her ears rotated locating some sound I couldn't hear.
I cocked my head but still couldn't hear a thing.  "I don't hear anything..."
Her horn glowed softly as she cast a spell and suddenly my hearing improved dramatically, I could easily hear Spikes snores and snorts down below, the creak of the tree as the wind blew and something else out the window...
THUD
"Careful AJ!  You’re supposed to be looking not breaking it open."
"Darn it Rainbow I know that, if you'd just fly a bit closer."
"Hey I'm doing all the work here farmgirl."
"I know, I know.  And I plum appreciate it.  Now shush and get me a bit closer."
THUD
"Now ya did that on purpose!"
"I did not!  I can't see with your mane in my face."
"Shh!  They'll hear ya."
"Oh please, if they were going to hear us they would have by now.  Their probably too busy..."
"Rainbow!"
"What?!  Sleeping, I was going to say sleeping!  Gee somepony has a dirty mind."
"I swear by Celestia Rainbow...  Just get us closer."
"Fine, fine."
Twilight had apparently heard enough as she sat up her horn glowed opening the window as Applejack leaned against it tumbling her and Rainbow Dash inside.  She turned on the lights as they looked around confused, then catching Twilights grumpy look they both looked sheepishly at the floor.
"It was Applejacks idea!"  Dash burst out.
"A'right, a'right I admit it I convinced everypony."
"What do you mean everypony?"  As Twilight asked the door downstairs opened.
"I told you all there’s nothing to worry about."  Rarity chastised as she entered.
She, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy joined us up in Twilight bedroom; I was beginning to feel a bit exposed.
"Ah'm sorry Twilight.  When I saw you get up and leave without a word to anypony I was a mite worried.  I woke everypony up and we followed ya to see what was goin on."  Applejack explained.
Twilight sighed and sunk back into the bed.  "While I appreciate your concern.  I certainly don't condone you spying on me."
Applejack hung her head.  "Ah'm sorry it was my doin alone."
I squeezed Twilight gently.  "Ah don't be too hard on them Twi."
She smiled softly.  "Okay, okay.  Well since your all here you might as well stay."  Her horn glowed as she pulled spare blankets and pillows from storage for everyone.
Everyone got comfortable downstairs, Rarity sleeping on the couch next to Spike, that would be a surprise for him when he woke up!  Everyone was tired so after a few whispers back and forth we all slipped off into sleep.

As I lay there, Twilight beside me, I was more comfortable then I had ever been in my life.  I felt...  At peace, like I was meant to be right here.

I wanted to stay.  Why shouldn't I?

Oh right...  Two all powerful beings who said I had to go...

Damn...
> Chapter 12 (The Second Monthiversary)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

Time...  No matter how you try to deny it, change it or ignore it.  It just keeps passing.  
I was well aware of this, every morning, every evening, every moment I spent with Twilight I tried to make last longer.  But I couldn't stay by her side all the time, she had her duties and ponies needed my assistance still.
My rescue of the Crusaders had clearly made its way around town as I found myself inundated with requests for help again.  I did what I could; mostly it was just ponies needing a hand with small things.  A local businesspony named Filthy Rich got me to pose for some advertising photos for his store.  Silly, but he paid well, and I was building up a fair amount of bits.  
I recruited Spikes help with a plan I had come up with, the end of my second month here was coming up and I wanted to surprise Twilight.  I convinced him to start sending letters to various people and places in Canterlot, with his help I managed to arrange what I hoped would be a nice...  Well romantic weekend for Twilight and I, maybe I couldn't manage to tell her how I felt but I could show her.
Friday arrived, Spike was more then happy to hang out at home for the weekend, he told me he had plans to help Rarity all weekend.  I chuckled to myself, good for him. 
I came down in the morning to find Twilight looking for Spike.
"Rick, have you seen Spike this morning?”
"Oh, I think he left early.  Something about helping Rarity all weekend."
"Oh.  He usually runs things like that by me first..."
"You didn't have big plans this weekend did you?"
"No.  I was just going to go over some old notes."
I breathed a sigh of relief.  "Well good.  How about some breakfast?"
We sat down and ate together; afterwards I cleaned up quickly as Twilight started gathering her notes.  Before she got too into it I made my move.
"Say Twi, it’s a beautiful morning.  Before you start, want to go for a walk?”
We usually took our walks in the evening so I hoped I wasn't being too suspicious.
She smiled at me.  "Sure."
As we headed out I left a small bag of bits for Spike on the table in case he needed something.  I had a much larger sack tied to my belt.
I led Twilight on a meandering walk through town gradually nearing the train station.  I could hear the whistle as the train approached the station.
"Let’s go watch the train arrive."  I suggested.
She looked at me slightly suspiciously.  "Ookay..."
I grinned at her and as we walked up the train came into the station.
"Say Twi, I've got a crazy idea."
She looked up at me.  "What?"
"Let’s get on the train and go to Canterlot."
She stared at me a second.  "Rick.  We can't just get on; we need tickets, and their pretty expensive last minute.”
My grin got wider as I pulled my hand out of pocket with two tickets in it.  "Well how odd...  I seem to have two tickets right here..."
She looked at me shocked.  "How did..."
"Come on Twi.  It'll be fun I promise."
"Sneaky..."  She smiled at me hip checking me gently as we boarded the train and found our cabin.
"Now what’s this all about?"  She asked.
"Not yet.  Just be patient, please?"
She leaned against me as the train got underway; I put my arms around her and gave her a squeeze.  
"What about Spike?"  She asked.
"He'll be ok, like I said he’s got plans.  Just you and me."
She looked up at me.  "I like the sound of that."
I gave her another squeeze.  "Me too."
We rode like that just talking about little things, dozing a bit as the click and clack of the rails lulled us.  Eventually the amazing city of Canterlot came into view, as we disembarked I pulled Twilight deeper into town.
"Where are we going?"
"Not yet.  Soon all will be revealed."
As we got closer to our destination I pulled a scarf out of my pocket and wrapped it around Twilights eyes.
"Hey!"
"It’s just for the surprise.  Please?"  She relented and I led her carefully into the lobby of an upscale hotel, we approached the desk and I leaned across and whispered while gently covering Twilights ears.
"You have a room ready for me?"
The clerk amazingly showed no reaction to my appearance and handed me a key.  "Top floor sir."  No doubt my payment in advance helped things a bit.
I scooped Twilight up in my arms and carried her up the few stairs to elevator.
"Whoa!"
"Sorry Twi, didn't want you to trip."  She snuggled against me contentedly as I pushed the button for the top floor.
The elevator opened to a short hallway with only one door, I awkwardly fit the key into the lock and opened the door as I was not particularly willing to put Twilight down yet.
The room was done up just as I had asked, I put Twilight down gently and removed her blindfold.
She blinked and looked about the room.
"Well Twi.  What do you think?  Happy second monthiversary."
I had originally planned on a smaller but nice room on the lower levels but they had offered me an excellent price on the penthouse suite as it was the off season.  
The room itself was beautiful but I made a special request for it to have quite a few displays of Dahlias.
I knelt down beside Twilight trying to gauge her reaction, when she looked over at me her eyes were filled with tears.
"You...  You..."  She tackled me in a hug burying her head in my chest.  "Why?  Breakfast in bed would have been plenty."  She whispered.
"Not enough to show you what you mean to me.  Do you like it?"
"Rick!  I love...  It.  I love it.  Thank you."
I hugged her tightly as we lay there on the floor.  "Well its getting a bit late.  Shall we go down for some dinner?"
We headed down to the posh dining hall.  We attracted quite a bit of attention, the other patrons stared at us.  I ignored them; Twilight was all I was interested in. 
We ate a lavish dinner then headed back up to our room; Twilight walked about the room sniffing the flowers as I walked over and opened the balcony doors.  There was a magnificent view of the city and Twilight joined me shortly leaning against me as I put my arm around her.
"It was wonderful."  She sighed.
"Well don't get too complacent, there’s more fun to be had tomorrow."
I walked over to the phonograph that was in the room and selected a record, I cranked it up and music started to play, a soft tune.  I offered Twilight my hand and she put her hoof in it, we came together and danced slowly.
"I wish this day would never end."  She breathed.
"I know exactly how you feel."  I whispered as I held her tightly.
Eventually the music stopped but Twilight and I kept dancing slowly as the moon came up and the stars appeared.  She stifled a yawn and a scooped her up into my arms turning to go back inside.
"No.  I don't want it to end."  She pleaded.
I sat down on the balconies bench still holding her.  "All good things must come to an end they say."
"But why?"
"So we can strive toward the next I guess."  I got back up with her in my arms and walked over to the bed placing her gently in it; I got undressed and followed her in.  She snuggled up against me her head on my chest.
"How did you arrange all this?"
"Spike helped a lot.  All those bits I got from Filthy Rich helped too."  I chuckled.
"You spent all your bits on me?  You shouldn't have!"
"Not all, I still have plans for the rest.  Anyhow I don't need bits, all I need is..."  I squeezed her to make my point.
She blushed prettily.  "Oh...  I was just going to surprise you with a picnic."
"That would have been great, I'm sorry I ruined your surprise."
"Don't be silly.  We can do it later."
"It’s a date."
We drifted off to sleep.  
Another day gone...  But spent with Twilight...  No regrets.

I awoke the next morning to a gentle rapping on the door followed by a voice.  "Your nine am wakeup call sir."
"Thank you."  I replied.
Twilight awoke stretching against me.
"Morning."
I squeezed her gently.  "Morning.  Sleep well?"
She smiled up at me.  "I always do lately.  So what do you have planned for today?"
"Oh a little sightseeing, some shopping.  Light lunch and a dinner surprise.  You'll see."  I said with a smile.
We got up and freshened up in the bathroom then I got dressed and we hit the town.  We meandered around seeing some of the same sights we had before and some new before ending up at Twilights favourite bookstore.  She looked around excitedly at the new and old books.
"Oh I wish I had known we were coming!  I would have brought some money."
I took my bag of bits off my belt and put it in front of her.  "I brought some."
"Rick!  I can't take this."
"Twi.  What makes you happy?"
"Well...  Books, studying, learning, my friends and family...  You."  She said blushing slightly.
I leaned down and hugged her.  "Seeing you happy makes me happy.  So go ahead."
She kissed me on the cheek.  "You’re spoiling me!"  But she relented going around the store picking out books she liked and some she knew I would like as well, some for Spike, the Crusaders and all our friends as well.
By the time she was finished we had a large stack of books which I got them to deliver to our room at the hotel, my bag of bits was nearly empty but I didn't spare it a second thought.  We stopped by Donut Joes for an afternoon snack then made our way up to the abandoned parapet she had spent so much time at as a filly.
We relaxed on the bench together my coat around her shoulders to ward off the cool breeze.
"I used to always associate this place with being alone...  But I think I have a new appreciation for it now.  Our place..."
I hugged her tightly and kissed her brow.  "Don't forget that Twi.  Even if I...  Well, I'll always be with you in some way right?"
She looked at me her beautiful eyes filling with tears.  "No.  No!  I don't want you with me that way."  She wrapped her forehooves around me tightly sobbing in my chest.  "I want you here like this!  Always!"
"I'm sorry Twi.  I didn't want to upset you.  We'll think of something...  Come on no more being sad, time for your dinner surprise."  I wiped her tears away and hugged her tightly.
I led her over to a small collection of homes beside the palace, trying to follow the directions Spike had given me until we came up to small well kept house.
"This is my brother’s house."  She said with a surprised look.
"Surprise."
We walked up and tapped on the door; Shining Armor opened it and smiled at us.  "Twily!  Rick, glad you could make it."
Twilight hugged her brother as we entered.  Cadance entered from the kitchen smiling.
"Good your here.  Come and sit dinner is almost ready."
As Twilight and I entered the dining room we got a surprise.  Twilight parents were sitting at the table already, this I hadn't planned for.
"Oh, Mr and Mrs. Sparkle, good to see you again."  I managed to blurt out.
"Mom, Dad...  What are you doing here?"
"We were invited of cource dear, and when we heard you would be attending we made it a point to come."  Her mother explained.
We all sat down as Cadance and Shining Armor brought in the meal.  Twilight and I on one side of the table her parents on the other and Cadance and Armor together at the head of the table.
We ate in relative silence, everyone perhaps feeling a bit awkward.  The meal was excellent and the dessert even more so.  
After everyone had finished Cadance and Armor looked down at us all from the head of the table with big smiles on their faces.
"I hope dinner was good for everypony...  Er, everyone."  Cadance started.
"But we didn't just invite you here just for dinner, Cadance and I have an announcement."
We were all on the edges of our seats Twilight put her hoof in my hand and I squeezed it comfortingly.
They waited a second building the tension then spoke together.
"We're moving to a bigger house!"
Everyone collapsed back in their seats expelling the breath they had been holding.  I wasn't so sure they were finished; Armors grin was even bigger now.
"Because we're having a foal!"  They finally burst out.
Twilight hugged me tightly before rushing over to her brother and Cadance along with her parents.  They all hugged and cried happily.
I sat back and watched them feeling very much like the outsider.  None the less I was very happy for them, if worse came to worse a new niece or nephew would definitely distract Twilight if I was gone...
They all talked until late evening discovering the foal was due in about five months; they didn't know the sex of the foal and were going to wait to find out.
When we headed back to the hotel the moon was already up and the evening chill, I put my coat around Twilights shoulders as we walked.  She hardly noticed she was so excited.
"You’re going to be an aunt Twi, that’s great."
"Yes!  I can teach him or her so much!  Maybe it'll be a unicorn!  There will be even more I can teach...  What if it’s an Alicorn?!  There hasn't been one born for hundreds of years in Canterlot!"
"What about Cadance?"
"Oh she moved here when I was just a filly.  This is going to be great!  I can teach and you can take him or her on rides and tell stories!"
"Uh..."  No I didn't want to make her sad again, for now that fantasy sounded perfect.
We walked into the lobby and Twilight turned to me.  "May I have the bag of bits please?"
"Of cource."  She levitated it and walked over to the receptionist talking in low tones glancing back over her shoulder to make sure I was staying back.
"All arranged."  She said with a sly smile handing back the bag, didn't feel like she took many bits.
"Hmm...  Sneaky mare."  I grinned.
She giggled as we took the elevator up to our room.
It was late; the books were neatly piled at the foot of the bed.  Tired I quickly got undressed and followed Twilight into bed cuddling together.
"Rick?"
"Yes?"
"I...  Never really thought about it before.  Do you have any foals back home?"
"Children?  No."
"A marefriend then?"
"Girlfriend.  I've had a few over the years but nothing very serious.  Nothing now."
"Why?"
"I'm not sure, just something about me puts them off I guess, most just want to be friends."
"What puts them off?  Your kindness?  Thoughtfulness?!  Selflessness!?"
I blushed slightly.  "Heh, not sure.  What about you?  Many coltfriends?"  I asked remembering the proper term.
"Oh...  No never.  Nopony wants a strange mare like me."
"What?!  Don't be silly, if they got to know you they'd be lined up around the library to ask you out."
"Not likely.  Equestria is a largely matriarchal society, maybe seventy percent females to thirty percent males.  They can largely pick and choose...  Besides, I'm not interested in stallions anymore..."  She glanced up at me her eyes glowing softly in the moonlight.
I was tempted to make a joke about mares but I really wanted to believe she was talking about me.
I tried to change the subject before I said something stupid.  "So what time tomorrow for your surprise?"
"We can sleep in, not until noon."
We settled down and I gently stroked her silken mane drifting off to sleep.

A rouge breeze blew through the balcony doors, I opened my eyes for a second but it didn't continue.  I closed my eyes lulled by Twilight soft breath and her steady heartbeat and slept.

I awoke the next morning to the sun streaming into the room, Twilight lying beside me reading one of her new books.
"Morning.  Just couldn't wait could you?"  I said with a grin.
"Just an hour earlier."  She explained.
I chuckled.  "Well I'm going to take a shower so you keep on reading."  She smiled happily at me and got back to her book.
I hopped in the shower tossing my boxers aside and turned on the cold water.  Ugh, she had such an effect on me.  Her scent, the curve of her neck, her eyes...  Other parts of her anatomy...  I slapped myself hard.  Keep it together, even if she does like you it’s not like that.
My passion cooled I cleaned up with hot water and dried off, exiting I found my clothes freshly laundered and pressed.  Another service of the hotel I guessed.  Twilight was wearing a beautiful and simple sundress.
"Now where did you get that?"
"The receptionist mare was quite compassionate about my situation."
"What situation?"
"Oh...!  Just having to plan on a budget."  She answered with a nervous smile.
"Well that was very nice of her."  Just then came a knock at the door, I opened it and a well dressed pony laid a basket in front of me and turned to go.
"Just a second."  I fished out a few bits and gave them to him.  He looked surprised before smiling and wishing us an excellent day.
I picked up the basket only to have it pulled from my grasp by Twilights magic.
"Tisk, tisk.  Not yet."  She smiled.
"Lead and I shall follow my lady."  I replied with an exaggerated bow.
We exited side by side and rode the elevator down.  She led me on what I believed to be an exaggerated meandering path to our destination.
Eventually we arrived at a beautiful and secluded small park where she opened the basket to a picnic spread and blanket.
I laid out the blanket smiling at her.  "I should have known."
"You really should have."  She replied smugly.  We began to spread out the snacks, as I did so I felt a drop on the back of my neck, looking up I saw storm clouds gathering.
"That’s odd...  There was no storm scheduled for today.”  Twilight pointed out.
"Maybe we should..."  I was interrupted by a peal of thunder as a lightning bolt struck a nearby tree.  "Whoa!  Twi we better..."
"Stand by me Rick.  No storm is going to ruin my dat...  Picnic."
I stood beside her holding my jacket over her to keep her dry; her horn glowed powerfully as a translucent shield spread out past us just over the radius of the blanket.  The rain stopped hitting us, another lightning bolt hit the tree next to us splitting it in two, and half of it fell toward us.  I covered Twilight with my body hoping to ward off the blow, but it never came.  Just a dull thud and when I looked the tree half was laying to the side of the shield.
I stared stunned for a moment as Twilight nonchalantly finished spreading out the snacks employing a small spell to dry the blanket and us.
I turned to her.  "Twi!  You’re so amazing!"
"I wasn't sure it would work, I've never tried it for these circumstances.  You...  You risked your life for me."
"Oh...  Well I guess we weren't in any danger.  But I would never let anything happen to my mare...  Best friend."
She smiled at me shyly.  "Sit, we'll be fine."
I sat beside her as the storm raged outside we enjoyed our picnic together.
The storm finally let up early evening; we packed up as Twilight let her spell lapse.  Our first few steps were quite muddy.
"Oops."  I put the basket handle in the crook of my elbow and picked up Twilight.
"You don't have to..."
I kissed her cheek ending her objections and we made our way back towards the hotel only to be stopped by Shining Armor and a group of his guards.
"Twily!  Are you both ok?  That was a fierce rouge storm.  Was anypony else up there?"
"No it was just us.  I managed to shield us."
"She was amazing Armor!"
He grinned at us.  "I'm glad your both ok.  We had better go up and investigate.  Take care you two."
We continued to the hotel, as soon as we entered a pony came and took my muddy shoes with a promise to launder and return them.  Twilight promised to get into the bath as soon as she got upstairs to take care of her dirty hooves.
I carried her to the elevator and into our room turning to the washroom and gently placing her in the tub as she levitated her dress off and put it aside I quickly turned away to leave.
"Don't go."
Her words stopped me in my tracks.  I glanced behind me to find her staring at me turning on the water in the tub and pouring in some bubble bath.
"I...  I should let you get some privacy."
"Rick.  I don't wear clothes most of the time.  Just stay and talk to me."
"I..."
"Please?"  Her eyes pleaded to me breaking my resolve instantly.  I sighed hoping I wouldn't do something I would regret.  I put my coat aside and rolled up my sleeves.
"Alright Twi."  She smiled happily and sat down as I moved a chair over to sit beside her.  The tub quickly filled up with water and bubbles smelling faintly of vanilla, I had requested it in case she had wanted it.
She relaxed back in the tub and we chatted about how strange that storm had been.
Eventually I couldn't help myself and reached over lathering up her soft mane.  She sighed and leaned up against the side of the tub as I washed and rinsed her, being sure to keep my hands above a certain point.  I gently washed her soft ears, neck and face.  Careful to keep the soap out of her eyes, I was surprised to find them tear filled as she looked at me.
"Oh Twi..."  I leaned forward and kissed her nose softly.
She smiled at me leaning forward...  To clap her hooves together splashing me with water.
I leaned back flabbergasted as she grinned impishly.  "Oh you want to play like that do you?"  I asked grabbing a small rinse bucket and filling it from the sink.  "Gotcha now!"  I splashed her and she shrieked as the water was a bit cold.
She pulled the bucket from me telekinetically and filled it with bath water soaking me as I unsuccessfully tried to dodge.  I moved over to the far end of the tub and began splashing her as she flailed her hooves laughing as she maneuvered the full bucket behind me dumping it over my head.
"Ok, ok.  You win Twi."  I lunged forward pulling the plug on the tub.  "Hah!  Deprived of your source of power!"  I laughed, just then the bucket got dropped over my head blocking my vision momentarily.  I moved it up just in time to see Twilight launch herself off the tub into me tackling me to the ground.
"Surrender!"  She demanded poking me in the ribs gently.
I grabbed her in a hug barely resisting the urge to kiss her passionately.  "You got me."
She hugged me back tightly.  "Don't you forget it."  She whispered.
We dried off and I rung my clothes out before Twilight dried them with her magic.  We got into bed exhausted and very clean.
"Thank you for an amazing weekend Rick."
"Wouldn’t have been amazing without you Twi."  I sighed.  "Well back to Ponyville tomorrow morning.  Spikes probably eaten everything in the library by now."
She snuggled against me giggling.
We drifted off to sleep easily.

Just as I planned, sort of.

I hoped she understood how I felt now.  She is pretty smart she probably had me figured out a long time ago.

One month shy a few days to go.  I had to think of something...
> Chapter 13 (Not a Plan to be had)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

The next morning we got back to Ponyville with our load of books, we dropped off the main bunch at the library and spent the rest of the day giving out the rest to our friends.  Spike had kept the library in excellent shape; in fact it looked like he hadn't been there at all.  When I asked him he admitted he had stayed at Rarity’s all weekend in the guest room, a dream come true for him.
Things went back to their normal routine, Twilight had plenty of studying to catch up on and I had lots of work waiting for me as well, I didn't need the money now but I still wanted to help out.  Not to mention anything that might make me look more acceptable in the eyes of the Princesses couldn't hurt.
Everyday I formulated and discarded plan after plan, nothing I could come up with seemed acceptable.  
I bounced ideas off Rarity, Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and even Pinkie Pie.  They were all sympathetic but had no idea what I could do.
I tried not to bring it up with Twilight too often; I could see it was hurting her.  But a few weeks after we came back from our trip I was out of ideas, that evening as we lay in bed I decided maybe I should ask Twilight if she had any ideas.
We lay together as we always did, her beautiful head on my chest; I gently stroked her soft mane.  For the thousandth time I marvelled how amazing she was, how my perceptions could be changed.  A pony?  Her spirit and attitude, her beautiful soul.  And even her body, so different than a human's but so the same.  No, not even that, I couldn't imagine her any other way, I didn't want her to be any other way.  
Fate...  Can be cruel and kind they say.  To find the one being in an infinite universe of dimensions that you could connect with so close...  And to have that taken?
My votes for cruel.

"Twi?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry.  I've tried and tried to come up with something...  I'm just not..."
"I know.  It’s hard.  I've been trying too."
"You have?  I...  I was trying to spare you from having to think about..."
She looked up at me, her eyes luminescent in the moonlight.  "We're in this together."
"I...  Yes.  What ideas did you have?  Because all mine sucked."
She giggled.  "Well at first I simply asked.  The Princess and I are quite close...  But she said she couldn't let her personal feelings interfere."
I hugged her tightly.  "Sorry."
"Then I mentioned how you saved the Crusaders, she was impressed and commended you on your bravery...  But that was as far as she would go."
"I wouldn't want her to think I only saved them so I could stay anyhow."
"The girls and I went around town getting signatures from everypony for a petition; the Mayor even wrote a very nice letter on your behalf mentioning all the good you've done here..."
"I had no idea everyone went to so much trouble for me.  What did she say?"
"Nothing...  She suggested if we could get the signatures of everypony in Equestria...  Ugh!  Why is she being so difficult?!  Can't she see I...?”
I hugged her tightly kissing her brow.  "I'm sorry to cause this friction between you two Twi.  She's just doing her duty I guess.  Well, what if I accepted banishment instead of going back?  You could come visit me sometimes right?"
"There are not many places hospitable outside Equestria, and many hostile creatures outside our borders...  I...  I could go with you..."
"Into banishment?  Twi, no...  You...  You would do that for me?"
She nodded her eyes moist with tears.
"Oh Twi.  I don't deserve you."  I held her close.  "I couldn't do that to you.  Take you from your friends and family, you new niece or nephew.  No, I'd hate myself for it.  And eventually you would hate me for it too..."
She hugged me back tightly.  "I could never...  I don't want to lose you."
"I don't know what we can do...  I...  I don't want to lose you either...  We'll keep thinking."
She settled back down against me as I wiped away the moisture in my own eyes.

In my heart I knew we were meant to be together.

But my mind said it wasn't going to be.

Stupid brain...



I didn't want to lose hope, but when you’re in a situation you just can't win...  Still we kept coming up with ideas, as they got more and more outlandish I began to get despondent.  But Twilight...  She just wouldn't give up, wouldn't let me give up.  
We began to have...  Disagreements, not fights.  I couldn't bring myself to really argue forcibly with her but she is so stubborn.  One of the many things I love about her.  Hard on Spike though, poor little guy.
The days kept slipping by, the day before my exile we were invited to Sugarcube Corner, Twilight, Spike and I arrived late in the morning and entered.
"Surprise!"  A large crowd of ponies popped out from their hiding places, a banner on the wall read 'Sorry you've got to go!'
Pinkie Pie and the Cakes began serving refreshments as ponies gathered around to say thanks for the help; most of them didn't know the whole story.  To them it was just a fun farewell party.
Twilight sat to the side looking dejected despite the best efforts of her friends to cheer her up.  I caught her eye a few times and smiled at her to try to cheer her up.
The party went on all day with ponies coming and going.  As evening wore on it was down to just us eight, we gathered together and I poured each of them a drink.
"My friends, you have made this the most amazing time in my life.  Thank you.  Maybe someday when I pass on my spirit will return and I can be reborn here where I belong.  Cheers."
They all clinked their glasses with me except Twilight; still looking morose as she sat quietly.  
The party wound down and I embraced each of my friends bidding them a sad farewell.  The three of us began to walk back to the library.
Twilight stopped and looked back at me, a sleepy Spike on her back.  "It won't be like that."
"Wha..."
"You won't come back.  You'll just be gone...  And I'll be alone...  Again..."
"Twi I just..."
Before I could say anymore she galloped off Spike barely holding on.
I really, really hated this.  But there was nothing I could do.

When I got back to the library that evening I tried again to explain to Twilight...  Again to tell her how I felt.
"Twi, I know you’re upset but..."
"But what?!  You’re just going to go then?!"  Her voice lowered to a whisper as she hung her head.  "You're going to leave me...?"
It broke my heart seeing her like that.  Knowing I was the cause.  "You know I don't want to Twi.  The Princess's..."
"I don't care what they said!"  She screamed at me, her eyes filled with tears.
I knelt down and tried to hold her but she pulled away, turning her back to me.  "You’re not making this any easier on me Twi.  I can't..."
"Fine!  You want to go so bad!  Go!  You can just sleep on the couch tonight!"  She turned and stormed up the stairs leaving me with a very confused and frightened looking Spike.
"Sorry buddy.  Guess I broke that promise after all.  It'll be ok, go on."  I patted him gently on the head.  He climbed the stairs looking down at me with a sad look on his face.
"Twi.  Please come back down, I just want to talk some more.  To tell you..."  I was interrupted by a telekinetically thrown pillow to the face knocking me to the floor followed by a blanket.
With a heavy sigh I sat down on the couch, I grabbed a quill, some ink and a piece of parchment and began to write.


My dearest Twilight

If I have handed you this letter on my way through the portal back to my world without having told you my feelings then I am still a coward and I'm sorry.  I love you Twilight.  I love you so much it hurts.  I wish I could have come up with a way to stay with you.  I hope you can forgive me someday.  I know I'll never forget you, I don't know how I'll live without you.  I'm so glad you have your friends and Spike to help you when I'm gone, please lean on them in my absence.  I'm so sorry Twi, I should have told you so much sooner.  I love you!  I love you!  I love you!  I can't say it enough.  Please forgive me.

Love you forever.
Rick


I folded it up and slipped it into my jacket pocket, and then I tried to get comfortable on the unfamiliar couch.

Maybe she would calm down by tomorrow...

Last chance to tell her...

Last day in Equestria.
> Chapter 14  (Last day)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

I woke up.  Stretched painfully, my back sore and stiff from the unfamiliar couch.  What a lousy night, I barely slept without Twilight by my side.  
As I pulled myself into a sitting position I found myself face to face with Twilight, she was sitting, waiting for me patiently, her eyes a bit red.  We both spoke at once.
"I'm sorry."  We both smiled at our awkwardness.
"You first Twi."  I offered.
"No, no.  You can go first."  She replied.  I smiled, she was so beautiful.
"I was a jerk Twi.  I'm so sorry."  I said, taking one of her hooves in my hands and squeezing it gently.
"No you weren't!  I was the one being difficult.  It’s not your fault.  I'm sorry."  She said, hanging her head dejected.  I gently lifted her chin up to look in her beautiful eyes, tears forming in their corners.
"Don't be sorry Twi.  No regrets."  I whispered, wiping her tears away.  She moved up to me putting her head over my shoulder as I wrapped my arms around her hugging her tightly.  We held each other for a few minutes.
"Well...  I guess we had better go.  Zecora asked that we get there early."  She said with a final sniff.
"I guess...  We don't have to walk fast though."  She smiled up at me and shook her head slightly.  
I went up and gathered my few belongings.  My outfits Rarity had made for me would certainly be a conversation piece back home.  And they would be a memento so I packed them up.  
My bag of bits I had earned here wouldn't do me much good back home.  I would have to give it to Twilight if she didn't need them she would know some pony who would.  I patted my pocket to make sure my letter was still there.
I had nothing other then that, just my memories of this amazing time.  I would never forget.
Spike was still asleep, I wouldn’t disturb him, he’d had it rough enough the past couple days.
I met Twilight at the door my bag of clothes slung over my shoulder, the bag of bits clinking on my belt.  
We started walking towards the edge of town, side by side my arm draped over her shoulder as we had done hundreds of times since I arrived.  Her fur was as soft as ever, every time she looked back at me over her shoulder I felt my heart shudder.  I had to tell her... 
My track record for telling Twilight I loved her was zero out of a hundred so far.  Somehow I would get it out before I left.
We reached the edge of town far too soon and began walking down the path into the Everfree forest.
"Twilight, I..."  This is it.  I can do it.  She turned to me.
"Yes...?"
"I...  I..."  Just say it!
"Yes...?"  Her beautiful eyes stared right into mine.
"I'm going to miss you!"  I blurted out.  Coward!  Idiot!  Ahrrrgg!  Her eyes turned overcast for a moment.
"Oh...  I'll miss you too."  We resumed walking as I mentally screamed at myself.
The forest was getting thick as we traveled; I knew I was running out of time rapidly.  Another half of an hour and we would be at Zecora's.
"Twi.  I really do want to tell you something.  I'm just not sure how."  I began again.  She turned to face me.
"You don't have to hold anything back Rick.  We’re friends, best friends right?"  She said with a small smile.  
Friends...  Right, maybe I was making a mistake.  All telling her would do is make our last bit of time together awkward...  
To hell with it!  If I was never going to see her again I didn't want to lose this one last chance.
"Twilight.  I L..."  My confession of love was interrupted suddenly by a savage roar from the forest beside us.
Through the underbrush burst a huge creature its large tawny lion head backed by a powerful body, two large batwings on its back and a long segmented tail with a stinger at the tip.  
A Manticore!  Twilight had told me about them before, and we had looked them up in her books.  She had even told me about a time when shy little Fluttershy had befriended one.  
This creature clearly was not looking for friends.  Its mane was ragged and its powerful body shrunken, its ribs clearly showing.  Its wings were tattered and clearly of no use to it, its tail thrashed about angrily and its eyes were wild.
It saw us, and in its eyes I could see hunger.  I pushed Twilight behind me quickly and hurled my garment bag at it.
"Run!  Just run!"  I shouted.
With a roar it bound after us as we ran straight into the forest ducking around trees, trying to put any foliage we could between us and it.  
We should have headed straight for Zecora's.  Twilight also could have easily teleported us away, but our adrenalin was pumping and we just weren't thinking clearly.
We just ran.  I kept glancing over my shoulder trying to keep myself between the Manticore and Twilight.  The forest slowed it more then us because of its huge body but still it gained, its overwhelming hunger giving it strength.
The inevitable happened...  As we squeezed through a thick copse of trees my foot caught on a root sending me sprawling.  Twilight was ahead of me and out of immediate danger thankfully.  As I struggled to my feet I glanced back to see the Manticore stuck in the thick copse but its long tail swinging towards me from between the trees.  I turned trying to get out of its reach, as I did I was struck suddenly from behind knocking me sprawling.
No stabbing pain though, did it only strike me with the blunt end?  I quickly turned over and found Twilight lying unconscious beside me, a large puncture mark in her side from the Manticore’s stinger, its edges already blackening from the poison.  
She took the attack meant for me...  No!  I quickly glanced at the Manticore and saw it was still entrapped tearing at the trees, its rage hampering it from simply backing up and circling the copse.  
I scooped Twilight up and began running in what I hoped was the direction of Zecora's.  
She could help...  She had to.  Tears blurred my vision as I ran, the Manticore’s roars of anger and frustration echoing behind me.
I had no frame of reference, no landmarks or even direction, I just ran.  I could feel Twilights heart beating as I held her tightly, each beat seemed slower then the last.  I was at the point of collapse, but forced myself to keep going, my pace barely a jog.  Finally bursting through the trees onto the path; I fell to the ground on my back gasping for air, Twilight still in my arms.  
Glancing up at the sky I could see the sun was high in the sky, had so much time passed already?  
I pushed myself back to my feet, half running, half staggering my way down the path to Zecora's door.  I slammed into it with my back and fell inside clutching Twilight protectively to my chest.
"Zecora!"  I hoarsely yelled.  She was there in an instant, concern in her eyes.  She quickly noticed the wound in Twilights side and touched her hoof to it.  Bringing it to her mouth she tasted and quickly spat.  	
She galloped away to her potions while I lie there holding Twilight, trying to catch my breath as her heart slowly beat.
"Nononono...  Don't you leave me Twi."  I whispered in her ear.  Zecora came back a potion held in her mouth, she dropped it into my hand and I uncorked it and poured it into Twilight’s mouth, making sure she swallowed it all.  Zecora laid her head on Twilight chest, listening intently to her heartbeat.
"Is she cured?  Is it alright?"  I asked desperately.  Zecora shook her head sadly.
"This only slows the spread, I fear it has gone too far for my skills, soon she shall be dead."  
My world collapsed.  I held her close praying, denying, trying to think of anything…
"Surely there’s a potion you can make...?"  I began, Zecora just shook her head.
"Ponyville Hospital then?"  She paused a second but shook her head again.
"This can't happen!  Twilight!  There has to be something...  Anything!"  I begged.  
At that moment Twilight stirred, her eyes fluttered opened and she looked at me.  Her hoof came up and gently caressed the side of my face.
"No regrets..."  She whispered to me as her eyes rolled up into her head and she lost consciousness again.  I held her tightly tears streaming down my face still trying to think of something.
"Celestia!"  I finally came up with it.  Zecora looked at me thoughtfully, and then nodded slightly.
"Her magic is up to par, but it is too long, too far."
"I have to try."  I struggled to my feet.
"Stop."  Zecora retrieved a potion and tossed it to me.
"This will banish your fatigue, I pray you will succeed."  
I drank the potion without hesitation.  It burned like fire going down; its heat quickly enveloped my extremities banishing my weariness.  With a nod to Zecora I began to run.  
I ignored everything around me, all that mattered was to get to Ponyville as fast as I could, get a Pegasus chariot crew and ride for Canterlot as fast as we could.  
I concentrated on her heartbeat, ba-bump run!  Ba-bump faster!  Ba-bump FASTER!
As I ran into town; the potion was beginning to wear off.  My legs felt like they were made of lead, but I kept going ignoring the pain as well as the shocked looks of the ponies in town seeing me carrying Twilight through, I didn’t have time to explain.
Arriving at the chariot rental place I burst through the door.
"I need to get to Canterlot NOW!"  I gasped.  The mare at the desk just stared at me; I grabbed my bag of bits and emptied it on the desk awkwardly holding Twilight with one arm.
"Take it!  I don't care.  It’s a matter of life and death!  NOW!"  She squeaked and yelled into the backroom.  Two Pegasus stallions came out and led me over to a chariot which they quickly hooked themselves up to.  I would have rather had Dash and Fluttershy pulling us.  But I had no time.
They took off, their wings beating mightily.
"As fast as you can.  Please.  Celestia’s palace."  I begged, collapsing down on the chariot floor.
“Please Twi, please, please fight it!  Your strong.  Don‘t leave me, I can‘t live without you.  I don’t want to leave you.  I love you!  I should have told you sooner.  I‘m so sorry.”  I whispered in her ear as  I held Twilight, her heart beating slower by the minute.  
Why did it take this for me to realise I couldn’t leave Equestria…  Leave Twilight…  I didn’t want to live without her, couldn’t live without her…
Faster, faster!  I silently begged.  To their credit the Pegasus’s were flying hard and soon we approached the city of Canterlot.
They flew down right at the palace steps as they collapsed exhausted I jumped out feeling slightly refreshed by the flight and ran carrying Twilight to the entrance.
"HALT!"  The two guardsmen spoke in unison blocking my passage.
"I need to see the Princess right now."  Maybe they recognised Twilight or they could just see the desperation in my eyes but after a moments hesitation one of them stepped aside while the other opened the door and escorted me inside to the royal court where the Princess was.  We burst through the doors shocking those assembled into silence.
"Celestia!"  I screamed hoarsely as I staggered forward my strength all but spent.
"Clear the room."  She commanded, stepping down from her throne as her guards herded everypony out she quickly approached, her horn glowing as her magic pulled Twilight from me.  I collapsed back sitting on the floor watching her carefully.  
After a few moments she gently lowered Twilight back into my embrace.
"Princess..."  I begged.  She shook her head sadly.
"Too late…  The poison has reached her heart.  I'm sorry, there are limits even for us."
"There has to be something!  You and Luna together?!"
"I'm sorry human.  It’s too late.  The best we can do now is make her comfortable.  Follow me."  As she turned to go; I could see tears forming in her eyes.
"No."
She turned back to look at me.  "What!?"
"No!  I won't let her die like this.  There has to be something you can do!"  I could see something in her eyes, apprehension?  Fear?  A chance?  I offered the only thing I had.
"My life for hers."
"That’s not how it..."  She began.
"Take my life and give it to her, take the poison from her and transfer it into me!  Tear my heart out of my chest and give it to her!  Anything!  Please Princess...  I...  I love her."  
She stared at me for a moment, and then she nodded her head slightly.  As she stepped forward she closed her eyes; her long horn began to glow.  Suddenly she thrust it between Twilight and I.  
It stabbed through my chest into my heart with surprising ease, the pain was overwhelming, but somehow I remained conscious.   I coughed, spitting up blood.  
The Princesses eyes opened, blazing with pure light, her glow surrounded Twilight and I and as my blood flowed freely from my chest over Twilight I felt her shudder in my arms.  
Her heart had nearly stopped beating, but now I could feel it beat with renewed vigour as mine slowed to a crawl.
Suddenly her horn as well blazed blindingly with magic, her eyes flew open, they too burning with pure magical light.  
I managed to bring up my hand to caress the side of her face once; those glowing orbs of light turned and seemed to focus on me.  I smiled at her weakly and finally managed to choke out the words I had been trying to say for months.
"I Love You Twilight..."

Darkness overtook me.


Well at least I managed to tell her...

…

..

.
> Chapter 15 (Epilogue)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I woke up…
Nothing new about that, it had happened many times before.  The difference was I really never thought the darkness that swallowed me would let go…
I could feel I was lying on a soft bed, warm blankets covering me.  I kept my eyes shut tightly not wanting to face whatever reality might lay beyond my eyelids.  
Two things could have happened I imagined.  Either the spell failed…  And Twilight was dead, I somehow survived.  Or I was back at home, possibly in the hospital and everything that had happened was a coma…  Dream or something like that.
Neither of those options appealed to me at all.  I laid there my eyes squeezed shut trying to come to grips with everything.  When I suddenly heard something...
A giggle I thought I would never hear again, her soft sweet breath and voice in my ear.
"As much as I would love to write another chapter in my book on the fascinating sleeping habits of humans, I think a week is probably enough.  Even for you."  My eyes shot open.
"Twilight!"  And slammed shut almost as quickly the bright sunlight streaming thru the window blinding me momentarily.  "Ahrrg!"
"Ahh!  Sorrysorrysorry!!"   I could feel her soft magical glow as she pulled the curtains closed.  I slowly opened my eyes to the most beautiful mare in the world.  She was lying right beside me, books piled and strewn about the plain white room.  She was looking at me with concern in her amazing eyes.
"Are you ok?  I'm so sorry; I forgot how sensitive your eyes would be..."  I stopped her by gently caressing the side of her face.
"You’re alive.  Alive!"  I repeated, tears streaming down my face.  I pulled her close holding her tightly.  "I'm still alive?  How…”  
She pulled back slightly her face an inch away from mine tears forming in her perfect eyes.
"I don't know...  Why did you…?  How could you…!  Don't leave me alone again!"  She cried throwing herself against me, I held her tightly, savouring the feeling of her soft warm body.  The strong beating of her heart.
"Never again Twi.  I‘ll never leave you again."  I whispered in her ear.  
She leaned back, tears still spilling; I leaned in kissing her softly for the first time.  Her lips were soft, warm and sweet.  It was everything I imagined and more.  We stared at each other for a second as we kissed, then closed our eyes losing ourselves in the moment.  As our lips pressed together time seemed to stop.  When we finally leaned back it felt as if an eternity had passed.  I wiped her tears away gently as she blushed slightly, her ears laid back.
"That…  That was my first kiss."  She said softly.  I looked into her luminous eyes.
"Not mine."  I admitted.  "But definitely the best of my life."  I kissed her again.  "I love you Twilight."  She blushed again prettily, fidgeting slightly in the bed.
"I know…  I mean…  I had suspicions…  I hoped?   But, why me?  There are plenty of other ponies prettier then I am..."  Her eyes looked down as she spoke.  I laughed softly gently lifting her chin up to look in those amazing eyes.
"Not to me.  There may be ponies that others find more beautiful then you, maybe even some more loyal, kind, fun loving, honest and generous.  Maybe even somewhere in Equestria there’s somepony more magical then you, but I doubt it.  But all those ponies are missing one very, very important, crucial thing."  
She was crying again diamond like tears falling from her beautiful eyes as they stared right into my soul.
"What?"  She whispered as I smiled at her.
"Their not you."  She stared at me for a second then leaned forward kissing me hard, after a few moments we parted flushed slightly.
"I love you too Rick."  We kissed again softly.
"I…  I hoped…  Dreamed to hear you say those words Twi.  I don't know why you would love me.  But I am so happy you do."  She laid her head on my chest gently, I noticed now a thick bandage wound across it.
"Why?  After all you've done for me?  And we've been through together?  I've known it for ages, I... I just wasn't brave enough to say anything."  She said sadly.
I squeezed her gently.  "Me too.  I was afraid of rejection.  Afraid I was too different for you.  I didn’t want to hurt you when they forced me to go.  But ever since that night..."
"Under the stars?"
"Well yes…  How did you know?"  I asked as she snuggled against me.
"That night when you held me and we looked up at the stars, you were singing to me… I could feel a connection between us.  I knew then I was in love...  I just didn't know what to do…”
"Oh Twi.  How in the world did I ever get so lucky to find you?"  She sat up suddenly kissing me hard again; her forelegs around my neck, my hands tangled in her mane.  Our mouths opened slightly, our tongues meeting experimentally for the first time…  

And suddenly interrupted by the sound of a throat being cleared from the doorway.  I opened one eye not breaking the kiss, looking in that direction to see Rainbow Dash smiling at us, Scootaloo on her back making a gagging motion.  Right behind her was Pinkie Pie, a huge grin on her face.  Twilight and I reluctantly broke our kiss leaning back in the bed.
"You've got a real lousy sense of timing Dash."  I said with a grin.  She trotted into the room, Pinkie and the others right on her heels.
"Whatever.  Get a room you two.”  She retorted.
"But they have a room Dashie!  Unless you mean they should get another room?  But then they'd be in that room and we came to visit them in this room and we couldn't visit them if they weren't here and..."  	Rarity interrupted Pinkie while entering the room, Sweetie Belle and a small box on her back.
"Pinkie dear, let’s not get too overexcited.  So glad to see you both doing so...  Well."  She said with a smile.
"See!  I told you guys!  Their in love!  I told you so!"  Sweetie Belle broke in, talking to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom who had just entered on Applejacks back.
"Whew!  You two sure gave us a heck of a scare!  Zecora came running into town with some crazy story about a Manticore stingin ya and ya'll running off to Canterlot to find help.  By the time we got here they had you two bundled up here with no visitors allowed!"  Applejack stated.  
Fluttershy came into the room right behind Applejack; she seemed to perk up as soon as she saw us awake and well.  Flying over she quickly gave us each a hug.
"Oh, I was so worried!  I'm so glad your both ok!"  
Twilight and I told them the whole story of what happened that day, I filled in the blanks for her when she was passed out and she told us what happened in my week of unconsciousness.
"So you never left his side all week sugarcube?"  Asked Applejack.  Twilight blushed slightly shaking her head; I leaned over and kissed her again.
"Awwww…”  Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom went.
"Ewwww…”  Was Scootaloo's obvious response.
"I still don't understand how we both survived…”  Twilight stated.
"Well darling, the Princess said she would come by and explain what she could so you'll have your answers soon."  Rarity explained while Pinkie Pie bounced around the room happily.
"And when you’re all better we can throw a Glad your not Dead Party!  Woo!"  
Rainbow Dash stepped forward.
"Ya, well we all pitched in and got you this present here…  Figured you might need it.  We were supposed to give it to you before you left, but it wasn’t ready.  Oh well…  Go ahead and give it to them Rare."  Rarity levitated the box on her back guiding it over to me.
"You open it first Rick.  You'll know what to do with it."  Rarity said with a knowing grin and a wink. 	
Confused I quickly unwrapped it; opening it I beheld a beautiful silver ring with a large Star Sapphire crowning it.  I looked at everpony amazed.  They just smiled at us.  I struggled out of bed slowly and painfully.
"Rick!  No you mustn’t…”  Twilight began.
"Its ok Twi, got to do this right."  As I lowered myself down on one knee I noticed other then the large bandage wound around my chest, I had no other clothing on, but at the moment I didn't care.  Twilight stared at me uncomprehending, I took her hoof in one hand reached into the box and pulled out the ring.
"Twilight Sparkle I love you, now and forever.  Will you do me the greatest honour of my life and marry me?"  She just stared at me confused for a few seconds, and then she leapt off the bed onto me knocking me to the floor and peppering my face with kisses while breathlessly saying.
"Yes!  Yes!  Yesyesyes!"  I fit the ring carefully onto her horn and held her tightly.
"How did you guys…?“  I asked.  Dash just rolled her eyes.
"Oh please.  It was sooo obvious.  Well to everypony but you two."  She laughed.  Everyone else laughed along with tears in their eyes.
"What do we have here?"  Everypony turned and in the doorway was Princess Celestia, everypony backed away to make room for her bowing as they did.  Spike popped in the door right behind her with an armload of books.  She approached the two of us lying on the ground.
"Hmm, I see you found a bit of a loophole around that Equestrian citizenship rule."  She said with a sly smile.  Twilight and I just stared uncomprehending for a moment.
"If you’re going to be marrying my prized pupil..."  She said with a wink.  Comprehension dawned on me and I struggled to my knees bowing as low as I could.
"Thank you your highness, for everything.  But Luna…"  
“She will get used to the idea.  Trust me.“  Her horn glowed, she gathered Twilight and I up with her magic, placing us back in the bed and pulling the covers over us.
"Now then, you have some questions I'm sure?"  She asked.
"Princess how did we survive?  What happened?"  Twilight asked.
"When the human...  I mean, when Rick brought you to me and I examined you, my heart was breaking.  You had gone too far for me to purge the poisons from your body, your passing was inevitable.  As I tried to bring myself to accept that fact he spoke up.  Asked me to take his life and give it to you, anything I could do to save you.  I could tell from the look upon his face and the anguish in his voice he was prepared to do anything to save you."  Twilight squeezed me tightly.
"I know an old spell...  Created before my parents even ruled.  Blood magic, forbidden for many centuries.    But it was worth the risk.  As I impaled him and his blood ran over you the spell began to take effect.  Originally it was created to siphon the life force from one and give it to another, to extend the lives of the rulers of old.  I was not sure how effective it would be against the poison but it was the only chance we had.  But magic is not a one way street.  You Twilight, your magic at least, sensed the spell and knowingly or not you intervened.  Our combined power burned off the poison and changed the spell in ways I’m still not fully certain of.  What I can tell is that you two are now linked."  
Her magic gently pulled the bandage off my chest revealing a circular scar over my heart.  But also around the scar was a mark, a mark I was very familiar with.  
Twilight’s cutie mark, not quite as large as hers but well defined.  Pressing on it I could see and feel it was part of my skin.  No even deeper.  Through my muscle and bone all the way down to my heart.
Celestia smiled gently.  "I cannot be sure what effect other then saving your life Twilight spell may have had.  But your life essences are now linked.  I'm not sure if this means you two will live the lifespan of a unicorn, human or mayhap even both combined.  I am sure though that it will not be possible for you to be 
returned to your own dimension.  To do so would certainly kill you both..."  I held up my hand stopping her.
"To be honest Princess, I stopped wanting to go home the moment I laid eyes on the most amazing and beautiful mare in Equestria."  I said as I leaned over kissing Twilight softly.
We all talked and enjoyed each others company for a bit longer before the doctor came in to check on us chasing everypony out, well…  Politely asking the Princess.  
Twilight and I relaxed in the bed talking and kissing occasionally.  Holding her close I could feel her heart beating in time with mine, perfectly in sync.
As we lie there, there came a soft knock at the door.  It opened and Shining Armor and Cadance entered the room.
“It’s so good to see you both.”  Cadance started.
“You sure gave us a fright there sis.  And you as well, soon to be brother.”  Armor said with a grin.
“News travels fast.”  I said.
Twilight hopped out of bed to embrace her brother and Cadance, and then rejoined me.
“What I want to know husband is how you knew about these two before I did!”  Cadance sulked.
Armor grinned.  “When Twily wrote me I could tell something was up with her.  And when she showed up with Rick here, I could see how happy she was.  I know my little sis, maybe better then anypony.  And if she was happy so was I.  And you wife?  What took you so long?”  He teased.
Cadance smiled.  “Well when I came upon them on the battlements I too could see Twilight was perhaps a bit enamoured with Rick.  A small crush I thought, so I cast a small spell on them to determine the depths of her infatuation.  Too my surprise it was so much deeper then that.  Love.”  She said with a large smile.  “And even more surprising was when I looked to you Rick.  Love.  As deep and all encompassing as any I have ever seen.”  She sighed smiling happily.  “I knew you two would be perfect together then.”
“Mom and Dad are very excited.”  Armor grinned.
“Really?  I didn’t think they cared for me too much.”  I asked.
“Well, they were a bit concerned.  But Cadance and I assured them it was what Twily wanted.  Frankly they were just happy for her to find someone.  We all thought she might have to marry a book!”  Armor laughed uproariously.
“Ooh you’re going to pay for that bro.”  Twilight began levitating various items from around the room and throwing them playfully at her brother.
“Whoa!”  He dodged several books and stuck his tongue out at Twilight as my jacket enveloped around him knocking him to the floor dislodging a piece of parchment from my pocket onto the floor at Cadance’s hooves.
“Hmm?  What’s this?”
“Oh nothing…  It’s just…”  My objections died as she levitated it up and open.  Reading it her eyes widened tears forming.  She showed it to Armor and he smiled softly at Twilight and I as Cadance floated it over to us.
“What is it Rick?”  Twilight asked as it landed in front of her.
“It was just in case…”
She read it and turned to me with tears in her eyes.  “We were so close to losing one another…  So close…”
I embraced her and kissed her softly.  “I’m sorry Twi.  We’re together now.  And we always will be.  I’m yours forever.”
She smiled happily and snuggled against me.
Cadance and Armor smiled at us.  “Well we should be going.  We just wanted to see you both, and to congratulate you.  We’ll see you later.”  And with that they departed.
Twilight carefully pressed my note between two of her books to straighten it out.
“Keeping this.”  She breathed.
We lay there together staring at the ceiling and holding each other like it was our last day on Equestria, when in reality it was our first together.
As the sun started to set we both were getting sleepy, we cuddled together in bed kissing softly and murmuring I love you’s to each other.
When out of a shadow in the corner stepped a tall regal pony.
“Princess Luna!”  Twilight gasped.
I struggled to get out of bed to bow when she spoke.
“Stop.  Do not injure yourself further.  I…  I know my sister has accepted you as a citizen of Equestria.  I do not come to oppose it.”  She hung her head sadly.  “I come to apologise.”
She bowed down on one knee her horn touching the ground.
“Princess what are you…?”  She interrupted me again holding up her fore hoof.
“Please, let me explain.”
We both nodded lying back in the bed.
“I…  I have been watching you…  Spying I suppose would be a more accurate term.  I wanted so badly to rid myself of you!  After so many years, a human in Equestria brought all my anger and hatred back up to the surface.  I watched your interactions with the ponies around you and mostly with Twilight Sparkle.  I waited for you to treat her badly, try to take advantage of her in any way so I could make you pay!  But you were nothing but kind to her, loving…  I was jealous perhaps, why should you have your love when my parents had been taken from me!  It was me in the park that day, I didn’t want to hurt you Twilight I hoped you would protect yourself and leave him to his fate…  I’m so sorry…  I could have killed you!”  She covered her face with her hooves sobbing uncontrollably.
I hobbled carefully out of bed, a blanket wrapped around my waist to preserve my modesty.  I knelt by the Princess and gently put my arm around her.
“I forgive you Princess.  Can you forgive me for being one of the beings that caused you so much pain?”
She collapsed into my arms crying still as Twilight came up I pulled her into the hug as well.
After a few moments Luna pulled back and wiped her eyes, shaking her head she levitated us both back into the bed.
“Thank you.  But there’s more.  Twilight Sparkle, when you were sending your requests to my sister.  She was sympathetic, I was so bitter I kept arguing with her, forcing her to reject your proposals again and again.  I was so mad!  I’m sorry.  After seeing what you did in the park that day and hearing what you did for Twilight Sparkle…  I was wrong about you.  Please accept my apologies?”
“Of cource Princess.”
“Please huma…  I mean please Rick, call me Luna.”
“I would be honoured to, Luna.”
She smiled to us both.  “After hearing about what you did I searched my soul for an answer of how I could make it up to you.  And studying the deepest bowels of the spell library I believe I have something.  If I may?”
I nodded, interested but a little worried.
Her horn glowed and surrounded me in its magic for a few moments, it felt strange but not harmful.
“There.  It’s a secret…  But someday I hope you will see, and appreciate it.  Goodbye for now.”
She stepped into the shadows and disappeared.
“I wonder what that was?”  I asked.
“It didn’t hurt did it?”
“No…  I don’t think she means me any harm now.  I believe her.”
“Me too.  We’ll have to wait and see then.”
“I guess so.”
I wrapped my arms around her pulling her close.
“I love you Twilight Sparkle.  So much.”
She kissed me softly.  “Only as much as I love you.”
We got comfortable again and began drifting off to sleep.
"Looks like you’re stuck with me now Twi."  I whispered.
She snuggled against me yawning slightly.  "I think we can make that work."  
As we drifted off to sleep I reflected on everything that had brought us to this point.

Not a bad ending...  I thought.

Twilights voice in my mind:  No.  Just the beginning...