> We Bare Men
>  by sxcbeast
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Homecoming
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Okay, just a little to the left, fellas," I directed the stallions. "Right there, that's perfect!" I shout. 

The stallions helping me let out a relieved sigh as they stretched their backs and legs from moving the heavy piece. I threw a tarp over it to keep it hidden until the big reveal. 

"Pinkie, where is everything; I thought you said everything would be ready by now?" I asked her from across the room, as I finished up.

"Almooost," Pinkie Pie sang back, as she bounced on her hooves. "Just putting on the finishing touch." she said as she stopped and stood next to me. 

"Pinkie..." I groaned. "It doesn't even look like there's a party about to happen... The food's not here, the tables are nonexistent, and there's no entertainment!" I complained, gesturing at the bare walls, the floor, and ceiling of Twilight's Castle ballroom. 

"Wait for it..." Pinkie said mysteriously, while slowly reaching a hoof to a tapestry rope on the nearby wall, as if waiting for the perfect moment to pull it, before yanking hard on a thick golden tapestry cord leading up the wall. Before I had a chance to see where it leads, my vision was filled with an explosion of multicolored paper confetti and streamers. 

Once my vision returned and the air was cleared of colorful obstruction, and the entire ballroom was set for the day's events in that instant.

"How did you-" I started to say to the pink Houdini next to me.

"A good party planner never reveals her secrets." Pinkie Pie smiled back mischievously, then sauntered proudly away while humming happily to herself. 

"I hope I never get tired of this place..." I muttered in amazement at Pinkie's amazing talent. 

A burst of purple sparks exploded in mid-air. And from their dazzling light appeared Princess Twilight Sparkle, the sole ruler of Equestria. 

"Is everything going well, Trevor?" 

"It's shaping up to be a great party Twilight, thanks again for letting us set up here in the Palace."

Twilight looked embarrassed. "It's the least I could do for my favorite subjects." 

"Don't let your little ponies hear you say that, or they might get jealous." I joked, getting a chuckle out of her.

"Is Travis going to be here?" She asked, looking embarrassed. 

I chuckled. "Still hung up on him, huh?" She looked away bashfully. "Well, seein' how there's only five of us humans in the world, and this is almost exclusively a human-only party, I'd say your chances are looking pretty good." 

The Princess blushed. 

Twilight was nearing her first decade as the lone ruler of Equestria, and she was our greatest benefactor. I knew she felt some responsibility over us. We don't know exactly what happened. All we do know, is that Princess Twilight Sparkle and Empress Cadence tried to use the Crystal Heart as a means of near-limitless magical energy. Since Equestria was just discovering the conveniences of modern electricity. The experiment ended in disaster. The Crystal Heart was shattered, yet later restored. Less than a week later, reports of the appearance of a new biped species reached the Princess' ear. 

I supposed to her it wasn't a coincidence that the two events were related. All I knew was that I was driving home, until my car fell into the biggest pothole I'd ever seen. Then I woke up in the middle of a park in Manehattan... with half my SUV buried in the dirt like it was a piece from the Cadillac Ranch. 

It was still there as one of my first contributions to art and culture. 

"Oh my gosh, Kylieeeee-he-he! It's so good to see you again!" Pinkie squealed near the doorway leading out. 

"Pinkieeee, it's great to see you too!" I hear Kylie reply back, the two girls are squealing and hugging each other tightly. Kylie has Pinkie lifted off the ground, gently spinning the both of them around in an epic embrace. 

Before her arrival to Equestria, Kylie was a typical California high school senior, just like any other teenager. Now, she's a young woman about twenty-three years of age with dirty-blonde hair, a petite hourglass figure, and a bust that was a tad too large for her tiny frame. She was the 'pretty one' of our group; with a bubbly personality to match. And she was popular with the Ponies too. Might've been a given considering she wanted to go for a Communications Major in college. She was a natural socialite, her new life and career took off like a rocket in this Pony-dominated world. She was a very in-demand event coordinator with connections to many of this world's celebrities. She appeared smack in the middle of the Crystal Empire. Talk about a scene... a teen-aged girl confused about whether to scream her head off, or coo and adore all the cute, talking animals around her. At least Empress Cadence was very attentive to her needs and kept the panic down to a minimum; for both her, and the Empire's citizens. 

"Guess, what I maaaade," Pinkie teased her human girl-friend.

"What? Oh, don't tell me!" Kylie hopped and clapped her hands in equal excitement.

"Eh, alright, if you don't wanna know." Pinkie Pie shrugged, then cantered away.

"No, wait, okay, tell me, tell me, did you make them? Please tell me you made them?"

"I don't know?" Pinkie shrugged in mock aloofness. "Did I make your favorite brownies that contains every known kind of chocolate in Equestria, or didn't I? Guess you'll have to find out during the party." Pinkie finished, singing teasingly.

"Oh, Pinkie I love you so much, Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"Don't thank me yet," she rushed forward and somehow managed to stretch herself to whisper in Kylie's ear. "One of the All-choco-questria brownies has a super spicy chili pepper inside it." She whispered loudly. "Someone's gonna get a very special desert!" She announced before skip-hopping away. 

Kylie giggled mischievously, while I shrugged and shook my head as her attention turned towards me. 

"Hey Big Daddy!" Kylie half-tackled into me. 

"Hey famous girl," I leaned down to hug her back, she was a tiny thing; but then again, I was a pretty big and tall guy, even by human standards. "You're not gonna be calling me that for much longer, I've really slimmed down!" I joked. All-You-Can-Eat salad buffets were my go-to eateries. 

"I know! I can almost get my arms around you now; but you'll always my Big Daddy." She teased. 

We weren't a thing. I was certain that she had daddy issues back home. Maybe Kylie just didn't get enough attention back on Earth. I found that hard to believe. But she never wanted to talk about her family. She was the most eager and excited to be in the Pony World. 

Kylie and I didn't have time to catch up before the guests started coming in droves. Ponies that we humans owed our lives and livelihoods to, but many were both friends and friends of friends that wanted to attend the very first quinquennial Human Reunion. But some pink ponies who-shall-remain-nameless, wanted to call our little soiree the "Ape Escape". More mature hooves wanted to call it the Humanitarian Gala, but we all compromised and my suggestion won out. 

I got tired of playing host, and went to mingle for a bit; until the next male of our species graced us with his presence. 

"Travis, you made it!" Kylie leaned into him while lifting a leg. 

"Hey girlfriend!" Travis greeted back, kissing her on each cheek. 

"Good to see ya made it, buddy." I welcomed my friend with a platonic hug. 

"How's FIllydelphia treating you?" Kylie asked. 

"Girl... It's been wonderful, let me tell ya, honey," he began telling her all about his life in the big pony city. 

Travis was the science nerd of our group, and appeared near Ponyville. He and Princess Twilight Sparkle really hit it off when it came to integrating human technology with pony magic. Together they created many everyday goods and items that changed the average Equestrian home overnight. Like the magical microwave oven, compact crystalline memory stones, and Velcro. Travis was a great guy, everyone and everypony like him; the dude was generous enough to gift a fair share of his intellectual property to his fellow humans. Just the simple act of creating and improving someone else's life was more than enough for him.

"Darling, aren't you going to introduce us to your friends?" A white Unicorn stallion next to Travis asked.  

Travis turned to introduce the two guests he brought with him. "Guys, this is Cashmere, and Long Haul." Travis began as he pointed to a pair of stallions next to him. 

Cashmere was a lanky, very smartly dressed, and very well-groomed, and very pretty Unicorn stallion, whereas Long Haul was a much larger, much more casual Earth Pony, who didn't groom himself as much, if at all. It was easy to tell from how feathered the hair on his hooves were on the bulky Draft stallion.  

"My coltfriends." Travis added.  

Oh, did I forget to mention that Travis is gay? Poor Twilight, the news hit her the hardest. 

It was like a crime against Equinity for a stallion--or a male in general--to only have a preference for those of the same sex. The mares vastly outnumbered stallions by 4:1 and often times more than that in other towns.  This meant there were at least twelve unlucky girls out there who would never know what it's like to make darker-hued babies with the African ass bandit and his entourage. 

Travis is also Black, if you didn't catch that. Which was part of the appeal for Twilight Sparkle. Apparently having a darker-colored coat was considered less attractive among bright, pastel-colored horse-people.

"Oh, my gosh, you never said humans can grow so tall." I hear, Cashmere gasp up to Travis. 

I was used to such reactions even back on Earth. I usually had to duck under door frames for safety. 

Cashmere's voice was that of a stereotypical queer, but Travis wasn't so far immersed in his orientation. 

I try not to judge, given where I was raised. And sometimes my hick accent comes out pretty heavy on some words if I'm not careful. But having a relationship with a Pony... was still kinda weird to me. 

Their reaction wasn't surprising given the little guy was only an inch taller than Kylie... I think... maybe they were the same size. 

"Well, I'm a bit of a freak in that department." I say to him.

"Lon-Lon, come on; say hi," Travis nudged the Draft pony encouragingly. "He gets pretty shy around new people." 

Long Haul I could tell was a strong, silent type. The others never knew it, but him and I were having a deep discussion between each other. With just a bit of eye contact, and a half lip-bite with a half-smile combined with a nod of our heads; we could've been brothers for how much we had in common. And from that, I knew Travis was doing just fine with these two. 

"Travis here is a better example of how great good ol' humanity can be." I chuckle. "Even if he is a little guy." I joked. 

"Oh he ain't so little anymore," Cashmere started teasingly. "Right Long-Dong- I mean, Lon-Lon." 

Long Haul blushed profusely and looked away indignantly.

Oh, ok; it's clear to see who's the top, top, and bottom of this relationship... or would they be top, middle, bottom? And it left little to my imagination, since they stood together just like that with Cashmere on the left, Travis in the Middle, and Long D- Haul on the right. 

"Babe, don't, not in front of my peers." Travis admonished. 

"Darling, please, I was only having a little fun; besides, maybe your big, handsome friend here would like to know about the Zebra potions you've been taking to make us oh-so happy and satisfied each night." He suggested salaciously. 

"Oh look, hon; there's the Hors d' oeuvres," Travis frowned and dragged his misbehaving coltfriend off, all while bickering about embarrassing him in front of us. 

Long Haul exchanged awkward and apologetic smiles with us and followed after them. 

"Sounds like there's a little trouble in paradise," I joked, getting a titter out of Kylie. 

"What about you; no special somepony in your life?" I asked her. 

Kylie scoffed in disgust as if she remembered something. "I'm swearing off stallions for awhile. I went on a date with this big name talent manager called Sven Gallop and all he wanted to do was fish for compliments for all the work he put into the date." She let out an exasperated sigh. "Even after I slept with him, he just wanted me to praise how good he was and how much longer he lasted than other stallions."

I almost choked on my own spit after hearing that. 

"Oh there's Rarity, I gotta talk to her about a new wardrobe; be back in a bit!" Kylie rushed off to mingle with her high society equal. 

I shook my head in disbelief. 

I couldn't believe after a bad impression like that, she still slept with the guy.

I figured she was getting lonely. Hell, I was sure we all were after spending so many years apart from our own kind.





The Friendship Council showed up in pairs and joined the party, after I welcomed and thanked all of them. Then a spattering of posh high-society ponies, who we knew just loved having the privilege of being acquainted with the worlds rarest alien race. And also many of these noble-ponies were investors that owned a great amount of stock in Travis' ventures. So I was sure they wanted to get in on the next big thing with him.  

I decided it was time to start having a little fun myself. The party was well underway with Ponies, griffins, a dragon, and people alike were conversing well. I went to the punch bowl and poured myself a cup, then entertained myself with a bit of people-pony watching as I lost myself in thoughts while keeping an eye on Kylie, Travis and his entourage. 

Cashmere was getting an earful while Long Haul stood stoically off the side. They quickly made amends and helped themselves to some food on the table, then began mingling with the former Element Bearers. 

I tried not to think about what activities they'd partake at the after party.  I could never see myself doing that... with another man... stallion maybe... HEY! Everyone has at least ONE gay fantasy. All I could think about, was how much it had to hurt, I mean, stallions aren't really known for their self control or anything pertaining to the word "small". 

But the whole 'multiple partners' thing...How does something like that even work? I counted myself lucky that I ever managed to find someone who looked passed my flaws. Let alone two, or even three!

I was lonely. And it was getting harder for me to cling onto hope. Of course, it was never easy leaving everything behind; not that I, or the others, had a choice. But the other's lives hadn't begun yet, and I envied them for that. But I had to be strong for them, because I knew they looked up to me; but they would never understand how hard it was for me to just... keep going. 

I shook my head of any other depressive thoughts just before I hear a feminine voice call behind me. 

"Hey there, stranger." 

I turned and was graced by the sight of the only other human female in Equestria. "Krystal, I thought you weren't going to make it!?" I said in shock as we hugged.

Krystal was a few years older than Kylie. A beautiful woman in her mid-20s. She had nice, luscious brunette hair, a perfectly proportioned bust. Was almost a full head shorter than myself. Originally from Pennsylvania, she was studying to be a nurses aide back on Earth, and appeared somewhere near Silver Shoals. Lucky for her, the former Princesses Celestia and Luna were there to take care of her. Much to their surprise, Krystal threw herself back into her work, and took up caring for the old folks. 

My guess is that it was her coping mechanism. She always came off as a bit of a busy-body to me. 

"Why would you think that?" She half laughed.

"Your last letter said you were moving to a different town." I explained in confusion. 

"That's right, and we did, we're moving here to Canterlot, I started a new residency at the hospital here." She smiled. 

"That's great! How's that going for you?" I asked as I gave her my drink, then poured myself a new one.

Krystal took my offer with a bit of hesitation, which kinda confused me; but I brushed it off. We were good friends. If I was the "dad" of the group, then she was undoubtedly the "mom". Though I couldn't bring myself to make that more official. 

"To be honest, I feel more like a veterinarian than a nurse," she scoffed a laugh and took a drink. "But I'm well on my way to becoming a doctor once I pass my mid-term." She added, sounding proud of herself. 

"Well I hope it isn't bad luck to congratulate you too early," I lifted my drink and we toasted to her success. 

"Mm, There's someone I want you to meet," Krystal said, after our toast. "Well, actually, two someones." 

She turned and gestured over a Pony couple who were speaking with Princess Twilight. A Pegasus stallion and an Earth Pony Mare trotted over and stood to either side of Krystal. 

"Trevor, this is Star Hunter," she gestured over at the Pegaus Stallion. "And Peach Fuzz." I shook both of their hooves in turn as they were introduced. "Trevor, these are my herd mates." She added, making me pause for just a split moment. 

"It's a real pleasure to make ya acquaintance." Peach Fuzz said in a Manehattan accent.

"Krystal's told us a lot about you, great to finally meet the 'man' she'd leave us for." Star Hunter chuckled. 

I was left a bit in shock. "Ah..." I didn't know how to respond to that. 

That got him some angry looks from both of his 'mares'.

"I got this one, honey, you catch up with your friends," Peach Fuzz cantered around, then bit and dragged Star Hunter off by his ear. 

"Ow, what'd I do!? Domestic violence! Stallion Abuse!" He called out while half laughing. 

Krystal downed the rest of her drink in one gulp, leaving her cheeks puffed out. Unfortunately it wasn't alcoholic. Those should arrive soon as Applejack got her shipment in. 

"So... How did you three end up together?" I started awkwardly, offering her a place to sit, after getting her another drink. 

Krystal took a breath. "I met Peach during my residency in Manehattan, she brought in a criminal that needed some medical attention. We got to talking and we hit it off well enough that she invited me to meet her at a night club. I thought we'd just be friends, but after a few months, she wanted to find out if I'd be comfortable with forming a herd." 

I nodded along with her story, taking a drink whenever she did. I knew about the move to Manehattan. It was necessary for her to complete nursing school, where the best medical professionals and education were located. From that, I knew all this happened roughly a year after we all parted ways. Both a long time, and not very long at all. 

Herding was something we all found intriguing in various ways. I've been approached more than a few times by mares looking for a stud. And to my shame, I accepted on more than one occasion. It was strange being a 'hot commodity'. But Krystal and Kylie, I figured wouldn't be up for it at all. And the fact Krystal was now currently in a serious relationship... I didn't know if this was desperation on her part, or if it was a good sign that she was moving on with her life. 

I asked. "I guess you said yes?" 

Krystal took a breath and shrugged. "I said 'I'd think about it', until she started getting all 'mare-ish' on me to go on a date with her." She sighed. "She said we're more likely to find a guy if we're already herding together." 

Mares could be very pushy in general, especially in the spring when mating season hit. Some I knew had a "High Horse" complex, or what we call 'bitchy'. In the short time we humans appeared, we already formed the stigma that we were highly intelligent, fast-learning creatures. I suppose it was true. But everything revolves around the almighty Dollar. So I knew two career-oriented females was a desirable trait stallions looked for when deciding to herd. 

"She must've really put the moves on you." I joked to lighten the mood, gesturing over to her herd-mates who were helping themselves to some food and talking with Travis and his herd. 

"Yeah... It... made me realize how much I missed being in a relationship." She looked wistfully over at her herd-mates. 

I felt bad for her. The poor girl was engaged to be married before we ended up here in Equestria. I think only Travis knew the full story, the girls were always more comfortable confiding in him. I never could bring myself to ask her for details; but I saw it as sparing her the pain of losing everything she loved.

We all lost something... some of us lost more than others. 

"And Star; when did he come into the picture?" 

"The first time I met Star, was when he was on shore leave with the Equestrian Air Division. He worked as a navigator on one of the air ships," she sighed. "Or at least he did, but now he wants to start a family with Peach, which means he wants to start playing Suzy Homemaker..."

Gender roles were reversed in this world. But mares had it rough, they made the bits, raised the kids, sometimes worked the jobs normally reserved for stallions. 

Stallions were still protectors, larger and generally physically stronger than mares; so they dominated the guard, construction, and farming. There were work-a-day programs that allowed stallions temporary employment for a few months, while mares were on maternity leave until foals were old enough to be weaned. 

I wanted to put my hand on Krystal's shoulder. I could tell that upset her, knowing there were only 3 potential suitors who could give her a family. Well, two, really... one. "So why are you here in Canterlot?" I asked. 

"Peach was ready for a change of scenery, and I can work anywhere as a nurse." She shrugged. "Between myself and Peach, we're making enough to stay in Canterlot permanently, if we wanted to; it's a very nice city. And Star is happy if we're happy, but it was more his suggestion that we move here; I'm trying to make a push for Ponyville, since the train ride is only 30 minutes from here, and that town is cheaper to live in than Canterlot; and I'd like to retire before I'm 40." 

That was something stallions had the exclusive right in decision making. It must've been some sort of ancient instinctual rule, or something. They had the first and final word when it came to moving their herd. Especially if it meant the herd would be better off elsewhere; just like real horses back on Earth, but generally stallions acted like women from our world. So far as being concerned with social status and material wealth goes. There was a chance Star Hunter just wanted to up the social status of his herd, but I didn't get that kind of vibe. 

Canterlot was an amazing city. Expensive. But fun. Beautiful, but expensive. I really wanted to gloat about how well I could actually afford to live here. 

"So how is the move working for you?" I asked. I knew a bit, but I was never really interested in a relationship myself. At least, not yet; but I was quickly getting there. 

She nodded. "Pretty good. I'm happy. They're happy, and we're all happy..." she shook her head. "But enough about me, what about you? You're last letter said you were a teacher now?" 

I could tell she wasn't totally happy, but I put on a proud grin. "Yeah, I'm teaching Art at the School of Friendship." 

"Oh..." Krystal sounded disappointed, and did a poor job trying to hide it. "So you're an artist too?" 

"Only during break time, when there's no school work to do," I commented. "But it's a nice gig. It enables me to focus on my hobbies and passions, and I think it's important to nurture a little creativity in everyone; not just those who have the Cutie Mark for it." She nodded along, and I continued. "I'm actually donating a piece I've been working on for years now, in fact you should come check out my studio sometime." I offered.

That was something I really enjoyed about Equestria. They were really encouraging about following your dreams and discovering your "special talent". I always had an interest in art, but on Earth, it could never pay the very expensive bills. 

Krystal put on a fake smile. "Yeah, I'd love to..." And I could tell she was just being nice. Figures she'd uphold the old gender roles. I guess she figured I fell into the role of the "starving artist". Well... I have lost a lot of weight. 

"Is that it over there?" Krystal asked, pointing at the sizable tarp covering my latest creation. 

"Yeah, I can't wait to show everyone." I started giddily. "My piece de resistance." I added in a thick French accent. 

Krystal scoffed a laugh at my antic. "Even you-know-who?" She lowered her voice conspiratorially. 

I gave it a mock thought. "Well... if he's late, we don't really have to wait on him." We chuckled at that. 

"So..." Krystal started. I noticed she was fiddling with her drink, circling a finger around the rim. "Have you thought about my proposal?" 

I swallowed and deflated a bit. "I don't know Krys... I-" I hesitated. It wasn't like I knew this day was coming. Being that I was the most eligible man on planet Equus. Either that, or I was a close second. 

Krystal put her hand on my wrist in support. "It's been almost 5 years, Trev; I can't imagine how hard it must be for you... but maybe it's time to think about moving on." She tried to encourage me.

I nodded my head. I knew she was right. Five years was a long time... but also not that long at all. Empress Cadence didn't want to risk the Crystal Heart shattering again. I couldn't blame her, since that would me she'd need to birth another foal for the ceremony, just in case it shattered again. And that meant we'd have only one chance every 11 months to make it work. Emperor Shining Armor was all for getting us home, given he'd help in getting us those chances. 

I reached in my pocket, and pulled out a picture. "I just can't help but feel like I'm giving up on her." 

Krystal scooted closer to me, while I showed her the picture. "I forgot how beautiful she is." Her words made my heart swell with pride, and sadness. Knowing I was never going to hold her again. 

"Yeah..." I replied, my mind was back home with her. "I just hope she's doing okay, at least she still has her mother."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up," Krystal sounded regretful. "Listen, let's put what I said aside for tonight; this is our big night."

"It's okay, and you're right, maybe it's time I took that next big step." I said, sounding melancholy. 

We both noticed our peers standing by the wayside, looking towards us expectantly. We both got up to join the crowd, while Princess Twilight ushered me aside. 

"Is everything okay?" Twilight asked in concern. 

I heard Peach Fuzz talking to Krystal, asking about 'what'd he say', and Krystal saying she'd 'tell her later'. 

"Yeah, just 'life stuff', ya know," the Princess gave me a sympathetic nod. 

"Everyone is ready for the big reveal, if you are." She informed me. "Well, almost every-one." She emphasized.

"Yeah well, considering how we left things, it's not surprising," I said, acknowledging the absence of our last member. The party had been going on for awhile, and we couldn't wait all night for him to show up; if he ever would.  

Twilight understood and went to help gather the crowd. 

"Let's do this." I went to stand near the tarped structure as I got everyone's attention. "Excuse me everyone, and everypony, dragon, creature, or whatever you identify yourself as," that got a little chuckle from the crowd as they gathered. "First off, thank you all for being here today. I know a promise made is a promise kept, but tonight is about more than just keeping promises." 

I let that sink in before continuing. 

"Five years ago, we Humans made a promise to each other, to stay connected so that we wouldn't forget that we aren't alone in the world... You might've noticed there are a lot of friends, and friends of friends here to celebrate Humanity, and I want to thank those who made the journey to be here with us tonight.

"But tonight isn't about us... even though the brochure says this is a Human gathering." I joked, getting some sympathetic chuckles for my ad libbing. "But really, this isn't about us," I paused for effect. "It's about you, our friends; and the connections you share with us. Tonight is about friendship and comradery; and the connections which bring us all together, no matter how far apart we are." 

I think the crowd was enraptured enough for the big finish. I nodded to Princess Twilight, who gathered her Friendship Council to stand beside her. Then, I gestured to each of the former Element Bearers as I spoke. 

"You've shown us compassion, when others would turn us away." 
"You've been our loyal defenders, when we didn't know who to trust." 
"You were generous with your gifts, when we had nothing but ourselves give." 
"You took us in like family, when we had no place to call home." 
"And You made us smile on those dark days, when all seemed lost."

I smiled at Princess Twilight. "We are so blessed to call you our friends."

Some of the Ponies and even the Griffins and Dragons got emotional. I could hear more sniffing in the background. Even Kylie sniffed and teared up a bit, but quickly wiped it away. Travis placed an arm around each of his coltfriends. Krystal shared a moment with her herdmates as well. 

I cleared my throat and delivered the finale. 

"So for all of you've done for humanity, I would like to extend to the people of Equestria this token of our appreciation, and gratitude; it's my hope that this tribute will become a symbol of our friendship together. That no matter what curve balls life throws at us, we can always lean on our friends for support."

I walked over and pulled off the tarp with some flare, revealing the structure hidden beneath. 

The crowd gasped, and I could hear several "Ooh's" and "Awe's" above the babble; followed by thunderous applause and stomps. 

I eyed my art piece, while also double-taking to revel in the crowd's praise. It was a large bronze statue of four figures  together, one of each Pony race and one little girl. The little girl rode on the back of an Earth Pony mare, grasping her mane, while reaching out to the caring hoof of a Unicorn mare, who's expression could only be read as concern as she tended to the child, who's expression was one of curiosity. The Earth Pony mare kept a stoic gaze ahead, as if ready to carry her charge to safety. And lastly a Pegasus stallion took a guarded stance with his wings flared wide as if shielding the others from the right flank.

It was an impressive piece, everything was as close to scale and detail as I could manage; but my keen eyes kept focusing on the little flaws here and there. Such was my irksome need for perfection. 

The crowd gathered around the statue to admire it more closely, while I mingled and answered questions about my work. 

Twilight, myself, and the others, along with our closest friends gathered before the bronze statue to take a picture. 

"Oh my gosh, Trevor, I had no idea you were so talented!" Krystal came and hugged me after the photo. 

"Thanks, hehe," I smiled bashfully. "I used to do a bit of sculpting back home, and I've always wanted to work with bronze. But I've never made anything this big before; so it was a heck of a challenge." 

Kylie and Travis also expressed their amazement too. 

Tonight was shaping up to be the best one ever. I nailed the speech. Everyone love my gift. And Krystal want to talk more later. Things couldn't get better than-

"GOD DAMN IT SMELLS LIKE DONKEY IN HERE!" 

Well.. the night was good while it lasted.
> Friction
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The crowd turned to see the newcomer who just yelled above the rabble. 

"Figure I'd come and see what this lame-ass party was all about!" Said the fifth and final member of our group, as if he were the life of the party, much to our disappointment. 

He grabbed a handful of food off the table, without bothering to use a plate, dropping bits and making a mess on the floor; then ate what was in his hand, and emphasising each motion of his jaw with a loud smacking sound; all while not giving a care to the fact that everyone in the room was watching him. 

He always did love attention, in any form. 

I looked over at Princess Twilight with a pained and apologetic expression, and she gave me a sympathetic smile and gestured with a quick nod of her head for me to engage socially with our most exuberant member. 

I almost couldn't hold back rolling my eyes. I took a breath, worked up a friendly smile, and put my best foot forward. "Heya Brad, glad to see you ma-" he brushed passed me and went right towards Kylie. 

Brad was... well, a Brad. The worst sort of stereotypical dude-bro. Blonde hair and blue eyes. A very good-looking, punch-able, symmetrical face, broad shoulders, ripped muscles with bulging veins, and he never wasted an opportunity to show off. He'd be a pretty handsome, cool dude... if he wasn't such a prick. He was a large part of why everyone had to go their separate ways, and also the reason why we gather once every few years. 

But we all felt bad for him, since he had the worst introduction to Equestria than any of us. 

He ended up in the southern desert near Klugetown. I say 'near', as in, he nearly died from wandering lost in the desert, until some Klugetown desert nomads happened to find him. Rough neighborhood that place. And Brad was caged then added to a menagerie like an animal. 

When the news reached the Princess, she immediately organized a rescue mission. She sent one Unicorn.  A powerful mage called Starlight Glimmer to safely extract him. Brad was going to be sold for parts when he failed to be much of an attraction. 

And we hated each other's guts. 

My only guess was, that we were polar opposites destined to always butt heads. Maybe Brad was just too used to being an Alpha male. Maybe it was because I was taller than him by a tiny margin, and that triggered a 'little man' complex in him. 

Twilight Sparkle tried helping us through our issues, but eventually Brad had had enough and stormed out during one of the sessions. We never had another meeting like that again. 

Or perhaps it was because I was the de facto leader of our little group. And he has some control issues. The list could go on and on. But the truth is, I simply didn't know what the root of the problem was; and neither of us could be in the same room long enough to sort it out.  

Why was I the leader? Good question. I guess it's because I'm the oldest of the group. I was the only one who finished college and had a degree. So, I guess that makes me somewhat qualified. I don't really like being in charge, but if it means seeing these other wonderful people again, then I figured I could manage.

Kylie seemed hesitant, but gave Brad a less energetic hug than the rest of us. 

Brad was purposely crowding her, having to look straight down at her tiny person. 

That got my blood pressure to rise. 

Maybe to everyone else it was nothing. But to me, it was like Brad was marking his territory. 

I didn't care if they ever became a thing, so long as he treated her with a modicum of respect... actually, I take that back, I cared a lot. 

Kylie was a sweet girl, and I knew a guy like Brad would make her miserable. 

"Hey babe, why aren't you answering my letters; don't you like me any more?" Brad started. "I thought we made a connection after that last letter you sent me, you know the one I'm talking about; the one with the pic of you in that skimpy little..." He reached out to rub her arm, but Kylie shushed him. 

"Brad, stoooop; hat's supposed to be a secret!" She whined. 

Brad smiled smugly, then looked over at Krystal, who was watching him with her arms crossed. 

Brad looked her up and down, like he was checking her out, then as if it weren't obvious enough what he was doing, he licked his teeth at her while putting on a shit-eating grin. 

All the little nonverbals were triggering me. God, I hated his guts. But he hadn't done anything the girls weren't too uncomfortable with, yet.

They were grown adults too, and I had to remind myself that if Brad stepped out of line, I had to trust them to correct him. 

Brad went in for a hug, and possibly to cop a feel. "Whoa, Krystal, long time, no see." But he didn't get the chance, only to be blocked by the wing of a Pegasus.

"Hi there, I'm Star Hunter." Krystal's stallion extended his wing in greeting. 

I couldn't help but grin at that. I knew right then, Krystal was in good hooves... and wings.  Especially considering how many stallions acted like "trophy wives" in a herd. Star Hunter was a more aggressive and protective type. I liked him even more for that. 

"Yeah I don't care, pony boy." Brad didn't even bother looking at him. 

I saw Cashmere mouth that confusing insult to Long Haul. 

"You got a lot of nerve, pal," Peach Fuzz came forward, sizing him up; despite the fact she had to practically look up at the ceiling to do it. 

Brad extended his arms outward, like he couldn't understand what he did wrong. "Krystal, what's going on here, you got these two walking glue-sticks speaking for you?" He ignored the crowd's gasp at the major insult. "I thought you were all about that 'strong, independent woman' life," he placed his hands on his hips. "What's the matter, girl; cat got your tongue?" 

Krystal barely restrained her disgust. "I told you last time, Brad; if you want to talk to me, you need to quit acting like a jackass first." 

I looked around, making sure she didn't offend any Donkeys or Mules that may be present in the crowd. 

The coast was clear.

The Pony world wasn't perfect. Racial biases and slurs were just as commonplace as they were back on Earth. 

"And I don't appreciate the way you're speaking to my herd-mates." Krystal finished. 

Brad scoffed in disgust. "You're sleeping with these farm animals!?"

Sadly, I was right there with him on that front. But I recognized my own hypocrisy.

Sex for the sake of pleasure, and a romantic relationship with a Pony, were two very separate things in my mind. One was a temporary bandage to help get through another week, month, or year without true companionship. 

The other felt like I'd given up on everything that was taken from me. 

I knew it was bound to happen eventually, for all of us. It was my fault for keeping myself unavailable. Brad's fault was being an insufferable ass-hat. Kylie still seemed too innocent, and I was a bad friend for wanting to keep her that way for selfish reasons. Travis... well, I imagine he couldn't be happier.

As for Krystal... I figure she just beat me to the punch, being part of a pony herd. 

I've met some fine mares in Canterlot and abroad. A few I've taken into my bed, or I to theirs. 

But now wasn't the time reminisce. Something was about to go down.

Krystal crossed her arms, and put on a smug smile. "As a matter of fact, I am; because they actually care about me," she lovingly smiled down at Star Hunter and Peach Fuzz. 

Brad turned his nose up. "Guess that explains why you were so loose when I fucked you a couple years back." 

My hackles raised at that. I didn't know that happened. And from the looks of it, Krystal regretted it even more than I felt angry about it. 

Sex with a Pony was one thing, but sleeping with the enemy was downright traitorous. 

But I knew, there was no way I could've competed with Brad's looks, or his confidence. I couldn't blame her for that. But I could be angry at her for sleeping with literally the worst human being on the planet, regardless of the circumstances. 

That touched a nerve with her. "At least Star doesn't have a tiny, baby-dick like you, asshole."  Krystal lifted her pinkie finger for everyone to get the picture. 

Brad shrugged. "Eh, they got potions for that sort of thing here, you sure he ain't juicing?" 

"It wouldn't matter because he's better than you, they both are!" She fired back at him. "They know how to make me happy!" 

"All I hear is you admitting what a total slut you are." Brad relaxed his posture. 

He had Krystal good and riled up, and now she was embarrassing herself. It was about time I stepped in. Maybe I let it go on for too long. It was hard for me to judge when to stop these arguments. I viewed it as a good thing to let these negative emotions out. And also, it allowed Krystal a chance to pick and choose her battles.  

The Princess and her Ponies understood that Human problems should be dealt with by Humans, in our own Human way. We were a paradoxical amalgamation to her, a species who desired both peace and happiness, while sowing chaos and destruction within ourselves. Even our tiny group wasn't spared showcasing the best and worst of what Humanity had to offer. 

Krystal scoffed in offense. "Fuck you, dick!" She insulted. 

Brad calmly shot back. "You sure did, horse fucker." 

"Two pump, chump!"

"Whore." 

Kylie tried to keep the peace. "You guys, please don't fight!"

Oop, I got lost in my thoughts and didn't catch the name-calling in time before they happened. "Aright you two that's enough!" I shouted over both of them, while placing myself between them. "I was hoping things would be better, but they're just as bad as they were five years ago." I announced. 

Brad tried acting cool. Probably feeling like he won this battle."Hey, man, you know, she's the one who-"  

"Hey, enough!" I interrupted him, and Brad crossed his arms while licking his lips at me. He let out a chuckle, but I wasn't taking the bait this time. 

"I hope you two got that out of your systems." I looked between them. "Now, let's all start acting a little civil towards each other." I stared down Brad as I spoke, trying to emphasized my point.  

Brad lifted up his arms in surrender. "Alright, alright, I'll admit, I'm being an 'asshole' on purpose." He made air quotes at that. "But You know, I wouldn't be acting like this at all; if any of you would've sent letters to me on a regular bases, or said 'hi' to me, when I haven't seen any of you for awhile..." He pouted playfully, looking over at Kylie. "It hurt my feelings."

Isn't that what I tried to do, before he brushed me off? 

And what about Kylie? 

She's been doing more than just sending 'well wishes'. But I guess he valued those more than the apparent scandalous pictures of herself to him. 

Of course, my more pessimistic mind told me he just didn't care about here at all. Which wasn't far from the truth. 

I tried not to sigh. I'd have preferred if Kylie didn't play his games, but the girl was just too good natured. Either that, or she was afraid of making him mad. 

Kylie, ever the people pleaser, re-greeted him. "Hi Bradley, I'm glad you could make it." She spoke a bit like Fluttershy, with a hint of being smitten with him. 


Kylie may as well have done a somersault kick to my stomach by indulging him in his games. 

Brad leaned over to look passed me. "Hi baby." He smiled with a shit-eating grin. 

I didn't need to see Travis or Krystal rolling their eyes in tandem with mine. 

Kylie was infatuated with Brad in the beginning. This I knew. Poor girl, she never stood a chance. Pretty, young, and naive; against a man like that... 

It was inevitable that she would get her heart broken. It was just a matter of time. But, until then, there wasn't anything I could do. 

Believe me, I tried to ward her away from him. But predictably, she did the complete opposite as naive young girls do, especially the ones who think they've got the world all figured out. 





The Friendship Council's impulsive need to intervene in friendship problems was too much for them to ignore any longer. 

Applejack came forward. "Hey, ya'll; the cider's here, why don't we have a drink and relax." 

"Yeah, c'mon silly monkeys, let's all 'hang out', get it?" Pinkie tittered. 

Everycreature dispersed, and the party resumed anew, now that the tension was over. 

I didn't get much time to enjoy the party, or to really connect with my friends, until I caught Brad eyeing my art piece. 

Brad put his face close enough to my statue to breathe on it. Maybe I was being a bit defensive, given I hated the guy; but you'd think even a guy like him would have the forethought to keep a respectable distance. 

Who am I kidding, its Brad. The guy who has to dominate everything!

I decided to put those feeling aside, and tried giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Maybe the time away from us gave him some perspective.

"What you think?" I asked, while walking up next to him. Heck, I actually felt eager to hear what he had to say. But that little voice in my mind was reminding me how much I was gonna regret that decision. 


He took a bit longer to reply than I expected. His eyes darted between myself and the statue, before a devious grin spread across his face. 

"Damn dude, what's next for you, knitting? Face painting at carnivals?" He laughed. "When are you gonna get a real man's job?" He said. 

I wanted to wipe that smug look off his face. Then he started poking and thumping at my work with his fingers. 

Are you kidding me?! 

That's the number one rule of all Art! 

Don't. Touch!

"What's with the girl?" He asked, eyeing my work with a look of scrutiny that bordered on disgust. Or maybe that was just how I interpreted it. 

"The girl represents all of us." I explained laconically, knowing he was going to turn the discussion around on its head. 

"So are you calling me a girl?" Brad got up in my face, bowing up to me, while I deadpanned look at him. 

I knew his humor. He was gonna think this was funny. Or, at least, thats what he'll say it is. 

Everything was "just a joke" to him. 

But as a fellow man, I knew it was his way of "checking me". Everything about him was a play for dominance. 

Brad and I stood chest to chest. 

The tension in the room was palpable, but I didn't feel it. This happened too often in the past, and I was used to it; not always from Brad. 

He laughed in my face. "Haha! I'm just fuckin' with you man, you gotta lighten up." He slapped my shoulder. 

I couldn't wait for this night to be over.
> Incident
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The party began anew for a second time. 

I spent time socializing with some of Travis' circle of entrepreneurs. 

It was obvious they were trying to pick my brain for new ideas from the human world, and they almost succeeded, after they buttered me up by complimenting my sculpture; but I couldn't think of anything at that moment; besides, that was Travis' field.

I didn't mind, so long as they didn't monopolize my time away from the others. 

I still had to see how they were doing, and 'be the dad', I chuckled inwardly. 

Travis and I managed to find a table we could converse at privately. 

"Amazing work, Trev." Travis complimented. "How's the art scene treating you anyway?" He asked.

I thanked him. "It's been incredible, you wouldn't believe how easy it is to peddle my work, I've even got a few collectors wanting to bid for exclusive rights to my creations. "

Travis toasted to my success. "I'm guessing they think putting Bits into the art-culture of a soon-to-be-extict alien species is something worth investing; which makes sense, because once were gone, their value will skyrocket."

We clinked our glasses together. "Right on the money as always!" I laughed. "A few squiggly lines on a blank canvas, and I just made my year!" We laughed heartedly and toasted again despite ourselves. 

It was insane how easily success came to us, eventually we had to beg Princess Twilight to stop paying the monthly stimulus she felt she owed us for our unfortunate circumstances, which she was the root cause.

Well, all but one of us.

I looked around to find Brad just to make sure he wasn't causing some poor unfortunate soul some grief. 

I spied him hanging around Kylie, while she struggled to socialize with anyone else, with him creating an invisible bubble that everyone else tried to avoid. 

I remembered him bragging about what a 'sweet gig' it was to never have to work again.  

We all needed a way to cope, so none of us would belittle his choice to live his best life on the Crown's Coffers. While the rest needed to keep busy, and find new happiness.

But, as Humans from a vastly more developed country, there were unspoken rules against those who were not productive members of society; and we've all voiced our displeasure for his continued choice to live on the Princess' dime. 

It didn't reflect well on the rest of us, but we all more than made up for it with our own unique contributions to Equestrian society.

"So, what do you think of Krystal's herd?" Travis asked, snapping me from my thoughts.

Wow, bud; going right for the jugular. 

"I like 'em, they seem like good Ponies." I decided to keep it simple. 

Travis was waiting for more, but I honestly didn't have much else to say; since my gut was a good judge of character. 

"Does it still bother you?" He asked. "Having  relations with Ponies?"

I looked surprised at him. I forgot how long it had been since the last discussion on this particular subject. They must think I'm still of the same opinion I was all those years ago. 

I may have been a little vocal with my disgust in the past. "Oh no, I've been over that for awhile now; it doesn't bother me like it used to." I hoped to have assuage his worries. 

Travis seemed to relax. "So does that mean you've met someone too?"

I hung my head in mild shame and embarrassment. Even knowing the others were also in relationships with Equestrians, I still felt like a freak.

Travis assured me. "I'm not judging, I mean, just look at me; I'm the last person who should judge anyone based on who they're attracted to."

I looked surprised at him. "It's not like that Trav, it's just uh... different for me, you know?" I shrugged, and took comfort looking at my daughter, now immortalized as a bronze statue made by my hands.  

It was his turn to look surprised. "I'm sorry Trevor, I'm just so used to prejudice and bigotry back in our world; I forget that you had a family." He regarded my work. "You did an amazing job, it looks just like her."

My heart swelled with renewed pride. "Thank you, I know I come off as uneasy around you; but I've never had an issue with your orientation, or your choice of uh... partners." I said carefully. It was still uncomfortable for me to speak about that sort of thing with Travis. "It's just how I was raised, I try not to show it, if I can't help it."

Travis smiled gratefully. "I know back home my peers would say that I shouldn't care what others think; but it means a lot to me that you and the girls approved of my boyfriends; and you don't know how grateful I am for you, it's really nice having a 'normal' human guy-friend to- uh... What'd the jockey's call it...? Shoot the shit with!" He grinned and I chuckled while nodding in agreement. 

I looked around and found the rest of Travis' herd conversing with Krystal and her herd. 

"I'm just happy that you're happy, that's all that really matters." I toasted to that. 

Travis toasted with me. "And are you happy, Trev?" He asked, catching me off-guard.

I paused, and looked over at Krystal. She must've sensed I was watching her, as she met my eyes. 

I was expressionless, until she looked away in shame. 

I was far from happy. Even excluding the fact Krstal went to Brad first, regardless, I still would not feel whole until I got my family back. 

I decided to change the subject. "So how'd you meet your hermates anyway?" I gestured over towards them. 

Travis seemed to regard me with pity, but acquiesced. "Cashmere came on as my assistant a little over a year ago, it was at Princess Cadence's request; we were coming up with all kinds of new ideas to help Equestria advance--not only technologically, but economically as well--which brought us to figure out how best we could improve the country's infrastructure; needless to say, things started to become overwhelming, and I needed help with the workload." He took a sip of cider. 

I smiled deviously. "So you slept with your secretary?"

Travis nearly did a spit take, and I laughed, slapping my knee. 

"No!" He denied with too much guilt. "I didn't view him as a romantic partner until after I met Long Haul."

"Where'd you meet him at?" I half laughed while I also took a drink. 

"In a bathroom stall," he replied. 

I nearly choked. He got me good. "No you didn't!" I laughed uproariously. 

"In a colt-cuddlers club," he teased thoughtfully. 

"Yep, I'm gonna need to get drunk for this story." I looked around for another bottle. 

"Nothing happened," he pishawed. "It was karaoke night, you wouldn't know it since he's so shy; but he has an amazing singing voice, somewhere between the ruggedness of Toby Kieth, with a hint of Prince." He sighed, looking lovestruck. "There were times I could've sworn he was singing to me." He breathed a twitterpated sigh.

I grinned deviously. "And you thought it would be a good idea to follow him into the bathroom and suck his dick; I'm guessing he didn't follow through?"

Travis wasn't deterred and spoke coyly. "It may have crossed my mind, but I honestly didn't know he was in there; no, we ran into each other and he looked kinda afraid of me." He sipped his cider. "I told him I thought he was a beautiful singer, then he kinda looked bashful and said 'you're beautiful' and galloped away;  he seemed so embarrassed." He shrugged nonchalantly. 

I look shocked. "He just ran off after giving a compliment like that?" I asked in disbelief. But I could totally see it happening. "When did you see him again?"

Travis grabbed us another bottle. "That was my first night out since throwing myself into my work, so I couldn't just let him get away; I went to that club the same time and day the next week, then the week after that; until I was going there every minute I could spare, and I kept that up for months."

I took both ciders and opened them for us, handing one back to him.

"It was starting to interfere with my work, and it was at that point, Cashmere let me know how disappointed he was in me; not because I was chasing a feeling, but that I wasn't living up to his expectations."

"Wow, he's a presumptuous one." I said. 

Tavis waved it off. "He was totally right though, I was getting obsessed with finding Long Haul again; Cashmere told me he believed in my work, and how important it was to Equestria... and he said how important I was to him." 

"And that was just after a few months of working together?" I asked skeptically. "Equestrians sure are fast, ain't they?"

Travis smiled. "It wasn't like that, well, not at first. You see, Cashmere is originally from the Crystal Empire from the time before it reappeared."

My brow raised at that. "I thought it was odd that Cadence sent him your way and not Twilight, but now it makes even less sense." I commented and took a sip of my new bottle. 

Travis nodded. "She had her reasons." He explained. "Cashmere isn't even his real name, it's actually Calcite."

I leaned over the table as Travis revealed more of the conspiracy. "Why change his name?"

Travis breathed a heavy sigh. "The Crystal Empire a thousand years ago wasn't so accepting of homosexuality as the other Pony Tribes of the time, much less a Unicorn."

I nodded along. We knew most of the abridged history of Equestria from Princess Twilight and her friends. But there were still inklings of their prejudice that'd appear every now and again. 

Even just passively learning, I knew that the Pegasus Legion of ancient Equestria was a mirror to our own Roman Empire, including the sexploitations of males which could rival Alexander the Great. Every member of the Legion mated with one another, gender meant nothing. 

Unicorns viewed homisexuality as a deviance, and something only the uppercrust libertines of their society would indulge. 

But the Earth Ponies absolutely abhorred it, but they had their reasons at the time.

They were being fucked over by both other tribes. 

The pegasi brought rain to water crops, but they could also blot out the sun, and starve the other two; and they had flight, which meant they didn't need to really settle in one place, which meant they got the bigger share of food for their service.  

The Unicorn's could move the Sun, and magic away the clouds, but there was no magic that could bring the rain they needed, and even with the social hierarchy of a lower class to provide laborers, they were still grazing the land for food and hadn't developed farming practices. 

Earth Ponys were harassed, bullied, and viewed as inferior by the other two, for without the sun or rain, their tribe would starve. 

Earth Ponies were all but labeled as slaves, and were forced to be subservient beneath the other two, the reason being their lack of magic or flight, but the other tribes didn't view strength, endurance, or growing food for three tribes as a respectable trait. 

And with the addition of two extra societies to feed, the Earth Ponies needed more laborers to tend larger fields. Which meant they needed to breed more foals to help and replace those that were too old, weak, or sickly. 

Mares at the time were pregnant their entire lives. A gay mare could still help produce offspring, even if by force; but a gay stallion were gelded as both punishment and serving as an example. 

I looked over at Cashmere, seeing the Unicorn in a new light. 

The Crystal Empire primarily consisted of Earth Ponies. Canterlot was Unicorns, and Cloudsdale was obviously Pegasi. Ponyville served as a melting pot for all three tribes. 

These days it was normal for an Earth Pony, even an Earth Pony couple to randomly birth a new Pegasi or Unicorn. 

However, there was a dark reason for that. 

The Pegasi and Unicorns felt entitled to breeding rights. Given they were so "superior" to Earth Ponies. 

Earth Ponies quickly formed clans to protect their purebred bloodline.  Applejack I knew was of one such clan. The Apple family was one of the largest, so it didn't matter that she was gay with Rainbow Dash, or her brother was marrying a Unicorn; they still had Applebloom who last I heard was seeing a stallion from a clan who mainly worked a rock quarry; but I didn't know any more than that. 

I heard a cousin of theirs was a broodmare, and has produced 23 foals, and is about to have her 24th later this year. 

But that is a wholesome example, compared to the rape of their Tribe. An attempted cultural extermination. 

I suspected Cashmere was a product of such atrocity. 

Foals born during that time with mixed pedigree were considered abominations, and hated simply for existing. They were blamed for bringing the Windigos, and were often thought to be inferior to either tribe in their blood... that was the true history of Equestria and not the watered-down Disney version they tell these days... 

I may be a bit of a history buff; something about being a dad makes you really care about dark history and war stories. 

I felt sorry for Cashmere. "Poor guy, I can't imagine how hard that must've been for him; pretty much hated by everyone just for existing..."

Travis sighed.  "Yeah, we kinda have that in common; I always hated how my peers in the African community talked about slavery and oppression like they actually lived during those times, and experienced all that hate; even though we went to prep-school, most of them were lazy, and blame everything on white people, no offense."

"None taken." I shrugged. 

Travis continued. "I used to think I had it worse, being gay and black; always having to hide who I was, always so alone and isolated; and here was this guy who really lived through it,  and did the same thing just to survive... it made me realize how good I had it back in our world, and how much I missed it" Tavis took a long swig of his cider. 
"One day, I asked him to join me for a drink, we bonded over our pasts, then one thing lead to another and..." He made a mock surprised face, before covering it with a lewd sip of his cider. 

I nearly burst out laughing, and offered to clink our bottles together, which he accepted and we toasted to his first lay in Equestria. Using the bottom of the bottles, of course.

"So when did Long Dong come back into the picture?" I asked jokingly. 

Travis tried to hide his blush. "Well, of course, once you stop looking for something, that's when it will usually turn up."

I nodded. "Naturally."

Travis sighed. "It was hard adjusting to Equestria, I don't need to tell you about all the attention I get from the mares."

I nodded again. I knew all too well the constant doting for attention, the offers of courtship, and physical gratification from mares. 

He continued. "Women back home would take one look at me and know I was a sissy; but the mares here just think I'm 'cute', so it doesn't stop them from propositioning me on a regular basis."

I couldn't disagree.. Travis was a cute little fem-boy, and I knew being called a 'sissy' was a term of endearment for him. He was a good kid, and charismatic in a way I wanted to match. 

I never thought of him that way. Sure, I could see it, and it made sense; but it didn't do anything for me, I figured that was what people meant by 'not being my type'. But... he made me wonder, if...

I realized something he said. 

I got a little protective. "Princess Twilight didn't do that to you, did she?" I said with an edge of suspicion in my voice. 

Travis waved me off. "No-no, she's been nothing but kind and cordial around me; I appreciate that she was so 'straight' with her feelings towards me." He chuckled and looked her way in admiration. "I feel kinda bad about turning down her offer for a date, she seemed really disappointed."

The Princess sat at a table with her aging friends, laughing and having a good time while sharing old stories. 

I chuckled. "Well, you didn't hear it from me, but I'm pretty sure she thinks you'll come around, and play for the other team." 

Travis gave it a mock thought. "Hmph, maybe one day... but I'm happy with my coltfriends; I don't want them to get jealous and plan a coup against her." He chuckled. 

He continued his story. "So anyway, I got back to work with a kick in my step, after having a great night with Cashmere; I was expecting some freight to come in for our work, and I bet you can guess who was pulling the wagon with our delivery." He hinted. 

"Longus Dongus." I slurred a bit. Damn, when did I become such a lightweight? Oh yeah... after years in AA, I should probably slow down. 

Travis scoffed a laugh. "Yeah, we were both shocked to have run into each other; but I was feeling ten feet tall, and told him I wanted to see him again that very night.. I may have made it sound like he didn't have a choice." He chuckled at the memory, looking lost in the past. "We met up at the club again and had a great time, I was pushing to take things further, but he wasn't ready; so we settled for a hayburger, and grape snow cones; he dropped me off early at my place before we kissed at my doorstep." Travi

"Ooh, first date kiss, you're such a slut." I cooed jokingly. 

"You don't know the half of it!" He stated proudly. 

We shared a laugh. 

"We took things slow, at first," Travis hinted. 

A question came to my mind. "So what did Cashmere think of the big guy; when did you introduce them to each other?"

Travis grinned sheepishly. "You know, growing up Human made having multiple partners a challenge."

I agreed. It was interesting to learn how the Ponies juggled multiple partners, without the fear of evoking a lover's jealous wrath. 

"I was both excited to have two new boyfriends, and terrified of losing them both." Travis gazed over at his herd. "I told Cashmere about Long Haul first; I figured he deserved to know, since we were already bedfellows." He sighed contentedly. "The only thing he asked was 'when do I get to meet him'."

I smiled at that. I remembered being head-over-heels for my wife. "So how does all that work out, with all of you being... I mean, isn't there a Lead Stallion, or something?"

Travis nodded. "It's not much different from a traditional pony herd, so since I initiated the relationship with them first; they see me as the Lead; but we're equal partners, the herd structure isn't a set of strict rules, they're more like guidelines." He explained, then leaned over conspiratorially. "Though Cashmere is more dominant than either of us, I really like that about him."

I had to pry and get a little protective again. "He doesn't boss you around, or anything; does he?" I asked. 

"No, no, I meant that as a lover, he's more dominate." Travis explained. "He relies on us to correct him when it comes to navigating the modern world."

"Oh, okay." I nodded.

"When we all met together, Cashmere started 'inspecting' him," Tavis chuckled. "I think it was a layover from his past, stallions acted differently back then; Cashmere would size him up, and smell him; it was all super uncomfortable."

"I'm surprised the big guy didn't run away again." I chuckled. 

"Oh, he tried; but Cashie used his magic to keep him from going anywhere; I had to beg him to stop and apologized to Lon-Lon." Travis tittered.

I chuckled. This was turning out great. I was glad Travis was doing well in life. His story made me want to get out there myself. 

"Hey," Travis got my attention, his tone changed, letting me know this was something serious. He scooted closer to me, and I leaned in to hear whatever secret he wanted to tell. "So, I know this is really last minute, but I wanted to ask you first, if it would be okay if I proposed to my coltfriends?"

I was confused at first. "Propose, you mean..." He check to make sure no one was watching, then reached into his formal jacket and pulled out a pair of rings. One was for a Unicorn's horn, and the other was a necklace with a ring attached. 

There were too many diamonds and sparkles for my inebriated mind to count. 

"Oh my gosh dude, yes, yes you should, everyone is here, yes, do it; go go go!" I egged him on.

I was crossing the threshold of buzzed to silly-drunk. I got up and pulled him out of his chair.

"Hold on a minute, that's not all!" He waved me off, while nervously looking around.

No one important saw us. 

"Why, what's the hold up?" I asked. 

He fidgeted with his hands, while looking nervous. "This is a huge step for me, and if I'm being honest, I never expected to ever get married, and all I can think about is; what if they say no, and-"

I placed my hands on his shoulders, getting his attention; and spoke sincerely.  "Listen to me, Trav, I'm proud of you, and what you're doing is important; I don't know what the future holds for us; but one thing I do know, is that you are going to be the one the people in this world will read about in history books. The rest of us would be lucky to be a footnote. I can tell those two make you happy; you're gonna do great." I said with finality. 

Travis nodded, looking more confident. "Wait, one other thing." He said. 

I looked on with interest. 

"I was hoping that, maybe, you'd be my best man?" He asked. 

My emotions welled. Not all of it from the alcohol. "I'd be honored." I said with a nod. "Now get out there, and ask those studs to marry you!"

I wasn't sure if Travis cringed or was still making a nervous face. 





I went over and grabbed a microphone for Travis, and told the DJ to stop the music for a minute. 

"What's going on?" Krystal asked. 

"You're about to see," I said with a grin. 

Travis thumped on the microphone, getting the room's attention. "Uh..." He blanched as everyone's attention was on him. 

I gave him an encouraging thumbs up and enthusiastic nods. 

Travis cleared his throat, his voice cracking, before he found his confidence again. "Hey-o, Hello; I- ah... Okay-whew- I had a whole speech planned, but it never got passed the 'make a great speech' stage, so I'll try not to take up too much of your time," he joked, getting a chuckle from the crowd. 

Good, he's getting his nervousness under control by interacting with the crowd. 

"Uh, Lon-lon, Cashmere; would you come up here with me?" his lovers looked at each other, before trotting to stand beside their human. Long Haul kept his shoulders hunched, and head low, like he was trying to hide from the crowd; whereas Cashmere kept his head held high like a proper Unicorn. 

Travis damped the nervous sweat beading on his head. "A wise man once said, that to succeed in life, you need someone who can go all the way with you; and I want you two to go all the way with me- I mean- Uh-" Travis realized too late how that sounded. 

I facepalmed. The rest of the crowd shifted uncomfortably. But his lover's wore poker faces. 

Travis searched for his rings. "Sorry that came out wrong, w- what I'm trying to say is-" 

My heart went out to the kid, he was drowning out there. 

Finally, Travis huffed; and turned to his lovers; speaking from the heart. "You two are the best thing to ever happen to me, and I want to spend the rest of my life with both of you," Long Haul gasped while covering his mouth with a hoof, while Cashmere remained stock still. 

There was a tension in the room, as Travis got on one knee. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the box. 

"Cashmere, Lon-lon, will you marry m-"

"YES!" Long Haul threw his hooves in the air, before sweeping Travis up and giving him a big smooch on the lips.  Cashmere stepped forward and gave Travis a more chast peck on the lips while nodding his head as teardrops sparkled in his eyes. 

The crowd went wild and congratulated the newly engaged fiancées. 

Krystal, I could tell, got emotional and clapped her hands. We shared a look.

I wasn't sure what to make of it, but I think we both knew, neither one of us was ready for the next step. 





Predictably, Brad chose that moment to ruin everything. 

He stood up on a chair, then used that to jump onto a tall platform with a Pony sculpture.

"Here comes the fags, all dressed in drag!" He sang above the crowd while hanging off the sculpture. "Here comes the- whoah!" The sculpture he was hanging on listed to the side with him.

Rainbow Dash tried to save it and the stupid Human who was about to fall, but she wasn't the spry young mare she used to be; her efforts went in vain as the scene unfolded. 

A good thing too. It probably would've broken the old mare's back had she caught it. 

Brad fell off, then rolled out if the way of the sculpture, before it could fall on him, while it toppled a pillar, which then fell atop of my bronze statue; smashing it to large chunks, and causing irreparable damage.

Once the screams of the crowd died down, everyone was expressing concerns for everyone else; Princess Twilight, myself, Krystal, Star Hunter, Peach Fuzz, and the other elements went around to check if everyone was okay. 

The guards and some castle staff came to help rope off the damage, and to corral the guests. 

Once the excitement was completely over, I went to see the ruin that was my legacy. 

I stood over the broken pieces, assessing the damage. 

"Can you fix it?" Kylie asked as she gave me a hug. 

I reached down and touched the tiny outstretched hand of the little girl. The upper half of her body was separated from the rest, and the bronze Ponies were either bent or broken out of shape. 

"It's okay, I still have the molds..."

I felt hollow, until Brad had to open his mouth. 

Brad walked around the carnage. "Oh man, did you see that, I almost died!" He laughed. "Damn dude, your shit got smashed all to hell, sorry man..."

If I wasn't fighting to control my anger, I could've sworn he actually sounded remorseful there at the end. 

"Thank goodness nopony was hurt." Princess Twilight came to check on us. "Oh Trevor, I'm so sorry for your work." 

I was about to address her, until Brad again had to be the center of attention. 

"Yo Princess, why wasn't that bolted down or something, huh!?" Brad walked up to Princess Twilight. 

"Bradly don't!" Kylie rushed over to his side, and wrapped her arms around him.  

I silently wished she hadn't. She was hanging off him like one of those girlfriends who's job it is to make sure their boo doesn't end up in jail for assault. 

Brad, of course, made like she was the only thing holding him back. 

My anger was starting to crest. 

"Knock it off, Brad; it was an accident, which you caused." Krystal stood beside the Princess.

The Princess kept her head up, showing she wasn't intimated. "I apologize for ruining your night, I'll see to it that all the decorations are properly secured, in case someone else decides to climb on something they obviously shouldn't." 

My hatred all but vanished. Bless you Twilight. She purposely avoided using 'anypony', and subtly pointed out what an ass Brad was. 

And from the way he scoffed. He must've caught it too.

The party was officially over.
> Sex
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trevor 

A few hours after the party...

The Tawny Pegasus Pub

I sat at a bar having a drink, with my mind in a fog and in a mood.

Not the best place to be for a former alcoholic. But this was one of the classier dives in Canterlot. Which meant the drinks were quite low on proof, and catered to patrons only looking for exotic drink, and to have some pleasant conversation, and maybe company afterwards. 

Which meant it was mostly empty, being late as it was. All the 'old money' went home a while ago.

There were still a few loitering around just as I was. 

That nagging voice in my head was goading me to overindulge.  But I managed to ignore it for the most part.

I came here to sulk.

The party went alright... until it didn't. Travis is getting hitched, Kylie was making it in life,  and Krystal is in a herd.

And... Brad. 

She. Fucked. Him!

Is that why I'm here; to drink my jealousy and sorrows away?

Was her proposal thought up before, or after they... co-mingled?

'Probably after', I thought bitterly. 

I had to fight the urge to slam a fist on the counter. 

This is what I do when things upset me. I brush it off at first, like it's nothing. Then later, when I'm in private, I finally vent. 

Though it wasn't as private as I'd like. 

Sometimes I use these feelings as "inspiration fuel" for my art. Other times, something gets broken. But tonight, I just wanted to hurt and feel sorry for myself. 

...

Is that what I am to her? Sloppy seconds? The backup?

Brad had a talent for fucking things. It's what he's best at. As the party last night proved. 

No. 

I knew it would happen, it was a matter of time. And it was my fault for holding onto hope that we'd all be home where we belong a lot sooner. 

And Krystal would've never chosen me, not first, and I needed to accept that. 

Maybe I was more upset at that fact, instead of them sleeping together?

My anger and jealousy fought for dominance over my depression.

While I was having a pity party, I almost didn't catch the bar keeper placing another drink in front of me.  

"Uh, I didn't order this?" I said in confusion.

Without a word the mustached stallion gestured with a nod down the bar.

I turned and beheld a real beauty of a Pegasus mare. I'd been in Equestria long enough to know the subtle differences in attractiveness; and I'd developed my own set of preferences. 

This mare hit nearly every one of my check boxes. 

She had big hair done up in gorgeous curls,  white-gold Flaxen mane and tail, and a healthy peach-colored coat, the shade of which almost had me mistake her for a fair skinned human woman. 

The mare wore a ruby red ensemble that made me instantly think of Marilyn Monroe, and her look was complete with the actresses signature beauty mark and baby-blue eyes. 

I sat up straighter as she got out of her seat and sauntered over with a drink held in her Primary feathers. 

That was a real trick to pull off, but she already had my attention on her flanks. 

And what a rump on this mare!

Her dress only covered one side of those hypnotic curves. I couldn't make out the mark on this mare, but it was obviously Pegasus themed. 

She emphasized each movement with a languid roll of her hips, even while taking a sip of her martini. 

After the initial shock, I caught the signal to join her. 

I pulled out a chair for her, before taking a sip of my new drink. 

She softly cleared her throat. "I hope you don't mind some company, you looked a little lonely over here by yourself, mister..." 

Oh. My. God. She's perfect! 

She had that 'airy' European-English accent that I love in a woman. 

"Trevor, thank you; miss?" I lifted my drink to hers in cheers, then we took a sip together as I awaited for her to introduce herself. 

"Symbol, and I already know who you are, Trevor," she started with an air of seduction. "There's not been a newspaper printed these last few years that didn't have something to say about you Humans."

"All good, I hope." I said coyly. 

"Most certainly, and... I'd like to personally thank you for sharing your culture and work for all of ponykind; if you'll forgive my forwardness." 

"You're too kind, but I'm just a simple man trying to make his way in the world." She seemed to admire that. Score!

Symbol giggled. "Perhaps I was a bit too vague, what I meant was that I would like to get to know you better, if you catch my meaning?" She suggested.

My attention rose at that. "I will, if you'll forgive my bluntness, when I ask if you'd like to skip the pleasantries and head straight to my place?"

"Mister, those were my intentions exactly." 

We quickly finished our drinks and ran out of there giggling like horny teenagers.





Canterlot, high-tiers, Art District. 

She could barely keep her wings off me, and I was a bit overwhelmed at having such a thirsty mare reared up and pressing me against the wall.

Symbol's wings wrapped around my head and midsection. Her hooves pinning me against the wall of the lift as we ascended to my gallery-slash-studio apartment.

We were Frenching deeply all the way up. Practically attacking each other with our mouths. 

I couldn't help squeezing that perfect rump. 

In reaction she stood on one hindleg, grinding the other against mine. 

I got her to stop and gasp as I reached under her red dress and stroked her mare pussy. 

"No panties. Naughty filly," I stated devilishly between kisses, and bit into her neck. 

She went weak in the knees, possibly instinctually wanting to kick away from the predator that had her by both of her most vulnerable spots. 

With that lull in strength, I pinned her back, taking my hand and groping a handful of  crotch-titty. 

The globe of warm flesh felt so impossibility soft in my palm. Her firm teat poking against my touch. 

Symbol cooed. "Mmhm, I always heard you were an artist in more ways than just canvas and sculptures, my human lover; so far, I'm a bit underwhelmed." She was playing, but I wasn't going to chance it. 

I had to defend the honor of my species, after all. 

"I'm going easy on you, but if you want; I can show you want I can do with bit of rope and some paint later." I smiled wolfishly down at her, purposely triggering that bit of instinctual fear ponies have of sharp teeth. 

The terror was barely restrained in her expression. But there was lust and excitement there too. 

I knew this is what mares wanted. They wanted to feel like they were in danger, without actually being in it. 

They were addicted to the thrill of what "could happen". 

Ding! The lifted opened up. Symbol pushed off and hovered a moment before landing just within the entrance of my living space.

"Oh! It's quite wonderfully spacious." She exclaimed and took to the air to stretch her wings.  

The studio apartment could easily accommodate a herd of 4 or 5. With a 25 foot high ceiling and a loft.

But most of the space was taken up with tools of my craft. The windows ran from floor to ceiling and were enchanted with a dimming feature. A simple wave of a hand, wing, hoof, or horn, and one can blackout the sun. 

Projects of Wood, metal, murals and canvasses lined the walls. Many were only half-finished. Much of the space was taken up by the smelter and the molds if my latest creation.

Seeing the molds picked at the wound in my chest, but I'd already chosen how to deal with the pain. 

While Symbol admired my work, I put away her saddlebag by the door, and took off my formal jacket and tie. 

"This is amazing, truly a masterpiece!" She compliments one of my works.

It was a picture of centaurs. Human ones, with winged humans- angels- and other human-hybrid mythological beings.

"Oh that? I was just messing around." I commented. 

"Where's the bed?" Symbol asked. 

I smiled and gestured at the loft upstairs. 

She gave me a come hither look as she sauntered up the stair, rolling her glorious flanks, enticing me to follow. 

Symbol reared up and half laid on my Princess-sized bed. Then gyrated her rump in my direction as I quickly unbuckled my belt and threw off my shoes; while she used a wing to lift up her dress, and the other to spread herself open, displaying a healthy pinkness within, while giving me a wink of her clit.  

I noted her vulva had a beauty mark on the left lip. Cute.

I didn't want to wait anymore, and ground my  crotch against her plot, before pulling her tail out of the way. 

I took my 10-inch cock, and stepped back to work the tip between her pussy lips.  

What? As if you wouldn't try an "Potion of Endowment" soon as you've heard of it.  

I could've stopped anytime between 6, 8, or even 9 and 3/4 then call myself the "Hogwarts Express". But I found that 10 was a nice round number to stop at. I was probably twice as girthier than any normal man. 

It was perfect for the mares. 

Necessary, actually. My first time with a mare was... like throwing a hot dog down a hallway.  I was perfectly average. Maybe slightly below. Though I'm sure the fatty pad on my bladder affected the experience... who am I kidding, it wouldn't have made a difference. 

Now my insecurity was gone, and my fat with it. 

It's thickness was enough to give the mares a stretch, but it was more for them to grip onto. 

Although, managing the extra flesh while flaccid was like sporting a 7-inch half-chub at all times. 

Hot wetness enveloped my shaft as I pushed in. I loved watching Symbol's wings twitch as she took my girth and length, her back arching and body quivering; but that was second to the sight of her vulva spreading around and engulfing my shaft.  

She took all of me, with room to spare, it seemed. The texture of her vagina was incredible, subtle, with a few pronounced ridges, and they became more so as she squeezed around it, gripping my cock as if she didn't want to let me go. 

I got to work pumping in and out of her. Focusing more on my own pleasure, i figured she'd become satisfied without me trying. So I relaxed and went with what felt best, letting the motions come naturally.

Sex was an incredibly fulfilling experience. It didn't matter whom I was with; I always felt a connection with my partner. It wasn't just bumping against a warm body. 

This was an emotional reset for me. To let go of my frustrations and physically exhaust them out. 

Symbol's pussy was wet at the start, but now she was soaking. 

It always amazed me how something that felt so scalding hot, never actually burned. Ponies in general were warmer, but this Pegasus ran hot!

Soon my hands were gripping and pulling her flanks against my crotch, filling the room with the sound of wet, slapping flesh.

Plap, pop, plap, plap, pop, pop, pop!

Symbol was enjoying herself, if her quiet moans, increasing in volume, and squirming, becoming bucking backwards were any indication.

Regrettably, I only lasted about 2 minutes. Which was about  1 minute and 27 seconds more than her first orgasm; which drenched my crotch. 

Even that meager time still far outpaced even the best studs. 

I remembered to take a hand and pulled back on her withers, like the majority of mares liked. Emulating the bite of a stud. 

That earned me an extra hard squeeze around my penis glans. 

I felt that coil winding tighter, before it released. My cock pulsing inside Symbol's hot, twisting tunnel. My glazed shaft arched as I pulled out. Leaving behind a very happy and satisfied mare. 

A drizzle of thick, glue-like cum followed after.

That required a different potion, and believe me, it's even more of a hassle... so I stopped using it and and cut back until my balls could pump as much as a cup of semen in the first round. 

The alchemist said she'd taken liberties and adjusted it to compensate for the lack of a flare. 

I didn't know what the zebra meant at the time, nor did I care to ask. But since then my loads were a lot "chunkier", had greater volume, and viscous as Elmer's glue. 

Essentially whatever I put in, didn't usually come out, willingly, at least. 

"Darling, was I not good enough? I didn't feel your flare inside me at all." Symbol sounded disappointed. 

I leaned over and kissed her snout. "You were more than enough, my dear; we humans don't really have those," I informed her.

"Oh, how interesting... you're not turning me loose already, are you?" Symbol lifted herself off the bed with me as I went to disrobe the rest of the way. 

"Not at all, sorry about the quick rut; I just needed to clear my head, before getting into it." I turned to find Symbol admiring my naked body, notably my butt. 

"Then I'm glad to help with your process, master." Symbol followed my lead, and stripped off her dress. It was always funny to me how Pegasi could use their wings just like arms. 

Funnier still, how bare these ponies looked after wearing clothes. Despite the majority always running around in the nude. 

There she was, laying on my bed in nothing but her peachy-pink hide. Her hindleg dangling off the edge as her lustful baby blue eyes watched as I prepared the tools of my craft.

Such a pretty blonde bombshell. Her cutie mark was a heart with lines around it... a heartthrob. How novel. 

'Master' was a proper title given to me as a result of my skills and trade; but it also doubled as a fetish for myself. And Symbol too, apparently; if that long "ah" in the middle of that word was anything to go by. She practically purred it. 

Lord. Forgive me for what I'm about to do with this mare. 

"Now, I believe I made a promise earlier?" I suggested, gathering art supplies and a bit of ribbon to use as rope. "Are you ready?"

"Yes sire, please, use my body as your canvas; make me into your next masterpiece." She flopped on her back and lay spread eagle, fully subjecting herself.

First, I bound her legs and then her wings. Wrapping her in a red ribbon as a gift to myself. 

This was highly unusual for a one night stand, but I was in an unusual mood. And if this mare wanted it; I was going to take advantage of her willingness. 

My brush highlighted her curves, following every inch of her supine figure. Tickling and caressing her skin, wherever it was exposed. 

All the while Monologuing about how I found the historical sexuality and sensuality of "striping" inspiring, when Zebra stallions would "stripe" ponies they captured in olden times, during Equestria's great expansion. 

Her sizeable clit winked in slow, hard, needy flexes. I could see the tip of her swollen pink pearl peeking over the rise of Symbol's pubic mount. 

I was in control, but I always took a moment before indulging in Symbol's body to assess if I had her consent. 

Symbol allowed me to nuzzle her belly and suckle at her ample teats; while pleasuring her with my fingers. Causing a sea-spray of marecum to ejaculate from her pussy, before she begged for reprieve. 

I stood over Symbol, only her neck had any movement, and she took my cock in her mouth and down her throat, sucking another load out of me, I filled her belly and painted her face with more than just my seed alone. 

Symbol's forelegs were completely bound, her rump up in the air, face buried into the sheets, while I took a firm hand and painted her flanks a new shade of red; and simultaneously made new music with her delicious squeals at the mixture of pleasure and pain. 

She begged me to take her. So I did, but not as she expected, at first. It was fascinating to watch her eyes grimace and mouth open wide and teeth bared into a silent scream as I took her anally. 

"Yes, yesh, yesh, yesh; plough me, plough my plothole! Ride me! Break me! Buck me harder!"

Symbol came so hard from anal, I felt the spray of her orgasm against my balls. And at the same time, unloaded deep in her body, all my inspiration and frustration. 

Transforming the torrent of emotions within me into beautiful art, and leaving behind a collapsed, heaving, satisfied mess of a Pegasus mare. 

I unbound her, and fell beside Symbol with every intention of passing out. 

The session lasted for hours.

Symbol climbed on top of me and lapped at my shaft to coax me hard again.

"Please, let me fall asleep with you inside me, love." She whispered. 

I slipped in and out of consciousness. The alcohol and physical exertion took it's toll. 

I remember Symbol straddling my waist, her lifting up to sink my cock back in; both of us grinding into each other, until I blacked out.

I awoke sometime later in a haze, knowing my dick was semi-hard and in a warm, wet space. Symbol laid passed out on my chest.

Funny, despite their size--that being a small horse-- Pegasi weighed practically nothing. 

My penis was sore, but that didn't stop me from using her body one last time. 

After grinding against Symbol, listening to her quiet mewls as I pulsed weakly inside her; I stared up at the ceiling for hours. 

Despite the warmth of Symbol's body on me, her soft touch, quiet breaths, and beating heart; I still felt the cold, hollow sting of loneliness. 

I had it all. 

Fame. Wealth. Respect. The company of beautiful mares at my beck and call...but it wasn't enough.

I was living without love. 

And lonely is a man without love. 
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kylie 

A cheap hotel in Canterlot's lower ring.

"Bradly stop! I said your too big for me!" Kylie whined quietly as she pushed against his chest. 

Brad didn't stop, and continued to give her hickeys and bites, while thrusting against her pelvis. 

"I said stop!" She whined a little louder.

He scoffed in annoyance and backed off, but didn't pull out. 

"Oh come on babe, you can take half of it at least, can't  you?" Brad grabbed her wrists, and positioned her the way he wanted. "It's only 13 inches, maybe 14."

"No I can't, I mean, I know I could before... did you have to make it bigger again? I told you it was already too much for me; you promised to make it smaller for me." She pouted. 

Brad laid on his side beside her. "I did babe, I went to the same Zigger in charge of that potion shop and asked for a reduction potion, but then I started thinking about you, about us, and how great it'd be if I could make it thicker for you instead, but that Zigger scammed me and made it even longer again; then she tried to upcharge me to fix her mistake." He explained. 

Kylie suspected he was lying, but chose to give him the benefit of the doubt; she heard from Ponies that Zebras could be tricky.  "How did that happen? Don't you buy from her all the time?"

"I do babe, you're right about that; but there's a bit of a language barrier, she only speaks in rhymes; so it's probably my fault for not putting it in a way a Zigger can understand."

"Will you stop using that word, it makes me uncomfortable when you say it." Kylie crossed her arms.

"Sure babe, wanna give it another go; you can be on top all night, if you want?" Bradly suggested, groping her tit while waggling his massive endowment. 

It'd changed since last time too. Brad's cock still vaguely resembled a human penis. But now it had features like a flare around the crown of the glans. 

Kylie sighed. "No, but if you help get me ready, I think I can try again?"

Brad scoffed. "Babe, have you seen your bush? No way I'm getting pubes stuck in my teeth."

She apologized meekly. "I'm sorry, the spa ponies were booked all week."

"It's okay, I understand," Brad reached over and squeezed her ample tit, the breast overpoured between his fingers, and leaned over to suckle on the other one. "I can still make you feel good."

Kylie hummed in pleasure. 

After about a minute, he grabbed her by the waste and pulled her to the edge of the bed. 

Kylie writhed uncomfortably under his grip, as he took her again. Still battering against her cervix, which kept her out of the moment, but she could put up with it better this time. 

All the while making excuses for Brad in her mind. 

They'd been apart for longer than she intended, and he did buy her the hotel room; though she didn't understand why he chose such a cheap, sleezy joint, when he could've found and afforded them something decent or high-end in the middle rings of the city. 

Maybe he was just saving up for something else? Or maybe he was still embarrassed for that little accident at the party? 

Her breasts were bouncing and being squeezed hard as Brad fucked her impassionately. She writhed uncomfortably, just waiting for it to be over. 

Brad's bodyweight pressed down and smothered her as he moaned loudly. 

She used to think it was hot, but now it kind of annoyed her. Which didn't make sense to her. His bigger balls and horsecock were kind of a turn-on; but in practice they just weren't comfortable. 

Maybe there was a potion to help her take his bigger self?

Kylie thought Krystal would know what to do about that. After all, she was in a pony herd with a stallion. And stallions had big horse dongs too; so maybe she knew how to make it work. 

Kylie wondered what Trevor was doing right now. Did he make his into a big horse dick too? Probably not. He didn't really like ponies that way, so maybe there was no reason for him to do that.  

It'd be nice to have normal sex again.

Trevor and Krystal would make a cute couple, but she didn't understand why he didn't like her too. 

She didn't want to steal him, but Krystal already made the first move on him; and she didn't want to compete if it meant they couldn't stay friends.  

But Krystal also liked Bradly? Or Kylie thought she did.  Bradly was hot, who wouldn't like him, but he also needed some fixing. 

Trevor looked really good this time, and he was driven, but if only he had hair on his head like Bradly. But he was really successful as an artist. So that's good. And he was always so nice to her. 

She tried flirting with Trevor. Touching him. Dropping hints. But he never seemed to pick up on them. At least she could almost get her arms around that firm dad-bod of his.

Kylie let a moan escape her. Wondering what it would be like to be cuddled up against that big belly. She bet it felt different than the hairless, lumpy, hard muscles and smooth skin that Bradly had. 

"Uh uh uh!" Brads grunts and rapid uncoordinated thrusts pulled Kylie from her thoughts. 

She then felt him growing bigger inside her. His cock flared, impressing itself through her tummy, below her navel. The extra girth was more than what Kylie could handle, and she wasn't expecting it. 

Kylie weakly tried to push him off, but he was too heavy for her little body. "Ow! Bradly, Brad, Brad, stop, don't come in me; there isn't any birth cont- ugh!" Her face grimaced as Brad slammed against her. 

Suddenly she became aware of a warmth splashing in her vagina, as if she just peed herself, and realized it was running over her butt cheeks, soaking into the mattress under her.  

Kylie struggled to keep her head above his shoulder so she could breathe as he collapsed on top of her.

"Bradly, get off... I said get off!" Kylie pushed, letting her annoyance slip into her voice. 

Brad reluctantly rolled off of her, his cock slipping out with a wet squelch and a pop, followed by a gush of cum from Kylies gaping and abused cunt. 

Kylie reached down to cup her vulva to keep the mess to a minimum, but she was a second too slow and a dollop of Brad's semen leaked out of her and onto the bed sheets; joining the unknowable collection of bodily fluids trapped within.

She rushed to the washroom and squatted over the floor-toilet to let his semen drain out, before urinating what was left. 

It was far more difficult this time, his emission was thick and glue-like, far more prodigious than the last time they had sex. 

Krystal used her fingers to help expel what she could. Her abdominal muscles cramped and she felt bloated, but it wasn't the usual stomach ache; this ache felt lower. 

She looked down and noticed right away her belly looked bloated below her navel. 

"Ugh, I'm so fat." She felt disgusted at herself. Krystal knew she shouldn't have treated herself with sweets before the party. All that sugar always goes right to her midsection. 

She cleaned herself off and crawled back into bed, where Bradly was already fast asleep. She couldn't get closer to him without laying in the wet spot. She wanted to cuddle, but thought better of disturbing Bradly. 

All the joy and energy suddenly drained from her.

Kylie turned around and hugged herself, feeling cold despite the hot bed, and alone. Which didn't make sense.

She was with the hottest guy in the world. They had all the wealth and success they'd ever need. 

She should feel happy...

So why didn't she?