FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"Wake up, little sleepyhead." Those were the first words I heard as I slowly awoke inside Fluttershy's cottage. "It's kind of late in the morning, James. You must be a heavy sleeper." Fluttershy spoke softly as she looked down at me while standing on the bed.

At the sight of Fluttershy's adorable face looking at me, I smiled warmly. "That's the best sight I've woken up to all week." My girlfriend giggled as a faint blush added some red to her face.

"Speaking of a week, this is the last day of your first full week in Equestria. How do you feel now that you've been living here for several days?" Fluttershy asked while she hopped down from the bed.

I replied honestly, "I feel.....amazing. I've got wonderful friends. The air is clean and refreshing. I have a steady job. And now I've got the best girlfriend I could ever ask for. Life here is far better than life back home... Oh, wait. Equestria IS my home now, isn't it?"

The timid pegasus mare before me bowed her head while only barely smiling. "Am I really that perfect to you? I know I have a lot of flaws..."

I stood up from the bed and approached her before getting down on one knee. "I have flaws too. No one's perfect, honey. But you're perfect to me." It is true. If Fluttershy has any flaws, I felt that they are minor at most.

Fluttershy responded to my words of encouragement with a brief kiss on the lips. "I'm so glad to have met you, James... I...love you..." She then nuzzled me gently while barely blushing at all.

Before I could forget, I asked, "What time is it anyway? Am I late for work?"

Fluttershy glanced over at a small clock that was resting on a shelf. "It's just a little past 10 AM. Did you say you had to be at the spa at 11?"

I nodded as I went over to a wooden wardrobe to get some clean clothes. "Yup. It's my first day on the job. Is there anything you'd like me to pick up on my way home from work?"

She paused for a moment in thought before replying, "Well, could you pick up some apples from the market? Preferably golden delicious ones. I was thinking of making a pie today."

Fluttershy surely knows her stuff when it comes to baking. Golden delicious apples are ideal for the job. "I'll make a mental note. Actually, I'll stop by on my way to work to ask Applejack to bring a bundle by. Just in case she's closed up shop for the evening by the time I get off work." I replied as I slid my pants and t-shirt on.

Just before I could put my shoes and socks on, Fluttershy came up behind me and embraced me with her face against my back. "Um... Fluttershy?" I asked, puzzled by this display of affection.

"I love you." She replied softly while peacefully breathing deeply.

Her words touched me, almost as if proving that my memories of the previous night were true. "May I turn around, please?" I asked quietly while my fingers rested on her foreleg. Fluttershy released her grip on me, allowing me to turn around. I then threw my arms around her and whispered into her ear, "I love you too."

I smiled as I felt Fluttershy embrace me with her forelegs. "I'm so glad you came to Equestria... I only wish I knew who brought you here so I can give them my thanks."

I nodded in wholehearted agreement. "Same here. Don't know who did it, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't grateful." I stood up and looked out the window that overlooked the area behind Fluttershy's cottage. "Coming to Equestria was one of the best things to ever happen to me. This world is the closest thing to a utopia I've ever seen."

Fluttershy propped herself up on the windowsill with her forelegs and nodded. "It is a very peaceful land. But I wouldn't say it's a true utopia. We have our share of troubles and not everypony is without sin. Even I've done some things I still regret..."

I draped my arm over her shoulder and pulled her close to me. "Likewise... Nopony can truly say they're free of sin... Huh?" I winced as I realized what I just said. "Fluttershy... Did I just say 'nopony' instead of 'no one' a second ago?"

My girlfriend giggled at my obvious nervousness. "I think you did. But there's nothing wrong with that. I think it's cute when you say it."

I rolled my eyes before I retorted, "But it's not funny when other ponies say it? How does that work?" We both chuckled in unison at that question. Neither of us had a real answer.

I watched in silence as Fluttershy went downstairs. I then slid on some clean socks and shoes and followed her. But before I could leave the house, I noticed some odd.....decorations? All across the living room near the walls and spiraling around the fireplace were numerous tiny stairways. There were also a few birdhouses near them. There were even a few narrow walkways hanging from the ceiling. At the end of each stairway and walkway was a hole in the wall or ceiling that seemed just large enough for a squirrel to pass through. "Um... Honey? What exactly are up with these...er...knickknacks?"

Fluttershy was just about to head out the front door herself when I asked. She looked at where I was pointing before looking at me with a smile on her face. "Oh, that? Those are for all my little friends who come and go as they please... Oh, there's one now!" A chipmunk came out of one hole in the ceiling and scampered across one of the walkways that seemed to lead towards the kitchen. I cracked a smile as the little critter disappeared through the hole in the wall at the end.

"I hope you don't mind us having some guests at times. All of the animals that live in my house are well-behaved and never cause any trouble." Fluttershy explained with her beautiful cyan eyes gazing up at me.

I replied while glancing back at the hole in the wall, "Actually, I think that's pretty cool. I've heard of houses where I'm from that have similar stuff that allow cats to go wherever they want throughout the house without getting in the way of their owners. Never thought I'd ever live in one."

My lover smiled slightly brighter than she normally does, probably due to being intrigued with the thought. "So I wasn't the only one who thought of using that design? I guess great minds think alike." She then turned and opened the front door for me. "But anyway, I shouldn't be keeping you. I'll get out of your way so you can hurry to work. Tell Lotus and Aloe I said hi please."

"Will do, honey. See you this evening." I replied just before kissing her goodbye. I then followed the path across the bridge that spanned the brook in front of her cottage and headed towards Ponyville. But before I went too far, I turned and waved at Fluttershy. She was standing at the doorway and waved back at me. I then turned around again and made my way into the meadow that separated my home from Ponyville.

Upon entering Ponyville, I saw many familiar faces going about their daily routines. Derpy Hooves was delivering letters, Rainbow Dash was napping on a cloud, and Applejack was pulling a cart of apples to market.... Wait. Applejack? "Just who I wanted to see." I muttered as I quickened my pace to catch up to her.

"Morning, AJ. Still in the middle of harvest season?" I asked once I was right behind her.

The farm pony looked over her shoulder at me and grinned. "Howdy, James! What can I do ya for?"

I looked over the cart she was pulling. It was filled to the brim with red and yellow apples. "Well, I don't have enough time to make a roundtrip. If you have time, could you deliver...say...a dozen golden delicious apples to Fluttershy's cottage today? She wanted...um..... Yeah, I guess a dozen will do."

The farm pony nodded right away. "Sure thing, James. It'll be easy since she lives just north of my place. I'll save a dozen for 'er. Y'all buyin' now, or would ya like me ta bill you?"

I nodded while I reached into my pocket. "I'll handle the payment right now. How much for a dozen?"

Applejack replied promptly, "Six bits for a dozen. Just slip 'em under my hat."

I cracked a smile as I pulled out six bits and placed them under Applejack's hat. But not before I took the opportunity to tussle her hair. "Much obliged, pardner. I'll stop on by Fluttershy's once I sell the rest of this haul. Wanna just chat for now on the way ta market?" Applejack asked once she made certain that her hat was on tight to prevent the cash from sliding out.

Having nothing better to do for the time being, I nodded. "Sure thing. Just lead on." I walked alongside Applejack as she headed towards the marketplace in Ponyville.

After a moment of friendly chatter, Applejack asked, "Come ta think of it, how'd y'all get all the way over to the west side of town? Dontcha work at Sugarcube Corner? You went right past it if ya came this far."

I chuckled, not the least bit surprised she was unaware. "I didn't come into town from the southeast. I came into town from the west. I moved out of Rarity's house yesterday and moved in with Fluttershy."

Applejack stared for a moment before asking, "Um... And just why did ya wanna do that? Granted, it's away from the hustle and bustle of Ponyville, but I thought ya were right at home at the Carousel Boutique. And last I checked, Fluttershy doesn't have any guest rooms."

I replied with a slight smirk, "That's why she sold her old bed and bought a bigger one yesterday. So we could share it."

My friend paused for a moment, apparently trying to comprehend what I told her. But she then smirked, "Fluttershy ain't the kinda girl who would share a bed with some guy, even if they're friends. For 'er to share a bed with ya..." She then stopped and stared me right in the eye. "Y'all got the hots for 'er, dontcha?"

I looked around to make certain no one was listening in. If word got around of Fluttershy being in a relationship with the only human in Equestria, it would certainly bring the two of us a mountain of unwanted attention. Since nopony was nearby (drat, I said nopony again) I replied quietly, "In all honesty, Fluttershy made the first move."

Applejack took a step back, clearly not expecting that timid little Fluttershy would make the first move in a relationship. "Well, don't that beat all... For Fluttershy to... How'd she do it? Did she tell ya herself?"

"With a love letter, if you can believe that. Although I think she chickened out in sending it since Angel snuck it away from her and brought it to me." I explained, trying to suppress a laugh as I remembered how flustered she was when I arrived at her cottage two nights ago with the love letter in hand.

The farm pony snickered as well. "That sounds like Fluttershy, all right. She'd never have the guts ta confess to a guy in person. But how's it been with 'er? You two the talk of the town?"

I replied after briefly recalling my day yesterday, "I sure hope not. I don't like being in the spotlight that much and I know for certain that Fluttershy doesn't either. We've been trying to be subtle about our affection in public so far."

Applejack nodded with a rather serious expression on her face. "I getcha. Well, I'll keep quiet about it too then. But what about the other girls? Do they know?"

I thought my response over for a moment. Did one of them not know yet? There was Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, and Rarity. "Um... Nope. They all know about us being together. I think even Derpy Hooves might be onto us by now too. But we don't necessarily want EVERY pony in town to know."

My friend nodded while letting out a light snicker. "Yeah, Fluttershy wouldn't like that. The paparazzi would be all over that stuff. I'll be careful who I tell. That all right with ya?"

I thought over the risk of Applejack spreading the news of my relationship with Fluttershy. "Well... I guess that's OK. Just be certain that whoever you tell it to can keep a secret. I have no idea if that kind of bond between a human and pony is even legal."

This only caused Applejack to laugh. "Legal?! Humans have never been seen in Equestria before you came along! I'll bet my left hind leg that Princess Celestia has no plans on makin' that lil' thing taboo. Land sakes! If she even did try ta pass that law, I'd vote against it!"

We had only just arrived at the marketplace as I asked, "You'd really do that?"

Applejack nodded without hesitation. "I might not be keen on romance and the like, but I'd say yer just right for Fluttershy. I mean she did make the first move, right? Doesn't that say enough on whatcha mean to 'er? There's nothin' right 'bout keepin' two perfect sweethearts away from each other."

I watched while Applejack set up her stall. Although I confess that I am not as close to her as my five other loved ones, I felt touched by Applejack's devotion to Fluttershy and me. "AJ... Thanks for sticking with us. It feels good to know somepony like you has my back."

The farm pony chuckled while she glanced at me, "Anytime, James. If anypony gives you or Fluttershy trouble, y'all come tell me about it. I'll bring the thunder!" Knowing just how strong Applejack is for her size, I am fairly certain it would be very unwise to incur her wrath.

As I pondered if there was anything else I needed to discuss with her, I took a look at myself. While the diet of Equestria was very healthy, I felt I could use some exercise. "AJ, are you still hiring at Sweet Apple Acres?"

My friend replied while looking noticeably baffled, "Hirin'? But I thought y'all weren't cut out for that line of work."

I nodded and proceeded to explain my reasons. "Well, not for extended periods of time at least. I was thinking that with most days you harvest apples, you could leave a certain number of bushels out for me to carry to the barn. I earn a little extra pocket change and get a decent workout in the process."

Applejack smirked while her eyes glanced down at my midsection. "Oh, I see whatcha mean. Tryin' ta lose some of that flab, huh? Well, sure. I can set up some bushels for ya. How many a day we talkin'?"

I paused for a moment to think of a proper number. "Let's start with ten. Once I can carry all those without breaking much of a sweat, let's increase the number."

My friend nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan. Feel free ta stop on by sometime today. I'll leave out the bushels for ya."

"Thanks again, AJ. And tell Fluttershy hi for me when you deliver those apples." I waved goodbye before I headed towards the spa for my first day of work.

Upon arriving in the lobby, I found one of the spa sisters seated at the front desk. "Morning, Lotus.... Or was it Aloe? Hang on, I can remember this..." I spoke as my eyes scanned the coloration of her coat and mane. "Blue coat. Pink mane... Lotus, right?"

She replied in her strong accent, "Good memory, Mr. James. And you're right on time. Let me show you to your workstation." I followed my employer into the spa's main chamber. Aloe was restocking various cosmetics and other supplies near some of the platforms where ponies receive facials and pedicures.

"Before I get started, is there a dress code?" I asked, afraid that I would need a uniform since t-shirts are not normally proper attire for working at such a high-end spa.

"Um..." Lotus turned to look at me before her eyes glanced up and down. "I think you're fine as is. We ponies don't wear much usually." I grimaced while averting my eyes for a moment at her explanation, having realized that I had overlooked an obvious detail about the ponies of Equestria.

I took a seat on the counter just behind the massage tables where my clients would rest. The counter was rather low, being just less than three feet in height. I soon noticed that Aloe was running to and fro with pillows and a file in her mouth. "The file must be for trimming a unicorn's horn..." I muttered under my breath. I waited patiently for our customer to come over to me for a massage. I was tempted to look past the hot tub, which was obstructing my view, but I chose to be patient and await the customer.

Several minutes passed before I heard Lotus speak up. "Right this way, Miss Twilight. James will provide you a massage today."

Twilight? My first client of the day was to be Twilight Sparkle? Sure enough, my purple unicorn friend emerged from behind the hot tub. Her horn was perfectly smoothed out, the result of a....hornicure? Oh, wait... I can figure this out. The beautification of a unicorn's horn is probably called...a cornicure or something very similar. But I digress.

Twilight Sparkle paused for a moment as she approached me. "James? You work here now?"

I nodded with a slight smile. "Yeah, Rarity insisted I do after I gave her a massage a few days ago. So I decided to give it a shot. You ready for one?"

The purple unicorn mare smiled as she climbed atop a massage table. "In that case, I'd be glad to let you start on me." She then lied down and rested her head on a few pillows at one end.

I gently kneeled above her, being careful to avoid applying weight to her back. "OK then, Twilight. Just relax." She did exactly as she was told, letting out a sigh as her body became limp.

Like the previous times I massaged Rarity and Fluttershy, I began with the base of Twilight's neck. My fingers dug into her smooth coat as I kneaded the muscles around her joints. "Your coat feels remarkably soft today, Twilight." I said softly.

My friend replied with a voice that was just above a whisper. "Thank you, James. I always take a shower before bed and give myself a thorough grooming every morning. That's probably why my coat is so soft all the time."

It was then that a thought occurred to me. "Just how do ponies groom themselves?" Horses and ponies from my homeland groom themselves using their teeth, but I doubt creatures as civilized as the ponies of Equestria do the same.

"Oh, we use brushes with short bristles for our coats and brushes with longer bristles for our tails and manes. Isn't that what you use when you groom yourself?" Twilight replied with a smile as she looked at me over her shoulder.

"I do, although I prefer the use of a comb to a brush... Oh, and before I forget... Your cutie mark. Is it particularly sensitive?" I asked in return.

The purple unicorn seemed to ponder my question for a moment. "Um... I'm not sure I follow. Sensitive in what way?"

I replied while I firmly massaged her shoulder joints, "Well, I learned from Rarity and Fluttershy that the cutie marks of some ponies can function as a pleasure point. And I don't want to offend anyone, especially someone who is such a good friend of mine."

Twilight replied while I noticed her irises shrink slightly, "Oh, that kind of sensitivity. Well... Now that you mention it, my cutie mark is sensitive enough to work like that."

I looked behind the two of us once three minutes had passed of me massaging Twilight's shoulders. My employers were nowhere to be seen. "OK. I'll be sure to not apply pressure to them when I reach your flanks." I spoke as I reached for her knees.

"Um... Actually, you can touch them if needed... In fact, I would prefer it if you did." Twilight spoke softly with a faint blush in her cheeks.

I froze, fearing what would happen if someone were to see me touching Twilight in such a spot. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" I asked nervously while feeling myself becoming quite hot.

Twilight replied softly, apparently also wary of anyone who may be nearby. "I'll keep a straight face in case anyone is looking." She was showing very little uncertainty, as if she knew exactly what she wanted.

Even though I had permission, I knew that touching Twilight's cutie marks in such a fashion would be an intimate action with her. "Twilight... You do remember that I'm with Fluttershy, right?"

My friend nodded with a smile. "I know. And I'm happy for both of you. But I really don't mind you massaging my cutie marks along with my flanks. I trust you won't go too far."

I had a nagging feeling that Twilight was not giving me the whole story. "Is that the only reason? Because you trust me and want me to be thorough?"

She replied after a moment of hesitant silence. "No... Do you remember what I said? That I will always love you?"

Those words brought up a painful memory from the previous evening where I confessed that Fluttershy and I had become lovers. Twilight did not take it well at first, and I was still feeling rather guilty that I had broken her heart.

"James... You're not still dwelling on that, are you?" Twilight asked with a concerned gaze. It was almost as if she knew exactly what I was thinking about. "I respect your bond with Fluttershy and I cherish our friendship. So please don't think that I'm trying to get between you two, OK? I don't want to see either of you hurt. Just think of this as a show of trust between friends."

Although it would still be awkward for me to touch a girl's sensitive spots in a public area, I had faith in Twilight. She is not the type of person who would use underhanded tricks to get between friends to further her own personal desires. "OK then, Twi. I'll give you what you want." I said as I reached up to her jaw joints.

Twilight seemed to jump slightly when I touched her cheeks. "Um... My face?"

I nodded while my fingers rubbed over them. "I focus on the joints. And the only joints in your head are your jaw joints. Don't worry, Fluttershy and Rarity were quite pleased when I did it."

I felt Twilight relax as I gently rubbed my fingertips into her cheeks. "Mmm..." Twilight hummed without moving her mouth to keep her jaws still. She was clearly enjoying the attention.

Once three minutes had passed, I started on Twilight's neck. "Just curious, but what brings you to the spa today? You don't seem like the kind of girl who dotes on her looks very often. Not that I mean anything by that. You're quite attractive as is..." I asked, curious of what a bookworm like Twilight Sparkle would come to the local spa for.

She replied quietly, apparently having come to find that the atmosphere seemed to encourage silence. "You're right, I'm not quite as self-conscious as Rarity. But I do come here about once a month for a cornicure to keep my horn from becoming uneven. That can require me to adjust my focus when using magic, something that can be quite irritating at times as I would have to adapt with it every single time I use a spell." It was then that I discovered that my assumption of the term used to describe the beautification treatments of a horn was correct.

Once I had finished with the vertebrae in her neck, I climbed down from the table so I could reach all of Twilight's back. "I'm just curious, but did Celestia offer a reply to that report you sent her?" I asked while I started on her vertebrae. Like Rarity, there was a great deal of strong muscle around it, but I had no trouble reaching every individual joint.

"Mmm, that's the spot... Oh, that report? I had Spike send it first thing this morning, but I haven't gotten a reply just yet. But don't worry. I'm sure Princess Celestia supports your relationship with Fluttershy." Twilight replied as I very slowly worked my way down her back.

Before I could ask anything else, a thought popped into my head. "Come to think of it, if Celestia and Luna are princesses, who's the king and queen?"

Twilight opened her mouth to offer a response, but seemed to pause a minute. She eventually replied, "Now that you mention it... I have no idea who their parents are! I'm sure they're out there somewhere, keeping watch over Equestria from behind the scenes."

A reclusive king and queen, huh? Seems rather odd to me. I then asked, "OK then, but why is Celestia and Luna referred to as princesses instead of queens if they govern Equestria?"

My friend held a hoof to her chin while she fell silent. After a moment of deep thought, she offered a retort. "Well, this is just a hypothesis, but I have a theory. You see, neither Celestia nor Luna is the absolute ruler of Equestria. They share the throne and the duties associated with the role. Therefore, since neither of them rule over Equestria alone, I don't think they are eligible for the title of 'queen'. That's just a guess though, so I wouldn't be surprised if I'm wrong." Her explanation actually made a lot of sense to me. It would not surprise me if that assumption turns out to be a fact.

"OK, that's all for your vertebrae. Time for the flanks." I spoke as I climbed back onto the table and faced Twilight's rear. However, I felt uneasy about touching her cutie marks. "Are you sure you won't mind if I massage your cutie marks as well?"

My friend looked at me over her shoulder while I looked over mine. She smiled sincerely and whispered, "Yes, I'm OK with that. Feel free to massage them as long as you want."

With some hesitation, I gripped her flanks in my hands and dug my fingers into them. I kneaded them gently, trying to not avoid her cutie marks. But the instant my fingers rubbed them, I felt Twilight shudder under me. She kept her voice down though, so I suspected that she was not quite as sensitive as Rarity or Fluttershy. "Am I going about this the right way?" I asked without taking my eyes off my hands.

Twilight replied softly while also letting out a noticeable gasp, "You're doing fine... Just fine..." I nodded in response and continued to dig my fingertips into her flanks. But over the course of five minutes, I began to notice that Twilight was beginning to breathe deeply. Out of curiosity, I looked over my shoulder to check on her. Her eyes were closed as a deep blush was on her face.

(Oh boy... I better stop here.) I distinctly remember thinking as I realized that even Twilight was not immune to the pleasuring sensations brought on by someone firmly rubbing her cutie marks. All I could do was hope that not all ponies share that pleasure point. I released my grip on her flanks after over five minutes had passed. "How'd I do, Twilight?" I asked while feeling somewhat apprehensive about what her response would be.

My friend looked at me over her shoulder and smiled with a deep blush in her cheeks. "Very relaxing, James. Those fingers have great precision and a very soft touch. I would take your hands over Quake's hooves any day." I was relieved that she had not given in to her more inappropriate desires. The last thing I wanted was to be caught in a love triangle between Fluttershy and one of my friends.

"Glad to hear that, Twi. Now, just relax. All that's left are your knees." I spoke as my hands gripped the knees on her hind legs.

Twilight let out a giggle as my fingertips dug into the back of her knees. "James, I'm ticklish....."

I smiled awkwardly while being tempted to take advantage of that little weakness. "Well, the backs of the knees are commonly ticklish. Maybe if I apply more pressure..." I pressed my fingertips more firmly into her. Common knowledge is that the firmer the touch, the less ticklish the spot becomes.

"Hey, that doesn't tickle much at all anymore." Twilight said while looking over her shoulder.

"That's what I was going for." I replied while making certain to not miss a spot.

Once another three minutes had passed, I finished the massage with her ankles. I then hopped down from the table. "I think that's everything, Twilight. How do you feel?"

I watched as Twilight stood up on the table and stretched. "Mmm, my joints feel so relaxed and limber! I should come by more often for this. How often do you work here?"

I replied after recalling my work schedule. "Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. You planning on coming back for another?"

The purple unicorn mare nodded with a very pleased smile spreading across her lips. "You bet! Although I think I'll restrict my visits to once a week. But in any case, thanks again. I'll see you later, James." She followed her words with a tender embrace. But she then asked, "Come to think of it, today marks your first full week in Equestria! Do you have anything planned to celebrate?"

I had all but forgotten that this is my seventh day in Equestria. "Well... To be honest, I was just gonna enjoy it same as any other day."

At my response, Twilight seemed to become lost in thought. "Really? Well, I guess that's OK. In any case, when's your lunch break?"

I was going to say 12:15, but I was not certain if the spa employees are permitted to temporarily leave for lunch. "Not sure, really. Could you ask whoever is at the front desk?"

Twilight nodded and turned towards the main chamber's exit. "OK. Wait here." I watched as she passed under the arched doorway that led to the lobby. A moment later, my friend returned and smiled at me. "Lotus says everypony who works here has a one hour break to get lunch. When do you think you'll take your lunch break?"

I thought over my response for a moment before replying, "I guess after tending to one more customer."

My friend seemed pleased with my answer and spoke "Then I guess I'll see you in around forty minutes. Later!" I waved goodbye as she disappeared from view. But once I was alone again, I pondered what she meant by 'seeing me in forty minutes'. How did she know how long it would take for me to leave? As if to answer my question, I heard what sounded like an argument at the front desk. Curious, I left my post to investigate.

"I know I don't have any bits with me, but could you take an IOU until I do?" A familiar voice spoke. I peeked around the corner and found Scootaloo looking up at Lotus, who was blocking her way.

"Scoot? Aren't you supposed to be in school right now?" I asked, puzzled of how a child could be out of class on a weekday. From what I know, today was not a holiday of any sort.

The tomboyish pegasus filly looked towards me and ran past Lotus with a grin. "Hey, big bro! I just snuck outta the playground after lunch. I heard you had a new job over here, so I rode my scooter here to save time. What's up?"

I shook my head with a smirk, rather amused that my little 'sister' had the courage to escape from her school during recess. "I really hope you get back to school before recess ends. As for what's up, I give massages here. Rarity insisted I work here after I gave her a massage once."

Scootaloo smiled with a fairly fascinated expression on her face. "A massage? You mean when you rub somepony all over? I heard that makes you feel really nice once it's done." She then chuckled, "Actually, that's why I'm here. Sweetie Belle told me and Apple Bloom that Rarity said you give awesome massages and would start working here today. Do you think you could give me one so I know what it's like?"

Lotus spoke up in her heavy accent, "Miss Scootaloo, this spa does not give out free massages. If you want to use our services, you must provide us with bits."

However, I decided to interrupt. "Actually, that's OK, Lotus. I wouldn't mind giving her one. I can cover it this time. It'll make for a change of pace since she's so small."

Scootaloo looked up at me with excitement as Lotus looked back down at her before looking back at me. "Well... I suppose you can, Mr. James. But please don't do this too often. It might make the other customers jealous."

I smiled while I led the little filly into the main chamber of the spa. "So, all the other kids are out having recess?" I asked as I lifted Scootaloo up to a massage table.

"Yeah, but I slipped out no problem. I think we're all supposed to be back inside in about thirty minutes, so no rush." Scootaloo replied as she looked around, clearly having never visited a spa before.

"Well, I'll make this shorter than usual since your joints probably have little need for a massage. Now, lie down and just relax." I spoke while motioning my hand towards the pillows at the end of the table where Twilight had been resting her head.

Scootaloo did as she was told and lied down with her head resting on a pillow. "Is this gonna take long?" She asked with a more inquisitive gaze. I was hardly surprised, as most children do not enjoy sitting still for very long even for a massage. Let alone someone as energetic as Scootaloo.

I replied while looking her over, "I'll just go for one minute on each joint, if that's OK with you." Considering how young her joints were at the time, she hardly needed a massage to begin with.

"Sounds good to me! Lemme have it!" Scootaloo replied as she stretched out her legs for me to reach.

The pegasus filly was only half the size of the average adult pony, so having me kneel above her would make things difficult for me. So instead, I chose to massage her while standing at the side of the table. "Um... Should I start with your wings?"

Scootaloo readily nodded, "Sure! That'll get them nice and loose for when I ride my scooter back to school."

I nodded while I watched her extend her wings. Compared to the wings of adult pegasus ponies, Scootaloo's wings are absolutely tiny. I was afraid I would break them. However, I remembered Fluttershy telling that the bones of a pegasus are much sturdier than bird bones. Ever so carefully, I felt through her feathers for the two joints. "OK... Just relax and don't move." I spoke softly.

Sitting perfectly still was something I would never expect a child to have an easy time doing. But Scootaloo remained almost as still as stone. She even breathed less frequently than usual, almost as if she was afraid. As I tenderly rubbed and kneaded the tiny joints in her wings, I came to understand that the reason why she was doing exactly what I requested of her was out of trust. "You afraid I might hurt you, little sis?" I asked, knowing that she looked up to me like a big brother.

"Nah. I know you would never hurt me. Big brothers are always nice to their little sisters." She replied without moving an inch.

"Yes, they are. Especially when their little sisters are so cute and cool." I said with a chuckle. I felt Scootaloo twitch as she also laughed softly.

Once I had finished with her right wing and had started on her left, Scootaloo spoke softly, "James... Don't ever go away..."

I paused for a moment at her words. They certainly were not ones I would ever expect to hear from her. "Scoot...?"

Scootaloo paused for a few seconds while she seemed to smile. "I'm glad I met you. You're like a real big brother to me." She then gulped loudly, "James... I wanna tell you something, but only if you promise to not tell anypony."

I leaned in close so she could whisper to me without anyone else hearing her. "It'll be our little secret. Whatcha wanna tell me?" I asked quietly.

A faint blush filled Scootaloo's cheeks, likely out of bashfulness. She then whispered, "It's hard for me to say this to anypony, but... I love you, big brother."

She... She actually just said 'I love you' to me? Such displays of affection are very uncharacteristic for Scootaloo. I was almost expecting her to grin and say 'Psyche!' at any second. But fifteen seconds passed as I waited. Her face was still flushed red as her gaze was tilted downwards. I finally whispered, "Did you really mean that?"

Her response was brief and touched me deeply. "Yeah..."

At that one word, I felt my adoration for Scootaloo rise even higher. Knowing you are loved... It is a wonderful feeling. Especially when someone who is like a little sibling to you says those words. At that instant, I felt a desire to watch over her and guide her in any way I could. I smiled as I gently caressed her mane and ears before whispering, "I love you too, little sis."

Scootaloo glanced over her shoulder at me, almost as if she was not expecting me to accept her feelings. I then added, "I won't tell anyone. OK?" She could only nod with a bright smile.

Once I had finished with her tiny wings, I started on Scootaloo's neck. For a pony so small, her muscles were quite developed. "You been working out?" I asked with a smile.

"Not really. I just run around a lot." Scootaloo replied with a happy grin. Tomboys like her are usually the type of girls who like running and jogging. Or in her case, scooter riding. The prolonged periods of rapidly flapping her tiny wings surely must burn a lot of calories.

By the time I had finished massaging her cheeks, shoulders, and front knees, Scootaloo began to seem a little TOO relaxed. "Man, these massages are awesome for chilling out..." She muttered quietly.

"Well, massages are excellent ways to relieve stress and tension. Just be careful to not....." I replied just as I began to hear faint snoring. "...fall asleep..." Scootaloo, probably from my gentle touch, had fallen asleep where she lay. "Kids... I guess all youngsters need naps now and then."

Regardless of my little sister's napping, I continued to massage her as planned. I went down her vertebrae to her flanks before finishing with her knees and ankles. It was especially tricky to get to every individual back joint due to Scootaloo's small size. But I managed. Even by the time I had finished, the pegasus filly was still fast asleep. "How can anypony so spunky be so angelic?" I muttered aloud as I looked at her sleeping face. Unable to resist, I placed a small kiss on her forehead. She seemed to know what had happened since her neutral expression turned into a calm smile.

As I checked the clock, I remembered that Scootaloo had snuck out of recess and that it would likely be ending soon. I did not want her to get in trouble with the teacher, so I gently scooped her up in my arms before carrying my little sister to the front desk. Lotus was seated behind the counter, apparently looking over a list of appointments. "I'll be taking Scootaloo back to school before starting on my lunch break. Is that OK, Lotus?"

My employer looked my way and nodded. "That will be fine. Please hurry back when you can." I nodded at her in response before heading towards the door. But I then noticed Scootaloo's scooter leaning against the wall right next to the door on the outside. I would have taken it with me, but I needed both arms to carry my little sister. I made a mental note to remind her once she woke up to come back for it after school.

Once I was outside, I deduced that the schoolhouse was directly west of the spa's location. I cradled Scootaloo in my arms as if she was a toddler. I tried to avoid making too much movement with my arms out of fear of waking her. As the sight of a human carrying a filly as if she were my own daughter was certainly odd, I was getting a lot of awkward stares from the many ponies I was passing.

It only took me around five to ten minutes to reach the schoolhouse. But as I drew near, I could not hear the sounds of children playing outside. The playground to the left side of the schoolhouse was empty. "Uh oh... Hope I'm not too late." I muttered under my breath. I ducked low to avoid bumping my head on the awning and knocked on the door by tapping it with the tip of my shoe.

I did not wait long as the door was answered by who I assume was a teacher. She was an earth pony with a mane and tail that sported two shades of rose. Her eyes were the same shade of green as Sweetie Belle's and her coat was a type of fuchsia hue. Her cutie mark depicted three round flowers that had closed eyes and wide smiles on them. She glanced me over for a second before smiling. "Oh, are you Mr. James? I've heard about you from the Cutie Mark Crusaders every now and then."

In response, I cracked a slight grin. "Speaking of those three fillies, I found one of them napping under a bush just outside the playground." I lowered my arms to show Scootaloo, who was still sleeping soundly.

"She was asleep? I was wondering why she didn't come back inside after recess. I feared she had run off for some reason." The teacher replied with a more sympathetic smile. "The poor dear must've played too hard out there today. Oh, and before I forget, my name is Cheerilee."

I nodded in understanding. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Cheerilee. And hang on. I'll wake Scootaloo up for you." I adjusted my grip so that I was holding the pegasus filly in just one arm while I stroked her ears with my spare hand. "C'mon, Scoot. Time to get back to class."

Her ears twitched as I tickled her. Before long, she let out a yawn before looking up at me with her big purple eyes. "Huh? Did I really pass out?"

I replied with a smile, "Yeah, I found you under a bush. You play too rough at recess today?" I winked at her, trying to subtly inform her that I was trying to keep her real activities secret from her teacher.

Scootaloo looked over at Cheerilee before looking back to me. She winked and smiled at me. "Oh, yeah. I was beat. Thanks for bringing me over here."

I set my little sister down as she stretched. Cheerilee then asked, "Would you like to meet the other students, Mr. James? We just started on 'Show & Tell' and I'm sure the other foals would like to meet someone who's not from around here."

Scootaloo jumped while she looked up at me, "Yeah! I could show you off to the whole class! Whatcha say, big brother? Wanna be my Show & Tell partner?"

I had never seen the inside of the schoolhouse before, so I was naturally curious. However, I have never been comfortable about standing before large crowds either. Even if they all happen to be children. "Um... OK. But please remember I'm not one for public speaking..." I spoke quietly.

Cheerilee smiled reassuringly and motioned for me to follow her. "Then it's settled. Come on in and we'll get started." Scootaloo and I followed her inside. We first entered a small room that was possibly a lobby. It was very narrow, as I expected from the size of the schoolhouse. On one side seemed to be a doorway that led into a tiny restroom. The doorway on the other side led into what seemed to be the classroom. As Cheerilee entered, I saw Apple Bloom standing before the blackboard with what seemed to be a rag doll of sorts that looked like either a pony or mule wearing a pair of polka-dotted shorts.

"And that's how Big Macintosh found Mr. Smarty Pants!" Apple Bloom said as I heard what was probably applause, as I could not see the rest of the students from my current location.

"Thank you for sharing that with us, Apple Bloom. Now it's Scootaloo's turn." Cheerilee said before the little farm filly walked out of sight, probably just heading back to her seat. Scootaloo followed Cheerilee into the classroom and stood in front of the blackboard. I waited for her to call me in, still feeling somewhat apprehensive about standing in front of numerous people.

"All right! I've brought somepony special today for Show & Tell!" Scootaloo then looked over in my direction and motioned for me to approach her. I ducked low to pass through the doorway and stood beside her while facing the other students. I saw a few familiar faces among the students. Along with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, I saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sitting at small wooden desks lined up in three rows.

Before Scootaloo could even begin talking, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle jumped over their desks and ran towards me. They both called out, "James!" In response, I got down on one knee as the two fillies jumped into my arms.

"Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, you already had your turns for Show & Tell. It's Scootaloo's turn now." Cheerilee spoke, her amused smile showing that she was enjoying the sight of me cuddling with the two schoolgirls.

"It's OK, Miss Cheerilee! They can do it with me!" Scootaloo replied with a broad grin.

Sweetie Belle looked up at me and asked, "You've never come inside before, Mr. James! Did you come to say hi?"

"I was kinda talked into taking part in this..." I replied quietly, somewhat embarrassed that my friends were getting so cuddly with me in front of their classmates.

"Well, it's good to see y'all here, James! Whatcha wanna do?!" Apple Bloom asked with a smile.

I shrugged and replied, "Just take part in Show & Tell, I guess."

Scootaloo then cleared her throat as I stood up with the other two fillies at my feet. "OK! Today for Show & Tell, I brought my own big brother! Say hi, big brother!" She looked up at me with a grin, trying to coax me into saying hello.

I was feeling very nervous at the time, but I was able to force out a 'Hello' while waving at the rest of the class. The other students politely responded in kind with the exceptions of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, both looking on with expressions that shifted between wariness and a brooding scowl. However, one of the fillies with a blue coat and a bow and arrow for a cutie mark asked, "Scootaloo? Is he really your brother? He doesn't look like a pony."

Scootaloo chuckled for a second before looking up at me, "James, you wanna tell them?"

I nodded and proceeded to explain. "Well... I'm not a pony at all. I am a human. I've only been in Equestria for a week starting today, but I'm really enjoying living here."

Sweetie Belle then spoke up, "Mr. James is also the newest member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders! He's been helping us come up with new activities to try so we can earn our cutie marks!"

Apple Bloom then added, "He's also really brave and knows how ta deal with bullies! So don't be mean around 'im!" I facepalmed at that particular praise and snickered under my breath, having never viewed myself as being heroic. The students before us began to chatter with each other quietly, apparently sharing various comments. However, Diamond Tiara was constantly glaring at me while Silver Spoon was constantly watching me with a wary gaze. I suspect she was expecting me to try and remove her cutie mark like I did with her friend. Of course, I did not have that particular prop with me at the time, so she had nothing to worry about. Maybe I should carry that little device with me at all times, just in case.

One of the fillies in the first row asked, "Scootaloo, juth why ith James your brother? He doethn't look related to you." She spoke with a noticeable speech impediment, her s's sounding like th's. With her large glasses, pale coat, and frizzy red tail and mane, she seemed to be a stereotypical nerd. At least by looks and voice. I could not tell if her personality and interests were that of a nerd just by looking at her.

Scootaloo replied promptly, "You're right, Twist. We're not really related. But... If I had to choose one guy out of all the colts in Equestria to be my big brother, it would be James! He's been an awesome big brother to me!" I blushed in embarrassment as I held my face in one hand, unable to look at the other students while being praised.

The response from some of the other students caught me by surprise. "I wish I had a big brother like him! He must be really helpful in reaching tall things!" One of the kids spoke out.

Another called out, "He must be really strong too if he's that big! Can he carry you around?" More and more of the kids began to spout a slew of questions at Scootaloo. All the while, she just stood there beaming in pride.

After a few more questions, I carefully scanned my surroundings in the hopes of seeing a clock. When I found none, I decided to cut my visit short so I had enough time to get some lunch and get back to the spa before my bosses docked my pay. "Excuse me. I don't want to be a bother, but I'm currently on my lunch break and should get something to eat before I end up spending too much time away from my job."

Cheerilee seemed to glance at something on her desk before looking back at me and replying, "Oh dear, I'm sorry if we kept you for too long. But it was good to meet you, Mr. James! Please feel free to visit anytime."

Apple Bloom then tapped my leg and asked, "Do y'all think we could meet up at the clubhouse later?"

I nodded with a smile. "Sure thing. I'll see if I can get off work at around 5. Can you wait until then?"

Sweetie Belle nodded while grinning happily. "That sounds like a good time! Please don't take too long!" I reached down and stroked their manes, prompting brief giggling from the two fillies.

"Maybe I'll stop by again sometime. See you later, kiddies." I said as I waved goodbye. All of the students waved goodbye and said farewell politely. All except for Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara, that is. The latter was still glaring at me as I left the classroom while the former seemed to be holding her breath.

Just as I stepped right outside the schoolhouse, I heard Scootaloo call out from behind me. "James, hang on a second!" I turned and found the tomboy running out to me.

"Did I forget something?" I asked, knowing that it was far too soon for the school day to be over.

Scootaloo peeked over her shoulder while apparently checking to see if anyone was watching from inside the schoolhouse. She then looked up at me and whispered, "Thanks for covering for me. I would've gotten in a lot of trouble if anypony found out I had left school, even if it was just to see you."

I chuckled while I tussled "That's what big brothers are for, right? It's my duty to keep you out of trouble." Scootaloo chuckled as well while I stroked her mane.

Before I could say goodbye, Scootaloo peeked over her shoulder again before looking up at me. "Hurry up... Before somepony sees." She stood on her hind legs and held out her forelegs as if waiting for something to fall into her grasp.

"Scoot, you don't have to do that. I know you're not big on showing affection like that." I spoke, knowing that she was offering a hug.

"Why do you think I waited until we were alone before trying to give you one? I don't want anypony to know I have a soft spot for somepony I like. You're the only guy I like giving hugs to. So hurry up! Before somepony sees!" Scootaloo replied, a hint of panic in her voice.

After looking past her to make certain no one could see us, I snatched my little sister up in my arms and held her tightly while she threw her forelegs around my neck. I wanted to keep the embrace going longer, but knew that Cheerilee would come looking for Scootaloo if we took too long. Before I set her down, I whispered into her ear, "I love you, little sis."

Scootaloo let out a faint giggle before replying, "I love you too, big brother."

Remembering that her scooter was still at the spa, I whispered, "You left your scooter over at the spa. Don't forget to retrieve it after class."

She nodded, "Thanks for reminding me. I'll go get it right after school is out."

I gently set Scootaloo down before stroking her mane. "See you this evening, OK?" I asked, remembering my promise to the other members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

"You got it. I'll be there. See ya there, James!" Scootaloo replied with a smile. I then turned and headed back into town, feeling in the mood for some seafood pasta.

I made a beeline for the local café, eager to fill my belly with some tasty yet healthy food. The outdoor seating area was hardly in use, only a few ponies here and there. But as I drew near, the waiter noticed me and approached me. "Ah, just in time. Right zis way, please."

His words baffled me, as I had not made any reservations. I also was not that much of a repeat customer at the time, as I had only visited the café no more than five times since arriving in Equestria. Regardless, I followed the waiter to a table that had a foldable sign on it with the word 'Reserved' on each side. I also noticed that there were six piles of hay situated around the table with a single stool for me. "May I fetch you anyzing to drink, monsieur?" The waiter asked as I took my seat.

I replied without much thought, "I suppose some sasparilla will be fine. Light on the ice, please." I then looked over my menu as the waiter disappeared into the restaurant. I muttered to myself, "That pasta was awesome, and the salads are good... Should I get an appetizer too?"

Before the waiter could bring out my drink, I heard a sudden noise behind me while a flash of light shone onto the table past me for a split second, almost as if someone had used the flash function on a camera. "Equestria's got some noisy cameras..." I said to myself.

As if to answer me, I felt the rounded tip of a unicorn's horn press against my back. A familiar upper-class woman's voice then spoke, "Well, if we were using a camera, you would've looked far more charming if we took the shot with you facing us."

I immediately recognized the voice before I looked over my shoulder. "Rarity? And... What're all of you doing here? And when did you even get here without me hearing your footsteps?!" Along with Rarity were Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight Sparkle.

"Oh, that was just a lil' spell Twilight knows. Kinda like... Um... What's that fancy word ya used for it?" Applejack replied before turning to Twilight, who seemed slightly dazed for some reason.

"Uh... You say something, AJ...?" She asked with a rather groggy tone. However, she then cleared her head by shaking it for a second. "Oh, the spell? That was a teleportation spell. A pretty advanced spell at that. It was the first time I've used it on more than two ponies at once. Kinda took a lot outta me."

The thought of teleportation being possible in Equestria was both not surprising, yet mind-blowing to me. "Looks like my initial guess of that magic being a form of telekinesis wasn't too far off." I said with an amused smirk.

Pinkie Pie giggled at my words and spoke, "You know a lot of fancy words, James! What's that one?"

Twilight answered for me. "He means using the power of the mind to move objects. It's mostly just urban legend and doesn't have any real connection to unicorn magic."

Not surprisingly, Pinkie Pie jumped into the air with an impressed expression on her face. "Wow! Moving things with just your mind? Without magic?! I gotta try this!" She then stared at the small paper sign that read 'Reserved' at the center of our table. Her stare soon turned into a glare as she began to grit her teeth. "C'mon... I can do this..."

I heard Fluttershy whisper to Rainbow Dash, "Do you think we should stop her?"

The boisterous pegasus mare replied quietly, "Nah. It's always fun to watch Pinkie Pie try something weird." And she was right. I wanted to speak up, but it was rather entertaining to see Pinkie Pie try something unusual, especially if she ended up looking like a fool in the end.

After a brief moment of silence, a gentle breeze blew and tipped the sign onto its side. "AH HA! This telekinesis stuff really works! Did you see that?!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, obviously believing that it was her mind that knocked the sign down.

Before anyone could comment, I sighed with a smirk while shaking my head. "Pinkie Pie..... That was just the wind."

The silly pink pony pouted at me. "Oh, come on! I tried so hard and the wind beat me to it?!" The other ponies laughed in unison as I chuckled under my breath.

"All righty, girls. Let's not wait any longer. We all came here for a reason, right?" Applejack spoke up as she took a seat on a pile of hay on one side of the table.

It was then that I caught on why there was a 'Reserved' sign on the table the waiter had led me to. "Wait a second... You made reservations for me?"

Twilight grinned whimsically at me. "I told you I'd be seeing you in around forty minutes, didn't I? And besides, today's a special occasion!" The purple unicorn mare then took a seat two piles of hay down on my left.

Rarity smiled as she took a seat just to my left and proceeded to explain things. "Today marks the first full week since you appeared in Equestria. You came here with virtually nothing, but now look how far you've come in just a paltry seven days!"

Rainbow Dash flew over the table and took a seat opposite from Twilight. "You looked like you were having a really rough time when I fell...er...bumped into you back then. But check you out now! You look like you're right at home in Ponyville! And I was starting to wonder if you'd ever fit in." She said with a laugh.

Pinkie Pie giggled enthusiastically as she took a seat opposite from Applejack. "You really added some diversity to Ponyville! I mean, think about it! You're the only human in Equestria! That makes you one-of-a-kind special!" That particular praise made me snicker under my breath.

The last pony to take her seat was dear Fluttershy, who took a seat just to my right. "You've become an important part of our lives, James. We're grateful to have met you." She then whispered into my ear, "Only I'm the most grateful."

In response to my friends' words, I smiled warmly. "No... I'm the one who should be grateful. Like Rainbow said, I had nothing when I came to Equestria, but you girls reached out to me when I needed help most. I would've never gotten that kind of unconditional hospitality back home." I was not exaggerating in the least.

Fluttershy reached out and kissed me on the cheek in a reassuring manner. "But this is your home now. And it always will be. OK?"

I froze as I felt my lover kiss me in front of my other friends. I expected them to be shocked, but they all just watched silently. Rainbow Dash had a giddy grin while Rarity nudged me gently as if to say 'Go to her' to me. Seeing that they certainly did not mind our bond, I smiled at Fluttershy and nodded. "Yeah... Equestria is home to me now. And I don't want that to ever change. Don't know how I got here, but I'm glad I did end up here."

A moment later, the waiter returned with my drink. "Are you ready to order?" He asked after handing me my drink from a small tray on his head.

"Ladies first." I spoke while still looking over my menu. In truth, I was not entirely certain of what I wanted at the moment and was merely trying to buy myself a bit more time to look my choices over.

One by one, my companions placed their orders. Pinkie Pie was the last to place an order, and her choice of food surprised me. She ordered a slice of spinach pie, a salad with ranch dressing, and plain water for a drink. My order was the same pasta dish as before, a house salad with French dressing as a side dish, and a small order of hay fries for an appetizer.

Once the waiter had left us alone, Twilight was the first to speak up. "Nothing sweet at all, Pinkie? I'm amazed you're actually watching your diet!"

Pinkie Pie grinned while glancing over at me. "It was James who got through to me! He told me all about this nasty medical thing called diabetes, and I actually got scared about it! Even ponies can get it!"

Rainbow Dash replied with a rather surprised tone of voice, "And you thought we can't?! It's a good thing he got to you when he did!" I tried to avert my gaze, feeling somewhat embarrassed at Pinkie Pie's praise for me.

Twilight then turned my way and asked, "Is it true, James? Did you really warn her about the dangers of high sugar intake?"

I nodded and replied quietly, "Yeah... Seeing her scarf down all those cakes and sweets got me wondering, so I brought it up. The last thing I ever wanna see is Ponyville's famous party animal come down with diabetes. Those parties just won't be the same if that happens."

Rarity reached out and placed a sweet kiss on my cheek. "That was very noble of you to warn Pinkie Pie of that. I simply cannot imagine life with Pinkie Pie having to live with such a horrible condition!" I think I felt myself blush as I became somewhat worried that Fluttershy would take offense to her friend kissing me. Fortunately, she did not seem to mind at all.

Before we could chat further, the waiter returned with my friends' drinks. Pinkie Pie then spoke out, "Hey, you know what this calls for?!" I expected her to say 'a party', since she would often follow up those words with that.

"A party?" Fluttershy asked, apparently thinking the same thing.

To our surprise, Pinkie Pie held her glass of water in one of her ankle joints and raised it. "A toast! To our great new friend!"

Applejack grinned while she replied, "What a swell idea! C'mon, girls! Glasses up!" She did the same with her drink, a bottle of apple cider.

I can distinctly remember my face tensing up as a deep blush filled my cheeks. One by one, my friends and lover raised their glasses and bottles. "Whatcha waiting for, James? Raise your drink!" Rainbow Dash spoke as all six of them looked at me.

This was beyond flattering. I had only been in Ponyville for one week, and now my closest friends were making a toast to me? Regardless, I did as I was told and raised my bottle of sasparilla. Pinkie Pie then showed a much more serious and even serene expression as she spoke with a surprisingly royal tone, "I, Pinkie Pie, declare that this day be remembered as the day when our dear human friend James had been with us for a full week! May he be with us for many years to come!"

Rarity giggled for a second before retorting, "Well said, Pinkie Pie! Cheers!" In unison, we all lightly tapped our drinks together. I actually had some trouble keeping my arm steady as I was slightly overwhelmed by just how big a deal my friends were making this day.

Once the toast had been made, we all set our drinks down and resumed conversing with each other. However, Fluttershy then whispered to me, "You'll always be with us, right? And...with me?"

I looked into my lover's beautiful eyes and smiled. "Always, honey." We then leaned towards each other and pressed our lips together for a kiss. By some miracle, no one seemed to notice.

"So, how're the repairs comin' along for our duds? They gonna be done in time for the Gala?" Applejack asked while looking towards Rarity.

Rarity replied with a dismissive motion of her hoof. "We have around eight months before the Gala! Your dress, as well as everypony else's, will be in pristine shape by then." I was actually rather curious to see what the dresses of all my friends looked like, but I decided to withhold any questions until the big day arrived since it would be more satisfying to see them being worn after the repairs were complete.

After some time and chitchat, the waiter brought out our meals. There was such variety that I could not honestly say what all the dishes were aside from Pinkie Pie's sugar free choice of food. Well... All right, I suppose I can remember the entrees. Applejack had a large slice of apple cobbler, Rarity had ordered... Well, it was something with a French name. I could not tell you what it was even if I tried. Pinkie Pie had ordered...wait, I already explained earlier. Twilight had ordered grilled carrots with a side of barbeque sauce. Rainbow Dash had ordered a submarine sandwich and Fluttershy had ordered a daffodil and daisy sandwich.

Before we started eating, Rainbow Dash spoke up. "Don't worry about the price today, James. It's all on us!"

This sudden offering caught me by surprise as I almost took a bite of my salad, making me pause just before I chomped down. "Really? You don't have to. I can pay for myself."

However, Rarity was quick to counter my words. "Darling, this is a special occasion! Please, allow us to treat you to this meal. After all, I feel I should at least do something to repay you for this fine piece of jewelry." She then raised her hoof, showing off the opal-studded silver bracelet I had purchased for her a few days ago.

Pinkie Pie then let out a giggle and added, "Don't forget me! I owe you big time for warning me about diabetes! You just might've saved my life! Um... At least I think you did. Can diabetes really be lethal?"

Twilight spoke before I could reply. "Yes, Pinkie. Diabetes can have fatal side effects. So yes, he probably did save you in the long run."

The silly pink pony froze as her expression suddenly darkened. "Um... OK, now it's starting to sink in... Wow, I really am lucky to have a friend like you, James."

I replied with a simple nod. "Sometimes, all you need is someone with a little personal experience with something to understand how real it is. I'm just glad I didn't wait to tell you."

Applejack then spoke up, "Let's save all the hugs and kisses for later. We've got some grub ta enjoy!" She was right. We were not waiting on anything else, so we may as well start eating. Especially those of us who ordered hot foods.

The process of eating our meals was fairly uneventful, so I will not bother going into detail. But once we finished, I am certain we were all quite satisfied. "Never knew hay fries could be so tasty." I muttered as I set my silverware down.

"That was good eatin', huh?" Applejack asked before suppressing a belch, clearly satisfied with her meal.

Rarity replied upon wiping her mouth with a napkin, "Quite. Dining with friends is so much more enjoyable than dining alone. The food always seems to taste better." In unison, my friends set a pile of bits on the table. Even though they had promised to treat me to lunch, I still tossed a few bits into the pile as a tip.

"I really enjoyed myself, girls. But I should get back to work. I don't want to end up getting fired on my first day." I spoke up, full and ready to return to the spa.

Rainbow Dash grinned before swooping over to me and nudging my shoulder. "You mean the spa, right? Mind if I tag along?"

Rarity then asked, "You? At a spa? I never once took you for the type who is mindful of her beauty, Rainbow Dash. What changed your mind?"

I decided to beat Rainbow to the punch. "Because when Rainbow Dash isn't tending to the clouds and weather, she's just chilling. And what better place to relax than at a spa? Am I right?"

The rainbow-maned pegasus mare snickered under her breath. "Read me like a book!"

Pinkie Pie then spoke up, "I'll go too! I wanna feel those 'magic fingers' for myself!"

Applejack then grunted while she flexed her neck. "I've been gettin' a might sore from applebuckin' all summer. Mind if I squeeze in too, pardner?"

I cracked an awkward smirk, not expecting so many of my friends to want a massage from me all in one day. "I don't see why not. What about you two, Rarity? Fluttershy? You wanna join in?"

The unicorn and pegasus whispered to each other for a moment before nodding. Fluttershy then spoke with a smile, "I guess we could have our weekly spa visit today."

Rarity then added, "I can hardly wait to feel those delicate fingers going to work on my shoulders! And the facial and sauna, of course. Ooh, and can't forget the cornicure..."

I cracked a smirk at Rarity's enthusiasm. "Get enough of those and your horn will turn into a needle! And you, Twilight?"

The purple unicorn shook her head. "I'd say once a day is good enough for me. But thanks for the offer!" The rest of us saw her off before heading back towards the spa for a group visit.

"How many customers did you get before taking your lunch break today, James?" Rarity asked as I led her and the other four ponies through the streets of Ponyville.

"Just two. The first was Twilight and the second was Scootaloo." I replied, still wondering how the tomboy was able to escape from the playground undetected.

Rainbow Dash snickered upon hearing that filly's name. "Scootaloo played hooky today, huh? A chip off the old block, I swear."

Applejack rolled her eyes in clear disdain. "That ain't exactly somethin' to be proud of, Rainbow."

I then decided to explain the aftermath of that visit. "Actually, I took her back to school once she was done there. Believe it or not, she told me that she snuck out of recess to see me at my new job."

Rarity giggled at my explanation. "Well, it's certainly touching to see one of the fillies take such a liking to you, James. Perhaps having a big brother figure will help her mellow out somewhat." In the back of my mind, I was hoping Scootaloo would not change much. I honestly adore her tomboyish nature.

Once we reached the spa, I held the door open for my friends and lover. Aloe was seated at the front desk and asked in her strong accent, "You were gone a bit longer than expected, James. Everything all right?"

I replied honestly, "Had to carry Scootaloo back to school, but she made me stay for Show & Tell. Then I pigged out with the ladies here."

At the mention of Show & Tell, Pinkie Pie asked, "Ooh, Show & Tell?! What'd she have to show?!"

My reply caught her by surprise. "Me. That's what."

Rainbow Dash burst out laughing when I said that. "Man, Scoot always knows how to pull a fast one! But wait! What'd she tell the rest of the class about you? I don't think she knows you THAT well yet."

I was about to explain, but paused as I noticed I was keeping myself away from my workstation. "I'll tell you over a massage."

As my friends followed me into the main chamber, Rarity spoke to Aloe while she passed her by. "The usual!" She and Fluttershy followed her over to the sauna while my friends headed over to the hot tub.

"I reckon a good soak'll set me up for a massage." Applejack spoke as she flung her hat onto a coat rack nearby. It was the first time I had ever seen her without her hat on. In all honesty, she seemed more feminine and attractive without it covering her blond hair.

"Sounds good to me. Gimme some room!" Rainbow Dash said as she dove into the tub before resurfacing and lounging in a corner.

"Me too!" Pinkie Pie shouted as she jumped in. I was amazed by just how childish the two ponies were acting. It was almost as if they were viewing this spa as a personal playground. All I could do was snort in a muffled laugh at the scene playing out before me.

Before I could ask them to be a little more civilized, Applejack spoke for me as she slowly entered the tub. "Ease up, girls. We're all here to relax and loosen up, not ta make a mess. Right?"

While my three friends relaxed in the hot tub, I went to check on Rarity and Fluttershy. They had just come out of the sauna and their manes were tightly wrapped up in towels while wearing their personal robes. I watched as Lotus covered Rarity's face with that pale green facial cream using a small brush in her mouth. She then did the same with Fluttershy, but only put a small amount on just her cheeks like the previous time.

I frowned, seeing that Lotus was skimping on Fluttershy's treatment again. I approached them as Rarity and Fluttershy lied down on the raised platforms for a cornicure before looking at Lotus. "Miss Lotus, I think you made a mistake." I then pointed at Fluttershy, "You used too little facial cream again for Fluttershy. Could you fix that please?"

My employer seemed rather embarrassed; probably due to remembering the previous time Fluttershy got a facial. "Oh dear, old habits die hard. I'll get to that right away." While Lotus went to fetch the facial cream again, Fluttershy reached out and touched my hand with her hoof.

"Thank you again, James. I love you." My lover said quietly while smiling warmly.

I replied with a kiss on her cheek. "Love you too, baby. If there's anything you need, ask Lotus or Aloe to fetch me. I'll handle all your needs." I then went back to my post when Lotus returned and covered up my girlfriend's face with the facial cream.

While waiting for one of my friends to finish soaking in the hot tub, I stood by its side with an elbow on the rim. "How's the water?" I asked, trying to pass the time with conversation.

"Just right, that's what. Nothin' like a good soak ta soothe your tired muscles." Applejack said with a sigh as she rested her head on the rim near me.

Pinkie Pie let out a long yawn before looking my way. "I think I'll be done in about five minutes. Could you give me a massage when I dry off, James?"

I nodded at her and replied, "That's what you're all here for, right? Of course I'll give you one."

The four of us chatted for a while, Applejack mentioning that she had more than 80% of Sweet Apple Acres harvested, Rainbow Dash discussing some new aerial tricks to dazzle the Wonderbolts with like the 'Buccaneer Blaze' or something like that, and Pinkie Pie was asking her friends if they could help her set up a special party tomorrow. But whenever I tried to get some details on said party, all three of them would tell me that it was 'for a young couple'.

In five minutes, Pinkie Pie climbed out of the hot tub and wrapped herself in a towel. "OK, I'm ready for my massage!" She then trotted down the steps next to the hot tub and hopped up onto a massage table with a single bound.

"I can do a better job if you remove the towel, Pinkie." I explained while watching my friend ready herself.

"Oh, right. Wouldn't wanna miss anything!" My friend giggled as she flung the towel onto a stand nearby. She then lied down and spread out her legs for easy access.

"OK then. Don't move and just relax." I said as I kneeled above Pinkie Pie while being careful to not apply too much weight to her. As always, I started on her neck joints. But it took only a second for me to notice the firm and thick layers of muscle surrounding them. "Whoa... You earth ponies sure are buff, aren't you?"

Pinkie Pie giggled and even let out a rather silly snort. "Buff? Oh, we're just strong like that! Earth ponies are about as strong as they get in Equestria!"

Rainbow Dash then looked over the side of the hot tub and laughed, "Just make sure you keep your distance at parties when she's dancing! One slip and you're a new wall decoration!" I snickered under my breath, taking Rainbow's words for granted.

I had to apply more pressure than I am used to using in order to effectively massage Pinkie Pie's joints due to the extra muscle. But I was clearly doing it right since I heard her let out a sigh. "Ooh, that's the spot..."

"Am I doing this right?" I asked while firmly digging my fingertips into her neck.

"Yep! Feels soooo good..." Pinkie Pie replied with a shudder. It was my assumption that she seldom got massages if she was reacting this strongly to one.

After three minutes, I moved my hands up to her cheeks. The amount of muscle up there seemed to be no different from a pegasus or unicorn. "Wow, my jaw joints too?" Pinkie asked as I began to rub them. With how much she likes to talk, laugh, and eat all sorts of tasty treats, I would assume that they could often get tense.

"Considering how much sweet stuff you eat, these must get a little sore at times." I replied while gently kneading the joints near her cheeks.

"Not really! I gotta be careful to not pig out on sweets anymore." She replied with a smile. She grins often too, and that can cause one's jaw joints to become sore.

"Please refrain from talking until I'm done here. Hard to massage these when your mouth is moving..." I spoke lightly. Pinkie Pie remained silent until I spent three minutes on her jaws.

Once I had started on her shoulders, Pinkie Pie began talking again. "Hey, James? Do you have any other recipes you'd like to share with me and Mr. and Mrs. Cake?"

I thought over my response, thinking through the list of pastries I knew about. "I've already told you about chocolate drops and blueberry pound cakes... What else can I share? Um... I've got nothing right now. Want me to let you know if something comes to mind?"

"Sure! The bigger variety, the better our products!" Pinkie exclaimed with a grin.

Once I had finished with her shoulders and knees, I started on Pinkie Pie's back. Once again, I was stunned by just how much muscle she had as it hindered my efforts to massage her joints. I had to apply even more pressure than before, but I was able to get to each vertebrae. "Mmmm... Now that feels nice... A little lower..." Pinkie Pie muttered as I steadily went down her spine.

Something I feel I should mention is a peculiar smell I had picked up once I had started massaging Pinkie Pie. It was faint, possibly because she had just soaked in a hot tub, but I could still detect it. It smelled...sweet. Almost like pastries being baked. I suppose that would make sense since she works in a bakery. I decided to say nothing to her about it, but the scent just seemed to say 'Pinkie Pie' to me. If I did not know better, I would say that it was her natural scent.

As I had to spend three minutes on each joint, my hands and fingers were quite sore by the time I had finished with Pinkie Pie's back. I had lost count of how many minutes had passed after her sixth back joint, although I suspect I spent well over half an hour on it. "You earth ponies are too buff for your own good..." I grumbled, my fingers somewhat red from overuse.

I turned around so I could easily access Pinkie Pie's flanks and hind knees and ankles. I was too frustrated to ask her if her cutie marks were sensitive as I went to work right away. It took around a minute before I realized that my fingertips were digging into the three balloons on each of her flanks. "Uh... Are you sensitive back here?" I asked, the last thing I wanted being a kick from an earth pony.

Pinkie Pie glanced over her shoulder at me and smiled. "Nopey dopey! Everything feels just peachy! Keep it up!" I breathed a sigh of relief, glad to see that not all ponies are sensitive near their cutie marks.

After another short while, I was finally complete with Pinkie Pie's massage. "Finally... How do you feel now, Pinkie?" I asked with a sigh as I climbed down from the table.

Pinkie Pie stood up and stretched for a moment before groaning, "Wowee! That got out every last kink! I can't remember the last time I felt this relaxed! Almost like I just woke up from a nap on the softest cushion!"

While Pinkie continued to spout compliments at me, I muttered under my breath. "Tell that to my hands... Almost feels like I was rubbing a brick wall for ten minutes straight..." Even though her soft coat had added some padding to my touch, my fingers and palms were a startling shade of red at the time due to the amount of force I had to use when rubbing her.

Once she had finally stopped talking and flexing, my friend reached out and nuzzled my cheek. "Thanks a lot for that, James! I'm gonna be feeling good all day now! I'll make sure to give you a special tip for such a great job..." She paused for a moment while bringing a hoof to her chin. "What was I supposed to do after this...? Um...oh, right! I need to plan a special party for somepony, so I can't stick around! See ya later!" She then gave me a quick hug and ran out into the lobby.

However, before she went out of sight, I called out to her. "Hey, Pinkie! Just a sec!" The pink pony stopped in her tracks and looked back at me. "Do your bosses know I work here on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays now?" I had completely forgotten to discuss adjusting my workdays with the Cake couple and was afraid I might end up fired.

Pinkie Pie gulped rather loudly while giving me a rather shocked glance. "Uh oh... They don't know! I'll go put in a word with them right now! I'm sure Mrs. Cake would love a massage sometime! Don't worry, just leave it to me!" She then ran out the door, leaving me grateful that she was going to speak to them on my behalf.

I took the time to rest my hands by submerging them in the hot tub where Rainbow Dash and Applejack were still soaking. The instant I felt the bubbling warm water touch my tired flesh, I winced in brief pain. But the pain quickly vanished as I felt pleasure with the water soothing my worn skin and muscles.

"Pinkie Pie all done over there, James?" Applejack asked as she moved closer to me. All I could really do was nod without saying anything. I was hoping she would not have to get out of the tub just yet.

"Well, all righty then. Y'all wanna go next, Rainbow?" Applejack asked the pegasus mare who was lounging at the other end of the hot tub.

Rainbow Dash yawned before replying, "Nah. I'm gonna soak a while longer. He's all yours, AJ."

Applejack then turned and smiled at me. "Then I reckon I'm up next. Does five minutes sound OK to ya, James?"

I nodded halfheartedly, hoping that she would have made it ten instead. "Yeah... Just enough time to rest my hands." I could almost feel my hands and fingers throbbing under the surface of the water.

Once five minutes had passed, Applejack climbed out of the tub at the far end and wrapped herself in a towel. However, I was quick to notice that she had removed the ties that held her tail and mane together, with her mane in particular having spread wide across her neck and upper back. For some reason, I heard Rainbow Dash snicker at what I assume was the stare I was giving Applejack.

The farm pony seemed to hear her friend's muffled laughter and turned to face us. She then asked, "Uh... James? You see something weird? Y'all weren't starin' at my haunches, were ya?"

It was then I realized that I must have been blushing. I shook my head to get my mind in order and replied, "Actually, I was looking at your mane... The way it was all wet and spread out like that while not tied was... I'll admit that it was..... Sorry, I can't put it into words." In all honesty, I wanted to tell her that she looked 'hot' with her hair spread out like that, but knew better than to use such a term towards her for fear of suffering a bone-shattering kick.

However, Rainbow Dash seemed to know exactly what I wanted to say as she smirked and spoke, "He thinks you look hot with your mane down like that!"

Hearing those words, I raised my voice. "Rainbow...!" But Applejack could only stare with what I think was a faint blush. "Um... AJ?" I asked, uncertain of what her reaction would be.

"Well... Uh... I'm awfully flattered, James... Nopony's ever complimented me on my looks before..." Applejack spoke as she slowly made her way down the steps and over to one of the massage tables.

When I took my hands out of the hot tub and approached Applejack while shaking the water from them, I noticed her holding a brush in her mouth. "Beggin' yer pardon, James. But would ya mind brushin' my mane to get all the curls out of it?"

I was relieved to not have to strain my fingers just yet as I took the brush in hand. "It would be no trouble at all, AJ." I then let her jump up onto the massage table as I stood by her side. With long straight strokes, I brushed her mane and tail until they were as straight as possible.

While I brushed, I was somewhat amazed by just how long Applejack's mane was. And I will be the first to admit that I find long hair on women attractive. "You have lovely hair, AJ." I spoke softly.

The farm pony chuckled at my praise. "Aw, shucks... You don't have ta keep complimentin' me like that."

I replied with a smile, "I'm just speaking my mind. Without that hat covering your hair, I think you look even better."

Applejack smiled while she looked back at me. "Really? I reckon I should keep my hat off when I'm not on the job then." I merely smirked whimsically at that.

Once I had gotten her mane and tail as dry and straight as possible, I asked, "Do you keep your hair tied near the end?"

My friend nodded at me and explained, "Sure do. But y'all can leave that bit to me." She then spread herself out on the massage table. "I'm ready when you are, pardner."

I climbed onto the massage table and straddled Applejack like my other customers that day. But before I could start massaging her, I had to push her long blond mane off to the side so it would not get in the way. "OK, AJ. Just relax and leave it to me."

When I felt Applejack go limp under me, I gripped the base of her neck. I was expecting her to be no easier to massage than Pinkie Pie, but I was in for a surprise as I dug my fingers into her coat. "What the..." Even for an earth pony, Applejack's body was frighteningly well toned. It felt more like I was trying to massage a professional bodybuilder!

"Somethin' wrong back there, James? It feels like yer not even tryin'." Applejack spoke as I struggled to dig my fingers into her flesh.

"Applejack... I can't believe how buff you are! Would I get just as ripped as you if I did just as much applebucking as you?" I asked, not able to comprehend how a woman could be this absurdly muscular. And the crazy thing about her is that it looked like her overall muscle mass was no different from other ponies!

"Probably! Why'd ya ask?" She replied in kind. After a moment more, I tried to dig my fingers into her flesh with as much force as I could muster. My efforts paid off as I heard Applejack sigh, "Whoa... That's the spot."

I already wanted to not have to do anymore massaging for Applejack as my hands and fingers were sore enough from massaging Pinkie Pie. But she was my customer and friend, so I did not want to disappoint her. Once I had finished massaging the base of her neck, I cracked my knuckles and flexed my fingers to help prepare them for the rest of the job. I then reached out and began to tenderly rub her jaw joints. "Now there's a spot I never knew needed that kinda attention." Applejack muttered at my touch. To my relief, the muscle on her face was not nearly as firm as the rest of her body.

"Well, it is a joint. And I focus more on the joints than anything else. But if there are any particular muscles that need specific attention, let me know." I spoke while trying to keep Applejack from speaking.

Once three minutes had passed, I went down to Applejack's shoulders. Like the area around her neck, her muscles were shockingly firm and it was almost painful for me to apply enough pressure to push deep enough. "It almost feels like I'm massaging a two dollar steak..." I grumbled under my breath.

Applejack's knees and ankles were easier to massage since the muscle layers around those joints are thinner. But her vertebrae... Do not even get me started on that. It felt like my job would never end as I went from joint to joint, pushing into her impossibly firm back muscles to reach them. It was so frustrating; I hardly noticed the faint scent of apple pulp and sweat lingering in her coat.

Once I had finished with her back, I rubbed my fingers together as they were now very sore. I mean they were sore once I had finished with Pinkie Pie, but now... Ugh, I do not even want to remember that pain. Fortunately, I had only a few more areas to tend to. And I was anxious to get this massage over with.

I turned around and straddled Applejack again. But as I looked down at her flanks, a potential danger came to mind. "AJ, are your cutie marks particularly sensitive to touch?"

She replied without even a second of a delay. "Nope. Knock yerself out, James." I swear, it was almost as if she knew exactly what I was referring to.

Like her shoulders, Applejack's flanks were amazingly toned. I have no idea how I was able to effectively massage her there for three minutes. Her knees and ankles were a welcome change to the almost rock-hard muscle I had been working with for the past hour or so. By the time I had climbed down from the massage table, my fingers and palms were almost as red as my blood. It was hard for me to even look at.

"Hooowee! That really loosened me up!" Applejack exclaimed as she hopped down from the table. She stretched and flexed the best she could, testing out her rested joints. "Ya got a knack for this line of work, James. Much obliged!"

I smiled halfheartedly and spoke with a sigh to my voice. "At least one of us enjoyed it... I mean...it was my pleasure, AJ." I did not want her to know just how much my hands hurt at the time. Although it took a good deal of willpower to not voice my soreness and frustration.

Applejack flexed her neck before grinning at me. "I'm gonna sleep real well t'night. Oh, right. Still need to get ten bushels ready for ya over at the orchard. Feel free ta swing by when you have time today." I nodded in agreement, remembering my promise to carry some bushels for her as a workout. The farm pony then headed out of the main chamber and into the lobby after retrieving her hat.

Like before, I went over the hot tub and leaned on the side with my tired hands soaking in the warm water. I wanted nothing more than to just stand there and let my hands heal. But I knew that Rainbow Dash was next on the list and I did not want to disappoint her. Speaking of that brash pegasus mare...

"Something wrong, James? You look beat." Rainbow Dash asked as she came over to my side of the tub.

"You try massaging an earth pony with craggy muscles and tell me how your hooves feel afterwards..." I replied while still in some pain.

Rainbow seemed to know what was wrong since she lifted one of my hands out of the water with a hoof and looked at my palm. "Yeesh! That's a scary shade of red you got there! Is that healthy?"

I sighed in mild exhaustion. "It means that they've been overworked. Badly. Please don't touch them."

I watched as Rainbow Dash looked my hand over with a focused gaze as if pondering something. "Well, if this happened because you were giving massages, maybe they need a massage too. Hang on a sec." I stared in shock as she opened her mouth and placed my hand between her gaping jaws.

Expecting her to bite me, I winced as I prepared for pain. Instead, I felt what seemed to be Rainbow Dash's teeth grinding gently against my flesh. Even more to my surprise, the feel of her teeth rubbing my sore flesh felt.....pleasant. She was massaging my hand the only way she could. And it was a very effective means to do so.

"Am I doing OK?" Rainbow Dash managed to speak with my hand in her mouth.

"That feels great, Rainbow." I replied while feeling quite pleased. She then continued to move her jaws, changing the pressure and position of her teeth as needed. I would occasionally feel her tongue brush against me, but I paid no mind. This was truly an act of friendship I would never have expected from the most tomboyish of my friends.

Rainbow Dash spent a full ten minutes massaging my hand while my other hand soaked in the hot tub. "Feel better yet?" She asked with my hand resting in her jaws.

I pulled my hand out and moved my fingers. While they still felt somewhat inflamed, some of the soreness was gone. "It really helped, Rainbow... Thanks." I said with a smile.

Rainbow Dash gave me a rather giddy grin. "I actually wasn't too sure on how well that would work. But now it's time for the other." She then lifted my other hand from the water and took it in her mouth like before.

Another ten minutes passed as my friend massaged my hand with her teeth while my other hand soaked in the hot tub. Like before, her tongue would occasionally brush against my palm. I finally felt the need to ask. "How do I taste, Rainbow? Good enough to eat?"

She replied once she had let go of my hand, "I dunno. You don't taste like anything I'd wanna eat." My hand felt just as good as the other by now. I felt like I could get out a few more massages. She then asked, "You still up for that massage?"

I looked over my hands again before nodding. "Give me five more minutes and I'll be right there. Feel free to make yourself comfortable in the meantime." Rainbow Dash grinned and climbed out of the hot tub before wrapping herself in a towel. I watched as she walked down the steps and started reading a magazine once she hopped up onto one of the massage tables.

After a short while, I looked over my shoulder and asked without removing my hands from the hot tub, "Has it been five minutes yet, Rainbow?"

My friend looked in the direction of the closest clock and replied, "Yup! I'm all set too!" She then flung the towel that covered her onto an empty massage table and stretched out her legs.

I lifted my hands from the water and looked them over. The undersides were still fairly red, but they were not nearly as sore as before. "Much better..." I then approached Rainbow Dash and stroked her mane, "Thanks again, Rainbow. It would've been much harder to do a good job when my hands were that sore."

Rainbow Dash grinned, "Anytime, James. I'm just glad that little dental treatment actually worked." I then climbed onto the massage table and straddled the pegasus. She then asked, "Just relax. Right?" I nodded silently as she let her body go limp.

As usual, I started on the base of her neck. The amount of muscle I felt on her was almost no different from Fluttershy's as it was quite soft and easy to work with. "They say muscle's heavier than fat. Which means you must be a lightweight, Rainbow." I muttered casually.

The rainbow-mane pegasus chuckled, "Ya got that right. If I worked out as much as Applejack, I probably would have a harder time flying as fast as I can now. But anyway, you promised me a chat over a massage. Right?"

I nodded as I remembered our chat on our way to the spa. "Oh, right. Sure thing. You wanted to know about what happened between me and Scootaloo, right?"

Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah, that's it. Especially what happened once you got her back to school. You said something about Show & Tell?"

As I did not want to interrupt Rainbow Dash's commenting, I decided to move onto her shoulders instead of massaging her jaws. "Well, like I said, her Show & Tell partner was I. And she showed the class...well...me."

I heard my friend snicker, "She showed her classmates the only human in Equestria?! How'd they react?"

I replied, "Well, Diamond Tiara was still giving me the evil eye. And Silver Spoon seemed kinda scared of me. But the rest of the kids were really interested. They complimented me on my height and thought I was really strong too."

Rainbow nodded, "Well, that's how big guys are most of the time. The bigger they are, the stronger they are."

I retorted with a grunt, "Heh... Yeah, right... I pale in comparison to earth ponies. But that wasn't all she said."

My words seemed to pique Rainbow Dash's curiosity as she asked, "There's more? Oh, right. What'd she have to say about you?"

I smiled as I replied, "Let me see if I can remember everything... She said that I've been an awesome big brother to her. And out of all the guys in Ponyville she knows, she would choose me to be her big brother. I felt pretty flattered when she said that."

Rainbow Dash snickered, "Man, that's awesome. Never knew the pipsqueak had taken THAT much of a shine to ya. But I can see why. You really are good with kids from what I can tell." But she then smirked, "Come to think of it, what do her parents think of ya?"

That was a thought that never crossed my mind. "Um... Actually, I've never met them before."

Rainbow then chuckled, "Me neither." The two of us laughed in unison.

Once I had finished massaging Rainbow Dash's shoulders, knees, ankles, and jaws, I prepared to start on her vertebrae. But before I could begin, Rainbow looked towards the doorway that led out into the lobby and pointed, "Well, look who's here!"

I turned my head out of curiosity and found Scootaloo standing at the doorway. "Oh, hey! What's up, Scoot?" I asked with a wave.

The little pegasus filly trotted over to us, "I just got off school and came over here to get my scooter! Whatcha up to?"

I replied as I started massaging Rainbow Dash's back, "Just doing my job. And it's Rainbow's turn."

My little sister looked up at her role model and asked, "How's it feel, Rainbow Dash? Good enough to knock you out?"

My friend laughed, "Man, you know it! This guy really knows how to loosen up the joints!" The two of them began to chat with each other while I worked on massaging Rainbow Dash's vertebrae.

I was about halfway done with Rainbow's back when I heard Scootaloo speak my name. "James? You're still gonna come by the clubhouse in a while, right?"

I looked down at her and nodded, "Sure thing. I'll ask my bosses if I can head out once I finish with Rarity and Fluttershy."

Scootaloo grinned, "Awesome! I'll see ya there! Later, Rainbow Dash!" The two of us waved goodbye as the filly trotted out of sight. Just before we heard the front door shut, the sound of a small motor buzzing was heard.

"I swear that Scootaloo is the ground based version of you." I said to Rainbow Dash as the sound of Scootaloo's flapping faded out of earshot.

The pegasus mare nodded, "She's a regular speed demon on that scooter."

Once I had finished with Rainbow Dash's back, I remembered to massage her wings. "Almost forgot. Could you extend your right wing please?" I asked as I climbed down from the table.

"Oh yeah, these could really use that." Rainbow replied as she extended her right wing.

I felt along the wing's bone structure, checking to make certain that I remembered where the joints were. But as I felt along it, I noticed that Rainbow Dash's wing was coated in feathers and not fur. How does a pony grow both hair and feathers? I doubt even she could answer that question. But another question popped into my head. "Rainbow, do pegasi ever have to preen?"

She replied, "Nah. We might have feathers, but we're not birds. But we do molt! Just not all at once. I wouldn't be able to get outta my own house if all my feathers just dropped off one day!"

I chuckled at Rainbow Dash's response, but I then paused for a moment. "Wait a sec... Where IS your house? And how would being unable to fly make getting to and from it a problem?"

She snickered, "Well, if your house floated in the sky and you ended up losing all your feathers overnight, just how would you get down to the ground or even fly places?!" Of course. Pegasi originate from the city of clouds, Cloudsdale. Which more than likely means Rainbow Dash's own house is made of clouds too.

Without further delay, I began to carefully knead the flesh around the joints of Rainbow Dash's wings. She shuddered at my touch, "Oooh, yeah.... That's the spot." Considering that she is almost always airborne when I see her, Rainbow's wings must get a lot of use on a daily basis and therefore must frequently get quite tense.

I worked on each of the wing's two joints for six minutes each due to how tense they were. Once I released my grip, Rainbow Dash flexed it as far as she could. "Next wing, please." I asked. In response, Rainbow folded her right wing and extended her left. I walked to the other side of the table and repeated the process.

"How'd I do?" I asked once I had finished massaging Rainbow Dash's left wing.

My friend flexed her wing as best she could before folding it. "Man, that feels awesome. Anything else left to massage?"

I replied as I climbed back onto the massage table while facing the opposite direction. "All that's left are your flanks, hind knees, and ankles." But before I could start, I remembered how sensitive Fluttershy's cutie marks were as she was also a pegasus like Rainbow Dash. "Um... Are your cutie marks particularly sensitive in any way?"

Her response surprised me. "Yeah, they're super sensitive to touch! One good poke turns me on in no time flat. Feel free to massage them all you want."

I could hardly believe that Rainbow Dash WANTED me to touch her pleasure point. "You're...uh...kidding me, right?"

She shook her head, "Nope! Go ahead!"

I looked down at her lightning bolt-shaped cutie marks, wondering if this was a good idea. But when I looked up, I saw that the hot tub was right across from me. And looking over the side was Rarity and Fluttershy. Their faces seemed to say 'What are you doing?' which prompted a nervous chuckle from me. "Uh... This isn't what it looks like, ladies..."

Rainbow Dash looked back and asked, "Whatcha waiting for? Go ahe... Uh..." I could tell she was also nervous just by looking at her face. After a moment of awkward silence, Rainbow Dash responded to our friends' staring with hysterical laughter. "OK, OK, you don't have to massage those..." She then muttered quietly so only I would hear her, "This time."

Not wanting to make Fluttershy jealous, I carefully kneaded the flesh on Rainbow Dash's flanks while taking great care to not touch her cutie marks. And once I had finished with those, I wrapped up the massage with her knees and ankles. "So, how was your first massage from a human, Rainbow?" I asked as I hopped down from the table.

Rainbow Dash stood up and stretched every part of her body. "Whoa... That really loosened me up. You think we can do this again sometime?" She then whispered, "I really wanna know what it's like to have gentle fingers touch my cutie marks sometime." I sighed and nodded, unable to understand my friend's overly brazen nature.

"Awesome! Thanks again, James! I'll see ya around!" Rainbow Dash said with a smile before trotting out the front door of the spa.

All that was left was Rarity and Fluttershy. I turned to face the two mares and asked, "I hope you didn't get any ideas from watching that. But in any case, who goes first?"

The two friends quietly discussed their answer between each other before Rarity smiled, "We have decided that I shall go first and that you get to massage Fluttershy last. Does that sit well with you?"

I nodded, "The best for last, eh? Sounds good to me." However, this seemed to coax a mischievous gaze from Rarity.

"The best for last? Are you saying I'm not as fabulous as Fluttershy?" Rarity asked. I could tell just by looking at her that she was merely teasing me.

"I didn't mean it like that. It's just that Fluttershy is my girlfriend, so..." I replied, trying to find the right words to avoid offending my friend. I suppose I could view such an outlook as being biased, but you can only understand that feeling when you are in love. How that one special someone seems more important and beautiful to you than anyone else.

Fortunately, Rarity giggled, "Oh, darling. I was merely having fun with you. Of course I know what you meant! Nopony is more precious to you than your betrothed." This prompted a blush from Fluttershy.

As Rarity climbed out of the tub and wrapped herself in a towel, Fluttershy whispered to me, "Are you sure you can handle anymore massages? I'm sure your hands must be a little worn out by now."

I replied with a smirk, "You don't know the half of it." I revealed the undersides of my hands to her, which were still an unpleasant red hue. Fortunately, they were not quite as sore as before.

The sight of my red palms shocked Fluttershy as she gasped, "They... They look like they must hurt!" She then gave me a concerned gaze as she spoke softly, "I can't have you give me a massage when they're that sore. Please, let's wait for another day."

I looked back down at my hands and back to her before smiling, "Thanks, honey. I'll give you the massage tomorrow. My hands should be fine by then. Does tomorrow evening sound OK?"

Fluttershy nodded, "That sounds perfect. It'll be just the two of us, right?" I nodded in response while giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Not wanting to keep Rarity waiting, I turned and followed my former landlord to the massage table. Once she had cast aside her towels and sprawled herself out onto the table, I climbed onto it and straddled her. "Same as last time, Rarity?"

She nodded, "Absolutely, darling. Do whatever you have to." She was completely relaxed under me as I began to massage her neck.

"So, what's it been like since I moved out?" I asked while gently kneading her flesh.

Rarity sighed, "Well... It has certainly been duller than before without your company. I'm still getting used to not finding you sleeping in the side room when I wake up in the morning."

I felt somewhat guilty for leaving Rarity all alone by moving in with Fluttershy. I was about to apologize, but she asked, "But enough about me. How was your first night with Fluttershy?"

I replied, "It was great... I loved sleeping out there surrounded by nature. Fluttershy's house is my dream home."

Rarity giggled, "I see. So you prefer a more natural environment. I'm sorry to say that such themes do not suit me."

The two of us continued to casually chat for the next forty-five minutes or so until I finished massaging her vertebrae. "Whoa. Done already? Time sure flies." I muttered, amazed that I was already done with Rarity's upper and middle body.

"It's easy to lose track of time when lost in conversation with a dear friend, darling." Rarity replied with a smile. I then turned around and faced her rear while remaining on my knees. Before I could ask, Rarity spoke, "Mind my cutie marks, James. I'd rather not be touched there while others are watching." Fluttershy was watching from the hot tub and giggled at those words.

"Perish the thought." I spoke as I began to massage her flanks. I took great care to make certain that my fingertips never touched the three diamonds on her flanks, being even more cautious as I massaged the areas between them.

The final minutes of the massage were fairly uneventful as I finished with Rarity's flanks, knees, and ankles. "Did I miss anything, Rarity?" I asked as I hopped down from the table.

The beautiful unicorn stood up and stretched thoroughly. "Mmmmm... Fabulous job as always, James. I'll be certain to leave a sizable tip for your efforts." Rarity then turned to face Fluttershy, who was walking down the steps next to the hot tub.

"Was James as good as the last time?" She asked Rarity while removing her towel.

"Oh, more than good. Simply superb! I would take those hands over Quake's muscles any day!" Rarity replied with some of her dramatic flair.

As the two friends chatted with each other a moment longer, my gaze turned to face the clock. Much to my shock, it was already past 5 PM. "I had completely forgotten just how long a full-body massage can take with these ponies." I muttered quietly.

I followed Fluttershy and Rarity to the front desk as I had a question for the spa sisters. Aloe was seated at the desk and took the two mares' payment for the services. Before they could leave, I asked, "Excuse me, Aloe. But when does my shift end again?"

My employer glanced at the clock and smiled while speaking in her heavy accent, "You may head out now, if you wish. You've done a fine job on your first day and we're looking forward to seeing you again in two days." She then handed me my payment for the day. It almost seemed to amount to the payment I received from Applejack after my first and only time of helping out at Sweet Apple Acres.

"Much obliged, Aloe. I'll see you and Lotus again soon." I said my goodbyes and headed out the front door with Rarity and Fluttershy by my sides.

"Are you on your way to help Applejack again?" Rarity asked once we were outdoors.

"Yeah. I just hope she remembered the set out ten bushels of those apples for me. I could use the exercise." I replied. It would also make for some extra pocket change.

Fluttershy smiled, "Just be careful to not overdo it, dear. Will you be coming home afterwards?"

I nodded, "Absolutely. Though I still have to attend that meeting with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. But I'll head home right after that."

Fluttershy reared up on her hind legs and embraced me with her forelegs. "OK then. Don't work yourself too hard." I responded in kind with a warm embrace of my own.

I heard Rarity giggle, "It seems I was right. You two really are just darling together." The two of us blushed in unison.

I waved goodbye to my friend and lover and began to head west towards Sweet Apple Acres. But along the way, I looked down at my hands. They were still somewhat red and swollen. The thought of picking up a heavy bushel of apples made me wince. There was no way I would be able to carry something so heavy without feeling harsh pain. After some thought, I decided to pay a visit to Twilight Sparkle. She, of all unicorns, must surely know of a spell that can help soothe swollen flesh.

It did not take me long to reach the library. As Pinkie Pie was nowhere nearby, I had to manually check to see if anyone was near the front door by peeking through a window. What I saw shocked me. Sitting in a corner with a few large books was Diamond Tiara. "Her? In a library? Since when?"

I ducked low to avoid bumping my head as I entered the library. Diamond Tiara glanced over at me for a moment before going right back to reading one of the thick books that sat beside her. As Twilight Sparkle was nowhere to be seen, I tried looking upstairs.

As I was expecting, Twilight was upstairs while looking over a book herself. "Evening, Twi. Still feeling good from that massage?" I asked as I approached her.

She turned to face me and smiled, "Oh, I'm still feeling great. The effect from those massages last a while."

I then asked, "Twilight... This probably isn't any of my business, but do you know Diamond Tiara is downstairs reading?"

The purple unicorn nodded, "Yeah, she needed help looking for some law books. I have no idea what she needs them for though, but she doesn't seem to be up to any trouble."

I raised an eyebrow, "Law books? What, is she in training to be a lawyer someday?" Someone as mean as Diamond Tiara would make for a very corrupt lawyer, which made me fear for my future.

"I really doubt she has the dedication to be a lawyer. But in any case, can I help you with something?" Twilight spoke as she approached me.

I nodded, "Yes. See these? I was hoping you know of a spell that can help them heal faster." I showed her the undersides of my hands.

Twilight winced at the shade of red my palms were. "Ugh... I've never seen anything so swollen before... Well, except for Pinkie Pie's tongue after she touched some Poison Joke. But I think I can help you." She then lowered her head until her horn was pointed at my hands. "Keep them close together, please."

I held out my hands while keeping them close together with the palms facing her horn. Twilight grunted as her horn was engulfed in a billowing aura. I froze as I saw an aura of the same color coat my hands. But my uneasiness was soon erased as I felt the dull soreness in my hands rapidly fading away. In another moment, the aura faded as Twilight sighed, "Phew... Haven't used that spell in a while. Do they feel any better?"

I looked at my palms and felt relief, as they were no longer an unsightly shade of red. "Just what I needed. Thanks again, Twilight."

My friend grinned, "It's the least I could do in return for that amazing massage today. Just take care of yourself. And tell Fluttershy hi for me when you get home."

The two of us shared a tender embrace before I went downstairs and out the front door. But before I left, I noticed that Diamond Tiara had a sinister smirk on her face while reading. Just what in the world was in that book?

I wasted no time in heading southwest towards Sweet Apple Acres. When I arrived, I was fairly surprised to find Applejack with her hat off while waiting for me in front of the barn. "Howdy, James! Just in time!" She called out once she noticed me approaching her.

"What happened to your hat, AJ?" I asked once I was right next to her.

Her response surprised me. "Well, y'all said I looked better without it, so I took it off once I was done applebuckin' fer the day." She then twirled her ponytail, showing it off.

"Heh. You really do look prettier without it obstructing your hair. But in any case, are those bushels ready?" I replied with a grin.

"Yup! Right this way." Applejack replied, leading me out into the orchard. We did not go very far before we came across ten bushels of apples packed together. "This far enough fer ya?"

I nodded, "Just far enough, AJ. May I get started?"

Applejack nodded in response, "Sure thing. I'll keep the barn doors open fer ya so you won't have any trouble gettin' 'em in." As she headed on back towards the barn, I rubbed my hands together before grabbing a bushel at its sides. The bushels were just as heavy as I recalled, but I only had ten to carry this time. Surely they would not be too difficult to carry.

I waddled back and forth between the barn and orchard. While certainly tiring, I was at least not soaked with sweat once I had carried the tenth bushel into the barn. "That was a pretty good workout." I muttered as I caught my breath.

"Y'all did a swell job of that, James. Keep it up and ya just might be able ta work here fulltime! Lemme go grab yer pay." I watched as Applejack trotted off towards the farmhouse in the distance.

As I rested against the side of the barn, I looked at the sky as it had begun to go from blue to orange. But before long, a familiar voice spoke up from just beside me. "OK, blank flank. I've finally found a way to make you give my cutie mark back." I looked down and found Diamond Tiara glaring at me by my feet.

"You again... What new half-baked trick do you have in mind this time?" I asked, finally starting to get annoyed by her hopeless grudge against me.

Diamond Tiara smirked, "Oh, don't worry. I'm not here to hurt you or anything. I'm just here to warn you of something. You remember those books I was reading?" I nodded in silence. "Well, those were books that had info on the laws of Equestria. And you wanna know what I found is illegal?"

I asked, "Is wearing pants illegal in Equestria?"

The schoolyard bully retorted with a menacing grin, "It's illegal for humans and ponies to have sexual relationships together... Um...whatever 'sexual' means."

I felt a sudden chill go down my spine at this revelation. "You're...serious?" I asked, not certain if Diamond Tiara was bluffing or if she was being honest.

She nodded, "Yeah, can you believe that? Humans have never lived in Equestria before and there's still a law that applies to them! I couldn't believe my luck when I read that! And if you want to check the book yourself, it's on page 83."

I could hardly believe it myself. And I strongly doubted any of my friends were aware of the law either. "And what's the penalty for committing this crime?" I asked, afraid of what the answer would be.

The filly responded with a confident smirk. "Death. For both parties."

I felt my blood chill. If word got out about my relationship with Fluttershy... The thought of my lover with her head under a guillotine flashed through my mind. I was hardly worried about myself. But dear Fluttershy on death row? I could not allow that. She, more than anyone I know, does not deserve such a fate.

Diamond Tiara was clearly enjoying my display of horror as she smirked, "I'm not lying, you know. It's a real law. What would happen if Princess Celestia learned of what you've been doing with Miss Fluttershy?" She then smiled calmly, "I'll be fair. You've got until this time tomorrow to make your decision. If you won't give me my cutie mark back by then, your relationship with Miss Fluttershy goes public. Until then, Mr. James." She then turned and headed back towards Ponyville, leaving me alone.

I was still reeling from the information even after Diamond Tiara was no longer in sight. Fluttershy and I had committed a felony-level crime. But I could not return that bully's cutie mark if she was blackmailing me. I would never surrender to a bully like that. But as I pondered what I was going to do, a thought flashed through my mind.

"Wait a second..." I muttered out loud. I then chuckled, "How would she even contact Celestia in the first place?! All the way up there in Canterlot?! What, she gonna hike all the way up that mountain? The only person in town who can contact Celestia is Twilight! And there's no way she would ever rat me and Fluttershy out in...a...report..."

A sickening sensation of dread filled my mind as I felt my stomach churn. Twilight had already sent a report to Celestia explicitly stating that Fluttershy and I had become a couple. I could even remember her speaking the words aloud while she wrote the report. And if the princess had not sent a reply all day, she was more than likely pondering what to do with us. Which meant..... I gritted my teeth as I yelled, "Oh ssshhhhhhh.... Deerrr... Geh..... GAAAAAHHHHH!!!!"

A voice spoke from behind me after my brief tantrum, "What's gotten into ya, James? I'm not even gone five minutes and yer already getting' this impatient?" I turned and found Applejack standing before me with five bits balancing on the tip of her muzzle.

"Uh... You didn't see anything." I muttered, rather embarrassed that she had watched me snap like that.

"Right, right, none of my business anyway. I'll keep my mouth shut. Anyway, here's yer pay! Five bits!" She replied as I placed my payment in my pocket.

Before I said anything, my thoughts went back to Fluttershy. Our love for each other was illegal and we were now in danger of being arrested. And if we were arrested... "AJ... I have a favor to ask of you."

The farm pony nodded, "Sure thing, pardner. What can I do ya for?"

I frowned, "Could you please head over to the Cutie Mark Crusader's clubhouse and let the girls know I won't be able to attend today? Something very important has come up and it can't wait. And please tell Scootaloo that I am especially sorry that I couldn't see her this evening."

Applejack nodded with a faint smile, "Ya did seem pretty stressed out when I got back. Well, all right. I'll let 'em know you've got business ta tend to. I'm sure they'll understand."

"Thanks again, AJ. Now, I've really gotta get going. See ya around." I waved goodbye as I headed back towards Ponyville. I had to act fast before it got too late outside.

I went straight back to the library and entered without even bothering to check if anyone was about to come outside. "Who?" Owlowiscious hooted as I closed the door behind me.

"Not now, Dr. Who. I don't have time to chat." I replied as I noticed that the same books Diamond Tiara had been looking through were right where she left them. One was still open, so I assumed that was the book she had found the information in. I reached down and found that it was open to page 83. And in the third paragraph from the top was the very law she had warned me about. "The act of sexual intercourse between a human and pony... Felony... Punishable by...death penalty..."

I felt my legs becoming weak as I now knew for certain that Diamond Tiara's threat was not a bluff..... No. Not just a bluff. The rulers of Equestria already knew of my crime. Fluttershy and I would be put on trial and then executed. But if they could not arrest and get the truth out of BOTH guilty parties...

A plan formed in my head. I knew how to keep Fluttershy safe. I left the library swiftly and began to look around for specific stores.

I went to a local clothing store and purchased a pair of saddlebags to be worn against my hips. But as they were connected by a strap that was meant to lie on top of a pony's back, I had to purchase a belt to connect them so they would not fall while I stood upright.

My next destinations were the various food carts that littered Ponyville's streets. I purchased as much food as I could that would not spoil easily while taking care to leave enough room in my saddlebags for more gear. My next stop was a store that sold various kitchen appliances. I only purchased one item though. A large steel pot lid. Why? Well, read on and see.

My final stop was a store that specialized in camping equipment. I purchased cooking gear for use with campfires, a compass, a sleeping bag that I could actually fit in that came with its own carrying bag, and a beauty of a survival knife. The blade was an impressive ten inches in length and came with its own sheathe. I could go on about it as I have long had a fascination with swords and other bladed weapons, but I digress.

I was ready. I had all I needed. But it was too soon to put my plan into action yet. And what was more... I wanted to spend one last evening with the woman I love. Hoping she would not inquire as to why I needed all this gear, I made my way home towards the edge of the Everfree Forest.

The sun was beginning to set once I reached the edge of the meadow at the western edge of Ponyville. As I approached Fluttershy's cottage, many thoughts filled my mind. What should I tell her? Should she know that she is a wanted criminal? I felt dazed, scared to death of what Celestia would do to her.

Once I came close enough, I saw Fluttershy tending to the various baby rabbits we had gathered up a few days earlier. I stopped in my tracks. More than anything, I was afraid of her finding out about our predicament. "Keep a straight face... Don't give any impression that something is wrong..." I muttered to myself as I approached my lover.

The rabbits had begun to scatter as I drew near. "Such sweet little angels." I heard Fluttershy mutter as they hopped about. But once she looked my way, she suddenly went airborne and gave me the most joyous grin I had seen all day. "James! Welcome home." She flew over to me and embraced me while still remaining airborne.

"Hey there, honey. How're the kids?" I asked as I hugged her back.

Fluttershy giggled, "They're doing fine. You just saw them all a second ago, didn't you?"

I nodded, "Yeah. Still a bunch of adorable little critters."

Fluttershy kissed me on the cheek, but then she seemed to notice the various supplies I had picked up back in town. "James, what is all this? Saddlebags, food, a pot lid and...a knife?"

I shrugged, "You never know. In any case, let me go put this stuff away." I went inside our cottage and unloaded my luggage onto the sofa that rested near the stairs. But just before I could turn around, I felt the gentle breeze caused by wings flapping as I detected Fluttershy hovering just behind me. "Uh... Fluttershy?" I asked, curious of why she was so close to me at the time.

My lover was hovering just above and behind me. "Uh... Am I too close?" She asked while moving backwards.

I turned to face her and replied, "No, I have nothing against you getting so close to me. But...it's not like you to be this...um...clingy."

Fluttershy slowly lowered herself to the floor and blushed, "I...just wanted to be near you..." I cocked my head to one side slightly. I knew that we are lovers and probably always will be, but was still puzzled as to why she was staying so close to me.

She explained further, "It's just... I've always had friends and others who respect me. But I never imagined I would ever have a boyfriend... We've only been together for a couple of days now, but I still feel...so happy around you. Being near you fills me with a type of warm fuzzy feeling that I never got from being around anypony else. And...I wish I could feel it all the time."

Fluttershy's words melted my heart. I knew she adores me, but for her to come out of her shell that easily when it was just the two of us was quite impressive. However, this also served to make it more difficult for me to go through with my plan.

I approached my lover and got down on one knee. "If you want to feel that way all the time, I'll gladly stay with you forever." I tenderly cupped her face as I spoke those words.

"Forever...? Really?" Fluttershy asked with tears forming in her eyes. I answered with a kiss on her lips. In response, she closed her eyes to squeeze the tears out and embraced me so tightly; I suspected she might have been exercising frequently at Sweet Apple Acres.

The following hours were of little extravagance. Until the sun went down, the two of us tended to the various animals that lived near our home. The baby bunnies I had helped round up a few days earlier even seemed to remember me as they swarmed around me while Fluttershy hovered nearby to not get in their way. They even clambered all over me when I lied down in the grass.

The apples I had purchased from Applejack that day were put to use in our dinner. Fluttershy had baked several apple strudels for us. While it was certainly odd to eat pastries for dinner, I did not complain, as they were quite tasty. I have never even been a big eater of apple treats to begin with!

Once we had finished dinner, I headed upstairs to bathe for the night. For some reason, I never heard Fluttershy knock on the bathroom door once to ask to join me. I thought for sure after the previous night she would always want to bathe with me. But in hindsight, it was probably for the best. I was having a great deal of difficulty keeping my willpower up to go through with my plan. If I faltered and gave into my heart's desires, it would mean disaster for us both.

My shower was without any unusual happenings. I slipped on my boxers once I had finished drying off and peeked out through the bathroom door. Fluttershy was resting on our bed while reading what seemed to be a slip of paper. "Whatcha reading, dear?" I asked as I took a seat on the bed next to her. The only source of light in the room was an old-fashioned lantern that rested on a shelf next to Fluttershy's side of the bed.

Fluttershy looked at me and smiled, "I was just looking over your journals. You put a lot of effort and detail into these."

I think I felt myself blush at her words. "My journal?" I looked over her shoulder to read the sheet of paper. "Yes, you read that right..... Look out below... I won't bite..." Fluttershy had been reading the journal entry chronicling my first day in Equestria. "Where did you even find these?" I asked, as I kept them well hidden from others.

The timid pegasus giggled, "I got curious about your belongings, so I took a peek in them while you were in the bathroom. They're very fun to read. I'm enjoying them. May I read the rest later?"

I was actually quite flattered that she felt I was doing a good job in how I was detailing the daily events of my first week in Ponyville. "Well... Sure. Go right ahead, if you think they're that good."

Fluttershy smiled, but then yawned. "Thank you, James. But it's getting late... May we go to sleep now?"

I nodded as I pulled the covers over both of us. "Sounds good to me. Good night, honey."

My lover giggled once she blew out the flame in the lantern, "Sweet dreams, James. I love you so much."

I kissed her on the ear as she had her back to me. "I love you too, Fluttershy. More than you know."

I would have gone to sleep right there, but I had other plans. I waited patiently for Fluttershy to start snoring before whispering, "Fluttershy? Honey?" When she did not respond, I knew she was fast asleep.

With no one to interfere, I began to prepare. I slid on the blue jeans Rarity had woven for me, but opted to wear the t-shirt I had worn that day instead of the Hawaiian-style shirt the lovely unicorn had made to go with my pants. Once my socks and shoes were on, I snuck downstairs as quietly as possible. I then snatched a writing quill and a blank scroll from a shelf next to the sofa and began to write. Before I could leave, Fluttershy had to know.

"This is for your eyes only, Fluttershy. If you are reading this, I am gone. It has come to my attention that our actions as a couple are highly illegal and even punishable with the death penalty. What is worse, Princess Celestia has been made aware of our illegal activities by a report sent from Twilight Sparkle. Please do not fault her, as I am sure even she was not aware that the law even exists. I am sure that by the time you have started reading this, Celestia will have dispatched her guards to arrest us. If that is the case, you must gather our friends and try to convince Celestia to grant us a pardon. If she is as... No. I am very sure that she is as wise and understanding as I have heard. She will surely grant us her consent. I just know she will. However, the possibility that she will not remains. I can't take chances with this matter, Fluttershy. Not when your life is at stake. I am hiding out in the Everfree Forest. I have heard nothing but bad things about that place, so I am sure even the local law enforcement officials will not dare set foot into it. If Celestia... No. When Celestia gives us her blessings, please come find me so I know it is safe to return. It may be wise to ask Rainbow Dash to do the job due to her speed. But if, and this is a very unlikely if, if Celestia refuses to pardon us, claim innocence. If they cannot arrest both guilty parties, they will not be able to effectively try you in court. You will be safe if they cannot arrest us both. But I pray that will not be the case. I love you, Fluttershy. And I cannot bear the thought of you under a guillotine. I shall be waiting for Celestia's decision in the Everfree Forest. I am placing my faith in you and our friends. With love, James."

I tied a string around the center of the scroll once I had rolled it up. I then left it at the base of the stairs so that Fluttershy would surely notice it once she came downstairs in the morning. I then went over to the supplies I had purchased that day and strapped on my saddlebags. I then slid a strap through the hole in the steel pot lid's handle and began to tie numerous more straps to it while securing them around my left forearm. Once I was done, the pot lid was tightly secured to the side of my forearm, allowing me to effectively use it as a makeshift shield. It was almost as big around as a beach ball, so it covered a fairly large area too. Yes, I know a pot lid makes for a poor defensive tool. But from what I know, Ponyville does not have armories. So I had to make due with the resources that were available.

I wore the survival knife I had purchased across my chest so I could easily draw it with either hand when needed, although I am right-handed and therefore would hold it with my right hand. But even after I had gathered up all my gear, going out through the front door was the biggest challenge for me. More than anything, I wanted to take off all my gear, go back upstairs, and climb in bed with Fluttershy and sleep with her in my arms. It pained me to leave the woman I loved, even though it was to keep her safe. It took several minutes for me to muster the willpower I needed to reach out, grasp the doorknob, and push the door open.

"Please be safe, honey..." I can distinctly remember muttering as I closed the door behind me. I think I felt a tear trickle down my face. I had to get as far away from Ponyville as possible. And the 'unnatural' Everfree Forest would make for the perfect hideout.

I walked north, finding the imposing forest to be surprisingly close to Fluttershy's cottage. There was even an obvious path that led into the forest. But wait. If a path is obvious, some of the braver investigators might follow it a short distance into the forest. I had to stay off the path and venture into the dense trees if I was to remain undetected the following day. Before entering the forest, I turned around and took one last look at the cottage where my lover was sleeping soundly.

I am writing this from within my sleeping bag. I found a few flowering bushes no fewer than five minutes into Everfree Forest. They seemed like a safe place to rest, so here I am. My sleeping bag even comes with a flap that is connected to the top of the bag with a zipper. A wire mesh allows the person inside to see out while remaining completely covered. The bag is snug, but it is doing its job well.

.....I have never run away from home before. I pray this will be the last time I do so. My first week in Ponyville has ended, yet I am already facing a major crisis. Dear lord... May this ordeal end on a happy note. That is all I ask.