It was a new day in Ponyville and a sunny one at that. With the rain the night before coming to an end, the Ponyville weather team made quick work of the remaining clouds. Happy had rather enjoyed the warm sunlight whilst running around the town this morning. She had quite a bit of work to get done over the recent addition to her patient roster, but now her preparations had come to an end and she found herself in the admissions room of the hospital proper catching up with an old friend, nurse Redheart. Swapping 'war stories' to be specific.

Nurse Redheart was having trouble containing her laughter while telling this particular tale of hospital staff shenanigans as was Happy after the nurse got halfway through.,"... and so Minuette was left sitting there trying to decide what she would do with Clear Sight, Just Fine, and that one hoof specialist, I forget his name... you know, the one that treats corns, thrush infections, an- Ah, Good Hoof. Doctor Good Hoof. So yes, poor Minuette was left trying to decide how she was ever going to explain to the head of the district's medical board why three quarters of Ponyvlle's medical representatives were mumbling incoherently while sprawled out on the floor of their hotel in Manehatten with completely dry lips in-" Nurse Redheart failed to stifle her giggling here and barely succeeded, "And! And get this... the meeting was less then half an hour away! Hahaha! Oh Celestia, that poor sweet mare."

Happy didn't bother to stifle her giggle at the finish to Redheart's story. She'd been selected to go to a couple of those medical board meetings and knew just how bad an influence Clear Sight could be about partaking in delicious salts. Clear Sight had said 'Just a pinch'. It never was only a pinch though despite her own efforts against the enabling eye doctor. Happy had found her weakness in celery salt personally, and Clear Sight capitalized on it. "That story sounds awfully familiar in truth. I can't say we fared much better in Las Pegasus last year. I'm worried Ponyville's medical staff will start forming a reputation for salts soon."

"I guess it's to be expected when you live in a Wet municipality. Though..." The nurse leaned over the admissions counter in overblown secrecy, gesturing Happy approach closer, "I hear there's gonna be an appeal on the ballot this year to over turn 'Mayor Mare's Salt Ban for Family Wellness' bill this year."

Whispering back in her own conspiratorial voice Happy went to deepen the political gossip, "Really? What about the M.A.S group? If that's the case why haven't they been campaigning to keep it posted? They got the bill passed through originally after all."

Nurse Redheart leaned back and shrugged, "I suppose that's true. Maybe we'll start seeing ponies on boxes and leaflets getting hoofed out at city hall soon? Communal voting is still 5 months away after all."

Happy considered this for a moment and went to reply but was interrupted by the opening doors of the hospitals patient wing. The orderly sent to check on her patient's readiness was back; a pale yellow pegasus mare with a band-aid cutie mark. "You can go back, the patient is awake."

"Ah, thank you nurse. Just Fine didn't find any immediate problems so John will be checking out now." Turning back to Redheart the mind healer gave her a polite nod, "A pleasure as always Red. Say hello to Blue and Cheerilee for me won't you?"

"Of course. Always good seeing you doctor. Oh, and good luck keeping Ponyville's wackiness in check." Red Heart said with a wink and exposed tongue.

"Pinkie Pie willing, I'll stay the course Red Heart." The two mares shared a titter before Happy leaned forward to give her friend a quick nuzzle. Afterwards, sharing a smile, she turned and left the room for the patients wing. She gave a light nod and thanks when the yellow orderly told her which room John was in.

The walk was a short one as Ponyville, despite it's occasional mayhem, was a fairly hardy town of country folk. Only a couple of rooms were occupied at any given time and the wing itself had only a capacity of sixteen patients total, two to a room. She gave a wave to Daisy, one of the flower sisters recovering from an unfortunate bee sting in her nostril. Or so Happy had heard from the small town gossip network.

Coming to her newest patients partially open door she rose a hoof to politely knock upon it's surface before entering. "Good afternoon John. How are you feeling today?" The grey pony was sitting by the window looking outside though he turned and nodded to her when she called out. A hospital gown was sitting on the bed, obviously discarded.

"Hello Doctor Happy. Thank you for coming. I'm doing much the same as yesterday though less sore thankfully. "

"That's good to hear and of course I'd come. You're my patient after all." She gestured to the lime green cloth with a hoof before smiling with camaraderie, "Didn't care for the gown I take it?"

"Ah, yes, that. It was uncomfortable and did little for me seeing how it left my... tail exposed." Here he rubbed the back of his neck with relaxed ears appearing unsure. It was easier to read him now that his ears were seemingly moving - why they were so still before remained part of the puzzle he represented though. If he wanted the gown to cover his tail then was he worried about his natural coverings or being exposed? "Why have such things in a hospital if you normally- I mean, WE normally walk around naked already? It strikes me as very silly. Ridiculous even."

"You're not the first to ask that actually. It's mostly to add another layer of protection from the elements but also acts as a cover for biological messes. Such as a leaking bandage or if the pony throws up onto their belly or sneezes out draining sinuses while lying on their back. That kind of thing."

"So... it's like a baby's bib for the entire body? I guess that makes sense in a way." He glanced at the garment for a moment before snorting, "It's nice to know they thought I was going to hurl, drool, or bleed all over myself at any point then."

Happy Days was pretty sure that was sarcasm just then. She almost lost her train of thought at hearing it but decided it meant he might be opening up more. Or starting too. It was obvious to her after they'd parted yesterday that his politeness was a coping or defense mechanism. Possibly both. A society was more likely to help a polite and soft spoken citizen than a poorly spoken and unruly one.

"It's just standard procedure to give it to everypony that stays over night. Personally, I consider it more of a body sized napkin. And the tail is exposed so it doesn't hinder a patient who is trying to use the restroom. Some have a hard time walking already after all." He gave a barely audible 'ah' and with that the two lapsed into silence for the moment. Deciding to get things moving onwards she gestured towards the door, "If you're all set lets get you to your semi permanent home for the time being. And on the way we'll discuss how we should best approach your situation."

"I can't say I'll be sorry to leave this place behind." At the door he paused before looking back at the somewhat untidy bed and dish covered nightstand, "Should I pick up or clean before I go?"

"Few people are happy to stay so I'm not surprised. As for the room, it's fine. They have to come and take everything out for washing anyway." Continuing forward, she made her way to one of the wing's exits marked by a yellow exit sign. Nudging the doorway open, she held it for the stallion to walk past her. Remembering his aversion to following yesterday, she opted to walk alongside him once more. Whatever put the patient at ease.

She started to make a beeline for the park not but two blocks away. The hospital utilized it's presence for the physical therapy needs of recovering patients. Having the two so close together was one of the small towns better decisions when it came to zoning. Being Moonday, the start of a sunny weekend for most ponies (her own days off actually being Firstday and Twosday), it was fairly occupied now that yesterday's rain had evaporated.

Glancing to her side she tried to gauge her patients expressions as they meandered to the pony filled park. She could see his grey irises moving about the scenery trying to follow the different details. Was he looking for something in particular?

It was a typical scene really. Numerous families were positioned around the grassy knolls overlooking the central field the younger ponies played in. Each talking amongst herd mates or friends. Sometimes, one of the mothers would approach another herd for a word as their foals started playing amongst each other. Happy had no doubt that they were sizing up and meeting the other family in case a budding friendship between the foals led somewhere else later on. It was a small town, so everypony knew each other to some extent but there was always room for more friends and acquaintances - and inter-herd conflict and family feuding often enough if some of her patients were any indication.

Following his line of sight once it became fixed on something she saw a few stallions that were playing with the young ponies. Between the pony back rides, play wrestling, and some light hoofball, it looked like a fairly merry scene and one all too familiar to Ponyville. "Does this remind of something? Family or your childhood perhaps?"

Snapping out of his trance his ears slumped for a second before he shook his head, "Nothing outside of my other memories I'm afraid. It's more that... I'm not sure if I'm seeing something I should be worried about or if I'm tricking myself."

"Something you're worried about?" She probed gently to see if he'd share sooner rather than later.

He didn't meet her eye and a frown developed around his mouth, "It's something I'd rather wait to talk about. Maybe when we get to our destination. Speaking of, what should I be expecting exactly Ms. Happy?"

She accepted his explanation in stride, it'd come up later today or in a session before long. "First, you should be expecting to meet and greet with your fellow ponies. All too often, patients that have something preventing them from having a 'normal' or 'typical' social exchange with others will hole themselves up and shut every pony out. This can cause a lot of problems, emotionally, socially, and mentally. So, awkward or not, I'll be expecting you to meet and converse with at least thirteen ponies a day to help acclimate you to Equestrian society. That's a bakers dozen, easy to remember."

"Wait, what?"

Seeing that John had stopped walking altogether, Happy turned to look back at the other pony questioningly, "Is something the matter?"

"I was actually asking about the place we were going to right now but I guess my therapy was a question I had also. Doctor, that all certainly makes sense and I... could potentially see myself doing that. But! Thirteen a day is a steep number. I really can't imagine conversing with so many on any given day let alone everyday."

"Oh, sorry John. I guess I had my mind on our sessions." Hmm, thirteen was too high? She'd felt the stoic pony might have trouble meeting others so she'd kept the number conservative for his sake. "Why is that John? Thirteen isn't a very high number for social interactions. In fact, I've conversed with no less than nine myself just this morning before coming to get you. I only meant to exchange names and converse with them a little. I certainly don't expect you to garnish their deepest secrets and their life long aspirations or anything."

She paused for a moment to reconsider before quickly adding, "Though if you do that would be great. Making friends is the goal after all!"

"I guess... I could manage that." The stallion looked to the ground for a moment, fiddling with a peddle under hoof once again before looking up unsure. "It's just, what should I say about myself and my situation? I don't like lying if I can avoid it."

Hearing his admission, she felt her eyes widen in shock though she tried to maintain her visage. She could hardly control every reaction but she always tried her best to make a patient feel like they could share anything with her and shock was just another kind of judgement."Lying? John, it's good that you don't like lying but I'm wondering why you'd think that's what I asked of you? Is there anything wrong with being honest with the ponies you befriend?"

She saw his eyes drift to the side. Though he caught it before they slipped from her eye contact she knew it was a sign of aversion. "I would be extremely uncomfortable spreading around the details of my situation. I'm not particularly fond of appearing weak to others. Nor insane as it were." Apparently the aversion was to his own condition. She was rather mildly surprised at this. Wasn't he the pony that marched into her office, and Twilight's library, and so firmly informed her that he was likely insane? Where was his confidence now? Or rather, when did he develop typical stubborn stallion pride?

"Now, recall we already found you are quite sane. Otherwise, you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. This isn't your fault John and you shouldn't suffer anymore because of it than you already are. Okay?" She paused to look deeply into his eyes, trying her best to communicate the feelings behind her words so they'd reach him. She continued when he eventually gave her a sign of his acceptance that she'd sought for.

"That said, my decision stands. Converse with at least thirteen possible new friends a day and, while I don't expect you to purposely divulge your situation, I don't want you to dodge or mislead any questions about it either. The pains and burdens we live through help shape us and no-pony can ever truly know you unless you've shared those with them."

He heaved a resigned sigh, before nodding his assent once more. "I'll try my best then. Perhaps being in a small town will help with that. Though I envision being taken for a struggling stand up comedian at some point."

She paused for a moment wondering if that was an attempt at a joke. "Umm, right, good. Aside from that, you'll be seeing me an hour before noon each day for us to talk about how you're doing and figure out the best ways to help you get acclimated. These sessions shouldn't take more than half an hour but I had an entire hour cleared in case we want it to run later. It's early in the day as I may give you a task for the day to help with your settling in here. Otherwise, Twilight will tell me when she wants you to come by the library for testing or questions. She's a very busy and important mare for Equestria so her time, however well scheduled, is fairly limited."

"I'm just glad she was so willing to help at all. Though her eagerness for testing was worrisome.." There'd been stories about beds with straps and other immobilizing mechanisms in Twilight's basement so Happy shared John's unease. She nodded her head toward their destination down the park's walkway and he quickly joined her in walking once more.

Before she could continue detailing her plan for his situation she noticed a look of trepidation on him, "Is something wrong John?"

Nodding his head he idly kicked a rock down the bricked path they currently walked on. A pair of earth ponies passing them glanced questioningly but looked away shortly after. "I didn't exactly wake up with money so I'm starting to worry about all these costs. Is there some kind of community work plan I'll be joining to pay for my rent, food, and medical bills? I'm not sure I'm going to be able to find work for the moment else wise. My credentials are rather awful at the moment."

"What? Bills?" Happy processed this for a moment before she realized the fool thought he'd be charged for getting ill. "You don't have to worry about that." His eyes bunched in thought while his mouth opened to speak but Happy continued before he could, "I'll probably put you through some community service as part of your treatment, but you aren't expected to pay for your housing and food while you get reestablished with society."

"Huh?"

"Hmm? Were you expecting something else? Celestia taught us that 'If We Care For Everypony Then Everypony Will Care For Us And So We Shall Never Be Alone'. Making sure everyone is able to get the care and comfort they need is the first step as a compassionate society."

"That's... a nice sentiment and I'm glad it's seemingly working here." John stared straight ahead for a time before finally shaking his head, "Still, I feel as though I'll be owing someone without a way to pay them back. I suppose I'll be left with doing community service to try and clear that debt." Ah, there's the classic male stubbornness and sense of grievances. So it wasn't an isolated issue earlier with sharing his condition. Between yesterday and now she wondered how and why it sprung up. It was charming in a way, however foolish.

Happy shouldn't be surprised John could get like this. The guilt of not being able to fend for yourself at all times isn't uncommon, though as a percentage it crops up more in stallions than mares. The point was to get better and get back to happily living your life and in doing so help society by being a positive functioning member of it. It wasn't about owing some imagined debt as by living and working you'd be helping the next pony. 'Pay It Forward' was the bill's slogan for a reason. This also kept the number of homeless down and lowered the crime rate. There were days she rued the 43 something percent income tax rate her nation held though.

She gave a mental shrug, this was something that wouldn't be changing anytime soon, no matter how rational or polite a pony was. "If that'll make you feel better then everypony would of course be happy to see you help out more."

"In the face of such generosity I'm left unsure what to say except thank you."

"Well, just thank-" Happy's reply was cut short by a sing song voice she had grown used to hearing on a weekly basis.

"Did I hear somepony say Generosity?" Happy glanced to her right to see Rarity, Element of Generosity, closing the short gap between them from a knoll. There, a purple and white picnic blanket, atop a larger simple red wool throw blanket, sat with tea and biscuits set up along with cushions shaded by a parasol. It would seem that her patient was having a weekend social event here. Or just enjoying some tea with her good weather and leaving cushions for possible fellow gossipers.

Rarity herself was wearing a simple Sunday dress. Well, simple for the seamstress anyway. Despite the impressive pattern, frills, and ribbons on the white and blue number, it did only have one layer and a single accompaniment in the form of a purple neckerchief.

"Good afternoon Rarity, a pleasure as always. Enjoying the weather?" Rarity most certainly was. A spot of countess grey tea, a warm breeze, and a parasol to prevent any sun damage made the day quite relaxing. It also provided a nice chance for meeting and greeting her neighbors, customers, and ponies ripe with gossip assuming Prim Posy or Lilac Links would crop up at some point for their informal but scheduled tea time visit.

"Oh yes, the sun has been simply marvelous. The perfect weather for tea in fact!" She shifted her gaze to the pony beside the doctor. This has to be the stallion she encouraged Twilight to tell her about last night. The colors matched and he was walking along side Happy Days instead of a little behind, so it all fit.

Rarity was rather surprised when Twilight arrived late to pick up her dress yesterday. Surely something that would make Twilight late for her first date's preparations - with Applejack and Soarin no less - had to be due to something interesting. It was a simple matter of holding the dress hostag -ahem- under hoof until Twilight could explain what made her late for their afternoon meeting.

Turning to the new stallion in town she looked into his grey eyes confidently, "And this stallion must be the infamous John - bane of Twilight's schedule - yes?"

"Twilight did mention getting an outfit last night..." The lovely mind doctor gestured from the stallion to herself, granting her a proper introduction. "John, this is Rarity. Ponyville's local fashionista as well as one of it's best seamstresses."

She raised her hoof before her and closed her eyes as was the usual custom in Canterlot. Normally, the higher class ponies would grasp the hoof and bow for a mock kiss to it. Of course, it should only be for royalty but Rarity felt it fit her well enough in Ponyville. All part of the business of fashion and style. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance good sir."

"I'm sure the pleasure is all mine madam Rarity." She was mildly surprised when her hoof felt John's connect to it. She'd opened her eyes at the contact and saw him bowing his head slightly before her. It certainly wasn't up to Canterlot's level of sophistication, but at least he tried. Not many in Ponyville would.

"Just miss will do. I'm currently freely drifting as an unattached mare these days." She smiled when she saw his nostrils flare as she retracted her hoof from his. It always felt nice to be desirable. Of course, the poor amnesiac pony would be drawn to any confident mare at this point and without some form of a familial escort she certainly wouldn't be the one to take advantage of him.

"Oh..." John looked dazed for a moment before rubbing at his slightly rosy muzzle. Rarity always enjoyed having that effect on stallions. Mares too more often than not, though for different reasons. "Miss it is then. Am I wrong to assume you are one of the local aristocrats or a nobleme-mare?"

She let out a titter at this. A nice refined bell like sound of course. "My my, first madam and now noblemare? If I didn't know you were culturally lost right now I'd call you quite the charmer. In fact, I still might."

John looked like he was about to say something but before he could a whirling sound came and went in the form of a flying disk followed by a high pitched "Sorry!" that sounded anything but sincere with how much glee it contained. A little orange filly ran between the group after the toy that came within a foot of hitting Rarity in the head. After they'd danced out of the way of the charging pony the group gathered themselves up again.

"My my, perhaps this isn't the best place for a conversation. Would you both like to join me for a spot of tea?" She waved a hoof back to her imported satin coverlet.

"Actually Rarity, that sounds nice but we need keep going." Happy Days declined her offer with a head shake. Rarity had been expecting as much if the doctor was with a patient but it was polite to make the offer regardless. She'd only wanted to greet the doctor and introduce herself to Twilight's latest experimen- test subj- individual needing magical help.

"Oh, what a pity. Perhaps another time then. Well, it was nice seeing you as always Happy, and meeting you as well John." She gave a nod to them both before turning with a swish of her tail. She always delighted in how much it bounced as she walked.

"Oh, wait please!" Her hoof paused before it would once more touch the grass of the park and she instead turned back to John. "You're a seamstress right?"

Rarity held back a snort of amusement. Such displays were not proper for first impressions. "I should like to hope so! Though I do far more than simply sew cloth together."

"I don't have any clothes and- how much would an outfit cost? I'm not sure how much money I'll have for-"

"No clothes at all?" Rarity was puzzled for a moment before realization dawned on her. Twilight had said he was amnesiac and wandered in with nothing. Of course he'd have no clothes, money, or possessions. This poor pony had nothing to his name! "Of course you wouldn't have anything to your name would you? Oh, John, darling! I'll not hear any more talk of money right now. Everypony should have some flare in their life and I won't charge a pony without a thing to their name for such a right." Rarity couldn't even imagine what it'd be like to be in his situation. How dreadful.

"Are you certain miss? It might take me some time but-"

"Tut tut! I said not another word. It would be a crime, a horror, a travesty to even suggest such a thing!" She kept up her mock glare until she saw that he was suitably accepting of her generosity. Afterwards, she dropped it with a smile and listed some of the outfits and their accompaniments she carried so he could think of what he wanted when he came to her shop. It was during this time her sense for fashion and design sized him up. Truly sized him up for the first time.

He was fit in that he didn't have any excess fat but he was also slight in structure, unlike the more chiseled look she came to expect from earth pony stallions. It reminded her of the unicorns in Canterlot that would diet and 'do cardio' to keep in shape while they managed their desk jobs. Aside form that, his colors were fairly dull and lifeless. A grey coat, lighter grey eyes, and a black mane and tail were extremely dull even if uncommon as a combination together. This seemed especially the case to herself since she was friends with Rainbow Dash. But... thinking on formal attire now she would dare to say he'd make a fine sight in a tuxedo at the least.

Having ended her list she waited for him to comment on anything that caught his ear. Hmm, his fetlocks would need to be shorn if she gave him any cuffs. "That all sounds very nice but... do you not have any pants? I didn't hear you say anything about shorts or pants."

Looking up from appraising his hooves for hoof-wear suggestions, she raised a brow in confusion. "Pants or shorts? I can't say I've ever heard of them. What are those?" Rarity glanced to Happy for support but only saw an uneasy frown on the other mares face as she regarded John. Curious. Very curious.

"Do you not have any clothes for men that cover the back legs and hips?"

"Oh, 'men' as well. So many different words, how exciting! What language is that dear?" She didn't wait for an answer of course, there were important matters of fashion ahoof here. Bringing a leg up to rub under her chin with the knee she mused aloud, "Hmm, coverings for a stallions back legs and hips... oh," Rarity did her best to withhold a cringe. Now, now Rarity, overalls, coveralls, and jumpsuits were important for worker ponies - earth ponies in particular - no matter how ghastly they tended to be on the eyes. "Dear, do you mean overalls perhaps?"

A head shake was her response. Perhaps there was hope for him yet, "I didn't actually but I'd be happy to settle for those too." Or perhaps not.

"Really darling? Not overalls? Well that won't do. Rarity does not simply 'settle' when it comes to a gift! Just come by the shop and we'll get it figured out without any fuss." She'd see if these pants or shorts were better than overalls if it took her all day. Preventing even one pony from the nightmare of wearing one of those outfits was worth every minute of effort in her opinion.

Happy took a step forward and broke their conversation once again, "That sounds like a great idea Rarity. I was just telling John how he will need to make sure he gets out and meets others. Perhaps you could point him in the right direction?"

Oh, that sounded like it was part of his treatment with Happy. "Well of course I can! He'll be a regular socialite before long. Won't that be nice dear?" Rarity looked to the stallion only to see a grimace that soon turned into a rather brittle looking smile.

"Yes, that would be very helpful." Though he gave the affirmative she doubted it sounded authentic to anypony present. Did she do something to offend him?

Oh, of course. She was a single well to do mare who was also quite beautiful -if she said so herself- and had just met him today. Then, within the first meeting she was asking the single stallion who had no familial support to not only visit her unattended but to socialize via her directions and introduction AFTER she dressed him in an outfit of her design. Rarity could see why he'd be so uneasy, how forward she must seem right now!

"Well, maybe not socialite. I think simply pointing you to the right ponies to meet on your own would be fine."

Ah, that did the trick. His smile was a little less forced now, "Ah, that would be most helpful. Thank you for your generosity miss Rarity."

"Of course darling, naturally!" Rarity giggled, partly due to her therapist's amused grin and partly due to John's obliviousness to why what he'd just said was funny.

"It's always nice to see you Rarity. I'm also glad to see you've been getting out of the shop after how last week went with... your former friends." Happy paused to add emphasis to her words without being obvious, to which Rarity was grateful. Though things ended amiably between herself and Fancy Pants' troupe, it still stung to think and hear about. "But we need to get him settled in and me back to my office before long."

"Of course dear. It was good to meet you John, and I hope you have a fabulous day Happy."

"You too Rarity, enjoy the weather and I'll see you in a few days." She nodded to the good doctor and waved a hoof at the pair as they continued their walk to what Rarity assumed would be one of the way houses in town. She wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but she managed to make out a small snippet of conversation amidst the sounds of the park, "See John, was that so hard? Only twelve more to go now."

"Wait, I'm starting that today?" Rarity wondered what that was about but didn't plan to ask about it directly. It was no doubt part of their sessions and Rarity knew better than to pry. Oh, there was Prim Posy flying just above the tree line. Looks like she did make it to their unscheduled but official tea time.

Pine Breeze was a strong willed and independent stallion. He kept his place clean, even before his sisters would turn up to clean it some. Just dusting though! Mostly - cause who really dusts aside from crazy ponies. He cooked for himself just fine, when his mom, mothers, and sisters didn't visit with food every afternoon. When he didn't have food they'd left over after lunch he had plenty of raw veggies he bought himself and those counted as cooking. He would cook more often but it wasn't his fault they always brought too much and there was always leftovers. And most importantly, he was living on his own. Even if it was a townhouse for displaced ponies. He was still on his own. Most of the time.

Well, actually he had been living on his own. He'd found a note on his door saying another stallion would be taking the second room here today. Pine was excited as he'd finally have another stallion to do stallion things with. Like, go to the gym, or wrestle in the mud, or play hoofball, or! Oh! Or they could even go to a bar! Maybe. Pine Breeze hoped that was the case.

Actually, they'd have to go some ways out of town to even find one. The young stallion realized then he didn't actually know where the nearest salt stop was.

Today was like every other day once he got back from his career as a talented - literally due to his three conifer tree cutie mark - grounds keeper and tree healer. He came home, took a shower, and went back downstairs to visit with his family that always seemed to be in the living room after he got out. Usually it was his two sisters or his mom with another mother. Today was only a little bit different in that his sisters had brought a friend along. They said they were just visiting before spending time with her so this was definitely not some kind of 'meeting'. Though she did seem very nice and she was good with plants too. His sisters were both confectionery makers so he wasn't sure why they were hanging out with one of his fellow plant enthusiasts like this.

Today was like every other day especially because he had to once again disagree with his family about something they really should just accept. "It's not awful. It's very prominent and establishes my strength at first glance."

"Pine Breeze... It looks like you put some kind of dead rat on your face." He ignored Candy Floss as she pointed one of her pink wings at his great accessory. He also ignored when she fluffed her bouncy cotton candy blue hair which unleashed the all too familiar fragrance of sugar and bubblegum into the air.

"Sorry Pine Breeze but I have to agree. That thing is just silly no matter how you look at it." He also ignored Chocolate Blueberry as well since the blue-coated and chocolate-maned pegasus was simply being stubborn to support her sister. He tried not to breath in too much or else he would get too relaxed. Even with Candy Floss sitting with him as well, he could never mistake Chocolate's smell of cocoa powder and milk. She was the eldest of his sisters and the one he curled up to when he was scared as a young colt so her scent always put him at ease. Even now, sadly. So he had to remain focused and on guard.

"Sorry Pine Breeze, but it is kinda... well, I mean, the mustache isn't too bad really. Sorta. Well.... maybe just a bit." Aw, not Tropical Spring too. The peach coated mare seemed so nice too. Even if she was a friend of his sisters. He gave her a glare that was most definitely not a pout. She just shrugged her withers with an apologetic smile.

Maybe he should take this off after all. Was it even helping him with being a strong independent pony away from his mothers and sisters? He stopped his bluish grey hoof before it could reach his face, his willpower kicking in. No! He wouldn't surrender to their social pressures. That's what this surely was. These mares with their coaxing words and so called well-wishes trying to tame and weaken the resolve of stallions everywhere. He was keeping this mustache on, forever!

Even if it hasn't been washed in a couple weeks and it really was itchy and hot under his nose now.

"Well that's too bad, cause it's staying." He took pride in their groans. They should have known they couldn't deter him so easily. He ignored Candy Floss and her mutterings of 'stubbornness' as was his usual tactic. This wasn't stubbornness, this was fighting for his rights and privileges just like he'd read in the Lone Saddle. So he was completely ignoring her and not second guessing his decision at all.

"Suit yourself Pine Breeze." She seemed to pause for a second, obviously settling into the idea of Pine's right to self determination. "I guess you'll change you mind when you catch lip-phoma."

Huh? "Lip-phoma?" He glanced at Candy for help but she was staring at her sister in confusion as well.

Wait, now she was nodding. Did she know? "Oh yaaa, lip-phoma! I'd forgotten about that."

"What? What is it?" His nose really did itch right now. He didn't need to wear it while lounging in his house right? Well, the townhouse he'd been provided anyway.

"Oh, nasty thing it is." His Head snapped to Chocolate.

"Ya real nasty business that is." Back to Candy.

"Oh yes, just dreadful!" Back to Chocolate. Why didn't he sit them together or him sit somewhere else. They had the gap there and he'd just sat in the middle when Chocolate patted the red seat cushion. With his two sisters at either side of him on the three seat couch - with Tropical across from them - he was quickly getting a neck cramp.

"What, what is it? What's lip-phoma!?" Why weren't they telling him? What if he had it? How do you get it exactly? Why was Tropical Spring giggling?!

"Oh, you know, that lip fungus that grows under a mustache that's worn too much." Chocolate finally gave Pine some details, waving her hoof like it was of little consequence. How much was 'too much'? He'd had this one on for at least a week! It was a protest to mare expectations and a symbol of his new found freedoms. Why would he take that off? How come he'd never heard of this before now?

Wait a second... a lip fungus? That was ridiculous. Right? "Since when? I've never heard of that. Are you pulling my backleg?" His nose was feeling pretty hot and sweaty though actually.

"Really? You didn't look into the what happens when a pony wears fake hair on their face for too long?" His neck popped back to Candy seeing her with a shocked expression.

"Of course not- I mean, of course I did! I just... didn't hear anything about that at all." Pine looked down to his hooves, idly spinning the cup of rose water on the glass coffee table before him. It was rather tasty and he was glad they'd brought some to share with him. He usually just drank from the tap.

"Well you should have looked harder then, little brother. Pony bodies weren't made to have facial hair so of course there'd be ramifications." That sounded pretty reasonable, and Chocolate was always the smartest of his sister after all.

He abandoned his cup to wring his hooves together without interference. "What, what are the symptoms? What does it do?"

"Well, first your nose itches," Hearing Chocolate's voice Pine stopped reaching up to scratch at the uncomfortable facial hair, lowering his hoof with a gulp.

"And it gets really sweaty." He did his best to pretend he imagined the drop of sweat that just fell from his muzzle.

"And then, after a week or so of these signs it... actually, I don't think describing it is a good idea, we did just finishing eating after all." The only thing Pine wanted to do with the lunch they brought was up chuck it at this point. He felt even more like that while looking at the removed mustache in his hooves.

Hearing what sounded like a muffled giggle, Pine looked up to Tropical Spring who had been quiet this whole time. Pine was confused by her amused look, but maybe he read it and heard that giggle wrong since she looked very solemn quickly when he locked eyes with her. "You shouldn't worry so much about it Pine. I think you'll be okay if you go to a doctor soon have have it looked at."

"Oh... that makes sense. Ya I could go- wait..." This seemed familiar... weren't they talking about a doctor earlier? Right, it'd been right after they asked if Roseluck had come by and shared a rose and some conversation with him again. She hadn't sadly. She'd been really fun and interesting to talk to also, so he was really sad that he hadn't seen her after Midday last week. Actually, Tropical Spring kinda reminded him of Roseluck and he was just meeting her now... no, don't get distracted Pine!

They'd brought up seeing the doctor for a check-up earlier and Pine had already made his decision. He had to stay firm on it or else he'd be swept up in Chocolate Blueberry's rhythm. Again. Like always. But not this time! "I said earlier I was fine and didn't need to go see a doctor!"

"That was for a check up though, and before we knew you could have a facial fungus." Why was Tropical Spring helping them? She was a fellow plant enthusiast earth pony amongst candy making pegasi. She'd seemed so sweet before too. Why she was smiling behind a hoof as he showed her his hurt and betrayed eyes he could only guess at.

"Ya, a bunch of spores slowly growing, multiplying, and spreading all across your face day after day, eating away at it." There was Candy again, always so cruel. He could be really sick and she was just making it worse for him talking about a mold eating his face off!

Barely above a whisper he mumbled out,"Really? Lip-phoma does all that?" He gulped heavily while staring at the mustache in his hoof that had laid claim to his face for almost two solid weeks. One of which he'd kept it on even while washing up. "Uh, well, I mean... I guess it would be a good idea to see the doctor about an emergency fungal exam. I'll try and set up an appointment for next week-"

"Don't worry about that, you just eat right and get some rest in case you did catch it. We'll stop by the hospital and make sure they see our favorite stallion tomorrow at three p.m." Oh, so now Candy was concerned. Where was that kindness when she was explaining how spores would be spreading across his face?

"Yep, so don't be late. We'll take care of it. Actually, I think our mom was going to see Doctor Stable too, she can come by and you can both go together. Otherwise, it'll be a little silly to show up separately at the same time." Huh, that was oddly specific. Pine wasn't very concerned or surprised about that though. They always seemed to be able to set stuff up for him the day before he wanted to do it. They were really persuasive or something. It took everything he could do to keep from succumbing to their meddling after all. He was sure other ponies couldn't resist it nearly as well.

Hearing the unmistakable giggling of a mare Pine looked up at the mare who had a cutie mark bearing two flowers - one red, the other blue. It was much better than his stupid sisters laughy taffy looping mark or the three melted chocolate blueberry mark. "Huh, is something funny Tropical? You've giggled a lot now I think."

"Oh! Uhm... no it's just... um, I was giggling since you- er-" She glanced on either side of himself, perhaps looking for something to use as a metaphor. He'd had that trouble before. "It's just that... you're far more handsome without that mustache than they told me! I was just surprised they had been so modest about it is all."

Pine's face lit up. Of course he was handsome, was there ever any doubt? Wait, didn't that mean the mustache made him ugly? Why did he wear this thing again? Wasn't it supposed to be good? He wasn't so sure now if it was like a dead rat, possibly gave him a fungal infection and made him look ugly.

Returning from his inner musings, Pine drew up his chest and sucked in his barrel, "Thanks Tropical! I like to keep myself well groomed and my work keeps me in shape too." It was easy enough to foster the grin on his face after being so high strung for the last couple minutes. Tropical really was pretty and she liked plants too... wait, was she in a herd or anything right now? This definitely definitely wasn't a meeting or something right? They'd promised it wasn't. His mom and mothers weren't here so that was a good sign at least.

Before he could ask for some clarification as to why his sisters suddenly decided to bring their friend - who was an earth pony plant enthusiast that reminded him of Roseluck (who they didn't particularly like) - over to meet him, but not meet him, he heard a knock at the front door. Oh right, he'd forgotten his new room mate was coming today.

Author's Note

Edited by an awesome friend Minalkra

It was a train wreck before he edited it. It was embarrassing how badly I had self edited it

Sorry dude

Sorry for the delay folks. I was sitting on 2.5k words for a couple months but couldn't bring myself to write. Drama in my academic career. Managed to get it all sorted out last week so that got me feeling better.

Next up John meets his roomate and then the conversation about gender expectations between the doctor and "John." Also, in case you were curious, the day cycle for Equestria is: Firstday, Twosday, Midday, Nearday, Lastday, Moonday, and Sunday. I figured it would add a little more flavor to the story if I didn't just use English standard day names.

P.S. I know Rarity's mother was wearing pants when we saw her. Minalkra pointed that out quickly enough. Rarity just tries to blank out her parents "fashion" sense as best she can. Once John draws a picture for her later, well, we'll see how the scene with her recognizing the clothing goes from there.

Author Note edit:
P.P.S: I realize Pine is clueless. I tried really hard to write him like that (it wasn't easy). But no, very few stallions are like that, it's just Pine's personality and how he ended up getting raised. Just like you wouldn't expect every mare to have the same personality etc. etc.