The sun was warm, and the birds sang in the breezy afternoon. Ponies went about their business as usual, wondering where the Princess Twilight, let alone the other Elements, had gotten off to. It had been weeks, with no sign anywhere. Life went on as usual, and the princesses continued the search. Today was like any other, save the fact that the Elements were missing, and the town square hummed with life. Granny Smith was buying tomatoes for tonight's dinner, when she heard a splash, and felt a cold wet sensation hit her back.

"Jumpin' junipers! What the hay's goin' on here!"

The barrel beside her had become full of eight bodies, all soaked and tired. Twilight and crew emerged, then Steve, brushing off his goatee. Granny knew her eyesight wasn't very good, so she had to squint, trying to make out Steve's face. "Yer not from around here, are ya feller?"

Steve smiled shyly. "No ma'am, I'm, shall we say, not from this side of the world."

Scratching her head, Granny decided they should all get hot baths and food at the farm, so she had them tidy, and set the table. Over dinner, Granny asked them exactly what had happened, but explanations were a hard business, especially if you were talking about coming from another dimension entirely. They tried their best, but it wasn't at all easy.

"Well, I'm from a different dimension entirely. Everything there is a cube, or made of cubes. But the creatures all come in two forms, blocky and not. So, I suppose you could call me mad, but this world seems too smooth for me."

Granny chuckled. "Well, you young'uns should git some sleep, if all this is true. And I don't doubt it is, comin' from AJ. Good night, everypony."

They each said goodnight, and stumbled off to sleep. A soft bed, and/or cot, was a welcome change. They woke up in the morning, feeling refreshed and rested, but there was a thought on everypony's mind.

"Steve, you need to see the princesses today. They'll know what to do."

On the train ride there, nothing was said. Not a word. But when they got to Canterlot, Steve marveled and wondered at the structures, the large domes, the lush gardens, and finally the Royal Palace. And Twilight just now noticed that since that morning, a few days ago, Steve and Pinkie were staying close together now. She smiled, knowing that they were experiencing love. Pinkie had been talking more, now that they were home, and was showing him around.

"That's where Princess Celestia and Luna live, and over there's Cloudsdale, off in the distance, and over here's where Chrysalis, a mean bugpony, tried to take the city, and over here..."

She showed Steve the sights and sounds, and the two seemed happier than before. They ascended the steps to the castle entrance, and once inside, Steve nearly fainted from the architecture. Well, you can tell his forte is building and structure. Maybe I can get him a job building houses and things. Twilight smiled at her clever plan, and they found themselves in the throne room.

"Ah, Twilight, you're back. Where exactly have you been, pray tell? And who's this colt?"

Twilight looked at Steve, then at the princesses. ""This is Steve, he's... not from our world. And we've been on a rather odd adventure. But we're back, and glad to be. That's enough friggin' spiders for anyone."

So she related the tale, which apparently made the princesses attentive, as they seemed more interested in this than anything else. When the tale was over, Celestia stood up, taking quill and ink. "I should investigate this. Fine work, all of you. And yes, Steve may have a home here if he so chooses."

Steve almost hoof=pumped, but remembered he was in the presence of royalty. He coughed, and raised his head. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I would be delighted."

They left the palace, and Steve and Pinkie Pie were talking the whole way out. When they stopped to sit down, Steve and Pinkie decided to say something. Steve was the one who said it, and had to brush his now shaggy beard. "Pinkie and I have something we would like to reveal. After days of thought, and getting to know each other, we've decided we want to pursue a relationship."

This came as... not as much of a surprise that you'd think at first. They had seen them interacting for a while, and speculation only led to them having a relationship. As hugs were given and reciprocated, they all knew what this would mean. Baby shower and wedding expenses. Bucking brilliant.

Author's Note

Alright, so we're drawing to a close here. Last chapter up next, then I have a crossover idea I want to share with y'all. And I expect opinions on it.

AND REVIEW THIS STORY AT THE END, PLEASE. I want to know what's goin' through all your cerebrums.