You ever had one of those dreams that are just so good, you know it can’t be true? Yeah, I thought so.

For me it was back in my old house... My parents had died in a car crash back when I was too young to remember. Thankfully my dad's brother and his wife took me and my brother in after the accident. My Uncle and Aunt were sitting by the fire laughing, my brother and cousin Zoe were playing a game of chess like they used to before my brother joined the military, while I was sitting with my best friend Ryan playing video games. I didn’t really even notice it was a dream, who’d want to? I did however notice when a certain tall dark blue alicorn sat down next to me and started playing with me and Ryan.

Now I knew Luna could enter the dreams of those she wished, it was the main tool she used in our therapy sessions. I just wished she would've stayed out of mine when we weren't in session. Now don’t get me wrong, I like Luna, and I've loved when we've played games and talked whenever I go see her at the castle. I just couldn't see why she had to break me from such a great dream.

“You need something, Lulu?” I asked, not even turning to look at her. I had picked up her several of nicknames from Celestia while I had stayed in the castle. She often got tired of people addressing her as Princess all day, so she liked it when I came to visit and used more personal forms of address. Though she still blushed when I used that one.

“We simply enjoy your company. Is that so wrong?” Luna asked, using her famous royal We.

“Not at all. It’s just hard to not realize you’re in a dream when there’s a six foot anthropomorphic pony sitting next to you.” I replied, still not looking at her for fear it would cause the dream to shatter.

“We admit, this dream is rather pleasant. We can see why you enjoy returning to it so often.” Luna replied.

She wasn’t wrong. I’d had this same dream for the last two weeks. Though I was kind of glad Luna was here. Often, near the end of the dream, my family and friend would fade, one by one, until I was left alone. Only to have them be replaced by figures of my past, the source of my nightmares. If that started to happen all I had to do was look at Luna and my dream would break and I’d wake up, usually drenched in a cold sweat.

I’d been going to Luna for help with my nightmares since I entered Equestria, and thankfully it’s seemed to help. The nightmares had been appearing less often than in the past, and it had actually been a whole week since my last episode.

“Shall We see you later this day?” Luna inquired, still heavily enthralled by the game we were playing.

“That was the plan. Though I will have to leave early, I have an appointment with a friend at 5:00.” I replied, before a sharp squeal broke through my dream.

“Really! Who with!? What are you doing!? Is she pretty!?” Luna asked, bombarding me with questions.

“How did you know it was a she?” I asked back, not sure what else to say.

“So it IS a she!” Luna declared triumphantly. I really walked into that one.

I sighed as I accepted my defeat. "You know her. She’s pretty famous, her name is Vinyl Scratch.” I replied, knowing telling her was the quickest way to shut her up.

“Ooo, We do know her. She played at our niece’s wedding.” Luna recalled. I remember Vinyl saying something about that. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and her wedding with Shining Armor. If memory serves, that was also the day of a massive enemy invasion from a race of shapeshifters called the Changelings. I still have a hard time believing anyone would hire Vinyl for a wedding, doesn’t really seem like her style.

“Anyway, I’m just going out with her for a few drinks, Luna. It’s not a date.” I stated firmly, though Luna’s smile didn’t fade in the least. “Uhh, I’ll see you later Luna, I’m waking up.” I stated, before blinking my eyes as they were greeted by the darkness of my apartment. I rubbed my eyes before swinging my legs to the side of my bed and starting my day. I looked over at the clock above my bed and it read 8:47. Standing from my bed I went to the shower and started my day.

This usually consisted of, showering, eating breakfast, and then playing some music before having to go off to any appointments or work. I grabbed my trombone, her name was Blair (terrible pun I know), and proceeded to go through the steps to clean her like I did before ever time I played. After cleaning her I blew a few long notes to warm up and then started to play a couple pieces I had picked from my memory.

My mind began to drift as I let my muscle memory take over and I got to enjoy the sensation of playing. After an hour or two of play I put Blair away and picked up my jacket before leaving to head to the castle. It was pretty chilly since it was autumn in Equestria.

On my walk to the castle I walked by several ponies that gave me stares, nothing malicious, just the kind of fascinated stare one gives an animal they hadn’t seen before. I've had this happen almost every time I went out of my apartment. Now I only had one main problem with this was... it wasn’t like humans were new.

Even before the Portal Event occurred there were humans in Equestria. Now let me help you understand, if you asked what a human was five years ago in Equestria, Ponies would look at you like you’d lost your mind. However, around three years ago the first human appeared on Equis. He was taken from Earth by an inter-dimensional tear in space-time and dumped in Equis, somewhere in the western part of Equestria. Over the next two years more humans started to appear until the Portal Event finally took place. Now while some people that were dumped in Equestria were overjoyed when the portals appeared and went back to earth to enjoy their old lives, others were content to just stay in Equestria because of the new lives they had built. Most of these people were those that had ended up falling in love with a pony and had made a life together. Not to say they didn’t come back to Earth briefly to reunite with loved ones and family to let them know they were alive, since most were thought to be dead after missing for so long.

Now while that is said, human’s didn’t just appear in Equestria in mass. The number of humans in Equestria at the time of the Portal Event was only somewhere around forty people, and only maybe half that decided to permanently return to Earth. I had made a few friend while in Equestria, besides Vinyl, I had met Mark, who is the assistant and boy/coltfriend to Spitfire and Fleetfoot of the Wonder Bolts. A small, elite group of fliers I would say resemble the Blue Angels. Spitfire was one of their captains, with Fleetfoot as her wingpony. Then there was Chris. He lived in Ponyville with his two marefriends Lyra Heartstrings and Sweetie Drops, or Bon Bon as she liked to be called. Chris was a kind, funny individual, and a great cook. Lyra's that kind of crazy friend that everyone gets along with, but no one knows why. Bon Bon being the contrast to her friend and herdmate as she is sweet, kind, and normally calm in demeanor.

You might be asking, what’s a herdmate? That question is totally justified. You see, in Equestria the gender ratio is severely lopsided at around four mares to one stallion. This being the case, polygamous relationships were a legal and common occurrence. While there were plenty of those who still chose monogamous relationships in Equestria, it was also not uncommon to see two or more mares with one stallion, or guys in the case of my friends, in what is called a herd.

Sadly because of Mark’s busy schedule, and Chris living a while away in a small town called Ponyville, I rarely got to see them. Especially since I now have a job as well. Though I still see Mark from time to time because of my trips to the castle. Speaking of which, I now stood directly outside said castle. The guards recognized me and nodded as I passed through. I could never tell any of the royal guards apart, they all had coats of either white or grey and their manes and cutie marks were hidden by their armor. Which I also found out was enchanted so that they all had white coats in the case of unicorns and grey coats for pegasi. I’d never seen an earth pony guard now that I thought about of it.

Oh yeah, have I not explained cutie marks? Well apparently when a pony figures out what their special talent is in life, a tattoo magically appears on part of their body, commonly their flank. Since ponies usually don’t flaunt their rears in public, they commonly wear their cutie mark on some part of their clothing or jewelry so people can see. I still found it funny when I heard Mark wore clothes with his marefriends’ cutie marks on them. I remember reading in an old Equestrian history book that wearing another's cutie mark was a sign that you were their possession. Though Mark didn’t know that at the time. I swear the guy turned so red when I told him I thought his head was going to explode. Though even after he still wore those clothes proudly, and I must say they did look good on him.

I went to Luna’s personal chambers like I usually did when meeting her. Outside her door stood two thestrals, or bat ponies if you like. They looked like normal pegasi except for three facts: bat wings, fangs, and silted eyes. I liked them well enough, Luna’s guards weren’t as stoic as the normal day guards. Meaning I could have an actual conversation with them.

“Sup Blaze, Fin, how’s it going?” I said before giving each guard a fist bump.

“Not much, the day time is usual pretty boring.” Blaze responded.

“Yeah, you need to stop by more often man, we need the excitement.” Fin added.

Unlike Celestia’s guards, Luna’s didn’t wear enchanted armor so each one looked unique. Blaze had a black coat with a short, wild crimson colored mane and tail, not to mention blood red eyes. Fin was actually Blaze’s brother and had the same black coat. The difference was his mane and eyes, Fin had a dark blue and purple mane and tail with yellow eyes. In truth I thought they looked pretty bad ass in their dark blue night guard armor, and I would doubt I could find anyone willing to fight these guys unless they were drunk, even then I think it would still be tough to find someone so stupid.

I smirked at their remarks as I walked into Luna’s chambers to find her sitting on her massive bed, which could easily hold six or more people comfortably, playing a 3DS. She was so concentrated on the game she didn’t notice I came in. I decide to not say anything and slowly made my way around her room until I was behind her. As I got closer I tried to make as little sound as possible in hopes of pranking the princess of the night. Luna always loved a good prank, receiving and giving. So as I got right next to her ear I whispered.

“Oh yeah baby, mash those buttons.” In as sexy a voice as I could manage.

Luna leaped up in surprise with a small shriek before spinning around and pouting, which in my mind, made her look impossibly cute.

“Andrew, what have We said about announcing yourself when you arrive!” Luna said before her glare into a sly smile. “You know I will get you back for that. Though I suppose I’ll have to wait until after your date.”

Oh boy, what have I started? Wait did she say date!? “Luna for the last time, it’s not a date! You should know better than anypony that I’m not ready to try that again. At least not yet.” I said, the final words coming out barely above a whisper.

Luna turned around and embraced me in a hug before replying. “We apologize, that was cruel of Us. Shall we get started with your therapy?” Luna asked, releasing me from the hug. I gave a nod in reply.

Luna’s therapy sections were not typical to what a human psychologist would think to do. Luna’s method involved putting me to sleep and running me through increasing levels of nightmares. She would always be by my side in the dream in case the nightmare was ever too much. She would guide me through each nightmare so I could find ways to distinguish them from reality and break the nightmare from within my mind. This would often go on for a couple hours until Luna thought I could try to handle one by myself, but as soon as she would leave I would often break down and Luna would be forced to break the spell and awaken me. Every time I would wake up in Luna’s arms, as she whispered gentle words to bring me out of my panic attack. I had gotten better from when I started lasting longer each time, but I had yet to successfully make it through even one nightmare.

“That’s enough for today Luna.” I said as I sat up from her embrace. She looked at me with concern then nodded. “I’ll be back next week… and Lulu, don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” I said, giving her a smile.

Luna just looked at me critically before her eyes soften and she replied, “We know you will. Just don’t a stranger, understood?” I nodded and proceed to leave. I threw back one final smile before exiting the princess’ chambers. Nodding to Blaze and Fin as I left.

“Come back soon bud.” “Yeah, we need the company.” Blaze and Fin called out before I was about to round a corner to head to the front gate.

“Ah, come on you have each other.” I shout back, causing an outbreak of complaining about how one’s an idiot and the other bickers that it's him, and then back and forth as siblings often do. I just chuckled as I rounded the corner. I looked down at the watch I had on and noticed the time read 4:35. Shit! I’m going to be late for meeting Vinyl! I though before breaking into a run as I weaved through the halls of the castle. I sprinted past a guy walking through the halls as I made my way as fast as I could back to my apartment.

“Hey! Watch it!” He shouted after me.

I craned my neck back as far as I could as I ran and shouted back, “Sorry Ryan, kind of in a hurry!”

Know you might be wondering, and yes. This is my childhood friend that had been in my dream. Ryan had very short red hair and stood around 5’ 11”. Now this might seem pretty normal, except for the fact that just two years ago, Ryan went missing and was pronounced dead. Now this was because around two years ago, Ryan had disappeared in a car crash. I remember because he crashed while coming to see me. It had been a stupid reason, I don’t even remember what it was. All I remember was it was the middle of the night, I called him up and asked him to come over. On his drive over he had blown a tire and driven off a bridge. His body was never found. Let’s just say that I was surprised when I saw him walking through the castle halls with Princess Celestia by his side. I think I fainted at the time, but I later found out he had somehow been transported to Equestria where he was nursed back to health and had actually managed to get into a relationship with Celestia of all ponies. I was overjoyed when I got my friend back, I often drop by his office at the barracks he works at, as a Lieutenant in the Equestrian Legion.

But that’s beside the point right now. Right now I had to make it back home so I could meet Vinyl! I didn’t want to leave her hanging like last time. Man, you wouldn’t think to be afraid of a 5’ 5” horse girl. Unless said horse girl didn’t have magic! That being the case I made it an honest goal to not make her angry.

Are you familiar with Murphy’s Law? Well it was strong with me today. As I rounded the final corner to reach my apartment I was met with an angry Vinyl Scratch as she was storming away from said apartment. Now as I saw her my boot met with a nice puddle of water, and I proceeded to slip and crash directly into Vinyl, who as a result came crashing down on top of me with her horn nearly impaling me in the chest.

“Ouch! Watch where you’re going… Andrew?” Vinyl trailed off, as she lay on top of me staring me in the face.

“Ow~, hey Vinyl. Sorry I’m late, my appointment went long.” I groaned as Vinyl pushed herself up then helped me as well. All signs of her anger gone.

“Oh, well then. Let’s head to dinner.” She said before grabbing my hand and started dragging me through the streets of Canterlot. I hated being dragged along like a little puppy, but I knew Vinyl was too impatient to walk at my normal leisurely speed. So I just bared with it and let her drag me where she wanted. We ended up at a bar called “Clover’s Bar”. I had heard about this bar from Mark, apparently Spitfire knew the owner and they went here quite often. Vinyl heard about because it’s apparently very popular. Vinyl got us inside quickly thanks to her status as a celebrity. She didn’t like to wave it around much, but she did really love it when it got her into a good bar. We got seated and ordered a couple drinks to start us off with before Vinyl finally spoke.

“Hey, sorry about earlier. I thought you had given me the wrong time so you could get out of meeting me.” She said slightly downtrodden.

“Why are you apologizing?” I asked, her ears perking up to listen. “I’m the one who said I’d be back by 3:00. Not your fault I’m terrible about keeping track of time." This got her to brighten up as she laughed.

"Yeah that right! Where the hell were you? It's not like you to be late." Vinyl said, as our drinks arrived. Which she immediately slammed back. If there was only one thing about ponies I would never understand, it was why they were such heavy drinkers besides the fact most couldn't handle alcohol at all. Vinyl was no exception, as a blush had already appeared through her fur after downing her drink.

"Well I'm sorry I have mind numbing nightmares that I need the help of a princess for." I replied, knowing Vinyl had already started ignoring me and would doubtfully remember anything I said. Another drink had already been brought out and Vinyl made quick work of it, though this one a little slower than the first. "It doesn't help that I have to go out drinking with a hot mare who won't even remember what happens." I muttered to myself.

"Ah, relax. I'm only joking is all." Vinyl slurred out, tapping me in the arm. I would say hit, but she didn't have the strength to manage that. "Can I help it, I like it when you get all defensive."

I blush at the comment. I liked Vinyl, and these were the only times I could talk to her without having to hide it. She'd just forget everything when she woke up with a hangover tomorrow anyway. "I wish you wouldn't get so drunk Vinyl. It's a pain in the ass having to drag you back to your place."

"Well then, how about you take me back to your place~." Vinyl said with a smirk, her blush from the alcohol more apparent as she leaned closer.

"Don't start that again. Only God knows what you'd assume when you get sober if I actually let that happen." I tried to defend myself from the drunk mare as she scooted closer.

"Andy~, you're so mean~." Vinyl whined as she slumped onto my arm, her head nuzzling into my shoulder.

"Vinyl. Get off." I snap in a low tone. Vinyl looked up at me as if to ask what she did wrong. I had only one particular trigger, people calling me Andy. Memories of my past would flood my mind at the word and I would snap. I'd gotten better about it since being around Vinyl, the first time she called me that I nearly slapped her out of reflex. Thankfully she hadn't been drunk at that point and stopped me with her magic. I explained afterwards and she forgave me, though she still accidentally lets it slip when she gets drunk sometimes. I looked into her eyes as they started to tear up slightly, to which I responded with a sigh. "Hhh, I'm sorry I snapped at you. You know not to call me that name." I chastised her. Upon hearing this she perked up, smiled, and laid her head back on my shoulder.

"Ah~, I knew you couldn't stay mad at me" Vinyl teased, nuzzling me again. She wasn't wrong, even with all the crazy shit I'd had to deal with because of her I never remember actually staying mad at Vinyl more than a few minutes. She just had a calming effect on me that no one had been able to mimic before I met Vinyl.
Our food arrived after our chat and after when we finished we walked out of the bar to meet a storm of icy rain.

"Damn it, forgot that was scheduled for today. How am I supposed to get you home and stay dry?" I moaned. Vinyl's horn started to glow a bright blue, I looked up to see her form a shield we could use as an umbrella through the rain. "Well I must say, magic does come in handy, but that doesn't change the fact that I know you don't have an umbrella at your apartment. How am I supposed to get home? You know I hate the rain, and there's no way I'm taking you back to my place." I said, as I looked down at her.

Vinyl just linked arms with mine before replying. "Well then, just stay over at my place. You know I have the room." Vinyl said in as sultry a voice as she could manage in her drunken state. Which ended up slurring her sentence to the point no normal person could make out what she said. Unfortunately, I had been around Vinyl to get the gist of what she was implying.

"Does that mean I have your promise that you won't do anything?" I asked, before we started our walk towards her apartment.

"I pinkie promise!" Vinyl declared, doing a few gestures. I shuttered as I remembered the energetic pink ball of joy I met on one of my visits to Ponyville. Pinkie Pie, along with the other Elements of Harmony, was one of the nicest ponies I'd ever met. That does negate the traumatic horror I had to endure when I met the exuberant party pony for the first time. I dare not try and recreate that horror with words, for consideration of your sanity.

"Fine then. I'll stay at your place for tonight, but I'm leaving first thing in the morning, whether or not you're up." I conceded. Vinyl just squeezed my arm tighter as we walked in the rain, shielded by her magic. Surprising, since most magic required a good amount of concentration. Guess this spell isn't that difficult.

We got to Vinyl's apartment fairly quickly. I opened the door to find clothes strewn around her apartment with several empty things of instant noodles on the floor. I groaned as I navigated my way through the chaos with Vinyl on my back, as she had gotten tried on our walk back, so I was forced to carry her. As I got to her room I saw it was in much better condition than the rest of her apartment. There was her trusty turntable on top of one of her dressers and a couple of pictures on her nightstand. One was of me and her in front of our bar after we had gotten done with our shift one night, the other was of Vinyl and a friend I didn't recognize. She was an earth pony who had a dark grey coat and even darker mane, she was wearing a classy black dress and a pink bow tie. However the thing that hit me the most was her bright purple eyes. Now I had seen ponies with purple eyes before, Celestia for example had purple eyes, but something about these eyes where special. I couldn't think of a word to describe the pony in the photo except for 'beautiful'. I set Vinyl down on her bed and tucked her in before I made my way over to her guess room. Without even turning on the lights I flopped down on the guest bed and proceeded to fall asleep. It had been a long day and all my mind could say was 'sleep', so I listened. I would never have thought to stay in a girl's apartment, especially one home to a pony like Vinyl. Just goes to show, you never know who will be a friend until you give them a chance. I was just glad gave one to Vinyl. Maybe one day she could finally pull me out of my shell and I could truly consider this home, not that I didn't like Equestria. It just didn't feel like home, nowhere did, at least... not at the moment. Oh well, a problem for another time. I thought to myself. I can worry about finding a home later. For now, just need to focus on my new life.

Author's Note

Yay, rewrite is done!

Sup everyone, Lyruil here.

I'm currently looking for an editor to help out and try to make this story a better experience for everyone. So if anyone is interested send me a PM and let me know. I would like to make this story as good as I can manage, but I worry I'll lose interest if I'm too careless in how I write. So that being said, if you want to help me out or have any idea you think I should consider, let me know.

With that, hope you enjoyed and I'll see you next time.