Atchmon followed behind the others as they exited the lobby to mill around outside the hospital, mostly keeping to himself and only half-listening to the conversation between Starlight Glimmer and Rarity's family.

They were giving Starlight their thanks for her part in locating and retrieving Rarity, when they asked where and how she and Twilight Sparkle managed to find her.

He saw the little filly casting looks his way, which he tried to avoid and pretend not to notice.

"Hey everypony," Rainbow Dash addressed everyone. "I'm gonna fly back to my house real quick and get a shower; I reek," she took a sniff of her jacket and flinched. "Yeah... It was nice seeing you again Mr. Flank, and you too Mrs. Crumbles."

"Thank you for all your effort, Rainbow Dash; Rarity is so lucky to have such a dedicated friend like you," praised Hondo, while his wife nodded with a thankful smile.

Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head and chuckled. "It was nothing, really, I'm just glad she's back and in one piece, I'll see you all back at Rarity's." She took to the air and waved goodbye, before heading off towards the horizon.

The group watched her go until the steady beat of her wings grew too distant to hear.

"Wow, she must really be exhausted," Starlight Glimmer commented. "That's got to be the slowest take off I've ever seen her do."

Rarity's parents mumbled and nodded in agreement.

"So are you from around here, Atchmon?" Cookie Crumbles asked.

Atchmon was shocked to his full attention at the question; not expecting anyone to speak to him and only half paying attention. "Huh? Uh, I-I'm from..." He started to say before noticing Starlight Glimmer.

Her interest spiked as well from the way she was listening intently to his conversation with Rarity's mom.

"America?" He blurted trying to recover from his pause.

Hondo hummed to himself while tapping his chin in thought. "A-mare-ica, huh, hmmm, I'm pretty sure I've heard of it."

"Must be one of those new Earth Pony settlements, hun. Seems like they pop up every year, like Appleloosa. Most of the development going on near Twilight's Castle here in Ponyville is being done by Unicorn crews from Canterlot. They can't even finish a few posh houses before the Earthies build a whole new town." She explained.

It felt good to talk to these new ponies, Atchmon could feel himself opening up and coming out of his shell. He tried to think of everything Rarity told him about her parents, but there wasn't much to go off from there. Other than the one thing that stood out to him.

"So-uh, Rarity said you two won a lottery, or somethin'?" He asked.

"Oh, haha," Rarity's mom giggled. "That's just a little family joke; tell him honey." She addressed Hondo.

"After our daughter became an Element bearer and then a genuine Hero of Equestria, I started joking about how my wife and I 'hit the lottery' with her," Hondo chuckled proudly.

Cookie Crumbles cut in. "And after Rare-bear's career in the fashion industry took off, we joked about it more and more until it sorta took off and became another small town rumor." She tittered.

Atchmon snickered at the name Rarity's mother called her. 'I can't wait to tease her about that later.'

Sweetie Belle's hackles rose. She didn't like how this strange stallion was getting friendly with her parents. Rarity was already under his spell, and she was not about to let them be fooled too.

Not until she was sure he was the right one for her big sister!

Sweetie Belle inserted herself between the talking trio, with a big creepy toothy smile on her face. "Greeeaat, that's great, it's sooo good to see you all getting along so well. Hey, I have just a few questions, you could answer for me," she sucked in a breath. "Who are you exactly, what were you doing in the Everfree Forest, when did you move to Ponyville, where exactly is 'Amareica', how did you find my sister, and why is she all bandaged up, and you're not!?" She gasped out of breath at the end, forcing the last question out at him in a squeaky voice.

Atchmon shrank back and grit his teeth nervously at the little filly's barrage of questions. "Uh-" he hesitated, as thoughts of lies and mistruths rushed to the forefront of his mind.

What would they think if he just told them the truth?

Sweetie Belle waited sternly for him to answer with a suspicious look in her eyes.

"Sweetie Florentine Belle!" her mother chastised.

The little filly's ears wilted at the sound every child dreaded to hear from their mother.

The sound of her full name.

"But I- He's not-" the teenaged filly stammered, gaining more disapproving looks from her mother, then looked to her father for support.

"I believe you owe this nice young stallion an apology," said Hondo coolly.

Sweetie couldn't meet Atchmon's eyes. "I'm sorry," she mumbled reluctantly.

Starlight inserted herself into the conversation. "Why don't we wait to hear his side of the story until after we get everypony together; does that sound good?" Starlight asked, directing the question more at Atchmon.

Atchmon nodded his head, looking uncomfortable. It wasn't lost on him that she wanted answers too.

Everypony stood around awkwardly for awhile.

Atchmon wanted to say something to ease the tension, more for his own sake, but nothing came to mind, until he noticed movement behind the family, and was stunned silent as he stared wide eyed at the creature approaching their group.

It looked distinctly reptilian with long claws and a purple scaled hide, the green spikes above its head waved like a roosters comb in the wind, and ran all along its back and crocodilian-like tail, which was tipped in a matching green flourish.

The predator was coming right at them, and... waving for attention?

"Starlight, hey Starlight!" Spiked called to the group.

Atchmon kept his hooves firmly planted on the ground despite his stallion instincts screaming at him to rear up and drive the predator away from the mares. His human curiosity and thrill of the unknown kept him anchored as he waited for the scene to play out.

The purple drake doubled over gasping.

"Spike!" Starlight cantered over to his side.

"I ran over here as fast as I could, after I figured out what Twilight said after she teleported back to the castle," He gasped.

"What did she say to you?" Starlight asked while rubbing the drake's back, helping him.

"Hayburger, Bits, friends, hospital, alien, Rarity... that's literally all she said," he huffed between words. "But, you know, she 'panicked' it all out." He explained.

"No wonder it took you so long to get here, she couldn't be bothered to bring you along too." Starlight stated, looking miffed at Twilight's infamous inconsideration towards her 'number one' assistant.

"Eh, I'm used to it from her," Spike said, giving a nonchalant wave of his clawed hand, having finally caught his breath. "So is Rarity okay; can we see her?"

"We're waiting on her to be discharged as we speak," Starlight explained.

"Oh..." Spike said distantly, having noticed Rarity's family; more specifically the teenaged filly that was with them. "Hey... Sweetie Belle..." He greeted hesitantly.

Hondo did a double take between his daughter and the drake. "Aren't ya gonna say hello to your friend there, Sweetie?" he asked, oblivious to the tension between them.

"Hi Spike," Sweetie Belle said curtly, while trying to place herself behind her mother. Avoiding the dragon's looks.

Spike flinched at her shortness, before his gaze shifted over to the stranger that was with the group. He didn't recognize the stallion, but the newcomer obviously wasn't used to being around dragons, judging by how he was staring with his mouth agape.

Spike was used to fearful, or panicked looks from other ponies who weren't his close friends, or ones who knew him well; but the strange stallion wasn't giving him one of those kinds of looks. It was more like the look Fluttershy gave him when he first met her.

"Uh, can we help you?" Spike asked the stallion, hiding his irritation.

Atchmon barked a giddy laugh. "Sorry, never met a dragon before," he reached forward, offering a hoof shake. "I'm Atchmon." He greeted, smiling toothily in excitement.

"Uh, Spike?" he greeted back in confusion, shaking his hoof while looking to the others for an explanation as to why this stranger was here with them.

Atchmon frowned as he stared at his hoof while the dragon's claws wrapped around it, forgetting for a moment he didn't have fingers anymore, but smiled toothily as the drake shook his fetlock. He tried to return the gesture to the best of his ability. 'Gosh it feels weird shaking hands with your wrists'. He thought. "So can you, like, breathe fire?" He asked, caught up in his excitement.

Spike snorted out a puff of smoke, looking annoyed. He just ran a few miles across town to see if a dear friend of his--who he hasn't seen in little over a month--is okay; and this random guy wants to get friendly with him by asking silly questions?

Starlight stepped in to save Atchmon from the dragon's ire. "Spike, this is Atchmon, he's the one who's been with Rarity for the last month, and helped bring her into the hospital." She said while choosing her words carefully, learning her mistake from last time. But unknowingly still failed regardless.

Spike prickled at the words 'been with' and did a double take between Starlight and the new stallion. Spike was there when Rarity was teleported into the castle when Twilight and Starlight cast the spell to bring her back. She looked and smelled awful, but this stallion didn't have a scratch on him. He could still hear Rarity's pleading screams to be sent back into the Forest still fresh in his memory, further driving his worry.

Something wasn't adding up.

Atchmon frowned and pulled away, knowing he messed up somehow, judging by the narrowed looks the cat-eyed dragon was giving him.

"Spikey dear, are you doing alright, we don't see you around the boutique anymore?" Cookie Crumbles asked.

"That's right, you were helping us sew new clothes every moment you could spare," commented Hondo. "Did something change?"

"I'm sure he was just busy assisting Princess Twilight with finding Rarity, dad." Sweetie Belle said curtly, still hiding behind her parents.

"Y-yeah, that's what it was," agreed Spike.

Cookie Crumbles sighed. "All of you never took a moment's rest to help our Rarity, I hope you all take some time to rest up and enjoy being in each others company now that this whole travesty is over."

Sweetie Belle laid her ears back.

"Yeah, you bet, I can't wait to see her," said Spike. "When do you think she'll be out?"

"It'll be a few minutes; we haven't been waiting long," answered Starlight.

"Sweetie, is everything alright?" her mom asked, noticing her attitude.

"Everything's fine, mom," She groaned.

"You don't seem fine, honey," said Hondo.

"I am!" She exacerbated.

Cookie Crumbled knitted her brows in concern. "Why are you being so short with everypony today?"

"I'm not!" Sweetie shook her head defensively.

*Pop!*

"Twilight!" Starlight called after the appearance of the purple Princess.

"Oh come on, I did it outside the hospital this time!" Twilight Sparkle groaned.

"That's not it," she waved her down. "Come down here, I need to talk to you." She said while walking away from the arguing family and their teen filly.

"What's going on?" asked Twilight Sparkle.

"We're waiting for Rarity out here, plus I wanted to get away from the parental fallout," whispered Starlight while gesturing a nod to the group behind her.

Atchmon took a step back and assessed the situation. The parents were trying to crack their daughter's emotional defenses, he clearly didn't make a good first impression on the dragon, and the two purple Unicorns seemed to have forgotten him and were talking with each other.

Okay, there was more going on than he was comfortable with, and there was a nice comfortable-looking park bench with his name on it that was nice and far away from all this noise.

"Yeah..." Atchmon nodded, trying to hide his nervousness. "I'm-um, gonna go wait over there," he mumbled lowly, thinking it would be better than making a bigger fool of himself than he probably already did. At least this would give the family room to discipline their daughter.

He sat down by letting his flank fall into the seat, before adjusting to get more comfortable, and waited for Rarity to be discharged.

At least there were other ponies in the distance to watch and keep himself entertained.

Twilight watched as the stallion took a seat on the hospital's park bench, while Rarity's family were talking to their daughter with Spike nervously rubbing his head nearby.

She leaned closer to Starlight, and spoke keeping her voice low so others wouldn't hear. "Did the Doctor find anything out about him?" she asked.

Starlight didn't keep her voice quite as low. "No, nothing; he's perfectly normal."

Twilight looked at her incredulously.

"Well, you know, our kind of 'normal'," Starlight corrected.

"And how has he been acting?" Twilight asked.

Starlight shrugged and sighed. "So far he's been mostly shy and quiet, he was more talkative when it was just the two of us."

Twilight bit her lip. "Were you able to find out anything about him? Has he said anything?"

"All I know so far is that he's from a place called 'Amareica'," she answered back.

Twilight scoffed. "Ridiculous, what kind of name is that?"

"Could be a city, a town, a country of origin, or a whole world for all we know." Starlight offered. "Why are you being so cautious?" she asked.

Twilight whispered harshly. "You should know what kind of danger he poses; to not only himself but Equestria as well!".

"I'm not following," Starlight replied laconically.

Twilight groaned. "Haven't you heard the history of the Eohippus?"

"History was never my strong suit," said Starlight sheepishly.

"Well, long story short, over a thousand years ago when ponies first settled into Equestria, there was already an indigenous group of Equine already living here; they went extinct in just a few generations because they completely lacked immunities to common diseases the first Equestrians brought with them as they settled and traded with the populace. The few survivors were eventually bred out of existence."

"A new plague and possible extinction of the pony race, gotcha," nodded Starlight. "But if that were the case, shouldn't Rarity have caught something long before now?"

Twilight thought for a moment. "You might have a point there."

"You don't think he could be from..." Starlight started pointing a hoof upwards towards the stars.

Twilight scoffed. "Starlight be reasonable, it's more likely he came from the other side of the world, which is likely where 'Amareica' is too." She shook her head in disbelief that her number one and only student believed in Little Green ponies with antenna and a fetish for probing plots.

"That's assuming Equus actually is round and not flat and riding on the back of a giant turtle," Starlight Glimmer teased, gaining a facehoof from her mentor.

Great, she was a 'Flat Equuser' too!

"Tortoise," Twilight corrected her just to tease back.

"Oh so you do believe!" Starlight said in mock shock.

"What!? No, I wasn't trying to imply that-" Twilight tried to defend herself, before somepony cleared her throat to get their attention.

"Mm-hmm, I hope I'm not interrupting," said Rarity as she was wheeled outside the hospital by one of the nurses along with Doctor Scope.

Everypony and dragon immediately stopped what they were doing and stared at Rarity's green-tinted coat.

"Goodness everypony, couldn't you at least pretend it isn't that bad?" she pouted, looking self conscience.

All at once everyone spoke over each other trying to make her feel better.

"It's not that bad." Said Sweetie Belle.

"You're as beautiful as ever, Rarity!" Said Spike.

Sweetie shot him a look, then looked away indignantly.

Spike noticed and winced.

Rarity was too preoccupied to notice the tension between the two teens. "Thank you everypony," she looked passed the others at the bay stallion sitting alone on the park bench. Her brows knitted in concern.

Rarity got out of her wheelchair. "I'm going to go talk to him, thank you again, Doctor; for all your help."

Spike offered her a welcoming hug, which she accepted. "I'm glad to see you're okay Rarity," he said excitedly while embracing the mare.

"Yes, it's good to see you again too, Spikey," Rarity said more autonomously.

Spike frown and deflated at the generic response he got from Rarity, as she continued on towards the park bench.

Sweetie Belle couldn't muster up the enthusiasm to smile at the rejection. Mostly she felt disappointed in Spike that he continued to strive for Rarity's affection despite his continued unrequited love.

Spike looked longingly as Rarity spoke to the stranger, then clenched his fist in jealousy as she sat next to him.

Twilight waited until Rarity sat on the bench next to the stallion, and took a nervous shuddering breath. "Do you have the blood work for the stall- for Atchmon?" she asked the Doctor.

Doc Scope adjusted his glasses while opening a folder with his magic. "Yes, Princess; Atchmon is blood type KT, his blood cell count looks good, we did find some unusual anibodies for pox diseases that don't normally affect ponies, and other than having an absurdly high iron and cholesterol content, he's fairly healthy, though he needs to gain some weight; have him take it easy on the spinach and egg omelets and increase his grains, and he should be fine." He commented.

"What about his temperament, anything unusual?" She asked.

"Nothing out of the ordinary that I don't normally get from my patients. He did get a little huffy with me when I used the Estrus Flask during the physical, but that's to be expected, however rarely. Other than that, I don't see anything unusual here..." he paused to check his notes. "I hope this helped, Princess; will that be all?"

Twilight chewed her lip as she thought. "Yes, Doctor, thank you for all your help; send the bill to the Royal Treasury's office, and I'll have it taken care of."

Doctor Stethoscope and his nurse gave the Princess a bow, before retreating back into the hospital.

Starlight looked at her expectantly. "Satisfied?" she asked.

"Not really," Twilight sighed, watching as Atchmon placed a hoof around Rarity's shoulder. "But I'll relax and leave them alone for now; at least until I can be sure Rarity isn't suffering from some extreme case of Stockhoof Syndrome. I still want to speak with him myself."

Starlight shook her head and rolled her eyes, before giving her an easy smile. "They seem really happy together," she commented as they watched the couple laughing together for reasons only known to them. "I wonder how the other girls will take this?" Starlight said curiously.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.

"Rarity has a new guy in her life, things probably won't be the same anymore," Starlight gave her a sympathetic smile.

Twilight pishawed. "Pshhh no, I'm sure everything will go back to normal in a few days," she chuckled nervously, before watching the couple again with a worried look of dread. "Besides you saw what he was before, Rarity wouldn't really court a creature like that." She laughed nervously at her half-truth.

Rarity always batted her eyes at any creature she found attractive. Whether it was their charisma, success, or plain handsomeness. But she knew Rarity never took it beyond innocent flirting.

Starlight looked at her sceptically. "I know you don't handle change very well, but just remember the 'Mare's Code of Honor'," she said mischievously.

Twilight scoffed. "I do so handle change well, just not when it's sudden and unexpected," she said with an air of dignity. "Also the 'Mare's Code'?" She questioned in confusion.

"Fillies before willies, Twilight," she nodded sagely.

Twilight's face dropped, braying like a donkey. "Starlight that's so- so- lewd!" she shook her head, trying to shake the mental image out.

Starlight snickered trying to hold in her laughter at successfully frazzling her mentor.

Twilight and the others approached the couple sitting on the park bench.

Atchmon's left ear swiveled back in their direction and separated himself from Rarity. Both out of fear of her friends ire and out of respect for her parents.

"Are you ready to head home, Rarity?" Twilight asked.

"Any word from the others?" She asked curiously, while getting up from the bench.

"They'll be along shortly," Twilight hinted.

"Pinkie Pie?" Rarity asked knowingly.

Twilight looked away coyly. "I'm not supposed to say."

"Then say no more," Rarity winked.

Atchmon cocked his head in confusion at the exchange.

"Would you like for us to teleport you home, we can get you all there a lot quicker," offered Starlight.

Everypony looked at her as if she were kidding, only Atchmon seemed interested in taking her offer.

"How about a nice, relaxing pony-cart ride instead," Rarity suggested in her graceful 'that's a terrible idea' way.

Starlight winced and smiled sheepishly. "Ooh, right; probably not a great idea since we just got you back."

Rarity took and patted Starlight's hoof. "Don't let it get you down, dear, I do appreciate the offer."

Spike ran to hail a couple pony carts that were setting up to take hospital visitors back into town. "Hey everypony, I got us a ride."

"Oh thank you, Spikey, would you be a dear and grab my things, I left them by the entrance," Rarity asked.

"Sure," Spike chirped and rushed to pick up her hospital baggy, but when he turned to run back, Atchmon was already helping Rarity into the cart; which made Spike's face burn red in jealous fury.

"Why thank you Atchmon," Rarity curtsied, and managed to seat herself while holding onto Atchmon's hoof without losing her stride, even on three legs.

"Would you like some help too, Rarity's mom?" Atchmon offered, tittering the mature mare.

"Such a gentlestallion, and please, call me Cookie," the plush pink mare took his offered hoof and seated herself as well.

Atchmon looked lost when he turned to Rarity's father. "Uh..." He was about to look at Rarity for help, being unfamiliar with the protocol and mannerisms when it came to other men, stallions.... guys.

"Go ahead, champ, best not to keep the ladies waiting," Hondo said, giving Atchmon an encouraging pat on the withers.

It wasn't much different from hauling himself over a raised ledge. You just have to plant your hands, jump up, and while your weight shifted forward, tuck your legs in and find purchase with your feet.

Luckily the carriage offered the convenience of a small step ladder, so it wasn't much of a hassle to get in for the human-pony. Though he did stumble his back hoof trying to plant a back hoof on the step and missing his mark.

Once settled in, the carriage was filled to capacity. The four adult ponies faced each other with two on each side, all sitting on cushion seats.

"Sweetie, why don't you ride with Spike and the others." Rarity suggested.

Sweetie looked at the dragon standing by the other cart avoiding her gaze. She fought to hide her sneer. "But I wanted to ride with you." She complained.

"Oh, I can-" Atchmon started to get up, before Rarity's hoof-blocked him.

"Nonsense, you're my guest, and I won't have it any other way." Said Rarity.

Sweetie Belle's snout scrunched as she tried to hold in her attitude, then reluctantly going to the other cart, shifting away to avoid Spike's offered to help, then sat herself down hard with a indignant huff.

Twilight and Starlight Glimmer exchanged looks after the filly's display of attitude.

"Welp, this is your expertise, Princess; I'm going to see if Pinkie Pie needs any help, bye!" Starlight Glimmer chirped before disappearing in a burst of blue sparks, a pleasant chime of magic resonating in her wake.

Twilight scoffed and shook her head, then put on a look of concern as she approached Spike and spoke low so only he could hear.

"I don't know what's going on between you two, but you should really talk things over with each other," she said, nodding to the cart.

"I know, but she doesn't let me," Spike sighed in defeat.

"Do you want me to talk to her?" Twilight asked.

"No! I mean, I can fix this; just gotta figure out a way how," said Spike, giving her a ghost of a smile.

"Okay, if you're sure, I'll see you at Rarity's," Twilight Sparkle said her goodbyes to Rarity's family, and teleported off.

Spike's friendship with Sweetie Belle was damaged, probably beyond repair, and now Rarity--the love of his life--had eyes for another stallion. Something told Spike there was something different this time. It wasn't some school-filly crush, or passing interest. He followed behind her every second he could spare, ever since he moved with Twilight to Ponyville. He knew Rarity better than she knew herself.

He didn't really want to try, but maybe he can get away with some low-effort interaction just being around Sweetie.

Atchmon and company sat quietly listening to the steady clip-clops of their chauffeur--a stallion who pulled the wagon effortlessly-- while Atchmon's eyes darted over every new detail of the pony town.

Most of the buildings shared the same aesthetics, with timber-framed walls, thatched roofing, and overhanging upper floors. Many were adorned with a heart-shaped weathervane, or flew a yellow standard with two rearing ponies and a pink heart between them.

He saw alleyways with cans of trash, and watched a stallion with a lamp cutie mark climbing up a short ladder to light the street-post for the night as they passed by.

Rarity watched Atchmon with a bemused expression as the curious human-pony took in all the new sights, darting his sight from each new interest to the next.

The town was sparse with many of the residents having retired into their homes for the coming night, but a few were out laughing, drinking cider, and enjoying the Ponyvillian nightlife. Any of Luna's nightly stargazers would be away from the town and it's light pollution.

Rarity watched Atchmon with delightful eagerness at his reactions to her hometown. She bit her lip fighting to hold in her giddiness as he gasped at seeing a pair of Pegasi do a loop-da-loop before landing to join up with a Unicorn friend.

Cookie spoke up, instantly gaining his attention. "So, Atchmon, why don't you tell us about yourself."

Atchmon shared a look with Rarity, seeing her watching him expectantly, letting him decide how much of his previous life to reveal.

"Well, I'm...."

Rarity listened as he told them about his hometown, noting that he avoided saying anything about being a human. She didn't know how to feel about that.

Rarity worried that Atchmon was ashamed of either his past, or present situation. But if she were in his position, how would others feel in the human world if she told them she was a pony in a human body?

She guessed they would think her mad.

Rarity smiled when Atchmon connected with her father about his favorite hobby: fishing.

They talked and laughed a good portion of the journey, sharing their favorite fishing tales.

Both mares had to put a stop to the revels when they started discussing how best to catch, prepare, and cook Craw Daddys, or Mud Bugs as some call them.

Her poor father rarely got to enjoy his hometown bayou food.

Rarity sweated bullets when her mother asked questions about his parentage, which he was happy to answer; but Rarity knew her mother was making sure Atchmon carried strong genes for her future grandfoals.

Her mother seemed pleased he came from a similar background. And Rarity had to intervene when her mother pressed about the passing of Atchmon's late parents.

Rarity already knew the story, but Atchmon was quite open to sharing that part of his past. And told her parents what happened. The pain and hurt she tried to spare him was already healed. A scar was left behind from not dealing with his loss in a healthy way. But maybe she could help it fade.

His mother worked in a factory for over three decades around dangerous things called 'carcinogens'. It eventually caught up to her, and she beat the sickness, but it returned again when Atchmon was born, and she beat it a second time. However, she wasn't so lucky the third time.

His father grew depressed and stopped taking care of himself. Medical bills kept the family perpetually near destitution. But somehow they still made a happy life despite the hardship.

Atchmon said the doctors told him it was a heart attack. But he knew it was instead from a broken heart.

Rarity tuned out the rest of the conversation as she thought about what Atchmon meant to her now. Her eyes aren't really watching the town pass by, while her mind withdrew, thinking of her future with him.

Did she want foals with him? No. Maybe. Definitely not right now.

He was so flawed. Nothing like the perfection she sought from others.

Was that it?

Were those other suitors just not a challenge for her?

He was fun, outgoing, though sometimes a bit rough with physical contact. But she appreciated that it was only because he saw her as a pet in the past, once he explained himself.

Was Atchmon nothing more than a project to her? A thing to be fixed?

And if she were to succeed, and he became what she thought a proper gentlestallion should be; wouldn't she grow bored of him?

Dark thoughts plagued her mind to the point Rarity didn't realize the others had been calling for her attention.

"Oh sorry, what was that?"

"I asked if you wouldn't mind having Atchmon over for dinner sometime?" Said her mother.

"Oh ehhh..." Rarity hesitated, before remembering the time she almost rejected her friends just to make herself look better in front of Canterlot's high-society members; it wouldn't be fair to Atchmon if she did the same to him because of her conflicted feelings. "O-of course not, I'm sure he'd love to," she recovered and cast a smile his way.

"Thank y'all, I would," he smiled back and looked away bashfully at her parents.
Atchmon was surprised by his own words, and the fact he actually meant it. He'd never been invited to anywhere before, though to be honest, in his town's culture no one was invited to anything, anywhere. People who wanted to be there just "showed up" when things were happening.

There was a lull in the conversation, until Atchmon perked up. "Hey, y'all wanna hear the story of when Rarity got chased by a bunch of bees?" He grinned deviously.

Rarity's ears laid back, looking dismayed; and egged the driver to trot faster.

That Teleportation spell was looking much more attractive, and would've been very helpful right about now.

Sweetie Belle rested her chin on a hoof and watched as the town crawled during their pony-cart ride.

This wasn't how she imagined reuniting with her big sister would go. Sour thoughts plagued her mind, as she thought about how Atchmon's mere presence ruined everything. Did Rarity really even miss me? Do I even matter to her? Why am I not happy for Rarity after finding a guy she genuinely likes? Maybe because he's a sister-stealing cretin!'

"Can you believe this?" she scoffed.

"Huh?" Spike's interested piqued.

"I mean, I worked my tail off spreading awareness about Rarity being missing; and she has this- this- guy just shows up out of nowhere!" She exacerbated, throwing her hooves in the air.

"Uh yeah," Spike shifted uncomfortable as the filly had her little tirade.

"Who is this guy? Where did he come from? Why isn't he hurt like Rarity! I mean these are basic questions, ponies!" She squeaked in frustration.

Sweetie Belle huffed in her seat, red in the face before directing her ire to the dragon sitting next to her; who made a habit of avoiding her gaze.

"What do you think of all this? Surely you've got to be frustrated too? I mean, Rarity barely said hi to you, and went to sit next to Hatcha-what's-his-name."

"Yeah, that kinda hurt, but..."

"But not as much as her practically ignoring you?" Sweetie Belle suggested.

Spike nodded in agreement.

Sweetie cast considering glances at the Dragon. "I think we should do something about it." She stated conspiratorially.

Spike's eyes searched for answers. "Like what; what could we possibly do?"

"Didn't you notice anything 'off' about that guy?" she asked.

Spike thought back to his meeting with the stranger. "No?" He shrugged.

"He didn't have a Cutie Mark." Sweetie pointed out.

Spike's attention rose in shock. "That's right, he didn't!"

"And he's old too, well maybe not old-old, but at least Big Mac's age, right?" Sweetie suggested.

"I thought he looks closer to Shining Armor; but yeah, I get what you're saying." Spike nodded.

"We just gotta put him through the ropes, and Rarity will see what a bad choice he is!" She declared.

"Just like Hayseed Turnip-truck, we'll send him packing!" Spike cheered, getting swept up in Sweetie's enthusiasm.

The Dragon and filly locked claws with hoof in a strong bonding agreement; with the common goal of liberating Rarity's heart from the clutches of a talentless-freeloader.

Spike and Sweetie Belle exited the carriage, hearing laughter coming from the other cart; her parents were guffawing at whatever joke Atchmon shared with them, which made both their cheeks heat in jealous fury.

Rarity kept her head lowered and looking crotchety from being the butt of Atchmon's jokes.

Atchmon giggled while finishing up a story. "Then Rarity lifted this huge log over her head and was like 'see, I do so lift-bro'; that's when a slug landed on her nose and she freaked out, running, bucking, and screaming her head off," he gasped laughing, his face red with joy. "I was busy laughing so hard while she ran literal circles around the meadow!" he squeaked at the end, his humor and laughter making him run out of breath, just barely finishing the story. Rarity's parents laughed uproariously. "She was begging me saying: 'it's gross and weird help me, get it off me, geddit off me, geddit off', and it was still on the tip of her nose the whole time!"

Rarity kept her lips sealed tight while enduring the fun at her expense, and hurriedly rushed to get inside her house. The others recovered their breath from the revels, before Rarity's opened the door with Atchmon right behind her.

He admired the unique roundness of her home. It was hard to tell if the carnival-like building was made of tarp just like a circus tent.

Rarity opened her already unlocked front door. Unsurprised, knowing she'd given each of her trusted friends a key to the shop for any reason they'd have need of it.

*BOOM! Fizz!*

"Surprise!"

Atchmon's eyes needed a second to adjust from the burst of color all around the room.

It was amazing!

The room was such a bustle of activity full with ponies of every color, it was impossible to keep track of all the many movements happening around him.

Rarity laughed in delight and went to meet and greet all the towns ponies and friends who came to show her support. Her family filed in behind Atchmon.

Many of the party goers were talking with each other, filling the room with the steady drone of conversation.

Rarity was talking, laughing and hugging, surrounded by loving friends and curious ponies wanting to know where she'd been and what happened during her time away.

It amazed him just how much like people these ponies were.

People...

They're... people...

An oblivious mare bumped into him.

A stallion brushed by too close for comfort.

The noise from the crowd overwhelmed him as their voices melded into a loud droning murmur. Their bodies closed in and surrounded him. He didn't want to be touched. His eyes darted around and saw some were glancing his way. He lowered his head, trying to avoid being noticed.

Some looked like they didn't want him around, but there was nowhere else to go. Atchmon's ears twitched, picking up a conversation. The random party-goers cast glances his way, saying things about a 'cutie-mark' and directing it at him.

What did he do wrong?

"Surprise!" A pink pony shouted in Atchmon's face, sticking a party hat on his head then blowing a loud party whistle that hurt his ears.

Atchmon, in all his situational awareness, couldn't keep track of the pink pony as she bounced around the crowded room speaking miles a minute. Somehow miraculously teleporting from behind furniture, ponies and the giant cake.

Except for Atchmon, who could only focus on her shrill voice over the increasing volume of the other conversations and laughter going on around him.

His chest tightened and felt as though he would suffocate under the weight of social pressure. The walls and ponies were closing in around him, making him feel trapped.

It became harder to breathe.

Rarity, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash all noticed Atchmon's change in demeanor, who all put on looks of concern and confusion.

"Darling, are you alright?" Rarity asked, but her concern was lost in the jumbled mess of background noise. Speaking as if beneath the water.

Pinkie Pie was oblivious to what was going on around her. "And that's why this party was declared 'Welcome back Rarity, Glad You aren't Missing, or Teleported into a Million-Bazillion Pieces, and Grats on Finding a Hot Guy, and also his Welcome to Ponyville part-"

"QUIEEEET!" Atchmon roared with his eyes clenched shut while doubling over, forcing the air out of his lungs.

A record player scratched as the whole crowd gasped at his outburst. The crash of broken ceramic echoed over the room during the prevailing silence as sompony in the background dropped a plate on the floor.

Pinkie stopped and frowned worriedly, wondering what she did wrong.

Atchmon gasped for breath, feeling as though he were being suffocated under the weight of social anxiety, and fought to control his shaking body. He tried his best to mentally block out the crowd's presence, but he could still feel their eyes surrounding him, looking at him, judging him.

When he opened his eyes, he saw every pony in the room was staring at him.

"Wahh-ha-ha," softly cried a foal somewhere in the room.

Atchmon's fight or flight instinct kicked in. He tore the party hat off his head and turned to move for the door, keeping his head low and quickly shuffling passed all the confused and annoyed-looking ponies who he pushed out of the way.

Others watched with wary eyes as the troubled stallion quickly removed himself from the room.

Atchmon reared and kicked at the latch on the door, before shouldering it open with his full weight, causing the door to burst open with the sound of cracking wood against the frame.

Once the stallion was out of sight, Rainbow Dash was the first to break the silence. "Wow, what's his deal? Nopony's ever freaked out at one of Pinkie's parties before; well, except for you Twi."

Twilight Sparkle shot her a vexed look. "Not a good time, Rainbow."

Rarity faced the crowd with a look of worry, before turning and cantering after him.

"Atchmon, are you alright?" Rarity asked in concern; followed closely by her friends. She found him pacing outside, breathing heavily through his nose and exhaling out his mouth.

"Jus' gimme a minute," he huffed breathlessly while shuddering, and took a few deep breaths to calm his frayed nerves. He looked up, seeing a few stars beginning to peak out from the twilight sky. He stared at their twinkling light and lost himself to the comforting void of outer space, swaying his body back and forth; his anxiety melting away.

Pinkie Pie bounced out of Rarity's house. "Hey, what's going on out here? Ooh are we having a block party!?" She asked excitedly, reaching into her hair and pulling out some toy blocks with colored letters painted on the faces.

Her shrill voice brought Atchmon down from his mediation among the cosmos. He turned away from Pinkie, more out of embarrassment of his actions than out of dislike for the hyperactive mare.

He couldn't bring himself to look at any of them. Everyone was silent, waiting on him. He knew what they wanted; waiting on him to make an apology, he could feel their eyes boring into his back. Though Atchmon felt slighted, his wounded pride and embarrassment prevented him from mustering up the courage to apologize for his outburst.

He mentally berated himself, just waiting to get yelled at.

What kind of man acts like that?

Atchmon took a breath, and sighed. "Sorry, ya'll... Guess I freaked out a lil'," he scoffed a nervous laugh.

"A little?" Rainbow Dash questioned sarcastically with a raised eyebrow while hovering above them.

Rarity rebuked her friend. "Rainbow Dash that isn't nice."

Twilight Sparkle stepped forward. "Reintegrating into an unfamiliar society after so much isolation is going to be a challenging process, Atchmon. If you'd like, I'll always be available if you want to talk. Plus, it'll give me a chance to study you on the psychological aspects of- OW!" Rarity stomped on Twilight's hoof to stop the scientific dribble, and gave the bookworm a scowl. "Sorry. What I meant to say was: 'we can talk whenever you'd like'."

Rarity's scowl changed into an approving smile.

"I think... I'd like that," Atchmon felt himself coming out of his shell, and stood facing the gathered ponies.

"Ready to go back inside?" Rarity offered.

Atchmon took a breath and shook his head, seeing the other ponies milling around inside. "Not yet."

"Do you want me to ask them to leave?"

Atchmon blinked at that. He wanted that, but that wasn't fair to Rarity. This was her party and friends; she deserved to reconnect with everyone she loves. It hurt Atchmon's heart to know there wasn't anyone in there for him.

No one missed him.

"Nah... I'll be okay, jus' need some time to adjust, you know?" he reassured her with a shrug, hiding his deep sadness.

Rarity bit her lip and observed him. Atchmon wasn't a human anymore, which made reading him much easier. Ponies showed their emotions differently from humans, mainly in the ears. If Atchmon were still a human, his voice alone would've convinced her. But instead his drooping ears and submissive posture gave great insight into what the stallion was feeling.

Rarity gave Atchmon a comforting smile and trotted back to her house.

Rarity trotted forward and faced the crowd. "I appreciate you all coming here to welcome me back and to show your support, everypony; but right now all I want is a nice peaceful evening with my family and close friends."

The ponies milled around, the obvious question lingering in the air.

"Please understand everypony, he's under a lot of stress. The poor dear hasn't been around the company of others for a terribly long time." Rarity could sense the tension in the room, and she could feel it wound all the tighter after her statement.

Everypony in the room looked around at each other, exchanging looks of confusion, before filing out one by one; respecting Rarity's wishes.

Rarity went inside to thank everypony for coming to show their support, to welcome her home, and wishing her good health and safety.

The crowd left the house, respecting Rarity's wishes, while Atchmon squirreled himself away to avoid the party-goer's looks.

Atchmon hid away his shame. It wasn't fair and it wasn't right for Rarity to do that for him. It made him feel embarrassed, and weak; but also thankful, which just made him mad at himself for getting what he wanted.

Rarity thanked and wished everypony a good night as they left, then joined with her friends once the last visitor was leaving.

The group gathered back inside with Atchmon lagging behind, and still avoid the other ponies gaze.

Confetti littered the floor, while balloons and streamers hung from the ceiling. The vast showroom floor was fairly sparse, save for a long table set with party snacks and toys; like cupcakes, a tub of ice cream, baby carrots with what looked like barbecue sauce, with whistles, blowers, and miniature confetti cannons.

Rarity's close friends and family helped themselves to snacks, and made small talk while they milled around. They filled Rarity in on what they'd been doing while she was gone; when she asked. Which just made Atchmon feel even more guilty after hearing about all the trouble they went through to spread awareness, and distributing Missing Pony Posters.

Rainbow Dash bragged about how she must've flown the equivalent of a hundred Mustang Marathons. But from her friend's reactions, she might've been embellishing.

"Um, I don't want to sound rude, but... who is that?" Fluttershy asked barely above a whisper, which surprisingly made everypony quieten down and watch Atchmon expectantly.

"Yeah, who's the new guy, Rarity!" Pinkie Pie chirped, then squealed. "Ooh , is he the new butler you've been wanting forever, and ever, and ever!"

Rarity gasped. "Oh where are my manners; Pinkie, Fluttershy, this is Atchmon," Atchmon stepped up, his guilt and anxiety held at bay as he was introduced to more of Rarity's close friends. "He's my friend." Rarity finished.

That one word felt like a sledgehammer to his chest.

Fluttershy smiled demurely, while Pinkie Pie scratched her chin.

"Oooh," Pinkie said thoughtfully. "Cause I thought he was your new love-er," Pinkie teased.

"Oh no no no no, dear!" Rarity started defensively. "Our relationship is very..." voice cracked as she searched for the right word. "Casual, yes very casual!" Rarity blurted, laughing nervously.

Like a wrecking ball.

Pinkie bounced around singing a song about the two of them 'sitting in a tree'

"So, um, how did you two meet, if you don't mind me asking?" questioned Fluttershy. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." She added in a whisper.

Pinkie Pie returned in a ziping pink blur as she rapidly finished the teasing school yard song. "Oh, I know! He... he..." she started excitedly, before hesitating. Her curly mane visibly deflated, becoming less poofy, and her eyes became more gaunt, and horrified. "I- I- I can't, it's just too sad!" she cried before running away outside.

"Ooookay," said Rainbow Dash skeptically of Pinkie's antic. "What was all that about? Usually she already knows what a pony is going to say when they're about to tell their backstory. Like, freakishly accurate."

"Atchmon?" Rarity questioned, wondering if she should be the one to tell his story.

Atchmon took a breath and explained where he came from.

The large group gathered around as he spoke. The anchor of social pressure threatened to pull him under the watery depths, but Atchmon focused on telling his story about how he became stranded in Equestria deep in the Everfree Forest, how he survived alone for six years, and how he met and saved Rarity from being eaten by a pack of Dire wolves.

Rarity took over from that point, and spoke about how it was hard to adjust living with a non-pony. Atchmon threw in a joke, talking about how it was weird speaking to food. Which made the others shift uncomfortably at his bad joke, then decided to stay silent while Rarity told her piece. She spoke passionately about their time together, even the rough patches; purposely omitting details that made him look bad; like when he spotted Rainbow Dash, and did nothing. His interest piqued when she hesitated at the part they made love in a mountain after riding on the backs of Ursas. She skipped that part and told about the exciting gladiatorial match and subsequent escape from the Diamond Dog's slave-city. She ended the story by embellishing Atchmon's noble sacrifice. Making it sound like he was the sole reason for her safe return.

He couldn't tell if she was lying for him so he looked good in front of her friends, or if she was embarrassed by him. He couldn't blame her if the latter was the case. It was embarrassing having her lie for him. But he made no reaction to the little falsehoods she sprinkled in her story. He felt she did more for him just by being by his side, than he could ever do for her in ten lifetimes. He was finally out of that forest, and he would be forever indebted to her for that.

The others were attentive, listening to both their tales without interruption.

The reactions of Rarity's family and close friends ranged from skeptical, saddened, wary, concerned, and amazement; when the story ended.

"So, you stayed all that time in Atchmon's house in the middle of the Everfree Forest?" Fluttershy questioned.

"It was more of a cave, really." Said Rarity.

"But Rarity fixed the place up so much it felt like a house," Atchmon commented.

Fluttershy chuckled politely, while Rainbow Dash belly laughed.

"It's a bit of an inside joke." Rainbow explained after the two pegasi came down from their revelry. "Despite that, I find this all hard to believe," she knitted her brows in thought. "This isn't some prank on Twilight and Starlight for messing up the spell, is it?"

Twilight Sparkle stepped forward. "It's all true Rainbow, every word of it... Well, at least about the part where Atchmon was transformed, I don't know about the rest; but I believe if that's possible, then anything is." She finished with a nod of conviction.

Spike and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, and made a silent agreement about this new development. The newcomer was involved with a pony they both deeply cared about, and they would prioritize her happiness above all else; despite his tragic backstory, he still needed to prove himself worthy of courting Rarity.

"If it's all the same to everypony, what do you say we keep Atchmon's secret to ourselves; I think it's only fair he should be the one to decide whom he wishes to reveal his secret, don't you all agree?" Rarity motioned.

Everypony nodded and hummed in agreement... almost everypony.

Rainbow Dash took to the air. "Are you kidding me!? Anypony who can take on a whole pack of Dire Wolves, and ride on the back of a giant Ursa is super cool in my book!" She exclaimed, zipping to hover right in front of Atchmon. "That must've been so awesome!" She squished her cheeks together, making a squee of amazement.

He smiled bashfully and looked around the room, seeing everypony's accepting faces.

Rarity blurted suddenly. "Oh my darling, I just thought of something!" She rushed to tug at the table cloth with her magic, pulling it so hard and fast the fabric slipped under all the snacks, favors, and decor without disturbing a single one. Not even the slightest vibration.

Rarity took that cloth, and wrapped Atchmon's body with it, covering him in an impromptu Saddle Arabian burka. "You must be so embarrassed being exposed in front of everypony without your clothes on, I'm so sorry for not noticing it sooner!" She apologized sincerely.

Atchmon stood there, looking like a mummy. He'd been so preoccupied with all the 'newness' around him, that his indecency didn't even occur to him. He didn't feel embarrassed, or exposed; but drafty to be sure. It wasn't like he wore his pants every single day in the wilderness. There'd been weeks he'd go naked when there wasn't any hunting or gathering to be done. And the one time mistake of hunting without his protective coverings; now that was an unpleasant experience, having all the branches, thorns, and everything scratching, poking, and scraping against his bare skin. But once Rarity came into his life, it was like second-nature going back into making himself decent in front of her, except during times when they'd bathe, or when he'd freely drop trough to use the bathroom.

To him, it wasn't any different than going commando in front of animals, since ponies weren't exactly the same as people. 'Now why would I be okay with running around nekkid in a town fulla cute, candy-colored talking horses, but not with speaking or interacting with them?' The conundrum flummoxed him. He didn't care to dwell on it. Rarity said ponies generally never wore clothes, but some did just like... people... too... right? But they were, weren't they? 'Gah, this is too confusing!'

What was that saying? 'When in... something, something, something... be naked! Yeah, that's what it was.'

"Actually, I think I'm okay with 'dressin' like a local'," he chuckled while shifting the tablecloth off him. He smiled bashfully when his joke made the others laugh with him.

"Well if you're sure..." Rarity felt content to let him be as is. It was a good sign that he could integrate himself in small steps, since clothing was fairly optional. Plus, it was summertime, and that meant it was Rarity's slow season; which also meant less business, and less revenue, all because Ponies didn't feel clothes and hot weather mixed very well.

But Rarity had a few fashionable solutions to that. Her profit margins were going to be absolutely massive if her ideas take off, and she'll owe it all to the alien-human living under her roof.

The group milled around after welcoming and accepting Atchmon into the herd.

"I think it's time for us to leave, darling," said Cookie Crumbles.

"You're going already?" Rarity asked in concern.

"Yes, and it looks like you've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow," said Cookie, giving her eldest daughter a hug. "And a busy night too perhaps?" She suggested with a wink, while gesturing a nod at Atchmon, who was busy speaking with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash about the animals he's encountered and fought over the years.

"Mother, please, that's embarrassing," her cheeks tinted red.

Cookie chuckled. "I know dear, I just want you to be happy, and I can tell he means something to you, mother's intuition you know?" she smiled.

"I like him," Hondo said simply while giving his daughter a hug. "And I'm not just saying that because I want a chance at teaching my grandfoals the joys of being an Angler.

Rarity chuckled as her eyes misted over while she hugged her mother and father goodbye for the night.

"I think we should all go too," announced Twilight Sparkle.

As if sensing the party was over, all of Rarity's friends and family began to file out of Carousel Boutique.

"Wait, what are we gonna do about him?" Starlight Glimmer asked, gesturing a hoof at Atchmon.

He stood beside himself away from the others deeper inside Rarity's home. Atchmon felt unsure of himself. He didn't want to impose, or assume anything. He and Rarity always talked about what they'd do once they made it back to her home. Was it wrong to assume that'd still be the case? Atchmon wasn't even sure if he would be imposing even if he was doing it! What even was 'imposing' anyway? How would he know if he was?

Twilight Sparkle looked perplexed. "Oh, uh, maybe he can stay at the Castle with Spike and I for the night, or until he's able to afford his own place?" She offered.

Spike's hackles rose. Despite being a tad sympathetic to the newcomer's plight, the dragon was not about to give up his bed for the guy. He had to keep some modicum of self respect. What would it say about him if he accommodated the stallion who stole his crush's heart!

Rarity tisked. "Nonsense, he'll be staying with me, of course," she chirped.

Spike's mouth dropped, having not considered that scenario. Luckily Sweetie had his back, or rather her sister's.

"Mom, dad, would it be okay if I stayed with Rarity tonight?" She asked, expressing her most pathetic-looking, sad-puppy dog eyes.

"I don't know Sweetie, with how you've been acting lately..." Cookie trailed, giving her a concerning look.

"I know I haven't been on my best behavior..." Sweetie thought for a moment. "I just missed Rarity so much, and I had a lot of expectations about seeing her again," she avoided looking at the new stallion. "But I promise, I'll be good from now on, pleeeese," she begged.

Atchmon stepped in. "I probably don't have a say in this, but you should get as much time in with your family as you can, Rare, remember you always said your shops were going to take alotta time to get back in shape," he suggested, trying to will his insistence just to do the only nice thing he could for Rarity and her family. Though, he still wanted to be selfish and have Rarity to himself; but reminded himself that this night was about Rarity, and not him.

"Well... if you're okay with it," Rarity trailed in unsurety. 'I don't want to use Sweetie as an excuse not to deal with our relationship, but apart of me wishes he hadn't said anything. Besides, he's right, and I do wish to have more time with her.'

Sweetie Belle's eyes lit up at her parents, awaiting their inevitable permission.

Cookie Crumbles looked miffed, darting her eyes between Atchmon and Rarity, before sighing and nodding her head; acquiescing to the filly's wishes.

Hondo Flanks basically did the same.

Sweetie hugged her parents good night, before they left for home, looking concerned about their decision.

Rarity waved her friends and parents good night, then turned to face Atchmon and her little sister.

Sweetie shifted on her hooves, trying not to notice the large stallion in the room.

Atchmon smiled at her, and she smiled back.

Maybe there was hope after all.

Twilight and the others trotted away from Rarity's house.

The sound of galloping caused them all to perk up and see who was coming in such a hurry.

Applejack's hooves beat against the compact earthen paths that made up Ponyville's roadways. She skidded to a halt, while a dust cloud blew passed in her wake. "Hey all, is Rarity really back, is she in there?" She panted between breaths, gesturing towards Carousel Boutique.

Rainbow Dash hovered above her. "Yeah, she's in there, and she's fine, Applejack, and we're all about to head home; where were you?" She chided, crossing her hooves and looking disapprovingly.

"Ah came as soon as Ah heard, Rainbow," She started defensively, before putting on a look of hurt. "But why didn't any o' ya'll tell me?" She whined in betrayal at being left out, almost on the verge of tears. "I woulda came no matter what!"

Twilight stepped forward. "I tried to Applejack, but you were passed out from drinking too much cider after your work day." She explained, looking sorry at her friend. "I tried shaking you awake, and there's no spell that can sober a pony after having that much alcohol."

"But you coulda... you..." Applejack looked gaunt with shame. She felt like a bad friend, having missed Rarity's first night after finally being found again. She hung her head dejectedly, feeling angry at herself for letting the bad habit get the better of her. She was supposed to be Ponyville's most dependable. Now she was under threat of replacing Berry Punch as the town drunkard.

Applejack turned away from her friends, tears falling from her cheeks. "I'm sorry ya'll, it's my fault as usual, it's always been my fault," she sniffed, her body shaking with emotion, crying silently. "If--sniff--Ah jus'--hic--k-kept my big mouth shut."

Rainbow Dash landed immediately and embraced her friend. "Hey, it was never your fault, AJ," she started comfortingly. "It was definitely Twilight's." She finished without tact.

Twilight Sparkle hung her head, and sighed, taking the blow. "She's right Applejack, I was the one who commissioned the spell; it was just bad luck things happened the way it did." She bit her lip, seeing first hoof how her obsession affected one of her dearest friends. "I never knew you felt like this, Applejack, and I'm sorry for alienating you, all of you," she address all her friends. "It was never my intention to make you all feel that way, and if I had; I'm am truly and deeply sorry." She trotted forward and hugged the sobbing Applejack, who readily accepted the embrace.

Starlight Glimmer came up and hugged her as well. "It was mostly my fault too. I kept pushing, and pushing for Twilight to let me contribute to your Cutie Quests and Friendship Missions. I just wanted to be part of the team."

"Yeah, silly, you're like the last one to blame for anything," chirped Pinkie Pie, joining in on the four-pony hug, making it a five-pony embrace.

"Pinkie, where'd you come from?" Asked Rainbow Dash, before being squished by Pinkie's crushing embrace.

"My 'Pinkie-senses' told me there was a group hug going on, and I wanted in on that action!"

Fluttershy subtly leaned in to the group, nuzzling Applejack where she could.

Applejack felt a warmth grow deep in her heart. Tears of pain, hurt, and remorse gave way to happy, loving ones after feeling her friend's bodies around her.

She broke away from the group hug, and turned to face her friends. Then sniffed, rubbing her snot away with a foreleg, and adjusted her stetson hat, while giving the group a thankful smile. "Thanks ya'll, Ah never knew how much Ah needed that."

"You can always ask, and we'll be there for you anytime." Fluttershy reassured her.

Applejack smiled at her friends as they escorted her back home to Sweet Apple Acres.

All together.

Rarity used her magic to fix Atchmon a place he could rest. "Okay, here's where you can sleep, I'm sorry I don't have anything else to offer you." She stated sadly.

Atchmon gazed at the pillow and blanket setup on Rarity's fainting couch. Hiding his disappointment, the man-pony put on a grateful smile. "Nah it's alright, you don't have to worry about me."

He hoped Rarity would invite him to her bed and they would sleep together lIke they used to, he wanted to stay close to her, even if nothing happened between them; but still guiltily held onto the hope of having sex with her again.

But as it stood, between his mistakes with their relationship, and his outburst from earlier; he couldn't blame her for spending the night away from him.

Rarity shifted on her hooves. "Well... goodnight, Atchmon."

"G'nite Rare... see you in the morning."

"Mhm," she gave a single nod and trotted up the stairs, after flicking the lights off with her magic.

Moonlight flooded the showroom floor as Atchmon settled in.

His head rested on the pillow while pulling the blanket up to his chin. He turned on his side, looking at the stairwell.

Atchmon made to get up from Rarity's couch, placing a hoof on the carpeted floor.

Rarity was in her evening gown, giving her hair a few brushes before bed, having removed many of the bandages bothering her hide.

She tucked herself in, and stared up at the ceiling before casting a look at her bedroom door.

Silence pervaded throughout the quiet home.

Rarity rested her head back. She tossed and turned beneath the silk sheets, looking across the vast empty space of her Princess-sized bed. A cold, lonely feeling crept over her chest.

Rarity's ears perked after picking up the sound of movement in the hallway.

She lifted her head, and stared at her bedroom door.

Rarity heard somepony coming and laid back down, pretending to slumber. She perked back up and quickly smoothed out the sheets of her bed, making everything look presentable, before laying back down again.

Rarity's ear twitched after hearing the doorknob click and the door swung open, then another soft click as it closed.

She felt the presence of somepony moving in her room, approaching her side of the bed, standing right before her.

Rarity's heart raced in excitement at the boldness of Atchmon's intrusion. Her breath hitched while nervously perking her lips for a slumber-ending kiss.

A mint-green light washed over her face, and the faint chime of magic filled the room.

"Rarity, are you still awake?" a small pony asked in a voice far more effeminate than she expected.

Rarity was quick to hide her disappointment, opening her eyes. "Of course, Sweetie; is everything alright?"

"Yes, I just wanted to spend the night with you, is that okay? I brought my own pillow; remember like we used to do?" The little filly levitated her plush pillow next to her, showing it off and giving it an adorable little shake while hiding her snout behind it, as if expecting to be rejected.

"Of course Sweetie," Rarity moved over and opened the sheets for her.

Sweetie Belle plopped herself down in Rarity's hooves and settled in.

"I missed you," Sweetie Belle mewled tiredly.

"I missed you as well, little sister," Rarity whispered back, looking disappointed, then cast a look back at her closed bedroom door.

Atchmon brought himself out of his blank thoughts after staring at the stairwell for a time. Then pushed off with the hoof that was on the floor, and laid back on the couch.

For the foreseeable future, this was his life now. Living under Rarity's roof, and sleeping on her couch.

He stared up at the ceiling. The showroom floor was overwhelmingly large and spacious; lacking the confining comfort of his cave.

It was like sleeping in the middle of the forest all over again. The clothing racks were the underbrush, and the structural pillars were trees. The streamers and balloons were their vines. Moonlight beams pierced through the window shades.

He felt exposed.

Unsafe.

Atchmon closed his eyes, and waited for sleep to come.

Fump! Bump!

Rarity slowly awoke to the muffled sound of movement around in her shop. It wouldn't be the first time Opalescence was up to some late-night mischief. Except, her darling kitty was napping at the tail-end of her bed.

She gingerly removed her hoof from underneath Sweetie Belle's slumbering form, being careful not to disturb her. Then went to check on her house guest.

She descended the stairwell and entered the main lobby of her shop, where she found Atchmon sitting on his rump, while trying to put an article of clothing back on its hanger, and place it on the rack where it likely dropped from.

"Atchmon?" Rarity whispered, causing him to flinch at her voice. She didn't mean to frighten him, and could see most of his concentration was on putting the clothing back where it belonged.

"Sorry, did I wake you up?" He whispered back.

"No," she answered for his sake. "Let me help you with that."

"Nah, I almost got it," he shook his head, while pouring all his concentration into the task.

"Have you slept at all?" she asked quietly in concern, watching him struggle with the clothes hanger.

"I got a couple winks in... I think," he answered in a low voice, never taking his eyes off his goal.

Rarity knitted her brows in concern. 'Is that why he's always such an early riser? Did he hardly sleep at all? Was he always awake watching over me while I slept?' The only time Rarity ever got up before him was when he got injured badly.

Rarity never suspected he was still on-edge simply out of habit, despite being out of the Everfree. In a place like that, danger could come at any time, and he had to be ready when it did. That meant going without sleep sometimes, and developing a lighter sleeping habit.

She noticed Atchmon wasn't using his mouth like he should, and used his hooves too much. He was biting the hanger between his teeth, and using his hooves to manuevener the frock on the hanger, when it should've all been done the other way around.

Rarity watched him struggle for a while, before his frustration finally came to a head, and he dropped the frock harshly against the ground.

Rarity felt no pity for her work, it was last years design and far out of style, but she was mostly concerned for Atchmon's feelings.

"Shouldn't you get some rest?" she asked placing a hoof on his shoulder.

Atchmon stayed facing away from her. "Can't... The couch is too soft..." he admitted.

Rarity watched him in worry. "I'll get you a proper bed tomorrow, we'll go to 'Quills and Sofas', there's a very knowledgeable stallion who works there and-"

"It's not the bed, Rarity," he interrupted with a quiet sigh.

"Then... what is it?" Rarity rubbed his shoulder, encouraging him to speak. "Do you... still wish to go home, to your world?" she asked.

Atchmon scoffed a laugh. "I don't think I have a choice anymore," he said lifting up a hoof and looking at it, giving Rarity a ghost of a smile.

Rarity pinned her ears back sadly.

Atchmon hung his head. "I'm sorry about earlier... I jus' realized they're all... 'people', and that freaked me out. Like, what if they don't like me? What if I mess up and make a fool of myself, you know?" he shrugged.

Rarity placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Just be yourself, dear."

He sighed. "I don't even like myself, and that's just it. How can they like me when I don't even like me?"

She bit her lip. "Just pretend they're all me and act accordingly," she offered.

"You mean plan to kidnap them for a month, then fall in love, only to break their heart?" he chuckled mirthlessly at his terrible joke.

Rarity didn't find it funny at all.

"Sorry, that was.... sorry." he said shamefully.

Rarity frowned in concern, still unconvinced.

The stoic human-stallion spent several moments deciding what to say. "I don't want to lose you... as a friend or... or-" his throat tightened. Too scared to ask, and too afraid to hear her answer, but he had to know. "Rarity, what are we to each other?" he forced the question through his swollen throat. "Are we-" he was about to ask, before a hoof pressed against his lips; silencing him.

"No- I mean, I don't know, Atchmon... I need some time to figure things out too." Rarity laid her ears back in sad confusion.

"It's okay, I get it, but... why are you putting up with me?"

"At the moment this is me paying off a debt of gratitude." She stated autonomously, as if protecting herself from her own feelings.

"You don't owe me a thing. If anything, I owe you everything."

Rarity stared through his eyes with earnest.

It was, at this moment, she realized several things.

There was no doubt that she cared about him. But it wasn't the same love she felt back back when they copulated together. Those feelings of intense passion--of going against the grain of society's expectations--was gone. Where there once held excitement and trepidation--with the possibility of drama and social reform--now only risk remained.

Was that it?

Did she only love him because he was safe? Did she know, at a subconscious level, that it was an inauspicious relationship from the beginning; with no hope of a future together? Or was it the possibility of a scandal that excited her?

Was she really so shallow and selfish? Wasn't him turning into a pony supposed to make things easier?

And another thing.

Atchmon was mentally stunted due to living for years in isolation. Mentally, Rarity was several years his senior, even though he was technically a couple years older than her; assuming the magic which changed him didn't alter his age as well.

Though she didn't see a reason for that to be the case.

In body, he was a stallion well in his prime. A bit underweight to be sure. His lack of muscle mass reflected the harshness of survival in the wilderness; seeing the ribs visible under his copper hide. But a little food and exercise could easily fix that.

Rarity didn't want to believe she was being selfish and shallow; that her only want was to break the hearts of a thousand suitors by coupling outside her species.

What she felt for the former human was real. She knew it in her heart that it was real. And everything else were just little obstacles they could overcome together.

But there was so much she had to do, and so little time to deal with all of it.

Her shops had to be her top priority. Without her income, Rarity didn't see any relationship lasting very long anyway.

"I'm going to tell you now Atchmon, so listen well." she said, and he steeled himself. "You have not lost me as a friend, but as for anything more...." she trailed, unable to finish what she set out to say.

"I'll do it right this time," Atchmon declared. "I- I'll earn your trust back, I dunno how I'm gonna do it; but I will. And if in the end you decide you don't want anything to do with me, then... I can respect that.... but I can't live with not trying anymore... I jus' can't." Atchmon spoke with conviction, despite the emotions threatening to spoil his declaration.

Rarity's heart swelled with admiration for the stallion in front of her, and for a moment she could almost see the human she first fell in love with; staring at her behind those beautiful stallion's eyes.

She felt it would be wrong to hold it against Atchmon for lying, and trying to ponynap her. The circumstances were dire, and he planned for years of his glorious return to Earth.

"We have a big day tomorrow, you should get some sleep."

"Mmm. You too. G'nite Rarity," he nodded.

"Good night, Atchmon. I'll see you bright and early in the morning."

Atchmon waited until her pale blue light was out of sight, before laying back on the couch.

Rarity quietly opened the door to her master bedroom, and could swear she saw movement around her headboard, but chalked it up to the shadows simply playing tricks with her eyes.

She carefully shimmied herself back underneath the covers, and cuddled with her little sister, giving her a kiss on the back of her head, a light squeeze to hug her goodnight, eliciting a tiny mewl from her slumbering little sister, before finally drifting off to sleep herself.

Author's Note

~~I don't feel this was a very strong chapter. There wasn't really anything new or interesting. It feels more like an extension of the first chapter. Lots of things I feel like deleting.~~ But I think it does set how extreme Atchmon's isolation has affected him.

So this was a difficult chapter. It was basically the starting point for all my arcs, and I had to make decision on where to go. In my last story, I inadvertently was following basic story structure. If you've ever heard of Dan Harmon's Circle, you'd know that in Phase 1, the character is in a comfortable/familiar place. It's also where the character finds he/she wants something.

So hopefully I accomplished some of that here, if not then definitely in the next chapter.

***In the IDW comics, Hayseed Turnip-truck becomes a very wealthy entrepreneur from his humble beginnings as a podunk turnip farmer; he did this all to gain Rarity's attention, but Spike intervened like the jealous friendzoned guy he is, and lied about Rarity already being taken by another stallion.

Spike and Sweetie's plans against Atchmon: You son of a bitch, I'm in!