Rarity had asked Paul if he preferred wine, other than cider, for a kind drink. Paul politely accepted her offer and poured a glass of champagne - a new favourite of Paul's. Rarity had known Paul wasn't a heavy drinker but she had no knowledge of a recent visit to a queen's den.

Without thinking, Paul took a swig of the drink, leaving a confused Rarity at the table, "But I thought you were not a drinker. You didn't lie, did you?"

"Of course not - it's a long story, a pretty boring one too. Don't think you'd be interested," Paul explained quickly, pouring another glass, "All that matters is that I can handle wines now, right?"

Rarity hesitated, "I-I guess. I'm just impressed of how well you had no reaction after downing that glass."

"But I'm also disgusted," Rarity thought, "He downed that glass like a barbarian."

Paul dropped his glass on the table and asked, "Is there anything you want to do today?"

"Well, I only have a few more dresses and gowns to make, and then I have to arrange them for display. After that, we can do anything. I guess we'll chat while I'm working for now."

"Sounds like a plan."

Using her magic, Rarity collected the rest of her equipment to complete the gown. As she worked on the gown, Paul ambled around browsing the countless clothing on pony-shaped mannequins. He felt the texture on some of them and found that they were soft and fluffy - none of which were leather.

"Did you make all these yourself?" Paul inquired, admiring the works.

"Oh quite so, but some designs were from my favoured clients," Rarity replied, still focused on the dress, "What is your opinion on them?"

"They're splendid, can't really find a flaw in them - your stitching, mechanical sewing, cutting and choice of colour blends perfectly with a theme. I just can't seem to put my finger on it." He searched his mind.

"You have a mind of a fashionista, darling. Are you sure you were a game developer? Because I'm quite confident you would be good in the fashion industry. Oh, and by the way, the theme was 'Spring', the season of this month."

"To answer your question: I recently got an assignment to design something in the game from previous ideas I gave."

"Do you have seasons from where you're from?" Rarity questioned, now interested in Paul.

Paul replied, "Yea, we do. How about you? You ponies have twelve months in a year?"

"Quite certainly, Paul," Rarity answered, "But there are more than ponies in Equestria, darling."

"Really? Like what?"

"Oh, there's those ruffian yaks, mean griffons, uncouth dragons and legends - like Discord." She gave a disgusted look at each one mentioned.

"But Spike's a dragon, and you adore him. Why is that?"

"Because he's Spike-wikey!" She exchanged a cute face, "The cutest dragon I've ever laid eyes on!"

Paul hesitated, "Not the cutest, I mean, he whacked my head with a shovel when I first came here - I'm surprised, I'm not even dead."

"You are a lucky one, Paul, don't deny that - I don't think I've seen anypony get back on their hooves after they've had a nasty hit like that." Rarity praised, now moving on to stitching some musical notes on the waist.

The conversation resumed with casual talking about the comparisons of Equestria and Earth - Equestria being the winner - Rarity had finished making her gowns and displaying them for customers to gaze in awe.

She had completed a dress named Sing the Spring - a Hawaiian-like (in Paul's mind) dress featuring a tropical skirt with musical notes on the waist, a lime, sparkly dress from the waist-up and flower bracelets for the forehooves. Before Paul was going to observe the other gown Rarity had created, she threw it inside a storage room.

"Hey, why'd you do that?" Paul asked curiously.

"Oh, that delightful gown is for a dear client of mine. She's coming tomorrow in the afternoon so I have to get it ready by then."

"Cool, even though it's Spring," He nervously chuckled, Rarity exchanging a dull look, "Hah, no one? That's fine." He scratched his head in embarrassment.

"Anyways," She paused, attracting Paul's attention, "Anything you want to do? Have a drink? Sit down and talk more?"

"Uh," Paul delayed, "Is it alright if you could, you know, make some clothes for me?" He gave a worried look, expecting a decline.

But he was wrong as Rarity squealed, "Of course, darling! I've been dying to ask that while I was making my dresses, but I'd thought that you would refuse. How silly of me. Uh, but I do have to ask something strange of you."

"Hit me, I'm cool with it." Paul acted all chill.

"I, uh, need you to... take off your clothing," She blushed furiously, "It's just for reference, I promise, and please do it in the change-room." She gestured behind Paul, who was as red as an apple.

"Alright then," He chuckled anxiously, "But please be quick."

"I'll be sure to heed that request." She answered while watching Paul amble unsteadily towards the changing room, tripping over a few times before entering promptly.

Rarity had given him a coat to cover up himself (using magic to deliver it inside, without looking) while she was at work on Paul's new clothing. The sewing machine went off, magic was heard everywhere accompanied with the snipping of fabric.

However, while Paul was excited receiving his new clothes, he was also worried about them being sparkly and royal-like, seeing all the displayed works. He didn't want to attract any attention by wearing clothes that matched the sun.

"I'm done, darling!" She called in a sing-song voice as she carefully slid his old clothes under the curtains of the change-room.

Instinctively, Paul threw over his shirt, pulled up his underwear and his shorts. Nervously, he stepped out of his 'safe haven' and what was revealed was astonishing for Paul - he found normal human shirts, shorts and underwear on some racks, all in different colours (except the underwear). None had any special treatment or anything unusual present.

"I swear, I'll pay you when I get a job in Equestria." Paul admired her works.

"Oh, there's no need, darling. I am the Element of Generosity after all."

"Thank you, Rarity, this means a lot for a human." Paul held his arms out for an embrace, Rarity accepting his warm hug.

Rarity had asked Paul if they wanted to go outside to explore Ponyville since he'd be staying here. Paul nodded a reply and they headed towards the door. With Rarity grabbing her purse and placing it in a small saddlebag, she was set to go. Paul had been given a sack of bits from Rarity, making him feel bad again but it was for the greater good.

When they had reached the sunlight, a cool breeze swept across the landscape, chilling Paul's spine but it gave a refreshing feeling. Rarity had experienced the same, breathing in all the fresh air.

"This is a very lovely day, is it not?"

"It is," Paul replied, "But it was very hot earlier since I offered to work with Applejack and Big MacIntosh with the farm."

"Diligent one, I see," Rarity began to trot, tailing her was Paul, "I can begin to see why you became a game developer - it's hard work isn't it?"

"Definitely, it's kind of nice to slow down once in a while though. Whenever I get home, I'm usually tired." Paul maintained his posture, knowing his home was long gone.

"It certainly does - slowing down, I mean," Rarity verified while they strolled to Sugar Cube Corner, "And for that, I have decided to buy a small, red velvet cake with vanilla icing for us to feast at home." She gave an excited smile.

"Thanks again, Rarity. Sounds like a good treat."

When they entered Sugar Cube Corner, they were met with a joyful Pinkie Pie at the door, "Hi Rarity! Hi Paul! Here for the cake you ordered, Rarity?"

"Quite so, yes, thank you, Pinkie Pie." Rarity looked over Pinkie, revealing an average-sized cake with Rarity's perfect descriptions.

Paul's stomach grumbled at the sight making him slightly blush at the noise. Pinkie had proposed to eat the cake here because Paul was already getting hungry. Rarity, even though she wanted it at her home, decided to go with Pinkie's plan and stay.

Rarity used her magic to grab plates from the kitchen and Pinkie set the cake on the table. Paul grabbed a knife and a few spoons and they were ready to dig in. The unicorn had cut up the cake evenly - about an eighth each - and they immediately began to feast on their delicious dessert.

Pinkie had already scowled hers down while Rarity just began to touch the cake. Paul hadn't even grabbed his fork and begin to eat. Although surprised, Paul and Rarity had a scrumptious dessert, while Pinkie had taken a couple more pieces for her hungry stomach.

"You'll get used to that, Paul." Rarity said, wiping her mouth with a napkin.

"The desserts or Pinkie Pie's appetite?" Paul laughed, stacking all the utensils.

"Pinkie's adventures of eating," She laughed herself, "Pinkie, save the other slices for the others, okay?"

"Okie, dokie, lokie!" She exclaimed, saluting a hoof to Rarity before she placed the cake in a fridge.

Before Pinkie took Paul's plates, he insisted, "No need, Pinkie. I'll do it, for all your delectable baking and all."

"Thank you, Paul! I'll have a chat with Rarity before you and her leave." She trotted off to Rarity, Paul heading towards the kitchen.

Paul had turned the tap and squeezed dish-washing liquid in the sink - also, blocking the drain. He plopped the plates, knife and forks inside and grabbed a sponge to commence cleaning. Paul had always hated washing-up as a kid, considering the fact he installed a dishwasher in his house. However, this batch was small, enough for Paul to be calm and collected.

While washing, he had heard a bell ring at the door, "Is Paul here by any chance?" A familiar voice came to Paul's mind.

"He's in the kitchen." Pinkie replied with a, "Thanks" From the pony.

The door had opened, catching Paul's attention - Lyra had appeared, "Oh, hey, Lyra. How's it been, even though it's only been several hours since we last met?"

"It's fine, fine," She didn't seem herself, "I just want to ask you a simple question."

"Alright," He moved on to the knife, "Go for it."

"Do you like Applejack?" She anxiously asked.

This question didn't stop Paul from cleaning but it did make him think.

"Uh," Paul thought, "I guess so," He paused, "Why?"

"I-I just wanted to know what you see in her." She replied nervously, rubbing her foreleg against the other.

"Well," Paul searched his mind for answers, "To start, she's the Element of Honesty, something I'd value the most, she looks gorgeous with an orange, soft coat," He began to day-dream, "wonderful, green eyes, blonde-tied mane and she sort of relates to me in a few ways."

"How so?" Lyra questioned, she leaned in closer as though she couldn't hear Paul.

"She loves and cares for her family, especially her little sister, she's a hard-worker and has a farm."

"I see," She had taken a glance downward analysing what he had said, "Well then, how about me? What did you think of me?"

"I think you're a nice pony to talk to since you want to know about me and my species. You make me remind me of my past life with all the talking we've done in the past days, which is very special to me, and you're probably my greatest pony friend, right now."

"Alright," She stood in silence as it provided an awkward atmosphere for Paul, "Well, I better go now. I've got to do something."

"Oh, um, well," Paul stuttered as Lyra trotted off swiftly, "Bye.. I guess."

Once Lyra had left, Pinkie's head popped out of the side asking what had happened. Paul wasn't quite sure and shrugged the thought off - probably a question as to how humans make friends. It seemed that way to Paul. He had also wondered about Lyra's strange lift off. She wasn't like this when they first began talking unless she needed a quick drink or a snack, but never to run off without explanation. Rarity and Pinkie had also heard about Paul's new crush after they had their own conversation. They had teased them about it and promised not to tell Applejack - they even performed the 'Pinkie Promise'. Pinkie nearly injured her eye in the process.

Afterwards, they wondered about the more important matter - what else to do for the day. That thought was immediately gone when Pound Cake, a young Pegasus, began to nibble on Paul's feet. Paul had backed away from the innocent colt as he flopped down on the floor. Paul gave a smile of the foal of adorableness on the floor and it became more sever when Pumpkin Cake came into view. Rarity had also awed as she began to caress one of them, sending them into a peaceful nap.

"That's the Cakes' kids, Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake, aren't they just adorable?" Pinkie said.

"Yep, there really are." Paul replied, petting Pumpkin on her mane.

Pinkie and Paul's afternoon was spent on caring the foals. Rarity had to go back to her home for the afternoon since she had to make dinner for Paul and herself. Paul didn't have trouble feeding the Cakes' foals as he had to take care of his sister when she was young herself. All of these present moments link back to his past life which he still misses. Surprisingly, the afternoon was short considering they were having fun all day. Paul had begun his journey to Rarity's boutique and had a hungry stomach.

Once he returned, he was presented with a delicacy - scented apple pie. Paul had gasped at the glorious sight as his stomach growled more - Rarity knew he wanted to eat.

"The plates are already here, darling. Just go eat what you can, because I know you're simply dying to feast, and I can take what I can." Rarity offered as Paul grabbed a knife.

Carefully, he lowered the knife and cut one side, releasing more of its delicious scent. Paul cut the other side and place the portion on his place, the juice seeping out. Rarity cut a quick slice and moved it to her plate. The remaining pie rested in the centre of the table, creating a pleasant atmosphere between the two.

In an instant, Paul dug into his slice, scattering some contents around his plate - none of which made it off the plate, thankfully. Rarity, however, wasn't eating. She was just staring at Paul feasting at his meal. She bit her tongue before biting into her pie, still locking her sultry-like gaze at the hungry human.

"This is great pie, Rarity," Paul remarked as he chewed, "Sorry, for my rudeness, it's just so good!" He emphasised as he grabbed another slice.

"It's good that you like it - it means I can make more!" She said with enthusiasm.

"Really?" Paul gulped, his ears perked up.

"Well, of course! I have a recipe you know." She replied, grabbing a slice herself.

"Hey, where's your sister, Sweetie Belle?" He asked, concerned.

"Oh, she should be on the way - I found her hanging with a colt, somepony by the name of 'Bright Flight'. She's grown fast, hasn't she?" Rarity inquired.

"She has but I've never seen her with a colt before... except for those videos my sister kept showing me about her being with a colt named 'Button Mash'. It's cute but they're only kids - Twelve, right? Grade Six?"

Rarity nodded in response, "That 'Button Mash' colt is nothing but a gamer, I didn't know how or why my sister fell in love with that... ruffian."

"Have you met him?"

Rarity shook her head, "Then, you shouldn't judge a colt by other ponies' point-of-views. I mean, who knows, maybe he's a special agent or even a hacker! With a gaming mind of his, he could be able to do that."

Rarity sighed, "I doubt it." She ate another slice.

Just then, Sweetie Belle came inside the room with someone Paul didn't know until now, Bright Flight. Before they could wave, he rushed upstairs without a word and Sweetie Belle followed.

"Sorry, Rarity. You don't mind if a guest stays here for the night, right?"

"Uh, I don't mind but-"

"Thanks!" She tailed the blue colt upstairs.

"Hey," Paul said, luring Rarity's attention, "For your sake, at least it isn't Button Mash."

"You're right," She stared at the pie, "I'll take a plate for Sweetie Belle and her friend."

Paul grabbed their plates and proceeded to the sink to wash the dishes, once again. He chucked the dishes in the sink, clogged the drain and poured a mixture of water and liquid-soap. Before cleaning, he placed the rest of the pie in the fridge.

While he was washing, he stared around for anything of interest - photos. Luckily, he found some on display on the table they were eating on. He decided to look at it once he completed his task. Suddenly, someone banged on the door, slightly startling Paul. He had ceased the water flow and sneaked towards the door. He checked the windows for anyone outside but only found a small figure tailing a much bigger one - one that looked as though cloaked.

Paul backed away from the door after seeing what had just happened and nearly hit Rarity, "Oh, sorry, Rarity. How's Sweetie Belle and the colt?"

"Strangely, Bright Flight isn't here but Sweetie Belle is completely fine. I wonder where he went. He's probably near though - there's no way he would go home in this dark," Rarity replied, "You should get some rest, how about sleeping with me for the night?"

"Uhm," Paul's face flushed in red at the request, "Sure, I guess."

As they sneaked upstairs as to not wake Sweetie Belle, Rarity carefully powered her horn to provide a small light source for the two. Rarity creaked the door and stepped inside, Paul filing in with her. The two had cantered on either side of the bed and laid they're head on the pillow, sleeping as soundly as babies and foals.

Author's Note

Alright! Another chapter, another brain that need rest.

Here's more of the story you all know and love - shorter than my previous one but it's enough to progress the story. Oh, and Bright Flight, an character of mine appears in here! But... the question is: Is he a mere cameo appearance or a big part in this story? Who knows? Well... except for me.

Anyways, I hope you've enjoyed reading so far. Some advice would be helpful right about now and...

As always, enjoy reading, folks!

-Mr User