Graff's Inter-Dimensional Adventures

I stood there for the longest time, dumbfounded. Was Chrysalis right? Should I really give up my human life and move to Equestria? It was true that I was much happier there than I was here, but something kept nagging at me, screaming that it was a bad idea.

So, for the moment, I pushed it aside. "Alright," I addressed the three piled in front of my TV, "I think we've been here long enough; how about we go out and get some lunch?"

Gallus's stomach grumbled in response, and I smirked knowingly. "I'll take that as a yes."

We settled on a pizza place just down the block, within walking distance. It was a locally-owned joint, one that I liked to go to on the weekends. It had an air about it that screamed 'comfort', and the food was always great. The only reason it was still locally-owned was because the family that ran it wanted to keep it simple and personal.

Once we arrived and got seated, we began to talk. "Wow," Gallus began, sniffing the air, "the food smells delicious already. And— is that meat I smell?"

I nodded, but gave pause when I noticed Fluttershy's expression. "What's wrong, Fluttershy?"

She looked away abashedly, muttering to herself, "No, you're just being stubborn..."

"Stubborn about what?"

She gave out a little yelp. "Did I say that out loud!? Sorry, it's just..."

I put two and two together. "Is it about the meat?"

She nodded meekly. "I know it's natural, and usually, I'm okay with it. But I feel kind of uncomfortable being the only herbivore at a table of omnivores..."

My expression dropped. I hadn't even realized it, but she was right; she was the only vegetarian at a table full of meat-eaters. I could only imagine how uncomfortable she must've been feeling right then.

I came to a decision. "If it helps, I'll order a vegetarian pizza."

Her eyes widened. "You don't have to do that, Graff! It's part of your nature; I'm just being stubborn."

I frowned, more determined. "You are not being stubborn, you're voicing your opinion, and I'm respecting it. That's it, I won't take no for an answer; I shan't consume any meat in your presence."

She looked conflicted for a moment, likely trying to register to what extent I was going. Then she smiled demurely, "Th-thank you, Graff. I can't begin to tell you what this means to me."

I flustered, feelings I hadn't felt since we first parted ways returning. She was just so damn nice! If only she weren't a—

I paused in realization. That was it, wasn't it? The sticking point was that they weren't human. If I were to live in Equestria, I'd have to get over that mental block if I ever wanted to find love in any form.

Then I slapped myself mentally. This situation was completely different; they weren't just wild animals. They had feelings, thoughts, goals, dreams, fears — they were human in every way apart from body, and I was just being stubborn!

But still, that inkling of doubt lingered, so I decided to quell it once and for all. "Hey Fluttershy," I began with the tact of a hippo walking a tightrope, "what's Equestria's stance on inter-species relationships?"

She nearly went bug-eyed, her face turning almost completely red. "Wh-what?"

Thankfully, my brain stopped shitting itself, and I paled when I realized what I'd just asked. "Er, n-nevermind, that just kinda slipped out, and— sorry..."

Gallus raised an eyebrow at me. "Why'd you think of it in the first place?"

I flustered, sinking slightly in my seat. "I-it's nothing, just a– just a silly thought, no deeper... meaning...."

Unfortunately, Gallus seemed to glean what my implications were. His expression turned smug, and I wilted. "Well, to answer your question," he began cheekily, "It's perfectly normal for two creatures of different species to date. I know a pony and a yak who're still going strong after three months."

Silverstream gasped, "You mean Sandbar and Yona, right?"

Gallus blinked. "Uh, yeah..."

She then turned to me and concurred, "Yeah, they're so cute together!"

I quickly took this opportunity, eager to steer the subject away from my blatant idiocy. "R-really? Tell me more about them."

Internally, I was beating myself. What the hell, mouth!? Would you like some butter with that foot?!

Though a small part of my mind was just relieved it'd gotten the information it needed.

Soon afterward, we ordered for the table. True to my word, I ordered a vegetarian option, while Gallus and Silverstream decided to split a large Hawaiian pizza.

A moment after the waitress left, Gallus blinked as an urge made itself known. "Hold on, I've gotta go to the bathroom." He chuckled to himself, "This'll certainly be interesting..."

He stood up and made his way to the restrooms.

A moment later, and Silverstream also excused herself to go to the bathroom. That just left me...

...and Fluttershy.

Neither one of us said anything for the longest time, my social blunder still fresh on our minds. Eventually, I mustered the courage to speak: "C-could we please just forget that I asked what I asked...?"

She breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes, please."

Then her face turned curious as she hesitated. "But, uh, if you don't mind me asking... why'd you ask in the first place?"

I smiled a bit, "Just settling something in my mind."

She raised an eyebrow at that, but opted not to comment.

We sat there for several minutes, waiting for Gallus and Silverstream to return. In fact, we waited for so long that our pizzas were brought out, but still no sign of them.

I sighed, standing up. "I'll go check on them." She nodded, and I walked towards the back.

I wasn't expecting what I found: Gallus and Silverstream were standing just outside of the restrooms, their lips locked in a passionate kiss.

I blinked, then walked straight back to the table. I didn't know what led to them doing that, and it wasn't my business anyways.

Fluttershy raised an eyebrow. "That was quick. What's—"

"They're busy."