One Month Later

The sun was shining high in the sky as Cooper stepped out into the light. The marble buildings around him only increased the effect as the bright materials reflected the brilliance of the midsummer afternoon. He had to hold his hand over his brow to shield his eyes from such brilliant light, but after a few moments to acclimate to the change in brightness, he smiled and breathed in the warm summer air.

"Man, it's nice to be outside again." Cooper commented to nobody in particular.

A few more moments in pleasant silence passed before Cooper saw his small entourage round the corner and come into view.

"Heya, Coop'." Sky called, waving with his wing.

"Hey guys." Cooper called back, returning a small wave before trotting over to the trio approaching him.

Twilight quickly galloped ahead and leapt into Cooper's open arms, hugging him tightly as she nuzzled her cheek against his, "It's so good to see you! How are you? I missed you these past few days."

"I've been doing alright. The team Celestia put together here has been really helpful." Cooper replied, gently setting Twilight back down on the cobblestone road.

"Everypony's missed you back in Ponyville. The cutie mark crusaders have been asking when you were coming home almost every day." Midnight teased.

Cooper chuckled, "Well I've been looking forward to seeing them too. How's everyone else?" He inquired.

"Good. All ready and waiting for you to return. Pinkie wanted to know if you'd be alright with her throwing you a 'welcome back from your therapy in Canterlot, we hope you're feeling a lot better now' party, at least, that's how she described it." Twilight explained.

Cooper playfully rolled his eyes, "She can throw a party if she really wants to. I don't think it's really necessary, but I know how much she loves them. I've only been gone a week, though." He replied, shaking his head.

As they continued to converse, the group turned and headed toward the train station down the street. The normally busy streets of Canterlot were somewhat quiet and quaint on such a lovely day, making it much more relaxing for the journey home.

"I know, I know. She's just made it a point to ask you ever since the first time." Twilight replied.

Cooper nodded, "Yeah, I get it. I do appreciate it though. Who's all invited?" He asked.

"Who do you think?" Sky snarked.

"The whole town?" Cooper replied.

"Just about. Save for a few ponies that couldn't make it. She did send letters to the princesses so there's a good chance that they'll be there too. Word on the street is that you've made great progress and they're eager to see it for themselves." Midnight added.

"Yeah... I didn't think much of it at first but... pony therapists are actually pretty good." Cooper admitted, sticking his hands in his pockets.

"Do you want to talk about what happened a little?" Twilight pried, gently.

"Not too much to talk about if I'm being honest. Just the usual coping mechanisms and 'learning to move on' script. Honestly, I'm just glad to get some fresh air again. Spending all that time indoors made me miss it." Cooper replied.

"Well that's good to hear, because we do have a little surprise for you." Twilight replied, smiling innocently up at him.

"You do?" Cooper raised an eyebrow.

"Just a little something waiting for you at the train station." Midnight winked.

Giving the trio a raised eyebrow, Cooper snorted, "I assume you aren't going to tell me until we get there, are you?"

All three ponies shook their heads.

"Yeah, figured. Alright, lead the way." Cooper relented, shaking his head in amusement.

With that, the group made their way through the streets of Canterlot, quickly arriving at their destination within just a few short minutes. The lack of ponies out and about meant that the streets were uncharacteristically easy to traverse, a fact that Twilight was grateful for as the train station came into view. Dozens of ponies could be seen waiting for the next train to arrive, their luggage all packed and seated along with them. However, in the sea of pastel, there was a single equine who's color palette was comprised of only black and white. Her striped fur stood out against the monochromatic ponies around her, and her signature mohawk quite literally stood out above the rest of the manes around.

Cooper nearly paused in his step as he saw Zecora waiting at the train station, her ocean blue eyes scanning around as if she was looking for something. When they locked eyes, Cooper saw nothing but elation and excitement as she quickly galloped over to him.

"Surprise!" Twilight cheered, clopping her hooves together as Zecora and Cooper met again.

"Cooper, my friend! It's so good to see your time here is at an end!" Zecora cheerily greeted, quickly rearing up to wrap her forelegs around Cooper's waist.

Happy to return the gesture, Cooper kneeled down and pulled the zebra into a tight hug, squeezing her tightly as her naturally floral scent reached his nose.

"It's good to see you too, Zecora. I missed you." Cooper said, smiling as she nuzzled his neck and cheek.

"How are you feeling? How are the issues with which you've been dealing?" Zecora asked, gently as she slightly pulled back.

"Better... not perfect, but then again, I don't think I'll ever be back to a hundred... still though... doing better." Cooper replied, giving a half smile.

Zecora nodded, "I am glad to hear that. How was the facility that you were at?"

"Not a mental hospital, thanks to Twilight," Cooper snickered, "-but it honestly wasn't bad. Just a little boring on some occasions."

"Considering that Princess Celestia only required that you attend these sessions for a few months until the docs give you a clean bill of health, I think it's going pretty darn good." Sky chuckled, patting Cooper on the back.

Cooper nodded, "I know. I'm lucky to have friends like all of you. Thanks, guys."

"Aww..." Twilight gushed, "Group hug!"

With her magic, Twilight swiftly squeezed the group together into a group hug, not that any of them were opposed to it in the first place.

With the emotional moment concluded, the group headed over to the edge just as their train arrived. The train horn sounded loudly, signaling to all who were waiting that it time to board or depart. A gaggle of ponies made their way off the train, many of them pausing to look at Cooper in shock before continuing on with their trips or business. Once the train was sufficiently empty, Twilight led the way on board, prompting the rest of them to follow after her.

The lavender alicorn found their seats quickly enough, and once they sat down together, she notably allowed Zecora to sit beside Cooper. Soon enough, the train was filled with ponies all heading out with them, and the horn sounded once more, signaling their immanent departure.

"So, how'd you like Canterlot?" Twilight asked from the seat across from Cooper.

"Honestly, it was a little busier than I was prepared for at first. Guess it was probably a good thing I didn't go outside much, after all." Cooper chuckled.

"Eh, you'll get used to it. Besides, only a few more trips up here, right?" Sky teased, playfully elbowing Cooper in the ribs.

"Yeah, just a few more trips. Still though, I'm glad you all came to pick me up. You didn't all have to come." Cooper replied, tussling Sky's mane.

"We were happy to. We all missed you... some maybe just a tad more than others." Midnight replied, giggling behind her hoof.

Raising an eyebrow, Cooper followed Midnight's gaze to find that Zecora was smiling up at him, her tail swishing back and forth as she observed him.

"Because of what happened, you still owe me a date. I don't mind if it's a bit late." Zecora teased.

Cooper held her gaze for a moment as a smile slowly broke out on his face. He couldn't help but chuckle at the rhyming zebra beside him.

"Alright, fair enough. Any place in particular you want to go?" He inquired.

"I can think of a few... but anywhere is fine, if it's with you." Zecora smiled.

Author's Note

Ayy, we did it. We did the thing! I hope you guys have enjoyed the story. It has been a lot of work and I am really happy with how this one turned out. A lot of love went into this and I think I'm really happy with where we ended up.

If you would all like to see a man recovering from his trauma slowly bond and fall for a lovely little zebra, perhaps this series can become a trilogy down the line. Who's to say? Maybe you all are? Let me know!

Massive thank you to my patrons. You guys made this possible and I cannot overstate how much I appreciate your support.

As promised, here's a list of all you beautiful people. This story wouldn't happen without you.

AngelDeLaMuerte10000

Nosruto

ElderDragonPhoenix(EDP)

McK

Jerrybeansman

Jason

Mavrick

Nani

Timmoths

Sleepless

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Perhaps a horse

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