My Little Pony: Friendship is a Miracle

The two stood in an awkward silence that lasted for hardly a moment before Aramis nearly broke down in tears.

“For the love of God! Why can’t she be a normal pony for one moment and just let us have some sort of say as to if we even want a party!?” He cried hysterically, feeling annoyed at the pink pony’s chaotic introduction and sporadic party planning that she had just carried out.

“I suppose that since she’s Pinkie... there’s no point questioning the situation any further, right?” he asked out loud. Twilight nodded her head, trying her hardest to stifle her laughter at his

rather comedic misfortune. She failed miserably, however.

“Yeah, yeah. Keep laughin’. Just get it outta your system.” Aramis stated sullenly, heading for the door to try and save some face. The other two followed after him, giggling silently.

“So who do we visit next?” Graham suddenly asked as they walked towards the town square.

“Rarity, then Fluttershy, AppleJack, and possibly Rainbow Dash. If she isn’t lazing about on some cloud, that is.” Twilight acted as if it was an organized checklist she wanted to fulfill. “Anyways, do keep close to me while we go around Ponyville, the ponies here might overreact so please forgive them if they give you two weird reactions.” She apologized on behalf of the town, acting like she somehow shared the blame.

(V)(;,,;)(V)

Twilight had hit the nail on the head with her prediction of the town folk overreacting as many looked at the two humans as if they had just seen a murder. Others grabbed their children and turned their prying eyes away from the two newcomers before galloping off with them in the clear opposite direction.

Most quickly trotted away into the safety of nearby stores, homes, or restaurants, hoping to steer clear from the “odd” creatures. In a way, Graham felt that their prejudice against them was almost worse than how many of the townsfolk reacted to Zecora’s first arrival in Ponyville, which had only further motivated her of keeping her home away from the town until the Mane 6 befriended her.

Fortunately for them, they had finally arrived at the Carousel Boutique, away from public scrutiny and the rather cold-hearted welcome they had received from the citizens. The chime of the bell went off and they heard someone scuffling a few things around in a room deeper inside the Boutique.

“Just a minute! I’ll be right on over once I finish my stitching!” She bellowed from the studio room where she crafted all her dresses, accessories, and more.

“Rarity, it’s me, Twilight!” she yelled over. They heard Rarity trot on over quickly to the main lobby, which was also a living room at the same time, with the simple retro-inspired furniture and some magazines strewn about on the coffee table in the middle of the furniture set.

“Oh, why hello there you three! It’s nice to see you two up and about after that scare you gave us!” She greeted warmly, hugging the two.

“Do forgive me for my lack of matters. My name is Rarity and I am the proud owner of the Carousel Boutique, an aspiring clothes designer, and the bearer of the Element of Generosity!” She let her little introduction sink in before the two humans nodded in understanding.

“Well in that case, name’s Graham. Nothing special about me.” Graham trailed,

hoping to dodge explaining who he was.

“And I’m Aramis. Gotta say, your dresses look pretty nice.” Aramis said as he took in the sight of the many intricate and detailed dresses and accessories she had designed.

Rarity smiled lightly at his compliment. “Oh my, thank you very much for your kind words, but these aren’t nearly my best works.” She giggled in modesty.

“Not your best? Well, I’d have to see what your best is later, because these look really nice.” Aramis said earnestly.

“I have to agree, Rarity, your dresses are all wonderful... I can’t really decide which dress is the best! From what I’ve seen, each one is beautiful, and yet are all unique in their own way!” Twilight added. Rarity blushed from all the appraisal.

“Well, if you all insist... but in any case you two must let me design some new clothes for you! You two look like you haven’t owned new clothes in months, and I know just the designs to really make you really stand out. Would you like that?” Rarity asked, secretly hoping for a chance to take a try at designing clothes for a non-pony species.

“Well, neither of us have any money...” Graham said sorrowfully. He looked at the white mare as she smiled. “No need dear, I understand that you are both new here, so consider it a gift.” She said afterwards. The two humans thanked her over her astounding generosity, knowing fully well not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Rarity looked at her inventory as she levitated a measurement tape and a notepad. “I’ll just take your measurements now, if you don't mind.” She insisted. The two only looked at one another and looked away. “Um... okay, I guess.” Aramis said with embarrassment. “On one condition.” Graham added. “Well, what is it darlings?” She asked, confusion planted on her face. “We get measured alone.” Rarity giggled as she agreed. She then took Aramis into a separate room.

“Alright, so do you need me to stand still and hold my arms out or something?” he guessed.

“That’s exactly what I need you to do, except you need to strip down.” She nearly giggled at his embarrassed expression. He took off his hoodie and shirt in one fell swoop. Then he took off his shoes, unbuckled his belt and took off his pants, standing in her dressing room in nothing more than his black boxers.

“Can we continue?” he asked, interrupting Rarity who was clearly looking him over. She blushed slightly and regained her professional composure.

“By strip down, I meant all the way. I need to be able to get detailed and precise measurements of you to compensate for your anatomy. It’s just because i have never fitted a human before in my life, so I’m just taking precautions. Besides, there are so many Ideas I wish to try on you two!” she explained. His face looking as professionally serious one can get as he slowly took of his boxers. He had one hand covering his genitals and shivered slightly from the windy draft that swept through him.

“Aramis, I can tell you’re clearly embarrassed at doing something like this, but I promise you it’ll be quick and you’ll like the results of my precise measurements.” She pleaded,hoping to get it done and over it with for his sake.

He sighed deeply. “Fine...let’s get this over with.” he held his arms out and looked straight ahead. Rarity quickly and efficiently used her magic to measure his entire body with multiple measure tapes, taking notes down here and there. In less than ten minutes, she had managed to get hundreds of measurements to get a good idea about his body build and what kinds of clothes would suit him and which kinds would need some reworking. Once she finished, he redressed himself and walked out to the lobby and wished Graham luck.

“What for?” he asked confusedly.

“You’ll find out soon.” was Aramis’ ominous reply.

Rarity then guided Graham towards the same room. He closed the door behind him and let out a sigh. Rarity picked up on his uneasiness. “What’s wrong darling?” she asked.

Graham looked at her and chuckled a bit nervously. “Well, I’ve never really had measurements before...” Rarity smiled reassuringly. “It won’t be that bad, all you need to do is take off your clothing, and let me measure. That’s all there is to it!” She looked at his face to see that it was more than just his first time being measured. “Is it that you’re afraid of being... well, naked? It’s not so bad, darling! I mean look at us!” She said those words like she found it weird. Graham shook a little bit and sighed.

‘Yeah, well you’re ponies. Why wouldn't you find it weird that our kind always wears clothing?’ Graham thought to himself. He knew that they were completely new to them, being the first humans to exist in Equestria in a long time. Who knew how long the last one was? To him, on account of the only human he ever saw in the series was one child, but that was twenty or so years ago, and who knew how that translated to Equestrian time! He needed to...educate...her on why clothing meant so much. With that in mind, he spoke up.

“Yeah, Rarity look. We humans don't exactly run around without clothing. We’re a little bit more inclined to what we wear, so to speak. It’s our thing. We just don't feel comfortable with them off. That’s why Aramis might’ve acted the way he did. He didn't tell me anything, but I sure as hell knew what he was talking about.”  After this little speech, Graham looked at her to see her reaction.  What he saw was a look of uncertainty.

Rarity tilted her head. “Well, what does clothing mean to you?” Graham thought about it. “Well, it keeps me warm, makes me look good, and hides things I don't want others seeing. That’s about it.” He said as Rarity let his words sink in.

“Well if it makes you feel any better, would you be at least comfortable with stripping down to your underwear?” she compromised, hoping to save him any further embarrassment.

“U-uh, s-sure, I guess.” he nervously replied. The unicorn swiftly took his measurements, trying her hardest not to make him feel uncomfortable. Graham stood still, looking at her every movement. After she had finished, Rarity had briskly walked out of the room to allow him to change. He came out moments later, still appearing slightly disgruntled, but comfortable.

“I’m very sorry for taking so long there Twilight, but you know how I am with my measurements.” Rarity apologized.

“It isn’t a big deal. Plus, you did have some interesting magazines to read.” she said with a grin. The fashionista turned her sights to Aramis, catching his attention with her deep cerulean blue eyes.

“Aramis, could I talk to you for a moment— in private please?” she asked. He nodded and followed her into the back.

“What’s up?” was all he said.

“I just wanted to apologize for forcing you to completely undress. I didn’t understand why you two were so attached to your clothes until Graham explained it to me. If I had know it was part of your customs... I-I just get so care-” he interrupted her with a pat on the head.

“It’s not your fault Rarity. You didn’t know any better, and frankly it’s my fault for not being clear about my comfort zone and how humans view clothing. Lucky Graham told you, otherwise we would’ve completely forgot.” Aramis explained calmly, walking back out to the living room. She smiled gently at his understanding and followed him out. Her guests then took their leave, leaving Rarity to her work.

(V)(;,,;)(V)

The mid-afternoon sun blazed brightly upon them as they aimlessly walked through town, heading again through Ponyville Square. Many ponies were bustling the streets, some with children, some with a special someone, and others purchasing goods or services from the many market stands, too busy to really notice them. Before they could continue any further, a greeting got their attention.

“Hey-ya fellers! How you three doin’!?” shouted a pony in their direction. They turned around to find Applejack diligently working the Sweet Apple Acres market stand by herself.

“Well, hey to you too Applejack!” Graham called out as they walked over. The market stand she was attending was filled with many apple-related sweets, such as pies, crumb cakes,

and many other items for sale. Graham could only drool at all of the food right in front of him. Aramis suddenly grabbed the back of Graham’s shirt and pulled him back.

“Easy, tubby.” he said as Graham whimpered. He and Aramis never really ate since their arrival in Ponyville and Graham was definitely showing it. Applejack could only laugh as she picked up a pie. She handed it towards the man and simply smiled. “Take it, it’s on the house.” Graham soon took a piece and chomped a big mark into it. Graham could only lick his lips clean of the remnant of the pie on his face with sheer happiness.

Aramis’ stomach growled loudly in hunger and he rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. “Could I take you up on that offer too, Applejack?” he asked sheepishly. She grinned and handed him a pie. He took a moderate bite out of it and his eyes lit up at the

flavor.

“Like it, I take it?” She asked as the two only stood there.

“Like it? We Love it!” they said in unison. The ponies laughed as the humans bit into their pies again. Applejack waved them off as they walked away.

“Come by Sweet Apple Acres when y’all get the chance!” she yelled out as the group headed towards Fluttershy’s house, on the outskirts of Ponyville.

They reached their destination after a short walk and Graham, suddenly stopped looking around. “I remember this now... wasn't this where I was being fixed up?” he asked.

Aramis shuddered. “Let’s try not to think about it.” he said rather quickly as they followed Twilight towards the door.

Twilight knocked and Fluttershy answered almost instantly. It was as if she was waiting right next to the door the entire time.

“Um... hello?” Fluttershy saw it was her friends and she floated towards the two humans. She looked all over them, hoping not to find a single scratch.

“You two have made a great recovery!” she said excitedly, her voice slightly higher than what her friends were used to hearing.

“Well, when you have a capable pony such as Twilight on the job, then you’re definitely in capable han- er hooves.” Graham chuckled a bit at his slip up.

“Don’t go discredit her Graham... it was Fluttershy here who found us as a broken mess. If it wasn’t for her finding us and her expert bandaging skills, I’m not quite sure if we would have made it as far as we have.” Aramis said, his voice full of appraisal and thanks to the shy, kind-hearted pegasus who had put aside her fear for the safety of others.

“I-I was just trying to do the right thing. I would never leave a poor creature injured or to die alone. I’ll always stay by their side until I know they’re fully recovered.” Fluttershy said modestly.

“That’s why you’re the Element of Kindness, Fluttershy. You’re just so caring of others no matter whom or what they are. If they’re in danger or in a crisis, you’re the first one there to try to help in any way you can and you shouldn’t let that discourage you.” She smiled brightly at Graham’s uplifting statement and invited them in. They all took a comfy seat on one of the long couches and laid back while Fluttershy walked over to the kitchen.

“Would you three like some tea?” she quietly asked them.

The three of them nodded while they calmly waited for her to brew the tea. Once she had finished, she balanced a tray on her wings with a tea pot, cups, milk, cream, and even sugar and delicately slid it onto the coffee table. She took a seat diagonally from the three of them.

“Cream, milk, or sugar?” Fluttershy asked them.

“Milk, I suppose.” Graham answered while she poured it into the drink, while looking at Aramis.

“I’ll have some cream and sugar if that’s alright with you, Fluttershy.” Aramis politely asked.

“Sugar and milk works just fine for me ‘Shy.” Twilight said. Within moments, all three of them had their tea served and quietly sipped at it before Aramis cheerily commented on the taste.

“Thanks, Fluttershy. I have to say, this is very good tea. It tastes fine on its own, but with cream and sugar, it tastes even better.” Aramis praised her tea brewing skills excitedly, contently sipping at his tea.

“I gotta agree, this is really good!” Graham added as he finished his drink quickly.

“Are either of you two experiencing any pains or aches since your full recovery? That is, if you don’t mind me asking.” the shy pegasus asked, wanting to make sure that their wounds had healed correctly. Graham spoke up.

“Well, I got this creak in my neck I think needs to be seen. If there’s some time could I get that checked?” Fluttershy listened to his problem and smiled.

“I could probably see you tomorrow, if you don't mind. Let’s see what some rest can do for it, and then I’ll see what I can do what I can to relieve it.”

Graham smiled in thanks. “Works for me!”

“Good! That’s good...” was all she said as the two kept sipping their tea. Aramis and Graham looked at her, and wondered how she could handle taking care of so many animals.

“Fluttershy, if you don’t mind me asking, I was wondering how you manage to take care of all the animals not just on your property, but in the surrounding areas without breaking down? It’s just amazing at how you seem to perfectly manage it without breaking a sweat.” Aramis questioned, feeling a deep respect for the pegasus and just how much work she tasked herself with on a daily basis.

“It’s not at all stressful, in fact, I find it an enjoyable experience.” Fluttershy answered. She sipped more of her tea and looked up. “Taking care of animals is possibly the greatest thing I've ever done in my life. It’s calm, and I’m helping creatures.” She said, a bright smile stretched across her soft features that could make even the coldest of people smile back.

Graham was the first to remember that he and Aramis had quite a lot of places to see, so he stood up. “Well, we have a lot of other ponies to visit, I hope you don't mind us leaving.”

“Not at all, it was a pleasure to finally see you two after that horrible accident.” The yellow Pegasus smiled. “I’ll see you later, ok?” The two only smiled and waved as they left with Twilight once more and began to slowly walk back towards Ponyville, when Aramis yelped loudly as he randomly tripped and fell face first into a puddle of mud. Graham and Twilight laughed mercilessly at his expense.

“Laugh it up you two... laugh it up why don’t ya...” he muttered, spitting out some mud that had gotten in his mouth. A blur of rainbow flew above them before a figure hovered nearby.

“Oh come on, that was hilarious! In fact, this reminds me of Twilight’s first time meeting Dash! Is this deja vu to you or what, Twi?” As soon as he said that, he looked down to see her laughing up a storm.

“Yes, this is the exact same way Rainbow and I met.” He said as she controlled her giggles.

Graham chuckled as he helped him up and looked up at the floating figure above them. “Oh hey, Rainbow Dash!” she looked down at the mud-soaked man and couldn't stop laughing.

“Mind giving me a hoof here?” Aramis asked while signaling to his clothes.

“Sure! I’ll get ya cleaned up in ten seconds flat with my patented ‘Rain-blow Dry’!” she said with enthusiasm. Rainbow Dash quickly flew a bit higher, grabbed a cloud and jumped on it, causing rain to pour on her “client”. Once she was satisfied, she flew around him in a tight circle and dried him out. When she had finished, Aramis looked as clean as he had before the mud incident.

“Thanks, Rainbow Dash!” he said with a bright smile. She smiled and socked him in the shoulder.

“Not a problem, big guy! Glad to see you two up and about though. I was worried you two would take forever to recover. Now I can show you all my new awesome moves, and you’ll see why I should be part of the Wonderbolts!”  she stated with a conventionally common, bragging tone.

“Can’t wait to see THIS.” Graham said, challenging the cyan blue pegasus. She looked at him with an angry smirk, before it twisted into the cynical kind.

“Oh really? You think I, the fastest pony in all of Equestria, can’t pull off my newest tricks? What, do you think I’m some sort of...one trick pony?” The determination she felt burned brightly in her violet eyes that stared holes into Graham.

He brushed her off and laughed. “Whatever you sa—”

“No! We are going to settle this one way or another.”

“Alright. Anytime, anyplace and we’ll see if you can pull off your fancy new areal tricks.

“How about the field nearby Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow?”

“Alright, it’s a deal!”

“You’ll be eating your words after I’m through with you.”

“We’ll just have to see about that, won’t we Rainbow Dash?”She turned to face the group, her eyes focused on Aramis, who slightly felt uncomfortable at the intensity of her stare. “You will see just how good I am.” she said with a defiant, yet competitive smirk and with that she flew off to finish her weather duties.

“Well that was nice. Although she’s got a bit of Trixie talkin’ in there.” Graham said as he kept walking. As Twilight lead the group once again, a big smirk formed on Graham’s face. “So, care to tell me how Equestria feels now? Last time I checked, you wouldn't even watch the show.”

Graham sat there, waiting for an answer, watching as Aramis stifled a laugh.

“Well? What do you think?”

“Being here isn't gonna change anything!” Aramis laughed as Graham groaned, slapping his face with his palm.

“You mad?” he asked Graham mockingly.

“Mad about what? I’ve nothing to be mad about, dummkopf. ” He said back in that German accent.

“Says the German wannabe.” he snidely replied back.

“I’m more German than you’ll ever be, so that means more girls will love me! Haha! Everyone loves the German Guy!” He laughed pointing at his direction.

“Oh really? Care to share with everypony just how great your love life was on Earth?” his gaze remained sharp on his close friend.

“Shut up...” He snorted and crossed his arms.

“Alright guys, how about we just go back to the library? Why is it that friends like you two argue like this?” She pleaded with them, in hopes of preventing things from really getting out of control. Luckily, the two had headed her plea and calmly walked along both sides of her in silence.

“Right, right...” Graham said, scratching the back of his head as the two followed closely. They found themselves back at her tree house within minutes of their childish bickering when they waltzed inside its door. It was getting late out, as the moon was full and shining with the stars.

As soon as they walked in, they were greeted with a big yell from a bunch of other ponies. “SURPRISE! WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!” Aramis took it quite well and smiled, while Graham nearly had another heart attack.

It seemed like every pony that was walking the streets of Ponyville were part of this celebration. If not for Pinkie Pie, they would probably stare at them all the time, but each pony had a look of understanding, and happiness in seeing the two. Graham heard a bark and looked to his side to see his dog.

“Did Fluttershy take care of ya, girl?” He smiled as the dog only wagged her tail happily after finally being reunited with her friends.

Pinkie Pie and the others walked over to greet them as the others started talking with the others on their own.

“Great party, huh? We got punch, cake, soda, candy, and everything just for you!” Pinkie bounced around as the others laughed, Graham on the other hand seemed a bit put off by all of this. Aramis looked over and patted his friend on the back.

“Hey, you alright man?” Graham shook out of it, ignoring whatever made him feel uncomfortable and smiled.

“Me? I’m great!” He lied. His smile closing the deal on it.

Aramis looked suspicious for a few moments, but then looked down at Pinkie. “This party looks awesome, Pinkie! Did you do all this by yourself?”

Pinkie shook her head. “No. Everypony pitched in after I told them of your arrival, and how you were both hurt in a fall. They all understood, and wanted to help! My friends here helped the most though!” She giggled as the other four ponies smiled.

“Wasn’t nothin’ hard.” Applejack grinned. The other ponies chipped in after her comment.

“Oh, don’t worry yourselves at all darlings!” Rarity said with a toss of her hair.

“It was so easy, I had my part done before they picked up a thing!” Rainbow Dash puffed out her chest in pride at being able to help.

“I hope you two like it...” Fluttershy timidly said, feeling uncomfortable around the large number of ponies she didn’t really know too well.

Everyone partied and played all sort of games, having a blast and enjoying their time welcoming the two humans to their urban town. Graham’s mood however, was on a steady decline. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the party. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to celebrate. Heck it wasn’t the fact that somepony was getting flirtatious with Twilight in a very rowdy matter. It wasn’t like she couldn’t handle them, as she had promptly put them in their place and went back to enjoying the festivities while he sat upstairs watching.

Something about the party didn’t sit well. Was it the amount of ponies here? Or was he still not comfortable in Equestria? So many questions...

“You alright Graham? You’re looking a little down man...” Aramis called from the bottom of the stairs, his concern shadowed by the lack of lighting from the top of the stairwell.

“Everything is fine. Just gimme a few minutes.” He said from up the stairs. “I just need some time alone for a minute.”

Aramis knew it was something far deeper than what he let on. Without his consent, he walked up the stairs looking for him, but noticed he had moved from his spot. He saw a room, whose door was slightly ajar and walked inside, hoping to find Graham. He looked around the dark room to see a lump in a bed. He walked towards it and shook it.

“Bud I know somethings up...come on talk to me; we’re like brothers for God’s sake!” He pleaded, but the silence only made it increasingly unnerving. He grabbed it to see it wasn't Graham at all, but a lump of items stacked together to make it look like him. He looked in worry towards the light to see the mess, and an open window.

“TWILIGHT! GRAHAM’S GONE!” Aramis shouted. The music stopped, and everypony gasped in unison. Twilight and her friends ran straight upstairs to see he had truly vanished.

“Where in the hay could he’ve gone to?” Applejack panicked.

“He didn't even have any of the cake that I made!” Pinkie pulled at her hair in frustration.

“Aramis, did you notice anything wrong with him as we walked around Ponyville?” Twilight stared at the man as he scratched his head.

“Well...he seemed pretty anti-social after the whole run in with Rainbow Dash and that argument we kinda sorta had. Then he just seemed to get more and more upset. I have a real bad feeling about this...We need to find him pronto, or things may get out of hand real quick!” He stared out the window, the worry evident on his face as the mares struggled to get some items together along with a key helper to light the way...

Hopefully, Graham wasn't too far away, or in any danger to himself or the anypony else!