He couldn't stop looking at the beautiful mare sitting in front of him, though every time she caught him looking he blush and look away. For some reason, after the kiss, she had given him after admitting he fell in love with her, after she helped him get the courage he needed, had made him more self-conscious. Though his thoughts were cut when he felt something go across his thigh making him shiver, and as he looked he saw a grey wing withdrawing.

"You ready to go?" She asked, giving him a cute little smirk.

"Yeah, let me just pay the bill then we can go, okay Derpy?" He asked, calling the waitress over.

"That's fine, do you know what time it is by the way?" She asked, looking around for a clock.

"It's twenty past eight, and here's your check. Oh, and I loved your dance that you two did, it was so amazing. I never thought I see the day when a pony would dance with a two-legged creature." The waitress said, giving them a smile.

"Well, I will say that it was fun and here you go. Keep the change, and tell the chef he did a wonderful job with our food." He said, getting up and walking over to where Derpy was sitting to pull the chair out for her to stand up.

"Thanks," she said, giving a tiny blush.

"Well, you two take care and hope we see you here again soon, and I'll make sure to pass your compliments to the chef." The waitress said, leaving with the bill in her apron.

"So, you ready to go?" He asked.

"Yup, let's go I didn't realize it was so late," she said, starting to walk to the door.

"It might be late for you, but I'm used to staying up past eight." At that, he avoided a jab to his gut. "But, I would like to walk you home if that's alright with you?"

"Of course it's alright!" She gave a blush after realizing she had just said that a little louder than she meant it. "I-I mean, yeah that would be great."

"Good, because I wouldn't have taken no for an answer. Especially from walking a mare I'm in love with home," he said, giving her a little smile while putting a hand on her head.

After that, they walked in comfortable silence taking in the night air and the stars above. As they continued to walk, he felt her draw closer to him and giving a little sigh. Again, he shivered as he felt something go down his thigh and once again he caught her retracting her wing.

"You know I know what that means right?" He asked, giving her a knowing smirk.

"You know what means?" She asked, putting an innocent tone in her voice.

"I'm friends with two pegasuses who are dating each other, I don't need a book to tell me what certain actions might say," he replied.

"Oh, so you know exactly what it means just from watching others do it then?" She asked.

"Nope, I also researched it after becoming curious on the subject," he replied, giving her another smirk. "I know that it means, at least for pegasi, that you marked me."

"It just doesn't mean that it's also a way for a pegasus to tell his or her special somepony that they love them without saying it," she said, making him raise an eyebrow.

"Really? Because that kiss back there at the restaurant certainly told me how you felt, speaking of which I need to repay you for that." Taking her by surprise, he locked their lips in a gentle kiss. "There, now let's get you back home and out of that dress."

"O-oh, I-I don't know about that Brandon. I mean this is only our first date and all." Once he heard that, he stopped and hoped that it was dark enough to cover his embarrassment.

"I-I didn't mean it like that, I just meant that you don't look like your quite used to wearing dresses is all. I honestly didn't mean like it like that..." A hoof came up to his mouth cutting him off.

"I know, I was just messing with you, I'm not really bothered by wearing a dress every now and again. Besides, I might want you to help me get it off." She gave a wink, making him go silent again as she started to walk forward. "Are you gonna walk me the rest of the way?"

"Um, uh, y-yeah." he managed to say, though as he took a step he couldn't help but wince as his back seemed to have stiffened.

"You okay? Is it your back?" She asked, her tone switching to concern.

"It's fine, just a little stiff is all. Now, let's go." Before she could say anything else he started to walk again, and it wasn't long before they came to her house.

"Well, here we are, do you want to come in for a bit?" She asked, giving him a slight puppy dog eyes.

"Sure, I can stay for a bit," he responded, and at that, she grew a huge grin, and she opened the door.

"You can have a seat on the couch, I'll go get this dress off and I'll be right back," she said, pointing to the couch he could barely make out in the dark before a sudden rush of light was turned on. "There, now we can actually see."

After that, she went off to where he assumed her bathroom was giving him a good chance to relax and look around the living room. There were pictures hanging around the walls, some were of who he knew was Dinky, some were of a pink unicorn who he assumed was Sparkler, and other's were of the three mare's together. Though the more pictures of Derpy, the more familiar she seemed to him, especially when he came across one of her and a brown earth pony.

This earth pony had an hourglass as his cutie mark and was wearing a white collar with a green tie, but it wasn't the stallion himself. It was the picture itself, the pose they were that made him have a nagging feeling at the back of his mind like he was trying to remember. Though he was cut off when he heard hoofsteps coming down the hall that Derpy went down.

"Ah, I feel so much better now that I've gotten that off." After saying that, and looking at him one eye stayed on him while the other looked at the picture. "Ah, the one standing by me in that is the Doctor."

"Who?" He asked, slightly confused.

"Well, that's what he likes to be called, the Doctor. But in truth he also goes by Time Turner, we were best friends for a long time before he went away." She said, giving a sad smile.

"I'm sorry, how close were you two?" He asked.

"As I said, we were best friends. But that was a different time, I've moved on since he went to go on more adventures," she answered, and let out a little squeak when she felt him wrap her in a hug.

"If it makes you feel any better, I won't leave you." Breaking the hug, he looked into her eyes. "How about we sit together for a bit before I head home?"

"That sounds great," she replied, her smile turning into more of a happy one, and once on the couch she started to turn about to get a more comfortable position and she let out another surprised squeak when she felt his hand run down her back.

"Here, sit down." She did what he said, with her back towards him and before she could ask what he was doing, she let out a moan of pleasure. "I told you I would give you two massages, now just relax."

She didn't feel like she had a choice as it felt like his hands were enchanted. Despite her efforts, she couldn't help but let out more moans and groans as he worked. Though she wondered why he was laughing.

"You must be really enjoying this, I mean I know pegasus wings can act based on emotions sometimes. So, unless you're angry or something, you must be enjoying yourself." This made her blush madly, as she looked both of her wings were fully extended and stiff.

"I-I'm sorry, y-your hands are magic," she sputtered out.

"It's fine Derpy, it's only a natural response. It just lets me know I'm doing it right, now hold still for a second." She let out a sharp gasp as one of his hands touched her most sensitive spot on her wing. "I'm so sorry Derpy, I should have paid a little more attention were I was...Mmmph!"

"You need to be quiet, you're doing fine now I want you to massage my wings for me." Breaking the kiss that she gave him to shut him up, and gave him a certain look.

"Derpy, as much as I would like to take our relationship to that level, especially with that look you're giving me, I think we should wait." At that, she looked a little disappointed. "I'm sorry Derpy."

"No, it's fine it's my fault. When you touched my wing, it just made me lose control. But I think you repaid me enough, I'm sure our other herd mates are waiting for you, I mean it's... Is it really that late already?" He followed her shocked eyes up to the clock that read twelve o'clock.

"Yeah, I think it is time to go," he said, wanting to get up but the mare was still on top of him. "And as much as I like this position Derpy, I do think it's time for me to go."

"I'm not going to let you leave this late when your house is on the other side of town! Nope, no way in Tartarus am I letting my coltfriend walk home in the middle of the night where he could be mugged, even if this is a small town!" She said, giving him a stare one would give a child when saying no to be firm.

"So, you offering for me to stay the night then?" He asked, and received a playful poke.

"Of course," she replied leaning down to give him another kiss.

"Alright, I think I'm fine where I'm at right now. But unless you want to be used as a blanket, I think you best get down." At that, she gave a smirk. "And please don't make a joke, I get enough of that from Luna and Lyra, I don't think I could handle it if you started it too."

"Fine, I'll go get you a spare blanket and pillow then. Shame too, I was looking forward to having you as my own body pillow. Though, if you're a healthy male I think the morning would be a bit interesting, don't you think?" She smirked, before walking off.

"Great, that makes three that tease me like that. I'm betting I'll die of embarrassment, any takers out there?" He looked around and groaned. "I think Pinkie is wearing off on me, now I'm the one who's talking to people who don't exist."

"Well, then maybe we need to get you checked out then." He jumped and turned to see Derpy there with a blanket in one wing and a pillow in another.

"Haha, I don't think I'm that far gone yet. Here, let me take those for you," he said, taking the pillow and blanket but made sure not to touch her wings with his hands.

"You know you can touch them now, they only get that when I, um, well get excited or something." She gave a blush after saying that.

"As I said, it's only a natural response. I learned a lot while watching others and from Twilight as well. But I will rather be safe than sorry, next time I probably wouldn't be able to say no to those beautiful eyes," he said, giving her a tiny peck. "Now, goodnight and have sweet dreams."

"Goodnight and you have sweet dreams too." She returned the peck with one of her own.

At that she went back to her room, giving a joy-filled squee after closing her door flopping down on her bed. Her main thought was that she couldn't believe he was actually staying the night, even if he didn't take her up on her offer to share a bed together. Though she didn't really mind as that showed what a good stallion he was, and as she drifted off to sleep she kept hearing him saying those three simple words to her.

She woke up with a start as a loud scream cut into the quiet night, and listening to it she realized what it was. The pony who was screaming was Brandon, and as she got up she managed to look at the clock before rushing out of her room. Though it didn't really register as she kept asking herself why he was screaming? Was he in pain? But as she got closer to her living room the scream turned into what sounded like talking, and once she was close enough she could make out what he was saying.

"Please don't, it's not right, please!" Was he having a night terror?"She's just a kid! Noo!" At that she covered her ears as he yelled out into the night again, and she couldn't take hearing him being in this much pain.

"Shh, it's okay I'm here." She cradled his head in her front legs, gently stroking the side of his face and feeling tears roll freely in his sleep. "It's okay, no pony is getting hurt."

"P-please no, don't leave me i-it wasn't my fault." Though it seemed the dream had changed, the pain she could hear was even more present.

"I'm not going anywhere, It's going to be okay sweetie." As she said that, his expression seemed to soften a little but the tears didn't seem to slow even as his eyes slowly opened.

"D-derpy...." She didn't let him finish as she brought him closer to her chest.

"It's okay, I'm here for you. I won't leave you like whoever did in your nightmare, no matter what you did." She felt his arms go around her, as he sobbed into her chest and she gently nuzzled him on the top of his head.

"T-thank you..." She heard him say, and her heart still hurt from seeing him in such pain. Whatever his nightmares had been about, it was obvious that they seemed to be worse than what she could imagine.

"Come on Brandon, you're sleeping with me," she said in a soft and soothing tone, and he didn't argue as she led him back to her room and as they laid down she snuggled up to him. "It's going to be alright, just rest your head and I'll be here no matter what."

"A-another reason to love you...." he said drifting off to sleep, and as she waited she let out a sigh of relief as it seemed he was sleeping peacefully now.

"What could have made you have these nightmares? And what do they mean?" She asked laying her head down resting her eyes.

---

As he woke up he couldn't help but turn a little red as he saw Derpy sleeping face to face to him with a cute little smile, and she also seemed to be letting out cute little snores. It was like a magnet as he leaned in and gave her a light kiss on the nose, making her scrunch her muzzled a little as she woke up. Though he could tell that it was taking her a moment to register him.

"How was your sleep?" She asked, and he could see the concern in her eyes.

"Well, since it seems you got me in bed with you I say it was a good night," he replied, though the look on her face kept him from giving a chuckle. "What's wrong?"

"You don't remember the nightmares you were having?" She asked, making his eyes go wide.

"I-I don't really remember the nightmares, but I remember a dream with a voice that was so comforting, almost angelic. But I guess that wasn't a dream, was it?" He asked, seeing a light blush appeared on her.

"N-no, I heard you screaming and you sounded like you were in pain, and so sad. So I comforted you until you woke up and I made you come with me to bed, and well here we are." Taking her hoof, she began stroking the side of his face and his hug tightened.

"I'm sorry you had to see that Derpy, I thought I would be fine one night without having to ask one of my special someponies to snuggle with me," he said.

"Brandon, don't ever be afraid to ask me to snuggle with you. In a matter of fact, last night was the best night sleep I had in years my little snuggle muffin," she said, nuzzling him.

"Snuggle muffin? What happened to you calling me sweetie?" At that, she looked back at him in slight confusion. "Well, in my dream I heard you call me sweetie."

"That just must have been apart of the part of you that was still sleepy," she answered. "And what, do you not like being my snuggle muffin?"

"I-it's not that, just, well it's a bit embarrassing a little." He admitted.

"Well, too bad because that's what I'm calling you from now on," she said bopping him on his nose, and before either one of them said another word a knock came at the bedroom door.

"Hey mom, I made some coffee so if you and your friend are done in there, I'll be waiting in the kitchen." At the sound of the voice, Derpy turned completely red.

"Um, w-was that one of y-your daughters?" He asked nervously, only to receive a tiny embarrassed nod in response. "W-well, guess I would have to meet your daughters sooner or later."

"What are you doing?" She asked suddenly, seeing him get out of the bed making sure he looked presentable.

"Well, at least one of your daughters know I'm here so why delay meeting them?" He replied.

"No, I mean why are you still wearing your clothes? I mean I know you aren't comfortable in the winter, but it's spring right now," she replied.

"For one, you have a little filly and I rather not explain the whole decency thing. I mean if I wear these, I can just use our date last night as an excuse. Second, I rather not carry them all the way to my house. Besides, I have to go to Twilight's today for a friend meet up I guess." He said.

"So, you're just going to wear such nice clothes to such a casual get together?" She asked.

"Um, well since I probably won't have time to go back to my house, yeah I was. That, and I was hoping that if you weren't busy today you could come with me? It'll be lots of fun, we usually play a bunch of games and stuff." He turned his head back, giving her a hopeful smile.

"Well, I don't know. I mean you didn't seem you wanted to play my game last night," she gave a smirk as his face turned red. "But, yeah I think I'll go with you. I can always ask Sparkler to take care of Dinky again, at least for the day."

"Great, now how about you introduce me to your daughters?" He asked, and she just giggled a little.

"Alright, and just be careful around Sparkler. She can be a bit touchy about me dating," she said hopping out of her bed.

"Strange, usually it's the other way around," he said.

"True, but try not to take offense if she tries to push your buttons." She looked at the closed door with a slight smile.

"Don't worry, I'm not that worried about it," he said, opening the door for her.

"Thank you, my snuggle muffin." Giving him a peck on the cheek before walking out of the open door and into the hall, where he followed her to the kitchen where a mare and filly were sitting at a table. "Morning girls, how was your day yesterday?"

"Oh, it was great! In class, we learned about the Griffon's and how we met them. We even got to meet one who was a soldier who talked about his home town!" The little filly who he knew was Dinky said.

"That certainly sounds like it was interesting, but how about you Sparkler?" She asked, turning towards the pink mare at the end of the table.

"It was pretty good, I had tons of fun playing with my baby sis over there." Sparkler said, getting a little glare from Dinky.

"I'm not a baby!" Dinky yelled, still giving her glare.

"I rest my case, but who's your new friend?" Sparkler asked, with a slight stare getting Dinky's attention.

"And why is he so tall? And why is he walking on two legs? Is he friends with Lyra?" The little filly started to ask, only to be hushed by her mother.

"This is Brandon, our very own human and that's just how they were made my sweet little muffin. And yes, he is friends with Lyra." She answered for him.

"So, if what I saw when I went into your room is anything to go by, I take it that he was the one who asked you out?" Sparkler asked.

"Wait, mommy, you went out on a date last night? That's why I had to stay over at Sparkler's last night?!" Dinky said, groaning a little.

"Yes, mommy did have a date last night and it didn't end how you think it did Sparkler." She said, and looking at him seeing his slight discomfort. "Why don't you go have a seat at the table? I'm sure my daughters won't hurt you."

"Why would we hurt him? He seems pretty cool looking." Dinky said, giving a huge smile and Sparkler snorted a little.

"It's your life mom, you can date anypony you want. Even if they aren't an actual stallion or even a pony for that matter." Sparkler spat out.

"Sparkler, that kind of talk isn't allowed in this house and you know it! And why does him not being a pony have to do with anything? I mean, and I'm sorry for bringing this backup sweetie, but you used to date a Griffon yourself." At that, Sparkler tensed up and then gave a sigh of defeat.

"Yeah, I'm sorry for being harsh on you." Sparkler said, turning towards him.

"It's fine, I'm used to ponies having trouble with me because I'm a completely new species to them." He replied, relaxing a little.

"Yeah, you've been here what? Eight months now, and this is the first time I think I actually got a good look at you. So, is it true that you eat meat?" Sparkler asked, and he could see the curiosity in her eyes.

"I could, but I don't. Humans are omnivores, and we can survive on vegetation and other things that can be grown." Once he was done talking, he could see Sparkler looking at his teeth, or he assumed that what she was looking at.

"Well, that's good to know. Wouldn't want you to gobble up any little fillies now would we?" At that, Dinky let out a little frighten squeak.

"You don't eat little fillies do you mister?" Dinky asked, ducking under the table.

"Of course he doesn't my little muffin, Sparkler is only teasing you," Derpy said before he could.

"Then Sparkler is even more of a big meanie then!" Dinky got up from under the table to stuck her tongue out, having Sparkler do the same in response.

"Um, well as nice as it was to meet you two I think it's about time for me to go meet my friends. Are you still coming Derpy? I wouldn't want to pull you away from your family," he said, looking at a clock that read it was a little past eleven.

"No, it's fine just give me a second." At that, he gave a nod and left the kitchen. "Sparkler, do you mind watching Dinky for today?"

"But I don't want to go back over to her house!" Dinky argued.

"You don't have to, I'm sure she won't mind staying over here to watch you until I get back. But why don't you go to your room while I and your sister talk about this, okay?" She asked, nudging the little filly.

"Fine, but this time we're having what I want for lunch!" Dinky said, running off to her room.

"Mom, I really don't mind watching her today." Sparkler said.

"I know, but this is about your little comment about him not being a pony." Sparkler looked down in slight shame.

"I already said I'm sorry, and I didn't mean for it to sound so racist or anything." Sparkler said, still not meeting her mother's gaze.

"I know sweetie, but it was still very rude. But please, I really do like him and he's a really good guy. He's been through a lot since he's been here as well, so please just try not to scare him away." Derpy said, making Sparkler look her in the eyes.

"So, does that mean you two actually did it?" Sparkler smirked a little at her mother's reddening face.

"No, we didn't do anything of the sort," she answered.

"Then why was he in your bed, with you two being all cuddled together then?" Sparkler asked.

"That's because I suffer from chronic nightmares, and the only way I found to help me through them is by having another warm body near me." Both mares looked towards the doorway and saw him standing there with a slightly depressed look. "I was sleeping on the couch last night when your mother heard me screaming out, and she comforted me. I was still pretty out of it though, so I don't exactly remember going to her bed so the next thing I knew I was staring at her while she was sleeping. As creepy as that sounds."

"So, what you're saying is that you had a bad dream and had to have somepony snuggle you to make it go away?" Both Derpy and he could see that she was trying to hold back the laughter.

"It really wouldn't be a problem, if it didn't happen almost every time I sleep alone nowadays," he said, his expression turning very serious. "And if my nightmare was so bad where I was even screaming out, then I'm glad I was with your mom. Just knowing that she cares enough to comfort me, only makes me feel more in love with her." Taking a step forward, he laid a gentle kiss on Derpy's head.

"I love you too." She blushed and shifted uncomfortably in front of her daughter.

"Wait, you two already told each other that you love each other? On the first date?" Both of them could see the shock in Sparkler's eyes.

"Yeah, we did and I couldn't help myself but to say it to her," he answered, not looking at Sparkler.

"Well, I-I think it's time for you to go then." Sparkler said.

"Sparkler..." Before Derpy could say anything, Sparkler spoke up again.

"Both of you, like I said mom it's your life. If you think you are in love with a stallion after one date, then that's up to you. Isn't that what you taught me?" Sparkler asked. "Besides, he seems good enough to me. So I'm not really gonna argue."

"Oh, thank you sweetie and I promise I'll be home before it gets dark," Derpy said, hugging her daughter very tight.

"You best not be lying when you said you love my mom, you got that?" Sparkler asked, still being held in a tight hug.

"I wasn't if it wasn't for her I don't think I would even have any friends right now. Just trust me, I really do love her," he said. "So, you ready to get going?"

"Sure snuggle muffin, see you later sweetie! Love you!" Derpy said, letting go of her daughter.

"Love you too, and really? Snuggle muffin is what you came up with for him?" Sparkler asked, feeling bad about the pet name.

"I like it," he said, getting a huge smile from Derpy and a look from Sparkler that told him she knew how embarrassed he must be.

"See, at least somepony appreciates the nickname I gave them," Derpy said. "Now come on, I think I'm in the mood for a few board games."

At that, Derpy dragged him out of the door with Sparkler looking at him with slight pity now. But she didn't dwell on it and went to go check on her little sister. Hopefully, this one will actually stick around and not break her mother's heart.

---

As they walked together, he couldn't help but take in her smile that she had been wearing since they left her house. But as they walked, he couldn't help but think about what he did remember about his nightmare, which wasn't much. It felt more like he had actually experienced it rather than just dream it.

"So, have you told any of your friends that you're now dating three mares? And one of them happens to be a princess! Also, the one and only mailmare of Ponyville!" After saying the last part, she gave him a wink.

"Um, well Applejack knows but since everything has happened in only two days, I haven't really gotten a chance to tell the others," he said.

"So, it'll be a surprise to them then?" He gave a nod. "Well, how do you want to tell them then?"

"Well, uh, I hadn't really thought about it," he said, scratching his head.

"Then we're gonna be winging it then? Tell them when it seems like a good time?" She asked.

"I guess, but I'm somewhat hoping that with me bringing you one of them would bring up the topic. Maybe since Applejack already knows, she might do it." Seeing him think about it a little, she couldn't help but giggle.

"So, you nervous about them finding out that you are now dating?" She asked.

"Of course, they have been my friends since I first arrived here. They're like family to me," he said with a little smile.

"Well, if you play your cards right we might become family as well." At that, he just looked at her with an even bigger smile.

"Maybe someday, but one step at a time," he said. "Now, we're almost there. You nervous about meeting my friends as my marefriend?"

"Not really, I'm more excited," she answered.

"Well, then here we go." Stopping in front of the library, and knocking on the door.

"Coming!" They heard Twilight call, and before they knew it the purple unicorn was standing in front of them with a smile. "Oh, Brandon you finally made it."

"Yeah, and I um, brought Derpy along. Hope you don't mind," he said pointing to the grey pegasus.

"Oh, of course, I don't mind. The more the merrier right? Come in, and have a seat we're just waiting for Rainbow Dash now." Twilight said, opening her door for them.

"Thanks, Twilight, come on Derpy." He said, walking in.

"Okay, and it's good to see you Twilight," Derpy said, walking in behind him.

As they sat down, they got to talking with the other's that were there while they waited for Rainbow to finally arrive. But it wasn't a few minutes later that the blue pegasus finally did come, using excuses left and right as Twilight was giving her a lecture. Once she got settled in, she took notice of Derpy.

"Hey, Derpy, what you doing here?" Rainbow asked.

"Brandon brought her, I told them that it was alright," Twilight answered.

"Cool, more ponies for me to beat when we get to the games. So, how did you get Brandon to invite you?" Rainbow asked.

"Rainbow!" Twilight and Applejack both yelled.

"What, I was just asking." The blue pegasus said with a cocky smile.

"It's alright, I don't mind answering. I mean he is my snuggle muffin after all." Derpy said, leaning in and gave him a peck on his red cheek and after that, there was a deadly awkward silence that hung in the air.

Author's Notes:

So, any takers on the bet of him dying of embarrassment? Only bet with bits though. Hope you enjoyed, and remember to smile, smile, smile!